Hi everyone! I'll now be officially blogging at Blonde Freedom! Thank you for being a follower of my blog and I hope you like me enough to want to follow my new one. Please click on the link to keep up with me!


I'm letting you into a little sneak preview of a Etsy planner kit from Harriet Wright Designs which I've bought to make a Collab Video on my YouTube channel with Beth from Tinkabell Beth.
I've know Beth for a few years and we both love a lot of the same things including planning and stickers.
We've chosen to use the Whimsical Snow Globe Kit which which is for the Erin Condron Vertical planner. This isn't the planner I have but as my planner is not a standard size i'm sure I can make this kit work for me.
There is a really good mix of sheets, including, full boxes, washi strips, check boxes, day labels, functional stickers and deco stickers.
I'm excited to get started with this kit and as I rarely use a full kit i'm excite to have left over stickers which will work for all year (well a lot of them) as we've picked a pastel kit rather than a more traditional red / green winter kit.


text:
Q: Oracle slow to join local table to DB2 Mainframe This one is puzzling me.  Pulling from the DB2 by itself is fast, and pulling from the table is fast, but I don't know why they don't play nicely together.  I don't have access to the indices of the DB2 table or the server there.
This query takes 0.017 seconds:
select
    PART_NO,
    APRV_DT,
    round((CURRENT_DATE - APRV_DT)/365.242199,1) as AGE,
    rank() over (partition by PART_NO order by APRV_DT asc) rnk,
    FROM DB2_TABLE
where PART_NO in
    ('529711',
    '627862',
    '325712',
    '979257',
    '168570',
    '004297')

Obviously I don't want to hard-code all the part numbers because I have almost 200k of them to query.
I left the part numbers in here just to try and get this working.  This query where I select the same 6 part numbers takes 1.23 seconds:
select distinct PART_NUMBER from PARTS_REPORT
where PART_NUMBER in
    ('529711',
    '627862',
    '325712',
    '979257',
    '168570',
    '004297')

The issue is when I combine these together:
In my mind, this query should take about 3 seconds or something.  It takes 492 Seconds.
select
    PART_NO,
    APRV_DT,
    round((CURRENT_DATE - APRV_DT)/365.242199,1) as AGE,
    rank() over (partition by PART_NO order by APRV_DT asc) rnk,
    FROM DB2_TABLE
where PART_NO in
(
  select distinct PART_NUMBER from PARTS_REPORT
   where PART_NUMBER in
       ('529711',
       '627862',
       '325712',
       '979257',
       '168570',
       '004297')
  )

Is there a better way to do this?  Do I need to index my PARTS_REPORT table?  What's the key here?
edit: to run all 200k-ish part numbers, the same query takes 564 seconds - around the time it takes what I have above to run.
Edit 2: the user below helped me to know what was going on - I have to pull down the whole remote table, and that's slow.  I think I understand what's happening now - thanks.

A: Summarizing my comments as an answer:
In your first query you are providing an explicit IN list to the query, so it executes remotely on the DB2 server in its entirety, returning of data from DB2_TABLE.
When you attempt to retrieve the search criteria from a local table  (which you do with where PART_NO in) you force a join of a remote and a local table, for which the entire remote table has to be sent to the local server where the join is performed.
Sending the local table (or subset thereof) to the remote server to perform the join there presumably requires less bandwidth. You could achieve this by declaring a temporary table, loading it with the list of part numbers from the Oracle table, then performing your query against two remote tables, localizing the join there.
You already have some privileges in the remote database, which allow you to query its table(s); try and see if you can run DECLARE GLOBAL TEMPORARY TABLE -- by default it does not require any privileges beyond normal PUBLIC privileges.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


I have received this question a lot from my friends in outside the US who hear about the concept of Tax Lien investing. "Can I invest in Tax liens and Tax deeds even though I am a foreign citizen and don't live in the US." The answer to the question is… yes. As long as an investor can get a US TAX Identification number, which can be obtained from the IRS fairly simple, even a foreign citizen not living in the US, can invest in Tax Liens and Tax Deeds.
Once you purchased a few tax Delinquent properties you might be asking yourself how you can sell this property in a fast efficient and profitable way without having to become a realtor or jump through a lot of hoops.
How Can You Sell Your Property For Huge Profits?
I'd like to explain a little about where I am coming from, if I could. In 2002 I discovered this secret system of buying Land For Pennies and have since then personally have done over 3,203 deals using exactly this system and in some years doing an average of 600 property transactions. That's right. Approx. 600 property transactions in a single year using the proven techniques that I now teach. When I started out I knew Nothing, I had nothing and heck I didn't even speak the English language properly. Back in 2000 when I first started, I had absolutely Zero knowledge about Real Estate. I started out here in the U.S. with a decent education, but other than that with two suitcases, a bunch of school debt, a job offer and large dreams.
Working from home, isn't that everyone's dream? Getting up when you like to, Not having to fight traffic, working whenever you want, wherever you want… probably is.
I would like to tell you that creating a Steady and growing monthly cash flow of $5,000 to $40,000 is not only possible but possible within 1-2 years working from home in your spare time.
A farmer knows when the best time to plant his crops. He knows when to cultivate it, fatten and water his land. He also knows when to stop and just maintain a watchful eye in safeguarding the crops. He also knows when he will harvest. If he was a diligent farmer, he knows that he will practically reap a copious amount of produce. The lesson here is; you reap what you sow. Just as in farming it hast to start from a seedling. In Tax Delinquent Investment, this seedling is when you find a property you are looking to invest int. That is where it all comes from.
Jack grew up in a small town in Germany, went to school and eventually to college and then to the USA on an exchange program. He did not want for anything growing up but there were no extras either. He came here in 1997 for the exchange program. During this time he met and married his wife. Here is his story. Jack: Soon after, I was making ok money, but working 70-hour weeks! I was the only one from my family in the USA and my wife and her family was from Honduras. With our families so far away we would spend a good amount of money to see them. I continued working my job, however in the meantime I began looking for another opportunity that would fit my criteria, which basically was that it made me lots of money and gave me lots of free time. We looked at least 20 different businesses and none fit the bill.
If you follow the investing techniques that I use daily, you will make money, lots of money! There is little to no competition in land investing, especially rural land. I have found a way to track down owners who are not paying their taxes and that are most likely to sell the land for cheap, and I use mass marketing techniques to contact them with letters websites, posters, and postcards to contact people before a property even is scheduled for a count tax lien or tax deed auction. If the owners are interested in selling they contact me back and we go from there. To learn how You can obtain these valuable contact lists, visit http://landforpennies.com/secretsrevealed.htm Doubters Many people will not get into the tax lien property investing because they make up there mind that all properties that are tax delinquent are run down or is a junk property that is not buildable. There are some junk properties out there, however if you can get a property from someone contacting you before it is scheduled to go to the auction you have enough time to do your due diligence to determine the value of the property. And if you buy this way you not only get a good property for a cheap price you also a fee and clear title, which helps you to sell the property faster and for maximum profits. My way of investing is so low risk.
Why is it Better to Focus on Land Rather Then Houses When it Comes to Real Estate Investing?


text:
Andrew Musgrave
Andrew Musgrave at the 2019 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Seefeld
(1990-03-06) March 6, 1990 (age 29)
Poole, England
Huntly Nordic SC / Røa IL
World Cup career
Individual wins
Indiv. podiums
Team podiums
Indiv. starts
Team starts
Overall titles
0 – (21st in 2019)
Discipline titles
Updated on 14 April, 2019.
Andrew "Andy" Musgrave (born 6 March 1990) is a British cross-country skier. He has competed in the World Cup since 2008 and represented Great Britain at the 2009 World Championships and the 2010, 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics.
1 Personal life and education
3 Olympic results
4 World Championship results
5 World Cup results
5.1 World Cup standings
5.2 Individual podiums
Personal life and education[edit]
Musgrave was born in Dorset, England, to parents Frank and Hilary. Frank worked in the oil industry, and his family lived all over the world due to his employment: they left Dorset when Andrew was one year of age, and he has subsequently lived in Shetland, Alaska, Aberdeenshire and Norway. He originally started competing as an alpine skier after his family moved to Alaska when he was five years old, however he subsequently switched to snowboarding and cross-country skiing. After moving to Aberdeenshire at the age of 11, he started to focus on cross-country skiing on a serious basis, alongside friends Andrew Young and Callum Smith.[1]
He is the younger brother of former cross-country skier Posy Musgrave.[2] He also has another older sister, Heather, and an older brother, Ben.[1] He is a member of Oslo-based sports club Røa IL.[3]
At the 2010 Games in Vancouver, Musgrave finished 51st in the 15 km + 15 km double pursuit, 55th in the 15 km freestyle race, and 58th in the individual sprint event. Musgrave's finishes at the 2009 world championships were 14th in the 4 x 10 km relay, 17th in the team sprint, 45th in the 15 km + 15 km double pursuit, 56th in the 15 km, and 65th in the sprint event.
His best World Cup finish in the 2010–11 season was 31st in a sprint event in Drammen in February 2011. He was only 5/100 behind the 30th place in the qualification race. At the Junior World Championships in Otepää in 2011, he finished 6th in the 15 km freestyle event, two years later in Liberec, he came fourth in the same event, only 14.1 seconds behind the bronze medal winner.
At the 2011 World Championships of Oslo, the Freestyle sprint event, Musgrave qualified in 26th place for the heats. In the Men's 50 Kilometre Freestyle, on his 21st birthday, Musgrave finished 59th, with a time of 2:23:54.
Musgrave scored his first World Cup points in the 3.75 km prologue race of the 2011–12 Tour de Ski on 29 December 2011 in Oberhof where he finished 28th. To date, his best World Cup result is an 11th place in the freestyle sprint stage of the 2012–13 Tour de Ski in Val Müstair. He equalled this result on the 25 km freestyle pursuit stage of the 2015 Tour de Ski in Toblach, setting the fastest time of the day.[4][5]
In the Norwegian championships freestyle sprint on 17 January 2014, Musgrave won.[6] Two years earlier he came in second on the 15 km freestyle in the Norwegian championships on 26 January 2012. Musgrave did not receive any medals due to his British citizenship.[6][7] However Musgrave did take a gold medal at the 2013 Norwegian championships, where he won the team sprint alongside club teammate Martin Johnsrud Sundby (teams at the Norwegian championships may include one foreign competitor).[8]
At the 2014 Winter Olympics Musgrave qualified in 27th place in the individual sprint, the best ever performance by a British cross-country skier, but failed to progress from his quarter-final. He then finished 44th in the 15km classical[9] and 53rd in the 50km freestyle.[10] After the Games Musgrave backed up his victory in the freestyle sprint at the Norwegian championships earlier in the season to win the overall national title.[11]
At the 2017 World Championships in Lahti, Finland, Musgrave scored the best ever result for a British Nordic skier when he finished fourth in the Men's 50 kilometre freestyle, following an 11th place in the 30 kilometre skiathlon and a 12th in the 15 kilometre classic earlier in the championships.[12] On 16 December 2017, in a 15 kilometre World Cup competition in Toblach, Italy, Musgrave finished in third place.[13]
At the 2018 Winter Olympics he produced the best ever finish by a British athlete in Olympic cross-country skiing by finishing seventh in the skiathlon.[14] He repeated that position in the same event at the 2019 World Championships in Seefeld.
Olympic results[edit]
skiathlon
4 × 10 km
2010 19 55 51 — 58 — DNF
2014 23 44 — 53 29 — DNF
2018 27 28 7 37 — — 12
World Championship results[edit]
2009 18 56 45 — 65 14 17
2013 22 28 38 41 — — —
2017 26 12 11 4 — — —
2019 28 8 7 8 — — —
World Cup results[edit]
All results are sourced from the International Ski Federation (FIS).[15]
World Cup standings[edit]
Ski Tour standings
Ski Tour
2009 19 NC NC NC N/A DNP 70 N/A
2010 20 NC NC NC N/A DNP DNP N/A
2011 21 NC NC NC DNP DNP DNP N/A
2012 22 147 95 98 DNP 52 DNP N/A
2013 23 82 93 50 DNP 52 DNP N/A
2015 25 44 38 65 50 19 N/A N/A
2016 26 43 31 67 16 40 N/A 36
2017 27 23 18 43 29 18 9 N/A
2018 28 22 14 69 28 15 29 N/A
Individual podiums[edit]
2 podiums – (1 WC, 1 SWC)
1 2016–17 19 March 2017 Quebec City, Canada 15 km Pursuit F Stage World Cup 2nd
2 2017–18 16 December 2017 Toblach, Italy 15 km Individual F World Cup 3rd
^ a b Bell, Graham (18 December 2017). "Meet the skier who could put Great Britain on the cross-country podium at the Winter Olympics in February". telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
^ Scott-Elliot, Robin (9 February 2014). "Winter Olympics 2014: Sochi calling for Clash quartet with Andrew Musgrave ready to take centre stage". independent.co.uk. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
^ Haugli, Kurt (5 March 2017). "Her blir han Røa ILs beste mann på VM-femmila, og han heter ikke Sundby" [Here is Røa IL's best man at the World Championship 50km, and his name is not Sundby]. aftenposten.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 6 March 2017.
^ "Toblach (ITA): 25 km F Pursuit - Men - Stage World Cup". Federation Internationale de Ski. 8 January 2015. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
^ "Cross-Country Skiing - Musgrave makes history as fastest skier in Tour de Ski 25km Freestyle Pursuit". Eurosport. 8 January 2015. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
^ a b Williams, Ollie (17 January 2014). "Sochi 2014 hopeful Andrew Musgrave stuns Norwegian rivals". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
^ Ole Kristian Strøm and Jørgen B. Hoff (17 January 2014) Britisk sensasjonsseier i NM-sprinten VG. Retrieved 17 January 2014 ‹See Tfd›(in Norwegian)
^ "Andrew Musgrave Wins Norwegian Championship Alongside Norwegian Club Team Mate Martin Johnsrud Sundby". British Ski & Snowboard. 8 April 2013. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
^ Bangs, Ryan (23 February 2014). "Winter Olympics: Musgrave bids to end on a high". HeraldScotland. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
^ "Sochi 2014: Alexander Legkov wins 50km cross-country gold". bbc.co.uk. 23 February 2014. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
^ "Andrew Musgrave crowned Norwegian cross-country champion". bbc.co.uk. 3 April 2014. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
^ "Andrew Musgrave claims GB's best Nordic skiing result with fourth in 50km". bbc.co.uk. 5 March 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
^ "Cross Country World Cup: Britain's Andrew Musgrave wins bronze in Italy". BBC Sport. 16 December 2017. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
^ "Winter Olympics: GB's Andrew Musgrave finishes seventh in skiathlon". BBC Sport. 11 February 2018. Retrieved 12 February 2018.
^ "Athlete : MUSGRAVE Andrew". FIS-Ski. International Ski Federation. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
Andrew Musgrave at the International Ski Federation
Andrew Musgrave at British Olympic Association
Interview with Andrew Musgrave
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Andrew_Musgrave&oldid=894273292"
Cross-country skiers at the 2010 Winter Olympics
Olympic cross-country skiers of Great Britain
Scottish male cross-country skiers
British male cross-country skiers
Tour de Ski skiers
Scottish expatriates in the United States
People from Dorset
British expatriate sportspeople in the United States
British expatriate sportspeople in Norway
Anglo-Scots
Sportspeople from Aberdeenshire
CS1 Norwegian-language sources (no)
Articles with Norwegian-language external links

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The photo was shot using a Canon EOS REBEL T5i camera at an aperture of f/3.5, 1/90 sec. shutter speed and ISO 100. Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens was used to capture the image. Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode. The original image file has a resolution of 5184 x 2916 pixels, or in other words 15.1 megapixels.The photo has a resolution of 240 DPI and occupies a disk space of 9.03 megabytes.
According to the image metadata, the photo was shot on Saturday 25th of October 2014. The local time was 18:01:09. The timezone was America / New_York, which is GMT -04:00. Please note that timezone was guessed using the GPS coordinates and may not be accurate. The EXIF timestamp may also be wrong if the date and time weren't set correctly in the digital camera.
Canon EOS REBEL T5i camera has a built-in GPS receiver and allows geotagging on image files. The coordinates and location where the photo was taken is stored in the EXIF. According to GPS data analysis, the photo was taken at coordinates 38° 59' 45.31" N , 77° 15' 12.17" W. The elevation was 0 meters. Using reverse geocoding, the address associated with the coordinates is guessed as Old Carriage Road, McLean, VA 22102, USA. Depending on the GPS receiver and the reception conditions the accuracy may vary and the address should not be regarded as exact location.


text:
ACCEPTED

#### According to
Index Fungorum

#### Published in
Bull. Acad. R. Sci. Belg. , Cl. Sci. , sér. 5 19(3): 120 (1852)

#### Original name
Septoria lysimachiae f. lysimachiae

### Remarks
null

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


CAVE is a square trimless downlight series with the light source regressed for visual comfort. The LED is 14 watts and available in color temperatures 2700°K, 3000°K, 3500°K and 4000°K, and a lumen package delivering a range from 1030lm to 1140lm. Beam angle options are 20°, 40°, and 60°. NATURAL DIMM technology adjusts the color temperature of the light as it is dimmed. CAVE is available in single light, double, and wallwash. 25 colors are available for the baffle, creating the KORONA EFFECT. Even without the additional benefits brought by the highly flexible rotation and tilt adjustment, the aesthetics of the CAVE luminaries are unbeatable. Contemporary and classic.


text:
GD X Taeyang (também conhecido anteriormente como GDYB) é uma dupla sul-coreana formada por G-Dragon e Taeyang em 2014, integrantes do grupo BIGBANG.

História
G-Dragon e Taeyang se conheceram na idade de treze anos, quando tornaram-se estagiários da YG Entertainment. A dupla foi originalmente planejada para estrear como uma dupla de Hip Hop sob o nome de "GDYB", antes de ingressarem em outro projeto da agência, apesar disso, a dupla ainda realizou algumas participações em singles de seus companheiros de gravadora com o referido nome. Mais tarde, a YG Entertainment optou por lançar um grupo masculino ao invés vez da dupla, alocando-os como integrantes do grupo BIGBANG, contudo, ambos tiveram que participar de um programa de sobrevivência que documentou a formação do mesmo. Nos anos seguintes, tanto G-Dragon como Taeyang, lançaram-se como solistas e realizaram participações na discografia um do outro, com o primeiro atuando também como produtor e compositor.

Em 21 de novembro de 2014, G-Dragon e Taeyang lançaram o single "Good Boy", em uma colaboração sob o nome GD × Taeyang. Após seu lançamento, atingiu a primeira colocação da parada World Digital Songs da Billboard, tornando a dupla o terceiro artista coreano a conquistar tal feito. Suas vendas na Coreia do Sul foram de mais de 1,2 milhões de cópias digitais e seu vídeo musical atingiu a marca de cem milhões de visualizações na plataforma de vídeos Youtube em abril de 2016.

Integrantes

Discografia

Álbuns single

DVDs

Singles

Como artista principal

Prêmios

Vitórias em programas de música

Referências

Ligações externas

Duos musicais
Fundações na Coreia do Sul em 2014
Bandas de K-pop
Bandas formadas em 2014
Boy bands da Coreia do Sul
Artistas da YG Entertainment
Subunidades de K-pop

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Real Talk with Rachel Luna is THE podcast for transparency, business CONFIDENCE + strategy, personal development, child rearing, mentorship, personal growth, money + time management, goal getting, priorities, productivity and of course God talk!
Head over to www.rachelluna.biz/podcast for show notes!
Rachel is just the best! Absolutely in love with this podcast and her. So uplifting, inspirational, yet authentic and relatable! Subscribe!


text:
Q: c++ template linked list which can hold any types How to define a list which can hold different types of objects in c++, just like python list? I tried the following code
#include <iostream>

template< typename t >
struct Node {
    t val;
    Node *next;
};

int main() {
    Node<int> a;
    a.val = 1;
    Node<char> b;
    b.val = 'b';
    a.next = &b;
    b.next = NULL;
}

But compiler gives the following error:
main.cpp:14:15: error: cannot convert 'Node<char>*' to 'Node<int>*' in
assignment
     a.next = &b;
           ^

A: There is a couple problems with this code, first of which is the next member of Node does not have a template type defined, usually in this case if you want to make a linked list of one generic type you would do something like Node<t>* next. Second is the fact that you are assigning what seems to be an Node* to a Node*.
If what you are trying to do is create a linked list of different types you cannot do it this way. Simply put, the reason is because you have to pass in a type for the t argument and because of this each node must have a defined type. The purpose of template classes is not to allow user to allocate any generic type willy nilly but rather to simplify repeated implementation of a class by allowing you to pass in a type as a parameter. As an example: a List<int> vs a List<char> simplyfies you from having to make a IntList class and a CharList class.
If you want the behavior of storing any dynamically allocated types within the same array then this is not as easy. I would recommend looking at c++17 std::any and std::variant types or if older version of the language the boost boost::any and boost::variant types from the boost library. Other ways to do this without the standard libraries is by using polymorphism or void*.


text:
Winky Play
The "Winky Play" app allows children to discover the Winky robot, its different sensors and effectors through fun and alluring games. The player controls the avatar in the app with their Winky robot for an innovative play experience.
Winky sails through the sky of Pomokata, a world of dreams and wonders. In this world, Winky encounters animal-cities that are home to many games.
In the game "Whacky Run", Winky runs around the earth and has to avoid dinosaurs. Run as far as you can and collect as many seeds as possible to beat your score.
In the game "Infernal Daedalus", Winky is lost on an asteroid. Collect all the seeds in each level to finish it and unlock the next.
Go under the sea in the game "Brick Breaker" and get help from a manta ray and a sunfish to unlock all 20 levels. Destroy all the bricks in a level to complete it and unlock the next.
In the game "Mirror Dance", Winky will test your memory with his wild dances. Watch the dance of the virtual Winky and your robot to see if they are the same or different.
Musical Tree is an experience where Winky transforms into several musical instruments. Develop your creativity and sense of rhythm by manipulating the Winky robot.
Winky's 2 apps are completely FREE!
Winky Code
Winky and its app "Winky Code" allows children to develop their programming and robotics skills. They learn to code by completing a number of challenges which they can then play without a tablet. Winky's sensors and effectors allow it to interact with children and the environment around them.
The many challenges offer children practical applications and varied games. The originality and diversity of the activities make them want to progress with Winky. Each challenge contains 3 levels divided into 10-15 steps.
Thanks to the simple and intuitive tutorial, getting a grip on the app and the robot is easy and adapted to each age. All texts are both written and read to simplify the use for even the youngest.
Thanks to the game library, children can save their games, share them with their friends and access hundreds of programs created by other Winkynauts!
Thanks to the "Adventures", children can learn programming at their own pace while discovering the world of Winky and his friends. In one of the adventures, for example, your child must make Winky dance with a group of robots to learn how to interact with them.
Children can create an alarm clock, a motion detector, a stopwatch, play the hot potato game or the egg race...
Programming has never been as easy and fun as it is with Winky!
Subscribe to the Winky Newsletter to receive the latest product updates and other news!
The world of Winky
Winkyverse
Winky & You
Winky's social networks
Hey Winky © 2023 - All rights reserved - Agence Web Beyonds


text:
«Золота ера хіп-хопу» (або «золоте століття»;  або ) - період у хіп-хопі кінця 80-х - початку 90-х років XX століття. Журналісти характеризують його як період різноманітної та якісної музики, який вплинув на розвиток культури в цілому. У творчості артистів простежуються теми афроцентризму, політичної активності, музика переважно створюється за допомогою семплювання вже існуючих записів, відрізняється якоюсь еклектичністю звучання. Найбільш асоційованими з цим виразом виконавцями є Public Enemy, Boogie Down Productions, Eric B. & Rakim, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest та Jungle Brothers. Релізи цих колективів співіснували і були більш комерційно вигіднішими ніж ранні виконавці гангста-репу (такі як N.W.A.), секс-репу (2 Live Crew), та «party-oriented» музики (Kid 'n Play та DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince).

Стиль

Золоте століття відоме своїм нововведенням - це час, «коли здавалося, що кожен новий сингл заново винайшов жанр» згідно з журналом Rolling Stone. «Що стосується хіп-хопу в його золотому столітті», - говорить головний редактор журналу Spin Sia Michel, - «було дуже багато важливих, інноваційних альбомів, що виходять вчасно». Sway Calloway з MTV додає: «Особливість того великого періоду полягає в тому, що нічого не було винайдено. Все тільки вивчалося, і все було інноваційним та новим». Письменник William Jelani Cobb: «До ери, яку вони проголосили гідною звання "золотий", привело величезну кількість стилістичних нововведень, що з'явилися… в ці золоті роки, критична маса цих мікрофонних чудес буквально створювала сама себе і одночасно з цим — свою художню форму».

Ця ера також забезпечила деякі з найвидатніших досягнень у техніці репу - Kool G Rap, у вступі до книги How to Rap, заявляє щодо золотої доби: «Ця епоха виховала таких реперів як Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, Rakim, Chuck D... <…> їх здібності та вміння читання репу – ці хлопці феноменальні!»

Багато видатних виконавців хіп-хопу перебували в найвищій точці свого творчого розвитку — Allmusic стверджує, що золота ера «свідчить про кращі записи від кількох найвидатніших реперів в історії жанру… Переважно базується в Нью-Йорку, золота ера характеризується  скелетними бітами  (), вкраденими з хард-року та соул-композицій семплами, і жорстким дис-репом  ()… Рифмоплети на кшталт Chuck D, Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, Rakim і Public Enemy практично винайшли складну гру слів і ліричне кунг-фу подальшого хіп-хопу».

Досить частим був акцент на чорному націоналізмі — дослідник хіп-хопу Michael Eric Dyson стверджує, що «протягом золотої доби хіп-хопу, з 1987 до 1993, афроцентристський і чорно-націоналістичний реп був видатним». Критик Scott Thill зауважує: «золоте століття хіп-хопу, кінця 80-х і початку 90-х, коли форма найбільш уміло поєднувала войовничість їхніх попередників — Чорних Пантер та Watts Prophets з широко відкритим культурним експерименталізмом De La Soul та інших».

Стилістична різноманітність також була видатною — MSNBC пише про золоту епоху: «у реперів був індивідуальний звук, який був визначений їх місцем проживання та оточенням, а не маркетинговою стратегією». The Village Voice також відзначає «еклектизм» золотої доби.

Період
Різні джерела вказують різні часові рамки золотої ери хіп-хопу. Rolling Stone посилається до «золотого віку репу '86-'99», MSNBC стверджує: «"Золоте століття" музики хіп-хоп: 80-ті та 90-ті».

Деякі джерела називають пізні 1980-і та 1990-ті повністю. До них відносяться: The New York Times: «золоте століття хіп-хопу - пізні 1980-ті і 1990-ті»; Allmusic пише: «золота ера хіп-хопу обмежена комерційним проривом Run-D.M.C. в 1986 році з одного боку, і вибухом популярності ганста-репу, пов'язаним з альбомом Dr. Dre The Chronic в 1992 році, з іншого; у книзі Contemporary Youth Culture «ера золотої доби» приписується періоду 1987-1999, що настав після «ери Old School: з 1979 до 1987». Ед Саймонс, учасник гурту The Chemical Brothers каже, «золота ера хіп-хопу була на початку 1990-х, коли Jungle Brothers записали Straight Out the Jungle, а De La Soul випустили Three Feet High and Rising (хоча ці записи були зроблені у 1988 та 1989 роках відповідно).»

Музичний критик Тоні Грін, у книзі Classic Material посилається на дворічний період 1993—1994 як на «другий Золотий Вік», у якому представлені впливові та високоякісні альбоми, що використовують класичні елементи недалекого минулого — драм-машина E-mu SP-1200, скретчинг посилання на хіти хіп-хопу старої школи та «tongue-twisting triplet verbalisms» — поки що стає ясно, що були обрані нові напрямки. Грін включає в список релізів такого роду такі альбоми як Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (Wu-Tang Clan), Illmatic (Nas), Buhloone Mindstate (De La Soul), Doggystyle (Snoop Dogg), Midnight Marauders (A Tribe Called Quest) і Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (OutKast).

Закінчення епохи
Закінчення «золотої доби» хіп-хопу традиційно відносять до 1993 року, коли Snoop Dogg випустив свій дебютний альбом, і почався комерційний зліт джі-фанка. Саме тоді хіп-хоп Західного узбережжя переживав розквіт свого розвитку; це викликало невдоволення реперів зі Сходу, проте переламати ситуацію їм вдалося пізніше, з виходом релізів Illmatic та Ready to Die.

Вплив епохи
Під час «золотого віку» з'явилися наступні жанри

 хардкор-реп
 гангста-реп
 джі-фанк
 мафіозо-реп
 джаз-реп
 поп-реп
 реп-рок

Найбільш відомі артисти
На думку ряду джерел, таких як Rolling Stone, The Village Voice, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Allmusic, The Age, MSNBC та письменника William Jelani Cobb, ключовими виконавцями золотої ери хіп-хопу є:

Примітки

Афроамериканська культура
Афроамериканська музика
1990-ті в музиці


Slouchick said at least 40 people were in the parking lot when the incident happened between 2:50 and 3 a.m.
Officials said Brown, a father of two girls ages 2 and 3, was injured during the incident and rushed to the hospital, where he later died.
A 22-year-old woman told responding officers that an unknown black man punched her twice during the fight and fled the scene. She had visible swelling on the right side of her face but refused medical treatment, authorities said.
She described her unidentified assailant as a short-hair black man dressed in a black shirt, blue jeans and brown boots.
Slouchick said Monday afternoon that no arrests have been made in the case and police are still trying to contact witnesses. He asked that anyone with any information or video concerning the incident to send it directly to authorities, instead of posting it on social media.
"If you don't have any direct knowledge, don't put it out there," Slouchick said. "If you do have direct knowledge, please call us and let us know."
Nikita Bell, Brown's mother, said she's relying on her faith in God to help her cope with her only son's untimely death.
With so many questions left unanswered, the mother of three is hoping that learning more about what led to Brown's death will give her some peace.
"I'm trying to be strong for my girls and my mom, I have breakdowns and want to be by myself sometimes...," she said. "I'm trying to be strong the best way I know how. I'm lost for words."
Bell said the 23-year-old Shaw High graduate earned a full-ride scholarship to college in San Jose, Calif. He didn't attend college but made the decision Wednesday to join the U.S. Army.
Bell said Brown participated in multiple sports in high school, including soccer and track, but nothing compared to his passion for football, which he started playing at the age of 6.
The mother recalled watching Brown run a 99-yard game-winning touchdown against LaGrange High School as one of her fondest memories of him.
"I enjoyed going to see him play football," she said with a smile.
It's Bell's hope that people will remember Brown for his loving and kind spirit.
"He was helpful person who would do pretty much anything," she said. "He was a friend and brother to a whole lot of people, even to those who weren't his siblings."
Brown's family is accepting donations for his funeral expenses through a GoFundMe page. For those unable to do donate, a simple prayer will do.
"I just ask people just to pray for me and my family, to give us strength," the mother said. "I know there is a God, and God does not make mistakes."
Stay with the Ledger for more on this developing story.


text:
Kong Audio ChineeGuZheng
Samples / KONTAKT
Rippling and Dreamy
Guzheng, as one of the most representative Chinese instruments, first appeared around the Warring States period (475 - 221 BC), then became extremely popular during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD) and spread to all neighboring areas ever since (e.g., Guzheng is the forefather of Japanese Koto). Guzheng was originally a rather simple instrument with only five strings. After all the years of evolution, today's Guzheng has twenty-one strings and is still widely used in all kinds of Chinese music.
Guzheng has a unique, rippling sound character. The playing techniques developed for Guzheng are also Extraordinary Live Performance Playability
ChineeGuzheng II has an extensive sampleset which contains various types of tremolo, slide, glissando, and strumming. The note range is from A2 to G7 (for most patches).
With Kong Audio's professional arrangement which has been highly complimented by various reviewers, playing with ChineeGuzheng II is an inspiring and enjoyable experience. Like all Kong Audio plugins, instead of a dead set of rigid samples, ChineeGuzheng II is marked with unparalleled playability which hasn't been achieved before in the Chinese instrument libraries.
Kong Audio Chinee Series PiPa and LiuQin
Kong Audio Chinee Series ChineeErHu I and ChineeErHu II
SonicCouture GuZheng
Evolution Series World Strings Guzheng
Impact Soundworks Plectra Series 5 Guzheng


text:
Prehibernation Week
(inside Sandy's treedome, Sandy is raking leaves into a pile)
Sandy: There we go! (Sandy rakes a pile of leaves in the shape of Texas) Spongebob, I got all the leaves ra... (steps on piles of leaves still on the ground) Spongebob, what are all these leaves doing here? You said you were going to rake them!
Spongebob: (peeks his head out of a pile of leaves he is in)I am raking the leaves.
Sandy: But they're still all over the ground!
Spongebob: I can't rake any faster. (picks up a leaf and starts scraping it with a tiny rake) These are big leaves! (leaf breaks into more pieces) And they keep breaking into more leaves! (Sandy pushes him away and rakes them herself) Then go scrape the salt lick or somethin'! We got to get this stuff done before it's too late! What's the big rush anyway, Sandy?
Sandy: (hanging laundry) I told ya, Spongebob... (scrubs the birdbath with a toothbrush) I'm hibernating next week.
Spongebob: Hibernating? What's that?
Sandy: (painting the fence) It's when I go to sleep for the whole winter.
Spongebob: Can I do that?
Sandy: (chuckles) No, silly. It's a mammalian thing. (paints over Spongebob's helmet)
Spongebob: Sandy, you may not have noticed, but I is 100% ma-male.
Sandy: (cleaning her exercise wheel) Enough chitter-chatter, Spongebob. We don't have much time left!
Spongebob: Why, Sandy? When does your... carburation begin? (Sandy jumps down, pulling down a giant calender with a giant x on the 8th)
Sandy: In one week!
Spongebob: But Sandy, that only gives us... (counts then gasps) 168 more hours of playtime!
Sandy: You're telling me. And there's still so much stuff to do! We gotta climb some things.
Spongebob: Climb.
Sandy: We gotta jump off of stuff.
Spongebob: Jump.
Sandy: We gotta ride.
Spongebob: Ride.
Sandy: I don't wanna go to sleep yet!
Spongebob: Wait Sandy! (Sandy starts to sob)
Sandy: I can't burn carbs in my sleep!
Spongebob: Sandy?
Sandy: What?
Spongebob: Sandy, I'm willing to sacrifice any of my time that I haven't already sold to Mr Krabs to you.
Sandy: Well I'm glad, Spongebob, 'cause for the next seven days, it's gonna be you, me, and these sweatbands! (holds them up. Cut to the giant sand mountains area. Sandy is riding a giant clam shell smashing through a sign) Yee-ha! (sliding down the mountain so fast she is now on fire. She rides past a fish with a backpack on his back. When she goes past him, he drops to the ground and rolls around cause he is on fire. She then rides past a man and a woman. The man turns into a little kid and the woman is now wearing jogging outfit when Sandy slides past them both. The woman looks at him)
Fish #1: Uh... I can explain. (Sandy flips in mid-air, still on fire)
Sandy: I'm hotter than a hickory-smoked sausage! Woo-hoo! (Spongebob is wearing his green karate head gear and riding down the mountain on his tongue. Cut to two kids, building a sandman)
Girl: Maybe, if we sing that song, he'll come to life.
Boy: Ready?
Both: (singing) Oh, there once was a sandman... (Spongebob rides into the snowman)
Spongebob: Life's as extreme as you want to make it! (jumps off the mountain) Whoo!
Girl: Maybe we didn't sing it right. (Spongebob flying toward the ground. When he hits it, two bones are sticking out)
Spongebob: Yeah. (cut to Sandy and Spongebob standing outside Sandy's treedome) Whew, what a workout! (he pulls out his right arm and shows its damages) I'm going to be feeling this tomorrow. (his arm falls to the ground) Ow.
Sandy: I got to say, I'm impressed with you, Spongebob. You're making this the best pre-hibernation week ever.
Spongebob: Well, I'd better get home before Gary chews up the sofa again. (sighs as he lifts up his left leg and moves it alternately with the other over to his house. Later, it's nighttime and he is finally crawling into bed) Good night Gary. (falls asleep. Then Sandy pushes a button which launches Spongebob out of his bed and into a lake. Spongebob is now a block of ice. Sandy jumps in and becomes a block of ice)
Sandy: Nothing like a refreshing morning dip, huh, Spongebob?
Spongebob: (shivering) W-what h-happened to s-sleeping? (Sandy pulls down a calendar)
Sandy: I'll be asleep all winter! We only got three days for fun. (swims away) Well hurry now! The giant clams like to feed at this hour! (cut to Spongebob lifting a bowling ball into a tube. Sandy blows her whistle and Spongebob runs to the end and picks up a few jacks before the bowling ball hits him on his head. Sandy does the same thing but the bowling ball cracks her helmet) Isn't this great?
Spongebob: Yeah! I've never played extreme jacks before! (cut to Sandy and Spongebob with giant q-tips)
Sandy: Ok Spongebob, this one's going to be fun. We just whack each other with these giant ear cleaners 'til one of us falls off. (lifts hers up) On your mark... get set...
Spongebob: Sandy, are you sure we're supposed to be standing up here?
Sandy: Go! (hits Spongebob off the building. Spongebob lands on a fire hydrant. Sandy rides up on a two-seated bike) Come on, Spongebob. We're goin' for a tandem ride through the park!
Spongebob: Gee, that sounds safe! I mean, fun. (gets up but leaves a piece of himself on the fire hydrant. He jumps on the bike) Ok, I'm ready! I thought you said we were riding through the park, Sandy.
Sandy: I did, Spongebob, the industrial park. (they ride into a giant factory) This is where the real action is! (Sandy pedals on barbed wire) This part gets pretty technical! Yee-haw! Now for the speed course. Hold on! (they ride through a conveyor belt with a giant crunching mouth at the end) I hope we make it. (bike begins to fall to the ground fast. Spongebob screams) I'm havin' fun, too. (as they hit the ground, Spongebob melts into a puddle. Sandy tosses a fishing rod on him) Wake up, slowpoke. (scene scrolls over to show a plane) We're going fly-fishing. (rimshot)
Spongebob: (thinking) This squirrel's trying to kill me. Any more of these stunts and I'll be reduced to a puddle! (sees his shoe floating) Wait a minute, I've got to talk my way out of this. Sandy, I think I need to tell you something.
Sandy: What is it?
Spongebob: Well, it's just that I'm feeling sort of... (his mouth melts away from his eyes. He pulls it back up) I just feel like maybe I need to... (his mouth melts away again. Sandy puts her hand over his mouth)
Sandy: Hold that thought, Spongebob! 'Cause it's time for a down-home favorite! (holds up a piece of hay) Find the hay in the needle stack! (throws it in a giant pile of needles. Cut to inside the needle pile where Spongebob is covered in needles and still getting poked with them) Did you find it?
Spongebob: Not yet.
Sandy: Well I'm going to look over here.
Spongebob: You do that. (Spongebob digs a hole underground then emerges)
Sandy: Found it, Spongebob! (Spongebob runs away) Come on. Best two out of three.
Spongebob: Got to hide. Got to hide. Home? No. Gary can't keep a secret. (looks at Patrick's rock) Under a rock! It's so original. (as he jumps for the rock, his pants get stuck)
Sandy: Spongebob?! (Spongebob struggles to get free and eventually does but leaves his pants stuck on the plant) Spongebob? (Sandy walks up to Spongebob's pants) Where are you, little square dude? (gasps) Spongebob's tie! And all his other little dressins! But... but... he always folds his clothes before running around in the nude! Something terrible must have happened to him! (cut to the Krusty Krab where customers are eating. Sandy swings the doors open) Alright, listen up, y'all! I'm rounding up a search party! Spongebob's gone missing! (Squidward smiles at Mr Krabs)
Mr Krabs: Man the lifeboats!
Sandy: Alpha Team, you search uptown. Gold Team searches downtown. Any questions?
Fish #2: Gold Team rules.
Sandy: Now get movin'! (everyone runs out. Cut to Fred putting up a lost poster. Cut to Sandy and a few other fish stills earching) Come on! He could be anywhere in these sulfur fields! (a fish looks in a spout)
Fish #3: Hey Spongebob! (a blast of sulfur hits him in the face) Well…,at least I still have my personality. (cut to Sandy and two fish by a cave)
Sandy: Check in this here moist cave! (three fish walk in shouting for Spongebob then run out, away froma giant fish monster) Status report! (a fish walks up covered in sea urchins)
Fish #4: He's not in the sea urchin cove.
Sandy: Well, look again! (a woman walks by covered in leeches)
Fish #5: He's not at the leech farm.
Sandy: Well, look again! (Squidward walks up)
Squidward: He's not in my thoughts.
Sandy: Well, think again! (cut to Sandy talking into a megaphone) Attention Bikini Bottom, the time has come to double, no, triple our efforts.
Squidward: How about a break? We've been at it for days!
Fish #6: Think about the children!
Sandy: That's a good idea! Use the children to crawl into small places you couldn't normally reach.
Fish #7: (whispering to the woman) This is a load of barnacles.
Sandy: I heard that!! No one's going anywhere until we find Spongebob.
Fish #2: Uh... uh, wait, here he is! (picks up a fish)
Sandy: That ain't Spongebob! Spongebob is square! (squeezes the fish into a square)
Fish #8: I'm ready! I'm ready!
Sandy: No you ain't! (a fish holds a box of Kelpo)
Fish #9: I found Squarebob!
Sandy: That's just a cereal box. Besides, he's yellow.
Fish #10: (holds up a banana) Uh... here he is! Hey, can I go home now?
Woman: (points up) Oh, look! He's up in the sky! (Sandy looks up)
Sandy: He's not...huh? (everyone is gone) They must have gone to search some more. (Sandy continues searching for Spongebob) Spongebob, where are you? (lifts up a house) You under there? (lifts up another house) Nope. (lifts up another house where the fish from before is at)
Fish #1: Uhh, I can explain. (cut to Patrick's rock where a lot of eyes are under it)
Fish #9: That squirrel's gone crazy.
Woman: But she'll never look under a rock.
Spongebob: (laughs) You said it! Sandy'll never find us! (everyone's eyes look over to the end of the rock. Spongebob is thrown out of the rock) Hey wait, you don't understand.
Squidward: Oh look, it is I, Spongebob, out here in the open! (Sandy turns around)
Sandy: Spongebob?
Spongebob: (screams. Bangs on the rock) C'mon, let me back in! You don't understand! (Sandy hugs Spongebob)
Sandy: Oh, Spongebob, I was so worried. I thought something terrible happened! (grabs his arm) Come on. There's just enough time to go atom smashing. (Sandy runs but Spongebob is not moving)
Spongebob: Sandy, wait!
Sandy: There's no time to wait! Hibernation! (pulls on Spongebob's arm)
Spongebob: Sandy, you've got to make time. This is important! (Sandy lets go of Spongebob's arm) I am a man. (holds up a razor) Ok Sandy, I...I...I...I...I can't play with you anymore! (cries) I just can't take the games. They're tearing me apart! (rips off his nose and throws it on the ground then holds onto Sandy's legs) There, I said it! Now just promise we can still be friends! Please, Sandy! I...Sandy? (notices Sandy asleep and laughs) I never thought I'd say it, but thank Neptune for hibernation! (laughs then falls asleep like he is hibernating. Pan over to Patrick arriving with a bag of groceries and notices a bunch of eyes under his rock)
Patrick: Who are you people?


text:
Beast who raped and murdered pensioner lies to police he killed a child — (Daily Record)
By Amy Devine
A SEX beast who raped and killed a pensioner boasted to police that he had murdered a child.
Sick Kevin Rooney, 26, made the chilling "confession" to officers who arrested him for the murder of 74-year-old Rosina Sutherland. The pervert, who was convicted on Wednesday of killing the pensioner, told police: "I murdered a four-year-old."
But hours later he backtracked and police exposed his claim as a lie.
Rooney admitted murdering Rosina when he appeared at the High Court in Aberdeen earlier this week. He is due in court in Edinburgh today in a continuation of the proceedings.
The case has sparked angry calls for an investigation into why Rooney was on the streets – despite having 36 previous convictions.
He had already served time for a sex offence against two boys under the age of 10.
Rooney was also given a sexual offences prevention order but had broken the rules on several occasions.
He made his sinister claim about the child killing as he sat in a police car with two officers outside St Leonards police station, Edinburgh, in the early hours of October 30 last year.
They had just arrested him over Rosina's brutal murder at a sheltered housing complex in the capital's Longstone.
Rooney, who was on bail at the time, told them: "I went into an old dear's house.
"I just wanted somewhere to stay. I think I killed her.
"I hit her a few times and suffocated her."
He admitted a walking stick he was carrying belonged to his victim, adding: "I have the lady's DNA all over my hands."
When asked why, he said: "Cause I murdered someone last night."
Rooney blamed his crime on a cocktail of drink and anti-depressant drugs.
He told police: "Last night, I spent £125 on drink and 40 tablets of amitriptyline. Then I murdered someone."


text:
Megadeth - Dystopia [LP]
Metal,Records Under $50,Rock,Vinyl Records
HEAVY METAL,MEGADETH,MUSIC,ROCK,VINYL
A1 The Threat Is Real
A2 Dystopia
A3 Fatal Illusion
A4 Death From Within
A5 Bullet To The Brain
B1 Post American World
B2 Poisonous Shadows
B3 Conquer Or Die!
B4 Lying In State
B5 The Emperor
B6 Foreign Policy
Dystopia is the fifteenth studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth. It was released on frontman and guitarist Dave Mustaine's Tradecraft label via Universal on January 22, 2016. The album was produced by Mustaine and Chris Rakestraw and features cover artwork by Brent Elliot White.
Prior to Dystopia's recording, longtime drummer Shawn Drover (drums) and guitarist Chris Broderick announced their departure form the band. It is the first album by the band since 2004's The System Has Failed not to feature the former, and the first not to feature the latter since 2007's United Abominations. These roles have been filled by Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler and Angra guitarist Kiko Loureiro, respectively.
Following the lukewarm response to the band's previous album, 2013's Super Collider, Dystopia received largely favorable reaction from critics, being considered a return to form for the band. The album holds a Metacritic score of 69/100 as of August 2016. The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart, making Dystopia the band's second highest charting album in the U.S. after Countdown to Extinction, which peaked at number two in 1992.
Motorhead - Ace Of Spades [LP]
The Black Dahlia Murder - Deflorate [LP]
Korn - The Serenity Of Suffering [LP]
Korn - Paradigm Shift [2LP]
Korn - Life Is Peachy [LP]
Korn - Issues [2LP] (180G)
Church Of Misery - And Then There Were None [LP]
Cannibal Corpse - The Bleeding [LP]
311 - Transistor [2LP]
311 - Music [2LP]


text:
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Uncle Sam: America's Mascot
July 3, 2013 in Mascots, Opinion, Politics, Uncategorized | Tags: awkward, Brother Jonathan, cartoons, Columbia, comics, History, mascot, personification, political, satire, stars, stripes, Symbol, U.S., Uncle Sam | by Wayne | Leave a comment
Uncle Sam at the Midland 4th of July Parade (Photo by Sylvester Washington Jr.)
To celebrate the 4th of July two years ago, I wrote a blog post about the national symbol of the United States and the original alternatives contemplated by the founding fathers (a post which was awesome since it was filled with turkeys, rattlesnakes, killer whales, and eagles). This year, I concentrate on a national mascot whom we all feel much more ambivalent about. I am talking, of course, about the somewhat awkward and unsettling figure of Uncle Sam.
Uncle Sam (Thomas Nast, 1877, engraving)
The concept of Uncle Sam as a fictional stand-in for the government of the United States emerged during the War of 1812 when a meat supplier stamped his meat crates with "U.S." and soldiers joked that this meant came from "Uncle Sam" (in fact "Uncle Sam" is mentioned in the Revolutionary-era song "Yankee Doodle" but it is unclear if he is a symbol of the nation or just, you know, somebody's uncle). By 1816 Uncle Sam was the subject of humorous political tracts and by the time of the civil war he was a universally known representation of the United States government. Uncle Sam is traditionally portrayed as a thin patrician man with a snow white chin beard. He is dressed in a stars & stripe suit complete with an American flag themed hat. The comic portentousness of the figure has made Uncle Sam popular with America's supporters and detractors both—so one might see him waving a flag and marching in a patriotic parade in Texas (as at the top) or on Iranian government broadsheets deviously backstabbing the Iranian people for oil. For example, here he is, portrayed as Yama, devouring the entire world through consumer culture and war.
For a time Uncle Sam stood only for the government whereas the citizenry itself was represented by Brother Jonathan, a long-winded New England tradesman in a frock coat and striped pants (Brother Jonathan himself had begun as a symbol of New England, but gradually came to represent the whole nation). By mid-nineteenth century Brother Jonathan was subsumed into Uncle Sam, who has remained more-or-less the same since that time (though sometimes he bulks up in muscle or in flab—depending on the cartoonist's agenda).
Brother Jonathan Aggressively Chokes John Bull with stomach-ache-causing raw pear juice!
Uncle Sam is frequently bowdlerized to sell cigars, financial vehicles, petrol, or what-have-you. During the golden age of comics, Uncle Sam even became a sort of nightmarish DC comic book hero: he was an extra-temporal super ghost (summoned by the founding fathers) who possessed dying patriots with superhuman powers in order to fight fascists and pirates…or something. Frankly, the concept may have needed some work.
Excuse me, but, what?
Uncle Sam is used by too many people for too many reasons, and he is just not as magnificent as an Eagle. Even at his best, he is rather clownlike and awkward. Before Uncle Sam or Brother Jonathan, America was represented by Columbia, a beautiful warrior goddess with a Phrygian cap and a bustier spangled with stars! Curses! How did we trade down to end up with a Jefferson Davis lookalike dressed like a pimp?
Although it seems like she might have gone into the phonograph and moving picture business…
Looking even further back, Columbia herself even seems to be a rip-off of Britannia, the trident-wielding, Minerva-hatted, warrior goddess who has been a symbol of Britain's suzerainty since Roman times. Both Cousin Jonathan and Uncle Sam seem like line-extensions of the immensely popular John Bull. Maybe the idea of personifying nations as people is flawed. Having a frightening mascot in a strange primary color costume might be the right thing for a minor-league baseball team, but it ill-becomes the glory and complexity of our nation. Perhaps we should just stick with the majestic eagle which cannot be made to look so absurd….
No! Darn it!


Why? Water is your body's favorite beverage (even if it's not the one you crave). And cutting out sugary beverages eliminates a lot of calories from your diet.
If you're an average American, you're consuming about 250 more calories a day than Americans of a generation ago … and nearly half of that is coming from beverages. That puts the average person on track to gain more than 10 pounds a year—just from what they're drinking.
Those struggling the hardest to lose weight may have unwittingly poured on the pounds — through beverages — even faster. Most contestants on "The Biggest Loser" television show, for example, learned that they were consuming their total daily calorie needs through beverages alone.
Take a pass on that 20-oz cola and you've saved yourself from drinking 16 teaspoons of sugar and about 250 calories.
Energy drinks like Red Bull® also include a lot of sugar and empty calories, as well as stimulants such as caffeine. Recent studies suggest that too much can lead to health problems, particularly when mixed with alcohol.
Take one simple step toward better health — choose water more often.


Using the golden rule as our guide to build a worldwide organization we strive to give our CUSTOMERS high-quality products and services at an affordable price to commensurate with superior service before and after the sale; our ASSOCIATES the best possible job opportunity and work satisfaction; our SUPPLIERS every opportunity to sell their products and services in an atmosphere of courtesy, trust and fairness. Recognizing our social responsibilities to the COMMUNITIES in which we operate, we will strive to conduct our affairs in such an efficient, capable, and friendly manner that everyone with whom we come in contact will be happy to be associated with us.
The core purpose of our firm is to become "trusted advisors" for every business we engage with by incorporating our proven strategies to gain the highest level of customer satisfaction.
Established in 1993 and incorporated in 2000 The LaSource Group is a global provider of business intelligence analytics, cost savings strategies and accounts receivable management services. Understanding each client's unique challenges and core values combined with our exceptional performance and customer service has created long term engagements with our clients. In fact, over 96% of our clients have continually engaged with our company since our inception. Our visionary people, our unique methodology and our relentless focus on superior performance set us apart from the competition. Our Ivy League MBA's have authored and implemented numerous process improvement strategies to accelerate cash, improve bottom-line results and reduce risk. Over 94% of our client's that implement our strategies report significant acceleration in cash flow, DSO reduction and substantially improved revenue recovery.


The IFP welcomes the Constitutional Court ruling this morning that the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) is invalid to the extent that it does not allow for the recording, preserving and providing of access to information on the funding of political parties.
This ruling is welcomed as it strengthens the oversight role of the public on political parties and for greater transparency and participatory democracy.
The IFP supported legislation in Parliament with regard to political party funding and the creation of a new multi-party democracy fund. Furthermore, the current draft legislation is before the NCOP Ad Hoc committee for concurrence.
Public Hearings are taking place within the Ad Hoc committee in the NCOP and the IFP wishes to encourage all citizens and stakeholders to participate in all processes.
The IFP will study the judgement in so far as it would affect current legislation on party funding which was passed in the National Assembly and make any further considerations.


We're planning to hold a club organizational meeting in late June or early July. And we want to hold our second tournament in August 2018. Check back soon for details!
Terracrux Go Games April 21, 2019 at 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm TerraCrux Games, 760 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA Join us at Terracrux Sundays for friendly competition in the game called Go (a.k.a. Baduk, Weiqi). Beginners and all skill levels welcome!
Wheelock Library Go Games April 24, 2019 at 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm Wheelock Library, 3722 N 26th St, Tacoma, WA 98407, USA Play Go (a.k.a. Baduk, Weiqi) with us on Tuesdays at the Wheelock branch Tacoma Public Library in the Proctor district. Beginners and all skill levels welcome!
Terracrux Go Games April 28, 2019 at 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm TerraCrux Games, 760 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA Join us at Terracrux Sundays for friendly competition in the game called Go (a.k.a. Baduk, Weiqi). Beginners and all skill levels welcome!
Wheelock Library Go Games May 1, 2019 at 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm Wheelock Library, 3722 N 26th St, Tacoma, WA 98407, USA Play Go (a.k.a. Baduk, Weiqi) with us on Tuesdays at the Wheelock branch Tacoma Public Library in the Proctor district. Beginners and all skill levels welcome!


The relax body massage offers total indulgence and relaxation. The warmth of the shells with the massage techniques, bring a sense of balance to the client. This massage is beneficial for many different conditions, including arthritis.


The world's greatest Supervillain plots to be the carving subject of all pumpkins. Will you be a part of his sinister scheme? Jack o lanterns that will impress the neighbours!
Level of Difficulty: 3/5 Clever The world's greatest Supervillain plots to be the carving subject of all pumpkins. Will you be a part of his sinister scheme? Jack o lanterns that will impress the neighbours!


Normally, light rays which pass through a lens nearer its edge are refracted more than rays closer to the lens axis. This means the image of an uncorrected system can be blurred out towards its edge. Aspherical correction of an optical system takes care of multiple types of aberration at a stroke. Sharpness is achieved over the entire field of view, distortions are reduced to a minimum and the eyepiece can be made much smaller and lighter.
The eyepiece comes with 1 1/4" and 2" barrels.
We have tested the eyepieces with an f5 Newtonian telescope and can confirm their excellent edge correction. Compared to cheaper 70 degree eyepieces, the aspheric Hyperion eyepieces give a significant improvement in field correction! Despite the 1.25-inch eyepiece adapter supplied, the eyepieces can only be effectively used with a 2 inch focuser.


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MSHSL's Board of Directors Approves Plans For A Return To Winter Activities
Northland FAN Staff
BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. --- The Minnesota State High School League's Board of Directors today approved a flexible plan for the restart of winter activities when clearance is provided by state governmental leaders. Executive Order 20-99 is currently in place, a directive that mandates a four-week pause in activities designed to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. That is scheduled to expire on Dec. 18.
In preparation for the lifting of any order, the League's Return to Participation Task Force presented a comprehensive plan that included three models that may be modified to fit the timing of the expiration of Executive Order 20-99.
"With the dynamic nature of COVID-19, flexibility is going to be critical for our programs," said Erich Martens, Executive Director of the Minnesota State High School League. "We need to remain flexible in the start of seasons and in carrying them to conclusion."
Should League athletics be able to restart practice on Dec. 21, competitions could take place beginning on or after Jan. 4.
"We know that the state and our schools are facing extremely high case counts and that adjustments in the models may need to take place, and if so, we are ready to make those adjustments in our calendar," Martens said. "Should the winter season restart get pushed later, we may see shorter seasons and fewer games."
Moderate adjustments in the winter season are accounted for and are likely to result in minimal disruption to the spring sports seasons. Included in the scheduling models are weeks designated for section play and a potential state tournament.
All models presented by the Return to Participation Task Force were constructed with a focus on providing an experience in every one of the League's activities and sports. In addition, health and safety, recommendations from state organizations and agencies, and the unique aspects of each sport were a part of the planning.
"I want to acknowledge the work of the Return to Participation Task Force," said Blaine Novak, Board President and Superintendent of Schools in New York Mills. "As a League, we continue to work toward providing all education-based activities, in the safest manner possible, aligning with the guidance provided by our state agencies. In support of the Return to Participation Task Force, our board took action to provide the flexibility needed to offer the most extensive season possible under the current conditions for our member schools and student-athletes."
The models, which also included a projected view of spring activities, maintain a traditional number of spring season contests and an end date of no later than June 19, 2021.
A Look Back At Matt Niskanens Career
Filed Under: COVID-19 Coronavirus, high school, high school sports, mshsl, winter
Categories: Featured, Sports News, Twin Ports High School Sports


The Club offers chipping and putting practice and is the perfect place to improve your short game. Are you looking for a better way to take your game to the next level this year? Make time to perfect your swing and improve your golf game today. To set a tee time call the Pro Shop at: (719) 542-2941.


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Baicalellia brevituba är en plattmaskart som först beskrevs av Luther 1921.  Baicalellia brevituba ingår i släktet Baicalellia, och familjen Provorticidae. Arten är reproducerande i Sverige.

Källor

Plattmaskar
brevituba


Happy Harvest is the combined vision of a chef and a farmer. With a passion for local, creative cuisine, co-founders Juanita Barrientos and Toby Tull set out to build a place that offers convenient, local, and healthy food that feeds the body and soul. Happy Harvest exists to serve those passionate about good food and conscientious about the ingredients used. Working with local farms, Happy Harvest guarantees the most nutritious, local food available.
Chef Juanita Barrientos graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in nutrition followed by a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy in Austin, TX. During her time at Le Cordon Bleu she was runner up in the Stephen Pyles competition and graduated at the top of her class. After graduating, she moved back to Waco, TX and created Happy Harvest with her business partner. Happy Harvest is a creative, farm-to-table kitchen integrating nutrition without sacrificing flavor. Email Juanita here.
Toby Tull graduated from Baylor University with a business degree in Information Systems. After quitting his corporate-world job and traveling the world for a year, he realized his passion is entrepreneurialism and decided to not go back to the office. Toby currently co-owns and operates Home Grown Farm, Happy Harvest, and is the founder of Bare Bucha. He also works as a business and technology consultant to other small-and-medium-sized businesses. Email Toby here.


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You can easily get "The Daily Stoic 2" with FREE Pdf, ePub, Mobi, Audiobooks and Tuebl formats. Please click "DOWNLOAD NOW!" and create an account immediately, you will be able to enter our online library, there are more than 5 million ebooks. FREE MONTHS.
From the team that brought you The Obstacle Is the Way and Ego Is the Enemy, a beautiful daily devotional of Stoic meditations—an instant Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestseller. Why have history's greatest minds—from George Washington to Frederick the Great to Ralph Waldo Emerson, along with today's top performers from Super Bowl-winning football coaches to CEOs and celebrities—embraced the wisdom of the ancient Stoics? Because they realize that the most valuable wisdom is timeless and that philosophy is for living a better life, not a classroom exercise. The Daily Stoic offers 366 days of Stoic insights and exercises, featuring all-new translations from the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the playwright Seneca, or slave-turned-philosopher Epictetus, as well as lesser-known luminaries like Zeno, Cleanthes, and Musonius Rufus. Every day of the year you'll find one of their pithy, powerful quotations, as well as historical anecdotes, provocative commentary, and a helpful glossary of Greek terms. By following these teachings over the course of a year (and, indeed, for years to come) you'll find the serenity, self-knowledge, and resilience you need to live well.
Genre Book Business & Economics
Author Ryan Holiday
The Daily Stoic Journal
Ryan Holiday has led the popular revival of stoicism since 2014, with his acclaimed bestsellers The Obstacle is the Way, Ego is the Enemy, and-in partnership with Stephen Hanselman-The Daily Stoic. The latter offered powerful quotations, fresh anecdotes, and insightful commentary about the wisdom of Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius. Now Holiday and Hanselman are back with The Daily Stoic Journal, an interactive guide to integrating this ancient philosophy into our 21st century lives. Readers will find weekly explanations and quotations to inspire deeper reflection on Stoic practices, daily prompts, and a helpful introduction explaining the various Stoic tools of self-management. This beautifully designed hardcover journal features space for morning and evening notes, along with advice to encourage ongoing writing and insights, day by day through the year. This is the perfect companion volume for people who already love The Daily Stoic, but it can also be used as a stand-alone journal. It will help anyone seeking inner peace and clarity in our crazy world, even those who have never previously encountered Stoicism.
M?ric Casaubon's famous 1634 translation of Meditations was the first English version of the Stoic masterwork to be reprinted many times because of its widespread popularity. The Shakespearean language has been called difficult by modern standards but the poetic Elizabethan prose greatly enhances this deeply spiritual work. Aurelius is no less eloquent or articulate than in later versions and the power of his thoughts and ideas are beautifully conveyed.
Genre Book Literary Collections
Author Marcus Aurelius
Lives Of The Stoics
Instant New York Times Advice & Business Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, and Wall Street Journal #1 Bestseller! A New York Times Noteworthy Pick and a "stellar work" by Publishers Weekly From the bestselling authors of The Daily Stoic comes an inspiring guide to the lives of the Stoics, and what the ancients can teach us about happiness, success, resilience and virtue. Nearly 2,300 years after a ruined merchant named Zeno first established a school on the Stoa Poikile of Athens, Stoicism has found a new audience among those who seek greatness, from athletes to politicians and everyone in between. It's no wonder; the philosophy and its embrace of self-mastery, virtue, and indifference to that which we cannot control is as urgent today as it was in the chaos of the Roman Empire. In Lives of the Stoics, Holiday and Hanselman present the fascinating lives of the men and women who strove to live by the timeless Stoic virtues of Courage. Justice. Temperance. Wisdom. Organized in digestible, mini-biographies of all the well-known--and not so well-known--Stoics, this book vividly brings home what Stoicism was like for the people who loved it and lived it, dusting off powerful lessons to be learned from their struggles and successes. More than a mere history book, every example in these pages, from Epictetus to Marcus Aurelius--slaves to emperors--is designed to help the reader apply philosophy in their own lives. Holiday and Hanselman unveil the core values and ideas that unite figures from Seneca to Cato to Cicero across the centuries. Among them are the idea that self-rule is the greatest empire, that character is fate; how Stoics benefit from preparing not only for success, but failure; and learn to love, not merely accept, the hand they are dealt in life. A treasure of valuable insights and stories, this book can be visited again and again by any reader in search of inspiration from the past.
Stoicism And The Art Of Happiness
The stoics lived a long time ago, but they had some startling insights into the human condition - insights which endure to this day. The philosophical tradition, founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in 301 BC, endured as an active movement for almost 500 years, and contributions from dazzling minds such as Cicero, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius helped create a body of thought with an extraordinary goal - to provide a rational, healthy way of living in harmony with the nature of the universe and in respect of our relationships with each other. In many ways a precursor to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Stoicism provides an armamentarium of strategies and techniques for developing psychological resilience, while celebrating all in life which is beautiful and important. By learning what stoicism is, you can revolutionise your life and learn how to seize the day, live happily and be a better person. This simple, empowering book shows how to use this ancient wisdom to make practical, positive changes to your life. Using thought-provoking case studies, highlighting key ideas and things to remember and providing tools for self-assessment, it demonstrates that Stoicism is a proven, profound pathway to happiness.
Genre Book Self-Help
Author Donald Robertson
#1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller The Obstacle is the Way has become a cult classic, beloved by men and women around the world who apply its wisdom to become more successful at whatever they do. Its many fans include a former governor and movie star (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a hip hop icon (LL Cool J), an Irish tennis pro (James McGee), an NBC sportscaster (Michele Tafoya), and the coaches and players of winning teams like the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Cubs, and University of Texas men's basketball team. The book draws its inspiration from stoicism, the ancient Greek philosophy of enduring pain or adversity with perseverance and resilience. Stoics focus on the things they can control, let go of everything else, and turn every new obstacle into an opportunity to get better, stronger, tougher. As Marcus Aurelius put it nearly 2000 years ago: "The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." Ryan Holiday shows us how some of the most successful people in history—from John D. Rockefeller to Amelia Earhart to Ulysses S. Grant to Steve Jobs—have applied stoicism to overcome difficult or even impossible situations. Their embrace of these principles ultimately mattered more than their natural intelligence, talents, or luck. If you're feeling frustrated, demoralized, or stuck in a rut, this book can help you turn your problems into your biggest advantages. And along the way it will inspire you with dozens of true stories of the greats from every age and era.
The Little Book Of Stoicism
This compelling, highly actionable guide shows you how to deal more effectively with whatever life throws at you and live up to your best self. A mix of timeless wisdom and empowering advice, The Little Book of Stoicism will point the way to anyone seeking a calm and wise life in a chaotic world.
Genre Book Stoics
Author Jonas Salzgeber
A Handbook For New Stoics
A pragmatic philosophy more popular than ever—here are 52 ancient lessons to help you overcome adversity and find tranquility in the modern world Stress often comes from situations that are beyond our control—such as preparing for a meeting, waiting for test results, or arguing with a loved one. But we can control our response to these everyday tensions—through the wisdom and practice of Stoicism. Stoicism is an ancient pragmatic philosophy that teaches us to step back, gain perspective, and act with intention. In A Handbook for New Stoics, renowned philosopher Massimo Pigliucci and seasoned practitioner Gregory Lopez provide 52 week-by-week lessons to help us apply timeless Stoic teachings to modern life. Whether you're already familiar with Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, or you're entirely new to Stoicism, this handbook will help you embrace challenges, thrive under pressure, and discover the good life! Join the online discussion group for A Handbook for New Stoics! facebook.com/groups/377601502853437
Author Massimo Pigliucci
In the tradition of How to Live and How Proust Can Change Your Life, a philosopher asks how ancient Stoicism can help us flourish today Whenever we worry about what to eat, how to love, or simply how to be happy, we are worrying about how to lead a good life. No goal is more elusive. In How to Be a Stoic, philosopher Massimo Pigliucci offers Stoicism, the ancient philosophy that inspired the great emperor Marcus Aurelius, as the best way to attain it. Stoicism is a pragmatic philosophy that focuses our attention on what is possible and gives us perspective on what is unimportant. By understanding Stoicism, we can learn to answer crucial questions: Should we get married or divorced? How should we handle our money in a world nearly destroyed by a financial crisis? How can we survive great personal tragedy? Whoever we are, Stoicism has something for us--and How to Be a Stoic is the essential guide.
One of the great fears many of us face is that despite all our effort and striving, we will discover at the end that we have wasted our life. In A Guide to the Good Life, William B. Irvine plumbs the wisdom of Stoic philosophy, one of the most popular and successful schools of thought in ancient Rome, and shows how its insight and advice are still remarkably applicable to modern lives. In A Guide to the Good Life, Irvine offers a refreshing presentation of Stoicism, showing how this ancient philosophy can still direct us toward a better life. Using the psychological insights and the practical techniques of the Stoics, Irvine offers a roadmap for anyone seeking to avoid the feelings of chronic dissatisfaction that plague so many of us. Irvine looks at various Stoic techniques for attaining tranquility and shows how to put these techniques to work in our own life. As he does so, he describes his own experiences practicing Stoicism and offers valuable first-hand advice for anyone wishing to live better by following in the footsteps of these ancient philosophers. Readers learn how to minimize worry, how to let go of the past and focus our efforts on the things we can control, and how to deal with insults, grief, old age, and the distracting temptations of fame and fortune. We learn from Marcus Aurelius the importance of prizing only things of true value, and from Epictetus we learn how to be more content with what we have. Finally, A Guide to the Good Life shows readers how to become thoughtful observers of their own lives. If we watch ourselves as we go about our daily business and later reflect on what we saw, we can better identify the sources of distress and eventually avoid that pain in our life. By doing this, the Stoics thought, we can hope to attain a truly joyful life.
Genre Book Psychology
Author William B. Irvine


I've worked with the Udacity, the best online digital university on a mission to democratize education, to produce the course. They've done an awesome job.
The course includes lecture videos, quizzes and homework assignments. Multiple short video modules make up each 20-30 minute Lecture. Each module is roughly three minutes or less, giving you the chance to learn piece by piece and re-watch short lesson portions with ease. Quizzes are embedded within the lectures and are meant to let you check-in with how completely you are digesting the course information. Once you take a quiz, which could be a multiple-choice quiz or a fill in the blank quiz, you will receive immediate feedback.
Ten years ago I started thinking about why startups are different from existing companies. I wondered if business plans and 5-year forecasts were the right way to plan a startup. I asked, "Is execution all there is to starting a company?"
Experienced entrepreneurs kept finding that no business plan survived first contact with customers. It dawned on me that the plans were a symptom of a larger problem: we were executing business plans when we should first be searching for business models. We were putting the plan before the planning.
So what would a search process for a business model look like? I read a ton of existing literature and came up with a formal methodology for search I called Customer Development.
This meant that the Search for a business model as a process now could come before execution. So I wrote a book about this called the Four Steps to the Epiphany.
And in 2003 the Haas Business School at U.C. Berkeley asked me to teach a class in Customer Development. With Rob Majteles as a co-instructor, I started a tradition of teaching all my classes with venture capitalists as co-instructors.
In 2004 I funded IMVU, a startup by Will Harvey and Eric Ries. As a condition of my investment I insisted Will and Eric take my Customer Development class at Berkeley. Having Eric in the class was the best investment I ever made. Eric's insight was that traditional product management and Waterfall development should be replaced by Agile Development. He called it the "Lean Startup."
Meanwhile, I had said startups were "Searching" for a business model, I had been purposefully a bit vague about what exactly a business model looked like. For the last two decades there was no standard definition. That is until Alexander Osterwalder wrote Business Model Generation.
This book was a real breakthrough. Now we understood that the strategy for startups was to first search for a business model and then after you found it, put together an operating plan.
Now we had a definition of what it was startups were searching for. So business model design + customer and agile development is the process that startups use to search for a business model.
And the organization to implement all this was not through traditional sales, marketing and business development groups on day one. Instead the founders need to lead a customer development team.
And then to get things organized Bob Dorf and I wrote a book, The Startup Owners Manual that put all these pieces together.
But then I realized rather than just writing about it, or lecturing on Customer Development, we should have a hands-on experiential class. So my book and Berkeley class turned into the Lean LaunchPad class in the Stanford Engineering school, co-taught with two VC's - Jon Feiber and Ann Miura-Ko. And we provided dedicated mentors for each team.
Then in the fall of 2011, the National Science Foundation read my blog posts on the Stanford version of the Lean LaunchPad class. They said scientists had already made a career out of hypotheses testing, and the Lean LaunchPad was simply a scientific method for entrepreneurship. They asked if I could adapt the class to teach scientists who want to commercialize their basic research. I modified the class and recruited another great group of VC's to teach with me.
We taught the first two classes of 25 teams each, and then in March of 2012 trained faculty from Georgia Tech and the University of Michigan how to teach the class at their universities. Georgia Tech and the University of Michigan faculty then taught 54 teams each in July of this year and will teach another 54 teams in October.
We then added four more schools - Columbia, Caltech, Princeton and Hosei - where our team taught the Lean LaunchPad. We also developed a 5-day version of the class to complement the full semester and quarter versions.
Then last month we partnered with NCIIA and taught 62 college and university educators in our first Lean LaunchPad Educators Program.
And now we've spent weeks in the Udacity studio putting the lecture portion of the Lean LaunchPad class online.
Sign up and find out how to start a company!


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League 1 21 October 2014
He left the club in the same state he found it.
Greig McDonald's resignation as manager of Stirling Albion in the aftermath of their 0-4 defeat to Stenhousemuir was sudden and unexpected. Earlier in the month, he had spoken confidently about turning around the Binos' campaign; seven days later both he and his assistant Marc McCulloch were gone. Perhaps it was the heavy loss to one of the division's most mediocre sides – and their immediate relegation rivals – that convinced him otherwise.
The weekend's capitulation at Forthbank might have been their worst performance of the season. The poor form of both teams going into the fixture saw it elevated to "must-win", even at this early juncture. Until Saturday, the Warriors had been horrid away from home, losing all four league matches and even failing to score. A lack of personality, particularly in the middle of the park, was seen as a major factor in their recent travails and going into the game there was a belief that Stirling's Darren Smith and David McClune, two gnarled old street fighters, could dominate the contest.
As it turned out, the pair were barely in the match. Albion's 4-4-2 formation was inappropriate to contain Stenny's expressive 4-2-3-1 – Kris Faulds and Kieran Millar, operating as the "double pivot", controlled affairs from deep while Gary Oliver and Tom Walsh, under little duress, were able to run at a bedraggled backline time and time again. The defence might have been offered no protection but it was their hesitancy and indecision that allowed Faulds and Oliver to score either side of half-time. Stirling lost the third goal after Callum Reidford's inexplicable error while the fourth saw them cut apart by a ruthless counter-attack. Along the way, they were reduced to ten men after Willie Robertson deftly headbutted Colin McMenamin within yards of the referee, and Reidford gestured to the home support after they sarcastically cheered him.
All in all, Stirling were a rabble.
It was a disappointing manner for McDonald to end his association with the club. His side have been in rotten form of late – since their rambunctious 5-4 win over Stenhousemuir in August (a result that looks curiouser and curiouser in the current context), Stirling have taken just two points from their last seven fixtures and lost their last four. Goals have suddenly become a luxurious premium, and the team haven't scored since the 2-2 draw with Forfar Athletic on 20 September; they've also conceded 17 times in the last six matches. Tenth place was to be anticipated from this side, but the statistics are decidedly unfavourable.
It's difficult to gauge McDonald's tenure at Stirling. A handful of red letter days and a promotion (dubbed "Beautiful Sunday" by chairman Stuart Brown) is probably about right for a club of the Binos' stature and on that basis, his management should be considered a success. But for the best part, his side were brutal to watch and the style of football was often reductive and ugly. Does the end justify the means?
McDonald was 29 when he replaced Jocky Scott midway through the 2011-12 Second Division campaign. A very decent centre-back, particularly with East Fife, he had joined the club in 2010 but his playing career at Forthbank was curtailed by injury. When Scott departed on 5 December 2011, the team were bottom of the table with the controls firmly set towards the Third Division. McDonald was awarded the managerial role on a permanent basis in late January but despite a brief spike in form, he was unable to correct their downward trajectory and his young side were relegated on the penultimate weekend of the season.
Stirling were expected to finish in a play-off place the following year, but 2012-13 turned out to be an absurd campaign. Although the team took five points from their four meetings with Rangers (McDonald missed their 1-0 win in October 2012 because he was getting married), the first half of the season was appalling and they collected just 13 points from the first 16 matches. Beset by a multitude of problems including dire defending and a bizarre propensity for tossing away leads, McDonald's position was routinely called into question. Their form over the latter part of the year, however, was largely superb and they won 32 points from the remaining 20 games to finish in seventh. The reversion to an orthodox 4-4-2 formation and the addition of Jamie Bishop and the returning Ross Forsyth helped catapult them up the table.
The 2013-14 campaign was a qualified triumph and ended with promotion via the play-offs. Despite spending all but six weeks of the season in the top four, there was still a level of dissatisfaction with McDonald's management. Stirling were routinely horrible to watch, and the ball was played from back to front with grinding regularity as the centre-backs looked to hit Jordan White as quickly as possible. But as the discontent reached a pitch, the team went on an excellent run from the end of March onwards and won five of their final six matches to finish in third. Their fine form was enough to propel them beyond Annan Athletic and then East Fife in the play-off competition and into League 1.
"The Binos are grimly obdurate, particularly away from home," wrote Alistair Gemmell in the recent Tell Him He's Pelé League 1 Mid-Term Report Card. "They're quite capable of strangling the life out of a game, regimentally pressing their opponents and denying them time to move the ball; only never for quite for long enough. There is no lack of effort, just a patent shortage in quality. Containment seems to be the limit of this team's capabilities."
With a parsimonious board and arguably the lowest budget in the division, recruiting players of an extraordinary calibre was always unlikely and Stirling simply look like an above-average League 2 side playing at a level beyond their capabilities. The defence seem unsure how to deal with pace and intricate movement, and the midfield are a stolid lot who offer dig and industry but little else. There are also several players who look overweight and unfit to successfully compete in the third tier.
Perhaps more than anything else, losing Jordan White to Livingston in the summer has caused the greatest disruption. The striker scored 15 league goals last year and his replacements have been inadequate: Gordon Smith is an honest worker but lacks finesse; Steven Doris's mojo seemed to disappear the moment he left Arbroath for Dundee in 2013; and Lewis Coult is perhaps now more famous for his Twitter account and his silly clothes than he is for his footballing ability. Perhaps McDonald's statement after the Greenock Morton loss was a cry of defiance; privately, he might have known that anything less than a win against Stenny and the game would be up already.
The club have already advertised for a new manager and are openly accepting applications. Ross Forsyth and Darren Smith will take charge on an interim basis, but erstwhile Stenhousemuir manager Martyn Corrigan has already emerged as a candidate, as has Sacuhie Juniors' Fraser Duncan. Whoever replaces McDonald faces a difficult task in keeping the team as competitive as possible – addressing the deficiencies at both ends of the park will go a long way. The weekend's match with an improving Airdrieonians is now taking on grandiose proportions: a victory would see them come within touching distance of the sides above them; a defeat (and other results going against them) could open up a six point gap at the bottom. Since the advent of the play-offs in 2005-06, seven teams have been promoted from the fourth tier to the third via the play-offs and all of them survived for at least a season – that statistic could change by the end of the year.
As for McDonald, he can look back on his achievements at Stirling Albion with satisfaction. He leaves without sullying his reputation, and his CV has been bolstered handsomely with a promotion (and an excellent series of results against Rangers to boot). In time, everything else will be forgotten – the long ball tactics, the defensive mishaps, the failure to find a credible striker beyond Jordan White… All those moments will be lost in time like tears in rain.
Craig G Telfer
Craig is a keen supporter of Stenhousemuir and still harbours romantic notions towards the club's infamous 2005-06 season. His fictional heroes include Daniel Plainview, John Marston and Pat Mustard.
A Different Kind of Fascination
Peterhead 1-0 Stenhousemuir


BYE BYE BIRDIE TICKETS ON SALE!
TECH & SET CREW REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR WILLY WONKA, JR.
CHORUS REGISTRATION FOR WILLY WONKA, JR.
In response to the state mandate that all school districts create a comprehensive bullying prevention plan, the Public Schools of Brookline has adopted the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.
Throughout Brookline, adults who supervise learning and other activities for young people are being trained in the Olweus approach.
Brookline teachers and other staff began their training in the program on the Nov. 6th Professional Development Day. Members of Pierce's Bullying Prevention Coordinating Committee (BPCC) were trained last summer and led the Pierce training.
Ongoing training continues and includes information sharing with families. Parent representative Ellen Lenoch is part of the BPCC. As parent rep, she serves as an additional resource to parents.
On January 3rd, all students will be introduced to the Olweus program in class meetings, with several subsequent morning meetings devoted to deepening their understanding of the approach. Other activities are also being planned.
To learn more about the approach and how you can support it at home, please join PTO and School Council on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 at 7:30 AM in the auditorium for an information session.
If you'd like to familiarize yourself with the program before the student launch, there will soon be materials available on the Pierce website. Check next week's Bridge for a link to these materials.
I look forward to seeing you at the parent information session on January 10.
PIERCE PTO ANNUAL APPEAL - THIS IS THE LAST WEEK!
THANK YOU to the hundreds of Pierce families who have already donated to the PTO Annual Appeal. We need an additional 40 families to make a contribution of any size to reach our goal of 40% family participation. Donations of all sizes help us reach that participation goal! Donate online at www.pierceschoolbrookline.org or drop a check in the PTO mailbox at school.
Have ideas for improving the Enrichment and Challenge Support (ECS) Program? A committee is now forming for the Program Review, which will begin in January. Two or three parent representatives will be needed to serve alongside teachers and administrators. To learn more and to apply to serve, please contact Amy Martin at amy_martin@brookline.k12.ma.us. Applications are due 12/20. Parent representatives will be notified by January 2, 2013. NOTE: The Mathematics Program Review committee will also be seeking parent volunteers. A notice will be sent in advance.
We're looking for volunteers now to help shape and improve the May 2013 Pierce Book Fair. Interested volunteers with even a small amount of time to give should join us on Friday, 1/11/13 at 8:15am in the cafeteria.
Please come to the first meeting of this year's 6th Grade Parent Exchange! We were off to a great start last year, building a community of parents to share ideas and perspectives as we navigate through this increasingly challenging world of pre-adolescence.
We will discuss striking a balance between setting boundaries for our children and encouraging increased independence as they approach adolescence. For those of us who were able to attend the Principal's Forum in November (Dr. Smith-Mumford's summary of the presentation can be found in the 11/14 edition of the Bridge), this discussion will serve as a follow-up to the information that was presented.
What kinds of experiences can we provide for our children that will enable the kind of learning that helps their brains to develop the ability to control their urges, while still keeping them safe? How can we work together as a school and as a community to foster safe, healthy development in our children as they grow increasingly independent?
We look forward to this discussion! If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Bishins at sarah.bishins@verizon.net or Jennie Roffman at jroffman@rcn.com.
Proceeds from sales support our children. Thanks for your generosity!
All lost and found items must be claimed by Tuesday, 12/18. The lost and found bins are located outside the gym, on the second floor in the Pierce main building. Anything not claimed by 12/18 will be donated to Cradles to Crayons, an organization that helps needy kids in the Boston area.
Please check the website for this month's notes on the Parent Leader meeting with Dr. Lupini. Agenda items include: Social Competency, Bullying Prevention and Enrollment Growth.
As we approach the December vacation, please remember to contact the office (617-730-2580) regarding any student absences. If you neglect to call, it is the district's policy that we call home. Please be aware that teachers may not always be able to pass attendance information to the office. You may call at any time. Please leave a message if the office is closed. Thank you!
Tickets $7, available to purchase through Friday, 12/14, from 7:45-8:15am outside the main office.
Pierce School Extended Day (PSED) offers a skating program for students in grades 1-5, and is in need of used children's skates (renting at the rink can be problematic). If you have skates you're no longer using, PSED will gladly accept them. PSED also welcomes donations of adult skates for our teachers. Drop-off at the PSED office, 2nd floor, Pierce Historical Building. Thank you!
Tech Crew is open to 5-6 Graders; limited to 8 students. If more than 8 students register, a lottery will be held. Tech crew will meet at end of February.
Set crew is open to all 3-6 Graders and parents. Set crew will begin work in January. Contact Joshua Abrams at jlabrams@me.com with any questions or concerns.
3RD & 4TH GRADE CHORUS REGISTRATION FOR WILLY WONKA, JR.
Contact Joshua Abrams in advance with any issues or questions: jlabrams@me.com.
IMPORTANT: Chorus Rehearsals will be Wednesdays after school throughout January and February, and more often in March. Performances are March 14-16. If your child cannot attend rehearsals on Wednesdays and/or be available more often in March, please do not register them. Contact Joshua Abrams at jlabrams@me.com with any questions or concerns.
The School Committee will meet Thursday, 12/13 at 6pm in the James F. Walsh School Committee Room, 5th Floor Town Hall, 333 Washington Street. Review the complete meeting docket here. Questions? Contact Robin Coyne at 617-730-2430 or send email at robin_coyne@brookline.k12.ma.us.
For $10, Brookline residents 18+ can purchase a 10-class Passport to stay healthy and fit for the holidays and beyond. You get access to Brookline gyms and fitness centers; yoga, Pilates, and martial arts studios; and lots more. Participating partners as of 12/1 include Beacon Hill Athletic Club (Brookline Village location), Boston School of Boabom, The Body Center, Brookline Tai Chi, Commonwealth Sports Club, Inner Space, Karna Fitness, Koko Fit, Lavinia Borcau Skin Care, and Roni Brissette Yoga, with more to come. For further information or to purchase a passport, call 617-730-2069 or visit www.brooklinerec.com.
Winter Concert on Friday, 12/14 is free for elementary students! For complete ticket and performance details, please click here.