Sunday brunch plans in Austin? One of my favorite brunches to splurge on is Lamberts Downtown BBQ! Texas BBQ Sunday brunch dreams do come true!
For my birthday, this year, I asked a few friends to join me for brunch at Lamberts. I made reservations and they had our table ready when we arrived. It was right after mass so mostly everyone was running late.
We sat down and looked over the menu and decided to order some mimosas and wait for the others. I thought we could order from the single plates from the menu and opt out of the buffet. Turned out that was not the case. $40 brunch buffet for each person that would be eating. Ouch kind of pricey. Good thing mimosas were about $3.
Well it was definitely worth it! We got to try everything and it was all mouth watering delicious. They have sides, jicama and cilantro slaw, house smoked gravlox salmon, cheddar and roasted poblano grits and so much more. The deviled eggs were amazing and I don't even like deviled eggs.
You can get freshly sliced, brown sugar & coffee rubbed brisket, and Coriander and maple crusted Berkshire pork ribs, roasted garlic & rosemary prime ribs from the butcher block. Don't forget to grab a big scoop of my favorite, Lamberts baked mac & cheese. Those are just the get up and fill your plate yourself options. There's still more on the menu!
The second half of the menu needs to be ordered from the kitchen and it is divine! My first choice is the breakfast Frito pie, chopped beef, queso, chèvre, pico de gallo, and a poached egg! How can anyone say no to that? There's a few different omelettes, eggs Benedict, hash, and biscuits and gravy variations. If you have a group of people I recommend ordering at least one of each and trying a few bites.
Mostly everything is juicy and savory, but what about sweets? The Brioche French Toast with its strawberry butter is also a must. Ladies wear a loosely fitted dress, because there's still a dessert table, and you'll want to have room for all those as well!
I like the dress your wearing .Where did you get it?
Glad I just discovered your blog!!! I'm just in love with this. Hope to try Lamberts out some day.


text:
Q: How do you use type=inline in TYPO3 to create repeating fields? In TYPO3 I want to make an element that allows the user to create multiple sub-blocks within it.
For example:
Create New +
|
|- Sub Block
|  |- Assets
|  |- Text Field
|
|- Sub Block
|  |- Assets
|  |- Text Field

From what I understand this is done using type='inline'
However the documentation assumes you know all previous steps of the process, and I have found no tutorials on this kind of element.

A: You can use the extensions mask and mask_export to generate an extension for your kind of content element.
They handle everything for you from table enhancement to table declaration, with all code in mySQL and PHP (including TCA, getter/setter, ...).

If you want to do it by your own have a look in the documentation:

*

*How to define own content elements

*How to define TCA inline elments

A: To add a new content element with a 1:n relation to a new record (not content element), you have to add a new record and a new property of tt_content describing the relation between tt_content and your record.

*

*Add a new table for your new record

*Add TCA for your new record

*Allow record to be added in default pages

*Extend table tt_content

*Add TCA for your new content element

As a basic example, I create a new record "my_list_item" and a new content element "my_list":
Add new table for your new record (ext_tables.sql):
CREATE TABLE tx_myext_domain_model_mylistitem (

    parent_uid int(11) DEFAULT '0' NOT NULL,
    parent_table varchar(255) DEFAULT '' NOT NULL,
    title varchar(255) DEFAULT '' NOT NULL

);

Describe new record in TCA (Configuration/TCA/tx_myext_domain_model_mylistitem.php
<?php
return [
    'ctrl' => [
        'title' => 'Label',
        'label' => 'title',
        'tstamp' => 'tstamp',
        'crdate' => 'crdate',
        'cruser_id' => 'cruser_id',
        'sortby' => 'sorting',
        'versioningWS' => true,
        'languageField' => 'sys_language_uid',
        'transOrigPointerField' => 'l10n_parent',
        'transOrigDiffSourceField' => 'l10n_diffsource',
        'delete' => 'deleted',
        'hideTable' => true,
        'enablecolumns' => [
            'disabled' => 'hidden',
        ],
        'searchFields' => 'title',
    ],
    'interface' => [
        'showRecordFieldList' => 'sys_language_uid, l10n_parent, l10n_diffsource, hidden, title',
    ],
    'columns' => [
        'sys_language_uid' => [
            'exclude' => true,
            'label' => 'LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/locallang_general.xlf:LGL.language',
            'config' => [
                'type' => 'select',
                'renderType' => 'selectSingle',
                'special' => 'languages',
                'items' => [
                    [
                        'LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/locallang_general.xlf:LGL.allLanguages',
                        -1,
                        'flags-multiple'
                    ]
                ],
                'default' => 0,
            ],
        ],
        'l10n_parent' => [
            'displayCond' => 'FIELD:sys_language_uid:>:0',
            'label' => 'LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/locallang_general.xlf:LGL.l18n_parent',
            'config' => [
                'type' => 'select',
                'renderType' => 'selectSingle',
                'default' => 0,
                'items' => [
                    ['', 0],
                ],
                'foreign_table' => 'tx_myext_domain_model_mylistitem',
                'foreign_table_where' => 'AND {#tx_myext_domain_model_mylistitem}.{#pid}=###CURRENT_PID### AND {#tx_myext_domain_model_mylistitem}.{#sys_language_uid} IN (-1,0)',
            ],
        ],
        'l10n_diffsource' => [
            'config' => [
                'type' => 'passthrough',
            ],
        ],
        't3ver_label' => [
            'label' => 'LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/locallang_general.xlf:LGL.versionLabel',
            'config' => [
                'type' => 'input',
                'size' => 30,
                'max' => 255,
            ],
        ],
        'hidden' => [
            'exclude' => true,
            'label' => 'LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/locallang_general.xlf:LGL.visible',
            'config' => [
                'type' => 'check',
                'renderType' => 'checkboxToggle',
                'items' => [
                    [
                        0 => '',
                        1 => '',
                        'invertStateDisplay' => true
                    ]
                ],
            ],
        ],
        'title' => [
            'exclude' => true,
            'label' => 'Your header label',
            'config' => [
                'type' => 'input',
                'size' => 30,
                'eval' => 'trim,required'
            ],
        ],
        'parent_uid' => [
            'config' => [
                'type' => 'select',
                'renderType' => 'selectSingle',
                'items' => [
                    [
                        '',
                        0,
                    ],
                ],
                'default' => 0,
                'foreign_table' => 'tt_content',
                'foreign_table_where' => 'AND tt_content.pid=###CURRENT_PID### AND tt_content.sys_language_uid IN (-1, ###REC_FIELD_sys_language_uid###)',
            ],
        ],
        'parent_table' => [
            'config' => [
                'type' => 'passthrough',
            ],
        ],
    ],
    'types' => [
        '1' => ['showitem' =>
            '--div--;LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/Form/locallang_tabs.xlf:general, title, bodytext, --div--;LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/Form/locallang_tabs.xlf:language, sys_language_uid, l10n_parent, l10n_diffsource, --div--;LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/Form/locallang_tabs.xlf:access, hidden'
        ],
    ],
];

Allow record on pages (ext_tables.php):
\TYPO3\CMS\Core\Utility\ExtensionManagementUtility::allowTableOnStandardPages('tx_myext_domain_model_mylistitem');

Describe the TCA of the new record with the relation to itself (Configuration/TCA/Overrides/tt_content.php)
$myListItemTca = [
    'tx_myext_mylist' => [
        'exclude' => true,
        'label' => 'Field label',
        'config' => [
            'appearance' => [
                'collapseAll' => '1',
                'enabledControls' => [
                    'dragdrop' => '1',
                ],
                'levelLinksPosition' => 'bottom',
                'useSortable' => '1',
            ],
            'foreign_field' => 'parent_uid',
            'foreign_table' => 'tx_myext_domain_model_mylistitem',
            'foreign_table_field' => 'parent_table',
            'maxitems' => '20',
            'minitems' => '1',
            'type' => 'inline',
        ],
    ],
];

\TYPO3\CMS\Core\Utility\ExtensionManagementUtility::addTCAcolumns(
    'tt_content',
    $myListItemTca
);

Extend tt_content (ext_tables.sql)
CREATE TABLE tt_content (
    tx_myext_mylist int(11) unsigned DEFAULT '0' NOT NULL,
);

Add a new content element (Configuration/TCA/Overrides/tt_content.php):
$GLOBALS['TCA']['tt_content']['palettes']['mylist'] = array(
    'showitem' =>
        'tx_myext_mylist; Label',
    'canNotCollapse' => 1
);

$GLOBALS['TCA']['tt_content']['types']['mylist'] = array(
    'showitem' => '
        --div--;LLL:EXT:core/Resources/Private/Language/Form/locallang_tabs.xlf:general,
            --palette--;;general,
            --palette--;;headers,
            --palette--;Label;mylist,
    ',
);

\TYPO3\CMS\Core\Utility\ExtensionManagementUtility::addTcaSelectItem(
    'tt_content',
    'CType',
    [
        'Title',
        'mylist',
    ],
    'textmedia',
    'after'
);

This is just a basic example, reduced and replaced names from a working example I made a few weeks ago. Should I missed something, comment.
BTW: This is the same way which mask / mask exports handles repeatable elements. So of course you can also use mask export and clean the generated code for your own purpose (the code is of mask export is good and usable, but there is a bit overhead, as it must be more generic)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


This is a repository for some of the short fiction pieces I've written over the years. some are done, some might simply be drafts for things I was working on and simply did not finish for whatever reason. These are copywritten: please don't repost them, but feel free to direct people here to look at them.
Ectopic Man : A quasi-science fiction piece written in 1999. It revolves around a man's recollections of the first man to be artificial impregnated.
In the Beginning : A fragment of what was to be a novel, before I got distracted by life. Looking back at it, there's a lot going on here, but I can't for the life of me remember where I was planning on going with it.
Just a Series of Moments : Written shortly after my father died, it's an attempt to exorcise some of the feelings I had regarding him, Alzheimer's (a truly hateful disease!), and a host of other things banging around my head at the time.


text:
Home /TV
'Shameless': Should Kevin and Veronica Star in Their Own Spin-Off?
by Tamara Grant twitter linkedin | More Articles: TV
In Summer 2020, the 11th and final season of Shameless will air on Showtime. However, fans aren't ready to completely say goodbye to the series yet and are calling for a spin-off featuring the Gallagher's next-door neighbors, Kevin Ball (Steve Howey) and Veronica Fisher (Shanola Hampton).
Steve Howey, Jeremy Allen White, and Shanola Hampton | Rich Polk
Kevin Ball and Veronica Fisher on 'Shameless'
The couple, also known as Kev and V for short, live next door to the Gallaghers. They were introduced in the first season when Frank overheard Kev telling a flirty girl he was married so he would leave her alone.
Kev and V were live-in boyfriend and girlfriend at the time, so V's mother got very excited with the news, causing Kev to worry and get incredibly drunk. After realizing how much he and V did care for each other, he drunkenly proposed.
At the engagement party the Gallaghers threw for them, Kev admitted to V's best friend, Fiona Gallagher, that he was already married. During the second season, Kev ran a successful side business with Lip Gallagher selling drugs, alcohol, and candy out of an ice cream truck.
Will Kev & Lip's biz take a hit? Preview Sunday's #Shameless: http://t.co/Zr0BUJiFCm pic.twitter.com/sHbFitengI
— Shameless on Showtime (@SHO_Shameless) March 20, 2015
However, he became a foster parent to a daughter named Ethel and then realized he wanted to start a family with V. In the next season, his wife Sheryl appeared with their alleged son, Kyle.
Once everyone agreed to have dinner, Sheryl admitted Kyle was actually her sister's child, causing V to fight her and force her to sign the divorce papers. The couple continued to try to have a child but then gave Kev's sperm to V's mother, Carol, after they realized V could not have a baby.
Carol and V both got pregnant in Season 4, and the previous owner of the local bar, The Alibi, passed away and left it to Kev in his will. Kev agreed to run the bar and sought help from Mickey Milkovich's baby mama, Svetlana when he began having money problems.
Look who's back!! KEV & V @shanolahampton #shameless pic.twitter.com/vMSDzTPTls
— Steve Howey (@stevehowey) September 18, 2013
Svetlana helped turn the bar around, and Kev became the proud father of V's twin girls while Carol decided to raise Kev's son, Dominick, by herself. After going through a break-up, the couple reconciled.
V then married Svetlana to keep her in the country, and the three developed a "throuple" relationship in Season 8. After Svetlana tricked them into signing the Alibi over to her, they put her in jail, and Kev met his biological family for the first time.
The couple has since continued to work full time at the bar while raising their girls and looking for other ways to make money.
Fans want Kevin and Veronica to star in their own spin-off
Since appearing in the first season, K and V are now fully fleshed out characters that can stand on their own. Even though they intermingle with the Gallaghers, which has become less often as the show progressed, they have storylines completely independent from the dysfunctional family.
Shameless fans on Reddit are interested in a spin-off featuring the couple, possibly one that takes place entirely in their bar and depicts the daily challenges of being small business owners while raising twin girls on the South Side.
V and Kev deserve a spin off
Lip is a gem
Tammy is not a gem
Debbie is basically the new Fiona (oh no?)
Frank is Frank
Ian is still adorable
Liam is in a stable environment and I'm here for it
Carl still has a chance
Fiona will be missed#Shameless #Shamelessfinale pic.twitter.com/E18Tdsm5OW
— Kelsey McKnight (@KelseyMMcK) March 11, 2019
Similar to Cheers or It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the show could go deeper into the stories of bar regulars including Kermit and Tommy. Additionally, Frank Gallagher could always make a guest appearance.
Some fans have theorized that Frank will die in the final season, and Kev and V will close the Alibi to pursue Kev's new personal trainer venture. Even if that happens, they are both still exciting characters and would be able to carry a spin-off that revolves around their life as opposed to the Gallaghers.
Tags:Shameless

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Marvelous Faux Finishes For Walls Photo Design Ideas. Appealing Faux Finishes For Walls Pictures Decoration Ideas. Excellent Faux Paint Finishes For Walls Pictures Ideas. Amusing Faux Finishes For Walls Images Decoration Inspiration.
faux finishes for walls. faux finishes for walls pictures.


text:
.album-cover-art {
    position: relative;
    left: 20%;
    width: 60%;

    margin-top: 1rem;
}

.album-view-details {
    position: relative;
    top: 1.5rem;
    padding: 1rem;
}

.album-view-details .album-view-title {
    font-weight: 300;
    font-size: 2rem;
}

.album-view-details .album-view-artist {
    font-weight: 300;
    font-size: 1.5rem;
}

.album-view-details .album-view-release-info {
    font-weight: 300;
    font-size: 0.75rem;
}

.album-view-song-list {
    width: 90%;
    margin: 1.5rem auto;
    font-weight: 300;
    font-size: 0.75em;
    border-collapse: collapse;
}

.album-view-song-item {
    height: 3rem;
    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.5);

}

.song-item-number {
    width: 5%;
    min-width: 30px; /* This minimum width is added to accomidate the song button, so we dont shrink smaller */
}

.song-item-title {
    width: 85%;
}

.song-item-duration {
    width: 5%;
}

.album-song-button {
/* This adds property to our new song play button*/
    text-align: center;
    font-size: 14px;
    background-color: white;
    color: rgb(210, 40, 123);
    border-radius: 50% 50%;
    display: inline-block;
    width: 28px;
    height: 28px;
 }

.album-song-button:hover {
/* This adds property to our new song play button when hovering over it*/
    cursor: pointer;
    color: white;
    background-color: rgb(210, 40, 123);
 }

 .album-song-button span {
/* This adds a line height minimum for the play button class sub element of span */
     line-height: 28px;
 }

@media (max-width: 640px) and (min-width: 320px) {
/* For medium view devices, center text and reduce top margin */

    .album-view-details {
        text-align: center;
    }

    .album-view-title {
        margin-top: 0;
    }
}

@media (max-width: 1024px) and (min-width: 320px) {
/* Adjust spacing on album so we do not edge out */
    .album-view-song-list {
        position: relative;
        top: 1rem;
        width: 80%;
        margin: auto;
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


In the near future, the Estonian government plans to introduce a "virtual residence permit" service. In comparison with the usual residence permit, the virtual one will not give the foreigner the right to enter the countries of Europe without hindrance and does not give any social guarantees. A virtual residence permit is an opportunity to obtain a Schengen visa under a simplified procedure. It is a procedure for opening a bank account in Lithuania, registering a company via the Internet without entering the country, while the procedure itself will be difficult, including biometric data, but then it will be constantly simplified. The population of Estonia is 1.4 million, while the country plans to issue 10 million virtual residence permits for foreigners until 2025.
Only a foreigner who invests at least 65 000 Euro in Estonia or 16 000 Euro in case of opening an individual enterprise can get a residence permit in Estonia today.
Thus, it can be concluded that the virtual residence permit will be useful for allowing a foreigner to register a company and open a bank account in the country without a visit, to simplify the procedure for obtaining a Schengen visa to the European Union, but to apply for a residence permit (which gives the right to live, conduct business, travel, give social guarantees, etc.) the foreigner will have to come to Estonia and invest the minimum amount of money in the company.


Please complete the following form with your music tuition requests for September 2018. When you submit your form you will receive an email with all the details of your booking for your own records. You also have an option to save and resume.
Your school will have received a message through the Schools Portal with details of the cost of all our services, a reminder of your 2017/18 provision, and our Terms and Conditions.
We offer a first access (whole class) programme, instrumental tuition, choirs, curriculum support, and tailored delivery to suit your particular requirements.
Please submit your SLA booking as soon as possible to help us timetable for September.
Do you intend to seek parental contributions or charge for instrumental lessons?
How many classes would you like to receive First Access?
How many classes would you like to receive E- Supported First Access Programme African Drumming?
How many classes would you like to receive First Access Continuation?
Weekly whole class or large group vocal lessons with a vocal specialist who will deliver a 45 minute lesson to form a class choir, develop and rehearse good vocal technique and offer a school performance each term.
How many choir sessions would you like to receive?
Would you like to receive curriculum teaching?
How many weekly curriculum sessions would you like to receive?
Which year group would you like to receive curriculum teaching?
Are you interested in short term Curriculum Delivery?
We work with schools to deliver long or short term bespoke projects. Would you like us to get in touch to discuss any other music requirements for your school?
Cumbria Music Hub works regularly with national music organisations to deliver large scale collaborative projects.
Let us know if you are interested in opportunities in your area, and we will get in touch.
Do you want to attend the Music Hub Conference on 19 September?
We will get in touch with more information about your Conference booking soon.
Are you interested in booking a Live Music Visit?
Listening to live music is a key part of the National Curriculum. Let us know if you are interested in a Live Music visit to your school and we will get in touch to discuss.


FRISCO – For the third time since Feb. 15, Xcel experienced a power outage in Frisco – this time it was caused by a raven getting into a substation transformer. The power outage started around 11:15 a.m. and lasted about an hour.
According to Xcel spokesman Mark Stutz, today's outage was "bad luck" caused by totally different circumstances from February's outages, but at the same location – the substation in Frisco.
Outages on Feb. 15 and 16 were caused by ice built up on insulators.
"Electric systems are designed to shut down when they're not working right," Stutz said, adding that the company is taking steps to "remove water pathways" and prevent ice buildup.


text:
Home|Beyond PyeongChang 2018: South Korea's Global Role
Beyond PyeongChang 2018: South Korea's Global Role
The Korean Peninsula has been all over the news as of late, giving South Korea a new stage for its public diplomacy tactics. We've curated content related to the country's digital diplomacy, soft power and sports diplomacy as well as CPD's own work with South Korea in hopes of keeping you up-to-date on the country's efforts.
CPD & South Korea
Behind-the-Scenes: CPD 360 in South Korea. Get an inside view of the CPD-JOVRNALISM team's experience in South Korea using 360-degree video technology for public diplomacy storytelling.
Sports Diplomacy Through the Olympics. CPD brought noted scholar Susan Brownell to discuss her experience in PyeongChang to examine the Olympics through the lens of sports diplomacy.
New Grant Supports Programming on South Korea's Soft Power & PD Innovation. The Korea Foundation grant funded several programs examining Korea's sports diplomacy and more.
Challenges & Innovations: South Korea's Soft Power. Ambassador Enna Park joined CPD for a discussion about Korea's regional uncertainties and new frontiers in innovation and information technologies.
K-Pop Mania: South Korea's Place in the Sun. USC visiting scholar Jie-Ae Sohn led a discussion about South Korea's pop-culture footprint around the globe.
Expo Milan 2015 - South Korea's Pavilion: Branding Hansik. Video: Learn how South Korea promotes Korean food as a sustainable, healthy option and how it can be used to connect with Italian audiences.
Expo Shanghai 2010 - South Korea's Pavilion: Nation Branding Through Pop Culture. Video: Check out views of the South Korean pavilion's "culture zones," interactive technologies and more.
Soft Power
Keynote Speech from South Korea's Ambassador for Public Diplomacy. Ambassador for Public Diplomacy Enna Park emphasized the importance of public diplomacy and soft power in ensuring South Korea's continued success.
Korean Arabia. From K-Pop to business diplomacy, this video from the Foreign Policy Research Institute explored South Korea's growing cultural and economic investment in the Middle East.
Q&A with CPD: Jie-Ae Sohn. A special interview with the former CEO and president of Arirang TV, South Korea's government-operated public broadcaster.
Korea and Japan Engage in Cultural Diplomacy. Watch this video about a cultural diplomacy show between Korea and Japan that raised hopes for improved relations between the two neighbors.
Digital Diplomacy
Can South Korea Exploit Its Generation Gap to Strengthen Digital Diplomacy? by Jeffrey Robertson. The benefits of introducing digital media education to the Korea National Diplomatic Academy.
Digital Diplomacy in South Korea. Clingendael's Jan Melissen and Emillie de Keulenaar on the urgency of going digital.
Korea's Digital Diplomacy: The Most Technologically Advanced Avoider? by Jeffrey Robertson. Korea faces distinct political, cultural and technological challenges to reach its full potential.
Networked Public Diplomacy. The Asian Journal of Communication published an article titled, "Information Networks and Social Media Use in Public Diplomacy: A Comparative Analysis of South Korea and Japan."
Sports Diplomacy
Inside Sports Diplomacy. An immersive documentary from CPD-JOVRNALISM on Olympic peacebuilding. Take a look around!
The Olympic Truce. An episode of the Global Journalist podcast took a realistic look at the impact of the Olympics on the relationship between North Korea and South Korea.
Olympic Diplomacy on the Korean Peninsula by Robert Dunbar. The joint North Korea-South Korea women's hockey team that competed at this year's Winter Games marked a new step in Olympic history.
Olympics: Once More 'A Symbol of Hope and Peace in Our Troubled Times' by Alan Abrahamson. Award-winning sports journalist Alan Abrahamson discussed the Olympic movement's role in global peacebuilding.
Sports Diplomacy at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Arirang TV looked at the impact of the 2018 winter games on North Korea-South Korea relations.
Other Elements of PD
Immersive Postcards from South Korea. Want to visit South Korea? Take a look around using 360° video technology to experience five immersive views of Korean food, the DMZ, rural seaside life and more.
Inter-Korean People-to-People Diplomacy by Kadir Ayhan. Moon Jae-In's election and the PyeongChang Winter Olympics made people-to-people exchanges between the divided Koreas possible again.
Evolution of Korea's Public Diplomacy by Olga Krasnyak. The political instability of 2016 and the beginning of 2017 was a turning point for Korea's PD.
Middle Power Diplomacy: Canada and South Korea. This article compared two middle powers, Canada and South Korea, to assess their changing role and relevance on the global stage.
South Korean-Russian Space Cooperation: Mistrust & National Diplomatic Styles by Olga Krasnyak. How understanding different diplomatic styles is essential to creating a solid relationship.
Photo by Richgold I CC0. Icons are courtesy of Flat Icon Basic License and are attributed to the following creators: Freepik (Other Elements of PD), prettycons (CPD & South Korea), turkkub (Soft Power), and Vectors Market (Digital Diplomacy, Sports Diplomacy).
blog roundup
Digital Diplomacy & New Technology
2018 pyeongchang winter olympics
Arirang TV


text:
Evangelicals & Casual Sex
John Stonestreet & Roberto Rivera | BreakPoint.org | Wednesday, May 5, 2021
#premarital sex
Last August, Pew Research announced the findings of a new study with a provocative headline: "Half of Christians say casual sex is sometimes or always acceptable." As is the case with many studies, a "Christian" for the purposes of this study meant anyone who "identified" as one, without taking into account orthodox belief or degree of commitment. Still, the results are disturbing.
In particular, what the study reveals about self-identified evangelicals is especially troubling.
According to Pew, less than half of evangelicals surveyed were willing to say that casual sex is never acceptable. Seventeen percent said that casual sex was "rarely" acceptable. Twenty-four percent said that it was sometimes so, and twelve percent (one in eight!) said that casual sex was always acceptable.
Remember, this is evangelicals talking about casual sex here or, as the survey defined it, "sex between consenting adults who are not in a committed romantic relationship." We're talking Tinder and the infamous "hook up" culture. That any Christian would find this behavior ever acceptable is astounding, but that more than one-third of evangelicals are fine with occasional promiscuity? (The survey also found that nearly three-in-five approve of cohabitation, with two-fifths of them planning to do so.)
At root, what this survey reveals is a failure of catechesis. Or, to be more precise, a failure of the Church and the resounding success of cultural forces to catechize. Specifically, churches have failed to teach young people a true, Christian understanding of sex and the human body.
It will sound ridiculous to some, especially those wounded by or obsessed with "purity culture," that churches haven't catechized people about sexual morality. The popular assumption is that Christians are always talking about sex!
Missing in these "hot takes" are two things. First, we are a full generation past the heyday of "purity culture," if there ever was one. Since the 1990s, the pendulum has fully swung in the opposite direction, more than overcompensating for any past stridency. It's not that many churches modified their views on sex outside of marriage, it's that they stopped talking about it. Or, when they did, many were so focused on apologizing for how they did it in the past that they forgot to teach the actual morality part in the present.
Either way, many young evangelicals learned to be okay with casual sex and cohabitation in churches sounding what the Apostle Paul called an "uncertain trumpet" on the matter. Embarrassed by what Christianity has to say about sex, the emphasis was placed on assuring people that sexual sin is "no big deal," no worse than any other sins, and that we shouldn't be too "judgy."
Second, within those churches that did continue to proclaim (and rightly so) that God cares about sexual behavior, there was often a failure to connect sexual morality to God's created purposes for sex (or, to put it differently to connect "the what" with "the why"). To paraphrase T.S. Eliot, before we can know what do with something, we need to know what that something is for. In many cases, the church was merely decorating a thoroughly secular vision of sexuality, the kind now largely taken for granted in our culture, with a sort of external Christian morality. Surface-level catechism is no catechism at all.
In contrast, there is absolutely nothing uncertain or surface-lave about the cultural catechism about sex. In our world, it's those who abstain from sex outside of marriage who have to explain themselves. Those who embrace children as God-given blessings of the sexual act who have to defend their point of view. It's Christians who must justify their strange opinions about sex.
Even if churches effectively catechized in the area of sexuality, that prospect would be daunting. Advances in technology and the omnipresent internet only add to our immersion in the culture's worst messages. With an uncertain trumpet coming from the Church, maybe we should be surprised that even more of our young people aren't okay with casual sex and cohabitation.
Still, we should remember that Christianity arose within the paganistic and sexually abusive Greco-Roman world. In that world, Biblical morality was seen as life-giving, hopeful, and good. The same Scriptural truths that transformed the Western mind are as potent today as ever.
Photo courtesy: ©Sharon McCutcheon/Unsplash


Lack of sleep could lead to sleepiness, memory and thinking problems, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, etc.
Teens should be having between 7 to 9 hours of sleep.
Evidence is mounting that teens should start school later. So why aren't they?
It does way more than make you tired.


My experience of having tap shoes made by Duran Shoes greatly exceeded my expectations.
Because I have large bunions on both feet, narrow heels and need arch support because of my tendency to get plantar fasciitis, "off the rack" tap shoes, even the ones considered to be the best, didn't work for me at all. In fact, before finding Duran Shoes, I had purchased a pair Capezio K360s , which are our director's favored tap shoe model. After suffering with them for 6 months, and trying every conceivable strategy such as stretching, orthotics, special lacings to no avail, I gave up on them.
It was then that our director told me about Thommie Taps, which are custom made — not just color combinations but actually made from scratch using the detailed measurements and outline of each foot that you send in when you order. Unbeknownst to me at the time, Thommie Taps are made by Duran Shoes. When Isabel Duran, the owner of Duran Shoes, received my information and recognized my foot issues, she phoned me directly to interview me about my feet before making the shoes. She wanted to make sure the shoes would really work for me. I was amazed by her level of customer service!
Well, the shoes came and they are perfectly weighted, beautifully crafted and, best of all, they satisfy all of my requirements. They have plenty of room for my bunions, the heels fit nicely and there's also enough room for my custom orthotics which give me arch support. They feel like — well they feel like they were made for me. See my happy face wearing them! Thank you, Thommie Taps and Duran Shoes!
"Duran's tap shoes fit so well to my foot, and are so sturdy that they make me feel like I am tapping with my actual feet! The shoes are also comfortable and make lots of noise!
I own a pair of Duran's Shoes (Doc Martens) that I've owned since the 80's. I love them so much, of course I only wear them for special occasions. If you look at the shoes today, you would not know they are approx. 30 years old. In anything I ordered, I used to tell Mr. Duran to surprise me and just make them awesome! He never disappointed me! He knew what leather& colors I would like, styles, etc.… I am also an Aztec Dancer and Mr. Duran made me my DANZA sandals (Kakles). I explained to him, that a lot of heavy duty aerobic like dancing and on hard pavement happened with such shoes. He paid attention and made mine with extra reinforcement on the soles; black trimmed with gold leather. The sandals have been through a lot of performances & events, but I also still own that pair! I have been extremely happy with the shoes I have from Duran Shoes and always recommend them to anyone I know that is looking for excellence in the crafting of their shoes!


With these features above, it is easy to dial all kind of sounds from clean and semi dirty to heavily cranked distortion even in bed room levels. However this amp is pretty critical with speaker elements. So far we have achieved the best results with Celestion Greenback style speakers in a closed cabinet.
Prices include 24 % VAT and are subject to change without notification.


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James Forrestal Industry Leadership Award
The James Forrestal Industry Leadership Award is named in honor of James Forrestal, who has served as secretary of the Navy and of Defense. The Forrestal Award honors his leadership and outspoken advocacy for a robust and responsive defense industrial base during the painful early years of post-World War II demobilization.
The Forrestal Award is bestowed annually on a defense industry executive who best reflects Forrestal's vision, leadership, and staunch support of a strong industrial base.
Award nominees must:
Be a U.S. citizen,
Have had strategic impact and leadership at the national level,
Be a leader in support of the military services, other security-related agencies, and warfighters,
Be an active supporter of the defense industrial base and its programs, and
Be a leader in defining and addressing issues of the industrial base and national security.
2019 James Forrestal Industry Leadership Award Recipient:
Mr. Mitch Daniels
12th President of Purdue University
49th Governor of Indiana
Previous Award recipients:
Arnold L. Punaro, CEO, The Punaro Group, LLC
Dr. Wanda M. Austin, Former President & CEO, The Aerospace Corporation
Marillyn Hewson, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Lockheed Martin Corporation
David L. Joyce, President & CEO, GE Aviation; and Senior VP, General Electric Company
Sean O'Keefe, EADS North America, Chairman & CEO
Wesley G. Bush, CEO & President, Northrop Grumman Corporation
Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., Frm. Chairman of BOD and CEO, EADS North America
Robert J. Stevens, Chairman & CEO, Lockheed Martin
James F. Albaugh, President & CEO, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
Ronald D. Sugar, Chairman, CEO & President, Northrop Grumman Corporation
Award not presented
Clayton M. Jones, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Rockwell Collins
William H. Swanson, Chairman & CEO, Raytheon Company
George J. Pedersen, Chairman, CEO & President, ManTech International Corporation
J. Robert Beyster, Founder, Chairman & President, Science Applications Int'l Corporation *
Thomas W. Rabaut, President & Chief Executive Officer, United Defense LP *
Dr. Vance D. Coffman, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Lockheed Martin Corporation *
Harry C. Stonecipher, President & Chief Operating Officer, The Boeing Company *
Philip A. Odeen, Executive Vice President, Washington Operations, TRW Inc. *
Kent Kresa, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Northrop Grumman Corporation *
Dennis J. Picard, Chairman, & Chief Executive Officer, Raytheon Company *
Jerry R. Junkins, Chairman, President & CEO, Texas Instruments (Posthumously) *
John McLuckey, President, Space Systems, Information, Space & Defense Systems, Boeing NA *
Norman R. Augustine, President & Chief Executive Officer, Lockheed Martin Corporation *
Daniel Tellep, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Lockheed Martin Corporation *
Bernard L. Schwartz, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Loral Corporation *
William A. Anders, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, General Dynamics Corporation *
* In 2005, the Defense Industry Leadership Award was renamed the James Forrestal Leadership Award.
Reserve Officer Training Corps Awards Program
Dwight D. Eisenhower Award
Kathleen Sridhar Small Business Executive of the Year Award


On the occasion of International Migrants Day (December 18, 2015), Mayor John Tory offers a warm welcome to the Syrian refugees now making their home in Toronto, and shares an excerpt from Flight and Freedom: Stories of Escape to Canada (2015).
The distinction is becoming increasingly important as the refugee crisis escalates.
Tara Sutton documents the devastating effects of the current crisis on Syrian and Iraqi children in Jordan.
Peter Mansbridge of CBC's The National hosts a panel discussion on the Syrian refugee crisis.


Dinner: My stomach was a little upset so I just had an avocado, which I squeezed a lemon over and seasoned with salt and pepper. I had that with cherry tomatoes… I love the creamy, tangy avocado with the naturally sweet cherry tomatoes.
Snack: Banana with some crispy roasted parsnips and carrots. Again, shockingly good. The sweet, smooth, creamy banana complemented the crunchy, sweet-salty parsnips really well. You took a bite of one and craved the taste of the other right afterwards! I used a mandolin and sliced the carrots and parsnips really thin, drizzled melted coconut oil over the "ribbons" and then seasoned them with salt, pepper and a touch of cumin. I tossed all of those together on a baking sheet and baked them at 375 for 15 minutes.
Not a very exciting day. I am hoping to get cooking again tomorrow!


Below are excerpts from the Peshawar FRONTIER POST front page lead article which can be found in full here (http://www.thefrontierpost.com/News.aspx?ncat=ts&nid=3593).
...There are many factors which will lend to victory in Afghanistan, but only one key will open the door to a more secure future. "We have to get the local populace to take some ownership of their government," said Haight. "Afghans themselves are obviously the key to this victory.'' END.


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La Sardana de l'Any 2008 és la vintena edició del concurs La Sardana de l'Any. Es va desenvolupar entre els caps de setmana del 13/14 de setembre de 2008 i del 18/19 d'abril de 2009, a través de 27 tandes eliminatòries, per a arribar
a la gran final que es va celebrar el dia 9 de maig de 2009 a l'Auditori de Girona. Organitzat per la Federació Sardanista de Catalunya, un total de 33 emissores de ràdio van possibilitar l'audició de les 72 sardanes que el Comitè seleccionador va preseleccionar entre totes les estrenades durant l'any 2008.

Com a novetat, es va establir que la desena semifinal de l'edició del 2008 fos de repesca. Aquesta repesca, celebrada el cap de
setmana del 18/19 d'abril de 2009, va oferir dues de les sardanes no classificades en la fase eliminatòria i dues de les no classificades en la fase semifinal que, per raons de qualitat i/o popularitat, el Comitè Seleccionador va considerar que mereixien una segona oportunitat. La guanyadora va esdevenir la desena finalista.

Semifinals

Eliminatòries

Sardana de l'Any
2008 a Catalunya

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Pours a pale gold colour with a small white head. Aroma is malt, light biscuit with some floral notes. Taste is light to medium sweet malt leading to a moderate bitterness. This one's a nice easy drinking beer.


We cant say anything better than our past guests can about what having an event here at Oakhaven is like, so here are some of the notes we've received from folks after ceremonies and receptions held on our grounds. If you have recently hosted a special event at Oakhaven, we'd love to hear from you as well!
"Just wanted to give a review and say the people here are fantastic. I was having trouble finding a location to have my bridal shower due to family coming from Virginia and NC, and Gary came to the rescue and let me have my bridal Shower in the house at Oakhaven. It was a great half way point for all my guest, it gave us plenty of room, it was absolutely beautiful, and it let my guest see where the wedding was going to be. I can't thank them enough. I'm So excited and ready for September to get here for my BIG day!" Jessie J.
"We got married at Oakhaven in July. I fell in love with the farm the first time I visited which was many years ago. I am so glad I was able to get married at such a beautiful place. The people that work there are great and very helpful." Jessica C.
"There is nothing that could have improved our wedding at Oakhaven. From start to finish, from facilities to staff, every detail was considered, well organized and orchestrated, and gorgeous beyond description. We were allowed to use every inch of the farm, and every inch served our needs and desires to the "Nth" degree. The farmhouse made a gracious and beautiful venue for our rehearsal dinner, with a well-equipped kitchen and butler's pantry, and lovely dining room. Our ceremony was on the dock at the lake, and the splendor of this setting matched the solemnity of the occasion. Our reception in the barn was a joyous celebration with an ever-present cross breeze and breathtaking views; and our first night as husband and wife in the bridal suite was as wonderful as a four-star hotel and as warm as a home. Thank you for offering this magnificent place for our wedding venue. It was the perfect start to a wonderful life." Molly & Rob R.
We had our wedding and rehearsal dinner at Oakhaven earlier this month, and we could not be more happy with the experience that we had. The staff was helpful, flexible, and a joy to work with throughout the whole process. Gary cut sunflowers for us from the gardens at the venue to use in the mason jars with the shepherd hooks for the ceremony and around our cupcake display. He really went above and beyond for us all weekend and during the planning. The venue is also stunning. We had our ceremony under the trees by the gazebo, and the shade was wonderful on the hot summer day. They've made so many beautiful improvements to the venue in the last year, making the barn and even the bathrooms even more beautiful. We loved having the manor house to get ready and for grandparents to sit before the ceremony. Everyone raved about the beautiful buildings and scenery. Our guests were truly amazed by this wonderful venue. It was a beautiful weekend, and we are so happy that we chose Oakhaven for our wedding! Megan C.


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Australia vs Bangladesh, World Cup 2019: Weather Updates from Nottingham on Thursday
World Cup 2019, Australia vs Bangladesh: The play was halted due to heavy rain after 49th over of Australia's innings. Earlier in the day, the weather was sunny and warm as Australia won the toss and opted to bat against Bangladesh.
India Today Web Desk
UPDATED: June 20, 2019 18:52 IST
World Cup 2019: Rain interruption are predicted in Thursday's match between Australia and Bangladesh (Reuters Photo)
Australia take on in-form Bangladesh in their World Cup 2019 tie at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Thursday.
Barring their defeat to Virat Kohli's Team India, Australia have had an impressive campaign in England, boosted by the returns of David Warner and Steve Smith. Aaron Finch's men will be heading into Thursday's match at Trent Bridge on the back of an 87-run win over Sri Lanka.
Australia have boxed out oppositions with their batting might. Aaron Finch and David Warner have been taking opposition attacks to the cleaners and Mitchell Starc's return to form is auguring well for the defending champions.
Having sealed 8 points from 5 matches, another win would take Australia closer to the World Cup semi-finals. Notably, Australia enjoy a stunning head-to-head record against Bangladesh -- 18-1 in ODI cricket.
However, Australia will know they will be tested in Thursday's match against Bangladesh in Nottingham.
Bangladesh have given themselves a chance to reach the semi-finals with some consistent performances on the field. They are heading into their big tie vs Australia on the back of a comfortable 7-wicket win over West Indies.
Shakib Al Hasan has been in fine form with the bat, having scored 2 hundreds in World Cup 2019. The bowling form of Saifuddin and Mustafizur Rahman makes them a threat to any side in the 10-team tournament.
Australia vs Bangladesh, World Cup 2019: Weather updates from Nottingham
18:40 IST: The match has been halted due to heavy rain in Nottingham. The covers are coming on. This rain is heavy.
13:20 IST: Good news from Nottingham. The sun is shining bright early in the morning at Trent Bridge and the toss should happen on time.
Trent Bridge looking ahead of #AUSvBAN!#CWC19 pic.twitter.com/tqNFHRNLwC
Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 20, 2019
A delayed start in the World Cup 2019 match between Australia and Bangladesh is unlikely as there is no rain predicted in the morning in Nottingham.
However, expect a day with a lot of stop-starts as rain is forecast from 12 PM BST (4:30 PM IST), according to AccuWeather.
Cloudy weather is forecasted for most of Thursday in Nottingham with a brief spell of showers expected to return at 3 PM BST (7:30 PM IST).
Keep in mind, India's match vs New Zealand was washed out without a ball being bowled at this venue last week. In the absence of covers for the outfield, rain delays are likely to be extended as ground staff will need time to get the ground ready after a spell of shower.
Screengrab from AccuWeather
Also Read | World Cup 2019: Beating Australia difficult not impossible, says Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza
For the latest World Cup news, live scores and fixtures for World Cup 2019, log on to indiatoday.in/sports. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for World Cup news, scores and updates.
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Home » Upward Mobility with Mobile Apps
Upward Mobility with Mobile Apps
With end users expecting apps — and the majority of manufacturers providing them — there are many revenue-generating opportunities for integrators to seize.
All the features and functions that mobile apps offer are geared towards increasing situational awareness, according to Jammy DeSousa of American Dynamics.
Cloud-based topologies will allow integrators to offer mobile apps that integrate video with access control, intrusion and other systems, which Honeywell's Chris Koetsier says is the biggest trend in the space.
Apps such as DVTEL's TruWitness, which allow users in the field to send video upstream to the head-end, enable users to turn their mobile phones into surveillance cameras to provide even greater situational awareness from an angle that may not be viewable via an installed security camera.
Regardless of how many manufacturers offer them, there still is a significant "cool factor" when end users see mobile apps demonstrated, says Brian Carle of Salient Systems.
Derek Rice
In video surveillance, the days of asking, "Is there an app for that?" are long gone. End users have grown so used to having apps on their smartphones and tablets that let them do just about anything, so not offering an app is not an option in 2014. And the vast majority of DVR, NVR, VMS and other video equipment manufacturers are happy to oblige.
The features of each app may differ — a little in some cases, a lot in others — but nearly all offer at least the basic functionality to view video (live and/or recorded) via smartphone or tablet. PTZ camera control is another "basic" feature many apps provide.
"Today we have to go beyond the question we had two or three years ago of 'Is there an app?' to 'What does the app do?' Some apps are still limited to live view with no access to recorded video. Some provide an alarm alert and send a link to the video. Some have the ability to notify the customer if something's up, so they'll know straightaway there's something they need to look at. Others are passive," says Chris Koetsier, product marketing director, systems group, for Honeywell Security, based in Louisville, Ky.
In some cases, not having an app could prove harmful, says Itzhak Sharoni, product manager for Verint Video Solutions, based in Melville, N.Y. "Mobile app support is being considered more and more as a 'go' or 'no-go' in many projects. Something that had been considered two years ago as a 'nice to have' becomes a requirement as more customers look to new ways of receiving video," he says.
Improved communication between users and the security system is a main objective of a video surveillance app, and advanced camera controls and two-way audio are just two of the functions that address that.
"For example, if a mobile app allows the user to control camera audio and built-in illumination, the app user could turn on a light built into the camera if an intruder is detected," says Brian Carle, director of product strategy for Austin, Texas-based Salient Systems. "Two-way audio control could allow the app user to speak to people near the camera through speakers attached to the camera as well as listen to what is happening near the camera. Both of these capabilities offer a powerful proactive response to an intrusion."
All the features and functionality aside, there's one overarching goal of mobile surveillance apps: situational awareness.
"The goal of these features on a mobile platform is to provide better situational awareness to system stakeholders when working remotely," says Jammy DeSousa, product manager for American Dynamics, based in Westford, Mass. "For example, these features enable access to remote video with no need to power up a computer, useful for small to medium businesses as well as multi-site organizations."
While it may be tempting to say that surveillance apps are either approaching or have reached the limits of what end users want, there are a number of more cutting-edge developments coming down the line. One of the "cooler" functions we're starting to see is the ability to flip the traditional app model around, allowing phones and tablets to transmit video and audio back to the head end, which has a number of potential applications, Carle says.
"This will allow individuals patrolling to not only see video on their mobile app but transmit video live from where they are back to the security operations center."
The single biggest development that's coming, Koetsier says, is an app model that brings together all systems, rather than just video or just access control.
"The biggest trend in security today is integration within apps. They tend to be a DVR app for a specific DVR or access control appliance. We're moving toward looking at the security system as a whole: access control, intrusion and video. Verification is the key element driving this," he says. "We're also moving more into cloud-based topologies. Today, people communicate with a specific appliance in the field with app. With a cloud-based server, the app communicates with the server."
While this may seem like a more residential approach, integrating the ability to arm and disarm an alarm system and/or controlling lights brings even more value to apps, and are becoming more commonplace, says Michael Coniff, product marketing manager for Honeywell's MaxPro Cloud product.
"When we talk about about turning off lights or arming and disarming the system, we immediately think residential. But those functions now follow people to their job as well," he says. "Managers of small businesses, owner-operators, and even slightly larger businesses all want to manage costs."
This kind of cross-system integration can be beneficial on the dealer and integrator side as well.
"Dealers and integrators have become more conscious of the sustainability of their business, and they're looking at how manufacturers are providing that sustainability across multiple products and functions," Coniff says.
Bandwidth management for mobile surveillance is coming, but much of what's either available or in the works on that front has comes from elsewhere, rather than from the security industry itself, Koetsier says.
"A large amount of this is not driven by the industry. It's coming from places like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which use HTTPS and HLS, allowing the video to be far better managed," he says. "There's a slight delay, a latency of five or six seconds. They measure the bandwidth, generate the appropriate information and start building up that buffer based on available bandwidth. That's an option for managing bandwidth with apps."
In short, the only limitation to what these apps can do is the imagination.
"Feature sets are being enhanced to provide real-time alerts to incidents, better viewing quality, and review of video in addition to real-time viewing," says Kim Loy, vice president of global marketing and chief product officer for Ridgefield Park, N.J.-based DVTEL. "Mobile apps will continue to develop in conjunction with video surveillance development; as more sophisticated feature sets become available for the customer, mobile apps will follow the same roadmap."
At the same time, manufacturers can't afford to lose sight of what's important to end users.
"The key is the customer experience. The manufacturer makes the app, the integrator sells and installs it, but it's all about the customer. If they're getting nice video at a decent frame rate and a good picture, they don't care how it gets there. They just want results," says Steve Tangert, associate product marketing manager for Bosch Security Systems, Fairport, N.Y.
Coniff adds that when in doubt about the allure of an app's features and functions, ask the customer. "The customer is considered to be the expert these days. With digital cameras, smartphones and the like, they've become quite the expert in how they want to use the app to operate things, which translates into being more aware of technology," he says.
Learning the Ropes
Understanding and being able to communicate to customers the features and functions of mobile surveillance apps is a great starting point, but it's not all there is for integrators to know. There's a lot going on behind the scenes that makes an app "magically" — at least in the eyes of the customer — work. For starters, how the app will connect with the security system makes a big difference.
"You have to understand whatever bandwidth constraints the end user is going to have at their site. They may only have access to 3G cellular, which is much slower than 4G or Wi-Fi. If that's the case, they're not going to be able to get a fast frame rate of 30 frames per second for a 4k image," Tangert says. "It's also good to understand the network perspective at the customer premise. There's a security perspective of opening up the firewall to connect a mobile app to the equipment on site."
In addition to bandwidth, coverage area is an important consideration, which is why a walkthrough of the location with the mobile app connected to the target network is an absolute necessity. That way, areas with weak or no wireless or cellular coverage can be identified and addressed.
"Changing the camera configuration to reduce bandwidth requirements will have a negative impact on video quality and system effectiveness so look for mobile apps which have bandwidth-saving features," Carle advises.
So it's not surprising, then, that resolution plays a big part in app performance. More and more of today's video systems use HD or megapixel cameras, and because most smartphones and tablets don't have enough display area to show the cameras at their full resolution, the resolution is scaled down to fit the screen. This typically occurs within the app itself. However, some systems can perform scaling before transmission, which provides the same video quality but significantly reduces the bandwidth as opposed to sending full-resolution video to the device for scaling.
"Features like this contribute to a substantially better user experience over slower network connections because video call up, system response and frame rate can be faster," Carle says.
In addition to configuring the on-site IP network to allow access to the video system via VPN, integrators have to understand how to configure it to communicate over the Internet via cellular network.
A solid understanding of Internet connection types and the different ways in which they work is crucial. Further complicating the matter is the need to understand how each app works across different mobile platforms.
"An understanding of Internet connection types and the bandwidth available from these technologies, some knowledge of network firewalls and a basic understanding of TCP and UDP IP ports are extremely helpful," DeSousa says. "And since there is a high level of fragmentation between the hardware and software capabilities of the various mobile platforms — Apple, Android, etc. — integrators need to understand the differences between the functionality of individual apps on each operating system."
An integrator who can't figure out how to set up or use an app isn't going to inspire much confidence in the eyes of a customer. "The set-up and configuration of the mobile app will vary as well, and the integrator should be trained and well-versed in how to set-up the app once it is downloaded to a device," Loy says.
So if everybody offers an app, can integrators use those apps to help sell systems? Is that even possible anymore? Answers to those questions tend to run the spectrum from "no" to "it depends" to "yes." While there's no easy answer, it's helpful to understand the reasoning behind the different thoughts on the subject.
DeSousa is firmly in the "no" camp, based simply on the number of apps made available. "Up until 2013, mobile apps were a differentiator for customers and integrators when selecting a VMS. However, today there seems to be an expectation of an app offering," he says.
Carle believes "it depends," saying some users may be convinced about a system even if they aren't looking for a mobile app.
Greg Bier, director and CEO of Valencia, Calif.-based Vitek, says users' imaginations of how an app might work is no replacement for seeing what it can actually do, making it a great selling tool. "End users have heard of them but still many have never experienced them so when they get a demonstration, it is still a big part of the sale," he says.
Availability of a manufacturer's app on multiple platforms can be a deal-clincher, Loy says.
Whether an app can or can't help make the sale is open to interpretation, but it can't hurt to try, Tangert says.
"It can help. At some level, customers expect mobile apps to just be available, and the feature set is the differentiator." Tangert says.
3 Ways to Make Money With Apps
For any integrator who is looking at mobile apps, the question is: "Can I make money from this and, if so, how?" That may seem like an uphill battle given that the majority of apps are provided free of charge, but it's not outside the realm of possibility. Essentially, at present, monetization comes down to three things: services, the cloud and integration.
1. At the most basic level is the ability to provide add-on services.
"It's not a traditional venue for integrators to make money, but it is an avenue that's not going to be their primary business model," says Bosch Security's Steve Tangert. "Most apps require network setup service, and maybe even mobile device setup. An integrator could professionally configure the firewall and set up the app on a device for a fee."
2. Apologies if you're tired of hearing and reading about this, but the cloud could make providing — and charging for — additional services much more realistic.
"In the future, apps may gain access to cloud-based solutions, potentially providing additional cost-based functionality," says Jammy DeSousa of American Dynamics. "Until then it's just a system feature that is required to stay competitive."
When that kind of access to cloud-based model does arrive on a more widespread level, that's when things start to get interesting.
"Today, providers don't charge for apps, and that tends to be the industry norm. But there's a significant change with cloud-based services, and apps will be a big part of that," says Honeywell's Chris Koetsier. "There are money-generating opportunities, such as charging a monthly fee for access to the system. Integrators can also provide services to customers. For example, through the cloud, an app could generate an alarm that a hard drive has failed on a DVR. The customer may be willing to pay the dealer a monthly fee to monitor and take care of that."
That's something that some apps allow today, says Greg Bier of Vitek.
"It depends on how intelligent the app is, but most DVRs have health alerts if hard drives go bad or something goes south on a system and they can help with proactive service," he says.
Even if customers are hesitant to pay a monthly service fee for this type of system monitoring, there is still an opportunity to generate revenue.
"An app may have the ability to notify the integrator of the health of the system, which will assist with service calls. The integrator can connect to the device — with permission, of course — and can get a better idea of what needs to be done before making a service call. Or he can fix the problem remotely. Either way, he's saving time and money," Tangert says. "On top of that, this is a chargeable service."
3. The third revenue-generating possibility with apps will be greater integration between those apps and systems beyond simply video.
"An app is just one of the tools and services provided that allows dealers to create a value model for their end users. If done right with cross-functionality such as arming and disarming a system or turning lights off and on, you can go to the customer and say, 'Look, you saved $200 this month,'" says Honeywell's Michael Coniff. "This allows the dealer or integrator to show the value of these services and monetize them."
9 Questions Every Integrator Should Ask About Mobile Apps
Is it a free or paid app?
How simple is it to use?
What platforms is it available on?
What level of video quality, resolution and frame rate can it display?
What are the bandwidth requirements?
How much bandwidth is available at the customer site?
What features and functions are available through the app?
Does it provide the features and functions the customer wants?
Does it integrate with access control, intrusion and other systems, in addition to video?
Recent Articles by Derek Rice
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Derek Rice is a freelance writer and social media marketing manager who lives in Saco, Maine.
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Category: NYU WIRELESS
"Future Wireless Technologies: mmWave, THz & Beyond": A webinar given by NYU Professor Theodore (Ted) Rappaport, Founding Director at NYU WIRELESS, presents the promise and challenges of operating at millimeter wave and Terahertz frequencies. He discusses the current state of the art, research activities at NYU WIRELESS, and points to amazing new frontiers that these frequencies offer for the future of communications, computing, and imaging.
As Ted states: "By 2020, the world will see single chip data transceivers that reliably transfer more than 10 GB/s data for more than 200 meters in a vast number of military or commercial applications." This is exciting stuff and is pushing the 5G and IoT world along as the need for massive connectivity taxes existing spectrum.
NYU WIRELESS has become the first academic institution to join the mmWave Coalition, whose mission is to advocate for the use of radio frequencies above 95 GHz in the U.S. The Coalition, made up of leading technology companies in addition to NYU WIRELESS, is working with U.S. and international government and regulatory bodies to eliminate hurdles to using these frequencies. Availability of this spectrum would open up much needed broadband service for new applications for medical imaging, spectroscopy, new massively broadband IoT, and "wireless fiber" links in rural areas, ensuring that the U.S. remains competitive in the marketplace as 5G applications roll out.
The industry effort to expand the understanding and use of the frontiers of the frequency spectrum is supported by the sustaining members of the mmWave Coalition representing the key thought leaders in the industry.
The Coalition is pleased to welcome NYU and is looking forward to more events and exchange of ideas, from technology to freeing up critical mmWave spectrum infrastructure.


Recently, Blackberry announced a new version of BBM that offers stickers that BBM users can add to their BBM chats. Unlike BBM emoticons, Stickers are larger, bolder and more beautiful. BBM users that upgrade to the latest BBM will be able to purchase and download sticker packs from the new BBM Shop found in BBM.
A sticker pack might be offered for free, or cost US $1.99, or an approximate equivalent amount in the local currency, and will be billed through the device's app store. Each sticker pack contains between 20 and 25 stickers and features content developed by talented artists or relating to a theme or a character like CosCat, Gilbert's Tales or Bubble Bot, as well as sticker packs featuring content from popular brands including Shaun the Sheep and WWE.
Blackberry offers a free BBM sticker pack which includes many of your favorite BBM emoticons, thereby letting you get your point across in a bigger, bolder way while chatting with your loved ones. To start using the free stickers in your BBM chat, you must upgrade to the latest BBM that supports Stickers.
Be sure to check BlackBerry World, Google Play and App Store to ensure you have the latest versions listed above.
Once you've upgraded your BBM, just tap on the "Shop" icon in the BBM, select the "BBM Stickers" pack ( by BBM) and install it free of charge. Once installed, you can start using the free stickers in your BBM chat.
why too much sticker with cash, while a little free stickers!!!


When I talk for the first time to a travel writer in the process of building their career—whether they're just starting or they've been at it for decades but have never felt that 'click' of sustainability where they know they can do this and make the money they want for as long as they want—an eerily similar thing typically happens.
It takes a lot of guises though.
These writers are typically asking me a very specific, tactical question about how to do one specific thing: write pitches more quickly, make sure their ideas fit a magazine, find the right place to pitch a specific piece, or get started with those lucrative content marketing gigs.
And as I'm explaining the answer, the odd thing happens.
They suddenly start asking me about a totally different area of travel writing. If they've been asking me about magazines, they switch to content marketing questions, or visa versa. Or they go from asking me about working on their own blog to how to get gigs blogging for others.
It takes different forms, but it always happens for the same reason: they realize the approach they've been obsessively researching simply isn't actually going to help them get what they really want out of their travel writing.
There is no end to the research and publications on how values-driven organizations of all kinds outperform those without a clear value set.
The links above from places like Forbes and the Harvard Business Review may feel totally inapplicable to you because they're about "corporations." I get it.
You're an individual freelancer, not Zappos!
But that doesn't mean this very fundamental shift in strategy doesn't give you a massive leg up as a travel writer. Quite the opposite.
While this approach doesn't just work for travel writers, since other travel writing freelancers are less likely to have gone through this kind of exercise and then made a practice of making their decisions accordingly, it will give you a bigger edge in our industry than in others.
In our coaching and Dream Buffet programs right now, we're in the middle of a month-long program around getting clear on the previous year and what you want for the year ahead, and the values exercise I'm about to share with you is a central part of it.
You can do it at home on your own, but it's often very eye-opening to do with some freelance colleagues—or even your significant other!
The crux of the exercise is that you start with the list of values below and then begin to whittle down to what matters most to you.
Write one list with every single word on the list that jumps out to you. Then don't look at the main list again.
Look over the list you've compiled and cross out the ones that you can immediately tell you care about less.
Group works that are similar, like "freedom" and "independence" or "stability" and "dependability" or "realism" and "genuineness" together.
Now cut down to the five most important words (or groups of similar words) to you.
Go through the groups of similar words and find the one that resonates with you most. The shades of difference between these words can be incredibly important in clarifying what really matters to you. I like to look things up in the classic Merriam-Webster dictionary if I'm feeling stuck; getting down to the definition of a thing can be very revealing about what something really means to you and why.
Choose the one that is your most important guiding principle in decision-making.
Have these five overall words and your one most important decision-making factor in hand helps you quickly and with crystal clarity understand which of any set of options in front of you most lines up with what is important to you.
In our full annual review series, which includes five webinars taking stock of the past year and looking forward, we walk through how to use this exercise to plan how to ensure you hit your most important goals for the year ahead. Check it out here.


Photo session with the lovely McCormick family. As you can see we had a lot of fun and I love the way these turned out. Often, I'm not a big fan of matching family outfits for photo shoots, BUT, I really think it worked beautifully with this family for the kinds of posing we did and the mood. White can be a color to avoid for photograph's, but don't you think this family pulled it off perfectly? Thanks guys for a fabulous photo shoot.
Great shoot- love it! I prefer leaving it up to the photographer to create something. What kinds of things do you suggest? or does it depend on the family?
it's a combination of both incorporating my style with who the family is. often the family has an idea of what they'd love (ie: we really want casual beach photos) and we talk about wardrobe possibilities and go from there. but if a family is really open and wants something artistic- then there are all kinds of directions to go- and i love that too.