be of help to me.
Oh I know..... follow the money.!!!
Not sure when money became more important than human well being, but I suspect it was a very long time ago (probably very shortly after currency was created).
I always think that people who follow the money so closely have never been very sick in their lives BUT when they do become ill, watch how quickly they change their attitude.
Thank youl. Hope you are enjoying the challenge.
You know the answer to your question!
I agree! Valerian Root instead of Valium. I think, though, some people take valium so they don't have to think about being in the present.
And.... I would think the more drugs they take the more boring their life would be.
Now this is one I know for sure. We always have Valerian on hand to calm achy muscles.
Smart moves you have down there in Texas.
Money rules the world and we all know it.
And the greedy make the decisions and we the people suffer for it. That sounds too negative. I hope you are having sunshine. I wish we had a little more.
Valerian root is found in Melatonin and other products. For migraines? It is now on my list.
It's a good one to keep on hand.
I have done Valerian root. I think my sister and I used to drink it to help us sleep. Maybe that is why it didn't work, we used it for the wrong thing.
I do remember it being disgusting though. You Like It? LOL.... Love you!
I think I tend to do disgusting things. Look at all the rocks I put in my gardens years ago!!!! I was on my hands and knees most of yesterday ..... until I got rained out. That is plenty disgusting. Hope your day was a good one.
Hum, wonder if it might help me sleep with this bum shoulder. I am barely averaging 4 hours a night. I will check it out further. Thanks.
Your shoulder must really be banged up. I kinda did mine in from last winter's fall too but it hasn't interfered with my sleep. But I did tweak my back last Friday (from picking up my rocks in the garden) and when I woke up Sat I could barely get out of bed. In fact I had to use a cane to get upstairs. I had White Willow Bark in the bulk and also WWB in caps in my herb stash upstairs. I made a tea from the bark and drank that throughout the day and also took a few of the caps. By the evening I could feel the pain slowly subsiding and by Sun AM I had no pain at all. I knew it helped pain but I didn't know it also "cured." I was back out picking rocks again. I have faith in herbs but that fast recovery really amazed me.
I think my imagination may be running over time. Hahaha Me too as far as being able to take yucky things if they heal me. In fact, my food as you know is also my medicine (usually haha) and I think my morning smoothie with the pea protein is like puke but I close my eyes and drink.
I've never tasted it, so can't comment on that aspect. My book says it eases pain and promotes sleep without any narcotic effects, so that's a good thing.
It really does. That is why I can't believe people take a drug that leaves that druggy feeling when this can leave you with a clear head.
Interesting stuff! I'm gonna have to go back and check out your other A-Z posts to see what I've missed.
Hello and hope you have been enjoying your time out.
The fact that it helps with migraines means I have to try it. My neurologist won't tell me about natural stuff like this, she just pushes more pills at me... Thanks so much for this!
I know they do but that is all they are taught and i know they totally ignore herbs and the natural. But if they did push the herbs for pennies and not the drugs for the big bucks, they'd be living like the little old witch in a cabin in the mountains in place of driving their Italian sports cars out of their palatial garages and going to work every morning. I guess we all have choices.
Interesting stuff. Sounds like this one might be good for me!
I grow Valerian in my veggie garden for the bees- guess I should use it for me too!
Oh my! This is so very interesting. This is another plant I've heard about, but didn't know anything about. Thank you.
I think valerian drops are in every family's first-aid set! :) Also, cats do love it so much!


text:
Back TheJournal.ie
Image: PA Images
Boris Johnson promises 'good solution' to Irish border in formal Brexit plan
Johnson's comments follow the fall-out from the UK's proposal to replace the backstop with a series of customs posts.
Oct 1st 2019, 9:03 AM 25,321 41
BORIS JOHNSON HAS urged the European Union to work with him on efforts to reach a Brexit deal when he presents formal proposals to break the deadlock within days.
The Prime Minister said it is now the moment when the "rubber hits the road" as the clock ticks down to the 31 October scheduled date for the UK's exit from the EU.
Johnson called for Brussels, Dublin and Berlin to work with him on the "good solution" the UK will be formally setting out.
Johnson's comments come after Irish political leaders rejected proposals for customs posts along both sides of the Irish border to replace the backstop.
It was reported yesterday evening that the UK has – as part of a broader set of proposals – suggested creating a set of customs posts along both sides of the Irish border.
The UK and the EU have been at loggerheads over the backstop, which Brexit supporters say is unacceptable.
The proposals would also create a "customs clearance site" in the North that could be monitored using GPS or tracking devices on trucks.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney described the so-called "non-paper" as a "non-starter" and said it was time the European Union had "a serious proposal" from the UK government if a deal was to be achieved before the 31 October deadline.
Coveney added that Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland "deserves better".
Non-Paper = Non-Starter. Time the EU had a serious proposal from the UK Govt if a #Brexit deal is to be achievable in October. NI and IRE deserves better!
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) September 30, 2019
'Very good offer'
The prospect of customs posts returning to the area around the border has been one of the most recurring fears since the UK voted to leave the EU in 2016.
There have been repeated warnings that infrastructure along the border could become a target for dissident violence.
But Johnson said these were preliminary ideas that had been floated and the formal proposals would be set out very shortly – widely expected to be later this week, after the Tory conference finishes tomorrow.
"They are not talking about the proposals we are going to be tabling, they are talking about stuff that went in previously," he told the BBC.
"But clearly this is the moment when the rubber hits the road. This is when the hard yards really are in the course of the negotiations.
"The difficulty really is going to be around the customs union and to what extent Northern Ireland can be retained within EU bodies at all.
"We're going to make a very good offer, we are going to be tabling it very soon, but there is a difficulty if you try to keep Northern Ireland in a customs union because one of the basic things about being a country is you have a single customs perimeter and a single customs union," Johnson said.
In an indication of why the UK has delayed tabling its formal proposals, Johnson said there was a risk that critics could "needlessly distort" what was being put forward.
"We do think there's a good solution. I very much hope that our European and EU friends in Brussels, in Dublin, in Germany as well, will want to take it forward," he said.
'Utterly unworkable'
In response to the so-called "non-papers", Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: "If Boris Johnson had spent any time listening to businesses and communities in Northern Ireland, he would know that these proposals are utterly unworkable."
He added: "If accurate, these proposals represent yet another failure of the Government's negotiating strategy.
"The Prime Minister should admit he has no credible plan for Brexit and that the only way to resolve this issue is to go back to the people with a public vote."
Meanwhile, The Times reported that Mr Johnson's plan to get around the Benn Act – the law aimed at preventing a no-deal Brexit without MPs' approval – would be to ask EU leaders to rule out any extension to the October 31 deadline.
He would then seek to present MPs in Parliament with a straight choice of agreeing the revised deal or leaving without an agreement on Halloween.
As the clock ticks down, get all the best Brexit news and analysis in your inbox
Send a tip to the author
+ ⚠ Duplicate comment
Email me followup comments
#BORDER
#BORIS JOHNSON
#CUSTOMS CHECKS

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Internet marketing in Toronto through specialized search engine optimization and marketing campaigns proves to be one of the most effective ways to reach potential customers. When a user is searching for your product or service, they are already active in the buying process. Consumers use search to decide on who to do business with. We make it easy for consumers to find your site, instead of your competitors'. Our advanced efforts and specialized expertise are what sets RankHigher above other internet marketing firms in Toronto.
We will work with you to decide on a set of core, secondary and watchlist keywords to target during your Toronto internet marketing campaign. Our internet marketing team can datamine to find the exact language your target audience is using for when they search for your product. With this information, we can optimize your website and/or search engine marketing advertisements to be as effective as possible.
Our entire operation focuses on our customers' return on investment. The internet marketing service we provide is designed to expand your client base and boost overall revenue. Offering an all encompassing scope of internet marketing services, we provide web design, corporate video production, social media, SEO and SEM services.
RankHigher's internet marketing through search engine advertising is an effective solution for any sized budget. The flexibility of Google Adwords and Bing Ads is one of the many benefits to SEM. You choose how much you are willing to spend, and we will allocate your funds into your campaign accordingly.
We have members of the Google Adwords Partnership program and the largest internet marketing team of Accredited Bing Ads Professionals in Canada. RankHigher is extremely capable to execute and manage impactful ad groups. SEM gives the advantage of competitive intelligence with regular analytics reporting. Using Adwords or Bing Ads, we can tweak your ad and test various structures and copy to discover the methods that result in the most conversions. With this knowledge, your company will find the best call to action language that resonates with customers.
Leveraging search engine internet marketing is the key to tapping in to new markets to increase sales. Get in touch with a representative at RankHigher through our contact form or by phone at 1-877-631-5899 and boost your exposure today!
We proudly service customers for internet marketing in Winnipeg.


text:
Q: Double cover - smoothness of branch curve Let $X$ and $Y$ be complex projective surfaces, where $Y$ is smooth. Suppose $p:X\rightarrow Y$ is finite degree two map, i.e. $X$ is a double cover of $Y$. Let $B\subset  Y$ denote the branch curve. It is known that if $B$ is smooth, then $X$ is smooth. And in general, $X$ can have singularities at most over the singular points of $B$.
In case of double covers, is the converse true? That is, if $X$ is smooth, then does it imply that $B$ is smooth?

A: Let $\tau \colon X \to X$ be the involution of the double cover. If $X$ is smooth then the fixed locus $R \subset X$ of $\tau$ (i.e., ramification divisor of $p$) is also smooth. The map $p$ induces an isomorphism $R \to B$, hence $B$ is also smooth.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Homebuyers sacrificing travel, leisure, retirement funds to build down payments
Survey examines financial concessions made by buyers to finance their home purchase.
Home Stories Homebuyers sacrificing travel, leisure, retirement funds to build down payments
Real Estate Richmond
by Richmond News December 29, 2018
Funding a home purchase can be a monumental challenge in pricey Canadian cities such as Metro Vancouver – and for some, it means making significant financial and lifestyle sacrifices.
That means cutting back on dining out, travelling, and even saving for retirement, according to a survey released February 13 by Sotheby's International Realty Canada and Mustel Group.
That's if you can even get started – 37 per cent of Metro Vancouver survey respondents said that their basic day-to-day living expenses were the primary barrier to building a down payment.
For those who are managing to do so, many are having to tighten their purse strings elsewhere in order to afford it. The survey of Canadian "modern families" found that the most-often cited sacrifice was reducing or eliminating dining out, with 51 per cent nationally saying they were using this method. This was followed by reducing or eliminating travel, then non-essential expenses such as new clothing, and then non-essential entertainment or health/fitness expenses.
Across Canada, the fifth most-cited method for building a down payment was to delay saving for retirement, with 20 per cent making this sacrifice – a figure matched in Metro Vancouver.
However, Metro Vancouverites revealed themselves less inclined to cut back on the finer things in life to save for their down payment – or perhaps less in need of doing so than their counterparts in other Canadian cities.
Source: Sotheby's International Realty Canada/Mustel Group
The survey report said, "Despite housing affordability challenges, young family homeowners in [Metro] Vancouver are less likely to have sacrificed non-essential lifestyle spending in order to save for their down payment than in other Canadian metropolitan areas… Vancouver families are more likely to secure a higher paying job to save for their downpayment, at a rate of 21 per cent."
The report added, "Vancouver families are the least likely of their urban Canadian counterparts to delay the decision to have a child in order to save for a home, with nine per cent reporting this as a strategy used."
GuidedBy is a community builder and part of the Glacier Media news network. This article originally appeared on a Glacier Media publication.
Beware of real estate investment schemes promising tax write-offs, warns CRA
So you want to sell for land assembly
Short-term rental taxes: What owners need to know
What's Better for You? Fixed-Rate Mortgages vs Variable-Rate Mortgages
Discover your dream home with a Kamloops Realtor
Millennials may rescue slow recreational real estate sales
Kamloops realtor helps make dream homes a reality
How Realtor® Nari Thiara saved a home seller over $30,000
Everything to Know about Presale Condo Risks
6 Apps that make home buying a smooth and convenient experience
FAQs: What You Need to Know about Subject Removal
Show 292 stories >
Want to become part of this special hub?
Join our community of special brands presented by our team. Don't see your concept? Send us suggestions.
Guided By is an initiative of Glacier Media Group © Copyright 2019 LMP Publications Limited Partnership. Designed by Glacier Media Digital


text:
Tarot Reviews
Tools of the Craft
Becoming a Reviewer
How Do I Get Reviewed?
Written by Sherry Finzer and Darin Mahoney
What a gorgeous CD! Mahoney's guitar playing is hypnotic, and Finzer's flute playing is magical.
The album begins with the plaintive "Alger Street" that features the resonant qualities of Mahoney's custom OM koa backed, cedar-topped guitar. The sound of this acoustic instrument is extraordinarily warm without losing any crispness in the articulated notes. It has the quality of those really great guitars that are more like lap organs.
The second track is "Confused." Finzer leads the action with her DiZhao curved head alto flute. It's a soft and pensive song. Each musician takes a turn leading the song through its twists and turns. "Reflection" resembles an old English country melody or folk song. The flute leads with a straight melody while accompanied by the guitar. "Early Spring" incorporates bird song in the background, giving a strong sense of being out in the woods. It's lovely and thoughtful. "Joplin" is a guitar piece of great richness and texture that highlights the instrument's sonorous qualities. The flute provides a nice descant floating above the guitar's texture.
"White Sky In November" is more bleak and somber. Again, the music evokes nature, but in this case, it's a snow-covered landscape with barren trees in the distance. Sustained notes in the lower register of the Guo bass flute feel hollow and forlorn. It's spooky flute! The song really does give a sense of the emptiness of November. "Jane's Song" moves into a slightly faster tempo. The impression is still pensive. A viola joins the duo to add some much-needed contrast. The final song is "The Door." It bears a resemblance to the beginning of the album – the listener has come full circle.
This is an exceptionally good CD for ritual and meditation use. Finzer and Mahoney are veritable wizards on their instruments and transport the listener to another realm. Quite extraordinary – merits top marks! Very highly recommended.
~review by Elizabeth Hazel
Artists: Sherry Finzer and Darin Mahoney
Heart Dance Records, Finzer Publishing, 2013
www.heartdancerecords.com
8 tracks, 47:32 minutes
FTC Endorsement Notice
As required by the FTC , I am posting this notice.
Reviews on this website were usually compensated in that the reviewer was given a copy of the item and allowed to keep said copy. Some reviews published here are from other forums and publications and Facing North makes no claim as to whether those reviews were compensated. No other compensation was offered or accepted for these reviews which are as unbiased as possible.


This historically qualitative agency now has a strong quantitative offering that has grown leaps and bounds over the past couple of years. Recent client wins have resulted in the need for a Quantitative Research Executive to come on board to support senior members of the team on a range of consumer, ad hoc quantitative studies.
This is a superb role for a junior quantitative researcher to join an established and thriving agency and work on a range of high profile accounts. Project types will be varied spanning innovation, segmentation and branding across the Retail, Media, FMCG and Technology space. You will be working end-to-end from project setup to completion, building your skills in questionnaire design, data analysis, project management, report writing and presenting. Applications are encouraged from those with a market research agency background and a solid grounding in quantitative consumer research.
Competitive package and benefits package offer for bright, ambitious individuals looking for a career boost!


text:
System.register(["./siglenameitem"], function (_export) {
  var SigleNameItem, _createClass, _get, _inherits, _classCallCheck, Departement;

  return {
    setters: [function (_siglenameitem) {
      SigleNameItem = _siglenameitem.SigleNameItem;
    }],
    execute: function () {
      "use strict";

      _createClass = (function () { function defineProperties(target, props) { for (var key in props) { var prop = props[key]; prop.configurable = true; if (prop.value) prop.writable = true; } Object.defineProperties(target, props); } return function (Constructor, protoProps, staticProps) { if (protoProps) defineProperties(Constructor.prototype, protoProps); if (staticProps) defineProperties(Constructor, staticProps); return Constructor; }; })();

      _get = function get(object, property, receiver) { var desc = Object.getOwnPropertyDescriptor(object, property); if (desc === undefined) { var parent = Object.getPrototypeOf(object); if (parent === null) { return undefined; } else { return get(parent, property, receiver); } } else if ("value" in desc && desc.writable) { return desc.value; } else { var getter = desc.get; if (getter === undefined) { return undefined; } return getter.call(receiver); } };

      _inherits = function (subClass, superClass) { if (typeof superClass !== "function" && superClass !== null) { throw new TypeError("Super expression must either be null or a function, not " + typeof superClass); } subClass.prototype = Object.create(superClass && superClass.prototype, { constructor: { value: subClass, enumerable: false, writable: true, configurable: true } }); if (superClass) subClass.__proto__ = superClass; };

      _classCallCheck = function (instance, Constructor) { if (!(instance instanceof Constructor)) { throw new TypeError("Cannot call a class as a function"); } };

      //
      Departement = _export("Departement", (function (_SigleNameItem) {
        //

        function Departement(oMap) {
          _classCallCheck(this, Departement);

          _get(Object.getPrototypeOf(Departement.prototype), "constructor", this).call(this, oMap);
        }

        _inherits(Departement, _SigleNameItem);

        _createClass(Departement, {
          type: { // constructor

            get: function () {
              return "departement";
            }
          },
          collection_name: {
            get: function () {
              return "departements";
            }
          },
          base_prefix: {
            get: function () {
              return "DEP";
            }
          },
          index_name: {
            get: function () {
              return this.collection_name + "/by_sigle";
            }
          }
        });

        return Departement;
      })(SigleNameItem));
    }
  };
});
//departement.js
// class Departement
//# sourceMappingURL=data:application/json;base64,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

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Not content with rolling out a brand new video product just a couple of weeks ago our engineers have been busy beavering away with our new Facebook module which allows our customers to get social without the headaches.
Local Link Up will create for our customers who opt for this service a Facebook custom business page and secure their very own Facebook business address for life.
LocalLink Up is the social media connector for any business. All businesses know they need to engage with audiences both locally and in a wider market using social media but frankly unless they employ a full time social media specialist they will almost certainly have become overwhelmed by the choices on offer and how they work. Your business should be engaging with Google search, Bing Search, Yahoo Search, Facebook, Twitter Youtube and Google +1 at the very least but finding your way around these networks let alone posting on them is quite simply a nightmare. You wouldnt have time to run your business if you did.
Just two years ago it was hard enough to get a website on Googles first page. It was also expensive but Local Link Up solved that with a low cost Google rankings product that has seen over 20,000 businesses ranking on the first page for a small monthly fee. Now we introduce our social media connector called TIMS - Total Internet Marketing.
TIMS is not just a concept, it is a solution that is managed by Local Link Up for you but allows you to interact with one source, the LLU TIMS control panel and build and update your audience on all of the above social media networks with no skill required and almost none of your precious time.
You get one place to post your thoughts, your latest pictures of a job or perhaps your menu for a restuarant. Its one place where you can manage your friends requests and the results of your campaigns and then Local Link Up sends out your messages to many sources and monitors the feedback.
Most importantly Local Link Up will help you build a network either locally or in a wider area by engaging with the social networks and before you know it you could have an audience of hundreds or thousands or potential customers that you can tell about your latest products or service and before you know it you will be gaining customers and business from social networking like the professionals.
The first stage of TIMS will launch next week with the Facebook connector and will be shortly followed by Twitter and Google +1 connectors.
This is new to me. Will it give a better ranking results than social bookmarking, if yes then I must implement this one right-away.
I do enjoy the manner in which you have framed this particular concern plus it does indeed present me personally a lot of fodder for consideration. Nonetheless, because of everything that I have experienced, I basically trust when the actual feed-back pack on that individuals remain on issue and don't embark upon a soap box regarding the news of the day. Yet, thank you for this superb piece and even though I can not necessarily go along with this in totality, I regard the perspective.
Good post. I make sure to visit this blog atleast once in a week. Thanks..
Seriously dude..I too agree with your points..
Excellent information,its very informative to me..


text:
Independence Stadium (Gambia)
 Independence Stadium (Namibia)
 Independence Stadium (Zambia)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Bishop State, Coastal Alabama & USA unite to launch 15 to Finish
Three Colleges, One Campaign Bishop State Community College, Coastal Alabama Community College and University of South Alabama come together to launch a 15 to Finish Campaign
Bishop State Community College is proud to partner with Coastal Alabama Community College, the University of South Alabama, Mobile Area Education Foundation (MAEF) and Complete College America in launching the 15 to Finish campaign as a strategy to increase enrollment, retention and completion rates at each college. The launch will take place Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the USA Faculty Club.
The 15 to Finish campaign encourages students to take 15 credit hours per semester or 30 credits each year. The campaign also helps to debunk the myth that 12 credit hours are enough to ensure students an on-time graduation. Taking more credit hours reduces the cost of attendance and allows students to graduate on time.
In the 75,000 Degrees Initiative, Mobile has set a goal of doubling the number of Mobile County citizens with postsecondary degrees or credentials by 2030. To do this we must implement ways to provide students with credentials as well as transfer and completion methods. Launching the 15 to Finish campaign across the three campuses will serve as a way to implement strategies that support students in completing their post-secondary education.
"Bishop State is proud to lead the way in this partnership to launch 15 to Finish," says Dr. Reginald Sykes, Bishop State Community College president. "Since first launching 15 to Finish in 2016, our institution has already seen a great increase in the number of students taking 15 credit hours each year and we look forward to seeing that number continue to grow through this collaboration."
"Each additional semester needed to graduate increases the overall cost to students and their families and the likelihood that they may not ultimately reach their goal," said Complete College America Vice President Dhanfu Elston. "CCA is proud to support MAEF and these three colleges in their effort to save students precious time and money, ultimately leading to the achievement of more degrees and credentials of value."
Obtaining a post-secondary degree or credential is a leading contributor to improving the overall wellbeing of Mobile County citizens. The work of 75,000 Degrees and 15 to Finish is made possible by MAEF's partnership with Complete College America and Lumina Foundation.
Bishop State Community College,
Academics,


Good resolution and low distortion in low frequency range, rich and massive middle, stable and delicate High.
Useful functions for modern analog audio play back.
Large size MUTE switch, Gain select, Stereo./Mono, Subsonic filter, Cartridge Degauss.
Complete L/R independent design and construction for very good channel separation and 3D sound stage.
Plug-In modules for matching with various kind of cartridges.
Developed new amplifier module using made in Japan discrete transistors and FETs.
Made in Japan audio grade oxide film registers, 1% error rate.
Made in Japan audio grade Electrolytic capacitors, very stable and long life.
High quality Polypropylene film capacitors, made in Germany.
Use made in Japan high reliability relay switch for all signal path switching.
Shaving solid RCA jacks with rhodium plating. Neutrk made XLR connectors.
Very ridged and heavy , all solid aluminum chassis to firmly supporting circuit boards.
External Power Supply Unit for eliminating noise influence of power transformer.
Large size, large capacity Medical grade Troidal Transformer, L/R independent.
New design power cable, Coaxial inverse winding OFC, Better sound resolution and clarity.
Back panel with two options module equipped.
Stereo/Monaural mixing L/R signals and canceling vertical vibration..
muting will enable in order to protect Speakers and Amplifiers.
Coaxial and revers winding OFC with ribbon shield.
1.What is LCR type equalizer? Why is this good?
top cymbal. LCR is supreme solution for phono stage amplifier.
2. What is VIDA Supreme standard configuration? Why?
Standard equips two input, MM and MC low impedance. Most of all modern MC cartridge is low impedance, under14ohm. If you need more MM or more MC, please add the option cards in open slots.
3. Which is better, MC step up transformer or MC Head amplifier?
This is depend on each people choice. Somebody loves transformer sound, other prefers semiconductor HEAD amp. Transformer is very low noise due passive elements without power supply. HEAD amp is wide frequency range and high sped sound, and capability of fine adjustment with cartridge impedance. Which is better.. ? No. Which you prefer ? is correct.
Many people has question what is this ? Inverse RIAA changes CD/DAC signal to analog cartridge signal that is RIAA frequency response. Then output through phono stage amp. Of course, frequency range , SNR, and THD are worth than CD direct to Pre-AMP. But, inverse RIAA makes sound changes to much middle rich and condense the core of music. Digital sound is changed to what we called "analog sound" through filtering process. Some people do not like digital, they loves analog very much. This card is for those analog fetish people. This is option.
5.How to insert the option card after purchase?
It is easy to add new option card by yourself. Power should be turned off, and open the check window on top cover. Then insert the card carefully to the connector. After that, fasten the thumbscrews to fix the card. If you mistake, do not worry, never brake the card nor VIDA Supreme. If no sound or no LED light on, card is not placed in correctly, please check the connector again from checking window.
6.What is benefit of external power supply unit?
Every power transformer is emitting induction noise and vibration. To eliminate those noise, power transformer should be placed far from amplifier. Phono stage amplifier is handling very small signal and x2000 gain, so very sensitive to those noise. External PSU is the best solution to make quiet amplifier.
7. Why MUTE button is large size?
MUTE button is useful at the cartridge up/down. No need to touch pre-amplifier`s volume knob.
8. Do you have any plan to develop new option cards?
Yes, we have plan to develop for ffrr curve and Colombia curve option card..
9. How much price of VIDA Supreme and option cards?


text:
What I've Learned from the Mothers I Photograph
May 10, 2019 | Helen Manson
I'm a New Zealand humanitarian photographer and storyteller living and working in Uganda. I'm also a mom to three incredible kids (ages 2, 3, and 5). My work has taken me to 35 countries over the last decade, where I've seen everything from mothers saying their first hello to their babies, to witnessing their last goodbyes. I've listened to moms tell stories of hope and joy, as they proudly describe reaching the point of being able to pay their children's school fees. I've wept as they've shared harrowing stories of surviving war, rape, slavery, abuse, and the murder of loved ones.
Before I started doing humanitarian photography/storytelling, I was tempted to imagine that mothers in developing countries who endured horrific things "on the news" were fundamentally different from me. Maybe, somehow, they just don't feel things like I do. They're "used to it," numbed by the ubiquitous presence of suffering. Maybe they expect less, care less, hope for less, want less, or need less. But as I've gotten to know moms all over the world, and captured them and their children with my camera, I've come to see that as different as our cultures and contexts might be, the universal gifts and challenges of motherhood unite us. There's really no difference in what we want for our children; only in what we can give them.
I've met many mothers through my travel and my work, in some of our planet's most difficult places. These moms are remarkable. Each has a story, and each bears the beautiful image of God in how they nurture, love, and sacrifice for their children.
As Christians, one of the ways we dignify people is simply by seeing them, bearing witness to who they are as precious image-bearers, even or especially in difficult places and situations. Photography helps us do this. As we approach Mother's Day, we can celebrate the gift of mothers is by seeing them in their beauty and struggle.
Here are some photos that try to do that—dignifying and bearing witness to six remarkable moms I've been fortunate enough to photograph.
Annet (Uganda)
Annet, 32, and her triplets: Patience, Grace, and Samuel
When Annet became pregnant she had no money for a scan, and she ended up going into labor at home. She gave birth to Samuel in her house, alone. But after the baby came out, "my tummy looked like I hadn't even given birth to a baby," she said. Sure enough, after her brother-in-law took her to a hospital on his motorbike, a midwife informed her she was going to have twins and needed to go to another hospital. When she arrived at the new hospital, the doctor called her husband to let him know Annet was having not just twins, but triplets. She would need a C-section. The triplets were safely delivered, but their father didn't want anything to do with them. "In our culture, twins are a blessing, but triplets are a curse," Annet said. "So my husband turned his phone off. He refused to pay the hospital bill or have anything further to do with us, so the doctor ended up calling the press." When Annet's story went public, Compassion came to help. They paid her hospital bill and constructed a home for her and her triplets, who are now sponsored. Annet is grateful. "These children are a blessing!" she said.
Marwa (Lebanon)
Marwa and her son share a moment outside their rented home in Lebanon, after fleeing violence in Syria. His face was burnt in a house fire.
Marwa (name changed for security reasons), 27, has five children between the ages of 7 months and 11 years. They came to Lebanon as refugees because of the war in Syria four years ago. "I saw bombs, shelling, people dying and ruins all around us," Marwa said. "Every day I heard stories of families losing their children, and I was really scared of losing one of mine." Marwa and her kids left everything they owned in Syria, coming to Lebanon with nothing. When they arrived, some members of a local church (supported by Tearfund) came to their aid, providing things like food vouchers, milk, and diapers—which they provide Marwa to this day. The trauma of what they left in Syria still affects the family. When the kids hear an airplane fly by or fireworks at night, they think there is bombing and shelling. But in spite of the emotional scars, Marwa is hopeful. "My hope for the future," she said, "is for my children to get an education and to have no more sadness."
Modena (Bangladesh)
Modena and daughter Mohaismin, 6, shelter together from the rain outside their fragile shelter in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh.
Sometimes the most powerful thing a mother can do is wake up each morning and choose to keep breathing for her children's sake. Modena personified that dedication for me. Modena and her eight daughters, ages 6 to 30, have been living in the Rohingya refugee camps for about a year, having fled genocide in Myanmar. "Both my brother and husband were kicked to death," Modena said. "I don't even know where their grave is." The men who killed her husband also burned down their house and raped Modena's sisters. She hid her daughters in the forest for eight days during this time, eventually taking a boat on a five-day journey to Bangladesh. Though there are difficulties for Modena and her daughters surviving in the refugee camp—no "head of family," no way of making money, missing lost loved ones—Modena is grateful to be away from Myanmar. "In Myanmar we couldn't sleep at night," she said. "We just kept thinking, Someone's coming, someone's coming, someone's coming to kill us. At least we don't feel that way here."
Juliet (Uganda)
Juliet rests a moment while her husband, Edward, says his first hello to their firstborn child, Christine, in a public hospital in Uganda.
For the last 15 months I've been following the story of Juliet, from the final stages of her pregnancy to her daughter Christine's first birthday. Having not had the opportunity to go to school, Juliet met her husband, Edward, at a young age. They fell pregnant soon after, with little to no money to their name. A member of a local church helped register them into the local Compassion program. Juliet gave birth, by herself, inside a local hospital after a nurse had unexpectedly gone off duty. It has been beautiful to watch Juliet's love for her daughter grow. "I am so much in love with my daughter," she told me. "Maybe it's because she's my first born? I love my husband too, but he annoys me whereas she cannot annoy me." Baby Christine was recently given a sponsor, which means she'll have a different life from her mother—starting with an education. Juliet made me laugh when she said, "I've heard that white women don't feel pain when they give birth? That you have schedules for napping, and you get mad if the baby doesn't follow it!? I have heard you have an entire room where the babies sleep all by themselves and only baby things are in there."
Golle (Iraq)
Golle inside her home in a refugee camp in northern Iraq, after escaping with her four children when ISIS invaded her village.
Mother's Day isn't always a celebration. Sometimes it can be a painful reminder—for women who have lost their mothers, women who are not yet mothers, and mothers who have lost children. Mothers like Golle (name changed for security reasons). Golle found her 4-year-old son hanged by her sister-in-law, for reasons she still does not know. Golle and her remaining four children had to flee, a few months later, after ISIS invaded their village. They hid in the mountains for seven days with little food or water, eventually walking through Syria to a safer place in Iraq. "During this time I realized I was not doing well psychologically," Golle said. "I had to take many pills for my treatment, as I kept falling over and fainting" (many victims of severe trauma suffer from conversion disorder, where they will faint at random times). Golle's husband divorced her because of this condition. He took the children. Today Golle is living with her mother and father and says she is "going crazy" because she cannot see her children. She has even been suicidal. But she is getting help from the Tutapona trauma rehabilitation program, which she says is teaching her about forgiveness and opening up her heart. "I still have things to be hopeful and thankful for," she said.
Charlotte (Tanzania)
Premature baby Robert was born in a refugee camp on March 2, 2019, in Tanzania. Here he takes a moment to rest in his mother's arms.
I found baby Robert and his mother, Charlotte, inside a sweltering premature babies room in the middle of a refugee camp on the border of Congo and Burundi. Charlotte had fled in 2015 and come to Tanzania seeking safety. Robert is Charlotte's fifth baby and was born prematurely. As I witnessed this woman holding this tiny new life, I admired her calm and remarkable resilience. Giving birth is an achievement, let alone doing it for the fifth time, in a refugee camp, to a premature baby. Medical Teams International is working in these refugee camps to provide medical services to vulnerable people like tiny Robert and his brave mama.
Helen Manson is an award-winning Kiwi humanitarian photographer and storyteller, currently living and working in Uganda. Helen's work has taken her around the world to some of the most challenging environments documenting famine, refugee settlements, post-war environments, child sponsorship, micro-enterprise, trauma counseling, and disaster zones. When she's not "shooting in the field" you'll find her jumping on the trampoline in her backyard with her husband and three kids in Kampala, Uganda.
Get Arts & Culture Content in Your Inbox
Please make sure all fields are filled out.
What Your Retreat Speaker Needs from You
July 1, 2019 | Melissa Kruger
Evangelical History
Packer on What 3 Types of Evangelicals Could Learn from the Puritans
May 29, 2019 | Justin Taylor
16 Leadership Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
June 27, 2019 | Charles Smith
What Is Discernment and How Do I Get Some?
February 22, 2019 | Melissa Kruger


text:
Q: What are page up/ page down keys on Macbook for TextMate? In other apps I use Command-UpArrow / Command-DownArrow, but those go to beginning/end of file in TextMate.

A: fn+▲ and fn+▼ are Universal page up/down on OSX with abridged keyboards.
fn+◀ and fn+▶ are home and end respectively.


One which runs in accordance with specifications.
One which takes minimum time and memory.
Better running times will generally be obtained from the use of the most appropriate data structures and algorithms, rather than through removing a few statements by some clever coding.
A data type in a programming language is a set of data with values having predefined characteristics. Examples of data types are the integer, floating point unit number, character, string etc.
Computer memory is all filled with zeros and ones. If we have a problem and wanted to code it, it's a difficult task to provide the solution in terms of zeros and ones. To facilitate the users (programmers), programming languages and compilers are equipped with data types.
Data types already defined by the system are called primitive data types. The primitive data types provided by most of the programming languages are int, float, char, double, bool, etc.
The number of bits allocated for each of the primitive data types depends on upon the programming languages, compiler, and the operating system. For the same data type, different languages may use different memory sizes. Depending upon the size of the data types, the total available domain will also change. For example, if 'int' takes 4 bytes, then the possible values are between -231 to 231-1. Same is the case with other data types.
In case the primitive data types are not enough, most of the programming languages allow the users to define their own data types called user-defined data types. Some examples are 'structures' in C/C++ and 'classes' in Java.
An example of a user-defined data type is shown below. This particular example shows a structure with the name 'myType'. This gives more flexibility and comfort in dealing with computer memory.
Data structure is a particular way of storing and organizing data in a computer memory (or sometimes on a disk) so that it can be used efficiently. It means a data structure is a specialized format for organizing (arranging) and storing data. Usually, efficient data structures are key to designing efficient algorithms. Data structures can be used to organize the storage and retrieval of information stored in both main memories and in secondary memory.
Elements are accessed in a sequential order but it is not compulsory to store all elements sequentially. Examples: linked lists, stacks, and queues.
Elements of this data structure are stored/accessed in a non-linear order. Examples: trees and graphs.
finding number of elements (size) in the stack, etc.
While defining the ADTs implementation details need no care. They come into picture only when we want to use them. Different kinds of ADTs are suited to different kinds of applications, and some are highly specialized to specific tasks. We want our stack to perform the required tasks, and ignore how it has been implemented (using an array or a linked list).
To use the ADT, the user doesn't need any technical knowledge of how the implementation works. This provides the abstraction of implementation in a simple interface when it is actually used.
Code using an ADT object won't be edited in case the implementation of the ADT is modified. As all the changes to the implementation still comply with the interface, changes may be made to the implementation without requiring any changes in code where ADT is used.
Different implementations of the ADT can have all the same properties and abilities, thus are equivalent and can be used interchangeably in code that uses the ADT. This provides a great deal of flexibility when using ADT objects in different situations.


text:
Home / Associate Artists of Unison Colour / Vicente Romero
Unison Colour Associate Artist
vicenteromero.wordpress.com
Unison Colour welcomes Vicente Romero as an Associate Artist
Vicente Romero was born in Madrid in 1956. At the age of 19 he started degree in Fine Arts in the "Universidad Complutense de Madrid", specialising in sculpture aimed for acquiring strong fundamentals in drawing. In 1982 he was qualified for teaching Fine Arts. Despite political stability after 40 years of dictatorship, it was still a difficult time for the Art industry as the country was suffering from post-dictatorship period where only in the seaside, plenty of foreign tourism, that there was a place for art and freedom. For this reason he became a bohemian, itinerating along the Mediterranean coast and Canary Islands.
His paintings were mainly based on the female figure although he also painted portraits, another style that initiated him into the "pastel" technique. It was in 1988, when he definitively established himself in the charming Costa Brava, a magic place in the Mediterranean, being the Mediterranean light dramatically influencing his paintings. Since then, he has exhibited his work in several art galleries in Europe, North America and Asia.
As a classicist he intends to create a balanced world from an invasion of unbalanced stimulus beating our senses. Although fascinated for light, secrets of which were legated from impressionists, is his almost renascence nature that allows him to include all the sensitive chaos into forms, precise and clearly defined, legacy from his education in sculpture, with the purpose of capturing the essence of the surround world.


Fred Potter, a 25-year-old male, comes to the doctor's office because of dizziness.
Act like you cannot hear on the right side. If the examinee does not speak loud enough, ask for clarification or pretend not to hear her/his question.
When the examinee looks at your right ear, show him/her this image and pretend that your right ear hurts when the examinee touches it.
When the examinee places the tuning fork on the top of your head, say that you can hear the tone louder on the left side.
When the examinee places the tuning fork on the bone behind your ear until you can no longer hear it and then places it next to your ear, say that you can hear the tone again.
When the examinee asks you to stand with both feet together, raise your arms, and close your eyes, act as if you are tipping over sideways.
You are not aware of the meanings of medical terms (e.g., audiogram) and ask for clarification if the examinee uses them.
I feel like the room is spinning around me.
It started really suddenly last night.
It is there all the time.
I do not remember anything out of the ordinary.
I think it is staying about the same.
I feel nauseous because I am so dizzy. I have not had to vomit though.
I have not taken my temperature, but I feel like I may have a bit of a fever.
I have not seen anything.
I had a little bit of a cold last week and had a cough then, but I think it is gone now.
Only the cold last week.
Yes, in my right ear.
Yes, also in my right ear.
Yes. I think it is mostly my right ear, too.
Yes, my right ear has been itching for the past few days. I thought it was just wax so I cleaned it out, but it did not help.
I hurt my knee playing football last year. Ruptured my ACL.
Yes, I am pretty sure I had chicken pox as a child.
I take some aspirin for my knee sometimes, it still hurts when I run or play football.
I had surgery for my knee last year.
My older brother has neurofibromatosis.
I manage a car wash.
I usually smoke a joint when I get home from work to relax a little bit, I only do it at night, never during the day.
Yes. I smoke about half a pack every day. I think I was 14 when I started.
Examinee did not repeat painful maneuvers during physical examination.
Examinee offered counseling on recreational drugs.
Herpes zoster oticus (Ramsay Hunt syndrome): The URI of this patient a week prior to his current symptoms most likely weakened his immune system enough to allow reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in the vestibulocochlear nerve, causing herpes zoster oticus. The features that make this diagnosis most likely are vertigo, hearing loss, tenderness and pruritus of the pinna, low-grade fever, and most importantly the characteristic herpetic lesions (i.e., grouped vesicles on an erythematous base).
Ménière disease: Vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss form the the triad of Ménière disease, a disease that usually affects patients older than Mr. Potter (40–60 years) episodically. Although cochlear symptoms are a feature of Ménière disease, and patients typically present with a positive Romberg test, the herpetic lesions on the pinna of this patient make herpes zoster oticus more likely.
Vestibular neuritis: Severe vertigo and nausea are symptoms of vestibular neuritis, which is sometimes associated with upper respiratory infections. However, it is also associated with gait instability, which this patient does not have, and it does not present with cochlear symptoms (e.g., hearing loss, tinnitus), which are seen here, making it the least likely of the three main differential diagnoses.
Tone audiometry: to rule out sensorineural hearing loss in herpes zoster oticus. Low-frequency hearing loss would be seen in Ménière disease.
See also differential diagnoses for vertigo.


text:
JFP Local Headlines
Masthead/Staff Listings
Get Advertising Info
Best of Jackson 2021: Community and Culture
Story by JFP Staff
Photo courtesy Ballet Magnificat
Best Arts Organization, Best Place to Get Married: Mississippi Museum of Art
File Photo by Trip Burns
(380 S. Lamar St., 601-960-1515, msmuseumart.org)
With its series of constantly rotating exhibits and a substantial permanent collection, the Mississippi Museum of Art offers something for fans of nearly every artistic medium and period. For Director of Marketing Jana Brady, these varied stylings foster MMA's aim: conversation.
"Our hope for the local community is that you can see and experience art where you normally wouldn't and to create a place where you can have comfortable conversations about art and about Mississippi's past, present and future," Brady says.
This sense of comfort and familiarity have led many Mississippians to choose the museum as their wedding venue, and Brady believes that the space lends itself to such a choice.
"The museum offers a wedding experience like no other," Brady remarks. "There's a beautiful indoor and outdoor space, and we have rotating collections, so they have their own entertainment by having (their wedding) at the museum."
Anyone who married at the museum during 2020 had the special privilege of having works from masters Van Gogh, Monet and Degas on display nearby in the galleries for their special occasion, as the museum has played host to an exhibit featuring the European artists and their contemporaries.
The museum's exhibits are open to visitors and members alike, with certain hours designated as "senior hours" to offset COVID-19 concerns. —Taylor McKay Hathorn
Best Arts Organization Finalists
HeARTworks (1100 W. Capitol St., 601-353-2759, stewpot.org) / Mississippi Arts Commission (501 N. West St., Suite 1101A, 601-359-6030, arts.ms.gov) / Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (201 E. Pascagoula St., 601-960-1565, msorchestra.com) / New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St., 601-948-3533, newstagetheatre.com)
Best Place to Get Married Finalists
Bridlewood of Madison (3024 Highway 22, Madison, 601-707-4024, thebarnatbridlewood.com) / The Cedars (4145 Old Canton Road, 601-366-5552) / Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St., 601-948-3429, fairviewinn.com) / First Baptist Church Jackson (431 N. State St., 601-949-1900, firstbaptistjackson.org) / Ice House (251 W. South St., 601-398-3200, icehousevenue.com) / McClain Lodge (314 Clark Creek Road, Brandon, 601-829-1101, mcclain.ms)
Best Festival, Best Annual Event: Hal's St. Paddy's Parade and Festival
Photo by Kristin Brenemin
(March, halsstpaddysparade.com)
Thirty-seven years ago, Malcolm White and a group of his friends dressed as characters from various media—he was Colonel Sanders—to parade through Jackson's streets. But what originally started out as lighthearted fun has now grown into one of Jackson's most unique cultural events, now named after White's late brother, Hal, who was an ardent supporter of the yearly festival.
As the years went by, parade participants formalized into krewes, with many groups getting together every year to plan around that year's theme or around an original idea they may have that they believe will contribute to the merriment.
Described by parade enthusiasts as Mississippi's "green Mardi Gras," the event begins at Hal and Mal's, circling past the Old Capitol Museum, the Governor's Mansion and the Westin Hotel en route back to its starting point.
This mid-Jackson celebration of the good work of UMMC's Children's of Mississippi hospital features Mississippi blues singers, along with a hearty helping of New Orleans-style brass music, which provides a soundtrack for the after-parties that continue long into the night.
Although White cancelled the 2020 parade due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, plans for the 2021 parade are in full swing, with parade organizers planning to retain the previous theme: "Here's Looking at RUDE, Kid" if they receive permission from the city, which is still pending. The upcoming parade will also feature last year's grand marshal, Trace Alston, and is slated to take place on the fourth Saturday of March, with the usual 70,000-plus revelers expected to join in the fun. —Taylor McKay Hathorn
Best Festival Finalists
Bright Lights Belhaven Nights (August, brightlightsbelhavennights.com) / Cathead Jam (May, catheadjam.com) / CelticFest Mississippi (March, celticfestms.org) / Farish Street Heritage Festival (October, farishstreetheritagefestival.com) / Mississippi Anime Festival (March, msanimefest.com) / Mississippi Craft Beer Festival (June, fondren.org)
Best Annual Event Finalists
Bright Lights Belhaven Nights (August, brightlightsbelhavennights.com) / Cathead Jam (May, catheadjam.com) / Jackson Indie Music Week (January, jxnindiemusic.com) / Mississippi Comic Con (June, mississippicomiccon.com) / Mistletoe Marketplace (November, mistletoemarketplace.com)"601-362-9676, jacksonacademy.org)
Best Dance Group: Ballet Magnificat!
(5406 Interstate 55, 601-977-1001, balletmagnificat.com)
Founded in 1986 by husband-and-wife team Keith and Kathy Thibodeaux, Ballet Magnificat! is an arts organization dedicated to celebrating the word of God through dance. The inter-denominational Protestant ministry tours the world as the first professional Christian ballet company.
Ballet Magnificat's School of the Arts offers dance classes for students as young as 3 years old through adult ages.
Magnificat! Youth Ballet and MiniMag! often perform at local nursing homes, schools and churches, and the Summer Dance Intensive and Teachers Workshop bring hundreds of students from around the world to Jackson for a unique technical and spiritual experience.
Ballet Magnificat! also started the Dance Program at Belhaven University, providing curriculum, faculty and facilities; it has now grown into a full Dance Major program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. The studio also helped Belhaven University start the school's dance program.
Most recently, the company has added Ballet Magnificat! Brazil, headquartered in Curitiba, which includes a trainee program and a performance company, and dancers from all over South and Central America proudly proclaim God's word. "Our hearts' desire ... is to be faithful to our lord Jesus Christ and go where He wants us to go," Keith says. —Michele D. Baker
Finalists: Dance Works Studio (1104 E. Northside Drive, Clinton, 601-720-1885, dwsms.com) / Dancing Dolls (1410 Ellis Ave., 770-265-1111, dollhousedancefactory.com) / Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet (110 Homestead Drive, Madison; 601-853-4508; 106 Autumn Ridge Place, Suite 3 & 4, Brandon; 601-992-9016; msmetroballet.com) / Montage Theatre of Dance (608 Hinds Blvd., Raymond, 601-857-3460, hindscc.edu) / Prancing J-Settes (1400 John R. Lynch St., 601-979-2026, sonicboomofthesouth.com) / Xpress Dance Company (2160 Main St., Suite D, Madison; 601-853-0826; 155 W. Government St., Brandon; 601-954-6268; xdance.net)
Best Tourist Attraction, Best Museum: Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Photo courtesy Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
(222 North St., Suite 2205, 601-576-6800, mcrm.mdah.ms.gov)
The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum's eight galleries allow Mississippi students and visitors from around the globe to learn about Black Mississippians' struggle against centuries of systemic oppression and their fight for civil rights.
"Students weren't taught this in the history books," Pamela Junior, director of the Two Mississippi Museums, says.
"People walk in and understand that (the fight for civil rights) wasn't just about people like Rosa Parks—who didn't live in Mississippi. Our heroes and sheroes are right here, and they did astonishing things."
The museum, which has been nationally recognized for its contribution to the study of southern civil-rights history, exacerbates this sense of astonishment with its interactive exhibits. A jail cell, a replica of the enclosures at Parchman Prison Farm, is located inside the museum, along with a series of mugshots of the Freedom Riders who were once imprisoned there.
The centerpiece of the museum, dubbed "This Little Light of Mine," however, sings literally and figuratively with hope. In addition, a model classroom, which highlights the stark differences between white and Black schools, showcases a video describing the ramifications of the Brown v. the Board of Education decision.
Another hallway houses five "lynching monoliths" engraved with names of known victims of lynching in the state that had the most.
Ultimately, he museum challenges Mississippians and non-Mississippians alike to reckon with the nation's dark history and to take action to forge a brighter future, an opportunity that the Jacksonian community appreciates enough to vote for the establishment in the Best of Jackson series year after year since its debut. —Taylor McKay Hathorn
Best Tourist Attraction Finalists
Brandon Amphitheater (8190 Rock Way, Brandon, 601-724-2726, brandonamphitheater.com) / Fondren (916-812-5678, fondren.org) / McClain Resort (874 Holly Bush Road, Brandon, 601-829-1101, mcclain.ms) / Mississippi Comic Con (1200 Mississippi St., mississippicomiccon.com) / Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive, 601-576-6000, mdwfp.com/museum) / Two Mississippi Museums (222 North St., mdah.ms.gov/2mm)
Best Museum Finalists
Agriculture and Forestry Museum (1150 Lakeland Drive, 601-432-4500, msagmuseum.org) / Mississippi Children's Museum (2145 Museum Blvd., 601-981-5469, mschildrensmuseum.org) / Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601-960-1515, msmuseumart.org) / Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive, 601-576-6000, mdwfp.com/museum) / Smith Robertson Museum (528 Bloom St., 601-960-1457, jacksonms.gov/smith-robertson-museum)
Best Live Theatre/Theatrical Group: New Stage Theatre
Photo courtesy New Stage Theatre
(1100 Carlisle St., 601-948-3533, newstagetheatre.com)
Although the COVID-19 pandemic changed the shape of New Stage Theatre's 2020 season, Artistic Director Francine Reynolds believes that the variety of programs Mississippi's only professional theater company offered during this time has ensured its continued success.
"(We offer) education programs, which creates the next adult audience, and we have a lot of extras: children's shows, holiday shows and two different new play series," Reynolds says.
The Eudora Welty New Play series focuses on the development of new plays, while the Mississippi Plays series either features the works of Mississippi writers or depicts the lives of Mississippians, with many stage selections doing both.
New Stage also offers a series of on-demand pre-recorded solo shows that people could stream from anywhere, such as "Why I Live at the P.O." and the upcoming "Fannie Lou Hamer."
This season offered a socially distant spin on these celebrations of Mississippi life, introducing its "Thursday Night Virtual Plays, Conversations and Cocktails" series that featured live readings of plays, one of which revisited "Pipeline," the last show to be performed before a live audience at the theater. Reynolds cited the play as being among her favorites, although she quips that "the most recent play is always (her) favorite."
New Stage also paired each live reading with a recipe for what we all really needed in 2020: a hard drink. —Taylor McKay Hathorn
Finalists: Black Rose Theatre Company (103 Black St., Brandon, 601-852-1293, blackrosetheatre.wordpress.com) / Enchanting Memories Entertainment (662-590-2748, facebook.com/enchantingmemoriesentertainment) / MADDRAMA (601-454-1183, maddrama.com) / Magically Perfect (504-502-2847, facebook.com/magicallyperfectentertainment) / Mississippi Children's Music Theater (100 Post Oak Road, Madison, 601-201-8558, mschildrensmusictheater.com)
Best Category We Left Off: Best Tattoo Artist
Many consider tattoos to be one of the best forms of self-expression, art they can display to the world. As commonplace as tattoos have become, it's no wonder that Jacksonians would want to highlight the talented artists who hone their craft in the metro by voting that they would like to see a Best Tattoo Artist category.
Since tattoos are generally permanent forms of body art, finding a qualified tattoo artist who can enact your vision for your tattoo can be key, and Jackson is rife with both outstanding shops and artists. While this category does not exist in the current Best of Jackson series, readers can browse the finalists for Best Tattoo/Piercing Parlor in the Urban Living section to see which shops they may want to consider. —Amber Helsel
Finalists: Best Children's Entertainment / Best Couple / Best Home-Based Business / Best Place for a First Date / Best Virtual Church Service
Best Art Gallery: Fondren Art Gallery
Photo courtesy Fondren Art Gallery
(3242 North State St., 601-981-9222, fondrenartgallery.com)
Seventeen years ago, Richard McKey built and designed Fondren Art Gallery as "a multi-use building and business" to create art and promote local, national and international artists. Today, with more than 30 artists and 500 pieces on display, the gallery endeavors to offer art of exceptional quality at affordable prices.
"There's some really funky, crazy art in there, but there's some fine art also," McKey says, "I like that. I don't want it to be a gallery that just pleases one type of person. I want to be able to attract, entertain and please a lot of different people."
In addition to pieces from every medium, Fondren Art Gallery also offers a custom framing service and a music studio for instrumental lessons and live performances. Although COVID-19 has limited the number of customers in the gallery at any one time, McKey offers a full catalogue of works through his online store.
A creator himself with a background in public art, carpentry and music, McKey hopes the new year will see in-store business and live music "fired up again." And with construction on the road in front of his gallery finished, Fondren Art Gallery is more accessible than ever. —Kyle Hamrick
Finalists: AND Gallery (133 Millsaps Ave., andgallery.org) / Brown's Fine Art and Framing (630 Fondren Place, 601-982-4844, brownsfineart.com) / Fischer Galleries (736 S. President St., 601-291-9115, fischergalleries.com) / OffBeat (151 Wesley Ave., 601-376-9404, offbeatjxn.com) / View Gallery (1491 Canton Mart Road, Suite 7, 601-278-3991, viewgalleryart.com)
Best Local Podcast: Save JXN
(savejxn.com)
After 30 years of living in south Jackson, Clay Edwards concluded that "there aren't very many loud-mouth conservatives, and it felt like a niche that wasn't being catered to."
A proponent of the capital city who bears a "Welcome to Jackson" tattoo on his arm, Edwards received backlash when he shared a video he made with a drone that showcased many of the abandoned buildings in Jackson to his Facebook page.
"I started getting attacked by people calling me racist and all those other things, just because I was posting pictures of these empty buildings," he says.
To present his intent and beliefs more clearly, he decided: "I should probably start talking to tell my side of the story." Thus, he began his savejxn.com website where he posts podcasts, as well as videos and other materials. His website is still a "work in progress," he says, but Save Jxn has garnered more than 26,000 followers on Facebook, 16,000 followers on Instagram and 1,600 subscribers on YouTube.
His wife, Crystal Edwards, sometimes co-hosts the podcast, which Clay describes as "Jackson, Mississippi's only right-leaning news and politics-based podcast."
"I like to consider us the No. 1 source for an alternative opinion on the local news, kinda the Jacktown Alex Jones, minus the conspiracy theories," Edwards says. —Richard Coupe
Finalists: EmpowHER Podcast with Krississippi / From The Heart of A / Key to the City (facebook.com/key2thecitypod) / Othor Cain Media (facebook.com/othorcainmedia) / Reality Breached (realitybreached.com) / Token Talk
Best Public Forum/Speaker Series: Mississippi Black Leadership Summit
(1072 W. Lynch St., 601-353-8452, facebook.com/MississippiBlackLeadershipSummit)
The Mississippi Black Leadership Summit started over 10 years ago as a place for elected officials and community members to create solutions to community issues like public education, economic development, voting rights, criminal rights and environmental justice. "We began as a monthly luncheon," Nsombi Lambright, executive director of One Voice, says. "Over the years, it evolved into a full conference event."
The annual Summit brings together sheriffs, tax collectors and assessors, mayors, attorneys, judges and others. In 2020, the slate included state Reps. Chris Bell and Kabir Karriem and Emmy-nominated actress Aunjanue Ellis ("The Help," "Get On Up"). "We come together for strategy and to share best practices across the state and south," Lambright says. "The State of Black Mississippi" was the final panel.
The Summit will continue to bring together diverse leaders. "We want (them) to play a strong leadership role—guiding the agenda and holding the space so community people can talk to their elected officials," Lambright says. —Michele D. Baker
Finalists: Empowering Progressive Speakers Toastmasters Club (4780 N. Interstate 55, 662-251-6517, toastmasters.org) / Millsaps Arts & Lecture Series (1701 N. State St., 601-974-1000, millsaps.edu/major-happenings/arts-lecture-series) / Operation Shoestring (1711 Bailey Ave., 601-353-6336, operationshoestring.org) / Refill Cafe Friday Forum (136 S. Adams St., 601-540-7231, refilljackson.org) / Save Jxn (savejxn.com)
Best Socially Distanced Activity in Jackson: McClain Safari Tours
(874 Holly Bush Road, Brandon, 601-829-1101, mcclain.ms)
Buddy and Joni McClain, the owners of McClain Resort in Brandon, first kept a private collection of animals, but visitors enjoyed the animals just as much as they did. Thus, the McClain Safari Park and Tours came into being in May 2018.
More than 500 animals from 50 different species call the 2,000-acre park home, Safari Park Director Matt Jurney explains. Guided tours began with wagons pulled by tractors, but the pandemic caused the park to open self-guided, drive-through tours over the summer. Families can still enjoy the zebras, giraffes and other exotic animals while maintaining safe social-distancing practices in their own vehicles.
"By no means was COVID-19 a good thing, but it allowed us to adapt and make some good changes," Jurney says. On average, roughly 200 cars visit the park each weekend, doling out provided feed to the waiting animals. —Kyle Hamrick
Finalists: Capital City Kayak Adventures (601-953-7615, capitalcitykayaks.com) / Chalk Walk (Northpark Fall Fest, 1200 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland, 601-863-2300, visitnorthpark.com) / Dinner at/Staying Home / Museum-to-Market Trail (jxntrailblazers.com) / Reservoir Overlook (Natchez Trace Parkway, Milepost 105.6, natcheztracetravel.com)
Best Nonprofit Organization: The Mustard Seed
(1085 Luckney Road, Brandon, 601-992-3556, mustardseedms.org)
At age 21, adults with disabilities no longer qualify for special-ed services through Mississippi public schools, and "their worlds to get smaller," The Mustard Seed's Community Relations Director Mandy Sisson says. The organization offers its 40 "seedsters," who range in age from 21 to their mid-70s, the opportunity to learn about the arts, but the nonprofit's goal stretches far beyond the walls of its Brandon campus.
"They have an opportunity to live a full life that's engaged and fulfilling," Sisson says. "We aren't hiding them on campus. We want them out in the community, showing what they can contribute to society."
The Seedsters create hand-painted ceramic art, which the nonprofit sells in its gift shop and at locations in the metro. The sales constitute 20% of the Mustard Seed's budget. —Taylor McKay Hathorn
Finalists: CARA - Community Animal Rescue & Adoption (960 N. Flag Chapel Road, 601-922-7575, carams.org) / The Good Samaritan Center (114 Millsaps Ave., 601-355-6276, good-sam.com) / Mississippi Children's Museum (2145 Museum Blvd., 601-981-5469, mschildrensmuseum.org) / My Brother's Keeper (407 Orchard Park, Ridgeland, 769-216-2455, mbkinc.org) / Ronald McDonald House (UMMC) (2524 N. State St., 601-981-5683, rmhcms.org) / WFBC Inc. (769-257-0073, wfbc-inc.business.site)
Best Virtual Fundraiser/Charity: Mistletoe Marketplace
(in-person/hybrid, Junior League of Jackson, 805 Riverside Drive, 601-948-2357, mistletoemarketplace.com)
Mistletoe Marketplace recently celebrated 40 years, "but had to reinvent and reimagine Mistletoe Marketplace 2020" due to COVID-19, as steering committee chair Lori Hill Marshall explains, in order "to help the economy, but in a safe way."
The Junior League of Jackson worked with State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs to determine the safest strategy. As a result, the organization decided to limit physical attendance and hold shopping shifts at three hours apiece.
"We hosted the bands, auctions and luncheon speaker Tim Tebow online," Marshall says.
As a result, they raised about $1 million to support early literacy, children's health and social development for youth. —Michele D. Baker
Finalists: 12Ks for the Holidays (Good Samaritan Center, 114 Millsaps Ave., 601-355-6276, goodsamaritancenter.org) / Best Dressed Jackson (The American Cancer Society, 1380 Livingston Lane, 800-227-2345, acsevents.org) / Discovery Night - Remix! (Mississippi Children's Museum, 2145 Museum Blvd., 601-981-5469, mschildrensmuseum.org) / Pink Fridays (ICTV & The Steven James Foundation, ictelevision.com) / Real Men Wear Pink (The American Cancer Society, 1380 Livingston Lane, 800-227-2345, acsevents.org) / Refill Jackson Initiative (136 S. Adams St., 601-540-7231, refilljackson.org)
Best Radio Personality or Team: Nate and Traci
Photo courtesy Nate and Traci
(WUSJ 96.3, yourcountryus96.com)
Country music lovers across the metro area depend on WUSJ's morning team Nate and Traci to begin their day. The affable duo put fun and family on the menu each morning. "We are live, local and we were both born and raised here," Traci Lee says. "Our listeners relate to us because we've known each other for more than 20 years, and we still like each other."
"Well, we like each other 60% of the time," Nate West jokes. "We talk about real stuff. ... I'm a single dad to a terrific daughter, and we always tease Traci because she's not dating right now."
The pair like to laugh, but their relationship also demonstrates genuine respect as well. "I feel so lucky to be working with someone of Nate's caliber. He's a legend in this market," Lee says. "And I'm so grateful for our listeners. If we can make them smile, we've done our jobs."
Hear Nate and Traci on Your Country US 96 (96.3 FM) Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and catch the "Best Of" show on Saturdays from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. —Michele D. Baker
Finalists: Christiana Williams (WJMI 99.7, wjmi.com) / DJ Scrap Dirty (WRBJ 97.7, thebeatofthecapital.com) / Mista Maine (WRBJ 97.7, thebeatofthecapital.com) / Percy Davis (WOAD 103.5, woad.com) / Tambra Cherie (WRBJ 97.7, thebeatofthecapital.com)
Best Stage Play (In-Person or Virtual): "Mamma Mia"
Photo courtesy Jackson Academy Theater
(Jackson Academy Theater) (4908 Ridgewood Road, 601-362-9676, jacksonacademy.org/arts-music/theater)
Despite the difficulties the theater community has faced this year, Jackson Academy managed to put together a successful run of the ABBA musical "Mamma Mia!"
"It's a huge challenge to put on a full-scale production when you're dealing with teenagers who have school schedules, but this year was particularly difficult with COVID-19 protocols," Director of Theatre Arts Kerri Sanders reflects.
Students at the Jackson private school began rehearsals—wearing masks and submitting to temperature checks—in July, and Sanders believes that her students admirably rose to the challenge. "Even though they're student actors, they're held to the same standards as professional actors," Sanders says. This included a professional orchestra and professional costuming, making the show shine during its three evening performances at the Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center, which was filled to 25% of its capacity.
Senior Emma Collums, who starred as Donna, and junior Gretchen Morris, who played Sophie, were supported by a talented cast of juniors and seniors who give new meaning to that old adage: "The show must go on!" —Taylor McKay Hathorn
Finalists: "Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical" (New Stage Theatre, 1100 Carlisle St., 601-948-3533, newstagetheatre.com) / "The Rocky Horror Burlesque Show" (Black Hat Shows, 601-376-9005, facebook.com/BlackHatBurlesque) / "Rocky Horror Picture Show" (Fondren Theatre Workshop, 4145 Old Canton Road, fondrentheatreworkshop.org) / Thursday Night Virtual Plays: Conversations and Cocktails (New Stage Theatre, 1100 Carlise St., 601-948-3533, newstagetheatre.com) / "Why I Live at the P.O." (New Stage Theatre, 1100 Carlisle St., 601-948-3533, newstagetheatre.com)
Best Community Garden/Nature Attraction: Natchez Trace Parkway
(601-856-7321, nps.gov/natr)
The Natchez Trace Parkway encompasses the 440-mile stretch from Nashville, Tenn., to its namesake Natchez, Miss., and some of its scenic trails are nestled in Hinds County. "I think the fact that it's a national park unit really (brings people to the area)," park ranger Perri Spreiser says. "We protect 423 sites across the country, and each is a little different."
The Natchez Trace Parkway harbors plenty of hiking trails, from a "10-minute stroll to a 10-mile hike," as Spreiser puts it. Many of the trails and scenic views highlight the parkway's original inhabitants: the Native American Chickasaw tribe.
The crowning jewel of the Jackson stretch of the parkway is a large reservoir featuring overlooks and trails with panoramic views of the 33,000-acre lake. The Cypress Swamp, just north of the reservoir, boasts alligators swimming just beneath its boardwalk trail. —Taylor McKay Hathorn
Finalists: The Art Garden (Mississippi Museum of Art, 429 S. West St., 601-973-3681, msmuseumart.org) / Eudora Welty House & Garden (1119 Pinehurst St., 601-354-5219, mdah.ms.gov) / Green Grass Acres (534 S. Farish St., 470-645-3669, mainvest.com/b/green-grass-acres-llc-jackson) / LeFleur's Bluff State Park (3315 Lakeland Terrace, 601-987-3923, mdwfp.com) / Mynelle Gardens (4736 Clinton Blvd., 601-960-1894)
Best Radio Station: WJMI
(99.7, 99 Jams; 731 S. Pear Orchard Road, Suite 27, Ridgeland; 601-957-1300; WJMI.com)
WJMI's roots run deep in Jackson. For nearly 50 years, the station has been No. 1 in the hearts and minds of its listeners. "It's fitting that we are first in our target market, hip-hop," Christiana Williams says. The on-air personality also works as promotion and sales director for Alpha Media, which owns the station. "We have such dedicated and loyal listeners."
WJMI disc jockeys spin urban contemporary music, introducing brand-new hits and nodding to the past with an occasional golden oldie.
The keys to WJMI's longevity, Williams asserts, include its seasoned staff, loyal and involved listeners and the station's strong community ties. "We have long-standing relationships with our partners," she says.
Last Christmas, the station partnered with the Jackson Police Department on a toy drive, where WJMI helped 100 families by giving nearly $20,000 worth of toys. The station also bestows some lucky listeners with monetary prizes during the holiday season, giving away $5,500 in total this last December.
"Our long-term relationships with local businesses, nonprofits and service clubs allow us to keep giving back," Williams says. —Michele D. Baker
Finalists: WMPN (MPB 91.3, mpbonline.org/radio) / WMSI (Miss 103, miss103.iheart.com) / WUSJ (96.3, yourcountryus96.com) / WYOY (Y101, 101.7, y101.com)
Best Reason to Live in Jackson: 'It's Home'
Nearly 165,000 people call the city of Jackson home, and while some residents are native Jacksonians, others chose to put down roots in the capital city.
While visitors flock to Jackson to take advantage of its unique yearly offerings, like the state fair, WellsFest, and Hal's St. Paddy's Parade and Festival, locals enjoy the full measure of excitement that comes from living in Mississippi's largest city.
Whether it's the numerous colleges and universities scattered across the metro area, the constantly evolving food scene, the unbeatable nightlife or the proximity to natural attractions like the Natchez Trace and the Reservoir, the "city with soul" draws the attention of people from all walks of life.
Jackson shows its soul best through its willingness to embrace a brighter tomorrow, symbolized in part by the new state flag that now flies over the Capitol building downtown, just a block away from the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum that's dedicated to the true, complex and often tragic story of Mississippi's past. —Taylor McKay Hathorn
Finalists: Affordable Housing / Community / Culture / Fondren / Food / People
©2022 Jackson Free Press


text:
It's not the video games
A number of you have taken exception to my defending video games against charges of causing violence. You're sure I'm wrong. When I come up against deep-seated beliefs like these, I've learned it's often a waste of time to try and convince you with studies. But here are some facts nonetheless.
From Max Fisher:
It's true that Americans spend billions of dollars on video games every year and that the United States has the highest firearm murder rate in the developed world. But other countries where video games are popular have much lower firearm-related murder rates. In fact, countries where video game consumption is highest tend to be some of the safest countries in the world, likely a product of the fact that developed or rich countries, where consumers can afford expensive games, have on average much less violent crime.
That's video game spending per person on the x-axis and gun related murders per 100,000 people on the y-axis. Do you see a nice relationship between video game consumption and gun violence? Cause I don't. I just see horrific gun violence in the US.
From Erik Kain:
In August of 2007, Dr. Christopher J. Ferguson of Texas A&M published a study [full paper here] showing that many studies of violence in video games have 'publication bias' baked into the reports, and even then, of the 25 studies he surveyed, none show any causal link between violence in video games and violence in real life.
More from Erik (emphasis mine):
In 2010, Dr. Fergusson and Dr. Stephanie M. Rueda published another study in which they took a sample of 103 young adults and had them solve a "frustration task." Separating the participants into four groups, the researches had one group play no video game, one play a non-violent video game, one play as good guys in a violent game, and one play as bad guys in a violent game.
They found that the games had no impact on aggressive behavior whatsoever, and that the group which played no game at all was the most aggressive after the task, whereas the group that played the violent games were the least hostile and depressed.
There are many other studies which come to the same conclusions – or lack of conclusions – about the risk of violent video games affecting behavior in real life.
Many social and behavioral researchers point out that violence in the home and poverty are better indicators of anti-social or violent behavior.
From a piece in The Economist Erik points to:
The opposition to gaming springs largely from the neophobia that has pitted the old against the entertainments of the young for centuries. Most gamers are under 40, and most critics are non-games-playing over-40s. But what of the specific complaints—that games foster addiction and encourage violence?
There's no good evidence for either. On addiction, if the worry is about a generally excessive use of screen-based entertainment, critics should surely concern themselves about television rather than games: American teenage boys play video games for around 13 hours a week (girls for only five hours), yet watch television for around 25 hours a week. As to the minority who seriously overdo it, research suggests that they display addictive behaviour in other ways too. The problem, in other words, is with them, not with the games.
A longform piece in The Economist goes into more detail:
But as Steven Johnson, a cultural critic, points out in a recent book, "Everything Bad Is Good for You", gaming is now so widespread that if it did make people more violent, it ought to be obvious. Instead, he notes, in America violent crime actually fell sharply in the 1990s, just as the use of video and computer games was taking off (see chart 2). Of course, it's possible that crime would have fallen by even more over the period had America not taken up video games; still, video gaming has clearly not turned America into a more violent place than it was.
This graph was taken directly from the Bureau of Justice Statistics Website, and according to them violent crimes are at an all time low. Now the people at www.gamerevolution.com were kind enough to fill in the important dates along the timeline, such as the release of the PlayStation 1 and 2 and its two most controversial games Grand Theft Auto 1 and 3. As you can clearly see, the rate of violent crimes still went down, even after all the media hype and all the press.
Please understand that I can't prove a negative. I cannot prove that a video game hasn't upset or made some child somewhere more violent. But I can say that we're having an awfully hard time detecting the relationship if it's there. Video games are incredibly prevalent. Heck, when Call of Duty: Black Ops II was released a couple weeks ago, it did more than $1 billion in sales in 15 days. That's one game. These things are popular. If they were going to make kids violent, we'd see it at a population level. Instead, we're seeing the opposite.
Games are rated. Kids shouldn't be able to buy them if they're too young. Parents should get involved with these decisions. Personally, I agree with Erik that it's a good idea for parents to play them with their kids. Even I – who love these things – have rules about what my kids can play. But I'll be honest. I think I'm far more likely to let my kids play some of these games than to watch the news.
I understand why some people don't like violent video games. I also understand why some people don't like violent movies or TV shows. But before you start talking about censorship, I want to see some proof. I worry that if you decide (with no good evidence) that you don't like my video games, and want them gone, then next you'll come for my movies. Then, maybe, you'll decide you need to come for my books. That will not do.


What It Is: Nick and Meg, a married couple in their late-50s, are on a weekend trip to Paris to celebrate their anniversary and reawaken the flame. Things don't quite go to plan, as home truths, broken dreams and financial realities begin to come to the fore. Providing a peek of what Before Midnight's Jesse and Celine might be like in 20 years' time, Jim Broadbent and Lindsay Duncan's long-married couple quarrel and fret through a weekend in Paris in this bittersweet comedy-drama.
What We Think: Broadbent's philosophy lecturer Jim and Duncan's biology teacher Meg are optimistically hoping to relive their honeymoon in the city of light 30 years earlier. Jim has even booked the same hotel, but when it turns out to be dingy and unsatisfactory Meg takes charge and wildly checks them into one of the city's grandest hotels, a place far beyond their income. (They end up in the 'Prestige Suite', where Tony Blair once slept.) Yet far from energizing a stale marriage, the weekend quickly brings the tensions in their relationship to the fore, strains that are only exacerbated when they run into Jim's old Cambridge friend Morgan (ostentatiously played by Jeff Goldblum). A rich and famous writer now married to a much younger Parisienne, Morgan invites Jim and Meg to a party at his impressive apartment, where some sore home truths about their lives get a very public airing. For a moment, you fear that the film is about to head into Edward Albee territory, but Broadbent and Duncan's characters, for all their raw irritation with one another, are nowhere near as savage as Albee's George and Martha. Instead, this is a funny-sad, shrewdly observant portrait of a marriage, and of the disappointed dreams and thwarted ambitions of late-middle age. Le Weekend is really well acted, but the premise is a little hard to buy at times and you do wonder how they were ever initially attracted to each other in the first place due to the sheer cruelty shown on occasions.
Our Grade: B, Broadbent, and Duncan are at the peak of their game (and Goldblum's extended cameo is terrific, too); Kureishi sprinkles his writing with plenty of quotable zingers (Duncan gets the best' 'Each time I take off my knickers I think there's going to be an eclipse.'); and Michell plays deft respect to French cinema, with a charming reworking of a famous scene from Godard's Bande à part that will make sure you leave the cinema in a cheerful mood. As a postcard of Paris, Le Week-End is delightful.


Friday, January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. Since that day, abortion has ended the lives of more than 60 million innocent babys in the womb.
Following the decisions many expected the prolife movement would eventually disappear and abortion on-demand through all nine months of pregnancy would become the new normal. Instead, the opposite has happened.
The Catholic Church has continued to lead the way in the fight against abortion even though some of Protestant brothers and sisters have now sided with the opponents of Right to Life.


text:
Q: Можно ли реализовать задачу другим способом? Увеличьте шрифт, которым набрана строка.
Формат ввода
Вводится одна строка, состоящая только из латинских букв A, B, C.
Формат вывода
Выводятся 5 строк, которые представляют те же самые буквы, но составленные из звёздочек и пробелов, разделённые двумя пробелами, как показано в примере.

у меня есть идея по решению , то есть "забабахать" словарь со всем алфавитом и в цикле из него печатать, но для каждой буквы составлять "шрифт " из звездочек будет немного тяжко, есть ли способы попроще для решения?
На примере 2х букв
f={'A':['  *  ',' * * ',' *** ','*  * ','*  * '],'B':['***  ','*  * ','***  ','*  * ','**** ']}
s='ABBA'
for i in range(5):
    for k in s:
        print(f.get(k)[i],end='')
    print()

нашел код с идеей про которую я писал в комментариях ниже, как можно этот код упростить?(имею ввиду последнюю строку с print, так как много не понятных функций)
string=['   ','  *',' * ',' **','*  ','* *','** ','***']
dic=['25755', '65656', '25452', '65556', '74647',
       '74644', '34553', '55755', '72227', '31152',
       '56465', '44447', '57775', '57755', '75557',
       '75744', '75577', '65655', '34216', '72222',
       '55557', '55552', '55575', '55255', '55522',
       '71247']
n=input()
for i in range(5):
    print('  '.join([string[int(dic[ord(k) - ord('A')][i])] for k in n]))

A: Можно сделать занесение символов в словарь чуть более удобным:
letters = {
    'A': '''
 *
* *
***
* *
* *
'''
}

print(letters['A'])

Дальше можно разбить элементы словаря по символу перевода строки \n и отбросить лишние пустые строки в начале и в конце.
Хорошо, вот вам полноценная работающая программа:
letters = 'ABC'

letters_picture = [
'''
 *
* *
***
* *
* *
''',
'''
**
* *
**
* *
**
''',
'''
 *
* *
*
* *
 *
'''
]

def draw_letters(text):
    for y in range(5):
        for letter in text:
            ind = letters.find(letter)
            #print(letter, ind, y)
            letter_line = letters_picture[ind].split('\n')[y+1]
            print(f'{letter_line:5}', end='')
        print()

draw_letters('ACABABCA')

Вывод:
 *    *    *   **    *   **    *    *
* *  * *  * *  * *  * *  * *  * *  * *
***  *    ***  **   ***  **   *    ***
* *  * *  * *  * *  * *  * *  * *  * *
* *   *   * *  **   * *  **    *   * *

A: относительно полного кода, можно сделать так тогда:
решение без словаря, только списки (если не нравятся кортежи в letters, замените их списками () -> [])
letters = [
    (None,  '???|???|???|???|???'),
    ('A',   ' * |* *|***|* *|* *'),
    ('B',   '** |* *|** |* *|** '),
    ('C',   ' * |* *|*  |* *| * '),
]

def draw_letters(text):
    for line in range(5):
        for letter in text:
            images = list(filter(lambda obj: obj[0] == letter, letters))
            image = images[0] if len(images) else letters[0]
            letter_line = image[1].split('|')[line]
            print(f'{letter_line:5}', end='')
        print()

draw_letters('CARAMBA')

P.S.
кстати чтобы постоянно не делать split('|') можно просто делать срезы:
letter_line = image[1][line * 4: line * 4 + 3]

можно было бы убрать | и тогда делать line * 3, то разделитель нужен просто для визуального удобства

A: любую букву можно представить в виде числа, к примеру буква a это 11245. Код:
def f(string):
    string = (string
                    .replace("\n", "")
                    .replace(" ", "0")
                    .replace("*", "1"))
    return int(string, 2)

A = ''' *
* *
***
* *
* *'''

print(f(A))

теперь его можно прервать его обратно:
def f(n):
    n = bin(n)[2:].rjust(15, "0")
    n = n.replace("0", " ").replace("1", "*")
    return "\n".join(n[i:i + 3] for i in range(0, 15, 3))

print(f(11245))

так проходим по всем буквам и превращаем их в число, и создаём словарь
dict_ = {
    "a": f(11245),
    "b": f(27566),
    "c": f(11050)
}