text:
The Christmas season is nearly upon us - are you looking for gift ideas for someone who loves reading thrillers?
Why not buy a copy of my novel Blood Related for your favorite person (or psychopath)?
Here are some reasons why you should buy this book:
It's a bit different than usual serial killer thrillers.
It has over 50 5/4 star reviews on Amazon.
It has a bunch of endorsements from best-selling authors.
It's formatted, edited and designed professionally.
Both kindle and print editions are priced to sell.
It's guaranteed to give readers the 'heebie-jeebies'!
Did I mention that it's a really good price?
Here's the book description:
Tough-as-nails Detective Ray Truman battles his demons as he tracks a family of prolific serial killers in this nail-biting psychological thriller.
For over two decades, Detective Ray Truman has been searching for the killer or killers who have terrorized Portvale. Headless corpses, their bodies mutilated and posed, have been turning up all over the industrial district near the docks. The remains of young female prostitutes have been the killer's victims of choice, but now other districts are reporting the gruesome discovery of decapitated bodies. It seems the killer has expanded his territory as more 'nice girls' feel the wrath of his terrible rage. This disturbing tale of a family tree of evil will embed itself in the mind of the reader, long after the last page has been turned.
A psychological crime novel in the vein of other power-packed thrillers like Thomas Harris's Silence of the Lambs and James Ellroy's Killer on the Road.
Here are some author endorsements:
"Dark and deeply disturbing." - Jonathan Nasaw, author of The Girls he Adored and The Boys from Santa Cruz
"Blood Related is a terrifying psychological thriller. William Cook is an author to watch." - Mark Edward Hall, author of The Lost Village and The Holocaust Opera
"William Cook tells a gruesome story with a sense of authenticity that makes you question with considerable unease if it really is fiction, after all." - Graham Masterton, author of the Katie McGuire series and The House that Jack Built
"Blood Related is a nasty but nuanced take on the serial killer genre. Cook's bruising tale of twin psychopaths who are as cold as mortuary slabs isnot for the weak-kneed."
- Laird Barron, author of Occultation and The Imago Sequence.
"A thought-provoking thriller."
- Guy N Smith, author of Night of The Crabs and Deadbeat.
Here are some reader reviews:
"Best I can say is that it reads like an Alex Cross novel and I love Alex Cross type stories." - rjseguin
"The characters are well-developed and tremendously disturbed. William Cook has written a frightening story that poses the question 'is it nature or nurture that determines the birth of a serial killer?'" - Colleen
"Cook has accomplished what few writers can with the serial killer story . . ." - Vincenzo
"I can promise you one thing-you will not be disappointed. William Cook's Blood Related, is an impressive work of fiction." - Quinn
"Blood Related kept me up all night on the edge of my recliner . . ." - Char
"I really enjoyed the psychological aspect of this book, it really had me hanging the whole way through!"- Lori
"This is a ferociously dark book, but in the best possible way. It will scare the hell out of you, but you won't be able to put it down." - Sheldon
"Blood Related is a psychological roller-coaster. I couldn't put it down." - Debbie
"This book was thrilling and scary. The mind of a killer is a horrible place. Highly recommended for horror fans!" - Book Nut
"Blood Related reads like a non-fiction book. A deep and insightful exploration of the mind of a psychopath." - Brokensea
"If you seek an intelligent terrifying read look no further. Highly recommended." - John
"Enter this world at your own peril. Even though you know it's only fiction, you'll lock the door before reading just to feel safe. A guaranteed work of masterful horror." - Anthony
"I've read many books about serial killers, and William Cook's Blood Related was one of the best." - Andthentherewerethree
Still not convinced? Why not take a free peek at the Kindle edition using Amazon's 'Look Inside' feature here.
Buy your Kindle copy - click on the book cover below
Buy your Print copy - click on the book cover below
(Yes, it is currently a different cover than the kindle version)
Be warned - this novel does portray adult language and themes and scenes of graphic violence and implied sexual violence.
Whether you buy a copy or not, I wish you all a relaxing holiday season and I hope you get some good books read.
Labels: Best serial killer fiction, Blood Related by William Cook, James Ellroy, serial killer thriller, Silence of the Lambs, Thriller Books
Gaze Into the Abyss: The Poetry of Jim Morrison. New edition released!
New release! Redux version for #kindle now available (UK & US links below). Print edition available also (please share this post ):
In Gaze Into the Abyss: The Poetry of Jim Morrison, William Cook examines Morrison's written work in all its beauty and complexity, providing rich insight into Morrison's influences, themes, and poetic vision.
Iconic Doors photographer Paul Ferrara, who was also one of Morrison's best friends, says of the book: "No other rock poet went so deep into his soul. That is what separates Jim Morrison from the rest. Jim and his words were timeless and reached deep into those people who got it, turning them into worshipers. Even the new generations get it. This book by William Cook finally address the phenomena that was Jim Morrison the poet."
Finally James Riordan, author of Break on Through: The Life & Death of Jim Morrison, says that: "Gaze Into the Abyss ... offers new and valuable insights into Morrison's writing. Jim's poetic gift was often ignored and certainly not fully appreciated while he lived and I, for one, am grateful for this in-depth look."
All in all, Gaze Into the Abyss: the Poetry of Jim Morrison comprises a work no serious Doors or Jim Morrison fan will want to pass up. Available now in print and ebook from Unboxed Brain Books.
AMAZON U.S. - https://tinyurl.com/JimMorrisonKindleBookUS
AMAZON U.K. - https://tinyurl.com/JimMorrisonKindleBookUK
Labels: Amazon, Gaze Into the Abyss: The Poetry of Jim Morrison, Jim Morrison, Kindle, New Release
Blood Related - A psychological serial killer thri...
Gaze Into the Abyss: The Poetry of Jim Morrison. N...


What happened after the abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA) should serve as a lesson to the government today as it considers repealing preventive detention laws such as Sosma, Poca and Pota, said former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan.
On July 22, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the government would abolish laws that oppress the people, specifically the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).
For Musa, there was a need to have strict preventive laws to protect the country and people, thus restricting the movement of extremist groups, militant groups and organised crime groups today.
He cited the intrusion in Lahad Datu, Sabah by a group from Mindanao in 2013 as a lesson that threats to national sovereignty could occur at any time and should be contained from the start.
The crisis that saw nine security personnel and 54 terrorists killed, and about 100 people detained, could not have been easily handled if the country did not have special laws like Sosma, he said.
Musa stressed that laws to curb security threats were very important to a country like Malaysia that has a multiracial and religious community.
Commenting on claims that Sosma was affecting human rights, he said that was not true because those arrested under this law were entitled to defend themselves.
Under Sosma, a police officer may, without a warrant, arrest and detain a suspect for only 24 hours and extend it to not more than 28 days to facilitate investigations.
When the investigation has been conducted and there is evidence of the case, then the person arrested should be charged in court. If there is no proof, the detained person can be released.
Family members should be informed if a suspect is detained, and the suspect is allowed to consult his lawyer for his defence.
Under Sosma, a detainee still has the chance to defend himself, unlike the Patriot Act in the United States where terrorists arrested around the world, including two Malaysians allegedly involved in the Al-Qaeda movement, were detained without the opportunity to defend themselves at the Guantanamo Bay Detention Centre.
He said Sosma also reduced cases, among others, such as gangsterism, gambling and prostitution in which the police took preventive measures before such activities became widespread.
Musa stressed that Sosma played a crucial role in safeguarding the sovereignty of the King and Malay Rulers as well as the interests of the people that might be threatened by racial and religious riots.
The Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960 was repealed on July 31, 2012, and replaced with Sosma which was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on April 17, 2012.


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Justia › US Law › US Case Law › US Supreme Court › Volume 1 › MCCULLOUGH v. HOUSTON
MCCULLOUGH v. HOUSTON, 1 U.S. 441 (1789)
M'Cullough, Asignee
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
September Term, 1789
This was an action brought by Hugh M'Cullough, as assignee of Samuel Young, upon a promissory note drawn by John H. Houston; and, on the trial of the cause, a verdict was given for the Plaintiff, subject to the opinion of the Court on the following point:
'Whether the indorsee of a promissory note, takes it subject to all equitable considerations, to which it was subject, in the hands of the indorser, the original payee?' And, if the opinion of the Court was in favor of the Defendant, a new trial was to be awarded.
The point was argued at the last term, before all the Judges, by Sergeant, for the Plaintiff, and Ingersol, for the Defendant.
For the Plaintiff, it was observed, that in the act of Assembly, making bonds and notes negotiable, there is no provision enabling the promissee, or drawee, to bring an action on the note itself; 1 State Laws 77. that such an action did not lie at common law; and, consequently, that wherever it had been brought in Pennsylvania (which is in numerous instances) the proceeding must have been founded on the statute of 3 and 4 Ann. c. 9. and the law of merchants. That statute, therefore, must be considered as extended in practice to this country before the revolution; and a legislative sanction is given to the practice by the act of Assembly, which declares, that such parts of the statute law of England as were heretofore in force, shall still be binding in Pennsylvania. 2 State Laws. 3. On the assignment itself the assignee cannot bring an action against
the assignor; but he may bring covenant, of, perhaps, an action for money had and received &c. 2 Lord Raym. 1242.1419. But, in respect to notes, a blank indorsement passes, as if payable to bearer; and every part of the statutes of William and of Anne, for giving negotiability to bills of exchange and notes of hand, has been introduced into this province from the earliest times. For the Defendant, it was urged, that, at common law, bonds and notes were mere choses in action, and the assignee took them under all the equitable circumstances to which they were liable in the hands of the assignor. That promissory notes do not come within the law of merchants is clear; for, if they did, the statute of Anne would have been unnecessary. The question, therefore, is, whether that statute has been extended to Pennsylvania? or, whether, by our act of Assembly, notes are put on the same footing with bills of exchange? From the general rule of the extension of statutes, the 3 & 4 Ann. has not been extended; because it was passed subsequent to the settlement of Pennsylvania; because the province is not particularly named in it, nor would it, indeed, have been the policy of the British Legislature to promote the circulation of our paper credit; and because it has not been recognized and adopted by any positive act of Assembly. With respect to the introduction of the statute by practice, it operates no further than this, that the payee of a promissory note has brought an action on the note against the signer before our act of Assembly was passed; but till then, the indorsee could not maintain such attraction; and obligations and promissory notes, are put on the same footing. With respect to the act itself, that the Legislature could not intend to put promissory notes upon the same footing with Bills of Exchange, appears evidently from this consideration, that the preceding part of the act pursues the statute of Anne, nearly verbatim; but when it comes to that clause in the latter, which places Notes on the same footing with Bills of Exchange, the Act equally varies its spirit and expression: And, it is declared, that the assignee of a note. &c. shall recover so much thereof as shall appear to be due at the time of the assignment, in like manner as the assignor could have done. The Chief Justice now delivered the opinion of the Court in the following manner:
M'Kean, Chief Justice In pronouncing the opinion of the Court, on the point reserved for their consideration, I shall premise that Bonds, and Promissory Notes in writing, stood on the same footing at common law; and that the assignment of those instruments, as well as the form, operation, and effect of such assignment, depends entirely upon the municipal law of the place where it is made. By an act of Assembly of Pennsylvania, passed on the 28th day of May, 1715, entitled 'An act for the assigning of Bonds, Specialties, and Promissory Notes,' it is recited in the preamble, 'that it hath [1 U.S. 441, 443]
M'Kean, Chief Justice In pronouncing the opinion of the Court, on the point reserved for their consideration, I shall premise that Bonds, and Promissory Notes in writing, stood on the same footing at common law; and that the assignment of those instruments, as well as the form, operation, and effect of such assignment, depends entirely upon the municipal law of the place where it is made. By an act of Assembly of Pennsylvania, passed on the 28th day of May, 1715, entitled 'An act for the assigning of Bonds, Specialties, and Promissory Notes,' it is recited in the preamble, 'that it hath
been held, that Bonds and Specialties under hand and seal, and Notes in writing, signed by the party who makes the same, whereby such party is obliged, or promises to pay unto any other person, or his order, or assigns, any sum of money therein mentioned, are not by law assignable or indorseable over to any person, so as that the person to whom the said Bonds, Specialties, Note or Notes, is or are assigned or indorsed, may, in their own names, by action at law, or otherwise, recover the same, &c.' 1 State Laws, 77. This, then, is conclusive as to the operation or effect of the assignment of a Bond, or the indorsement of a Note, previously to the passing of the Act; for, no assignment, or indorsement, could take place by law, though it might in equity; and, the assignee, or indorsee, could not, in any case, sue in his own name. The Act, however, afterwards provides for such assignment and indorsement toties quoties: It also declares, that the person or persons to whom the assignment or indorsement is made, may, in his, her, or their name, or names, sue at law, 'for the recovery of the money mentioned in the Bond, Specialty or Note, or so much thereof as shall appear to be due at the time of the assignment, in like manner as the person or persons to whom the same was, or were, made payable, might, or could, have done;' and that 'the assignors shall not, after the assignment, have power to release any of the debts or sums of money really due by the said Bonds, Specialties, or Notes. The question before the Court must be decided upon a just construction of the parts of the act of Assembly, to which I have just referred. Throughout the whole of this Act, Bonds and Promissory Notes are placed exactly on the same footing; except, indeed, that Bonds and Specialties are to be assigned under hand and seal, and in the presence of two or more credible witnesses: How, then, can the Court make any distinction or difference between assignees of the one, and indorsees of the other? They certainly may both sue in their own names, and respectively recover the money mentioned in the Bonds or Notes, assigned or indorsed, or so much thereof as shall be really due thereon, in like manner as the obligees, or payees, could have done; but, surely, this seems to be equally clear, that neither can recover more than what was really due at the time of the assignment or indorsement; in other words, no more than the original payees could have done prior to the transfer. Before this act was passed, it appears, that actions by the payee of a Promissory Note, were not maintained, nor can they since be maintained, otherwife than by extending the English statute of 3 & 4 Ann. c. 9. Sect. 1. Actions upon Promissory Notes were probably brought here, soon after the passing of the statute, by attornies. who came from England, and were accustomed to the forms of practice in that kingdom, but did not, perhaps, nicely attend to the discrimination with regard to the extension, or adoption of statutes.
I have no doubt, indeed, that many acts of Parliament, passed, not only before, but subsequent to the union of England and Scotland, have, by the same means, been introduced and practised upon in Pennsylvania; and as experience has proved such proceedings to be beneficial, so constant and uninterrupted usage has given them a legal existence, that cannot now be shaken or destroyed. But the indorsees of Promissory Notes, according to the best information which we can obtain, have never grounded their actions against the drawer, upon any other basis than the act of Assembly now under consideration; though, I think, the action by an indorsee, against the indorser, must be founded on the statute of Anne, and the usage under it, as no such action is given by the act.
The question, so far as it relates to the assignees of Bonds, has been determined in the affirmative, in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, before the revolution. See ant. 23. And, as, on the one hand, the Legislature has made no difference whatever between the assignees of Bonds and the indorsees of Notes, so, on the other, we cannot discover any solid or good reason to introduce a distinction in the particular before us.
Upon the whole, we are unanimously of opinion, that the indorsee of a promissory Note, does take it, subject to all equitable considerations, to which the same was subject in the hands of the indorser, the original payee. And, therefore,
Let the defendant have a new trial.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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He was one of the nineteen Western Bahá'ís designated as a Disciple of 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
A Tablet to him from 'Abdu'l-Bahá can be found in SWABpg114 #78 and 'Abdu'l-Bahá in America (website).
See also Bahaikipedia, Bahá'í Chronicles.


The Cocoknits Sweater Workshop book teaches Julie Weisenberger's method for knitting top-down seamless sweaters. There are patterns included in the book. There is also the "Extended Collection" of Cocoknits Method sweaters, which are sold separately. These separate patterns refer to the method, tips, techniques, etc. which are taught/explained in the book.
Here is some more information about the Cocoknits Method, explaining how it is unique and why it requires a book to accompany the patterns.


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Led Zeppelin premiere unreleased version of Houses Of The Holy
Led Zeppelin are premiering an unreleased version of "Houses Of The Holy" as a preview of the upcoming expanded reissue of their 1975 release, "Physical Graffiti", due Febuary 23 (Feb. 24 in North America).
"'Houses of the Holy' is unlike anything that anyone was doing," Jimmy Page tells Rolling Stone. "It's just something that's totally of its own. I think the lyrics are brilliant on it."
As with previous reissues, the 3-disc set will include a bonus disc of material, featuring alternate mixes of songs featured on the group's sixth studio album.
"Physical Graffiti" features Led Zeppelin standards "Kashmir", "Trampled Under Foot" and "The Rover."
The project hit No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 on its way to selling more than 8 million copies in the States alone, while topping their native UK album charts and acheieving double platinum for sales of 600,00.
Hear the premiere of "Houses Of The Holy" below or at Rolling Stone.
Led Zeppelin were named the No. 2 Rock News Artist Of The Year as part of the 5th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards.
Jimmy Page in property dispute with Robbie Williams
Rock News Artist Of The Year No. 2: LED ZEPPELIN
Led Zeppelin tops the hennemusic Hot 10
Led Zeppelin announce expanded Physical Graffiti reissue


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Q: Сериализация и десериализация xml Подскажите, как легко и быстро список содержащий элементы пользовательского класса сериализовать в xml-файл, а затем вынуть его оттуда?
A: Допустим, вам нужен xml вида
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<YourSettings>
  <YourSetting>
    <YourName>Name</YourName>
  </YourSetting>
</YourSettings>

создадим класс YourSettings с полем Name:
[Serializable()]
public class YourSettings
{
    [XmlElement(ElementName = "YourName")]
    public string YourName { get; set; }
}

и сериализуемую коллекцию элементов этого класса:
[Serializable()]
public class YourSettingsCollection
{
    public YourSettingsCollection() { YourSettings = new List<YourSettings>(); }

    [XmlElement(ElementName = "YourSettings")]
    public List<YourSettings> YourSettingsList { get; set; }
 }

тогда на старте приложения можно написать что-то типа:
YourSettingsCollection _settings;

void Read()
{
    using (FileStream fs = new FileStream(System.AppDomain.CurrentDomain.BaseDirectory + "//имя_файла.xml", FileMode.Open))
    {
        XmlSerializer serializer = new XmlSerializer(typeof(YourSettingsCollection), new XmlRootAttribute("YourSettings"));
        _settings = (YourSettingsCollection)serializer.Deserialize(fs);
    }
 }

таким образом, переменная _settings будет содержать коллекцию элементов из вашего config-файла.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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text:
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For more than 25 years, Robert Rose has helped B2B marketers tell their story more effectively through digital media. As the founder of The Content Advisory, he has worked with more than 500 companies and brands, including NASA, Dell, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Schneider Electric, and LinkedIn.
Sydni Craig-Hart is CEO of Smart Simple Marketing and a 4th-generation entrepreneur. Since 2006, her team has been helping companies to drive engagement with small, minority- and women-owned businesses. They have worked with over 10,200 small businesses in 79 different industries, and today they work with companies like Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, and more.
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Katie Martell is an "unapologetic marketing truth-teller." She explores the collision of marketing and social movements, and frequently partners with brands to amplify stories of transformation. She was named "one of the most interesting people in B2B marketing," an Adweek Pride Star, and three times as a top voice in marketing on LinkedIn.
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text:
Rick Lopez
Landscape To Be-Loved
Close-Ups & Planters
Lawn & Softscapes
Home Touches
Landscape Artform
Bountiful Landscape
Villa Landscape Escape
Landscape For The Birds & The Bees
Fun With Small Spaces
Uniquely Bay Area
Coping With Water Shortages
Crystal Springs Gap
RWC & Chrysanthemums
Choose Native Plants
Save 20 Gallons A Day
Bay Area Gardens To Visit
California Native Plants
Nurseries & Plant Resources
Water-Wise Information
Beware The Unlicensed Contractor
Hazards Of Hiring The Unlicensed
What better way to see hundreds of California Native Plants than to visit some local gardens, take advantage of their infrequent sales of California's natives, or visit a few websites to learn more about these plants—particularly in times of drought.
California Native Plants Society
East Bay Regional Parks Botanical Garden
Las Pilitas Native Plants Nurseries
University of California Botanical Garden
University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum
Protecting California's Native Flora since 1965, CNPS has over 10,000 members promoting native plant appreciation, research, education and conservation through five statewide programs and 34 regional chapters. Start here. Attend workshops locally. Learn from the website and the association's many writings and pamphlets. http://www.cnps.org/
Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley, CA
The Regional Parks Botanic Garden was founded on January 1, 1940. Situated in Tilden Regional Park's beautiful Wildcat Canyon in the heart of the north Berkeley Hills, the garden is devoted to the collection, growth, display, and preservation of the native plants of California. California embraces nearly 160,000 square miles— imagine 160,000 square miles of California set in a garden that can be walked in a day. Notable among the many specimens that have been brought in from all corners of the state are representatives of nearly all the state's conifers and oaks, and probably the most complete collections of California manzanitas to be found anywhere. There are also extensive collections of California native bunchgrasses, bulbs, aquatic plants, and representatives of about 300 plants that are classified in the California Native Plant Society's landmark study, "Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California." http://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden/botanic_garden
Santa Margarita, CA
Since the 1970's Las Pilitas Nursery has been growing, researching and planting California native plants. They do the work; you get to play with the plants. You can query native plants for your yard here. You'll find everything you want to know about California native plants on this website. Browse many native plants in many different ways, but should you be looking for natives for the San Francisco Peninsula, plants in the San Diego grouping can guide you as they are very close to plants we select for the Peninsula. http://www.laspilitas.com/
The UC Botanical Garden is a non-profit research garden and museum for the University of California at Berkeley, having a notably diverse plant collection including many rare and endangered plants. Established in 1890 to form a living collection of the native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants of the State of California, it also sought to gather in as rapidly as possible those of the neighboring states of the Pacific Coast. Within two years the collection numbered 600 species. In the following decade it grew to 1500, but then began to expand both its scope and collection to encompass plants from all continents and about 10,000 species. Today, the Garden, which is open to the public year round, has over 13,000 different kinds of plants from around the world, cultivated by region in naturalistic landscapes over its 34 acres. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/
The UCSC Arboretum is a research and teaching facility committed to plant conservation and serves both the campus and the public. Its rich and diverse collection, containing representatives of more than 300 plant families. The Arboretum maintains collections of rare and threatened plants of unusual scientific interest. Particular specialties are world conifers, primitive angiosperms, and bulb-forming plant families. Large assemblages of plants from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and California natives are displayed on the grounds. Many of the species in these collections are not otherwise available for study in American botanical gardens and arboreta. http://arboretum.ucsc.edu/
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Quantitative methods help researchers of different stripes gather data on a variety of subjects. Researchers must choose their methods carefully, however, as one type of quantitative method design may not suit all types of research. Some research requires a design which includes no applied treatment, experiment or anything that otherwise interferes with the subject of the research. This type of method is called "non-experimental" design and features some distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Sometimes research requires short, shallow data gathering, as in a survey. For example, if you wish to conduct a census, applying a treatment or otherwise involving the researcher in the process other than simply asking questions can disrupt the research. Short surveys also have the advantage of not requiring researchers to administer them. Researchers need only hand out the surveys and collect and study the data. This becomes a strong advantage when working with a minimum of researchers and funding or when keeping the number of variables in a study very low.
The concise nature of non-experimental design becomes a disadvantage because it does not allow for the gathering of data post-treatment. Gathering data post-treatment can introduce entire new areas for researchers to consider. Without the inclusion of experimentation or applied treatments, the research becomes mostly one-dimensional -- focused on a small series of variables. The quick, grab-and-go nature of non-experimental quantitative design cannot deliver the same in-depth results as experimental design. Non-experimental design often fails to produce an adequate amount of data from which researchers may draw complicated, revealing or truly valuable conclusions.
Non-experimental design has a distinct advantage in research applications in which active involvement or experiment by the researchers might be unethical. Anthropological research illustrates this advantage quite well; when studying a human population, applying treatment or experimentation might interfere with the normal function, safety or peace-of-mind of the subjects. In some cases, experimental design in studies of humans can objectify the research subjects and, at its extreme, dehumanize them. Whether attempting to preserve the natural, observable activities of a population or preserving their self-possession and dignity with a non-invasive approach, non-experimental design works quite well.
Gathering data with which to make an argument for correlation between variables lies at the centre of research. Quantitative methods designed with experimentation or applied treatments multiply the variety of ways researchers alter the variables within the research. For example, observing subject reactions in a single scenario can only reveal information about the few variables in that scenario. When a treatment or treatments are applied to that scenario, the amount of data researchers can gather greatly increases. The more the researchers observe an effect across a variety of different scenarios, the stronger the case for correlation. Non-experimental quantitative method designs can fail to provide enough data to make a convincing argument for correlation, let alone causation.


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What: All Issues : Human Rights & Civil Liberties : Government Surveillance of Citizens : S 2248. (Revisions to foreign intelligence surveillance law) Feinstein of California amendment that would stipulate the scope of laws governing electronic surveillance/On agreeing to the amendment
Who: All Members
To find out how your Members of Congress voted on this bill, use the form on the right.
S 2248. (Revisions to foreign intelligence surveillance law) Feinstein of California amendment that would stipulate the scope of laws governing electronic surveillance/On agreeing to the amendment
senate Roll Call 13 Feb 12, 2008
Y = Conservative
N = Progressive
Winning Side:
This vote was on an amendment by Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., that would state that the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) is the "exclusive means" of authorizing electronic surveillance. The FISA law established a special federal court to oversee granting wiretapping warrants to law enforcement officials, including spy agencies.
The issue of warrantless wiretaps came to a head in 2005 when a series of news reports revealed that the administration had used an executive order to circumvent the FISA court and collect information about Americans, without a warrant, by petitioning telecommunications providers for phone records and more. It resulted in a firestorm of controversy over balancing the government's need to collect time-sensitive intelligence information from terrorist targets, and the public's right to privacy and due process. The amendment is intended to prevent a repeat of this situation.
Feinstein said her amendment would be a "strong statement" that the FISA law is the only legal way to collect electronic intelligence information against Americans. She pointed to the administration's attempt to wiretap phones without the approval of the FISA court and said her amendment would prevent a repeat.
"FISA is the exclusive authority for the electronic surveillance of all Americans, and this amendment aims to do that. It provides penalties for moving outside of the law, and I believe it would strengthen the opportunity to prevent the Chief Executive, either now or in the future, from moving outside of this law," Feinstein said.
Christopher Bond, R-Mo., said he opposed the amendment on because it would destroy the bipartisan compromise that was struck as part of the underlying bill. He also complained that the amendment would not be flexible enough to handle emerging threats.
"During the next attack on our country or in the face of an imminent threat, Congress may not be in a position to legislate an authorization. Yet the bottom line is, we just don't know what tomorrow will bring. This provision would raise unnecessary legal concerns that might impede the effective action of our intelligence community to protect this country. Further, because this amendment does not address warrantless surveillance in times of war and national emergency following an attack on our country, it does not provide enough flexibility for intelligence collectors. I am concerned this will cause operational problems," Bond said.
The amendment was offered to a bill that makes revisions to electronic surveillance laws, including controversial provisions that would allow U.S. intelligence agencies to listen in on phone conversations of foreign targets even if they were communicating with someone in the United States. The bill also would grant retroactive legal immunity from prosecution to telecommunications companies that shared customers' private telephone records with the government.
By a vote of 57-41, the Senate rejected Feinstein's amendment. Though more voted yes than no, this particular vote required a three-fifths majority of the Senate (60 votes) for passage. The vote threshold is normally a simple majority, but the leadership decided to raise the vote threshold for this amendment. This was likely done to see whether or not the amendment could survive a filibuster, as it also requires 60 votes to defeat a filibuster. All but one Democrat present voted for the amendment (Ben Nelson of Nebraska).. Of Republicans present, all but nine voted against the amendment. Thus, the measure went forward without language stipulating that FISA law is the "exclusive means" of conducting electronic surveillance.
Issue Areas:
HUMAN RIGHTS & CIVIL LIBERTIES — Government Surveillance of Citizens
HUMAN RIGHTS & CIVIL LIBERTIES — Individual Rights
MAKING GOVERNMENT WORK FOR EVERYONE, NOT JUST THE RICH OR POWERFUL — Civil Rights
WAR & PEACE — Intelligence Agencies' Oversight
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Looking for a candlelight dinner under RM400 with a lovely decoration??
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We are now open for booking at Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Bangi, Subang Jaya and Johor Bahru.
Variety of colour theme to be chosen designed specifically for your special occasions such as anniversary and birthday celebration.
Let us know how many pax participate, your current city, and date of celebration to get our package complete with a list of venue recommended, package price, how to book, and menu available.
Available at Johor Bahru, Bangi, Putrajaya, and Subang Jaya.
Surprise your wife / husband on this date!! 😱😱😱.
Enjoy a lovely candlelight dinner on these day only from krlbrands.
We are now officially open for candlelight dinner reservation at Bangi, Putrajaya and Kajang.
Our package may includes cake, balloons and flower bouquet. The unique of booking a dinner with us is, you can request a colour theme. Our default anniversary theme is red, black and white since it becomes a major favourite by our clients at Johor Bahru.
With variety of venue to choose from, you can order either ala carte or dinner set menu on the spot upon arriving.
Enjoy yourself as our collaborate cafe and partner allow you to have the dinner at their place.
Or you can email to info@krlbrands.com and direct message on our favebook and instagram, "krlbrands".


TEC Blog - Beware the Ides of March…Why?
Home / Blog / Beware the Ides of March…Why?
If you haven't looked at a calendar yet today, you might not know that today, March 15, is actually the Ides of March. I'm sure you've heard of it before, but what exactly is this special day all about?
The origin story of the Ides of March is actually pretty nondescript. Ides was one of the ancient markers used to reference dates in relation to the lunar phases, along with Nones and Kalends. Ides just referred to the first full moon of a given month, which usually fell between the 13th and 15th.
The Ides of March is also known as a time of renewal and rebirth, with the advent of spring and the departure of winter. This was actually a very important day in early Roman times, as March was actually the first month of the year, and the Ides fell on a full moon, which marked the official "new year's day" to ancient Romans, a day which would be filled with celebrations and rejoicing. The Ides meant winter was over and spring was here, especially considering the planting season.
During this time of rebirth, one of the deities worshipped was Anna Perenna. The names "Anna," meaning "to live through a year," and "Perenna," meaning "to last many years," have lasted throughout history, as these names are where the modern English terms for plants being either "annuals" or "perennials" come from.
Ironically, Caesar's death occurred on a day normally reserved for celebration, as mentioned above—at least, it was…until he decided that instead of occurring on the Ides of March, the new year would occur in January.
The Ides of March wasn't a bad (well, the worst) day just for Julius Caesar. Unfortunately, lots of unpleasant things have happened on this date over the years.
In 1889, a Samoan cyclone destroyed six warships (three US, three German), leaving more than 200 sailors dead (but also likely averting a war, since both countries were competing to annex the Samoan Islands).
On March 15, 1917, Czar Nicholas II signed his abdication papers, thus ending a royal dynasty that had lasted 304 years and ushering in Bolshevik rule, which eventually led to the deaths of himself and his family.
As recently as 2003, the Ides of March was the day that the World Health Organization issued its heightened global alert for the SARS virus.
And just this year, Britain very nearly hosted its own unfortunate Ides-related event when the Prime Minister's office picked March 15 as the date to trigger Brexit. Thankfully, they heeded the calls to "beware the Ides of March," and after considering the symbolism, opted to choose another date instead.
If you want to celebrate the Ides of March this year, I can offer a few ideas. You could watch the movie The Ides of March (starring George Clooney and Ryan Gosling), in which an idealistic presidential campaign worker (Gosling) gets caught up in scandal after the integrity of the candidate (Clooney) is threatened in one of the presidential primaries.
You could also watch one of the many episodes of television shows with Ides of March–related titles: Party of Five, The Simpsons, and Xena: Warrior Princess all have Ides episodes (all of which feature rather unpleasant plot points).
You could, of course, read Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, or Thornton Wilder's novel The Ides of March. Or you could simply kick back with a nice glass of Italian wine!
We are doing some celebrating of our own: The TEC team will be heading out for a celebratory lunch, to mark the passing of two three-year work anniversaries (Barbara's and my own), and a birthday. At TEC, we're making sure the Ides only has good things in store for us!


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> Adapter for the [RequireJS](http://requirejs.org/) framework.

Check out examples on how to configure RequireJS with Karma:
- Karma's e2e test https://github.com/karma-runner/karma/tree/master/test/e2e/requirejs
- Karma's docs http://karma-runner.github.io/0.8/plus/RequireJS.html
- Kim's example project https://github.com/kjbekkelund/karma-requirejs

----

For more information on Karma see the [homepage].

[homepage]: http://karma-runner.github.io/

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


This striking chair's silhouette is inspired by the charming design of the 50's. The poplar and beech wood structure supports a filling attached to it through belt to maximize resistance. The magnificent cover is in Yak wool from the Himalayan regions that was given a deep Bordeaux color. The back fabric is in English jacquard with a delicate flower pattern, entirely neural (82% viscose and 18% cotton).


MultiChoice, owner of DStv, a Sub-Saharan African direct broadcast satellite service has confirmed its partnership with CyclingLagos for the hosting of the international cycling event in Lagos, Nigeria on August 25, 2018, reports ITRealms.
With the partnership, DStv which provides multiple channels and services to about 11.9 million subscribers across Africa will be actively involved in the cycling events which will transverse an engaging two months of activities between July 7th and August 25th, 2018 through activities which include; the Lagos Cycling Children Summer Clinic, the Cycling Clinic/ Brand Exhibition and Entertainment, Corporate Product/ brands Exhibition and the grand finale of the cycling competition and corporate Lagos Dinner on Saturday August 25th, 2018.
He said cycling served more than just being a competitive sport, saying, "you have to look at the health, fitness and general wellbeing of the people which is what we are trying to promote in Lagos."
Chairman, Cycling Lagos, Mr. Soji Adeleye said, "Lagos State is the commercial nerve centre of the country and with the massive campaign built around the event; it is expected to further rob-on positively on the image and brand messages of our partners.
The event is made up of five categories: Corporate race, Celebrity race, Club & Associations race, Amateur race, Children race and Professional race to accommodate all interested participants.


I've been coaching kids since my wife gave birth to our own, and I've overwhelmingly enjoyed my youth coaching experience…until now.
Maybe it's because I've been unusually busy with work and book promotion, and the early weeknight starts trouble me.
Maybe it's because the weather has been so spotty, so even when we play, an early March rawness persists.
Maybe it's because I've grown so incredibly bored with the endless "coach pitch" games in which every kids gets up every inning, and every kid runs after every ball hit anywhere in the field.
Maybe I'm just getting old and cranky.
I've tried it all. I've pulled them aside to speak with them individually. I've loaded them with praise even though they're rarely deserving of it. I've developed them with skill and baseball knowledge so they feel more competent. I've given them feedback on the behaviors I'd like to see stopped. I've spoken sternly with them. I've separated them – even isolated them – from each other to dilute their adverse impact on others.
Their behaviors are manageable, but it's constant work…far from the unqualified fun I've become accustomed to when coaching kids. And, because they're kids whose parents paid like everyone else for a rec baseball program, they'll be gracing my team right on through the last pitch of the season.
I can now relate to the pain of my management trainee clients who have complained about the cancerous, tenured, aging, unionized, bullet-proof veterans who they're stuck with, whether the manager wants them there or not.
But maybe it's a sign from above. Maybe I needed a good reminder that some players don't respond to your brand of management magic. People are complicated and dynamic, and sometimes some people just don't buy your act and jive with you. And you nevertheless need to work with them. Baseball, like work, goes on (and on, and on, and on), and sometimes the very best you can do is make the most of the cards you've been dealt.
Sean O'Neil considers himself a workplace and team dynamics expert (which can be considered a ploy to sell books, management training services, and speaking engagements). He is also Principal and CEO of Bare Knuckle People Management (www.bareknucklepeoplemanagement.com), a sales and management training firm with clients that include the National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer, News Corporation, First Data, ADP, Royal Bank of Scotland, and the Oakland Raiders. Sean and John Kulisek co-authored Bare Knuckle People Management: Creating Success with the Team You Have – Winners, Losers, Misfits and All, which was published in May 2011. Sean has contributed to or been featured in, among others, The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Selling Power Magazine, CNBC.com, HR Morning Magazine, Leadership Excellence Magazine, Training Magazine, the Dallas Morning News, the Sports Business Journal, and Incentive Magazine. Sean appears regularly on radio and television programs, including Fox Business, mostly about workplace communications and management issues. He can also frequently be seen pacing the sidelines of a youth team he's coaching.


There is a huge debate going on in our nation over the Obama/Pelosi/Reid health care plan (OPRcare). In the debate cost and benefit numbers have been loosely thrown around by both sides. The Watchman calls them magic numbers. They magically can be whatever they want them to be, and change in a twinkling of the eye. Magic! Unfortunately the outcome we are likely to get is a health care law rammed down the throats of Americans without a clue as to the true cost or real benefits!
So the question remains just what are we getting once the back-room deals are finished being cut and some kind of Frankenstein law is actually signed by BHO?
Other interesting numbers: Obama promises audits - sites that monitor BHO's progress on promises made in the 08 campaign.
The first link above, The Obameter, is from the St. Petersburg Times which should have posted a disclaimer of political bias. They endorsed Kerry and Obama and report with a decidedly leftword bent. But their 'truth-O-meter' is the most comprehensive promise tracker out there. (Also kind of pretty too!) Again, their analysis of the data by the site's editors is subjective and biased. They have a category called "compromised" which implies a positive result, yet deeper analysis by others on the so-called compromise often finds significant deviation from the BHO promise criteria. So read this one with a grain of salt. The other linked sites also have their bias. Use all of them as general indicators at best.
The point of this Red Flag Days warning is our congressional leaders have significant mathematical disabilities and choose to use what ever numbers from a mish-mash of sources. In the senate bill, democratic political algebra uses spending cuts in medicare twice to make the numbers come out deficit neutral! In their willful ignorance of common sense and discarding logic, the majority party in congress seems more than ready to simply stir the pot on health care, pour it into a pan, half-bake it, and see what pops out in the end. Magic numbers to delude ourselves. More smoke and mirrors and wishful thinking. Does everyone feel better yet?


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Support an Independent Journalism Collective in Latin America
Autonomy, Indigenous, Land Defense, Media, Solidarity
For the past four years, Avispa Midia has provided in-depth coverage of events throughout Latin America, from risky situations like the 2016 teachers' protests in Nochixtlan, Oaxaca, where federal police assassinated 8 people, to catastrophes like the major earthquakes that devastated Mexico in September 2017. They have also worked throughout Central America and Brazil to investigate how military and police forces collude with organized crime to control populations and protect corporate interests.
Today, this independent journalism collective — which has made the best of limited resources in the absence of stable funding — is asking for your solidarity so that it can continue to visit and document resistance movements and fix and replace basic equipment.
Recently, Avispa Midia was recognized by the Index on Censorship's 2018 Freedom of Expression Awards under the category of high-impact journalism. Their independent coverage has gained a reputation for investigating topics that large media outlets have forgotten or simply ignore because it doesn't help their ratings.
In 2017 alone, Avispa completed 18 investigative project and dozens of local and international reports. They produced two documentaries and numerous photo essays, in addition to facilitating community mapping workshops, discussion panels, screenings and conferences during visits to cities as well as Indigenous and rural communities. The majority of this work has developed in response to the needs of the communities and organizations that invited us to document their struggles and create communication tools that support their resistance movements.
In its fourth year, Avispa Midia is receiving more invitations than ever, and our needs are also growing. For 2018 they have a full agenda of investigation topics and workshops. However, the project's budget is not enough to cover everything, including visits to communities that have asked for support. Avispa also urgently needs to fix and replace basic equipment, including an audio recorder, microphone, memory cards, batteries, external hard drives, a video camera, a tripod, and a computer for editing photo and video.
It is for this reason that Avispa is asking for your solidarity. Because autonomous and critical projects like Avispa Midia would not be able to sustain their work without the support of individuals and collectives that are conscious of the urgent need to create alternatives. Those who demonstrate support take part not only in projects like Avispa but also in the resistance movements of Indigenous peoples and communities that are building and rebuilding just alternatives every day.
Highlights from Avispa's work in 2017
In 2017, the Avispa Midia team traveled to seven countries – Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama – with the aim of understanding and documenting the new wave of megaprojects that are affecting campesino and Indigenous territories. Throughout this journey participants reflected on social and environmental problems with grassroots movements and organizations as well as campesino and Indigneous land defenders. Through debates and the presentation of maps and documentaries, Avispa sought to create spaces for community members to identify with the experiences of peoples from other countries, so as to rethink the problem of dispossession from a Latin American perspective.
As a result of this journey, Avispa produced various investigative projects that are concentrated in the micro-site called ECOlonialismo:
Some of the special productions of this micro-site include:
The economy of death in Guatemala: Palm oil and the transfiguration of the northern lands
Central America: the invisible migration corridor
The Intervention of the United States in Mexico and Central America: the continuation of the war economy
In Oaxaca, a community pays the cost of France's energy conversion
The Southern Command in Costa Rica: United States occupation disguised as humanitarian aid
Avispa also produced a special investigation in virtual and print form that has been distributed to various communities in Southern Mexico: Indigenous consultation legalizes dispossession
Avispa also produced a documentary and investigation about the dispossession and flooding of Indigenous territory in Panama to make way for a hydroelectric dam. The documentary: The Tabasará, an ancestral river destined for the production of clean energy
The article: Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé in danger of disappearing
In 2017, the Avispa team also did special coverage on the September 7th and 19th earthquakes in Mexico. Some highlights include:
Mexico: Shock doctrine is applied in the wake of Oaxaca earthquake
Mexico: The earthquake's always been here, because we've always been screwed
Mexico: Against oblivion and for reconstruction on the coast of Chiapas
Please support the campaign and spread the word!
In times of climate crisis, the future is a territory to defend


text:
Ramesh S A
Colorful cataramans lined up after a hard days work at the Kasimedu fishing harbour, Chennai
Photographer: Ramesh S A
Finishing: Hahnemuhle Fineart Pearl Paper
Ramesh S A - India
Ramesh took to photography at a young age when his uncle gifted him an Agfa Click 3 box camera. Since then, photography has been his passion. Currently his interests are in Street photography and he has been focusing on the street
life of Chennai, including those revolving around temples and beaches. He also takes keen interest in landscapes and compositions of human interest. His photographs reveal a candidness that captures the fleeting moment of irony in human life.
Ramesh has had solo photographic exhibitions in various cities of Malaysia as part of the "Penang International Festival" and "Festival of India" . He has also participated as a member in the panel of mentors and Judges for "Tamron
Challenge" an initiative by Tamron Corp, Japan to identify and promote photographic talent. He also conducts workshops regularly at the Mindscreen Film Institute ( MFI), Chennai.
Buy Buy Hahnemuhle Fineart Pearl Paper (9x18) Buy Hahnemuhle Fineart Pearl Paper (12x24)
Buy Hahnemuhle Fineart Pearl Paper (9x18) - Rs. 4,300.00 INR Buy Hahnemuhle Fineart Pearl Paper (12x24) - Rs. 7,800.00 INR


For years, fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra have burned with one question—what happened to Fire Lord Zuko's mother? Finding a clue at last, Zuko enlists the aid of Team Avatar—and the most unlikely ally of all—to help uncover the biggest secret of his life.
By My nickname? Hell no!
Good comic but it was like 20 pages long. Too much money for that tiny "book". I ❤❤❤ the "Avatar the last Airbender" show, and comics, but again, -TOO SHORT -WHERES TOPH? -I want to see Zuko doing his duties as fire lord, like the changes he makes in the kingdom and also Aang doing avatar-y stuff. Also please make new episodes of ATLA! Either just sell them on iTunes, or Netflix. That would make me SSSOOO happy. Ok well hopefully someone important actually reads this.
I can't believe the last page.


Our state doesn't do winter weather that well, hence the state of emergency. I think inland received some pretty hefty snow totals, maybe up to a foot. We got sleet, followed by freezing rain and sleet over night. Temps went under freezing just in time to keep the trees and power lines safe. We finished up with a nice coating of snow. Snow that hides a treacherous icy layer underneath. Driving is a super bad idea. So it is an emergency, if you're stupid enough to drive.
There were a few hangups the morning after. The front door barely opened because the saggy, frozen stiff awning was in the way. And then there was locating and excavating frozen poo balls... Val helped on this one.
It wasn't a pretty snow, so there likely won't be too many good photo ops. I'm just happy that all the critters are safe and accounted for, and that we have heat and water. I made a big pot of lentil soup and a pomegranate cheesecake (what - I have to keep up my strength - it's a state of emergency! ;D) yesterday, so we're good to go here in the Shimmy Shack.
They call this mackeral skies... signifies approaching precipitation. Yes. Yes it does.
Stuck inside (again) due to weather. This time sleet, freezing rain, and eventually snow. Driving is hazardous. Walking on my porch is hazardous (waiting for the salt to work) so I'll be farmbound until the smoke clears. Those of you who deal with this crap on a regular basis, I.don't.know.how.you.do.it.
A few months ago my book club read The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, debut novel by Rachel Joyce. To quote the back of the book, "It is about all the wonderful everyday things Harold discovers through the mere process of putting one foot in front of the other."
The book was enjoyable, but that's not why I mention it.
While in the midst of reading, I came across a post over at 7MSN, one of my very favorite blogs (me and about five hundred other readers lol). I was absolutely enchanted by the story of Hannah and her donkey's journey - walking the entire circumference of their home country - Wales.
I'm generally not a pledger, but how could I not? I felt a real connection to this wandering artist and her donkey. There was an email this morning saying she made her goal of ₤28,000 with a day to spare, (!!!) but there is still time to help her upgrade production values, and hire more local folks to work on the project.
There was a method to my madness. Dragging the paddock yesterday allowed me to "spy" on Val overnight. My last after dark visit to thaw the remote water bucket showed that Val had barely moved. This morning I could see he had rampaged around some. There were several trails leading into the run-in, as well as missing water and hay. Not anywhere near what is usually consumed, but a safe amount.
nom, nom, nom... guarding is hungry work!
The sign that Everything Really Is Okay Now was when he followed me around as I picked the frozen manure, resting his head on my shoulder and sighing. I loved on him a bit, and served up a tasty hot morning mash surprise.
Newest theory is that maybe there's an animal, possible dying or dead already, holed up out in the marsh at the back of the property. In the rare instances when it has gotten this cold, for this long, I've run across frozen critters that crawled into bushes and pampas grasses to survive.
Whatever it was, my sensitive boy was very disturbed. Perhaps because he's an only horse, he takes his guarding the perimeter duties very seriously. Standing in one place staring I can handle. Not eating and drinking in sub freezing weather - a recipe for disaster.
Then on a whim, I pulled out the jump standards and a few poles. I set up a ground pole initially. After spooking as I brought the equipment in, Val investigated everything; knocking over the standards, lipping the cups, rolling the pole. He walked around the standard rather than through at first, so I grabbed a few cookies.
After walking through several times, I asked him to trot. He got a funny look on his face - oh, I remember this - rocked back on his hocks and waaaay over jumped the pole. Such an effort - it totally cracked me up. Val's not prone to expending extra energy, so he was having fun.
Since 9 this morning, and as of this writing, Val mostly has not strayed from the far left corner of the paddock.
I knew something was up, when he didn't follow me straight into the run-in to eat his breakfast. Two hours went by and the breakfast pan and hay were still untouched. Water too. Very uncharacteristic. Val has never willingly missed a meal since I have known him. In these temperatures, barely above freezing, this situation worried me.
He eagerly ate the cookie I brought him, and had produced manure, so I took him a flake of hay, and let him be for a while, confident he'd get bored, and return to the run in for his breakfast and water.
On to plan B. Mid-afternoon, I brought him a bucket of water, and coaxed him to it with apple slices, which he gobbled eagerly. I dropped a few slices into the bucket. He quickly fished them out. Dropped in a few more, and he drank as well.
I walked Q the Jack Russell terrorist out into the wild yonder, hoping to flush a napping deer family, which was my guess for the source of the obsession. I reported back to Val that the coast was clear. It did not seem to matter, and he stayed put.
Next I dragged the ring. This accomplished two things - smoothing and softening the sand, which gets rock hard in the sub-freezing days, and giving Val some exercise, as I spun around near his obsession spot. He's moving just fine btw.
I'm planning one more flashlit visit before bed, to see if he has come to his senses. I'll take a hot kettle to thaw the water bucket - it's supposed to be in the low 20's overnight, and that small bucket will surely freeze solid otherwise. I want to believe that he will be sensible; go to the shelter, eat hay to stay warm, and drink water when he's thirsty.
Yesterday's post was intended to read - disappointment x irritation x impatience. Mostly impatience. But definitely not petulance. Sorry.
How about a little farm tour? Welcome to Val's realm.
While waiting in the exam room for Dr. Dreamy, I distinctly heard him cuss under his breath out in the hall, when the tech handed him the x-rays. Bummer.
We discussed that scar tissue / soft tissue damage is restricting the range of motion in my wrist, as opposed to the hardware. Thank goodness. It will be mostly up to me how much I can recover. He informed me, that only thirty percent of the time hardware needs to be removed - a potential issue someone recently burdened me with. (another sigh of relief) I was sent home with physical therapy exercises, and we scheduled one more appointment.
On a positive note, my range of motion has improved with each pt session. I'm thankful for any good news, because every time I look at the state of the farmette, the state of my bank account, at Val, I have to subdue feelings of guilt, regret or worry.
It's three months today, since the big snap. Three months since I've ridden. Three months since I've worked. I'm ready for everything to be normal again. Really ready.
faint improvement... can you see it?
WW - Are you kidding me?
Disclaimer: I'm sure that a windchill of 6 degrees sounds positively balmy to some of you. All I can say is - yesterday afternoon it was 70, and this morning when I went out to do morning chores it was 19 - with 35 mph northwest winds.
Jack Russell terrorists reluctantly sported their pink and purple bones fleece jackets and ottbs were cozy under their blankets. Farm women went from breezing around in flip flops and shorts, to remaining toasty layered in silk long underwear. Cats puffed up and snuggled as necessary, and the Shimmy Shack maintained a (barely) tolerable temperature.
I learned a lesson about counting my chickens however - a last walk around next door this evening at dusk (different property, shared well point) revealed that congratulations about winterizing success were premature.
While the well pump short cycled, a geyser of water spewed from the outdoor shower head. Despite wrapped water lines, the lack of a cut off valve led to the the rusty fixture giving way.
We shall see about the gardens tomorrow. Hoping a blanket of hay leavings mitigated the plummeting temps, but I'm prepared to start over. Our unnaturally mild conditions of late were too good to be true.
A few highlights of the last month of 2013, where things finally began to look up. Nonetheless, I couldn't be happier for the debut of 2014 - Year of the Horse, as of January 31. Has a nice ring to it right?!
Val has spent much of his semi-retirement learning new skills, and catching up on beauty sleep. Hoping the doc clears me for normal activity next week. It's been a long 10 weeks out of the saddle, for both of us.
Lots of visits from critters... a great horned owl has been hanging out nearby - you can hear him whoo-whoo-whooting after dark. On warmer evenings I've been treated to multiple bats performing their aerial displays at dusk, and the other morning I discovered this fine fellow staring at me from a remarkably close distance. Apparently he knows hunting season is over too.
We've been treated to some dramatic skies as well. The other night there was a double rainbow arching right over the Shimmy Shack at sunset, which I couldn't help but take to be a positive sign.
Christmas was lovely. Gorgeous weather, and family gathered together for the first time in many years. Several afternoons my pop and I sat on the porch in shorts and flip flops, cracking delicious, icy cold, salty oysters. Heaven.
And today - !!!!! - I received a most wonderful package.
Jen from Wyvern Oaks, my secret santa, sent me a beautiful gift with a sweet note. She picked it up in Austria, and wrote she hoped I could find a spot for it in the Shimmy Shack. I absolutely can, but I'm also dreaming of the day I can give it a place of honor in the future farmhouse. Thank you so very much for the thoughtful gift Jen - I LOVE IT!!!


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Q: Are these two solutions of a trigonometric equation both correct? $$2\sin^2x+3\cos x=0$$
 $$x=(2n+1)\pi \pm \pi/3$$
$$x=2n\pi \pm 2\pi/3$$
I am getting the first one while thinking of solutions lying only in the second and third quadrants and subtracting/adding the required angle from odd multiples of $\pi$. However the second one can easily be arrived at by subtracting/adding the other angle from even multiples of $\pi$.  Please let me know where I am going wrong.

A: Obviously, your two solutions are equivalent:
Subtracting $1/3$ from any odd number is the same as adding $2/3$ to any even number and vice versa adding $1/3$ to any odd number is the same as subtracting $2/3$ from any even number.
However, none of these two solutions are correct. If you plug in e.g. $2\pi/3$, you will get $\frac{3}{4} \left( \sqrt{3} - 2 \right)$ but not $0$.
Update
As the OP corrected a typo (see comments), both solutions are correct.

A: $\{(2n+1)\pi \pm \frac \pi 3|n\in \mathbb Z\} =$
$\{2n\pi + \frac {2\pi}3; (2n+1)\pi + \frac \pi 3| n \in \mathbb Z\}=$
$\{2n\pi + \frac {2\pi}3; (2n + 2)\pi - \frac {2\pi}3| n \in \mathbb Z\}=$
$\{2n\pi + \frac {2\pi}3; 2(n+1)\pi - \frac {2\pi}3|n \in \mathbb Z\} =$
$\{2j\pi + \frac {2\pi}3; 2(k)\pi - \frac {2\pi}3|j= n\text{ for some }n \in \mathbb Z; k = m+1\text{ for some } m \in \mathbb Z\} =$
$\{2n\pi + \frac {2\pi}3; 2n\pi - \frac {2\pi}3|n \in  \mathbb Z\}=$
$\{2n\pi \pm \frac {2\pi}3|n \in \mathbb Z\}$.
The two expressions are exactly the same.
(Assuming your method for solving was correct in the first place.  I didn't actually attempt to solve.)


It's tough to get motivated to keep your fitness up during the winter months! But signing up for a winter running series can help you stay fit and who knows, you may even set a new PR along the way!
Craig Braun, race director of the popular Winter Run Series, tells us about this year's races and why all runners should consider signing up!
Can you tell us a bit about the Winter Run Series? How many years has the series been run in the MKE area and what makes it so unique?
This series marks our 11th year in business and the 8th year of a "series". The series has grown from four races to six since its birth. There's a lot that makes the Winter Run Series stand out in the area. I think one of those reasons is the charities we work with. Racers Against Childhood Cancer and the Milwaukee Rescue Mission will benefit from this year's series. I love the idea of helping local families and local charities. We also hand out A LOT of hardware throughout the series by medaling down to 10th place in each age group. Paying close attention to the small details and making sure each athlete is taken care of no matter their experience level. There's no other joy like witnessing someone finish their first 5k or 10k!
What are the six races in this year's series? Are there any specifics or course tips for the races that participants should know? What do participants get with each race entry?
The things I always emphasize are course conditions and weather. We are a winter running series and it does get cold out there. When you dress properly and wear proper shoes, winter running is really one of the best types of running. Not much can compare. We had 7,000 runners race with us last year – we can't all be crazy, right?
We hand out A LOT of gear to each athlete. The usual stuff like shirts, beer, food and cookies. We have finisher's medals for the Run Into the New Year. Champagne, roses and more at various events. Check out www.racelighthouse.com/winter-run-series to see all the race goodies!
How do you select the locations and courses for the races in the series?
Parking – can people get in and out easily without disrupting the event?
Size – Can it fit 1,200 + people inside to stay warm?
Roads – Hills and sharp turns are tough as it is. Through some snow or ice on it and it's nearly impossible!
Scenery – It's tough when you're planning for winter. Trees are dead, nothing is green, no water to run next to. It's tough, but we manage.
Is there anything new or different at this year's Winter Run Series?
Lighthouse Cash! We're focusing on getting those who race with us in the stores of the sponsors who support our events. Supporting local business is HUGE to us, and Lighthouse Cash is a great way for us to emphasize that with our athletes. You can earn Lighthouse Cash by placing in your age group and in return, use that cash at our sponsors' retail stores to help save the budget!
We also have a new venue this year in Hartford that will be exciting. We've added in another "Be Easy 5k" for the mid-pack runners. Luck of the Irish will have some Irish Dancers at the finish, RINY has a finisher medal. We changed and rebranded the entire series. Now that I type these things out – there is A LOT that's new for this year!
What's the incentive for people to sign up for more than one race in the series?
Simplicity. Signup once and you're done. It saves you some cash in the long run plus you get rewarded with a free commemorative 1/4 zip top at the first race. The family atmosphere of the series is one of the main things that bring people back to take on the Winter Challenge. Friends are made here, and I love that about this series. The first race is always a huge winter running family reunion kind of deal.
What types of overall/age group awards are offered at each race? For the series?
Top 3 male and female are rewarded with custom stained and carved wood plaques. They are really nice! Age groupers get custom placed medals with the series logo on them. These are nice as well. We try to go all in on the awards because it means so much to the athletes.
Points are collected throughout the entire duration of the series. If you do well enough to place in the top 3 overall for your age group you're rewarded with a "Series Award" at our Winter Run wrap up party. These can be blankets, hats, jacket, hoodies – we change it up from year to year.
Are there any favorites yet for winning for the overall series titles this year?
I can't say there are any favorites as of now! Josh Pinter swept the series last year but we do have some fast guys out here who run with us. There's always a good run for the top 3 overall in male and female. It's fun to watch the series points and keep tab on who's hammering and going for the next spot in their age group or even for the overall.
If you haven't tried out the Winter Run I'd love to invite you to give it a shot. You can register for each race individually and test the waters or jump right in and take on the Winter Challenge. Right now we have 1,000 runners signed up for the Pumpkin Run and are pushing 800 to take on the challenge. We have fast runners, midpack runners and walkers. All are welcome to join!
TGIF! Where and what is everyone running this weekend?
This entry was posted in Race Previews and tagged #ConquerTheCold, Lighthouse Events, Milwaukee Races, Race Previews, Running in MKE, Upcoming Events, Winter Run Series. Bookmark the permalink.
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Project CategoryConnector
1 No Poverty 4 Quality Education 8 Decent work and economic growth 9 Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure 10 Reduced Inequalities
http://www.bdsmefinancing.com/ Other
Project i-SME
A project by Bangladesh SME Corporation Ltd.
i-SME is the first of its kind business-investor matchmaking platform targeting MSMEs with 8000 registered, 2000 trained and 1400 financed enterprises to date.
Bangladesh is an emerging economy, and naturally it has seen its lower income population prosper over the last decade. At this juncture, Bangladesh finds its banks providing traditional financing to clients with proven track record of creditworthiness, and its MFIs providing very small sized and frequent-installment microloans to rural population. This leaves a mass market demand for credit unmet. This problem is known as the missing middle.
In addition to that, owners of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) do not have the financial knowledge to prepare formal documentation like financial statements required to apply for bank financing. BSCL's field officers visit the MSMEs at regular intervals and use the i-SME mobile app and ask beneficiaries a series of simple questions. They then input that data into the app and the system auto-generates the up-to-date financial statements, credit evaluation report etc. documentary requirements of the enterprise.
Since its launch in 2016, i-SME has helped over 8000 MSMEs register, over 2000 gain business development support and 1400 receive financing. The aim of Project i-SME has been to provide access-to-finance opportunity to the missing middle of Bangladesh previously deemed uncreditworthy by formal financial institutions.
Bangladesh SME Corporation Ltd. (BSCL) is a financial services company catering to the needs of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through innovations, providing flexible and innovative financing schemes for entrepreneurs and start-ups operating in several economic sectors.


First Floor Class A Office Space for Lease. Prime Location in Pawleys Island and situated off Highway 17. Elevator Access. Lobby/Reception Area with 6+ offices, Kitchen/Break Room Area, and Conference Room. Public Restrooms and Computer/Server Room. Great Office Space!


Which created random bouncing Minecraft character triggered by a Micro:bit. This extends this by using two Micro:bits one remains connected to the Pi and listens for messages from the second Micro:bit which runs off batteries. If you press "a" on the battery run Micro:bit then it sends a message via the radio module. The Pi connected Micro:bit then receives the message and then sends the message to the Python script through the serial connection. In a nutshell its a radio controlled bouncing character.


Local authorities and housing associations must do more to provide affordable housing to slow down the rate of drift of young families away from the countryside, Conservative MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has warned.
Conservative MP Ian Liddell-Grainger says he will do all he can to ensure it's business as usual for companies in his Bridgwater and West Somerset constituency which have established trading links with Europe.
Bridgwater and West Somerset Conservative MP Ian Liddell-Grainger MP has pledged his whole-hearted support for a campaign to raise awareness of the needs of serving and ex-members of the armed services.
In his weekly column for the Western Gazette, Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh discusses broadband and local bus services.
In his weekly column for the Western Gazette, Somerton & Frome MP David Warburton discusses why politicians need to talk more.
In his weekly column for the Western Gazette, Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh discusses helping first time buyers and local infrastructure.
The Government will be kept under the closest scrutiny on the issue of neonicotinoid pesticides, Conservative MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has promised.
MP Ian Liddell-Grainger says the choice of Bridgwater as one of the sites for a new National College for Nuclear is a huge vote of confidence in the town's future.
In his weekly column for the Western Gazette, Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh discusses the recent PCC elections and some recent changes to government policy.
Exmoor's MP has urged the local tourism sector to 'get bidding' as the Government opens up a £40 million fund to drive tourism growth across the nation.


Diverse and balanced workplaces are more successful and happier places to work, and yet women remain under-represented in many professions. Women face particular challenges throughout their working lives, but many traditional workplace systems are not designed with women in mind. So that's where we come in. This is a circle to bring together women working in and around Plymouth. Our events will offer training and development, as well as opportunities to network, make new friends, and offer each other encouragement and support.


It is found that many of the students often get panicked with their finance homework. With the pressure of the accomplishing the overburdened syllabus, it often becomes troublesome to you to complete the academic papers. This is the very reason you need finance homework help service.If you choose tophomeworkhelper.com service for your work, you will get to know how such Homework Helper are useful.
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An imposing door with 12 glass panels sitting over a deep shelf (85mm) with a pretty apron and 3 vertical panels with heavy mouldings. We believe the glass is original so it will not pass modern safety regulations. Please contact us for glazing options if you would like us to do the glazing work.


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Tag: all about solar energy
Halotechnics develops new materials to make solar thermal energy more viable
New developments in solar power helps to shed new light on efficiency issues. Halotechnics, a solar energy startup, has announced the…
Cogenra Solar unveils the largest rooftop solar energy system in the U.S.
Winery gets a gold star for alternative energy. Cogenra Solar, a developer of hybrid solar energy systems, has unveiled the…
Maryland lawmakers pass bill that opens the way for more solar energy
Solar energy market widens in Maryland The Maryland Legislature has passed a new bill (Senate Bill 791) that opens the…
University of Delaware researchers experiment with concentrated sunlight to make hydrogen gas
Hydrogen fuel cell research in the U.S. Researchers from the University of Delaware, led by Professor Erik Koepf, have been…
Concentrated solar energy becoming a big hit in China
By Alicia Moore
Last year, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) estimated that the growth of the country's solar energy market would…
SunPower announces commercialization of its record breaking Maxeon solar cells
By John Max
SunPower, a leading solar energy company, has announced that its record breaking solar energy cells have entered commercial production. The…
Germany's use of solar energy has lowered the cost of power in the country by 40%
By Dan Holguin
A new study from the Fraunhofer Institute, a research firm based in Munich, Germany, shows how effectively Germany has been…


As a homeowner one of the toughest decisions you'll have to make is deciding whether your system is in demand of an AC repair or if it's time for a replacement system. A new AC is a huge investment, but so is the value of consistently repairing a system that is in need of replacement. There are a few signs that it may be time to stop repairing and glance into replacing.
Occasional repairs may happen, but if your air conditioner is breaking down numerous times a season, it's probably time to initiate looking into a replacement. The money you're putting into your aged system could be used to invest in a new, high-efficiency system.
If you've noticed your bills getting higher and higher without running your system more often, this could be a flag your AC is on its last round. Look at your bill and compare your energy usage this year to last year. A giant increase in your consumption could be a sign that it's time for a new system. As system's age they have to try harder and that requires more energy.
We're as dedicated to your comfort as you are and we want to make sure you're making the most out of your home comfort assets. We want to work with you whether you're in need of an AC repair, replacement or just your regular maintenance tune-up. Let's remain cool this summer. You can give us a call at 262-358-9468 to chat with one of our AC repair technicians.


An Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance EXCLUSIVE!!!
Only 12 will be available!
The all new & redesigned Ford GT had its unexpected surprise Debut at the Detroit Auto Show January 2015. Ford overhauled and redesigned the Ford GT with plans to have a competitive vehicle in the supercar Market. Extensive research and development went into designing this car for the purpose of showing the world that they too can build an awe inspiring supercar. Ford has plans to return to the 24 hours of Le Mans race in 2016 with hopes to secure another win, as they did 50 years earlier with the iconic Ford GT40. The Ford GT is sure to rival many other supercars with its exotic looks and amazing performance. This stunning new supercar is powered by a 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine making more than 600 horsepower and will exhibit one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car.
1:18 scale resin closed-body model.
Additional shipping fees may apply based on actual shipping rates.
A portion of your purchase goes directly to The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization recognized as a public charity under section 509(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.


See MarketsReformWiki for a summary of swap classes to be cleared on the CFTC Proposed Determination: Clearing Requirement for Credit Default Swaps and Interest Rate Swaps page.
Credit default swaps (CDS) are financial instruments intended to provide risk insurance to banks and bondholders in case a particular bond or security goes into default (when there is not enough revenue behind the loan to meet the promised payments). Their purpose is to make it easier for banks to issue complex debt securities by reducing the risk to purchasers. Invented by Wall Street in the late 1990s, CDS are designed to pay out if a company cannot pay its debts, allowing investors to either bet on a company's demise or hedge against the prospect of it not repaying its creditors.
In a CDS, a buyer of protection pays an insurance premium to a protection seller who agrees to cover any lost interest or principal on bonds or loans issued by companies, countries or other organizations. The buyers and sellers are typically securities firms, hedge funds, banks and insurance companies.
Credit-default swaps are traded on the over-the-counter (OTC) market and used to speculate on a company's ability to repay debt. They pay the buyer face value in exchange for the underlying securities or the cash equivalent should a borrower fail to adhere to its debt agreements. A rise indicates deterioration in the perception of credit quality; a decline, the opposite.
A CDS can be used in many ways to customize exposure to corporate credit.
CDS contracts can mitigate risks in bond investing by transferring a given risk from one party to another without transferring the underlying bond or other credit asset. Before credit default swaps, there was no vehicle to transfer the risk of a default or other credit event, such as a downgrade, from one investor to another.
The International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) is responsible for publishing the credit derivatives definitions, which contain the standard contract terms used by the market for CDS.
Credit default swaps have been widely criticized as playing a crucial role in the 2008 credit crisis. Unlike traditional insurance, the swaps are unregulated. Warren Buffett famously called them "financial weapons of mass destruction."
According to Richard Zabel, a forensic accountant at the law firm Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi LLP, the CDS market was created by commercial banks that wanted to transfer risk off their books and free up regulatory capital. By buying CDS protection, banks were able to shift default risk to a third party and thus reduce the amount of regulatory capital they had to set aside against debt holdings.
Adding complexity to the market, sellers of CDS contracts, to hedge against default, will often themselves buy protection for the debt they insure. This allows them, in the case of default, to collect insurance at the same time as paying it out, greatly limiting the resulting loss. The insurer thereby also becomes the insured.
Companies like American International Group (AIG) began not only insuring houses, but also insuring the mortgages on those houses by issuing CDS. Eventually, AIG racked up a $441 billion exposure to credit default swaps and other derivatives. Although an isolated default would not necessarily have posed a great risk to the market as a whole, the default of a major dealer such as AIG had the potential to bring about systemic damage beyond just the CDS market. CDSs, like other OTC derivatives, are bilateral contracts without a centralized clearing platform, so it was impossible to gauge any party's total exposure.
During the 2008 crisis, the NY Federal Reserve Bank called for market participants to submit a cleared facility solution for CDS contracts before the end of 2008. In March of 2009, New York Insurance Superintendent Eric R. Dinallo added to calls by U.S. regulators to make it compulsory for trades in the $28,000 billion credit derivatives market to be cleared centrally. Dinallo said in a piece published in the Financial Times that credit default swaps were the major cause of the collapse of insurer AIG. (Dinallo's department regulates insurance arms of AIG but not its financial products division.) Dinallo also said that making it compulsory for CDS to be cleared via a central clearing counterparty was one way to ensure there was sufficient capital behind the transactions.
Intercontinental Exchange Inc began clearing CDS in March 2009, after it acquired The Clearing Corporation in order to do so. Its rival, the CME, partnered with Citadel Investments, is also vying (along with several other exchanges) to clear CDS. Regulators approved CME's clearinghouse in March 2009, but the CME has not yet launched it, partly because it has not yet struck agreements with additional partners in the venture.
↑ Times Topics: Credit Default Swaps. The New York Times.
↑ US derivatives regulator presses industry body over reforms. The Financial Times.
↑ Surprises in a Closer Look at Credit Default Swaps. The New York Times.
↑ Credit Default Swaps. PIMCO.
↑ credit default swaps. The New York Times.
↑ SEC's Cox says supports merger of agency, CFTC. Reuters.
↑ The Bet That Blew Up Wall Street. CBS News.
↑ The Abyss. The Deal Magazine.
↑ CME says CDS clearing still up for grabs. Reuters.
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