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Saving Hannibal
I yelled to the heavens, and the creator chimed in. The creator of Hannibal, that is.
A few weeks ago I stumbled on a show I'd never bothered to watch. I don't know why: it contained a lot of the things I like in my television: great actors, good looking visuals, wonderful music and cannibalism. I mean, I chatted to a real cannibal earlier on Webworm. This stuff is my jam.
The show is Hannibal. And it's unlike anything I've ever seen before.
I don't think I've ever been this instantly intoxicated with a series before. Not this quickly. Questions plagued my mind: why the fuck hadn't I watched this before? How did this show get made? How did it ever make it to free-to-air-television? Because Hannibal is by far the most disturbing, graphic and intense series I've ever seen.
Mads Mikkelsen as Hannibal
Okay, so maybe I didn't stumble on this show. A few months earlier, I'd fallen in love with a film called Another Round. It starred Mads Mikkelsen, a man I've now become besotted with. I'd seen him in films before — hell, he's in Star Wars and James Bond — but I'd never been transfixed. Thanks to Another Round, now I was. I mean, watch this short documentary about the man and tell me you aren't too:
So I had Mads on the mind, and then suddenly I saw him on my Netflix recommended list, starring in Hannibal. And I watched it. The show I found had me transfixed. It's a combination of things, and they all come together to make one of the most extraordinary viewing experiences I've ever had.
For one thing — the cast is to die for. Mads Mikkelsen is camp, beautiful and basically having a (very dark) laugh. Hugh Dancy is hot and horny. Gillian Anderson is utter class. Laurence Fishburne is being deadly serious. Tao Okamoto strides around like a fashion icon / marksman. Lance Henriksen shows up just being depressed old Lance Henriksen.
I am not going to go into the story — it's best experienced without me weighing in. But let's just say it involves an ongoing array of increasingly brutal and disturbing set pieces that I will never get out of my head. This is a show about killers, and what they do. When it starts, it's easy to think this is going to be a monster-of-the-week type show: Mulder and Scully solving crimes. But it quickly proves it's reaching far beyond that, and the places it goes: well, I'm just speechless.
I watched this on Netflix — but its original three season run (it got cancelled) took place on free-to-air television, airing on NBC from April 4, 2013.
I do not understand how this level of gore made it onto NBC. It's a Christmas miracle. I wish I could post some screenshots to convey what I am talking about, but all of them would be spoilers.
Underpinning the visual majesty of the whole thing is the powerful and psychedelic score by Brian Reitzell. Music is ever-present in Hannibal — it's its own character:
"I think it's really good to just kinda turn the lights down — I mean, in the dark it's the best, because it'll really come at you. You shouldn't listen to it while driving."
I don't think I can sum it up much better than what I tweeted about it over the weekend, as I was embarking on the third season at about 2 in the morning:
I'm in heaven: how it originally aired I have no idea
It quickly became apparent that I am not the only person obsessed with Hannibal - and the comments under my tweet are just a love letter to this wonderful show:
Dude! I literally just got through the three seasons like a week ago. And was upset with myself for not watching it sooner. It's a masterpiece. And it only gets better as you go.
-Russel
Aside from Twin Peaks, I think it's the most beautiful piece of artistic expression to ever air on TV.
-Phil Krusto
It's excellent.
-Antony Starr (friend of Webworm)
It makes me so happy to see people watching and falling in love with the show for the first time. It changed my life in so many strange, unexpected ways... I met half my friends, my roommate; I started painting again; I got my first writing gig—all because of Hannibal.
-Samantha McLaren
People went on to share their Hannibal art. Heather Hargroves told me this piece was inspired by the season two finale, "Mizumono":
Heather Hargroves' Hannibal-inspired painting
Other fans got Hannibal tattoos. These pieces are embedded on Twitter user RegretaGarbo's body. I asked them it it was okay to share, and they said "okay" - noting "my tattooer is the slowest tattooer on the planet so that took two four hour sessions. but I don't mind because it's perfect!"
@RegretaGarbo's tattoo (Photo: supplied)
About 100 replies deep, someone pointed out that Chuck Tingle had also been tweeting about Hannibal over the weekend. If you don't know Chuck, he's the mystery writer behind a series of hilarious gay erotic short stories. Chuck's Wikipedia has one of the most bizarre entries you'll read:
The stories take the form of monster erotica, featuring romantic and sexual encounters with dinosaurs, imaginary creatures, anthropomorphized inanimate objects, and even abstract concepts. He self-publishes his works through Amazon.com, primarily as ebooks, but also as paperbacks and audiobooks. He and his short story Space Raptor Butt Invasion have each been a finalist for Hugo Awards, the result of coordinated campaigns which he has disavowed.
Yeah — Chuck Tingle, everyone:
The covers of Chuck Tingles' Space Raptor series.
Anyway, Chuck had been on Twitter talking about another incredible aspect to Hannibal: what the show does in regards to sexuality and non-neurotypical persons.
In a series of tweets, Chuck renamed Hannibal as "I WANT TO KISS YOU ALSO PROBABLY EAT YOU: THAT HANDSOME MADS STORY". His tweets are written in his twitter-style — so you may find this thoughts hard to interpret if you are not used to his style. Anyway, here goes:
finished watching show I WANT TO KISS YOU ALSO PROBABLY EAT YOU: THAT HANDSOME MADS STORY and it was a lot scarier than most ways that i have watched but dang was it good and made me think: whoa, handsome. also whoa, just dang kiss already. TWO STARS WAY UP.
liked how I WANT TO KISS YOU ALSO PROBABLY EAT YOU (hannibals way) had bisexual buckaroo characters who were hinted at in early days and instead of just making this a tease without commiting show said 'yes this is explicitly true' wish more shows would do this representation
very common for shows to say 'will they wont they' and will leave clues of a queer way (maybe to hook one kind of fan base) but then refuse to say it completely of fear they will alienate another side. HANNIBALS WAY says, 'nope this is actually a queer way' and i applaud
also very common for bisexual man characters to be shown as 'confused' instead of just openly and proudly bisexual this almost NEVER happens for buckaroos and hannibals way never made question of sexuality part of the confusion (confusion was in actual content of each character)
ovbious final hannibals thought is DR GILLIGANS, HANDSOME WILL and HANDSOME MADS. this is a buckaroo fantasy for the ages that we all know. makes me say an official: DANG
Needless to say, I am a Chuck Tingle fan — so when someone looped us in over Twitter I was delighted. We both were!
Chuck Tingle: "LOVE IS REAL"
I thought I was at maximum bliss levels in regards to my online Hannibal discussion, but then things got even better.
It all started when Amy Sloan tweeted "I credit @Vincenzo_Natali's direction of 6 episodes".
Vincenzo Natali is the American-Canadian director who back in 1997 made one of my favourite sci-fi/thriller/horror films Cube. He's done a lot of other stuff since then, including directing a bunch of Hannibal episodes.
That led to Vincenzo himself chipping in, saying "Thank you but it's all @BryanFuller." Bryan Fuller of course being the creator of Hannibal.
Well, soon after that tweet… Fuller himself chimed in. Please realise at this point I am just sitting on the couch grinning like the cat that got the cream.
Bryan Fuller: "We have a fantastic team"
By now the thread was popping off and me, other fans and the show's creators were all having a lovely time. Twitter can be one of the most toxic, awful places on the internet. But at this moment, it was fucking beautiful. A fan called Alex then chimed in, asking Bryan "On a scale from 1-10 how likely is it we'll EVER get more Hannibal? pls the people are waiting (i'm people)"
And he replied:
Bryan Fuller: "Myself, cast and crew all eager to return. We just need a home"
For the record, @neoprod is Martha De Laurentiis. She's the producer behind the Hannibal and Red Dragon films (based on Thomas Harris' novels), as well as the TV series Hannibal. She's a powerhouse of a human.
So yeah — according to Bryan, he, Martha the cast and the crew are all eager to make more Hannibal. They just need to find a home.
Fuck!
This isn't the first time he's said that he is ready to make more Hannibal. But this is the first time he's said it to me in ALL CAPS.
If four hours of Justice League is going to be picked up by HBO, I have no idea why they are not leaping on this show. Maybe the rights are held up with NBC. Maybe it's just too gory for 2021. Maybe there are some weird Hollywood machinations we don't know about.
But I will just say this, as I approach the end of the final season of Hannibal: I am ready.
PS: if you want to share this, it's webworm.co/p/hannibal
PS: And if it's a question of cost — Hannibal was actually made for a lot less than you'd expect, going on the beauty you see on screen. I urge you to head over to The Kingcast podcast and listen director Vincenzo Natali talk about Hannibal's bonkers turn-around times — and what they achieved with (relatively) very little money.
And actually, while you're on Kingcast, listen to the Bryan Fuller episodes too: he has an incredible queer reading of Stephen King's Christine that made me see that book in an entirely new light.
Stephen Device
Mar 28, 2021Liked by David Farrier
I've read several interviews with Mads Mikkelsen about other things he's done (the brilliant, brilliant Another Round included) where unprompted he'll bring up how he's keen to do more Hannibal and would jump at the chance.
The official word was always that because there's a gap of several years between the events of Red Dragon and Silence of the Lambs, there could be quite a few years between Hannibal and any new revived series of it without it harming the continuity any. Not sure how the recent Clarice show complicates that, if it does. Apparently there is an issue with rights that meant that show couldn't refer to Hannibal Lecter and Hannibal couldn't refer to Clarice Starling as it currently stands, but surely they could work that out.
I love Hannibal as well, in case you couldn't tell. Particularly the first season.
If you're in the market for more great Mads after you finish it, check out "The Hunt".
hannibal was my favorite thing while it was airing. Meeting Mads at in a dusty old hotel ballroom in Indiana is one of my all time favorite con experiences. He was endlessly sweet, hilarious, and seemed to truly enjoy his time there.
i am so glad other people are able to find this beautiful show, and fall in love. I think if a streaming service ever picked it up i might die from happiness.


Equipment and maintenance of the Black Hawk helicopters for Central Europe will be done in Romania. Agreement was signed by Romaero and Sikorsky.
Romanian company Romaero and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, part of Lockheed Martin Group, have signed today, in Bucharest, at the Ministry of Economy, an industrial partnership for the assembly and maintenance of the multi-mission Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Romaero-Sikorsky industrial partnership ensures the participation on the long-term of several companies from the Romanian defense industry for the assembling, fitting, customization and maintenance works for the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
The Bucharest center will be the only one authorized by the Lockheed Martin Group for the fitting and maintenance of Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in Central Europe, Romanian Ministry of Economy states in a press release.
Romanian Minister of Economy, Dănuţ Andruşcă, President of the Defense Commission from the Romanian Chamber of Deputies, Dorel Căprar, and representatives of US Embassy in Bucharest attended the Industrial Partnership signing ceremony.
"The agreement signed today represents a confirmation of the Romanian industry potential, which is able to make products with high added value. We are waiting to see which will be the concrete economic effects of this agreement and how fast it will be felt at the level of the Romanian industry and economy. Ministry of Economy will support the initiatives of the subordinated companies that can lead to the relaunch of the industrial activity. At the same time, this agreement is a confirmation of the good relations and the strategic partnership between Romania and the USA", said Andruşcă.
"Our ability to supply the most capable helicopter in the terrestrial fight (AsuW) and anti-submarine (ASW) could offer Romania, at the most competitive price, the necessary coverage for the important strategic position that it has at the Black Sea", said Eric Schreiber, Vice-President of Sikorsky.
Remus Vulpescu, General Manager of Romaero SA, has qualified the qualities of the Black Hawk helicopter as impressive: "It can perform missions in all seasons, it can fly in the storm, day or night, it is very fast and it can carry a large number of passengers that it even protects from cannon balls of up to 23 mm. Equipped with weaponry, Black Hawk becomes comparative even with combat-specific aircraft. In humanitarian missions, it is hard to beat, and as an airborne border guard vehicle it is particularly valuable".
At the same time, "Romaero will take all necessary steps to ensure the success of this project with coverage from Turkey to Poland. Our 100 years of experience in civil and military aeronautics, qualified human resources, educational infrastructure and production capabilities available - both in Bucharest and our at partners in the territory - make Romania attractive for the world's largest military equipment manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin Corporation. At the sectoral level, a high degree of cohesion of the defense industry and the positive approach of the political environment can bring important opportunities for economic and technological development to Romania, especially in the context of increasing the level of commitment of our country in strategic partnerships such as the one with NATO", said Remus Vulpescu.
"Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is the world's most used multi-mission helicopter with over 4,500 units in service in the US Army and in the armies of more than 20 states. The helicopter will have a service life beyond 2050. With over 17 equipment variants, Black Hawk provides reference capabilities in special forces operations, various combat missions, search and rescue missions, transport missions and logistics support in military operations areas, but also in missions that are characteristic of emergency medical services or the fight against calamities, and in humanitarian support. The helicopter can also be equipped for official use at the highest level", Romanian Ministry of Economy states.
Lockheed Martin is an American group specializing in research, development, production and integration of advanced military technology, a leading aerospace builder and Pentagon's largest aerospace and technological equipment provider. The company has a turnover of 46 billion US dollars in 2015, with 97,000 employees and present in 75 countries around the world.
Among the equipment produced by the Lockheed Martin Group, the Romanian Armed Forces are already successfully operating the F-16 fighters and the C-130 Hercules military airplanes. "These, together with the Black Hawk helicopter, will be present alongside other high-tech military vehicles and equipment at the 2018 International Black Sea Defense & Aerospace (BSDA) exhibition, to be held from 16 to 18 May at the premises of Romaero Bucharest", according to the Ministry of Economy.
Bell Helicopters intenţionează să mute linia de producţie pentru elicoptere de atac din Texas la Braşov.


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Tory National Convention Election Begins with Accused Candidate Skullduggery
The Conservative Party's national convention chair election is underway, with ballots landing in the inboxes of the 800-or-so voters from today. They're some of the least well-known political elections, despite the winner going on to head up the voluntary side of the party machinery. Some say it's already playing out like a Shakespearean tale of duplicity…
There are three candidates: Pam Hall, Peter Booth and Tom Spiller, though it wasn't always meant to be. Peter Booth had spent a year working with Pam Hall's campaign, only to tell her in March he was jettisoning to launch his own chairmanship election – after months of access to her strategy and planning. There are questions over whether Booth was ever really planning on supporting Hall, or whether it was always an espionage mission.
Booth claims he was courted by both campaigns last year, joined Pam Hall's camp, only for nothing much to then happen, at which point he concluded he was best place to take the crown. Sounds like he's taking lessons straight out of the Gove handbook…
For co-conspirators out of the loop, this election decides who gets control of the party's levers on issues such as membership, candidate selection, campaign budgets and disciplinary procedures. It remains to be seen Booth's decision be looked upon kindly by the genteel Tory local chairmen who make up the electorate?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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text:
Q: Merging values into an aggregate column I have a spread sheet with 5 columns

+----+----+----+----+-------------+
| C1 | C2 | C3 | C4 | C-Aggrogate |
+----+----+----+----+-------------+
|YES |    |    |    | YES         |
|    |YES |    |    | YES         |
|    |    |YES |    | YES         |
|    |    |    |YES | YES         |
|YES |YES |    |    | YES         |
|YES |    |NO  |    | MAYBE       |
|YES |YES |NO  |    | MAYBE       |
|YES |YES |NO  |NO  | MAYBE       |
|NO  |    |    |    | NO          |
|    |NO  |    |    | NO          |
|    |    |NO  |    | NO          |
|    |    |    |NO  | NO          |
+----+----+----+----+-------------+

Columns C1 - C4 are static data from other sources.  C-Aggrogate is intended to aggrogate the other columns and highlight when there is a possible discrepency.
The rules for a given row are:

*

*If all columns are blank then C-Aggrogate is blank

*If at least one column is Yes and no columns are NO then C-Aggrogate is YES

*If at least one column is NO and no columns are Yes then C-Aggrogate is NO

*If at least one column is Yes and at least one column is NO then C-Aggrogate is MAYBE
Where would I begin to create the correct formula for C-Aggrogate?  YES, NO, MAYBE are jusst sample values, they could be any human-readable values.

A: Not pretty, but seems to meet your requirement:
=IF(AND(COUNTIF(A1:D1,"YES")>0,COUNTIF(A1:D1,"NO")=0),"YES",
 IF(AND(COUNTIF(A1:D1,"NO")>0,COUNTIF(A1:D1,"YES")=0),"NO",
 IF(AND(COUNTIF(A1:D1,"YES")=0,COUNTIF(A1:D1,"NO")=0),"","MAYBE")))

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
PDF2 PDF |Add To My Favorites | Version: 10/13/17 - Chaptered 09/15/17 - Enrolled 09/07/17 - Amended Senate 07/17/17 - Amended Senate 06/29/17 - Amended Senate 04/20/17 - Amended Assembly 04/06/17 - Amended Assembly 12/05/16 - Introduced
AB-44 Workers' compensation: medical treatment: terrorist attacks: workplace violence.(2017-2018)
Current Version: 10/13/17 - Chaptered Compared to Version: 10/13/17 - Chaptered 09/15/17 - Enrolled 09/07/17 - Amended Senate 07/17/17 - Amended Senate 06/29/17 - Amended Senate 04/20/17 - Amended Assembly 04/06/17 - Amended Assembly 12/05/16 - Introduced
AB44:v92#DOCUMENT
Assembly Bill No. 44
An act to add Section 4600.05 to the Labor Code, relating to workers' compensation.
[ Approved by Governor October 13, 2017. Filed with Secretary of State October 13, 2017. ]
AB 44, Reyes. Workers' compensation: medical treatment: terrorist attacks: workplace violence.
Existing law establishes a workers' compensation system, administered by the Administrative Director of the Division of Workers' Compensation, to compensate an employee for injuries sustained in the course of his or her employment. Under existing law, an employer must provide reasonably required treatments, including, but not limited to, medical and surgical treatment, to cure or relieve an employee's injuries sustained in the course of his or her employment.
This bill would require employers to provide immediate support from a nurse case manager to employees injured in the course of employment by an act of domestic terrorism, as defined, would require employer-appointed nurse case managers to assist claimants to obtain medically necessary medical treatments, as specified, and would require an employer to provide a prescribed notice to claimants, as specified. The bill would make its provisions applicable only if the Governor declares a state of emergency, as defined, in connection with the act of domestic terrorism.
This bill would make related legislative findings and declarations.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) Acts of domestic terrorism, such as the December 2, 2015, attack on the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, with the number and severity of the injuries inflicted upon people at work, can present unique issues for the workers' compensation system.
(b) Victims of acts of domestic terrorism, as defined by Section 2331 of Title 18 of the United States Code, whose injuries arise out of and in the course of employment, are entitled to the full benefits of the workers' compensation laws of this state, including medically necessary medical treatment, as defined by the medical treatment utilization schedule, for all accepted, diagnosed, physical and mental injuries, which may include counseling or other mental health services.
(c) Treatment provided to all injured workers, including mental health treatment and counseling services for psychological injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder, is provided by health care providers who are trained and qualified to treat those injuries, and providers who are not competent on the basis of training and experience to treat specific patients referred to the provider have a duty under existing law to refer the patient to a qualified provider.
(d) Because of the unique circumstances surrounding the number and severity of injuries that can be caused by a single act of domestic terrorism, and the extent to which the needs to provide this treatment quickly and comprehensively in potentially small service markets, it is appropriate to provide workers with injuries that result from an act of domestic terrorism with additional advocacy services, as provided by this bill.
Section 4600.05 is added to the Labor Code, to read:
(a) An employer, as defined in Section 3300, shall provide immediate support from a nurse case manager for employees injured by an act of domestic terrorism, as defined in Section 2331 of Title 18 of the United States Code, whose injuries arise out of and in the course of employment, to assist injured employees in obtaining medically necessary medical treatment, as defined by the medical treatment utilization schedule adopted pursuant to Section 5307.27, and to assist providers of medical services in seeking authorization of medical treatment.
(b) (1) This section shall apply only if the Governor has declared a state of emergency pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 8558 of the Government Code in connection with the act of domestic terrorism.
(2) Upon the issuance of a declaration pursuant to paragraph (1), an employer that has been notified of a claim for compensation arising out of the acts that resulted in the declaration shall provide a notice within three days to the claimant advising the claimant of medically necessary services provided pursuant to subdivision (a). In the case of a claim for compensation subject to this section that is filed after the declaration, the employer shall provide the notice to the claimant within three days. The notice shall be in the form adopted by the administrative director pursuant to subdivision (d).
(c) This section shall not alter the conditions for compensability of an injury, as described in Sections 3208.3 and 3600.
(d) The administrative director shall adopt regulations to implement this section, including, but not limited to, the definition of a nurse case manager's qualifications, the scope and timing of immediate support from a nurse case manager, and the contents of the notice that employers shall provide to claimants.


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Book Review: The Selection Series
I have been doing a lot of re-reading these days. Mostly fiction, mostly Romance, but also some Young Adult (YA) books that are targeted more for the teen market. Recently I have re-read a series of books from Kierra Cass called The Selection.
Image by Pexels from Pixabay
Like the series I did a review on previously, this has a set of five books, with four spin-off novellas from the point of view of the other characters in the series. I liked the one about the Queen since she seemed to be someone that was just featured in passing in the other books. Another book, The Soldier, would have been nice to have been set later on in the series so that readers could have gotten an understanding of why in the later books he ended up with who he was married to.
The first book, The Selection, is set in a future era where America is no longer the USA but another nation that is now ruled by royalty. It introduces the selection process where Maxon, the Prince, and heir to the throne, is to select a bride from a group of women who are brought to the palace for him to get to know. It is amusing to think that in some future world, the concept of The Bachelor managed to survive but (apparently) Halloween has not.
The first three books revolve around the selection process, and the growing relationship between Maxon and America, who eventually becomes his bride despite the odds against them. The last two books then focus on their daughter, who must undergo the same selection process twenty years later.
I found that the first three books that were about Maxon and America more exciting than the last two about their daughter. I found the story of the former to be more high stakes compared to the latter. The first story was exciting since not only was not just about the relationship between Maxon and America. It was about friends that were made along the way. It was about politics, intrigue, and the complexities of their modern world, and the utopia that Maxon was aiming to achieve for their future.
It was moving to read about the things that the characters had to endure in the first three books. The domestic violence that Maxon experienced in the hands of the King was surprising considering how different he seemed to be in his youth. The punishment that one of the participants of the selection experienced when she fell in love with someone else was also jarring. Considering that it was set in a future world, it was heartbreaking that the punishment was in the way that it was dealt with. The fact that the author was also willing to kill a character who was finally redeeming herself, just when readers became emotionally invested, was shocking but at the same time a wise move. It made me as a reader feel for the characters and the stakes even more.
The last two books, The Heir and The Crown were for me a bit lighter fare compared to its predecessors. I felt that the process was not as difficult this time around. There were still rebels and there was still political intrigue, but as a reader, I felt that the daughter had it easier than her parents. It was, however, nice to revisit the older characters and see how they were doing twenty years later. If only for that, I enjoyed the last two books as well.
It was not surprising that the books have been proposed several times to become a TV series. There have been a couple of pilots made for TV, but both have not pushed through. Recently however there has been news that it would become a movie (the first book at least) on Netflix.
As disappointed as I am that the TV series never worked out, I am also happy about it because I know that if it was not executed in the way that the readers who loved the books expected, it would feel like a wasted opportunity. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Netflix would do a good job and that the movie will turn out to be a series of movies to cover the entire story.
This series is a long read, but if you have got the time and you do not mind reading Young Adult books, I would highly recommend this.
Labels: Books, Reviews, TV
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On YouTube: Marion's Kitchen
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Book Review: Blue Bloods Series
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Our team supports multiple SharePoint Apps \ Sites, We are starting to build AppDynamics on our SharePoint farms to proactively monitory our SP Applications. One of our idea is to monitor the SPList Item count to prevent SharePoint List Threshold issue.
Hope we could get some piece of advice if someone already did this on their own servers \ Controllers\ SP Sites.
Looking forward to start a discussion here.
Thank yo so much for the Info Raunak.
If this is the case, what will be the impact to AppDynamics if a SharePoint Application is in Office365(Cloud Based platform version) of SharePoint?
Does Appdynamics can still monitor Full cloud based application like office365?
.Net Agent can only instrument managed code which is .Net. I do not see an issue with creating Custom Instrumentation Points ( like Info Points, Data Collectors) etc on server side code as that is what .net Agent is instrumenting and collecting all the metrics from.
My dillema here is that all of our SP Apps are all build in Server side coding and currently deployed to prod.
I think , this will be my last question. Need to provide a good case study on what approach we are going to use to maximize AppD on all of our SP Apps.
Thanks again in advance. Hope to hear your expert advice soon.
Apologies for the delay. I will just try and explain it with sample cade.
SPList has Count property which we can use to get the current count.
Thank you so much, Raunak.
Yes, We are using .Net agent.
Agree on the Information Points option. However, If I have the identified the class\method that will provide me the count, when and how will be the trigger for the Information point to get the values?
Just want to get your expert opinion.
Apologies for the delay here. I suppose you are using .Net Agent to instrument your SharePoint applications.
I think we should be able to extract the value using Method Invocation Data Collectors or Info Point.
We will need to identify the class and method and associated property which can be used to extract the length of items in a SPList. And once we have the current count we can create a Health Rule on the metric which will get fired when a certain threshold is breached.


What bid management strategies will work to achieve your campaign goals? Columnist and former Googler Frederick Vallaeys outlines how to make the best decisions to maximize efficiency.
There is no such thing as a bad keyword, there are only bad bids.
While this is a bit of an overstatement, there is a nugget of truth to it. Naturally, a strategy of bidding on irrelevant keywords will hurt your account quality score — and even if this produces clicks, they are not likely to convert. However, if you have bought a keyword that you believe to be relevant and it's not producing as expected, the right strategy is more likely to change the bid than to simply get rid of the keyword.
This management of bids to meet targets is one of several core activities needed to maintain a healthy PPC account, and this month I'll review several bid management strategies available to advertisers. But first, let's cover some basic questions that are important regardless of what strategy you use.
Increase branding by driving lots of impressions while staying under a target CPM.
Increase site traffic by driving lots of clicks while staying under a target CPC.
Increase leads by driving conversions while staying below a maximum CPA.
Increase sales by driving conversions with a positive ROI.
Each of these goals requires a different bid strategy. It's fine to mix and match goals in an account, but you can't have multiple goals for one item — that pits different strategies against each other and prevents the individual strategies from delivering the desired outcome.
Another important consideration is that, for conversion-driven strategies (numbers 3 and 4 on the list above), there are two different ways to judge performance. The first is to try and maximize the revenue, the second is to maximize profitability. For the former, you will consider the average performance of the CPA or ROAS, whereas for the latter you will need to look at the incremental cost of each additional click you buy.
I'll explain this more in the section about incremental cost-per-click. The important thing for now is to understand there are two options that require differences in how bids will be managed.
Next, consider that ROAS (return on ad spend, or conversion value / cost) can be measured in many different ways because it relies on the advertiser importing the value into AdWords through conversion tracking, Google Analytics goals, or offline conversion import. Some advertisers will submit a value that reflects the profit they make on the items sold whereas others will import the total revenue produced by the sale.
If you're importing the profitability data, then an ROAS higher than 1 is acceptable. If you're importing revenue data, a much higher ROAS is needed before you get into profitability, and what that exact threshold is depends on the margins of the business.
Once the goals are defined, the next big question is what lookback window to use or what date ranges to look at when calculating new bids. If you look at a date range that is too short, you may end up setting bids too aggressively based on recent changes in performance that may not signal new long-term trends.
On the other hand, if your lookback window is too long, your bid changes could be too conservative and take too long to address a recent change in user behavior (perhaps driven by one of the frequent changes made by the engines to their search results pages).
One way to address this concern is to use multiple date ranges for your lookback windows. For example, if a keyword has done particularly poorly for the last seven days, but it did very well over the past six months, you should probably do something different than if the keyword has been doing consistently poorly for the last six months.
In the former case, it seems like something has changed recently that may deserve a further investigation. In the latter case, it's probably safe to simply lower the bid.
It's useful to use multiple lookback windows when evaluating what to do with a keyword. Here, two keywords both have no conversions for the past 30 days, but one used to convert and the other never did in the past year.
Another consideration when choosing the lookback window is that you should ideally look at the performance of date ranges during which bids were unchanged. If you changed bids yesterday and then look at the last 7 days of data to see how things are going, your numbers will be heavily influenced by the bids you had before yesterday, and you may continue to bid up or down more than needed.
Ideally, you'd just look at the performance since the bid was changed and compare that to the performance of some period up until the bid was changed. This is very difficult to do manually, and it's one reason to consider using an automated bid management system from Google or a third-party vendor.
Great account structure is a double edged sword. Having lots of small ad groups where there is a tight relationship between the keywords and the ads normally helps improve the quality score of an account. At the same time, it spreads out the metrics across so many entities that it may be difficult to get enough data to make a valid judgment on how something is performing and how its bid should be changed.
In this situation, you have to find a way to aggregate stats, and there are a few approaches you can take.
When a keyword doesn't have enough conversions to decide on a new bid, you can increase the date range or move up in the AdWords hierarchy to try to get enough data.
The first is to look at progressively longer date ranges until the keyword or ad group that you're trying to set a bid for has enough data. This works particularly well if you find that the performance is pretty consistent throughout the different times of the year. So, you would simply increase the date range until you get enough data (for example, 10 conversions).
Personally, there aren't many cases where I would look at less than 7 days of data (to cancel out intraweek seasonality), but it's pretty common to have to look back several months to get enough data.
If seasonality is a factor, it can skew the metrics when looking over a longer date range. In that case, there's another option that may be better: Look at higher-level entities in the account. For example, rather than looking at the keyword data, look ad group or campaign data.
This strategy works well if you've grouped things logically so that keywords with similar performance (because they describe similar products or services with similar rates of conversion and margins) are in the same ad groups or campaigns.
You can even combine the two previous options and move both further back in time and up the account structure hierarchy until you get enough data.
The third approach is to group your biddable entities based on similarities without restricting yourself to the account structure. This is hard to do manually, so a bid tool might be a good solution.
If you're willing to do some experimentation, there is a new option for this: Google very recently made the Google prediction API available in AdWords Scripts, effectively giving everyone access to some of the world's most sophisticated machine learning algorithms. While I haven't tried this myself and can't yet share any findings, the idea is that you submit your own data to Google.
For example, you could submit data from your business related to clicks on AdWords (or Bing, or Facebook, or any other place where you advertise), and include the outcome of each click. Based on this, Google could find correlations that help group keywords. The beauty of the system is that it continues to learn — so as you accrue new data based on a strategy you're trying, the prediction API learns and updates its suggestions in real time.
Now, let's cover some of the bid management strategies you can use.
3Q Digital CEO David Rodnitzky recently wrote a column that explained portfolio bid management, so I won't cover that again here. When it comes to portfolio bid management, you have many options from vendors who support this methodology. As Merkle|RKG chief marketing scientist George Michie points out in this older post on what portfolio bid management means, each company's definition differs, so it's important to ask them exactly how they group biddable items into portfolios.
The simplest way to run your own portfolio bid management is to set bids at the ad group level so that the list of keywords in each ad group acts like a portfolio. Google's Flexible Bid Strategies, "Target CPA" and "Target ROAS," are other examples of portfolio rules. The nice thing with these is that you can decide which ad groups (or entire campaigns) should be grouped together in the same strategy.
For example, you could have two strategies for "Target CPA," both with the same target — but, by applying them to different sets of ad groups, you're creating two different portfolios that must each meet the goal independently.
Here's a real-life example: You might want branded ad groups and non-branded ad groups to meet the same CPA goal, but you don't want the better converting brand keywords to subsidize the lower performing non-brand keywords. In that case, you create two differently named bid strategies but using the same target CPA goal. This will normally give you fewer conversions than if you combined the two into a single strategy, but it's a reasonable way to manage bids.
Rule-Based Bidding can be thought of as the opposite of portfolio bidding; rather than grouping items to achieve the target on average, a rule based approach analyzes each item (keyword, ad group or placement) individually and forces it to meet the goal.
It's basically an "if this, then that" type of setup — e.g., if a keyword has more than 100 clicks and a CPA less than $20, then increase the bid by 10%. The rule doesn't care about what's happening with the other keywords or how this bid change may impact the bids for those other keywords.
Rule-based bidding can be done on your own using AdWords Automated Rules that can be scheduled to take action once per day. If you need your rules to be run more frequently, you can build an AdWords Script for it, or use a prebuilt script like Google's Bid to Position script.
In this example of a rule based bid, a bid is increased by 10% if the metrics meet 2 specific conditions.
However, if you care more about overall profits, you should reconsider that bid in the context of an incremental cost per click (ICC) calculation.
Hal Varian, Google's chief economist, says that while bidding to your value per click will generally get you profitable results, it won't necessarily maximize your profit. To do that, you need to consider one more element: the ICC.
I recommend you watch his video on bid management, but the long-and-short of it is that when you look at AdWords data, you're almost always looking at averages. If you could understand the cost of each individual click, and go beyond the averages, you could ensure that you're never paying more than what an individual click is worth.
By bidding more to get a couple more clicks from a better ad rank, you can unknowingly start exceeding your desired cost to achieve this incremental growth. Using AdWords Bid Landscapes, you can easily determine the right bid to try to achieve maximum profitability.
A big challenge I've noticed in the agency world is that advertisers who watch their accounts like a hawk usually don't do well with automated bid management — they get too focused on individual bids and lose sight of the bigger picture and their top-level goals.
In the case of automated bid management, you want to see the forest and not the trees, so it's good to take a step back (but not too much, as I'll explain later). The point of instituting automated bid management is to be able to use more data points and better math so you can start managing bigger and better-structured accounts.
When you get bid management under control, it usually enables you to have a better structured account. If you are struggling to manage bids in your existing account, chances are you're going to be reluctant to expand your account, or to improve the account structure by breaking things down more granularly.
Personally, I found this to be very much the case when I started managing Shopping campaigns in AdWords. Because the AdWords interface and AdWords Editor don't make it very easy to manage bids for thousands of product groups, advertisers are forced to choose between spending hours managing bids, or using fewer product groups so that the management takes less time.
The downside of maintaining fewer product groups is that you end up bidding for larger groupings of things, which may not work as well as if you were bidding on individual products. When I built bid automation for Shopping ads into our tool suite at Optmyzr, all of a sudden I could think about building the perfect shopping campaign structure.
One of the quickest and cheapest ways to put in place a bid management program is to leverage Google's own bid strategies. One of the reasons I like these is that Google has more data than most of us, and they're the only ones with the ability to use this data to set real-time bids.
Some may question whether Google has the advertisers' best interest in mind but as a former Googler, I don't worry about this. Google's long-term success relies on them providing an efficient marketplace for advertisers — and thanks to the auction dynamics, the right prices are set.
Google currently provides six different flexible bid strategies and announced two more last year.
Unlike on ad exchanges where real-time programmatic bidding is possible, in AdWords you can only set your bids so often. There is no way for advertisers to set a different bid for every single auction, so even if you knew exactly how different segments change the performance of your ads (e.g. geographic location, time of day, additional words in the query, type of device), there is simply no way in AdWords to use these factors in real time to set a different bid for every auction.
Realistically, the best you can hope to do is effectively use bid adjustments for all these factors. The limitation of using bid adjustments at the campaign or ad group level is that you're setting these adjustments for portfolios when perhaps it would be better to set them for individual keywords. To control AdWords bids down to the query level, you would have to make one campaign for each exact match keyword — and that's simply not possible given the limitations of how many campaigns one can maintain in AdWords.
There is one option that addresses this issue, and that's Enhanced CPC (eCPC). With eCPC, the advertiser controls the CPC based on what they know about their business, but Google is allowed to increase or decrease the bid in real time based on factors it knows at auction time and for which it can estimate a probable positive or negative impact on conversion rate.
With so many things to consider and so many options for bid management, you may wonder what I do for my accounts. I don't like to pay 1%+ to have someone else manage my bids using a black box, so I write my own sophisticated bid management scripts which give complete transparency and lots of room for customization for each account.
At my agency SalesX, we also use what we call the Bid Bucket Strategy. In this methodology, Google Bid Strategies are applied at both the keyword and ad group level to deal with instances when there's not enough data at the keyword level. Strategies are applied based on what the data tell us for different date ranges, and this helps prevent us from overreacting to new trends.
Here's just one example of how this methodology could be used: Brand keywords get positional goals (e.g. top of page), whereas generic terms get CPA or ROAS goals and are further subdivided based on historical performance.
Keywords that have consistently done well receive aggressive bids to maximize impression share, whereas keywords that have done well in the past but are now slowing down get less aggressive bids. Keywords that have never performed well get lower bids, in some cases just a penny (remember there is never a bad keyword, there are only bad bids).
Finally, keywords that have almost no data due to a lack of exposure (maybe they've been lingering on page 2 for too long) get their bids raised slowly until they get enough data to make data driven decisions.
Another example of how to use Google's flexible bid strategies. Create filters to group keywords in buckets and then apply the appropriate bid strategy to each bucket.
Finally, there are a few things to keep in mind when you start to manage bids using a system. Even the best systems are never set-and-forget.
I once was asked to look at an account and figure out why it tanked. It turned out that a very expensive (and usually very good) bid management tool had correctly lowered bids drastically when the advertiser launched new landing pages that had a much worse conversion rate than usual. The advertiser fixed the issue with the site, but they forgot to reset their bids — and so, their best keywords lingered on page two for several months until they realized their mistake.
You may also find yourself potentially hurting your account performance if you don't consider the entire conversion path. Some keywords may not have a lot of last-click conversions, but they may play an important role early on during the purchase cycle. If your bids are purely based on last-click attribution data, you may start to narrow the upper portion of your funnel, leading to problems down the road.
Another part of the path is to understand the typical delay until a conversion happens. You should factor this into your lookback windows. Additionally, don't forget about the simple reporting delays that are common between AdWords and Analytics. In some cases, it may take 3 days for all conversions to be reported by Analytics to AdWords. If your lookback window doesn't account for this delay, you'll always set your bids too low.
Finally, consider that there may be significant volatility in the size of orders placed on your site, and this can impact the ROAS metrics over shorter time frames. Say that most orders are $50, but once a week you close a $300 deal. If you measure a period that is too short to capture these bigger orders, you will also be underbidding.
Bid management is clearly a big topic. I know because this post is three times the length I was planning for, and I know there's so much more that could be covered! Please share your own experiences in the comments!


text:
Home Europe British opposition raises prospect of second Brexit referendum
British opposition raises prospect of second Brexit referendum
(): Britain's main opposition Labour Party has said it could support a second Brexit referendum as the European Union opened the door to postponing the country's exit from the bloc beyond the March 29 deadline.
Britain remains as divided as ever over Brexit, which a narrow majority of voters backed in a June 2016 referendum and speculation that London will ask for more time to negotiate its withdrawal has gathered steam in recent days.
British Prime Minister suggested Sunday that parliament may not be able to vote on her Brexit deal until March 12, just 17 days before Britain leaves the EU, provoking alarm at home.
President Donald Tusk said he had discussed the "legal and procedural context of a potential extension" when he met May on Sunday on the sidelines of an EU-Arab summit in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh.
"I believe in the situation we are in, an extension would be a rational solution but Prime Minister May still believes she's able to avoid this scenario," Tusk told a closing summit press conference.
The EU has been watching with growing concern the possibility that Britain will crash out of the bloc without a deal, risking chaos on both sides of the Channel.
Speculation is mounting that lawmakers will in a series of votes this week move to delay Britain's withdrawal to avoid a no-deal Brexit.
The opposition Labour Party on Monday raised the pressure, saying it would put forward its own plan for Brexit, which calls for Britain to stay in the EU customs union, as part of those votes.
Labour then said if its plan was rejected, it would lend its support to an amendment on holding a second referendum on EU membership — without specifying a date.
"We are committed to … putting forward or supporting an amendment in favour of a public vote to prevent a damaging Tory Brexit being forced on the country," Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said in a statement.
Corbyn, a lifelong eurosceptic who supports Brexit, has been highly ambiguous throughout the negotiations even though many of his MPs support a second referendum.
The Times described Corbyn's decision "a significant moment" but added that much would depend on the details of the new policy.
"A second referendum risks deepening the divisions in what is already a deeply divided country. It would prolong Brexit uncertainty for much of the rest of the year. And whatever the outcome, it would not settle the troubled question of Britain's relationship with the EU," it said in an editorial.
On currency markets, sterling rose further on speculation that May could push back the March 29 deadline in a bid to avert a painful no-deal divorce.
Adding to her woes, the Daily Mail reported that a group of 23 dissidents met secretly to discuss how to stop Britain leaving the EU without an agreement, with as many as 15 said to be ready to resign.
Taking a united stand, the EU and its remaining 27 countries have repeatedly rebuffed May's efforts to reopen the Brexit deal struck with her government in November.
Since British lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected her withdrawal deal last month, the Conservative prime minister has sought to address their concerns about the text's so-called "backstop" arrangement.
London wants the "backstop" — the clause binding Northern Ireland into the EU customs union if a new deal to keep the Irish border open is not found — to be time-limited or to be allowed to unilaterally end it.
The EU opposes any changes to an arrangement designed to keep the border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland flowing. It also sees the "backstop" as an insurance policy for the peace process in the UK province of Northern Ireland.
Brussels however is not budging, though it is offering political reassurances.
Tusk said he told May that "no matter which scenario, all 27 (EU countries) will show maximum understanding and goodwill".
During a press conference Monday in Sharm El-Sheikh, May said she believes she can still deliver Brexit on time.
The , the EU's executive arm leading the Brexit negotiations, is still working on the assumption that Britain will leave the bloc on March 29, commission spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told reporters earlier in Brussels.
She recalled that Britain would first have to request an extension and the remaining 27 EU countries would have to agree to it unanimously.
May's negotiating team was expected to continue its talks in Brussels on Tuesday.
euroscepticism
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Next articleBritish PM May says deal within grasp, Brexit delay won't solve crisis
France's secret 'boys club' of journalists trolled women for years
Lisa Stevens - February 28, 2019


text:
Best Lego Flash
by: Barry Peacock, BestReviews Staff
The Flash is one of DC Comics' most popular characters, and his popularity is about to increase further with the release of his solo Hollywood blockbuster in 2022.
Which Lego Flash is best?
The DC Comics character The Flash is a superhero who has been featured in Lego movies and sets, and his own TV series. A Flash movie set for release in 2022 is set to feature two versions of Batman played by Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck, and will be the first major Hollywood production with The Flash as the primary protagonist.
The plot will involve a crossover of cinematic universes and is all but guaranteed to propel The Flash into blockbuster territory. The Flash merchandising will likely become very popular, too, with Lego sets undoubtedly one of the beneficiaries. In the meantime, there are some great Lego Flash sets you can enjoy, with the Lego Superheroes: Mighty Micros: The Flash Vs. Captain Cold being the pick of the bunch.
What to know before you buy a Lego Flash
One among many
There are many Lego DC Comics superhero sets, and The Flash is just one of the characters involved. He even had his own Lego movie released in 2018, which critics reviewed positively.
Playing vs. investment
Of course, Legos are toys, and anyone who buys them is most likely looking to build and play with them. However, Legos can also be an investment. Lego "Star Wars" is particularly collectible, but superhero sets are also popular. Buying a Lego set to make a profit is an exciting idea for some people.
Legos are by no means economically priced. Making an extensive Lego collection will cost quite a lot compared to other toys. However, they are one of the top toys for encouraging creative thinking. Young children get pride and satisfaction from following instructions and building sets.
Age recommendation
Manufacturers' age-range recommendations are there for a reason, and they should be followed. First, Legos are mostly small parts. These little bricks are choking hazards, and children under 4 should play with the bigger-bricked Duplo sets to ensure safety. Secondly, Lego also bases their recommendations on sets' building complexity, so feelings of achievement are more easily gained when following these recommendations.
What to look for in a quality Lego Flash
Looking at the number of pieces in a set and comparing it with the price will give you some idea of the value you're getting. Sometimes, customers are surprised by the size of a built Lego set and feel they didn't get a good price-quality ratio. Check a set's dimensions before buying to make an informed choice.
The Flash has various allies and nemeses. Among his allies are other members of the Justice League, such as Batman, Superman, Cyborg and Wonder Woman. Killer Frost, Captain Cold and Reverse-Flash are among the main comic-book and TV-show antagonists. Flash Legos feature different characters in different sets.
Different sets feature various accessories. These can range from weapons to vehicles, and stud shooters are a common add-on. Accessories should also be faithful to the characters.
How much you can expect to spend on a Lego Flash
Just buying a Flash Lego minifigure can cost as much as $15. Lego Flash sets generally cost in the $60-$80 range, while collectible sets may cost more if they have been discontinued. Shopping around for bargain-priced discontinued sets will help you find a good investment.
Lego Flash FAQ
Are Legos compatible with other toys?
A. Legos are highly versatile and can be used with almost any other toy. Of course, the more bricks you have, the bigger you can build, so Lego could even be used with big toys.
What are some tips to make Lego a good investment?
A. Finding sets that are about to be discontinued via the Lego website is a good starting point. These sets should increase in value soon after their retirement. However, don't expect to build or play with these sets because any opened boxes decrease in value immediately. Take care of your Lego set, make sure the packaging is in pristine condition, and store it carefully at room temperature.
What's the best Lego Flash to buy?
Top Lego Flash
Lego Superheroes: Mighty Micros: The Flash Vs. Captain Cold
What you need to know: The Flash faces off against Captain Cold in this 88-piece set for children from 5 to 12.
What you'll love: The Mighty Macros line features superheroes and villains in vehicles. The Flash's car looks very cool with its Flash logo, translucent lights and exhaust flames. Captain Cold rides his snowplow and carries his freeze gun.
What you should consider: The main complaint from reviewers is that the size is smaller than expected.
Top Lego Flash for the money
Lego: Brickheadz: The Flash
What you need to know: The Flash is part of the line of Brickheadz superheroes for kids over 10.
What you'll love: This 122-piece figure is for display purposes and can be collected alongside other Justice League members. The figure stands on a baseplate for easy display and features his iconic lightning symbol for instant recognition.
What you should consider: A few reviewers complained that the box arrived damaged. Collectors beware, and request a new one if it doesn't come in perfect condition.
DC Superheroes: Speed Force Freeze Pursuit
What you need to know: This is a 271-piece set aimed at kids from ages 6 to 12.
What you'll love: This set sees The Flash and his ally Cyborg face off against The Reverse-Flash and Killer Frost. The cool CyborgCopter and Killer Frost's Ice Car are the main parts of the set. Accessories include a net-shooter on the helicopter, and the car has an adjustable bulldozer blade.
What you should consider: The item has been discontinued by Lego, so it is set to be a collector's item.
Barry Peacock writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
by Austin Schick / Jan 18, 2022
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) -- Insurance giant State Farm is hiring more than 3,400 full and part time employees across the country.
The company announced Monday they are looking to hire hybrid work-from-home options as well as strictly work-from-home options. Those options include both part-time and full-time jobs.
Covid cases and hospitalizations decline in Illinois, data shows
by Ben Bradley / Jan 18, 2022
Illinois' Covid case count and hospitalizations appears to have crested and are now declining, according to newly released data from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The average number of people testing positive for Covid-19 each day has dropped 14% in the past week and the number of people hospitalized with the virus is down 7% from one week ago. The number of Covid-positive patients in intensive care has declined slightly in recent days; but 43% of all ICU patients in Illinois have tested positive for the virus.
Man critical after shootout with University of Chicago police on South Side
CHICAGO — A man was critically injured during a shootout with University of Chicago police on the city's South Side.
The shooting happened around 11:40 a.m. Tuesday near Hyde Park Boulevard and Woodlawn Avenue.
'The Enigma.': Giant 555.55-carat black diamond heads to auction


text:
/*
 * To change this license header, choose License Headers in Project Properties.
 * To change this template file, choose Tools | Templates
 * and open the template in the editor.
 */
package rs.fon.eklub.core.interactors;

import java.util.List;
import static org.junit.Assert.*;
import org.junit.Test;
import org.junit.Before;
import rs.fon.eklub.core.data.DataAccessService;
import rs.fon.eklub.core.entities.Category;
import rs.fon.eklub.core.entities.Group;
import rs.fon.eklub.core.exceptions.DataAccessServiceException;
import rs.fon.eklub.core.exceptions.ServiceException;
import rs.fon.eklub.core.exceptions.ValidationException;
import rs.fon.eklub.core.services.GroupService;
import rs.fon.eklub.core.validators.EntityValidator;
import rs.fon.eklub.core.validators.mock.MockGroupValidator;
import rs.fon.eklub.dao.mock.MockGroupExceptionRepository;
import rs.fon.eklub.dao.mock.MockGroupRepository;

/**
 *
 * @author milos
 */
public class GroupInteractorTest {

    private GroupService gs;

    private DataAccessService<Group> dao;
    private DataAccessService<Group> daoAllEntitiesError;
    private EntityValidator<Group> validator;

    public GroupInteractorTest() {
    }

    @Before
    public void setUp() {

        dao = new MockGroupRepository();
        daoAllEntitiesError = new MockGroupExceptionRepository();
        validator = new MockGroupValidator();
        gs = new GroupInteractor(dao, validator);
    }

    @Test
    public void initializeGroupInteractorOkTest() {
        gs = new GroupInteractor(dao, validator);
        assertNotNull(gs);
    }

    @Test
    public void saveGroupOkTest() throws ServiceException {
        Group g = new Group(10, "Grupa10", "grupa10 remark",
                new Category(1, "Kategorija1", "kategorija1 remark"));
        gs.saveGroup(g);
        assertTrue(dao.getAllEntities().contains(g));
    }

    @Test(expected = ServiceException.class)
    public void saveGroupNullEntityTest() throws ServiceException {
        Group g = null;
        gs.saveGroup(g);
        assertFalse(dao.getAllEntities().contains(g));
    }

    @Test(expected = DataAccessServiceException.class)
    public void saveGroupDataExceptionTest() throws ServiceException {
        Group g = new Group(13, "Grupa13", "grupa13 remark",
                new Category(1, "Kategorija1", "kategorija1 remark"));
        gs.saveGroup(g);
        assertFalse(dao.getAllEntities().contains(g));
    }

    @Test(expected = ValidationException.class)
    public void saveGroupValidationExceptionTest() throws ServiceException {
        Group g = new Group(113, "Grupa113", "grupa113 remark",
                new Category(1, "Kategorija1", "kategorija1 remark"));
        gs.saveGroup(g);
        assertFalse(dao.getAllEntities().contains(g));
    }

    @Test
    public void getAllGroupsOkTest() throws ServiceException {
        List<Group> groups = gs.getAllGroups();
        assertNotNull(groups);
        assertArrayEquals(dao.getAllEntities().toArray(), groups.toArray());
    }

    @Test(expected = DataAccessServiceException.class)
    public void getAllGroupsDataExceptionTest() throws ServiceException {
        gs = new GroupInteractor(daoAllEntitiesError, validator);
        List<Group> groups = gs.getAllGroups();
        assertNull(groups);
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The successful candidates will take "Advanced Diploma in Retail Store Management – Electronic & Electrical Appliances Chain (QF Level 4)", a recognised qualification equivalent to Associate Degree level under the Qualification Framework.
A rewarding remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate. Interested parties please forward detailed resume to Human Resources Department – Fortress, Watson House, 1-5 Wo Liu Hang Road, Fotan, N.T. or email to [our mailbox through CTgoodjobs Apply Now ] or fax to 3520 4321 or contact Recruitment Hotline 3697 7849 or Whatsapp 6316 9230 for enquiries.


text:
function Invoke-IBCLISetPromoteMaster
{
    [CmdletBinding()]
    param(
        [Parameter(
            ParameterSetName='NewStream',
            Mandatory=$true,
            Position=0,
            HelpMessage='Enter the Hostname or IP Address of an Infoblox appliance.'
        )]
        [ValidateNotNullOrEmpty()]
        [string]
        $ComputerName,
        [Parameter(
            ParameterSetName='ExistingStream',
            Mandatory=$true,
            Position=0,
            HelpMessage='Enter the ShellStream object returned by Connect-IBCLI.'
        )]
        [ValidateNotNull()]
        [Renci.SshNet.ShellStream]
        $ShellStream,
        [Parameter(
            ParameterSetName='NewStream',
            Mandatory=$true,
            Position=1,
            HelpMessage='Enter the credentials for the appliance.'
        )]
        [PSCredential]
        $Credential,
        [Parameter(
            ParameterSetName='NewStream',
            Position=2,
            HelpMessage='Enter the delay in seconds (0-600) between notifications to grid members.'
        )]
        [Parameter(
            ParameterSetName='ExistingStream',
            Position=1,
            HelpMessage='Enter the delay in seconds (0-600) between notifications to grid members.'
        )]
        [ValidateRange(0,600)]
        [int]
        $NotifyDelay=30,
        [Parameter(
            ParameterSetName='NewStream'
        )]
        [Switch]
        $Force
    )

    if ($PSCmdlet.ParameterSetName -eq 'NewStream') {
        $ShellStream = Connect-IBCLI $ComputerName $Credential -Force:$Force -ErrorAction Stop
    }
    Write-Verbose "Promoting candidate $($ShellStream.Session.ConnectionInfo.Host) to grid master."

    try {

        # make sure this machine is actually a candidate
        $status = Get-IBCLIStatus $ShellStream
        if (!$status.IsCandidate) {
            throw "Grid member is not a master candidate."
        } else { Write-Verbose "$ComputerName is a master candidate." }

        # call set promote_master
        $output = Invoke-IBCLICommand 'set promote_master' $ShellStream

        # confirm notification delay
        if ($output[-1] -ne 'Do you want a delay between notification to Grid members? (y or n):') {
            $output | ForEach-Object { Write-Verbose $_ }
            throw "Unexpected output during 'set promote_master'"
        }
        if ($NotifyDelay -eq 0) {
            $output = Invoke-IBCLICommand 'n' $ShellStream
        } else {
            $output = Invoke-IBCLICommand 'y' $ShellStream

            # enter delay value
            if (!$output[-1].StartsWith('Set delay time for notification to grid member?')) {
                $output | ForEach-Object { Write-Verbose $_ }
                throw "Unexpected output during 'set promote_master'"
            }
            $output = Invoke-IBCLICommand $NotifyDelay $ShellStream
        }

        # check for reporting site prompt and skip it (continue with no change)
        # until we get around to properly supporting it
        if ($output[-1].StartsWith('Please enter new primary reporting site')) {
            $output = Invoke-IBCLICommand 'c' $ShellStream
        }

        # confirmation 1
        if ($output[-1] -ne 'Are you sure you want to do this? (y or n):') {
            $output | ForEach-Object { Write-Verbose $_ }
            throw "Unexpected output during 'set promote_master'"
        }
        $output = Invoke-IBCLICommand 'y' $ShellStream

        # confirmation 2
        if ($output[-1] -ne 'Are you really sure you want to do this? (y or n):') {
            $output | ForEach-Object { Write-Verbose $_ }
            throw "Unexpected output during 'set promote_master'"
        }
        $output = Invoke-IBCLICommand 'y' $ShellStream 2 "Master promotion beginning on this member`r`n"

        if ($output[-1] -eq 'Master promotion beginning on this member') {
            Write-Verbose "Promotion complete."
            return $true
        } else {
            $output | ForEach-Object { Write-Verbose $_ }
            throw "Unexpected output during 'set promote_master'"
        }

    } finally {
        # disconnect if we initiated the connection here
        if ($PSCmdlet.ParameterSetName -eq 'NewStream') {
            Disconnect-IBCLI $ShellStream
        }
    }

    <#
    .SYNOPSIS
        Promote a grid master candidate to grid master.

    .DESCRIPTION
        Runs the 'set promote_master' command and answers the follow up prompts in order to promote the target appliance to grid master.

    .PARAMETER ComputerName
        Hostname or IP Address of the Infoblox appliance.

    .PARAMETER ShellStream
        A Renci.SshNet.ShellStream object that was returned from Connect-IBCLI.

    .PARAMETER Credential
        Username and password for the Infoblox appliance.

    .PARAMETER NotifyDelay
        Time in seconds between notifications for grid members to join the new master. (Default: 30)

    .PARAMETER Force
        Disable SSH host key checking

    .OUTPUTS
        $true if the promotion was successful.

    .EXAMPLE
        Invoke-IBCLISetPromoteMaster 'ns2.example.com' (get-credential)

        Promotes the ns2.example.com appliance to grid master.

    .EXAMPLE
        $ShellStream = Connect-IBCLI 'ns2.example.com' (Get-Credential)
        PS C:\>Invoke-IBCLISetPromoteMaster $ShellStream 60

        Promotes the ns2.example.com appliance to grid master with a 60 second member notification delay.

    .LINK
        Project: https://github.com/rmbolger/Posh-IBCLI

    .LINK
        Connect-IBCLI

    .LINK
        Disconnect-IBCLI

    #>
}


text:
'Holocaust tourism' laid bare in eye-opening documentary
By	Gabe Friedman	 February 17, 2017 10:54 am
A scene from "Austerlitz," a documentary that chronicles the tourist experience in two former concentration camps. (Courtesy of Austerlitz/Loznitsa)
NEW YORK (JTA) — How do people behave when they visit a concentration camp or a Holocaust memorial?
Do they act as if there are in place of reverence or mourning? Or do they behave as crowds do at any tourist attraction — taking selfies, goofing around, snacking and drinking as they amble along?
Just what constitutes appropriate behavior at a Holocaust memorial site has been a hot topic recently. Last month, the Israeli-German writer and satirist Shahak Shapira reignited the public debate about "Holocaust tourism" with a website "shaming" tourists who appear in flippant selfies taken at the Holocaust memorial in Berlin. Shapira's site, titled Yolocaust, superimposed smiling tourists with gruesome images from the Holocaust, such as piles of corpses.
"I find it dangerous that this is becoming normal," Shapira told a German news program shortly before shutting down the project, saying it had served its purpose. "It kind of suggests that people are not dealing with the real purpose of this memorial."
Last summer, the smartphone game Pokemon Go raised eyebrows for guiding some of its users into the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum as well as the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. This followed a few years after an American tourist took a smiling selfie at Auschwitz, drawing outrage on Twitter and calling attention to other online chronicles of inappropriate selfie-taking, such as the Facebook group "With My Besties in Auschwitz."
And now the behavior of tourists at Holocaust memorial sites — and the tough questions surrounding it — is explored in a probing documentary film, "Austerlitz," by Ukrainian director Sergei Loznitsa. The film will have its U.S. premiere at the Museum of Modern Art's Doc Fortnight festival on Sunday and Monday in New York City, but it has already garnered praise after showings last year at major international film festivals in Toronto and Venice.
Presented without commentary, the 90-minute black-and-white film is a series of long, lingering shots of tourists walking around Dachau and Sachsenhausen, a former concentration camp near Berlin. Loznitsa placed stationary cameras around the camps, capturing thousands of visitors sauntering in and out of the frame. It is unclear whether Loznitsa hid his cameras, although the tourists seem oblivious to them.
Most of the visitors seem as if they are walking in a shopping mall or perhaps an art museum. They mostly look aimless, restless, tired and bored. Some laugh and smile as they file into a room, like they are headed to a party. Some stand out due to their unfortunate sartorial choices — one wears a T-shirt with an image of a skull, another with the phrase "Cool story, bro." Some take smiling selfies or lighthearted group photos in front of Sachsenhausen's "Arbeit Macht Frei" gate.
The tourists in "Austerlitz" seem oblivious to Sergei Loznitsa's cameras. (Courtesy of Austerlitz/Loznitsa)
Despite its lack of narrative or plot, the film is oddly compelling. The disconnect between setting and character provokes a range of feelings. The sight of crowds pouring into a room is creepily reminiscent of Holocaust prisoners being shepherded into train cars or gas chambers. Footage of visitors trying to get their tour headphones to work is amusing — until it isn't. The fact that some visitors joke around or act like they'd rather be anywhere else inspires feelings of anger (at least for this viewer).
"The people who came to these places 40 years ago came with a different purpose than people now," Loznitsa told The New York Times last year. "Now people don't remember, and sometimes I think they don't even understand where they are and what the places are about."
The film takes its title from German writer W.G. Sebald's final novel, "Austerlitz," about an eponymous academic whose parents were killed in the Holocaust. The protagonist visits the Theresienstadt camp in the Czech Republic to learn more about his parents' deaths, ruminating there on memory and history. Loznitsa has said his documentary is a "variation" on the novel. (The filmmaker was traveling this week and declined a request for an interview.)
The only dialogue comes in a few scenes involving tour guides — in the first, about 25 minutes in, a Spanish-speaking guide at Sachsenhausen begins to tell a group of tourists about the camp's prison-within-a-prison system used to interrogate Jews.
Sergei Loznitsa set up stationary cameras in two concentration camps. (Courtesy of Austerlitz/Loznitsa)
But shortly after he starts his talk, a group of English-speaking tourists crowds the screen, obscuring the Spanish group. A British voice overlaps with the Spanish one. As the English group grows, one young woman balances a water bottle on her head. Eventually the Spanish group disappears almost entirely from view — shrouded by the nonchalant, English-speaking crowd — even though the viewer continues to hear parts of the guide's talk.
The scene represents what could be seen as Loznitsa's powerful thesis: It's easy to be swallowed up by the tourist experience and forget to engage with the significance of a place — even at sites that commemorate one of history's most horrid tragedies.
Still, none of the tourists captured by Loznitsa's cameras are blatantly disrespectful. Nonchalant, yes, and somewhat self-absorbed in the 21st-century way. There are plenty of selfies in "Austerlitz" (including one particularly funny one involving an overweight man slowing rotating a selfie stick); even a man wearing a kippah happily poses for photos in front of the "Arbeit Macht Frei" gate.
By the end of "Austerlitz," most viewers will likely feel conflicted about how to judge these unwitting tourists. After all, is it fair to judge someone by how they are captured on camera for a few minutes? And shouldn't Jews be encouraged by the fact that Holocaust sites continue to draw record crowds? Doesn't that signal increased interest in learning about Holocaust history?
Loznitsa's point, however, is not about individual tourists — whether they choose to take a silly selfie or reflect deeply throughout their visit. The message, he has said, is that visiting a concentration camp should not be presented like any other mundane tourist experience.
"I think it must be like a church," he told the Times. "If you want to pray for the souls of all the people who are in the ground in this place, then come."
In LA and Arizona, COVID death surge overwhelms the Jewish community
By	Stewart Ain	 January 20, 2021 2:47 pm
All the ways Biden and Harris (and their families) are making Jewish history on Inauguration Day
By	Uriel Heilman	 January 19, 2021 6:02 pm
Identity/Crisis	Opinion
Secular Israelis are obsessed with traditional Judaism. Micah Goodman helps explain why.
By	Identity / Crisis	 January 19, 2021 3:46 pm
For the first time, a Jew of color will lead pathbreaking diversity group Be'chol Lashon
By	Gabe Friedman	 January 18, 2021 6:00 am
Phil Spector, rock legend and convicted murderer, dies at 81
By	Ron Kampeas	 January 17, 2021 10:35 pm


text:
India urges Qatar to move beyond 'buyer-seller' relationship
Nayanima Basu New Delhi | Updated on January 16, 2018 Published on December 03, 2016
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Saturday. Photo: PTI
India is 4th largest investor in Qatar
The hawala question
Modi, Qatar's Emir hold talks to boost ties
India and Qatar have vowed to expand bilateral ties in the field of energy even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought to take the relationship beyong the buyer-seller level to increased joint ventures, research and development.
During a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani here on Saturday, both sides decided that "we should go beyond the buyer-seller relationship to include joint ventures, joint research and development and joint exploration," sources said.
During the meeting, Indian companies said they were ready to invest in both upstream and downstream projects in Qatar in the hydrocarbon sector.
The Qatari PM arrived in New Delhi on Friday evening. On Saturday, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval called on him, following which he met Modi.
The delegation-level talks reviewed India-Qatar relations in depth, in particular on the follow-up of the landmark decisions taken during PM Modi's visit to Qatar in June 2016.
PM Modi said that the visit of the Prime Minister of Qatar showed the growing bilateral ties with Qatar, which India has always regarded as a valued partner. The two leaders discussed cooperation in various sectors.
Both sides also acknowledged that the current level of trade and investment was much below potential. PM Modi highlighted the tremendous opportunities available for Qatari investment in India's infrastructure and energy sectors.
The two leaders identified civil aviation as a priority sector for enhancing cooperation.
Modi recalled that India imports 8 million tonnes of urea annually and said that India would seek a long-term arrangement with Qatar for the supply of urea. India could also meet Qatari needs in the area of food security.
The Qatari PM invited India's participation in infrastructure and investment opportunities coming up in the wake of Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022. He also welcomed Indian investment in the port sector of Qatar.
The two leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in defence and security, in particular in cyber security on which an MoU was signed today. They agreed on joint action to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing.
They discussed the regional situation, particularly in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.
India and Qatar also signed five agreements in areas such as visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special and official passports; technical cooperation in cyber space and combating cyber crime, letter of intent regarding negotiations on an agreement on grant of e-visa for businessmen and tourists, and an MoU between Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy of Qatar & CII.
Additionally, another MoU aimed at encouraging greater collaboration and exchange in the field of national ports management was also signed.


Product Description: DuraTek is Drake's own partial produced utilizing DurAcetal. This is a natural looking material that can be made to match natural tooth shades. It is strong, durable, and more comfortable than conventional appliances. It is also non-porous, so it is bacteria and stain-resistant… NO ODOR! Partial framework can be designed just like metal partials but without the heaviness or metal taste. Most of all, it is comfortable and esthetically pleasing. It is available in 22 different tooth and tissue shades. DuraTek clasps can be used in place of wrought wire clasps on acrylic partials and in place of metal clasps on chrome partial frameworks.
DuraTek is the ideal choice for comfort, function, and esthetics.
Product Indications: Partial frameworks, clasps, unilaterals, nesbits, combination cases, clasps on acrylic partials, and clasps on metal frameworks.
Not recommended for full dentures or with cases having extremely tight occlusion.
Recommended Cleaning: Conventional denture cleanser and/or Toothpaste and Tooth brush is recommended.
Our Implant Provisionals are designed like a unilateral – clasping or "sleeving" the adjacent teeth.
Their purpose is to maintain the integrity of the implant site during healing.
They can be made from clear or various tooth shaded Duracetal depending on placement in the mouth.
2 major benefits for the patient are their esthetic appearance and their ability to be worn at all times.
Call our Customer Service Team for more information on our various material options of UNILATERALS or our DURATEK IMPLANT PROVISIONALS.


Sandvik Mobile Crushers & Screens in Ballygawley is looking for an Mechanical Design Engineer.
TEAM PLAYER & THE ABILITY TO PROBLEM SOLVE?
As Mechanical Design Engineer for Sandvik Mobile Crushers & Screens you will be involved in the development and continual improvement of Sandvik's mobile crushing and screening equipment. The role will involve reviewing designs and updating products to meet and exceed the customers' expectations. The successful candidate will be involved in supporting the Assembly Centre by processing and closing out "Requests for Action" for new product introduction and current products, ensuring a close link with Production/Manufacturing Engineers. You will be required to create and maintain technical design documentation such as engineering drawings, engineering change notices, service manuals and of material through the process of designing, prototyping and reviewing mechanical components. The role will also involve taking ownership of design improvement projects as directed.
The role will involve traveling to Sandvik sites worldwide, occasional exhibitions, trade shows and attend test sites when necessary.
You will have a relevant degree in engineering or extensive experience in mechanical engineering.
You will need previous experience working within a team to deliver projects within agreed quality, cost and timeframe targets.
Have extensive experience in the use of 3D modelling design software.
You will have knowledge of heavy manufacturing, production processes and PDM systems.
You will be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
Have strong analytical, problem solving and time management skills.
You will need excellent written and oral communication skills.
You will be required to have a permit to work in the UK.
Previous experience designing mobile equipment.
Good knowledge of hydraulic and electrical systems.
Knowledge of KAIZEN/AGILE working techniques.
The opportunity to be make an impact on our Business Unit's performance.
The opportunity to be part of an ambitious team driving real change.
The opportunity to coach and develop others.
Where others see many, we see you – personally. We recognize and value your passion and personality. With your excellent communication and change management skills; you will be able to bring our services to the next level! How to apply? Interested by this challenge? Please apply directly via sandvikcareers.com quoting reference R0006399 or for further information regarding the recruitment process contact HR Department on 028 85567799.


Looking for something fun to do in Marlboro, New Jersey this month?
What: With her razor-sharp writing and trademark psychological insight, Gillian Flynn delivers a fast=paced devilishly dark, and ingeniously plotted thriller.
What: Jersey Shore Jewish Music will be presenting its first concert "One People Many Voices: Celebrating a World of Jewish Music". This eclectic concert unites Monmouth County's diverse groups of Jewish heritage into an extravaganza of world music featuring Syrian, Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) and Klezer song traditions. Israeli and Middle Eastern singer Yohai Cohen, backed by an Arabic music ensemble, is the evening's featured soloist. Also featured is the Jersey Shore's own Shir Mishugas Jewish music group. Cantor, composer and conductor Jeffrey DiLucca leads Shir Mishugas in Ladino songs and in Klezmner music originating in the Ashkenazi Jewish communities of Eastern Europe. Tickets are $18.
What: This event is 100% fun and 100% free! Stop by the Ford EcoBoost Challenge at Citi Field for your chance to have an all-access drive experience featuring: Professional drive instruction so that you can learn how to maximize your MPG and Hypermile like a pro in the Ford "Hypermile Challenge", a chance to drive the High-Performance Focus ST and Fiesta ST, an opportunity to drive the 2013 Fusion and Escape against their lead competitors, the Honda CRV and Toyota Camry.
What: Over 600 yogis are proudly coming together for a mindblowing yoga and meditation session all in the name of hunger relief. Participants will warm up with a relaxing, professionally guided yoga & meditation session, before firing up with a high-octane zumba dance party an out-of-this-world light show complete with mesmerizing music, amazing giveaways and much more. Over 40 local vendors will be in attendance, showcasing their products and services at this one of a kind fitness event. Proceeds from the event will support Move For Hunger's relief efforts right here in New Jersey and all over the United States.
And, at any time, you can entertain yourself by visiting one of the several parks and facilities that Marlboro maintains for public use, including: Marlboro Country Park, Hawkins Road Park, Falson Park, Wicker Place Park, Marlin Estates Park, Nolan Road Park, Municipal Complex, and Recreation Way Park. No matter what you decide to do, you're sure to have a great time in Marlboro, NJ this August.
Check out the town's site here and the events page here for more information!
he quality and style of the cabinets in your kitchen and bathrooms can affect the value of your home; is it time to invest in refacing them?
Start by refacing sides, drawers, and doors with veneer and stain.
Remove cabinet doors, drawers and all hardware.
Apply veneer to the cabinet fronts – veneer all of the horizontal areas and rails first, then use a razor knife to cut in the pieces for the vertical stiles.
Fill all brad holes with wood putty colored to match your intended stain color.
Apply three coats of polyurethane to protect cabinets from heat, grease, steam, etc.
Water-base polyurethane is a good choice because it's relatively odor-free, "flattens" better than oil or alkyd urethanes and dries fast, allowing you to put on all three coats in a day.
Refacing cabinets can be more work than simply replacing them, but refacing allows you to save money while still giving your kitchen and/or bathrooms a great new look and thus increasing the value of your home. Read more on refacing cabinets from the DIY Network here.
Considering adding a surround system in your entertainment room? Be sure to avoid these common home audio wiring mistakes.
Adding a surround system can transform any room into a first class entertainment area and can help create the perfect room for entertaining your family and friends. However, to achieve the best possible sound and look, it's important that homeowners are aware of common mistakes that people make when adding a new wiring system. From Realtor.com, here are the top mistakes homeowners make, and things you need to avoid.
Don't run audio wires too close to other electrical components or cables. The flexible plastic 'casing' that goes around the wires protects them from radio frequency interference and noise, but the environment has to be right. For instance, if you run your audio wires too close to electrical components, like a computer, or other voltage-carrying wires, like lamp cords, phone lines, extension cords, then you'll likely experience interference with your audio wires. Also, avoid running audio wires too closely to compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Make sure cables are well insulated and shielded. If you have to run audio wires close to electrical components or other cords, course, sometimes it is impossible to prevent running audio cables near other electrical components or electrical cords, so if you must, make sure that you use cables that feature very high quality insulation and shielding materials.
Don't use a busy circuit for your home theater. Your home audio system can be negatively affected by voltage spikes and drops, which happen when motors, compressors and other types of appliance equipment turn on and off. It's important to take care of your media equipment, so make sure that the circuit that powers your media equipment is only used to power your media equipment.
Make sure you choose the right cable length. The longer the cable, the lower quality sound you'll get. Cables that are too long can cause distortions in high frequencies and looping or folding up the excess cable can cause all kinds of nightmares because of the magnetic fields being produced. Choose a cable that is just long enough and always keep the cable as straight as possible.
Know how to make the right connections. Sloppy connections, poorly attached conductors, and over-stripped shielding can cause all sorts of problems for you because it can ruin the cable's integrity. Make sure you have the right tools for the job so that you can avoid unnecessary problems.
Don't accidentally reverse the polarity of the wires. One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when installing audio wires is simply wiring the speakers wrong. Connect the right wires to the right ports so that you don't end up with a terrible, flat sound from your speakers.
If you follow these home audio installation tips from Realtor.com, your project should run smoothly and you'll be able to get back to enjoying music and movies quickly. To read the original article from Realtor.com, click here.
Trying to sell your home this year? Having a successful open house can help you! Check out these tips for preparing your home to sell with an open house.
Taking down family photos and storing personal items allows you and your family retain at least some privacy during the home selling process, but there is another benefit to depersonalizing your home. A potential buyer at an open house is trying to imagine their life in that home, which can be hard to do with pictures of a strange family staring at them in every room.
A closet isn't a good hiding place for clutter.
Rule number one of an open house is to de-clutter. That doesn't mean hide clutter in the closets, attic, basement, or garage – potential buyers will be looking in all of those spaces during an open house. Empty spaces look larger than cluttered spaces, and you want potential homebuyers to be able to assess whether your home will meet their own storage needs.
While you want your home to be free of clutter and depersonalized, you don't want it to feel like no one lives there.
Quite simply, "light sells homes", according to Realtor.com. The idea is that light will make your home feel more warm and inviting and will allow potential buyers to see everything your home has to offer.
Follow these tips for a successful open house and check out Realtor.com for more great tips on selling your home!
Marlboro's Annual Summer Concert Series!
The 25th Anniversary of Marlboro's Annual Summer Concert Series begins this Sunday, July 7 with one of our favorite events. Please join your friends and neighbors for Marlboro's annual "Celebration of Independence" concert and fireworks starting at 7:00 PM. The concert will feature the Idol Kings performing a John Mellencamp and Journey Tribute. The night ends with an outstanding fireworks display beginning at dusk.
Featuring the Idol Kings, a John Mellencamp and Journey Tribute!
Followed by a fireworks display!
Family night, fun for the whole family!
Featuring the Mahoney Brothers, Jukebox Heroes!
ALL CONCERTS ARE ALCOHOL & SMOKE FREE!
NO PETS ALLOWED AT CONCERTS!
A house should be always be secure place and there are not many other aspects as important as home security. Having the proper and good quality locks on a main entrance can help to improve home security. While it is easy to go with a traditional lock such as a deadbolt or chain lock, there are now many advanced locks for your home.
Digital keypad locks are very popular and replace almost every type of lock on the market. These locks operate successfully without having any key and no complexity arises to lock and unlock the door. You can perform the operation with the use of one hand only and it is very impressive if you have lots of item in your one hand and you can easily open the door from another one. It is very secure as no one can have idea what code you have set and it is impossible to access. Also it has a facility to change the password and you can do it frequently as per your convenience. If you have forgotten the password again no worries digital locks company having its substitute too.
Here's how a biometric fingerprint reader works – to gain entry your fingerprint is scanned by sensors that identify the specific mapping of your fingerprint which have already been pre-programmed and marked by computer algorithms and stored in a database. Once your fingerprint is scanned, access is granted within seconds. Therefore, only the people pre-authorized can successfully pass a biometric reader. That's the magic of it all! There is no key, key card, or number sequence to deal with which can all be passed around or easily stolen. Remember, biometric fingerprint readers are great for residential and commercial use. That's because the duplication of fingerprint technology is virtually impossible. The act of photocopying a fingerprint to gain access that you may have seen in the movies is make-believe, but biometric technology is not!
Any smartphone can use Lockitron through its intuitive two-button app. With Lockitron you can instantly share access with your family and friends. Lockitron lets you see if your door is locked when you're gone. It will send a notification when your child unlocks the door using their phone or key. Renters can use Lockitron too because Lockitron fits over the inside of your current deadbolt. Easily take Lockitron with you when you move. Lockitron is compatible with any smartphone thanks to our mobile website. Older phones can use Lockitron through simple text message commands. Lockitron connects to the internet thanks to built-in WiFi. You can control Lockitron and receive notifications from Lockitron anywhere in the world.
While you might like the comfort of having traditional locks on your home, there are still many other options available to you!