Seraka Dance Company's Official Blog.
Level 1 series will continue as scheduled @ 7:15-8:15pm for the month, starting Sun 04 March. We start Combo C this month, and it's a delight!
Any Level 2 student who have pre-paid for March are welcome to transfer that payment and join Level 1 for the month, or the payment can be refunded. Please email classes@seraka.com to advise of your preference.
All classes for tonight (Sunday, February 11th) have been cancelled because Vanessa is mostly dead with The Nasty Cold of 2018. Please check your emails for details.
It's that wonderful time of year when we get back into the swing of things with our practise. We've just released our schedule and upcoming classes for the Winter session! See our schedule and options on our Classes page.
Classes will be held at our usually home-away-from-home at The Dance Centre (Coaker Meadows Plaza at 286 Torbay Road, in St. John's NL) and start on Sunday, 7 January, 2018!
To register, send Vanessa an email to classes@seraka.com. Registration open now!
Gentle reminder, per our regular schedule for the semester, that there is no class on Sunday, February 12.
As this was taken into account before classes were scheduled for the semester, it does not affect your registration or length of session.
For detailed dates & class times please check the Classes Page.
AQUEOUS – Tickets Selling Quickly!
If you're making plans to see AQUEOUS on Sunday, you should grab your tickets while they're still available in advance! It saves you $5 off the ticket price – but online sales & advance sales end on Saturday November 12.
Ticket will, of course, be available at the door for $20.
Vanessa, Karen & Susan are travelling to Toronto to be part of The Lavish Project 2016 – an artist in residency program directed by Audra Simmons & Heather Labonté of The Dark Side Studio. Working five 10-hour studio days with 12 dancers from across Canada to prepare and create pieces for "harmony/discord" on Sat Apr 2 at ROUND venue in Kensington Market.
Since we're not in province, make sense that classes will be cancelled. The final classes for this session are: Mar 20, Apr 10, Apr 17 & Apr 24. See you at The Dance Centre!
The lovely Audra Simmons is coming to St. John's June 12-14, 2015 to teach and share her world of dance Excitement!
Find the event "Workshops with Audra in St. John's" on Facebook, and get more information, and register on Audra's Website here.
All workshops are taking place at The Dance Centre (Coaker's Meadow Plaza, 286 Torbay Rd, St. John's NL). Pricing and registration is available on Audra's website.
If you're unfamiliar with Audra, have a peek at this video.
Work on your foundation with stationary and moving drills using the basic foundational elements of belly dance. Develop your hip, chest, abdominal, arm, hand and feet movements and pathways as we examine, refine and revisit basic shapes and patterns.
Then we'll bump up a notch and start to complicate the foundation, with variations and layers, and optional finger cymbal patterns, and traveling. And possibly to push you gently over the edge, we'll put some of the pieces together into drilling combinations, again starting slow and simple and seeing how much we can add before it falls apart.
Prepare to work hard, sweat, and laugh as you build your dance foundation.
Please bring water and finger cymbals.
Develop the expression, emotion and fluidity, with three hours of pure movement bliss as we study two sections of original choreography by Audra. We'll transfer the focus away from the technical, and work with creating shape & line, breath and weight as we develop these dances.
Learn the details behind the movements, and the use of unusual shapes and awkward positions to portray and convey emotion through dance.
Prepare to work hard, think outside the usual belly dance box, and to let go and DANCE!
We'll be reviewing the Basic Black material, drilling in stationary and traveling ways, doing a finger cymbal review and spending some time on the material we skimmed over during the intensive (dance drilling, combinations, and dance notation).
I'll also have some ideas about preparing for the Lavender Intensive (scheduled for Tuesday September 15 through Sunday September 20, 2015 at the Arts and Culture Center, daily from 10 am to 6 pm) so that you can be as ready for it as possible!


Last week Wednesday, I decided to take on a 30 Day Challenge. I wanted to spend more time blog hopping but not just skimming blogs or only reading 1 post. I wanted to take time and read multiple posts from bloggers and interact with others on posts I found really interesting or posts that stuck out to me. I decided to do a "wrap-up" every week to document my progress and also highlight blog posts I really enjoyed. Here are the posts I found this week!
Sophie over @Beware of the Reader uses the best analogies for all the things new bloggers go through. Everything from what content to post to this unbelievable community of people who are always willing to help.
Almost every night I struggle with "turning off my brain" because let's face it, there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done. Lena @Leena Dee has some great bedtime habits you should practice. Let's face it, who doesn't like the feel of fresh sheets?
This week I just started to focus on my blog's Pinterest and Jenn @Bound to Writing had a post on Writing Boards to follow. I've been wanting to write a book for forever several years now and I've just recently started actually outlining everything. These boards have already helped in everything from character development to potential plot holes.
Have you ever wondered if your friends are truly there for you? Joan @My Best Friend Adeline talks about ways to know if a friend is a keeper. Her post definitely made me miss the friends I don't get to see often.
Rae over @Sugarrae has a great post on finding the best affiliate programs in your niche. I've spent the past month (ish) looking over hundreds of blog posts trying to figure out the best way to find affiliate programs. Rae has it all down in one brilliant post. If you're struggling or just want suggestions you should definitely check it out!
This week Margret over @Weird Zeal had a Harry Potter Anniversary week. Well Evelina @Avalinah's Books wrote about Ron. It may be an unpopular opinion but how she describes Ron in the Goblet of Fire is absolutely perfect!
People!! Yesterday was national Stitch Day!! Get it – 6/26?! I will admit I had no idea until I saw this post over @Picturing Disney. Since Stitch is my absolute favorite Disney character I had to make a post which you can find HERE.
Definitely go check out the posts above and let me know if you have any posts you think I would like or you want featured. I'm still working on a more concrete schedule but I'm really enjoying all the new blogs I've found.
Thanks Janita 😊 I really enjoyed all of these posts so I really wanted to share them. Definitely check them out if you get time!
This was a great round up and this is a great idea!
Again, I really enjoyed this post.
I'm having so much fun with it!! Just making the characters in my head come to life has felt incredible! I definitely will 😊 You too!!
Ok, that's too funny about Stitch/ 6/26!
Haha right? I couldn't pass it up though. It's perfect.
I think this is a great challenge! I love to read other blogs and I think seeing what other people do also helps me as a blogger – but I also know a lot of bloggers who say they're "too busy" to read other blogs.
I can understand that. Sometimes I think it's harder to be a follower than a blogger. But I also know how it feels to not have anyone like a post or have no comments on a post and with all the hate going on I wanted to lift up other bloggers and help promote posts that are truly ones I enjoy.
I'm so glad that you've found my Pinterest post useful! I hope you're able to get started on your own project soon! 🙂 Thanks for including my post!
That's such a cool challenge, I hope you enjoyed it 🙂 you're sharing some great stuff. And thank you for sharing my post!


on the frontlines of prevention.
During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we want to go beyond awareness. We want to equip you with strategies for prevention. Join us in being #EmpoweredToProtect.
A child has a greater risk of being sexually abused than being in a car accident.
Hear Me. See Me. from CACTX on Vimeo.
Follow #EmpoweredToProtect on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!


Has an Australian champion ever succeeded against greater odds than jockey Wayne Harris? A story about the true meaning of courage, written by well known author Peter Fenton.
As an apprentice, who hailed from Muswellbrook in the Hunter Valley, he won the Golden Slipper in 1979 and rode a record number of winners in a season. It seemed he would lead a charmed life. At 22, Wayne was diagnosed with a brain tumour and told by experts he would never ride again. He did, and despite several bad falls and serious infections he kept on getting back in the saddle. He won the Melbourne Cup on Jeune in 1994. Again he suffered a second brain tumour complicated with a staf infection and meningitis. However, he was back in the saddle in August 1977, and in one day again rode 4 winners at Flemington.
The remarkable story of a fighter that takes us from Australia, Ireland, SIngapore and Malaysia and Hong Kong, and then back home. He eventually retired in 1998.


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Curly hair cuts, curly hair styles, curly hair products and colours.Clip-in hair extensions can give you instant length, volume, and even highlights.
We offer a variety of effective hair loss treatment options in Toronto.Manufactured with amazing quality human Remy hair with the cuticle intact allows our hair to be reapplied up to 3- times, while still looking and feeling amazing.Human Hair Extensions Toronto - VUDZ offers the newest development in modern hair extensions.Find great deals on eBay for real hair extensions and real hair extensions clip in.
Salon Care is a full-service beauty salon with a highly skilled team of professionals dedicated to offering exceptional service, professional haircare product lines, and a pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere.You know that you are investing in the highest quality material.
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Jennie won't be in the 2nd season of SBS's 'Village Survival, The Eight'.
Despite rumors that all of the original cast members from the first season were coming back, the PD for the show said, "Previously, we were told from YG Entertainment that Jennie would be able to appear. But we were told later on that it would be hard for her to come because of Black Pink's overseas tour schedules."
There will be a guest coming in to fill Jennie's empty slot every week, and the others in the original cast are reported to be returning for season 2.
The second season of 'VIllage Survival, The Eight' will start airing in February.
Idk why but I'm happy.. there's such a gap in popularity within blackpink that's so off putting.


SCOPE always has a variety of weekend activities planned for every weekend that people are bound to be on campus. Activities range from magicians, comedians, and different bands that come to play. This past Saturday brought people lining up outside of the German Club to see the three bands advertised for the night: Robbing the Vatican, Borderline, and Envy on the Coast. Starting about fifteen minutes later than anticipated, UNH's own Robbing the Vatican opened up the show with two original songs and a cover. Then, with some provocative words, they closed their part of the show and allowed Borderland to begin to set up. A pop punk band from Massachusetts, they traveled two hours to play at the show. After some technical difficulties with one of their guitars, they were finally able to play a few songs they had written for the audience.
Undoubtedly, it was obvious that the loudest cheers that were for the main band Envy on the Coast. This was the band that everyone had been waiting for, watching anxiously as they set up. Not without their own set of technical difficulties, it seemed as if a guitar strap and a microphone cord needed to be fixed before the show was completely underway. Playing a few songs from their old album, Lucy Grey, and some songs from their new upcoming album, they closed out the night with a bang.
However, not all aspects of this concert were enjoyable. People decided that starting a mosh-pit was a good idea, one that could potentially be very dangerous. SCOPE organizers tried to stop the moshing from getting out of hand, but they were ignored and even pushed around. From now on, let's all try to go to weekend events without someone getting hurt, or in this case, punched in the face. I have to say it was not enjoyable.
Regardless, props to SCOPE for a great first weekend!


text:
<?php

namespace app\modules\basket\models;

//use app\modules\tovar\models\TovarSearch;

use Yii;
use app\modules\tovar\models\Tovar;
use yii\db\Query;

//use app\modules\tovar\models\TovarSearch;
/**
 * This is the model class for table "basket".
 *
 * @property integer $id
 * @property string $tovar_id
 * @property integer $tovar_count
 * @property integer $tovar_min
 * @property resource $tovar
 * @property double $tovar_price
 * @property string $session_id
 */
class Basket extends \yii\db\ActiveRecord
{
    /**
     * @inheritdoc
     */

    public static function tableName()
    {
        return 'basket';
    }

    /**
     * @inheritdoc
     */
    public function rules()
    {
        return [
            [['tovar_count', 'tovar_min','id'], 'integer'],
            [['description'], 'string'],
            [['tovar_price', 'session_id'], 'required'],
            [['tovar_price'], 'number'],
            [['uid'], 'integer'],
            [['tovar_id'], 'string', 'max' => 9],
            [['session_id'], 'string', 'max' => 45]
        ];
    }

    /**
     * @inheritdoc
     */
    public function attributeLabels()
    {
        return [
            'id' => 'ID',
            'tovar_id' => 'Tovar ID',
            'tovar_count' => 'Tovar Count',
            'tovar_min' => 'Tovar Min',
            'tovar' => 'Tovar',
            'tovar_summa' =>'Стоимость',
            'tovar_price' => 'Tovar Price',
            'session_id' => 'Session ID',
        ];
    }

    public function getTovar()
    {
        $t=$this->hasOne(Tovar::className(), ['id' => 'tovar_id']);

        return $t;
    }

    public function getTovarname()
    {
        return  (isset($this->tovar->name))?$this->tovar->name:'tovar';
    }
    public function getTovar_summa()
    {
        return $this->tovar_count*$this->tovar_price;
    }
    private function getPhpsessid()
    {

        $c=Yii::$app->session;
        return $c->id;

    }
    public function put($params)
    {
        $model=Tovar::findOne(['id'=>$params['id']]);
        $t=$model->attributes;
        $basket = Yii::$app->getDb();

        $default= ['session_id' => $this->getPhpsessid(),'tovar_count'=>1,'tovar_min'=>1,'tovar_id'=>$t['id'],'tovar_price'=>$t['price']];
        $params=array_merge($default,$params);

        if ($params['tovar_count']>0) {
        return $basket->createCommand('insert into `basket` (`tovar_id`,`tovar_count`,`tovar_min`,`tovar_price`,`session_id`)'
        . 'values(:tovar_id,:tovar_count,:tovar_min,:tovar_price,:session_id)'
        .' ON DUPLICATE KEY UPDATE `tovar_count`=:tovar_count')->bindValues($params)->execute();
        }
            else
        {
           $p = ['session_id' => $params['session_id'], 'tovar_id' => $params['tovar_id']];
           return $basket->createCommand('delete from `basket` where `session_id`=:session_id and `tovar_id`=:tovar_id')->bindValues($p)->execute();
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


It is important to maintain your auto or boat upholstery because professional cleaning will help prevent unnecessary erosion and buildup of mold and mildew as well as help to extend the lifespan of your upholstery. They require not only washing and wipe downs but also one or two annual deep cleanings. Regular cleaning will help maintain your upholstery. But, having it professionally cleaned at least once per year will help your upholstery last longer, especially if you ask us to apply our Scotchgard® state of the art Carpet Protector to cloth upholstery to protect it from dirt and stains and vinyl protectant to vinyl upholstery to help keep it from cracking and peeling under the sun's ultraviolet rays. Scott's Carpet Care offers upholstery cleaning and detail services for cars, boats and RVs.
Recreational vehicle (RV) furniture needs to be professionally cleaned on a regular basis, just like the furniture in your home or office. The difference is that RV furniture needs to be cleaned more frequently because it's subject to harsher environments and grimier dirt (e.g., grease and oil). Maintaining your RV upholstery between professional cleanings can also get tricky. For example, if you toss your RV removable seat cushions in the washer or dryer, it can ruin the fabric. The way to clean them is to hand-wash them using a gentle cleaning agent, such as Woolite, then hung out to air dry. For non-removable covers, a spray-on upholstery cleaner will generally work.
RV carpeting is made of similar materials as carpeting you find in your home or office, but like RV furniture, it needs to be professionally cleaned more frequently than that in your home or office. Scott's Carpet Care uses low moisture hot water extraction. Carpet manufacturers, carpet fiber producers and major trade unions agree that hot water extraction is the only way to lift stubborn dirt and stains. It's the only method that provides enough heat to kill the bacteria that builds up in the carpeting and to lift grease and oil stains. Low moisture hot water extraction provides all the benefits of hot water extraction but uses a lot less water. Carpeting dries faster, and there's less waste to dispose of.


June '09 in Anaheim – What a great FBLA* conference!
that can be ameliorated/handled at least in part by developing a plan for what you need and want to do.
Making the time to answer these questions will start you on the path to finding the colleges that are right for you… I've done this process with over a thousand teens – and they leave the sessions feeling more confident and in control of their lives. This is an opportunity to do the same for yourself! Be sure to let me know how this works for you – it's simple, yet not simplistic. It's a great beginning!


text:
Home › Creeper White Mondo Double Stack #V6803
Creeper White Mondo Double Stack #V6803
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The Original T.U.K. Creepers with Classic Mondo Man Made Composition Sole. White Leather, with Black Woven Interlace, and Silver Metal D-rings. The "Mondo" Creeper has a 1 7/8 inch Sole.
T.U.K. Creepers are sold and labeled in U.S. men's sizes- please see our size chart or the size drop down list to view U.S. women's size equivalents.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Choosing Lisbon to study, without doubt is one of the best decisions of your life. Apart from the weather, Lisbon has nearby beaches, cultural and leisure spots that can only enrich your experience. Here you can discover more about yourself, away from critical looks. But living in Lisbon without learning the Portuguese language will be a wasted opportunity.
Portuguese is a language that manifests itself through various musicians, writers and poets. Understanding them in the original version is unquestionably much more interesting. Being the future uncertain, you will never know if speaking this language will open doors on a professional level or contacts on a personal level.
The Language School of Sardines wants to help you to fulfill the purpose of learning Portuguese, through special discounts in all our courses and also in private lessons. We have a dynamic team that will help you through this fascinating experience, with the use of an interactive whiteboard. You can also participate in our cultural and recreational activities. We count on you!
Check the calendar of our Portuguese courses. You can integrate any of them, as long as there are free places. The maximum number of students is 5 per group. If the time or days do not suit your needs, you can make a suggestion. Maybe, who knows, we can open a Portuguese course that suits your availability.


text:
New almanac offers look at the world of Mormon membership
Religion • New almanac offers in-depth look at membership, retention, activity and more.
| Courtesy The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints PCC hip dance | Courtesy The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints MTC missionary arriving in Mexico Mike Stack | Courtesy Newly baptized members of the LDS Church exit the water at Lake Muhazi, Rwanda, in 2010 while members and fr Jeremiah Stettler | The Salt Lake Tribune As humanitarian workers lift a new swing set into place, A.J. Walker plays with a han | Courtesy The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionaries in Ghana Jeremiah Stettler | The Salt Lake Tribune Lincoln and Marilyn Barlow descend a steep hillside in southern Uganda to a community wa Jeremiah Stettler | The Salt Lake Tribune Within the tropical forests of southern Uganda, Lincoln Barlow looks over a community wa Jeremiah Stettler | The Salt Lake Tribune Clothes lines sag with shirts, dresses and trousers in a tropical gulch in southern Ugan Mike Stack | Courtesy Dawit Ayele smile after baptizing Ida Ayele in a make-shift baptism font outside an LDS branch in Debre Zeit | Courtesy The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints A river baptism in Africa Mike Stack | Courtesy Sister Ekeya (far left) and Diana Mutyaba (holding the child) enjoy socializing and discussing Mormon princi Jeremiah Stettler | The Salt Lake Tribune Outside the St. John Paul Mugwanya School in southern Uganda, school director Paul Mugwa Jeremiah Stettler | The Salt Lake Tribune SEEE Institute volunteer Tim Peters helps prepare cement for a new swing set outside Mike Stack | Courtesy Jerardo Lima Washes pillers in preparation for Sunday dedication. Mike Stack | Courtesy Eric Hyde, president of the Kigali, Rwanda LDS Branch, helps a new convert into the water for baptism at La
| Courtesy The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints PCC hip dance | Courtesy The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints MTC missionary arriving in Mexico Mike Stack | Courtesy Newly baptized members of the LDS Church exit the water at Lake Muhazi, Rwanda, in 2010 while members and friends look on. Jeremiah Stettler | The Salt Lake Tribune As humanitarian workers lift a new swing set into place, A.J. Walker plays with a handful of children who hadn't left his side since he arrived at a school near Katosi. | Courtesy The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionaries in Ghana Jeremiah Stettler | The Salt Lake Tribune Lincoln and Marilyn Barlow descend a steep hillside in southern Uganda to a community wash basin, where dozens of women and children are scrubbing their clothes and stringing them up on lines. The LDS Church paid for the project as part of a humanitarian effort to bring cleaner water and better sanitation to the African nation. Jeremiah Stettler | The Salt Lake Tribune Within the tropical forests of southern Uganda, Lincoln Barlow looks over a community wash basin that he and his wife helped build as part of a $250,000 humanitarian effort by the LDS Church to bring cleaner water and better sanitation to Africa. Jeremiah Stettler | The Salt Lake Tribune Clothes lines sag with shirts, dresses and trousers in a tropical gulch in southern Uganda. The LDS Church has provided villages with clean water and a community wash basin there as part of a $250,000 humanitarian project. Mike Stack | Courtesy Dawit Ayele smile after baptizing Ida Ayele in a make-shift baptism font outside an LDS branch in Debre Zeit, Ethiopia. | Courtesy The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints A river baptism in Africa Mike Stack | Courtesy Sister Ekeya (far left) and Diana Mutyaba (holding the child) enjoy socializing and discussing Mormon principles with two Young Women outside an LDS meeting house in Mukono, Uganda. Jeremiah Stettler | The Salt Lake Tribune Outside the St. John Paul Mugwanya School in southern Uganda, school director Paul Mugwanya (right) clasps hands with contractor Eddie Mutebi (left), who built a much-needed latrine and hand-washing station outside the school. The project was part of a $250,000 humanitarian effort by the LDS Church, spearheaded by missionaries Lincoln and Marilyn Barlow of Taylorsville (middle). Jeremiah Stettler | The Salt Lake Tribune SEEE Institute volunteer Tim Peters helps prepare cement for a new swing set outside the St. John Bosco Namwabula View Primary School in Katosi-Luganzi. It is being mixed Uganda-style, on the ground. Mike Stack | Courtesy Jerardo Lima Washes pillers in preparation for Sunday dedication. Mike Stack | Courtesy Eric Hyde, president of the Kigali, Rwanda LDS Branch, helps a new convert into the water for baptism at Lake Muhazi.
By Peggy Fletcher Stack The Salt Lake Tribune
David Stewart felt ill-equipped to preach his Mormon faith in recently opened Russia in 1992, when he arrived there as a young missionary. Sure, he had learned the language, but nothing of the culture he was about to engage. And it certainly wasn't like being at home in Maryland.
Stewart's mission experience didn't match the breathless tales of international growth he had read about in official church magazines, which, he says, focused on "inspiring stories of exceptional members."
The earnest missionary also wondered why other religions — such as Seventh-day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses — had so many more adherents than Mormonism and seemed to be better at reporting actual membership figures and retaining converts.
Such questions simmered in Stewart's consciousness until 1999, when he launched the website cumorah.com to collect data on every country, including cultural traditions and LDS retention figures.
After a decade, Stewart, a Las Vegas physician, enlisted the help of Matt Martinich, an independent researcher who was a Mormon missionary in South Korea from 2004 to 2006. Martinich had conducted his own survey of LDS growth and published a blog — ldschurchgrowth.blogspot.com — on the topic.
Now the two have produced a 1,900-page, two-volume, exhaustive survey, titled "Reaching the Nations: International Church Growth Almanac 2014."
The encyclopedic endeavor is based on official reports the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives out every year, information on the faith's website as well as "literally thousands of reports we have obtained from members and church leaders over the years," Martinich says, "whether this has been from email or online correspondence to personal interviews, members completing surveys on the church in their area, or us finding information through social media outlets and blogs maintained by missionary families."
Martinich, who is working toward a doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of the Rockies, says "Reaching the Nations" marks the "first thorough, analytical study of how contextual factors have influenced LDS growth trends and with the candor to admit where the church has a poor prognosis to achieve 'real growth.' "
Isolated studies have looked at particular nations, he says, "but nothing has looked at the church in every sovereign country with over 10,000 inhabitants."
This work points out past shortcomings of the LDS missionary program and offers recommendations for how to improve the effectiveness of proselytizing, the authors say, but is not meant as a critique.
"Our goal is not to be prescriptive," Stewart says, "but to provide accurate data for people to come up with solutions themselves. I think people are better equipped to make those assessments and adjust their expectations if they have the big picture."
In the almanac's introduction, premier LDS sociologist Armand Mauss praises the undertaking's independence, scope, candor and sources, and predicts it will be seen for years as "the most reliable and indispensable source available."
It couldn't come at a more opportune time.
The Deseret News' annual "Church Almanac" will no longer be published, Martinich was told, though the News' managing editor, Rick Hall, could not confirm that, saying only that "to the best of my knowledge, we have not finalized a decision."
Though both researchers are practicing Latter-day Saints, the LDS Church "cannot vouch for its contents or conclusions," church spokesman Cody Craynor says. "Official church statistics and related context are continually updated at mormonnewsroom.org."
Mormon leaders have conceded that member retention remains a problem for the faith and have invested considerable resources in trying to remedy it.
Right now, the LDS Church pegs its global membership at 15 million.
Here are some of the almanac's findings:
• About 30 percent of Mormons worldwide — or 4.5 million — regularly attend church meetings.
• Between 2000 and 2010, LDS congregational growth was most rapid in Delaware (63 percent), Virginia (33 percent), North Carolina (32 percent), and Texas and Tennessee (29 percent). Congregational decline occurred in Louisiana (down 18 percent), Connecticut and New York (down 6 percent), and New Jersey (down 3 percent).
• The Philippines is home to the largest population of Latter-day Saints outside the Americas — 675,166 as of 2012.
• There are at least seven countries or dependencies with member activity rates of 15 percent or less — Chile, Portugal, South Korea, Panama, Hong Kong, Croatia and Palau.
• Within the past three years, the lowest convert-retention rates have appeared to occur within Latin America, where many nations have experienced no noticeable increase in the number of active Mormons within this period.
• Ivory Coast appears to have the most successful LDS missionary efforts within the past few years. Only French-speaking African members serve there due to safety and security concerns for non-Africans in this country. Explosive growth has occurred within the past two years. During 2013, the number of Mormon wards and branches, or congregations, jumped from 53 to 72; a 36 percent leap.
• A big obstacle to LDS conversions can be the "ethnoreligious" ties that particular ethnic groups exhibit toward traditional faiths. Examples include ethnic Greeks with the Greek Orthodox Church, the Fulani people of West Africa with Islam, and ethnic Thais with Buddhism. Greece, for example, has seen little Mormon growth notwithstanding proselytizing missionaries serving in the country for more than two decades. There continue to be more active non-Greeks than ethnic Greeks in the LDS Church in Greece, and nominal membership remains under 1,000.
• Tribalism has been a challenge in some areas of the world. In the South Pacific's Vanuatu, the LDS Church must obtain permission from village chiefs to engage in missionary activity and hold services. Tribal conflicts have resulted, at times, in the church closing member groups and withdrawing missionaries.
• The first full-time Mormon missionary from China completed his service in 2006. By the end of 2010, 42 missionaries from mainland China were serving full-time LDS missions, many in the United States and Canada.
• In 2010, India had more than 150 Mormon missionaries. That number has been greatly reduced due to visa restrictions, but it is close to being self-sufficient with local missionaries.
• In Spain, assimilating Latin Americans and Spaniards into the same congregations presents the most widespread ethnic integration issue. Some congregations with an overrepresented Latin American presence may run into difficulties baptizing and keeping active a Spaniard minority.
• The LDS Church has cut the number of full-time missionaries assigned to Belgium to approximately a third of the levels reported in the 1980s and '90s. Despite this reduction, Belgium remains reliant on foreign missionaries because few locals serve Mormon missions.
• The United Arab Emirates boasts an LDS stake, four wards and two branches — partly because this Persian Gulf nation provides greater religious freedom for Christians than most Middle Eastern countries.
• The LDS "Word of Wisdom" (a health code urging Mormons to eschew alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea) and the "law of chastity" (forbidding sex outside marriage) perhaps present the greatest challenges to new converts and seasoned members.
• In sub-Saharan Africa, there have been many instances in which individuals cannot get baptized in some countries because they participate in polygamous marriages per local customs and traditions. These individuals have to divorce polygamous spouses to become Mormons — apparently a rare move. The LDS Church stopped practicing plural marriage more than a century ago.
• Countries with the most members and no LDS temple in place, under construction or announced: Nicaragua (80,605 members), Zimbabwe (23,117), Russia (21,709), Papua New Guinea (21,265) and Puerto Rico (21,174).
pstack@sltrib.com
Twitter: @religiongal —
More online
For online copies of "Reaching the Nations," go to cumorah.com —
LDS activity rates
U.S. • 40 percent
Mexico • 20 to 25 percent
Brazil • 25 percent
Chile • 12 percent
New Zealand • 40 to 45 percent
Tonga • 30 to 35 percent
Germany • 25 percent
Ireland • 35 percent
Japan • 15 to 20 percent
Nigeria • 50 to 55 percent
Source: "Reaching the Nations: International Church Growth Almanac 2014"


Health Minister of Turkey Mehmet Müezzinoğlu said on October 27, that Greek doctors who are reportedly seeking jobs abroad are welcome in the country, as Doğan News Agency reports.
Some 7,000 doctors in Greece are seeking jobs abroad, and we need them. Turkey's doors are open to Greece's 7,000 doctors. I invite them to serve this country and nation with their knowledge," Müezzinoğlu said.
According to Anadolu Agency, İrfan Şencan, the General Manager of the Health Ministry Health Services Department, said than 24 Greek doctors are already working in private hospitals in Turkey.
"The medical education in Greece is close to Turkey's standards. The private sector's needs can be met by doctors who come from Greece," Şencan told Anadolu Agency today.
"Foreign doctors can get the equivalence from YÖK with the condition of working in the private sector. Turkish citizenship is a must to become public servant. This is why they cannot work in public hospitals. Besides, they have to pass a Turkish language test within a year. Greek-citizen doctors can start working in our country within the framework of these laws," said Şencan.
As Hurriyet Daily News reports, a statutory decree issued Oct. 2, 2011, permitted the employment of foreign doctors and nurses in Turkey, as new regulations on the working conditions were approved in 2012.
According to the relevant regulations of Turkey, foreign doctors are required to obtain a residence and a work permit, vocational liability insurance, as well as a certificate of equivalence from the relevant state's offices in order to demonstrate that their diplomas and other documents of expertise are in line with Turkish University standards.
Foreign doctors should have a minimum score of "B" from Turkish language tests administered by universities Turkish Teaching Application and Research Centers (TÖMER) in accordance with criteria set forth by the European Language Portfolio, according to Hurriyet Daily News.
The regulations are valid for all foreign health workers except dentists, pharmacists, midwives and nurses.


text:
package com.msdpe.storagedemo;

import java.io.InputStream;
import java.net.URL;
import java.util.Set;
import java.util.Map.Entry;

import com.google.gson.JsonElement;
import com.google.gson.JsonObject;

import android.os.AsyncTask;
import android.os.Bundle;
import android.app.Activity;
import android.content.BroadcastReceiver;
import android.content.Context;
import android.content.Intent;
import android.content.IntentFilter;
import android.graphics.Bitmap;
import android.graphics.BitmapFactory;
import android.util.Log;
import android.view.Menu;
import android.view.MenuItem;
import android.view.View;
import android.view.View.OnClickListener;
import android.widget.Button;
import android.widget.ImageView;
import android.widget.TextView;

public class BlobDetailsActivity extends Activity {
	private final String TAG = "BlobDetailsActivity";
	private String mContainerName;
	private String mBlobName;
	private int mBlobPosition;
	private StorageService mStorageService;
	private ImageView mImgBlobImage;;

	@Override
	protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
		super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
		setContentView(R.layout.activity_blob_details);
		// Show the Up button in the action bar.
		setupActionBar();
		//Get access to the storage service
		StorageApplication myApp = (StorageApplication) getApplication();
		mStorageService = myApp.getStorageService();
		//Get data from the intent that launched this activity
		Intent launchIntent = getIntent();
		mContainerName = launchIntent.getStringExtra("ContainerName");
		mBlobName = launchIntent.getStringExtra("BlobName");
		mBlobPosition = launchIntent.getIntExtra("BlobPosition", -1);

		//Get UI controls
		mImgBlobImage = (ImageView) findViewById(R.id.imgBlobImage);

		Button btnLoadWithSas = (Button) findViewById(R.id.btnLoadWithSas);
		btnLoadWithSas.setOnClickListener(new OnClickListener() {
			@Override
			public void onClick(View v) {
				//Start the process of getting a SAS to read the blob
				//and then display it
				mStorageService.getBlobSas(mContainerName, mBlobName);
			}
		});

		Set<Entry<String, JsonElement>> set = mStorageService.getLoadedBlobObjects()[mBlobPosition].getAsJsonObject().entrySet();
		String url = "";
		String contentType = "";

		//Loop through each entry in the blob and handle it depending on it's key
		for (Entry<String, JsonElement> entry : set) {
			String key = entry.getKey();
			if (key.equals("name")) {
				TextView lblBlobNameValue = (TextView) findViewById(R.id.lblBlobNameValue);
				lblBlobNameValue.setText(entry.getValue().getAsString());
			} else if (key.equals("url")) {
				url = entry.getValue().getAsString();
				TextView lblUrlValue = (TextView) findViewById(R.id.lblUrlValue);
				lblUrlValue.setText(url);
			} else if (key.equals("properties")) {
				//Pull the content-type out of the properties element
				JsonElement properties = entry.getValue();
				contentType = properties.getAsJsonObject().getAsJsonPrimitive("Content-Type").getAsString();
				TextView lblContentTypeValue = (TextView) findViewById(R.id.lblContentTypeValue);
				lblContentTypeValue.setText(contentType);
			}
		}
		//If it's an image, attempt to grab it
		if (contentType.equals("image/jpeg")) {
			(new ImageFetcherTask(url)).execute();
		}
	}

	//This class specifically handles fetching an image from a URL and setting
	//the image view source on the screen
	private class ImageFetcherTask extends AsyncTask<Void, Void, Boolean> {
	    private String mUrl;
	    private Bitmap mBitmap;

	    public ImageFetcherTask(String url) {
	        mUrl = url;
	    }

	    @Override
	    protected Boolean doInBackground(Void... params) {
	        try {
			  mBitmap = BitmapFactory.decodeStream((InputStream)new URL(mUrl).getContent());
	        } catch (Exception e) {
	        	Log.e(TAG, e.getMessage());
	        	return false;
	        }
	        return true;
	    }

	    /***
	     * If the image was loaded successfully, set the image view
	     */
	    @Override
	    protected void onPostExecute(Boolean loaded) {
	        if (loaded) {
	        	mImgBlobImage.setImageBitmap(mBitmap);
	        }
	    }
	}

	/**
	 * Set up the {@link android.app.ActionBar}.
	 */
	private void setupActionBar() {
		getActionBar().setDisplayHomeAsUpEnabled(true);
	}

	@Override
	public boolean onCreateOptionsMenu(Menu menu) {
		// Inflate the menu; this adds items to the action bar if it is present.
		getMenuInflater().inflate(R.menu.blob_details, menu);
		return true;
	}

	@Override
	public boolean onOptionsItemSelected(MenuItem item) {
		switch (item.getItemId()) {
		case android.R.id.home:
			// This ID represents the Home or Up button. In the case of this
			// activity, the Up button is shown. Use NavUtils to allow users
			// to navigate up one level in the application structure. For
			// more details, see the Navigation pattern on Android Design:
			//
			// http://developer.android.com/design/patterns/navigation.html#up-vs-back
			//
			//NavUtils.navigateUpFromSameTask(this);
			onBackPressed();
			return true;
		}
		return super.onOptionsItemSelected(item);
	}

	/***
	 * Handle registering for the broadcast action
	 */
	@Override
	protected void onResume() {
		IntentFilter filter = new IntentFilter();
		filter.addAction("blob.loaded");
		registerReceiver(receiver, filter);
		super.onResume();
	}

	/***
	 * Handle unregistering for broadcast action
	 */
	@Override
	protected void onPause() {
		unregisterReceiver(receiver);
		super.onPause();
	}

	/***
	 * This broadcast receiver handles things after the blob's SAS URL is fetched
	 */
	private BroadcastReceiver receiver = new BroadcastReceiver() {
		public void onReceive(Context context, android.content.Intent intent) {
			//Load the image using the SAS URL
			JsonObject blob = mStorageService.getLoadedBlob();
			String sasUrl = blob.getAsJsonPrimitive("sasUrl").toString();
			sasUrl = sasUrl.replace("\"", "");
			(new ImageFetcherTask(sasUrl)).execute();
		}
	};
}


Prosecutors in Bali have taken into custody Gilbert Hild, a German, and his Indonesian wife, Ismayati, who were previously sentenced to prison by a South Jakarta Court in connection with the fraudulent transaction involving Rp. 8.5 billion invested in a villa project in Negara, Bali.
The arrest of the couple was made possible through the efforts of intelligence officers for the Attorney General's Office working in cooperation with the South Jakarta and Gianyar Provincial Prosecutor's Office.
Detik.com reports that the couple surrendered without a struggle at their residence in the village of Petulu in Ubud. The couple will now be flown to Jakarta accompanied by enforcement offices from the Attorney General's office.
The couple had been convicted of committing fraud and were sentenced to 3.5 years in prison in a sentence later affirmed by the Supreme Court.
The arrest of the couple was part of a Government program code named "Catch the Fugitive" (Tankap Buron) that mandates every Attorney General's office across Indonesia capture a minimum of one fugitive each month. The program has managed to capture 65 fugitives from the law since its inception.


text:
Home Anthony Davis Lakers News: Rajon Rondo Thankful For LeBron James, Anthony Davis Vouching For His Return
Lakers News: Rajon Rondo Thankful For LeBron James, Anthony Davis Vouching For His Return
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Lakers News: LeBron James Pleased With Energy So Far In Practice
The Los Angeles Lakers brought in a number of veterans this offseason, many of whom had previously been with the franchise before, and one of the latest additions was veteran Rajon Rondo. The point guard was crucial in the team's 2020 NBA Championship run and, just as importantly, was a favorite in the locker room of both Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
Rondo would leave in free agency that offseason as the Atlanta Hawks offered him a big-money contract that he couldn't refuse, but now he's back in Purple and Gold and ready to bring home another championship.
Rondo also understands that his relationship with James and Davis is a major reason why he is back and he is thankful for that.
"Well, it's not a secret, I wouldn't be here if those guys didn't vouch for me," Rondo said at Lakers Media Day. "You know I get their approval stamp. So I texted Bron the other day, texted him a simple thank you. Not taking anything for granted. Things happen in this league so many times; you never know what can happen possibly. So it's been a fun ride, it's been a fun journey, but coming back here with this organization, this great group of people, along with these great teammates and coaching staff, I look forward to the very top and trying to get back to a championship and try to bring another title here in LA."
The Lakers clearly had a plan in place this offseason to bring in veteran players with playoff experience and Rondo was an obvious choice once he was released and became a free agent. Not only does Rondo remain one of the most intelligent players in the league who can help organize the team and create on the court, but he also is an excellent veteran voice to have in the locker room who commands respect and players will listen to.
His role likely won't be as big as it was during the team's 2020 run, but Rondo is happy to be back with James and Davis on the Lakers with a chance to add one more ring to his resume.
Rondo believes leadership role is same as any other season
Head coach Frank Vogel has spoken about the expectations for Rajon Rondo this year, believing he will be more of a locker room leader as opposed to someone getting big minutes in the rotation. But when it comes to that leadership role, it is something Rondo embraces.
"I don't think it will be any different than any other year. I pride myself on being able to control a locker room and get the best out of the very talented players around me. So regardless of our maturity level, our age, we still have probably one of the best-talented teams I've ever played for. I'm looking forward to collaborating with all of these guys, learning from them, being a sponge soaking up so much great knowledge from the players, also the staff again. I continue to move forward and try to accomplish one common goal."
Lakers Nation Presents: A Fan's Open Letter to Dwight Howard
Dear Dwight Howard, By the time you read this, you would've had…
Gabriel Lee
Fantasy Basketball Outlook: Andrew Bynum Shows Promise
We here at Lakers Nation know that Fantasy Basketball is a huge…
Ryan Cole
Dwight Howard Discusses Future For The First Time Since Exit Interview
If you have been waiting for Dwight Howard to speak on his…
Elizabeth Benson
Dwight Howard Opens Up About Biggest Learning Lessons During First Two Stints With Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have to be relieved that Dwight Howard agreed to come back for a third stint after spending last season…
Lakers History
This Day In Lakers History: Jerry West Scores 53 Points In Double-Overtime Victory
One of the most celebrated players in the history of the NBA, there is a reason why Los…


Mall Tycoon 2 (Size: 142 MB) is a Business simulation video game. It was released on September 24, 2003 for Microsoft Windows. The game developed by Fusion Digital Games; Virtual Playground and published by Global Star Software.
Open "Mall Tycoon 2 (Www.ApunKaGames.Net)" folder, double click on "Setup" and install it.
Open folder, double click on "Mall" icon to play the game. Done!


text:
Q: Why does main method in Java always need arguments? Why does the main method in Java always need arguments? Why should we write String[] args every time, instead of just writing it when we use any arguments?
A method like this generates Main method not found compiler error. Since we never use any arguments to the main method, this should be allowed.
public static void main()
{
}

This is not an interview question. It just came to my mind while programming.

A: Because the java tool that runs the application looks for a main with a specific signature, so it knows it's calling the right one. Java has method overloading, so when looking up a method, you have to specify a fairly complete signature. Granted the java tool could do something more complex (look for the specific signature and, not having found it, look for any main and call it if it only finds one), but that's not what the Java designers decided to do (and subjectively, FWIW, I think that's for the best — keep it simple).
You can find the details in the Java Language Specification, Chapter 12: Execution. And note that as of when Java got variable argument lists, it became possible to declare main in two different ways:
public static void main(String[] args)
// or
public static void main(String... args)

A: Basically, there are four answers:

*

*Because that's the way it was designed.  Yea, I know that's a circular reason.  But the point is that this is the way it is and it ain't going to change.  So unless you are planning on designing your own language, the question is moot.

*Cleanness of design (aka the DRY principle).  Don't specify two entry point signatures when one can do the job.  And clearly, it can.

*Semantic simplicity.  Suppose (hypothetically) that Java did support both void main(String[]) and void main() entry points.  What would happen if a class defined both methods?  Is that an error?  If not, which one takes precedence when there is ambiguity?  Is this confusing yet?
By only recognizing void main(String[]), the JLS avoids that problem1.

*This is analogous to the standard C and C++ entrypoint signatures.  (Admittedly, some C / C++ runtimes support other non-standard entrypoints as well, but that's not exactly a good thing2.)
None of this means that it would have been unambiguously wrong to do it another way.  And for example C# gives you alternative signatures, and deals with the ambiguity problem by requiring the developer to designate an entry point some other way.
FWIW, this wikipedia page describes the "main" method in a number of languages.

1 - Though then you have the "problem" that people who are new to Java might guess (incorrectly) that multiple entry points ought to work, try it, and get a surprise.  But I don't think any design could cope with "programming by guesswork".

2 - For a start, it is a portability issue.

A: As JVM starts executing the java program it searches for the main method having this signature(i.e String array)

A: It's just the way they designed it. Corollary to that, you might ask why its cousin(C#) allows Main method with or without parameters, it's just the way they designed it.
There's no serious rationale there, each language designers have their preferences what principles you should subscribe to. Sometimes that's for us to infer, or adhere to(sometimes we cannot get things our way) for the meantime.
Hmm... this reminds me of the OS I'm using now. Prior to OS X Lion, you can only resize at right bottom corner of the window. That's 28+ years of waiting before they finally put the capability to resize at any window's corners on their OS.
Even I like Mac OS too much, I would not go out to defend their stance before that a window should be resizable on one corner only. Zealotry is one thing, but blind adherence is another.
So it is good thing you are practicing critical thinking and not blindly believing that Java's main method signature is the only right way

A digression, waiting for Mac to have resizable edges at any corner is akin to me waiting for Java to have first-class property. Despite the JSON name(JavaScript Object Notation, though of course Javascript is not Java), C# object initializer(via its property initializer and collection initializer) has more affinity with JSON as compared to Java object initializer with JSON. C# object initializer is very neat and closely resemble JSON.

C#
var p = new {
    Lastname = "Lennon",
    Firstname = "John",
    PlacesBeen =
        new[]
        {
            new { City = "Liverpool", Country = "England" },
            new { City = "New York", Country = "US" },
            new { City = "Tokyo", Country = "Japan" }
        }
};

return Json(p);

Javascript:
var p = {
    "Lastname" : "Lennon",
    "Firstname" : "John",
    "PlacesBeen" :
        [
            { "City" : "Liverpool", "Country" : "England" },
            { "City" : "New York", "Country" : "US" },
            { "City" : "Tokyo", "Country" : "Japan" }
        ]
};

Consequently, with C#'s first-class property(not shoehorned to method) and collection initializer, not only the code become concise and neat, it now closely resemble what most developers are using now for data interchange format, i.e. JSON.
Java's object initializer syntax is far removed from JSON style. I will not defend Java's design decision(e.g. property syntax/design) on this regard :-)
So there, in the same vein that I will not defend Java language designer's design decision on Java's property syntax/design, I will not defend public static void main(String[] args) ツ

A: when you are trying to run a java program, JVM will search the main method with String array as argument to start the execution of the program from there. As the method you are given is not with that signature, so it will raise an exception No main method found

A: I think Java "copied" this habit from c/c++, and hard coded in java.c :
  /* Get the application's main method */
  mainID = (*env)->GetStaticMethodID(env, mainClass, "main",
                                     "([Ljava/lang/String;)V");
  if (mainID == NULL) {
      if ((*env)->ExceptionOccurred(env)) {
          ReportExceptionDescription(env);
      } else {
        message = "No main method found in specified class.";
        messageDest = JNI_TRUE;
      }
      goto leave;
  }

A: java is designed in this way. if we donot write string args[] ,then program will get compiled
but it will not run.

A: its may be as most of the inputs come from outside the main() like from command line arguments,so to catch these values it has String[]args signature.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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text:
shawn@home:~/blog >_
shawnd.xyz archive
The Autumn Leaves Depart
Well I can't believe it came so fast, but here it is: the end of yet another semester of college. It's been a tough semester and it's definitely been an experimental term with the return to in-person instruction. New faces, new friends, new commitments, and new missions. I had two final exams and a final presentation, and the past two weeks or so have been filled with preparation, studying, and whatever the metaphorical equivalent of "elbow grease" is for brainpower.
I decided to only take 12 units this semester so that I could afford to allocate more of my time to my on-campus clubs and organizations: the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), Solar Energy Association (SEA), and HackMerced. As such, the only classes I ended up taking were Full-Stack Development (CSE 106), Operating Systems (CSE 150), and Computer Networks (CSE 160). 106 was a lot of fun and I thoroughly enjoyed the class, although I will say that the pace of it was quite sluggish in my opinion. 150 was a very important and fundamental class for my line of work, although the professor was honestly a B-grade educator; I'm sure he's an excellent researcher, which is his primary trade, but as an educator, I cannot confidently say that he was the best educator for the subject. 160 was likewise a very important and fundamental class for my line of work since I literally work in IT networking and am soon to work in network security, and the professor, Al Cerpa, was an amazing educator; I'm truly inspired by his genuine passion for the art, and I'm more likely than not going to be taking his Networking of Embedded Sensor Systems (EECS 262) class next fall which, although graduate-level, he has extended an invitation to the well-performing students of our class to take.
Many warned me not to take CSE 160. It's not required for my major, but I took it as an elective. They warned me that it was difficult. They warned me that it was hard, and that I was most likely not going to be getting an A in that class and to be prepared to be disappointed. It is for all those reasons listed that I chose to take that class, and finishing it with an A+, I'm glad I did. It was difficult, and it was hard, and I fought tooth and nail to get the grade I deserved. I was easily putting in twice, perhaps thrice, the amount of effort into that class as I did into my other two classes combined. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. A class that is difficult and will make me work pushes my limits. Even if I got a C- in that class, I would have been more proud of it than the 100.3% I somehow got in CSE 106, because I worked for it. I don't care about the grade I get out from the class; I care about the effort I put into the class. The former says something about the course – an arbitrary, meaningless, insignificant blip in the scheme of things – while the latter says something about me as a person.
I've made plenty of new friends this semester. From spending nights at ΑΣ's house after chance encounters, to the childish pillow fights ΑΣ, ΙΑ, ϜΛ and I would have, to getting coffee with ΙΜ after they'd randomly met me while I was working, and the countless other memories I'll have stockpiled away in the archives of my mind for future recollection. Perhaps there's no other word adequate enough to describe this passing semester than spontaneous. Random, unplanned, and genuine, all ingredients for memorable and human.
I'll miss the late nights my CSE 150 group spent in a computer lab and in conference rooms, working, programming, solving. I'll miss the delicate balance we had to finagle together through blind trial-and-error just to score all the test cases, and I'll miss the crisp night air biting me as I bicycled my way home for miles and miles through the dark after we'd concluded our work for the night. I'll miss the Fridays and Sundays we spent meeting outside of school hours to complete our work. I'm grateful to have had such a great group of hardworking individuals. Yes, there were times when one or two of our groupmates may have let us down by falling short on a deadline or providing confusing and unclear code which – anyone who has worked with me before quite well knows – I find to be indicative of fundamentally deficient understandings and ethics, but no group is without flaw. We powered through, and we got it done, and we fixed our bugs, and we did it, and as critical as I may be, I can confidently say with full, unquestionable honesty, that it was a pleasure working with them. The greatest respect I may offer to any one entity is my criticism, because the understanding that they have room to improve says magnitudes about my belief that they are capable of improvement.
I'll miss the countless hours my friend ΝΕ and I spent at my house working on our CSE 106 projects. Those projects were truly difficult and it was so, so hard to test every single edge case and make sure our submission was perfect. It was truly a pleasure working with him for hours and hours on end, plugging consistent hours and finishing projects slowly and steadily but surely. They were truly a great thinker and problem solver, and combined with my C programming skills, we never had any unconquerable difficulty creating solutions after first understanding problems. That's a mindset that I'd like to see more in the people I work with: first taking time to fully understand problems and hypothesize solutions before tackling them. Performing thought experiments to come up with theoretical results and verify edge cases in logic before code is a valuable methodology that I've observed in all people I've perceived to be great problem solvers.
I'll miss spending hours with ΣΗ during my downtime at work, helping them with CS and adjusting to life in the United States. I'll miss the spontaneous Costco trips, Starbucks sit-downs, Raley's runs, and everything in-between. I'll miss sometimes rushing to get to my labs on time because I woke up late after spending the night at ΑΣ's, or because I stayed up too late the night before studying, or for any other hundred reasons I may have had. I'll miss meeting with ΚΛ after class to work on solving some problems together for our projects. I'll miss bicycling to school in the early morning with the cool autumn breeze in my hair. I'll miss the chance encounter last Monday after spontaneously running into ΑΣ, ΙΑ, ϜΛ, and ΤΒ at the Lantern Cafe after my CSE 160 final exam, late into the night, in the rain and the wind, just joining them on a whim to go to Applebee's. I'll miss coming in on a Sunday during high wind advisories to work on our project with my CSE 150 group. I'll miss going to Paul's Place with ΠΒ and ΕΟ after we had just gotten back to campus, or with ΣΗ sometime later. I'll miss the people I met while tabling for the SEA, and I'll miss teaching Python to such an awesome group of students, and I'll miss going from meeting to meeting with all of my extracurricular project groups to assess, assign, and act. I'll miss being a part of UC Merced's first CTF, teaching newbie teammates the tricks of the trade, and having fun more than anything. I'll miss "Hack the Power!" which I'm so, so proud of, and I'll miss the hours and hours of preparation and soldering and programming and assembly and everything else that went into it.
There's so much about this semester that's been memorable. There's so much I'm proud to have been a part of and there's so much more I wish I could have done. This was a great semester. It really was, and although I'm sad to see it pass, I'm glad it happened. To the memories made, and to the memories to be made.
Happy trails.


text:
describe RuboCop::Cop::Style::BlockComments do
  subject(:cop) { described_class.new }

  it 'registers an offense for block comments' do
    inspect_source(cop,
                   ['=begin',
                    'comment',
                    '=end'])
    expect(cop.offenses.size).to eq(1)
  end

  it 'accepts regular comments' do
    inspect_source(cop,
                   '# comment')
    expect(cop.offenses).to be_empty
  end

  it 'auto-corrects a block comment into a regular comment' do
    new_source = autocorrect_source(cop, ['=begin',
                                          'comment line 1',
                                          '',
                                          'comment line 2',
                                          '=end',
                                          'def foo',
                                          'end'])
    expect(new_source).to eq(['# comment line 1',
                              '#',
                              '# comment line 2',
                              'def foo',
                              'end'].join("\n"))
  end

  it 'auto-corrects an empty block comment by removing it' do
    new_source = autocorrect_source(cop, ['=begin',
                                          '=end',
                                          'def foo',
                                          'end'])
    expect(new_source).to eq(['def foo',
                              'end'].join("\n"))
  end
end


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Fox Valley Medical Associates, (FVMA) is proud to announce all five of our Nephrologists and our two primary care physicians will now be on staff at Central DuPage Hospital. Our Nephrologists include Dr. Rubinstein, Dr. Sood, Dr. Heidenry, Dr. Kedainis, and Dr. Begov. The FVMA primary care physicians on staff are Dr. Branshaw and Dr. Mercado.
FVMA is proud to continue to provide high quality patient care through our affiliation with Central DuPage Hospital.


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Follow Kourtney Kardashi ...
Kourtney Kardashian Quick Links News Pictures Footage Quotes RSS
Kourtney Kardashian Quick Links
News Pictures Footage Quotes RSS
Kourtney Kardashian (18.04.1979) is a reality star best known for appearing on 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians'.
Childhood: Kourtney Kardashian was born in Los Angeles, California. Her parents are the late Robert Kardashian, a lawyer, and Kris Jenner, Kourtney and her sisters' manager. They divorced when she was 11. Her siblings are younger sisters Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian and brother Rob Kardashian. She has two half-sisters from her mother's remarriage to Bruce Jenner, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner. She attended the Roman Catholic school, Marymount High School in LA before enrolling at Southern Methodist University. She later graduated from the University of Arizona where she majored in Theatre Arts.
Career: Kourtney Kardashian first appeared on TV screens in 2004's 'Filthy Rich: Cattle Drive' before joining 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians'. She and Khloe later had their own spin-off show 'Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami' in 2009 about the Miami opening of their D-A-S-H clothing store. In 2011, she appeared in 'Kourtney and Kim Take New York'. In 2011, she acted in the soap 'One Life to Live' though her performance was not well reviewed. In 2013, she began appearing in 'Kourtney and Kim Take Miami' which also features Kris Jenner and Khloe.
Kourtney Kardashian co-owns several boutiques with members of her family. With her mother, she opened the children's clothing store 'Smooch' in LA and New York. With Kim and Khloe, she opened the store D-A-S-H in LA, Miami and New York. She and her sisters are spokespeople for Quick Trim, though in 2012 they were involved in a lawsuit claiming the company used false advertising. They Kardashian sisters are also involved with skin care brand PerfectSkin and have also released their own jewellery line. In 2010, they opened a clothing line for Bebe and another called K-Dash. They also released their own fake tan, 'Kardashian Glamour Tan'.
Personal Life: Kourtney Kardashian has been in a relationship with Scott Disick since 2006. They have two children; son Mason Dash Disick and daughter Penelope Scotland Disick.
Biography by Contactmusic.com
Kardashian/Jenner Christmas Card Clouded By Photoshop Criticism
By Charlotte Court in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 27 December 2018
Kourtney Kardashian Khloe Kardashian Kylie Jenner
The clan's latest holiday card has caused quite a social media stir
If the Kardashian/Jenner family are well-known for anything - it's for their output of impeccable pictures. From selfies to magazine shoots, from Instagram to front pages, every single adult member of the substantially-sized family can take a good snap.
This year's family Christmas card has been widely criticised
It's with this in mind that this year's annual family Christmas card has been met with such derision. The youngest of the three Kardashians, Khloe, took to social media to upload this year's offering, with elder sisters Kourtney and Kim following suit soon after.
Continue reading: Kardashian/Jenner Christmas Card Clouded By Photoshop Criticism
Khloe Kardashian Picked A Godmother And It Wasn't Who One Sister Expected
By Charlotte Court in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 17 September 2018
Khloe Kardashian Kim Kardashian Kourtney Kardashian
On the latest episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashian, the new mom revealed her decision
When you have a family as large as the Kardashian/Jenner clan, it's inevitable some siblings may feel left out from time-to-time - and it seems Khloe's choice of godmother for her daughter, True Thompson, could have done just that.
Khloe said she related to her sister, Kim's parenting style
Khloe - the youngest of the three Kardashian sisters - revealed middle child, Kim, as the godmother of her first baby, born in April.
Continue reading: Khloe Kardashian Picked A Godmother And It Wasn't Who One Sister Expected
Kourtney Kardashian Frustrated At Boyfriend's Instagram Comment
By Charlotte Court in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 19 July 2018
The reality TV star posted a racy snap on Instagram her younger beau didn't like
Kourtney Kardashian is part of a family who post racy pictures to their social media accounts to showcase their fabulous lives as part of their day jobs. However, it seems that her new boyfriend is not totally comfortable with the nature of her images - and decided to share his views on Kourtney's Instagram.
Kourtney Kardashian is frustrated with her boyfriend
One of the 39-year-old mother-of-three's latest pics showed her in a thong bikini and a wide brimmed hat with the caption: 'don't be shady, be a lady'.
Continue reading: Kourtney Kardashian Frustrated At Boyfriend's Instagram Comment
Sofia Richie 'is Losing Patience With Scott Disick'
By Bang Showbiz in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 10 March 2018
Scott Disick Kourtney Kardashian
American model Sofia Richie is reportedly fed up with Scott Disick, who she considers to be obsessing over Kourtney Kardashian.
Sofia Richie is reportedly fed up with Scott Disick obsessing over Kourtney Kardashian.
The 19-year-old model has been dating Scott since May last year, but Sofia is frustrated that the reality TV star - who has kids Mason, eight, Penelope, five, and Reign, three, with Kourtney - appears to be so concerned with the life of his ex-girlfriend.
A source explained: ''Sofia is annoyed with Scott's obsession with his ex Kourtney.''
Continue reading: Sofia Richie 'is Losing Patience With Scott Disick'
Kylie Is The Richest Of The Kardashian/Jenner Siblings
By Charlotte Court in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 06 February 2018
Kylie Jenner Khloe Kardashian Kendall Jenner Kris Jenner Kourtney Kardashian
The youngest of Kris Jenner's kids has a beauty empire worth $386million
New mum Kylie Jenner has even more to be excited about this week after being revealed as the richest Kardashian/Jenner sibling by quite some way. The 20-year-old cosmetics queen now has a globally successful beauty empire which is worth a staggering $386million.
Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott have recently welcomed a baby girl
Kylie's Lip Kit was meant to be a fun hobby but now the reality star has 5,000 branded lipsticks that have been created for sale and her business has a projected worth of $1billion by 2022.
Continue reading: Kylie Is The Richest Of The Kardashian/Jenner Siblings
Armed Woman Threatens Staff At Kardashian-Owned Boutique DASH
By Ed Biggs in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 22 September 2017
Kim Kardashian Kourtney Kardashian Khloe Kardashian
A woman armed with a gun and machete walked into the Hollywood location of DASH boutique on Thursday. Police are hunting for her.
A woman has stormed the Kardashian sisters' DASH boutique store in West Hollywood brandishing a machete and a gun, threatening to execute the famous reality TV family.
The disturbing incident took place at the DASH store on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles on Thursday (September 21st), when an unidentified woman, ranting about Cuba and the Kardashians' visit to the island last year for filming 'KUWTK', threatened employees with a gun.
The woman walked into the store in the late morning and pointed a gun at one of the employees, shouting "stay away from Cuba". A few hours later, she returned waving a machete around and threatening reporters who had showed up in the aftermath of the first incident, Los Angeles County Sheriff's officials said.
Continue reading: Armed Woman Threatens Staff At Kardashian-Owned Boutique DASH
Kourtney Kardashian Celebrates Birthday With Nudes And Disneyland
By Holly Williams in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 19 April 2017
Kourtney Kardashian flashed some flesh for her birthday social media photo.
It just wouldn't be a Kardashian birthday without a traditional nude photo, and that's certainly one of the ways Kourtney Kardashian celebrated her 38th birthday this week. The eldest sister rang in her 38th birthday yesterday (April 18th 2017) with a super stunning, risque photo of herself on Instagram.
Kourtney Kardashian at 'The Promise' premiere
The image in question sees the reality star standing thigh deep in a pool, at nighttime, completely naked, tossing her wet hair back to create a glittering arc of water droplets. She captioned the picture simply, 'Birthday suit' and it has already received 997,902 likes.
Continue reading: Kourtney Kardashian Celebrates Birthday With Nudes And Disneyland
Scott Disick Says Kourtney Kardashian Is Still The "Love Of My Life"
By Ed Biggs in Movies / TV / Theatre on 06 April 2017
Kourtney Kardashian Scott Disick
In a trailer for the upcoming episode of 'KUWTK', Disick also said he would "never be over" Kourtney.
They may have been broken up for almost two years, but Scott Disick apparently isn't ready to give up on the hopes of reuniting with Kourtney Kardashian just yet, describing her as "the love of my life" and that he'll "never be over" her.
In a new trailer for the upcoming episode of 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians', 33 year old Disick talks to Kourtney's two sisters, Kim and Khloe, about a quick kiss that that the estranged parents-of-three shared recently.
"I'm still, like, turned on by her," he told them when pressed for gossip, and he added that he isn't dating other people seriously because "I just don't feel comfortable."
Continue reading: Scott Disick Says Kourtney Kardashian Is Still The "Love Of My Life"
Khloe Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian seen at the 2016 Gabrielle's Angel Ball held at Cipriani Wall St., New York, United States - Tuesday 22nd November 2016
Kourtney Kardashian arrives at Catch Restaurant with a male companion and Jonathan Cheban in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States - Friday 4th November 2016
Kourtney Kardashian - Kourtney Kardashian enjoys a night out at Lou Lou's private members club in Mayfair, with Lindsay Lohan. Jimmy Carr, Chloe Simms, Robert Tchenguiz and Hofit Golan - London, United Kingdom - Thursday 9th June 2016
Malika Haqq, Khloe Kardashian , Kourtney Kardashian - Scott Disick's Birthday Celebration held at 1Oak Nightclub inside Mirage Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada, United States - Friday 27th May 2016
Harriet Harman Praises Kim Kardashian As 'Brave And Pioneering'
By Stephanie Chase in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 24 May 2016
Kim Kardashian Khloe Kardashian Kourtney Kardashian
The former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party has defended Kim Kardashian's nude selfies, while describing Page 3 girls as 'fodder'.
Harriet Harman has expressed her admiration for Kim Kardashian and her family, calling them 'brave and pioneering'. The former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party was asked her opinion on the Kardashians sharing nude selfies to support feminism, while participating in a debate about the EU on ITV's 'Good Morning Britain'.
Kim Kardashian has found a supporter in Harriet Harman.
"I am an expert on the Kardashians, I have to confess," Harman said. "I think, if you step back, the overall message that comes out of the Kardashian women is that they are kind of going to make their own decisions, make their own way in the world, they're not going to be told by anybody what to do."
Continue reading: Harriet Harman Praises Kim Kardashian As 'Brave And Pioneering'
Kris Jenner Revealed Her Emotions When Granddaughters Helped Her Celebrate Her 60th
By Charlotte Court in Lifestyle / Showbiz on 06 November 2015
Kris Jenner Kim Kardashian Kourtney Kardashian
The Kardashian momager's best birthday gift was a handmade card
Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner has just turned 60 and recently revealed the cutest gift she got on her birthday actually made her cry. It wasn't the biggest diamond she had ever seen and it wasn't a never ending extension on her family's reality TV show. The best gift that the 60-year-old received on her landmark birthday was a card with the handprints of her two granddaughters - North West and Penelope Disick.
Kris Jenner shows she's an old softie at heart
Showing the card to the world on Instagram, an emotional Kris captioned the picture: "I'm not sure how to express my feelings for the best birthday gift ever...except to say that in true Kris Jenner fashion, I BURST into tears...
Continue reading: Kris Jenner Revealed Her Emotions When Granddaughters Helped Her Celebrate Her 60th
Kourtney Kardashian, Nori, North West , Penelope Scotland Disick - Kourtney Kardashian takes Penelope and Nori to ballet class in Encino - Encino, California, United States - Wednesday 14th October 2015
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@kourtneykardash
kourtneykardash
Kourtney Kardashian Tweets
Fri Jan 15 23:09:45 +0000 2021 Kourtney Kardashian
Some secrets are too good not to share. https://t.co/3cGqvo3a8x
Shop all the new items added to my Kids Kloset!! Explore the collection now on https://t.co/wkMUYfy0yV ✨ https://t.co/FOOzxQWjmC
Thu Jan 14 23:49:09 +0000 2021 Kourtney Kardashian
A new year means new loungewear. https://t.co/zRvfck4cvU
My stylist breaks it down. https://t.co/CacC6U5wnf
Wed Jan 13 18:14:15 +0000 2021 Kourtney Kardashian
Don't let breakouts kill your vibe. https://t.co/GqUOc3fLl6
Tue Jan 12 03:41:26 +0000 2021 Kourtney Kardashian
Workouts sure to boost your mood and tone your body. https://t.co/67sNN1RJe3
Everything you need for bedtime bliss. https://t.co/Qf5derBeQR
Just added some cute new items to my Kardashian Kids closet at #KardashianKloset https://t.co/ssZfZV9QIN
Turn your oral game up a notch. https://t.co/W7BWA2haiS
Explore the newest self-care must-haves we've selected for our store. https://t.co/aq5KIoQOdJ
It's January 5th...how are you doing on those resolutions you set on the 1st? https://t.co/x7EUsJFeSX
Mon Jan 04 23:16:18 +0000 2021 Kourtney Kardashian
New Year's resolution = a better booty. https://t.co/MKjzyqEwmt
Sat Jan 02 17:54:49 +0000 2021 Kourtney Kardashian
New year, new items to shop in my closet!✨ #KardashianKloset https://t.co/wUAivDmhfk
New year = new foods to add to your diet. https://t.co/t7hFnuhnZD
Thu Dec 31 23:47:49 +0000 2020 Kourtney Kardashian
My current obsession. https://t.co/e9lZHgy5fG
Wed Dec 30 23:18:00 +0000 2020 Kourtney Kardashian
How I'm making the most of my downtime. https://t.co/MNFfqzpsxi
Tue Dec 29 23:16:26 +0000 2020 Kourtney Kardashian
Get 'em while they're young. https://t.co/W4sKQUibIQ
Mon Dec 28 22:52:54 +0000 2020 Kourtney Kardashian
Enjoy the burn. https://t.co/qQg3kwh5zd
Sat Dec 26 19:43:12 +0000 2020 Kourtney Kardashian
Just added the cutest new items to my #KardashianKids closet!! #KardashianKloset https://t.co/ufV9IEWWr5
Fri Dec 25 20:23:20 +0000 2020 Kourtney Kardashian
Happy holidays ❤💚 https://t.co/zfVEmLu49p
Reality Tv Star Scott Disick Enters Rehab
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Kourtney Kardashian's son attending therapy?


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Former Bulldog Butler earns SAC baseball honors
NICK BUTLER
Updated: April 25, 2019, 10:23 a.m.
Camden's Nick Butler, a redshirt freshman outfielder at Newberry College, was named to the All-South Atlantic Conference baseball team as an honorable mention selection.
Butler, a former Camden High and Kershaw County Post 17 American Legion baseball standout, is an outfielder for the Wolves, who won the SAC crown with a 21-3 record and sport a 38-12 mark while being ranked second in the most recent National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Division II Southeast Region poll.
Butler, who was a 2018 SAC Commissioner's Honor Roll member, has made a large impact in his redshirt freshman season for Russell Triplett's squad.
Butler established himself as the starter in left field during the third weekend and broke out with a 3-for-3 game that included a double, a triple, a stolen base and three runs scored against Kentucky Wesleyan on Feb. 17. He ranks second on the team with both a .336 batting average and a .516 slugging percentage and has the fourth-most multi-hit games with 10.
In all this season, Butler has played in 40 of Newberry's 50 games and ranks fourth on the team with 37 games started. He has fielded .980 with one error in 49 defensive chances and recorded an outfield assist at Carson-Newman on April 6.
A 2017 Camden High graduate, Butler was named as the Bulldogs' offensive most valuable player for the 2017 season while also being named to play in that year's North-South All-Star at the conclusion of his senior campaign. He was a two-time All-Region 4-AAA selection for Denny Beckley's squad.


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Newfoundland & Labrador > Opinion
GWYNNE DYER: The unsteady spread of populism — three steps forward, two-and-a-half steps back
Gwynne Dyer · Columnist | Posted: Oct. 6, 2022, 1:25 p.m. | Updated: Oct. 6, 2022, 1:25 p.m. | 6 Min Read
Jair Bolsonaro. - Reuters
The reports about Luiz Inácio (Lula) da Silva's impending comeback as Brazilian president verged on the ecstatic in the week before last Sunday's vote.
He was, after all, 14 points ahead of his populist rival, incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro, in the last opinion poll before the vote.
"Lula on track for stunning political comeback," said one paper. "Olé, olé, olé! Lula voters sing for a heroic comeback to banish Bolsonaro," said another. Speculation was rife that Lula would win more than 50 per cent in the first round of voting, avoiding the need for a runoff vote between the two leading candidates on Oct. 30.
But the polls were wrong. Lula got a respectable 48 per cent of the vote, but he was only five points ahead of Bolsonaro at 43 per cent and, in Brazilian politics the candidates in the lead often fall behind in the second round. The long anticipated global decline and fall of the hard-right populist movement has been at least postponed.
Former Brazilian president and current presidential candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during a meeting with campaign associates for the second round of elections, in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Oct. 3. Lula, who was favoured to win the election, is now facing a bigger challenge than expected from incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro. - REUTERS/Carla Carniel
This is particularly relevant to the United States, where Donald Trump constantly praises Bolsonaro as Tropical Trump. Lula is to the left of Joe Biden, but both men are ageing stalwarts of the centre-left who have made political comebacks, but already feel a little bit like yesterday's news.
What has already happened in this first-round presidential election in Brazil is a triumph of the hard right in the simultaneous Congressional elections that would make another Lula presidency very difficult. Joe Biden may face similar difficulties after next month's U.S. mid-term Congressional elections, if polling predictions are right.
Both men have essentially promised a return to the sensible, moderate centre-left politics of yore and that doesn't seem to be setting hearts aflame in either country. To be fair, however, Lula bears an additional handicap: a criminal conviction.
I spent a whole day with Lula long ago in São Paulo's car-making suburb of São Bernardo do Campo, when he was genuinely a horny-handed son of toil and a trade union organizer. He certainly seemed to be an honest man then, even a poor man, but he was freed from jail only last year after serving part of a 12-year sentence for corruption in office.
It wasn't a lot of money and the charges may have been trumped up: the judge who brought them and sent Lula to jail, Sergio Moro, was later given a post in Bolsonaro's government as justice minister. On the other hand, Lula was not exonerated last year; he was released because of procedural irregularities in the case.
He could even face trial again.
GWYNNE DYER: Power close at hand for hard-right populist party as Italy's snap election draws near
GAIL LETHBRIDGE: No one should underestimate appeal of Poilievre populism
So, there is no clear evidence that the populist wave is subsiding. Bolsonaro could get a second term, Trump could come back in the United States, Modi is not losing his grip in India. Orbán won a landslide re-election victory in Hungary last month, a hard-right coalition won last month's election in Italy, Boris Johnson might even make a comeback in the U.K.
The driving force in this populist wave is a thinly disguised alliance between a very rich elite and the resentful, downwardly-mobile parts of the old middle and working classes. The emotional cement that holds it together involves a strong dose of extreme religion, deep social conservatism (e.g. homophobia), ultra-nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment.
Not every element is present in every country. Religion is not a big part of populism in England; immigration is not a major issue in Brazil or India. But fear and scapegoating of minorities is almost universal and an abundance of lies and endless culture war distractions serve to paper over the cracks in this cynical alliance of opposites.
- Reuters
Populism will be with us for some time yet and it may even spread a bit. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan may cover the rest of the distance to full populism as the country's economic problems worsen and France might have gone full populist last year if the French hard-right parties had managed to cooperate. But that's only half the story.
The other side is parties of the democratic left that are winning power in almost all the rest of Latin America — Alberto Fernández in Argentina (2019), Luis Arce in Bolivia (2020), Pedro Castillo in Peru and Gabriel Boric in Chile (2021), Xiomara Castro in Honduras (2022) and, most recently, Gustavo Petro in Columbia.
It's also noteworthy that only three of the European Union's 27 members currently have populist governments: Italy, Poland and Hungary. Moreover, the new Italian coalition may not last long and Poland's populism is for domestic affairs only: Polish populists are not admirers of Vladimir Putin.
In Asia and Africa, the populist formula has not been deployed in politics at all, except in India. As a recently refurbished political technique, it is having some successes, but every new political technique loses its freshness after a while.
And neither Lula nor Biden has lost their next elections yet.
Gwynne Dyer's new book is "The Shortest History of War"
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