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David Evans Bailey MA – Research and insights into the world of Immersive Technology and Virtual Reality
FREUD AND VR
January 9, 2018 David Evans Bailey MA1 Comment
It is interesting to note that surrealism was heavily influenced by Freud. In her book, The Surreal House, Jane Alison, remarks upon Andre Breton's first encounter with Freud at the psychologist's house and his fascination for the artefacts that Freud had collected and kept in his consulting room. This practice of keeping artefacts apparently harks back to the Renaissance period in which the private study or studilio became a repository of curiosities such as artwork, minerals, plants – a cabinet of curiosities which provided physical evidence of the knowledge of the world. For Freud, however, it had a deeper meaning and one in which it provided a reference to many of his psychological theories. (Alison, 2010). Now Andre Breton was one of the founders of Surrealism, and he wrote the First Manifesto of Surrealism in 1924. The reason that this is interesting is because, of course, psychoanalysis first burst upon the scene through Freud. He was a pioneer, a revolutionary in the field of the mind. Until then people generally had not much thought of the mind shaping the behaviour and thoughts of man in unseen ways. Thus, we perhaps could say that we owe a lot to Freud for opening up this conduit to the possibility of an inner world in a very public way such that it became talked about and discussed and led to all things henceforth known as psychology. But also, importantly it seems to have opened the way for artists, such as the surrealists, to connect with the mind in a way that perhaps these links had not been made before. In fact, Freud had a profound influence upon the surrealist movement itself.
This is an important landmark in the passage of art and art movements. Henceforth, Art no longer confined itself or felt that it had to confine itself to that which can only be seen. It could spread into the realm of that which is also unseen and thus an expansion of consciousness beyond the mere observed. Surrealism thus opened up a new labyrinth which many artists have since explored. But what does this have to do with VR? We arrive in the modern idiom in which VR takes a prominent role. What is VR but in essence the recreation of dreams that we might have and of new worlds that we might conceive? VR is most often surrealistic in content, or at least it taps into the reservoir of imagination in many different ways.
In could be said that VR runs along two main but very different threads, the one is concerned with a re-creation of the external world and how we might thus engage with something without then having to be exposed to its physical risks. This thread is borne from encounters with reality created in virtuality and thus able to be experienced by the many and not just the few. Encounters which might otherwise not be accessible or perhaps place the participant in personal danger. The other most prominent thread is the playground of the mind. In effect, what we are undertaking is an exploration beyond the boundaries of the physical world and into the imagination of the virtual. The virtual world, as it were, being thus one's oyster. This is surely to an artist, the more interesting part, where we take something and make something new out of it. We shape our imagination in such a way that it becomes an encounter that others can undertake. That surely is one of the virtues of this new art. This new technology moves us into realms of existence perceived only by the limits of our own minds. We can be part of it and potentially touch many senses at the same time.
So perhaps the without the impetus of Freud none of this would have occurred. He is in a sense a 'firestarter' of the exploration of inner self, or at least arguably one of the most prominent. Like most seminal movements, surrealism changed the way people think about art. The surrealists depicted the impossible and rendered it possible if not plausible. Within VR the same is true, almost anything becomes possible in the virtual world. Flights of imagination are no longer just that, and we have crossed the frontier between fantasy and reality. The 'marvellous' that Andre Breton refers to in his manifesto is now available in full technicolour and three dimensions. When Freud began his work he probably never thought it would influence a whole generation of artists and he certainly wouldn't have envisaged immersive VR. We can only conjecture what Freud might think of it if he was alive today.
Alison, J. (2010). The Surreal House. New Haven and London: Yale University Press.
A Short Video about the Irony of the Digital World
January 8, 2018 January 8, 2018 David Evans Bailey MALeave a comment
In which we reflect upon some of the ironies that the world of VR imposes upon us.
A Short Video about VR Myths
August 12, 2016 David Evans Bailey MALeave a comment
In which we talk about some of the various myths that might surround VR and some of the facts about the future of VR.
Tagged cyberspace, hardware, HMD, Mosco, Oculus, software, The Digital Sublime, Vincent Mosco, Virtual Reality, virtual space, Vive, VR
The Virtual Paradigm
July 29, 2016 July 29, 2016 David Evans Bailey MALeave a comment
If you can understand that a paradigm is a way of thinking, being and operating in any sphere then as far as things go we are entering a new sphere and thus a new Virtual Paradigm where arguably new rules and ways of thinking may apply. There is a famous line in the Matrix (Wachowski and Wachowski, 1999) which goes "Welcome to the desert of the real". In fact, this is a reference taken from the book Simulacra and simulation (Baudrillard, 1981). Baudrillard actually talks about the desert of the real as being like that of a map which has disintegrated leaving behind a simulation of the actual territory that it represented. In essence one could say that the book discusses the idea of Virtual Reality or in his words Simulation in various forms and guises. His main tenet being that almost everything is in some degree a simulation of something else to a lesser or greater degree. One may not totally agree with this concept but in what might be considered a landmark concept of the time he also talks about how the image can go in successive stages from one which represents an actual thing, through changes or alterations to that representation and finally to one which represents nothing that we can really reference it to. Hence one could almost say that the idea of Virtual Reality was thought of well before the invention of the internet and all that followed on. I think it's most pertinent to look at this idea of representation since with VR we have almost been handed the keys to the castle in terms of new realities.
The interesting thing about VR is that it is quite fascinating because of the deception that it creates of something existing that in fact has not solidity whatsoever in fact. I have been working on an installation as part of my research which involves the creation of a room, it happens to one of familiarity of my past but the interesting thing about it is that when one views something like that in VR it takes on a life of its own. Looking around the room which currently is not textured or refined in any way I nevertheless found myself drawn into its intricacies and the way that the light falls and the shadows are made. All of which is completely false, it's a trick of the eye but yet even in its absolute plain essence it somehow almost comes to life. Which brings me back to Baudrillard; In that I have so far created something that is the same but somehow not the same as something that exists in the physical realm. So I am already moving through the successive stages of the image and I am happy to accept that this different representation that I have created is somehow 'real' at least to me. The whole creation of this scene is in fact a trick of light and shaders within a software program and stereoscopic vision that makes it 'live' even though it is not factually alive.
In Parables for the Virtual (Massumi, 2002), Brian Massumi talks about the fact that colour is never going to be the same from one instant to the next due to light, brightness, hue and so forth. He talks about each moment as being a 'singularity' and in effect not reproducible and nor is it the same colour to each person, not exactly the same anyway. When we produce colour, texture, etc. in the virtual world how referential is it to the real world? Does say a texture tell us how it should feel simply by looking at it? Can we look at concrete in the virtual and say yes, it is the same as physical or is it different, a whole new set of reference points that are simulations but give rise to new sensory perceptions or conclusions. Because as Massumi says, when we see something we are already compartmentalising to some degree it against other experiences and categorisations. So my point is will the virtual and the physical really ever be the same due to the very nature of simulation and do they have to be? Does it actually matter if they are not? Do we have to be so concerned with matching the real world when in fact we could simply re-contextualise ourselves with a whole set of different features and facets which are nothing like our physical universe. If you take it to that point then it is also possible that we could become addicted to the perfection we can achieve in VR, to seamlessness but we could also become a different self, a physical becomes virtual. After all you can go back to say Impressionism which is in effect painting the essence of colour. What Monet tried to do was actually see colour as it really is, a blending of light and colour, of brightness and intensity, uncodified or modified by contextualising the form of what he painted. However, by painting the light as it is, it took on a form of its own which we then recognised. Impressionism is a statement about the universe, the universe of light, colour and intensity. Perhaps our thinking is too rigid in this respect about art and the physical universe, we want to compartmentalise it without really thinking about what is the essence of what we are trying to convey. New paradigms can bring new ideas, new ways of thinking and seeing, VR gives us this chance for a new perspective in a totally new dimension. It's not the desert of the real that we will find but more a menu of potentially delectable desserts all waiting for us to sample the wares.
Note – All reproductions and excerpts of any content on this blog must include a reference and citation to the original author and preferably a link to the original piece.
Baudrillard, J. (1981). Simulacra and simulation. Originally published in French by Editions Galilee: Editions Galilee translated into English onto PDF.
Massumi, B. (2002). Parables for the virtual. Durham, NC: Duke University Press.
Wachowski, L., & Wachowski, L. (1999). The Matrix. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133093/
Tagged baudrillard, brian massumi, cyberspace, jean baudrillard, massumi, Matrix, parables of the virtual, paradigm, simulacra, simulacra and simulation, simulation, virtual, Virtual Reality, virtual space, Vive, VR
The Irony of the Digital
July 22, 2016 July 22, 2016 David Evans Bailey MA1 Comment
This is our digital irony. You have a physical human wearing a contraption which allows them to see in stereo thus giving the perception of 3D who is tracked by cameras in a defined space. This is done in order to place them into a digital space where they are then able to see themselves or otherwise be embodied as a digital presence which they are seeing with their physical selves. To describe this to the uninitiated it would sound like the ultimate feedback loop. So we want to place ourselves physically into the realm of digital possibilities but to do so requires a fair amount of hardware, software and equipment. What we actually become is our cyber selves in physical form interacting with a universe in digital form. In the digital we become unlimited, equipped with superpowers that do not exist in the physical world. We can break natural laws and explore the boundless potential of the unknown. We can extend our morality and thus we can kill without repercussion or consequence, we can become, in effect, a God. Any expression of dissatisfaction with our physical circumstances can be altered. We can have the body we always wanted, the possessions we craved, we can have it all, we can live the dream. Lazarus can indeed arise from the dead and walk. Yet it is ironic because indeed we are still bounded by the space and by the rules of the game or software that controls the virtual world in which we enter. We are free yet harnessed within a physical area that allows the software to position us and with the accoutrements of VR such as a headset which isolates us from the physical world. Without these things we cannot be part of this new world and thus exchange one set of constraints for another in order to be 'free'.
In order to escape we enslave ourselves further, succumbing to the lure of entrapment that lurks in the depths of our virtual spaces. Like the sirens calling us in we are enticed into beautiful perfect digital worlds where nothing is defective or decays and where if something dies you can simply regenerate it or respawn. Like some Karma simulation we can live one thousand lives in a day and each time return with greater knowledge to meet the challenges we face inside our virtual utopia. Even before immersive headsets arrived we had already been immersed and beguiled by the possibility of another life and even called it 'second life'. From the very first paddle ball game we were hooked upon the idea of entering this new digital universe. As realism took hold and VR edged ever closer the lines between what is recognisably physical and what is digital began to blur. This is exemplified in the films of the today where the CGI is seamless and no longer makes us stare in wonderment. The medium has become accepted and we have walked freely into this new world of digital mergence. We accept the irony of bounding ourselves with technology in order to experience something that is beyond our normal perceptions. We have drunk from the chalice of the holy grail to become part of this new world where everything is possible. We have striven to bind ourselves ever closer to cyberspace and the removal of the physical encumbrances of the world we inhabit. We are seemingly unconscious to the irony that it requires hectares of physical computer hardware on server farms and millions of miles of wiring all powered by electricity just in order to give life to our cyber existence.
Cyberspace is open to all that can access it and let them in. Identity is no longer a crisis, it's an opportunity for change in the most innovative forms. You can be anything or anyone and have the body of a supermodel or an athlete. You can be a gazelle or a lion or any mythical creature you care to conjure up. In Ready Player One (Cline, 2011), the accessibility of the virtual world or 'Oasis' as it is called in the book, is assured to anyone that has a headset and a pair of haptic gloves. The hero and just about everyone on earth lives in cyberspace with the physical earth dropping away into neglect, although it does not go into detail as to how everything is kept running since the story focuses wholly upon the digital adventure and the ultimate battle for control of the cyber world and everyone in it. The point being though that according to the book humanity prefers a digital universe to the physical universe. It becomes like some vast matrix which unlike The Matrix (The Wachowskis, 1999) is not controlled by machines. Although we have not reached those dizzy heights of mergence it's nevertheless a potential future but it's not the only future. In these fictional depictions the possibilities are endless within the rules of the cyber world. Which again brings a second irony that having given us unlimited freedom in cyberspace we once again accept the boundaries and rules of the game and thus move from one physical constriction to a digital one. In Ready Player One to walk somewhere requires the same time and effort as in the physical world so already physical constraints of time are imposed. But nevertheless the attractiveness of being something you are not or something you would like to be is magnetic for many. It's an escape from whatever existence you have to something you cannot normally have. You can be a King and have a kingdom with untold simulated riches. The irony of it is that when you remove your headset you will still be that ordinary guy or girl who goes to work in an ordinary life, just like 99% of the people on this planet. Karl Marx wrote that religion is "the opium of the people" (Marx, 1844). Perhaps in Virtual Reality we have a new opiate for the masses or some might argue even a new religion.
Cline, E. (2011). Ready player one. New York: Crown Publishers.
Marx, Karl. 1844. A Contribution to the Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Right, Deutsch-Französische Jahrbücher, February.
Tagged cyberspace, Digital Irony, hardware, Irony, karl marx, Matrix, Ready Player One, software, Virtual Reality, virtual space, VR
Virtual Reality Myths
What are the boundaries of the VR phenomenon? If the current hype is to be believed VR will signal a new era in virtually everything (pun intended). We need to put our expectations and aspirations into perspective. The hype of technological advance is ably discussed in The Digital Sublime (Mosco, 2004) where he points out that every innovation since the invention of the telegraph has been heralded with the same three predictions; the end of geography, the end of history and the end of politics. None of these things have actually come to pass, or certainly not to the extent mooted by the pundits of the day. In fact, VR is in its second life cycle having failed to fully deliver on its promises the first time in the 90's. We have to remember that VR, in a way, is nothing new. Back in the 1960's the first Head Mounted Display was made albeit predictably for military purposes. The devices for stereoscopic vision the basis of which are still used today in Oculus, Vive, et al. were invented back in the 1800's. It doesn't require too much hard research to trace the path of VR well into the 1990's when the bubble finally burst. The lack of a technology that could be made affordable to everyone and also the fact that the internet backbone of high speed transmission simply was not generally available is probably part of what killed it.
Consultancies such as Delloite are predicting a billion-dollar industry in 2016 for VR. Forbes magazine wrote earlier this year of predictions in excess of $100 billion by 2020. Of course none of these can really be either proved or justified at this juncture. This is almost a rerun of the dotcom frenzy which Mosco describes in his book wherein companies were simply falling all over themselves to invest in anything that had dot com after its name. On the plus side, Oculus Rift and HTC are now shipping their products and as a result of these getting into the hands of consumers there is a big upsurge in games and other VR software. A number of social media type platforms are arising, notably http://altvr.com/ consisting of forums and chat rooms which can be visited with or without the requisite VR equipment. In January Wearable wrote that Google Cardboard had shipped 5 million units and that would presumably not be counting the lookalikes. At the time of writing there had been something in excess of 25 million downloads of apps for Cardboard. Many industries and areas are taking up the use of VR as I recently discussed here and of course the porn industry is one of the big take ups of the new technology as I also discussed here. So the initial figures and showings in many relevant areas perhaps show promise in terms of uptake and usage. But still what of the myths?
I think one can put it another way in that there appears to be a constant evangelism about new technology which promotes each thing as the new saviour of the world. Mosco has written extensively on this and history rather than being ended has borne out what he says. The real point is that we go on to discover in the end that technology isn't the world saviour and that we still have to go to work and earn money, go to the shops and buy groceries among other things. Albeit that these things can be achieved via the internet there is still a physical necessity for it to occur. Virtual reality does not remove the necessities of life. In fact, what seems to be happening in the modern idiom is that we feed our soul with derived material and we live in a world of information overload where a person wearing a Chewbacca mask can achieve world notoriety within minutes of uploading their video to the internet. All of us are striving to leap above the surface of the digital ocean long enough to be recognised just like the Manta rays in their ritualistic dances of courtship. Most of us do not find that way to hit the stratosphere at all, let alone remain there. The increase in content subsumes all with it and the recycling of content simply fills cyberspace with what is essentially so much flotsam just like the plastic ocean we have created on our planet. Our discarded memories, our collective consciousness is paraded endlessly in front of the masses in an unceasing flow of detritus. The real myth is that we are doing anything meaningful and one could argue that we have either created a monster garbage can or, in another view, a cornucopia of wonderment. Then others may simply see it as the continuance of a banal existence now generated in digital form. Virtual Reality extends this into the third dimension where an entire new cornucopia or garbage can will be created depending upon which way you see it. Perhaps I am being too harsh or cynical and I've got an HTC Vive myself which I think is pretty awesome. But what we need is some perspective and I think we have to be pragmatic that is all. VR is not the new saviour of the planet, only we can do that.
Mosco, V. (2004). The digital sublime: myth, power and cyberspace. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press.
Tagged altvr, cyberspace, Delloite, Forbes, HMD, Mosco, Oculus, The Digital Sublime, Vincent Mosco, Virtual Reality, virtual space, Vive, VR
Digital Mergence


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Q: Bootstrap 3 header looking incorrectly on Firefox I have problem with coding a header, the header I have coded is being displayed well in Chrome, but its not in Firefox. (In Firefox its a bit Missy).
(the header is responsive and coded using Bootstrap 3)
photos explains the problem:
The header In Chrome:
 (nice and clean)
The header In Firefox:
 (missed up)
this problem happened when I made the top bar.
my code:
<!doctype html>

        <meta charset="UTF-8">
        <title>Bootstrap</title>
        <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
        <link rel="stylesheet" href="css/bootstrap.min.css">
        <link rel="stylesheet" href="css/custom4.css">
        <link rel="stylesheet" href="font-awesome/css/font-awesome.min.css">

sign in

/

sign up

                    <button type="button" class="navbar-toggle" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#greeny-header">
                        Toggle Navigation

                    </button>

Home

                            Pages

Who are we

Action

List

Option

Separated link

Separated link

Action

Blog

Portfolio

Contact

 the CSS
    /*
*********************
* =header
*********************
*/
.navbar-default{
    height: 100px;
}
#greeny-header{
    margin-top: 25px;
}
.navbar-header a{
    margin-top: 15px;
}
.navbar-header a{
    padding-top: 0;
    padding-bottom: 0;
}
.navbar-nav span{
    font-size: 25px;
}
.navbar-toggle {
    position: absolute;
    float: none;
    right: 0;
    top: 5px;
}

/*
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* =top-bar
*********************
*/

.top-bar{
    background-color: #2b2b2b;
    height: 40px;
}
.social-icons{
    margin-top: 2px;
    padding-left: 0;
}
.social-icons li{
    display: inline;
    font-size: 23px;
    padding-right: 20px;
}

.social-icons span{
    color: #a59f9a;
}
.social-icons span:hover{
    color: #e1e1e1;
}
.sign-options{
    margin-top: 7px;
}
.sign-options li{
    display: inline;
    font-size: 14px;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    padding-left: 7px;
}

.sign-options a{
    color: #b3aca7;
    text-decoration: none;
}
.sign-options a:hover{
    color: #e1e1e1;
}
.sign-options span{
    color: #d79450;
}

A: try to wrap any div with container div inside to row. I did it in this Demo.
Basically used your code and wrapper every section into row class. I tested with browser stack and it looks fine now.
I added the link to new screenshot "Win XP, FF v15.0". Here to screenshot

A: Add the float : left property to the logo style.

A: This is why I love Firebug.  Looking at the computed styles and the layout will give you your answer right away.  There are two usual suspects in this type of problem: 1) the display styles are not set to inline; or 2) There is a problem with the float.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


This entry was tagged American dipper, Driftwood Creek, Sheila Peters poetry. Bookmark the permalink.
Thanks so much.Catriona. I still think of your mom so often. A toast to her…and you!
Good to hear from you Catriona. Your mom comes to mind at the most unexpected moments – I have some of her beautiful place mats in a drawer and every time I see them, I see the house where you grew up, her loom set up in a room near the door. It was a cantankerous loom and we spent many hours sorting out its problems, but she made beautiful and surprising combinations of colours and textures on it. An excellent friend.
I love your writing, Sheila. It feels like a warm blanket of clouds is being wrapped around my soul. Thank you for this. You are so very generous to share such wonders – both visually and in writing:) And a very happy new year to you and yours.
Thanks, Dian – I'm looking forward to hearing some of your stories in 2018.
Lovely piece, Sheila; evocative of BV memories as well as of your lovely little valley. I'm envious of your bird list–and of the "other taxa", as birders call mammals and other non-birds if we even bother to note them. Magpies were rare in the BValley when I lived there nearly 40 years ago. On Denman Island in 30 years I've seen only one Dipper–no high-energy creeks on my flat little sandstone island. We had Pine Grosbeaks on two different Christmas Counts but only then. A few Redpolls are being seen in Victoria and nearby Courtenay this winter, but not on Denman so far.
And this year we have a special treat–Steller's Jays. Every now and then they're abundant everywhere on Vancouver Island, possibly in response to a bumper crop of young the previous spring, or maybe a food shortage in the mountains. The Jays don't normally like to fly across water, so we can go years without seeing one; they're seen regularly on Vancouver Island and in these big years they pile up around Victoria, unwilling to cross Strait of Juan de Fuca. This winter I think we have as many as 15 on Denman–very big deal.
On the bright side, two weeks ago I hitched a ride on a troller and saw lots of seabirds, including Cassin's Auklet and Ancient Murrelet, not to mention two small pods of Orcas (other taxa).
Lovely to catch word of the coast this time of year. When we visit my mom, who lives on the beach in Powell River, we often see harlequins too – our very special spring visitor to the canyon. Speaking of birds, have you ever read Harold Norman – he's an eclectic fellow who spends much time in Nova Scotia – a folklorist, novelist (he wrote The Bird Artist) and birder. In My Famous Evening, he quotes a poet, Robert Kelly: "Everything I love most happens every day." Lynn, thank heavens, is still happening every day, and so too are those birds coming to the feeder.
Happy New Year to you and Lynn, Sheila! I've really been enjoying these posts that combine glimpses of your world with your poetry. And I love that your grandson's first language was raven squawks.
Beautifully written, Sheila. I feel your angst and joy from Ontario. We love Smithers in the winter but know we are not there fulltime when only 3 hours of direct daylight grace your canyon! Happy New Year!


WASHINGTON DC -- Fannie Mae (FNM/NYSE) today began making two new initiatives -- Home Affordable Refinance and Home Affordable Modification -- available to its servicers and borrowers as part of the Obama Administration's Making Home Affordable program. The two initiatives are designed to significantly expand the numbers of borrowers who can refinance or modify their mortgages to a payment that is affordable now and into the future.
"Making Home Affordable provides crucial tools to mortgage lenders and homeowners coping with financial hardship and declining home prices," said Herb Allison, president and chief executive officer. "Potentially millions of homeowners could qualify for and benefit from these initiatives. The people of Fannie Mae will do all they can to make the program a success for homeowners across America and to advance the nation's housing recovery."
Additional Flexibilities: Most borrowers refinancing an existing Fannie Mae loan will not be required to buy new or additional mortgage insurance if the loan at the time of the refinance is more than 80 percent of a home's value. Any existing mortgage insurance may be carried forward to the new loan. In addition, Fannie Mae can refinance loans up to 105 percent of a home's value with this new flexibility, so even borrowers who are "underwater" -- who owe more than their home is worth -- may be able to refinance. This will expand the number of borrowers able to take advantage of lower interest rates that reduce monthly payments, or refinance into a more sustainable mortgage.
Streamlined Processing: Beginning in April, all 1,600 lenders and 29,000 mortgage brokers using Fannie Mae's Desktop Underwriter® platform will be able to process an application to refinance any existing Fannie Mae loan, allowing for greater lender origination capacity and easier refinancing for borrowers.
To qualify, your mortgage loan must be owned by Fannie Mae.
You must have a solid payment history on your existing mortgage.
The expanded refinance flexibility ends in June 2010.
Through the Home Affordable Modification, Fannie Mae will work with loan servicers across the country to help distressed borrowers modify their current loan into a mortgage that is more affordable and sustainable. Loan servicers participating in the program may reduce interest rates, lengthen the payment time frame or take other steps, such as principal forbearance, to bring the monthly payments down to as low as 31 percent of the borrower's gross (pre-tax) income.
To modify a loan through Home Affordable Modification, it must be for your primary residence.
You need not wait to become delinquent with your payments -- a plan can be put in place as soon as you think you may have trouble making your mortgage payment.
The amount you owe on your mortgage must be less than or equal to $729,750.
The program is for mortgages originated prior to January 1, 2009.
Certain eligibility requirements, including attesting to a financial hardship, may apply in some cases.
To ensure borrowers currently at risk of a foreclosure have the opportunity to apply for a Home Affordable Modification, Fannie Mae servicers have been directed not to proceed with a foreclosure until a borrower has been evaluated for the program.
Call your current mortgage lender or servicer. The phone number should be on your monthly mortgage statement or monthly coupon book.
Contact Fannie Mae. Call 1-800-7FANNIE (8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST) or visit http://www.fanniemae.com/homeaffordable.
Fannie Mae also intends to make an online tool available later this month so borrowers can look up their loan and determine if it is owned by the company.
Fannie Mae exists to expand affordable housing and bring global capital to local communities in order to serve the U.S. housing market. Fannie Mae has a federal charter and operates in America's secondary mortgage market to enhance the liquidity of the mortgage market by providing funds to mortgage bankers and other lenders so that they may lend to home buyers.Our job is to help those who house America.


- Professional guiding services in English/Spanish/Italian/Turkish.
Transportation will be in a modern A/C family car, Volkswagen Touran, with plenty of room for 7 persons (5 adults plus 2 children).
Hello, traveler from far away!
I'm glad to hear you are interested in visiting our country! I promise you you'll come as a guest and leave as a friend, with unforgettable memories and beautiful photos.
Let's explore together some of the secrets of Transylvania!
We will visit together 2 beautiful castles, an old orthodox monastery and the medieval part of Brasov, one of our country's most interesting cities. We will take a sink into the history, geography, traditions of our country, but also the reality of today's Romania. Beautiful scenery and a shot of REAL Romania are the secret ingredients of this tour.


ASCO, the leader in the design and manufacture of solenoid valves, now offers a complete line of Pressure Sensors. With pressure ratings up to 10,000 PSI and the ability to handle rugged applications like steam and refrigeration, ASCO Pressure Sensors will satisfy your most demanding needs. The ASCO Pressure Sensor line is suitable for accurately measuring many process fluids in the most demanding, pulsating and vibrating environments.
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Set inside the Fuglsang Park, Fuglsang Herregaard offers accommodation, a seasonal café and a restaurant. Guests have access to free WiFi and on-site parking.
Surrounded by a lush garden, this intimate hotel is only 50 metres from the Guldborgsund Strait waterfront. It offers a traditional restaurant and individually furnished rooms.
Færgegården is set in Nykøbing Falster, 1.7 km from Middelaldercentret, and a garden and a terrace are accessible on-site.
Just 20 metres from the sea, Nykøbing Falster B&B features a garden with sun loungers and an outdoor dining area. Free WiFi access is available.
Falster Bed & Breakfast is a self-catering apartment located in Nykøbing Falster. Free WiFi access is available.
This B&B is set on a 19th-century estate, 3.5 km outside Nykøbing Falster.
Set in Nykøbing Falster, 7 km from Middelaldercentret, Bed and Breakfast Hasseloe provides accommodation with free WiFi and a garden with a barbecue. A patio with garden views is offered in each unit.
With a garden and a terrace, BB-Vesterskov offers accommodation with free WiFi. Some units also have a kitchen equipped with an oven.
The family-run Hotel Falster is 5 minutes' drive from Nykøbing Falster Train Station. It offers free Wi-Fi internet access.
Tämä hostelli tarjoaa ilmaisen pysäköinnin, ja se sijaitsee 1 km:n päässä Nykøbing Falsterin rautatieasemasta sekä 5 minuutin kävelymatkan päässä Falsterin uimahallista. Kaikissa huoneissa on parveke/patio ja oma kylpyhuone.
Situated in Sakskøbing in the Lolland Region, 35 km from Rødbyhavn ferry terminal, Fjelde Guesthouse features a barbecue and views of the garden. Free private parking is available on site.
Tämä motelli sijaitsee vuodelta 1916 peräisin olevassa koulurakennuksessa, ja se tarjoaa ilmaisen pysäköintimahdollisuuden, ilmaisen Wi-Fi:n sekä huoneita, joissa on tv. E47-moottoritie on 1 km:n päässä.
Set in Idestrup, Idestrup Bed and Breakfast offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor pool. Complimentary WiFi is offered.
This harbourside hotel is in the Lolland city of Nysted. Housed in a renovated early 1900s building, it provides free WiFi and free private parking.
Located in Idestrup, Pitstop Idestrup offers a garden and free WiFi. Boasting luggage storage space, this property also provides guests with a restaurant.
Located on Torvet Square in central Sakskøbing, this hotel is housed in a building from 1827. It provides free WiFi, an in-house restaurant and individually decorated rooms.
Vain 600 metrin päässä mereltä sijaitseva Den Gamle Gaard Apartments tarjoaa itsepalveluhuoneistoja, joissa on oma terassi. Paikan päällä on ulkouima-allas, koripallokenttä ja pöytätennismukavuudet.
Offering a sun terrace and views of the garden, Frederiksensminde Bed & Breakfast is located along highway Route 55 in Marrebæk in the Falster Region. Gedser ferry terminal is 12 km away.
The Cottage is situated in Nysted and has a garden, a terrace and a bar. The property features a children's playground.
Offering a sun terrace and views of the garden, Godstedlund is located in Øster Ulslev. Free private parking is available on site.


Don't let your company fall foul of government regulations regarding pest control on business premises in Islington E8.
Most of the time, disrepair in either a domestic or a commercial environment can lead to pest control issues This is because it gives the pests an access point in Islington E8. A high-quality pest control professional get the job done with the highest level of quality and care in Islington E8. When a pest control solution just can't wait, trust us to lead a fair and competitive quote in Islington E8. Bedbugs can be a bloodsucking nightmare. They are not officially classified as a public health pest, but anyone who has experienced them will know how horrible they can be. A pest control engineer will be able to get rid of them for you in Islington E8.
We're an established and well-regarded pest control company with excellent customer patch up at our core in Islington E8.
Our pest control engineers are more than happy to come out to you if black garden ants are nesting underneath the floorboards of your property. While not considered a health pest, they can be a nuisance in Islington E8. Every pest control plan we realize is planned and accomplished to the very highest standard in Islington E8. When infestation strikes, pest control solutions might just be the less expensive than you think in Islington E8. As pest control professionals we never compromise on the quality of set right we offer to our clients in Islington E8. All of our pest control experts believe in treating rat infestations as an emergency. As a consequence of the criteria where can live they have the potential to to lead a wide choice of harmful illnesses in Islington E8.
Treating an infestation of mice can be impossible and the use of poisons has the potential to to give severe health hazards in humans. Our pest control technicians know how to correctly place in situ treatments so that they are not a threat to you or your family in Islington E8.
As pest control engineers, we believe that the control of the rat population is important Rats can carry a wide range of both diseases and parasites, each of which can be harmful to humans and animals in Islington E8. Because we understand the importance of a high-quality pest control, we guarantee a superb fix in Islington E8. At a stressful time, the level of repair offered by the pest control team was really useful in Islington E8. During the warmer months of the year, loads of oppresses find that their homes are invaded by the incredibly common black garden ant. While this species of ants doesn't hurt your health, they can prove to be a nuisance. A professional pest control expert will have the right knowledge and expertise to throw out them quickly in Islington E8. Pest control is a interesting market where a high level of fix sets us apart from the crowd in Islington E8.
There is a great choice of solutions for every different kind of pest control quandary in Islington E8.
Our customers recommend us as a result of our standard of pest control work and process we treat our clients in Islington E8. Mice infestations should be swiftly dealt with by a pest control specialist, as mice are known to breed swiftly once they have settled in one location in Islington E8. As with any industry, a qualified and reliable pest control set right will guarantee an excellent result in Islington E8.
Pests should never be allowed into an environment where food is either produced or prepared. If you do notice pests at any point, you must contact a pest control engineer in Islington E8. Trouble with an infestation? Our expert pest control put right places right on your doorstep in Islington E8.
We're a qualified and well-regarded pest control company in your local area in Islington E8.
As a pest control company, we understand that cockroach infestations can be incredibly difficult to spot while they are still small. One thing that we permanently look out for is an almond smell, as cockroaches almost constantly come with them in Islington E8. When pest control problems occur even the cleanest dwelling can become a breeding ground for germs in Islington E8. We believe in being as transparent and reliable as possible. When we are called out to a pest control situation, we'll carefully explain every avenue that we could go as a result of eradicate the infestation in Islington E8. When we come to eradicate the pests that are from your home we also will proceed to a range of pest control tasks. This is because we like to take preventative measures, ensuring that the pest problem doesn't occur again in Islington E8. All of our pest control operatives have the opportunity that they need to will diagnose where the pests have accessed your property. This means that they can advise you on the finest steps to take to avoid a further infestation in Islington E8.
We couldn't have expected a more rapid and smart service when we important pest control services swiftly in Islington E8.
pest control services can save time and money for businesses that are facing infestation problems in Islington E8. Cockroaches have the potential to disappear a culinary business, due to the illnesses that their presence can produce It can be impossible to spot a small infestation, and if you think there may well be an infestation, you should to contact your local pest control company fast It's better to be safe than sorry in Islington E8! When it comes to high-class pest control in your local area, we're pretty much peerless in Islington E8! To determine whether an ant infestation is risky or not, we first need one of our pest control engineers to will diagnose the species. Black Garden Ants are usually considered to be a nuisance, whereas Pharaohs Ants can pose a real heath risk in Islington E8. It can be impossible to spot a bedbug infestation, and one of the priority signs of one comes in the form of red, irritated patches of skin. These patches are thanks to the saliva of the bedbug when it draws blood, and they are prone to itching. Seek the follow-up of a trained pest control company if you suspect that there may well be an infestation in Islington E8.
Ants are relatively harmless, but their mandibles are heavy symbol enough to cut through electrical equipment instrument wires. This means that they can present a fire hazard if they are nesting near electrical equipment apparatus wires. We would advise that you contact a pest control agency in a jiffy to dissolve the concern in this fit in Islington E8.
When most tyrannizes think of pest control, they think of cockroaches, but billions of people believe that cockroaches are harmless. The reality is quite the opposite, as cockroaches are a real public health hazard in Islington E8. Pest control complications can to give a great amount of stress for customers, so great patch up is first in Islington E8. Most pest control agencies refuse to eradicate any species of bee, as they're 100% competitive to the environment. A member of the British Beekeeping Association should be able to move the bees for you in Islington E8. Put simply; a fully trained and qualified pest control professional will assure a initial valuation set right in Islington E8. It's substantial to deliver a high-quality pest control put right and we're proud to will perform that in Islington E8.
Regardless of the severity, a pest control predicament will occasionally get worse if not dealt with fast in Islington E8.
Rats usually seek shelter within our homes during the colder months of the year, and a qualified pest control expert will be able to eradicate them for you in Islington E8. Whatever the infestation difficulties you are facing, our experienced pest control team will have faced it before in Islington E8! Pest control professionals should be trained and fully qualified to carry out an extermination in Islington E8. You should to never experiment to shift cockroaches on your own, as even pest control experts can find it impossible to eradicate an infestation completely in Islington E8. Wasps are only delicate when their nest is disturbed. A pest control specialist will be able to use insecticides to chuck out wasps when their nest is too close to your home or potentially dangerous Usually, harassing who are most at risk include the elderly, and infests who suffer from severe allergies in Islington E8.
We treat each pest control difficulty differently, always finding a well thought out solution tailored to the malfunction in Islington E8.


Many of us read the recent Guardian articles by Marcus du Sautoy and Alok Jha that described a potential new 14D geometric theory of everything. Unlike most such theories, Geometric Unity has a unique experimental prediction that can verify it or rule it out. CERN is capable of making this measurement with existing equipment. The mathematics and physics communities have been unable to judge the claims directly since they are looking for papers by Weinstein, and there are none. In fact, the theory was developed by another author and Weinstein's contribution has been to popularize the ideas. If you are interested in the truth, I highly recommend reading the following links.
This article is non-mathematical and outlines the development and prominent features of Geometric Unity.
This paper contains the mathematical breakthrough. A new interpretation of time leads to a connection between GR and QM. Einstein's equations and the fine structure constant derived from one simple principle.
The 14D geometric model is presented in detail. A flaw in the ADM positive-definiteness theorem is identified. A major outstanding issue in Kaluza theory is resolved.
The standard model of particle physics is shown to be a geometric property of the Geometric Unity cosmology. A unique experimental prediction is made.
The features of the theory are treated in a technical, yet qualitative way. A solution to dark energy is proposed.
We are an nD particle!!
Are all gravitational fields electro-magnetic?
How is this different from the previous thread?
Re-posting the exact same material on multiple threads is against forum rules. I suggest you simply address the points raised there instead of spamming this forum.
Markus is absolutely correct. You already have a thread in the appropriate section. Please continue with it there. Closing.
Markus Hanke, tk421 and anticorncob28 like this.


text:
Q: Alinhar árvore em CSS na vertical Estou desenvolvendo um projeto onde preciso mostrar uma árvore genealógica. O mais próximo que encontrei foi através desse tópico. Porém está exibindo horizontalmente.
Como alterar para que seja exibido verticalmente?

*, *:before, *:after {
  -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;
  -moz-box-sizing: border-box;
  box-sizing: border-box;
}

body {
  min-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 50px;
  color: #000;
  font: 16px Verdana, sans-serif;
  background: #fff;
  -webkit-user-select: none;
  -moz-user-select: none;
  -ms-user-select: none;
  user-select: none;
}

#wrapper {
  position: relative;
}

.branch {
  position: relative;
  margin-left: 250px;
}
.branch:before {
  content: "";
  width: 50px;
  border-top: 2px solid #000;
  position: absolute;
  left: -100px;
  top: 50%;
  margin-top: 1px;
}

.entry {
  position: relative;
  min-height: 60px;
}
.entry:before {
  content: "";
  height: 100%;
  border-left: 2px solid #000;
  position: absolute;
  left: -50px;
}
.entry:after {
  content: "";
  width: 50px;
  border-top: 2px solid #000;
  position: absolute;
  left: -50px;
  top: 50%;
  margin-top: 1px;
}
.entry:first-child:before {
  width: 10px;
  height: 50%;
  top: 50%;
  margin-top: 2px;
  border-radius: 10px 0 0 0;
}
.entry:first-child:after {
  height: 10px;
  border-radius: 10px 0 0 0;
}
.entry:last-child:before {
  width: 10px;
  height: 50%;
  border-radius: 0 0 0 10px;
}
.entry:last-child:after {
  height: 10px;
  border-top: none;
  border-bottom: 2px solid #000;
  border-radius: 0 0 0 10px;
  margin-top: -9px;
}
.entry.sole:before {
  display: none;
}
.entry.sole:after {
  width: 50px;
  height: 0;
  margin-top: 1px;
  border-radius: 0;
}

.label {
  display: block;
  min-width: 150px;
  padding: 5px 0px;
  line-height: 20px;
  text-align: center;
  position: absolute;
  left: 0;
  top: 50%;
  margin-top: -15px;
}

Root

Entry-1

Entry-1-1

Entry-1-1-1

Entry-1-2

Entry-1-2-1

Entry-1-3

Entry-1-3-1

Entry-2

Entry-3

Entry-3-1

Entry-3-2

Entry-3-3

Entry-3-3-1

Entry-3-3-2

Entry-3-3-2-1

Entry-3-3-2-2

Entry-3-3-3

Entry-3-4

Entry-4

Entry-5

A: O seu código é baseado em posicionamentos absolutos e margens relativas à disposição que você tem agora (i.e., a classe label fica a 50% do topo da sua div pai, a classe branch tem margin-left: 250px, e assim por diante). Ou seja, ele foi feito para ser mostrado da esquerda pra direita. Se você precisa, necessáriamente, fazer essa conversão, eu vejo dois jeitos de se fazer isso:

*

*Fazer a conversão manualmente
Basicamente, você vai rotacionar o seu código em 90º. Tudo que estiver posicionado com relação à esquerda, deverá ser posicionado com relação ao topo, e assim suscetivamente. É um trabalho meio cansativo, repetitivo, e com grandes chances de fazer com que você se perca. Mas como programadores não gostam de repetir as coisas, você pode apelar para a segunda opção.

*transform: rotate()
Já que você vai rotacionar tudo no braço, qual é o problema em deixar que o CSS lide com isso? Se você aplicar
#wrapper {
    -webkit-transform: rotate(90deg);
    -moz-transform: rotate(90deg);
    -o-transform: rotate(90deg);
    -ms-transform: rotate(90deg);
    transform: rotate(90deg);
}

Vai ver que já tem meio caminho andado. O problema é que, nesse caso, você rotaciona tudo que tem dentro de #wrapper, incluindo o texto (o que eu suponho que você não quer). Para solucionar tal problema, basta você rotacionar o texto em -90º, ou 270º.
 span {
    -webkit-transform: rotate(270deg);
    -moz-transform: rotate(270deg);
    -o-transform: rotate(270deg);
    -ms-transform: rotate(270deg);
    transform: rotate(270deg);
}

Isso resolve quase que 100% do seu problema, e você pode vê-lo funcionando aqui. Note que tive que adicionar margin-top:200px; para que a palavra root aparecesse. Note também que alguns overlaps surgiram entre as palavras. Isso se dá por conta da rotação, e de que o código não foi construído pra esta orientação. Você pode brincar com esta pen agora, e ver como os valores se comportam, depois de aplicada a transformação. O trabalho para remover esses overlaps não deve ser muito grande.
A partir daqui, você escolhe que tipo de trabalho vai realizar. Eu, particularmente, recomendo que você reescreva o código (i.e., siga a opção 1). Apesar de repetitivo, cansativo e tudo mais, vale bastante o aprendizado.


text:
How to Plot Your Novel with a Movie Soundtrack
We've been talking a lot about plot lately. A lot of writers use music to help them find the mood of the novel they're working on. Or they might crank up their favorite tunes to help them write the most words per writing session. Today's idea is to help you break down the plot structure of a movie you'd like to analyze. One thing you can do to break down the plot of any movie you watch is to use the soundtrack.
Far and Away Soundtrack
The classic 1992 movie, Far and Away, directed by Ron Howard, is the movie we'll analyze today. The basic plot is that two Irish immigrants seek their fortune in 1890s America, eventually taking part in the Oklahoma Territory Land Run of 1893.
The two immigrants, Joseph Donnelly and Shannon Christie, are played by Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, respectively. If you have never watched the movie, that's okay. Take a look at the Soundtrack. It highlights the most important scenes. You can guess where the plot points happen. But I won't make you do that. I'll lay it out for you below.
"County Galway, June 1892"
"The Fighting Donnellys"
"Joe Sr.'s Passing/The Duel Scene"
"Leaving Home"
"Burning the Manor House"
"Blowing Off Steam"
"Fighting for Dough"
"Am I Beautiful?"
"The Big Match"
"Inside the Mansion"
"Shannon is Shot"
"Joseph's Dream"
"The Reunion"
"Oklahoma Territory"
"The Land Race"
"Settling with Steven/The Race to the River"
"Joseph and Shannon"
"Book of Days"
"End Credits"
Plot Summary of Far and Away
In the sections below, I've laid out the entire plot of this movie and how all the songs from the soundtrack overlap and perfectly match the plot. This is especially helpful if you find a movie that seems difficult to deconstruct. Try it! Easy peasy! Who knows? You might even crank up the tunes and start dancing!
Pre-Race Life (exposition)
It's 1892. Shannon wants to run away from her Ireland home and claim some free land in America. Joseph is suddenly homeless (his house was burned to the ground) and he promises his dying father that he would run his own land someday. Shannon is upper class and Joseph is lower class. Shannon loves to ride horses. Joseph fights in pubs.
The Signup (Plot Point 1: inciting incident)
The Signup is when Joseph Donnelly's house is burned to the ground. If it hadn't, he never would have gone out looking to kill his landlord. And he never would have met Shannon. He never would have made it to America. The Signup is the ARRIVAL of the landlord's men with torches (and the subsequent burning down of the house).
Second Thoughts (refusal of the call)
Shannon rescues Joseph from a duel. Even still, he is reluctant to trust her.
The Gunshot (Plot Point 2: point of no return)
On a ship bound for America, Shannon tells Joseph all about the race to the free land in Oklahoma. He is still reluctant to believe or trust her. Regardless, he feels a little hopeful for the prospect of some land to call his own.
Pit Stops (rising action part 1)
They get a job in a factory to earn money to make it to Oklahoma, but then Joseph starts fighting for money. Even though they are rooming together while pretending to be siblings, they start to feel attracted to each other.
The Halfway Point (Plot Point 3: midpoint)
The big fight puts a lot on the line as far as being able to earn enough money for the chance to get their own land. Plus, the romantic subplot adds depth to the storyline.
Runner's High (rising action part 2)
Shannon's family has left Ireland to look for her. Inside an empty mansion, Joseph and Shannon share a first kiss. Soon after, Shannon is shot and when Joseph looks for help, he finds her family. They still shun him.
The Wall (Plot Point 4: rock bottom)
Shannon is reunited with her old love, Stephen Chase. Joseph feels all is lost. No hope for land and no hope for love. He joins the railroad company laying track.
Final Sprint (the final push)
Joseph realizes the wagon train parallel to the tracks and runs across the fields to join up with the land seekers, hope renewed.
The Finish Line (Plot Point 5: climax)
Joseph and all the others race on horses and wagons to claim their land. He and Shannon join hands when planting their stake into the lot of land.
After Party (falling action/resolution
Shannon finally rejects Stephen, once and for all. Joseph and Shannon kiss on their own new piece of land. ...and that's all folks!
For more plot summaries, you can check out Wonder Woman, Comes A Wind, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, or My Girl 2.
What's YOUR favorite movie? Share your comment here.
Outline Your Novel
With a Simple Plot
FREE ROADMAP & BOOKMARK
The Shape of a Story
What Are the Parts of a Story Arc?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Luis Mena may refer to:

 Luis de Mena, 18th-century Mexican painter
 Luis Mena (Nicaraguan politician) (Luis Mena Vado, c. 1865–1928), Nicaraguan politician
 Luís Mena e Silva (1902–1963), Portuguese sport equestrian rider
 Luis Rojas Mena (1917–2009), Mexican Roman Catholic bishop
 Luis Mena Arroyo (1920–2009), Mexican Roman Catholic bishop
 Luis Felipe Bravo Mena (born 1952), Mexican politician
 Luis Mena (Chilean footballer) (Luis Mena Irarrázabal, born 1979), Chilean footballer
 Luis Enrique Mena (born 1992), Colombian footballer
 Luis Acosta (footballer) (Luis Acosta Mena, born 1994), Spanish footballer

See also

 Mena (disambiguation)
 Luis (disambiguation)
 Mena (surname)
 José Luís Mena Barreto (1817–1879), Brazilian politician and military officer

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Dagsmejan is a Swedish word that refers to the last days of winter when the warmth of the sunshine melts the snow even when the temperature is still below zero. It derives from two words. clag which means day and meja which means strength and power. Its the time when nature awakens after a dark and cold period. The power of nature was our inspiration for creating a high performance sleepwear range using the latest technology and all natural fibres to give you the ultimate sleeping experience. Wake up as refreshed as on the first day of spring with Dagsmejan.
Temperature fluctuations during the night impact our sleep negatively. Our sleepwear is scientifically proven to help you to get a better sleep by staying in the ideal climatic comfort zone. The best temperature for sleep for a deeper and longer sleep.
Did you know that sweat the equivalence of one cup of water every night on average? Our sleepwear wicks moisture away while providing ultimate breathability to ensure that you don't overheat. The best pajamas for night sweats.
We move 50 times every night. Our sleepwear has been tested extensively in consumer fit trials to ensure it moves with your body. Flat seams, no tags, and carefully engineered waistbands mean you enjoy amazing comfort, all night. The most comfortable sleepwear for a better sleep, every night.
In our quest to improve the way we sleep we sought out the very best collaboration partners. The Dagsmejan team and ecosystem consists of sleep scientists, textile engineers, and research and manufacturing partners from leading institutions and companies across Europe. We are united by our passion and vision—to find new ways to improve our lives through a better night's sleep.
We work with sleep experts to truly understand how our temperature and movement impacts our sleep quality. Through an ongoing interdisciplinary research project in Switzerland we test and develop the best materials to support our sleep. We use a Swedish design philosophy focusing on truly merging form and function and all our garments are produced in Europe.
At Dagsmejan we are on a mission to find new ways of sleeping deeper and longer. By combining the finest natural fibres, with the latest sleep technology and innovative textile engineering, we are creating a brand new sleeping experience. All fabrics, structures and technologies are carefully researched and tested so that we know that we can keep what we promise.
Every step of the production process of Dagsmejan sleepwear are Oekotex certified to ensure that we take care of not only our customers but also the environment. Discover how nature's high tech fibres can help you sleep better.
The Dagsmejan sleepwear collection gives you freedom of choice, you can mix and match all of our garments—styles, colours and sizes—to find your perfect Dagsmejan sleep.


A few methods have changed. The original HalClient still exists, but is deprecated and will be removed soon.
The URL Transformer function is deprecated and will be removed soon. Use Interceptors instead.
The old URL transformer can still be used by giving the method to $halConfigurationProvider.setUrlTransformer. A deprecation warning will be thrown.


text:
Q: Validate boolean fields in Rails ActiveRecord I need to validate boolean fields for a Rails ActiveRecord object. I used the common solution to this problem:
validates :boolean_field, :inclusion => { :in => [true, false] }

But although this solutions solves the problem with validating false values, it still allows to save strings to the boolean_field:
my_object.boolean_field = "string"
my_object.save # => true
my_object.boolean_field # => false

Why does this happen if I specified the inclusion to [true, false]? And more importantly, how do I validate only true and false values?
P.S. If it is important to the question, I'm using PostgreSQL.

A: You can validate by checking datatype, you can use is_a? and pass class name of the datatype as a parameter
pry(main)> a = "aaaaa"
=> "aaaaa"
pry(main)> a.is_a?(Boolean)
=> false

Since it was a string it returned false, now try for boolean
pry(main)> b = true
=> true
pry(main)> b.is_a?(Boolean)
=> true

Add a custom validation by using this logic
validate :check_boolean_field

def check_boolean_field
  errors.add(...) unless boolean_field.is_a?(Boolean)
end


The Shawline is built from FEP insulated silver-plated conductors and use a composite shielding material that works over a wide bandwidthShawline Analogue (and all Tuned ARAY cable) requires a high degree of precision that can only be achieved with painstaking hand assembly. One of the upsides of hand assembly, however, is that it allows us to adapt designs to suit the terminations.
We needed to introduce another conductor for Shawline XLR. That means three identical conductors for all three connections, as well the Tuned ARAY conductor technology. The Shawline XLR is produced in exactly the conductor configuration we use for the Signature and the original Sarum Tuned ARAY XLR cables.
There is (and always will be) much debate about whether XLR or RCA is the best cable to use. From our point of view, the only answer if you have both XLR and RCA connectors available on your equipment, is to listen for yourself. Tuned ARAY XLR cables can be a game-changer with some equipment, so try both. You may be surprised.


Louisiana Fly Fishing in Early February!!
February in the Louisiana marsh is a great time to fish. We have cold water temps which bring in a majority of the big Louisiana red fish and monster black drum creating awesome sight fishing opportunities for fly fishing. These fish start to get further and further back into our estuary trying to find the warmth and forage that our shallow ponds have to offer. It's incredible when you pull into a shallow pond that is off of big water and these monster fish are scattered throughout making for a lot of fun on the water. Guiding anglers to world class fish every day is a blast and I love seeing the smiles on my anglers faces after they have success.


text:
import os
import pkgutil
import importlib.util
import time
import threading
import sys
from typing import NamedTuple, Any, Union, TYPE_CHECKING, Optional

from .i18n import _
from .util import (profiler, DaemonThread, UserCancelled, ThreadJob)
from . import bip32
from . import plugins
from .simple_config import SimpleConfig
from .logging import get_logger, Logger

if TYPE_CHECKING:
    from .plugins.hw_wallet import HW_PluginBase

_logger = get_logger(__name__)
plugin_loaders = {}
hook_names = set()
hooks = {}

class Plugins(DaemonThread):

    LOGGING_SHORTCUT = 'p'

    @profiler
    def __init__(self, config: SimpleConfig, gui_name):
        DaemonThread.__init__(self)
        self.setName('Plugins')
        self.pkgpath = os.path.dirname(plugins.__file__)
        self.config = config
        self.hw_wallets = {}
        self.plugins = {}
        self.gui_name = gui_name
        self.descriptions = {}
        self.device_manager = DeviceMgr(config)
        self.load_plugins()
        self.add_jobs(self.device_manager.thread_jobs())
        self.start()

    def load_plugins(self):
        for loader, name, ispkg in pkgutil.iter_modules([self.pkgpath]):
            full_name = f'electrum.plugins.{name}'
            spec = importlib.util.find_spec(full_name)
            if spec is None:  # pkgutil found it but importlib can't ?!
                raise Exception(f"Error pre-loading {full_name}: no spec")
            try:
                module = importlib.util.module_from_spec(spec)
                # sys.modules needs to be modified for relative imports to work
                # see https://stackoverflow.com/a/50395128
                sys.modules[spec.name] = module
                spec.loader.exec_module(module)
            except Exception as e:
                raise Exception(f"Error pre-loading {full_name}: {repr(e)}") from e
            d = module.__dict__
            gui_good = self.gui_name in d.get('available_for', [])
            if not gui_good:
                continue
            details = d.get('registers_wallet_type')
            if details:
                self.register_wallet_type(name, gui_good, details)
            details = d.get('registers_keystore')
            if details:
                self.register_keystore(name, gui_good, details)
            self.descriptions[name] = d
            if not d.get('requires_wallet_type') and self.config.get('use_' + name):
                try:
                    self.load_plugin(name)
                except BaseException as e:
                    self.logger.exception(f"cannot initialize plugin {name}: {e}")

    def get(self, name):
        return self.plugins.get(name)

    def count(self):
        return len(self.plugins)

    def load_plugin(self, name):
        if name in self.plugins:
            return self.plugins[name]
        full_name = f'electrum.plugins.{name}.{self.gui_name}'
        spec = importlib.util.find_spec(full_name)
        if spec is None:
            raise RuntimeError("%s implementation for %s plugin not found"
                               % (self.gui_name, name))
        try:
            module = importlib.util.module_from_spec(spec)
            spec.loader.exec_module(module)
            plugin = module.Plugin(self, self.config, name)
        except Exception as e:
            raise Exception(f"Error loading {name} plugin: {repr(e)}") from e
        self.add_jobs(plugin.thread_jobs())
        self.plugins[name] = plugin
        self.logger.info(f"loaded {name}")
        return plugin

    def close_plugin(self, plugin):
        self.remove_jobs(plugin.thread_jobs())

    def enable(self, name):
        self.config.set_key('use_' + name, True, True)
        p = self.get(name)
        if p:
            return p
        return self.load_plugin(name)

    def disable(self, name):
        self.config.set_key('use_' + name, False, True)
        p = self.get(name)
        if not p:
            return
        self.plugins.pop(name)
        p.close()
        self.logger.info(f"closed {name}")

    def toggle(self, name):
        p = self.get(name)
        return self.disable(name) if p else self.enable(name)

    def is_available(self, name, w):
        d = self.descriptions.get(name)
        if not d:
            return False
        deps = d.get('requires', [])
        for dep, s in deps:
            try:
                __import__(dep)
            except ImportError as e:
                self.logger.warning(f'Plugin {name} unavailable: {repr(e)}')
                return False
        requires = d.get('requires_wallet_type', [])
        return not requires or w.wallet_type in requires

    def get_hardware_support(self):
        out = []
        for name, (gui_good, details) in self.hw_wallets.items():
            if gui_good:
                try:
                    p = self.get_plugin(name)
                    if p.is_enabled():
                        out.append(HardwarePluginToScan(name=name,
                                                        description=details[2],
                                                        plugin=p,
                                                        exception=None))
                except Exception as e:
                    self.logger.exception(f"cannot load plugin for: {name}")
                    out.append(HardwarePluginToScan(name=name,
                                                    description=details[2],
                                                    plugin=None,
                                                    exception=e))
        return out

    def register_wallet_type(self, name, gui_good, wallet_type):
        from .wallet import register_wallet_type, register_constructor
        self.logger.info(f"registering wallet type {(wallet_type, name)}")
        def loader():
            plugin = self.get_plugin(name)
            register_constructor(wallet_type, plugin.wallet_class)
        register_wallet_type(wallet_type)
        plugin_loaders[wallet_type] = loader

    def register_keystore(self, name, gui_good, details):
        from .keystore import register_keystore
        def dynamic_constructor(d):
            return self.get_plugin(name).keystore_class(d)
        if details[0] == 'hardware':
            self.hw_wallets[name] = (gui_good, details)
            self.logger.info(f"registering hardware {name}: {details}")
            register_keystore(details[1], dynamic_constructor)

    def get_plugin(self, name):
        if not name in self.plugins:
            self.load_plugin(name)
        return self.plugins[name]

    def run(self):
        while self.is_running():
            time.sleep(0.1)
            self.run_jobs()
        self.on_stop()

def hook(func):
    hook_names.add(func.__name__)
    return func

def run_hook(name, *args):
    results = []
    f_list = hooks.get(name, [])
    for p, f in f_list:
        if p.is_enabled():
            try:
                r = f(*args)
            except Exception:
                _logger.exception(f"Plugin error. plugin: {p}, hook: {name}")
                r = False
            if r:
                results.append(r)

    if results:
        assert len(results) == 1, results
        return results[0]

class BasePlugin(Logger):

    def __init__(self, parent, config, name):
        self.parent = parent  # The plugins object
        self.name = name
        self.config = config
        self.wallet = None
        Logger.__init__(self)
        # add self to hooks
        for k in dir(self):
            if k in hook_names:
                l = hooks.get(k, [])
                l.append((self, getattr(self, k)))
                hooks[k] = l

    def __str__(self):
        return self.name

    def close(self):
        # remove self from hooks
        for attr_name in dir(self):
            if attr_name in hook_names:
                # found attribute in self that is also the name of a hook
                l = hooks.get(attr_name, [])
                try:
                    l.remove((self, getattr(self, attr_name)))
                except ValueError:
                    # maybe attr name just collided with hook name and was not hook
                    continue
                hooks[attr_name] = l
        self.parent.close_plugin(self)
        self.on_close()

    def on_close(self):
        pass

    def requires_settings(self):
        return False

    def thread_jobs(self):
        return []

    def is_enabled(self):
        return self.is_available() and self.config.get('use_'+self.name) is True

    def is_available(self):
        return True

    def can_user_disable(self):
        return True

    def settings_dialog(self):
        pass

class DeviceNotFoundError(Exception): pass
class DeviceUnpairableError(Exception): pass
class HardwarePluginLibraryUnavailable(Exception): pass

class Device(NamedTuple):
    path: Union[str, bytes]
    interface_number: int
    id_: str
    product_key: Any   # when using hid, often Tuple[int, int]
    usage_page: int
    transport_ui_string: str

class DeviceInfo(NamedTuple):
    device: Device
    label: Optional[str] = None
    initialized: Optional[bool] = None
    exception: Optional[Exception] = None

class HardwarePluginToScan(NamedTuple):
    name: str
    description: str
    plugin: Optional['HW_PluginBase']
    exception: Optional[Exception]

class DeviceMgr(ThreadJob):
    '''Manages hardware clients.  A client communicates over a hardware
    channel with the device.

    In addition to tracking device HID IDs, the device manager tracks
    hardware wallets and manages wallet pairing.  A HID ID may be
    paired with a wallet when it is confirmed that the hardware device
    matches the wallet, i.e. they have the same master public key.  A
    HID ID can be unpaired if e.g. it is wiped.

    Because of hotplugging, a wallet must request its client
    dynamically each time it is required, rather than caching it
    itself.

    The device manager is shared across plugins, so just one place
    does hardware scans when needed.  By tracking HID IDs, if a device
    is plugged into a different port the wallet is automatically
    re-paired.

    Wallets are informed on connect / disconnect events.  It must
    implement connected(), disconnected() callbacks.  Being connected
    implies a pairing.  Callbacks can happen in any thread context,
    and we do them without holding the lock.

    Confusingly, the HID ID (serial number) reported by the HID system
    doesn't match the device ID reported by the device itself.  We use
    the HID IDs.

    This plugin is thread-safe.  Currently only devices supported by
    hidapi are implemented.'''

    def __init__(self, config):
        ThreadJob.__init__(self)
        # Keyed by xpub.  The value is the device id
        # has been paired, and None otherwise.
        self.xpub_ids = {}
        # A list of clients.  The key is the client, the value is
        # a (path, id_) pair.
        self.clients = {}
        # What we recognise.  Each entry is a (vendor_id, product_id)
        # pair.
        self.recognised_hardware = set()
        # Custom enumerate functions for devices we don't know about.
        self.enumerate_func = set()
        # For synchronization
        self.lock = threading.RLock()
        self.hid_lock = threading.RLock()
        self.config = config

    def thread_jobs(self):
        # Thread job to handle device timeouts
        return [self]

    def run(self):
        '''Handle device timeouts.  Runs in the context of the Plugins
        thread.'''
        with self.lock:
            clients = list(self.clients.keys())
        cutoff = time.time() - self.config.get_session_timeout()
        for client in clients:
            client.timeout(cutoff)

    def register_devices(self, device_pairs):
        for pair in device_pairs:
            self.recognised_hardware.add(pair)

    def register_enumerate_func(self, func):
        self.enumerate_func.add(func)

    def create_client(self, device, handler, plugin):
        # Get from cache first
        client = self.client_lookup(device.id_)
        if client:
            return client
        client = plugin.create_client(device, handler)
        if client:
            self.logger.info(f"Registering {client}")
            with self.lock:
                self.clients[client] = (device.path, device.id_)
        return client

    def xpub_id(self, xpub):
        with self.lock:
            return self.xpub_ids.get(xpub)

    def xpub_by_id(self, id_):
        with self.lock:
            for xpub, xpub_id in self.xpub_ids.items():
                if xpub_id == id_:
                    return xpub
            return None

    def unpair_xpub(self, xpub):
        with self.lock:
            if xpub not in self.xpub_ids:
                return
            _id = self.xpub_ids.pop(xpub)
            self._close_client(_id)

    def unpair_id(self, id_):
        xpub = self.xpub_by_id(id_)
        if xpub:
            self.unpair_xpub(xpub)
        else:
            self._close_client(id_)

    def _close_client(self, id_):
        client = self.client_lookup(id_)
        self.clients.pop(client, None)
        if client:
            client.close()

    def pair_xpub(self, xpub, id_):
        with self.lock:
            self.xpub_ids[xpub] = id_

    def client_lookup(self, id_):
        with self.lock:
            for client, (path, client_id) in self.clients.items():
                if client_id == id_:
                    return client
        return None

    def client_by_id(self, id_):
        '''Returns a client for the device ID if one is registered.  If
        a device is wiped or in bootloader mode pairing is impossible;
        in such cases we communicate by device ID and not wallet.'''
        self.scan_devices()
        return self.client_lookup(id_)

    def client_for_keystore(self, plugin, handler, keystore, force_pair):
        self.logger.info("getting client for keystore")
        if handler is None:
            raise Exception(_("Handler not found for") + ' ' + plugin.name + '\n' + _("A library is probably missing."))
        handler.update_status(False)
        devices = self.scan_devices()
        xpub = keystore.xpub
        derivation = keystore.get_derivation()
        client = self.client_by_xpub(plugin, xpub, handler, devices)
        if client is None and force_pair:
            info = self.select_device(plugin, handler, keystore, devices)
            client = self.force_pair_xpub(plugin, handler, info, xpub, derivation, devices)
        if client:
            handler.update_status(True)
        self.logger.info("end client for keystore")
        return client

    def client_by_xpub(self, plugin, xpub, handler, devices):
        _id = self.xpub_id(xpub)
        client = self.client_lookup(_id)
        if client:
            # An unpaired client might have another wallet's handler
            # from a prior scan.  Replace to fix dialog parenting.
            client.handler = handler
            return client

        for device in devices:
            if device.id_ == _id:
                return self.create_client(device, handler, plugin)

    def force_pair_xpub(self, plugin, handler, info, xpub, derivation, devices):
        # The wallet has not been previously paired, so let the user
        # choose an unpaired device and compare its first address.
        xtype = bip32.xpub_type(xpub)
        client = self.client_lookup(info.device.id_)
        if client and client.is_pairable():
            # See comment above for same code
            client.handler = handler
            # This will trigger a PIN/passphrase entry request
            try:
                client_xpub = client.get_xpub(derivation, xtype)
            except (UserCancelled, RuntimeError):
                 # Bad / cancelled PIN / passphrase
                client_xpub = None
            if client_xpub == xpub:
                self.pair_xpub(xpub, info.device.id_)
                return client

        # The user input has wrong PIN or passphrase, or cancelled input,
        # or it is not pairable
        raise DeviceUnpairableError(
            _('Electrum cannot pair with your {}.\n\n'
              'Before you request bitcoins to be sent to addresses in this '
              'wallet, ensure you can pair with your device, or that you have '
              'its seed (and passphrase, if any).  Otherwise all bitcoins you '
              'receive will be unspendable.').format(plugin.device))

    def unpaired_device_infos(self, handler, plugin: 'HW_PluginBase', devices=None,
                              include_failing_clients=False):
        '''Returns a list of DeviceInfo objects: one for each connected,
        unpaired device accepted by the plugin.'''
        if not plugin.libraries_available:
            message = plugin.get_library_not_available_message()
            raise HardwarePluginLibraryUnavailable(message)
        if devices is None:
            devices = self.scan_devices()
        devices = [dev for dev in devices if not self.xpub_by_id(dev.id_)]
        infos = []
        for device in devices:
            if device.product_key not in plugin.DEVICE_IDS:
                continue
            try:
                client = self.create_client(device, handler, plugin)
            except Exception as e:
                self.logger.error(f'failed to create client for {plugin.name} at {device.path}: {repr(e)}')
                if include_failing_clients:
                    infos.append(DeviceInfo(device=device, exception=e))
                continue
            if not client:
                continue
            infos.append(DeviceInfo(device=device,
                                    label=client.label(),
                                    initialized=client.is_initialized()))

        return infos

    def select_device(self, plugin, handler, keystore, devices=None):
        '''Ask the user to select a device to use if there is more than one,
        and return the DeviceInfo for the device.'''
        while True:
            infos = self.unpaired_device_infos(handler, plugin, devices)
            if infos:
                break
            msg = _('Please insert your {}').format(plugin.device)
            if keystore.label:
                msg += ' ({})'.format(keystore.label)
            msg += '. {}\n\n{}'.format(
                _('Verify the cable is connected and that '
                  'no other application is using it.'),
                _('Try to connect again?')
            )
            if not handler.yes_no_question(msg):
                raise UserCancelled()
            devices = None
        if len(infos) == 1:
            return infos[0]
        # select device by label
        for info in infos:
            if info.label == keystore.label:
                return info
        msg = _("Please select which {} device to use:").format(plugin.device)
        descriptions = [str(info.label) + ' (%s)'%(_("initialized") if info.initialized else _("wiped")) for info in infos]
        c = handler.query_choice(msg, descriptions)
        if c is None:
            raise UserCancelled()
        info = infos[c]
        # save new label
        keystore.set_label(info.label)
        if handler.win.wallet is not None:
            handler.win.wallet.save_keystore()
        return info

    def _scan_devices_with_hid(self):
        try:
            import hid
        except ImportError:
            return []

        with self.hid_lock:
            hid_list = hid.enumerate(0, 0)

        devices = []
        for d in hid_list:
            product_key = (d['vendor_id'], d['product_id'])
            if product_key in self.recognised_hardware:
                # Older versions of hid don't provide interface_number
                interface_number = d.get('interface_number', -1)
                usage_page = d['usage_page']
                id_ = d['serial_number']
                if len(id_) == 0:
                    id_ = str(d['path'])
                id_ += str(interface_number) + str(usage_page)
                devices.append(Device(path=d['path'],
                                      interface_number=interface_number,
                                      id_=id_,
                                      product_key=product_key,
                                      usage_page=usage_page,
                                      transport_ui_string='hid'))
        return devices

    def scan_devices(self):
        self.logger.info("scanning devices...")

        # First see what's connected that we know about
        devices = self._scan_devices_with_hid()

        # Let plugin handlers enumerate devices we don't know about
        for f in self.enumerate_func:
            try:
                new_devices = f()
            except BaseException as e:
                self.logger.error('custom device enum failed. func {}, error {}'
                                  .format(str(f), repr(e)))
            else:
                devices.extend(new_devices)

        # find out what was disconnected
        pairs = [(dev.path, dev.id_) for dev in devices]
        disconnected_ids = []
        with self.lock:
            connected = {}
            for client, pair in self.clients.items():
                if pair in pairs and client.has_usable_connection_with_device():
                    connected[client] = pair
                else:
                    disconnected_ids.append(pair[1])
            self.clients = connected

        # Unpair disconnected devices
        for id_ in disconnected_ids:
            self.unpair_id(id_)

        return devices

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Koch and UNCF Celebrate Third Anniversary of Scholars Program
In recognition of the third anniversary of the UNCF/Koch Scholars Program – a partnership between Koch Industries and the United Negro College Fund – 10 distinguished award winners were welcomed to the company's main campus Sept. 8 in Wichita, Kansas.
The daylong event began with a special breakfast and one-hour meet-and-greet with Charles Koch, followed later by a formal Mayor's Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency benefitting UNCF, with remarks from Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF, and Wichita Mayor Jeff Longwell.
"The support that we've received from Charles Koch and the Koch Foundation of a $25 million gift three years ago to create the Koch Scholars Program is within the tradition of extraordinary philanthropy from American corporations and foundations to support the work that the UNCF does every day," said Dr. Lomax to a packed banquet hall.
Established in 2014 through this $25 million grant, the UNCF/Koch Scholars Program awards up to $20,000 in scholarships over four years to African-American high-school seniors interested in entrepreneurship, innovation and economics. The program expects to welcome more than 160 UNCF/Koch Scholars as of this year.
Through the UNCF, scholars are also provided opportunities for internships and fellowships, mentorship and summer enrichment. It's all part of the UNCF's mission to prepare students "for rich, intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation." And that's precisely where the UNCF and Koch intersect.
"Our shared vision was then and remains today to support students and faculty in their exploration of how Principled Entrepreneurship, the economic way of thinking and innovation improve well-being for individuals, communities and society," said Meredith Olson, vice president of public affairs for Koch Industries.
Scholarship programs like the UNCF/Koch Scholars Program help remove monetary barriers to higher education that keep many from pursuing their dreams. But it's more than just a scholarship program – the UNCF/Koch Scholars Program also provides for numerous campus-based opportunities including a speaker series, reading groups, debates and symposia.
"This program is really about providing students with a rich and intellectually stimulating college experience, helping develop the mindset of a principled entrepreneur rooted in the values of respect, humility, integrity and courage," said Olson.
The impact of the program was really impressed upon the crowd at Thursday's luncheon as Julian Jones and Hunter Haymore – both award recipients – took to the stage and shared their personal experiences, as well as how they've both benefitted directly. Jones, a straight-A student and program alum whose first two attempts at college didn't take, almost missed applying entirely.
"The deadline was two days approaching, but I applied anyway," he said. "I was accepted, and it changed my life forever. Being in this program helped me pay my tuition, but most importantly, it shifted the trajectory of my life. (It) taught me how to develop and apply the entrepreneurial mindset so that I could improve my life and enhance my community."
And Haymore, a sophomore at Spelman College, one of the 37 historically black colleges and universities supported by UNCF, shared her story of overcoming sickle cell anemia and chemotherapy-induced hair loss to now focus on helping others facing the same adversity.
"My long-term goal is to become a social entrepreneur," she said. "I plan on opening a business that will empower and encourage young women like myself. I want to donate wigs to children in hospitals who have gone through or are going through a circumstance that I went through. I want to help people who have lost their hair, but not their hope."
For more information about the UNCF/Koch Scholars Program, visit uncfkochscholars.uncf.org.
Charitable Donations Education Koch Industries Philanthropic Partnerships
Koch donates thousands to Oklahoma emergency responders
Flint Hills Resources' support for Ducks Unlimited surpasses $1M contributed, 250,000 acres conserved
All are entrepreneurs.
Koch IndustriesNews 2016 Koch and UNCF Celebrate Third Anniversary of Scholars Program


Most construction projects begin, progress, and end relatively smoothly. Unfortunately, the construction industry sees more litigation than any other industry. There are any number of reasons as to why things go wrong. Contract language is misinterpreted. The weather doesn't cooperate. Various people don't cooperate. Issues with suppliers. Financing falls through. And yet, these disputes don't automatically need to end up in a courtroom. Below are some alternatives that can keep projects on or get them back on track, or at the very least, save all parties involved the time and expense of a drawn-out legal brawl.
Re-examine ContractThe contract is the official rule book for all parties involved in construction projects, and its administrator is its interpreter. When conflicts arise on a project, the administrator should be consulted. He or she can let parties know if contract stipulations are binding, or if there is "wiggle room" if issues arise.
Use MediationA mediator is a neutral third party who tries to help opposing parties find a mutually beneficial resolution. A mediation is not a legal proceeding, and the recommendations of the mediator are in no way binding.
Use AdjudicationIf mediation doesn't work, then adjudication may be considered. A formal legal proceeding set in a courtroom, in the case of adjudication all parties agree to allow the facts of the dispute be examined and ruled on by a judge (sometimes a jury). The outcome is binding, and cannot be appealed.
Use ArbitrationArbitration bears a number of similarities to mediation, except that in this case, the neutral third party can make a decision favoring one party if no mutual resolutions can be found. Arbitration decisions are legally binding in most jurisdictions.
Use LitigationA full-fledged courtroom trial involving lawyers, testimony, and evidence, litigation is a solution of last resort, and is costly and time consuming. Decisions are legally binding, although appeals are possible, though this further adds to delays and expense.
One way to avoid many construction issue disputes is by preparing, filing, and storing document in a way that creates an impeccable paper trail, and this can be achieved by using tools like Raken, whose reporting software creates and stores professional looking, compliant documents that deter disputes from reaching legal phases, saving firms time and money.


text:
5 public health threats in Texas scarier than Ebola
By Anna C. Dragsbaek, Oct. 1, 2014
There's no doubt about it: Ebola is scary.
The disease has a high mortality rate and no known cure. No vaccine is available to halt its spread. And now it has arrived in Dallas — the first confirmed case in the U.S.
A media firestorm is brewing, and the public is understandably concerned. But the threat of Ebola spreading in the U.S. is nominal. Highly advanced disease surveillance systems, well-developed quarantine and isolation laws, adequate hygiene and sanitation, and top-notch medical services will keep the U.S. from facing a crisis similar to the one sweeping through West Africa.
But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be worried about infectious diseases. In fact, there are at least five other preventable threats right now that are far more menacing — and Texans would be wise to pay close attention to them.
1. Influenza: Last year, widespread influenza in Texas led to the deaths of 20 children, most of whom were unvaccinated. The flu vaccine is widely available through clinics, workplaces, churches, commercial pharmacies and schools, but influenza vaccination rates among adults in Texas remain low. In Texas, only one in three young adults (who are most likely to have small children in the home and to transmit the virus to them) were immunized against influenza last season. Children died not from a rare infectious disease but from a vaccine-preventable disease that we didn't protect them from.
2. Pertussis: In 2013, Texas reported 3,985 cases of pertussis, or whooping cough — more than any other state in the U.S. This disease is particularly dangerous for infants, which is why the vaccine is recommended for pregnant women and caregivers. Yet only about one in four adults who live with infants have been immunized against it.
3. Neglected tropical diseases: Chagas, Chikungunya, dengue and other so-called neglected tropical diseases, or NTDs, are all circulating in Texas. Several of these diseases cause long-term disabilities and even heart defects. Yet despite the potentially devastating impact of NTDs, doctors don't always diagnose them properly, and many cases go unreported due to inadequate surveillance and a lack of funding for vaccine development. To determine the true burden of disease, the Texas Legislature should appropriate funds to expand the capacities of existing clinics to detect a host of NTD threats.
4. Measles: So far this year, 595 cases of measles have been reported nationally — as many as the previous five years combined and the highest number in 20 years. Texas has seen its share of cases, with outbreaks in Tarrant County and a few cases in Houston. Unlike Ebola, measles is an airborne disease and is highly contagious. Simply being in the same room with someone who has measles can — and almost always does — cause an unvaccinated person to be infected. A highly effective vaccine nearly eradicated the disease, but it has recently made a comeback due to the surge in children who are not fully immunized, which leads me to the fifth threat:
5. Vaccine refusal: Texas allows parents to opt out of vaccines for their children based on personal beliefs. This means that your child could be in a school with unvaccinated children, who would present a significant risk of spreading diseases like measles, chicken pox, meningitis or some other vaccine-preventable disease if there were an outbreak. In 2011-12, nearly 30,000 children in Texas schools were unvaccinated, most of them for non-medical reasons likely due to fears about vaccine safety that have been thoroughly refuted by the medical community. But due to regulations about how data are collected and stored, Texas parents don't have access to any information about the immunization rates in their children's schools. The parents of a child with an immune-suppressing illness have rights, too. The virus of vaccine refusal is based on pseudoscience, but it's spreading every day in Texas, and we're poised for a preventable tragedy.
Having spent six years living and working in Sierra Leone in a rural missionary hospital and later as a relief worker during the civil war, I've been watching the spread of Ebola in my former home with a heavy heart and a deep understanding of the overwhelming challenges facing the country. Given Sierra Leone's brutally hot climate and lack of resources and public health infrastructure, it's no surprise that the epidemic has quickly escalated to a public health emergency and humanitarian crisis.
But we can and will avert widespread outbreak in the U.S. The real threat is complacency and a disregard for the scientific evidence of vaccine safety. Texas must increase funding to fight vaccine-preventable disease, reform our laws to prioritize public health and respond to constant threats that jeopardize the health of our community.
Anna C. Dragsbaek
President and CEO of The Immunization Partnership
@ADragsbaek
Sponsor Content: Fixing what's wrong with testing in K-12 education
Randy Bennett, Educational Testing Service
Why Denton shouldn't ban fracking
Ed Ireland, Executive director of the Barnett Shale Energy Education Council


Introducing YoPRO High Protein Passionfruit Yoghurt now in 700g tubs – the new healthy breakfast option to power you through the day; high protein, no added sugar and no artificial sweeteners. Perfect for sharing!
Fresh milk, passion fruit puree (5%), rice starch, enzyme (lactase), milk minerals, live yoghurt cultures (Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus), natural flavours, stevia leaf extract, sea salt.


Driving around in the city of Tallinn Airport with a rental car can be a hassle but not impossible. Its a good way to move around but we advise to have a look at the local traffic rules as they may vary with what you are used to. Take in mind that in rush hour traffic can be pretty dense and it can take longer before you reach your destination.
Rentalcargroup.com compares car rental prices for Tallinn Airport). We work with many car rental companies so the quality of the cars is guaranteed. This way you will be sure to get a rental car that suits you the best and for a competitive price.
Last month, the average car rental length at Tallinn Airport was 6 days.
The average rental car length at Tallinn Airport is 6 days.
The most booked rental car type currently at Tallinn Airport is ECONOMY cars.
Last year, the most booked rental car type at Tallinn Airport were COMPACT cars.
How much does it cost to rent a car at Tallinn Airport? Last month, the average car rental price was 134 USD.
Last year, how much did it cost to rent a car at Tallinn Airport? Last year, the average car rental price was 336 USD.
What is the current average daily price to rent a at Tallinn Airport? Last month, the average rental price was 22 USD per day.
How much did it cost to rent a car at Tallinn Airport over the past 12 months? Last Year, the average rental price was 57 USD per day.
The car rental companies available at Tallinn Airport are: Alamo, National, Enterprise, Right Cars, Interrent, NU Car Rental.


PRECAP- Score board of competition is set up in school, Sushim is no.1 as he won 1st competition then Siamak is 2nd, Ashok is last in list. Sushim says the one who is last roam around in school like he is first in list, Ashok says you are being 1st and so much obsessed with the person who is last? and mind you till competition is on, nobody is last or first.