I think there's too much out there in the college world where certain guys are working to promote certain other guys because of the different cliques that exist. I've always been an independent guy, and a lot of other coaches are. Most of the coaches are.
We put ourselves in a position with our RPI and how tough the Big Ten is to get a good position in the Big Ten tournament and hopefully play in the NCAA tournament. I'm extremely proud of the guys to be able to do that, considering what we lost from last year and this year and how tough the Big Ten is and our strength of schedule.
I don't consider myself a screamer, but the nature of the media and TV is if they can catch a coach animated, they're going to put it out there. But in practice, no, you would not see that.
My parents were definitely heroes, but I guess back then we didn't say it that way. It was respect, and not maybe the title of hero.
I watched a lot of tough love from the coaches that I played for, including my dad, who coached for 40 years, and I watched him turn a lot of boys into men because he did try to treat each one a little differently. But his absolute was, "I talk, you listen; you talk, I listen."
He went into the Navy, and I didn't know until I was about 16 years old that he didn't win World War II by himself.
The first thing he did when he came back from the service and started working was he would take his extra time and work with kids. He'd go to the park, he'd go to the gym. He loved kids. He was a natural for pushing people to be better. He was tough. You had to do it his way. But there was nobody who would do more for you than him. To this day, he still has people who come back and thank him for turning things around.
The sneezing thing. We do our free-throw-shooting drill at the end of practice. "If you miss this, we run some lines; if you make it, we stretch and we're done with practice." My dad just lets out the loudest sneeze, and everybody knows it's coming except for the one unsuspecting freshman who doesn't realize that he's going to do it right in the middle of the release. He's been doing that since I was coaching in high school.
My dad's very street-smart. My mom's very book-smart. Hopefully, I'm somewhere in between.
In the family, I was the first one with a degree.
I was a military policeman who worked with prisoners in the stockade. That was an experience.
When you teach and coach in junior highs and high schools and smaller colleges like Platteville, people certainly know you didn't do it for the money.
In `95, Sports Illustrated spent three days talking with me and Steve Alford because it was the first time that two undefeated teams in the NCAA ever played for a national championship. Manchester and Platteville were going to play, and all of a sudden, Michael came out of retirement and Sports Illustrated told our SID, "Sorry, there's no story because we don't have any pages left."
I can tell a lot about a person by who their role models were.
My wife had designed and we moved into a new house. I say "my wife" because I'm coaching. I just said, "Look, you've got my cell number. Let me know which house I drive to coming home from practice."
I had been an assistant here at Wisconsin, and I was told by a lot of people that Wisconsin can't win a Big Ten championship, Wisconsin will never be at the top of the league, the other schools are too dominant. I left--didn't get too far away--but how many people get a chance to come back to a place where they worked and get to win a championship? So that Big Ten championship in 2002 after all those years, 20-something years, of hearing that Wisconsin could not win the Big Ten, and to be a part of that and to see the alumni and the faces of the fans who stormed the court, the players--I have a picture of my wife and I hugging--I'd have to say that was a basketball moment.


The true form of the 'Steel Lady', Strelitzia! From the anime series 'DARLING in the FRANXX' comes a plastic model kit of the FRANXX that Hiro and Zero Two ride, Strelitzia! The 'Steel Lady' has been carefully supervised by series mechanical designer Shigeto Koyama, and modeled with great care by sakanoryo (dragon studio)! The elegant design of the mecha has been captured in beautiful detail for fans to enjoy building and displaying in their collection! The model stands approximately 18 cm tall when built and features runners separated into three colors (white, red, grey) as well as partially pre-painted parts which allow the model to look amazing simply by being put together! The joints of the build model are articulated allowing for various poses, and the face parts comes in two different versions: a pre-painted version and a blank version that can be completed with stickers.


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Тетраметилгерманий — элементоорганическое вещество, простейшее алкилпроизводное германия с формулой Ge(CH), бесцветная жидкость.

Получение
 Реакция хлорида германия с диметилцинком:

 Нагревание германия с хлористым метилом в присутствии меди:

 Действие реактива Гриньяра на хлорид германия(IV):

Физические свойства
Тетраметилгерманий — бесцветная жидкость.

Литература

Германийорганические соединения
Соединения германия по алфавиту

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The TED Talk below is over 2 years old, but I recently watched it again and it is just as relevant now as the first time I saw it. If a small, isolated country like Bhutan can practice sustainability on a national scale, what might a wealthy, industrialized nation accomplish? Knowing that something is possible, we can choose to do it. Or, we can choose not to do anything. One choice moves us forward as a species. The other may very well doom us all.


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7 Lessons from the #Vault7 Leak
Tags: F-Secure FREEDOMEF-Secure SAFE
The Vault 7 leak that appeared early in March of 2017 either represents the most significant disclosure of classified information since documents taken from the U.S. government by former CIA employee Edward Snowden first began appearing in 2013, or it may be even "bigger than Snowden."
Here are seven lessons from this leak, with some help from F-Secure experts, including one of our newest fellows Andrea Barisani — an internationally recognized security researcher, founder of Inverse Path and now head of hardware security at F-Secure:
1.These leaks exposed what professionals assumed.
With Vault 7, Wikileaks presented what it called "the entire hacking capacity of the CIA" in nearly 9,000 documents. And the capabilities appear to include the ability to break into smartphones, computers and even Internet-connected TVs using tricks that can allegedly bypass most major antivirus solutions, including F-Secure, a claim our Labs immediately began investigating.
Wikileaks' method of directly posting the entire leak online is in contrast to the Snowden links, which were curated by journalists from The Guardian, The Intercept and the Washington Post. While the current leak — like the Snowden leaks that began nearly four years ago — shocked many internet users, it merely confirmed the suspicions of security professionals around the world.
"Spies spy," wrote Andy Patel, F-Secure's Cyber Gandalf. "And that spies use hacking tools… is expected."
2. But Vault 7 should be a wake-up call for the public.
"These programs are expected from certain agencies," Andrea told us. "I think the major impact of the leaks won't be within the security community but with the larger public that might find such practices absolutely unexpected."
Hypponen's law says, "Whenever an appliance is described as being 'smart,' it's vulnerable."
Hopefully these leaks are making millions and billions people around the globe aware that anything that's connected to the internet can be hacked, whether it's a TV or a toaster.
Or, as The Onion put it…
The security of the developing Internet of Things has often been an afterthought.
"It is essential to ensure design and implementation is secure from the start," Andrea said.
Last year insecure IoT devices helped bring us the largest attack on internet infrastructure ever.
If that didn't convince us to start getting serious about securing all smart devices, maybe Vault 7 will.
As Andrea told us, "The time to act is now… if not yesterday."
3. The best OPSEC tactic is to never be targeted by a "three-letter agency."
Intelligence agencies around the world have trillions of dollars to spend — and after the role cyber security played in the 2016 U.S. election you can be sure they will be spending more and more on hacking. And if you have enough money and man hours, anything is possible.
"The question is really not whether the CIA can bypass our products, the answer to that is always yes," explains Mikko Hypponen, F-Secure's Chief Research Officer. "If they cannot do it right now, they invest another million to find a flaw. It has seemingly bottomless funds to dedicate to such activities. The scale of its hacking campaign against security vendors and hardware manufactures outlined in the Wikileaks files attests to that."
4. There is danger in these leaks.
Chances are you're not being targeted by the CIA and don't have to worry about being directly targeted by its arsenal of hacking tools. But the "zero day" vulnerabilities in the leaks, which were not revealed to vendors previously, present risks for internet users all over the globe.
"Once specific exploits get out, they can be leveraged by all kind of criminal groups," Andrea told us. "Their dissemination therefore must not be taken lightly."
Mikko finds the CIA's harboring of these unknown vulnerabilities ironic — and troubling.
"In countries like the US, the Intelligence Agency's mission is to keep the citizens of their country safe," he said. "The Vault 7 leak proves that the CIA had knowledge of iPhone vulnerabilities. However, instead of informing Apple, the CIA decided to keep it secret. So the leak tells us a bit about how the CIA decided to use its knowledge: it considered it more important to keep everybody insecure than protecting its citizens from the vulnerability, and maybe use the vulnerability for its own purposes or counter terrorism purposes."
5. Updates matter.
These leaks show how important it is for democratic nations to do proper oversight of their intelligence agencies. And they also show how important it is to keep your devices updated.
These leaks confirm a truism: software is never perfect. Vulnerabilities need to be constantly patched.
Both Apple and Google responded to the Vault 7 leaks with assurances that the keep their customers safe with security updates. The latest versions of both iOS and Android provide for the best available security. However, telemetry from our Freedome VPN finds that iOS users are far more likely to be running updated software than Android users. While most Apple users were running the latest version of iOS, 10.2, only a fraction of Android users had upgraded to Android version 7, which was released in summer of 2016.
"Bottom line: if you run Android and care at all about your device's security… choose your hardware with care," Sean Sullivan, F-Secure Security Advisor wrote. "Only a few select vendors are currently focused on providing Google's monthly security updates to end users."
6. We told you we didn't have any backdoors.
For years, we have been saying that there are no backdoors in our solutions for law enforcement agencies. And this now actually proves our point that intelligence agencies have to break our products. We are glad to see it's difficult for CIA to bypass our protection.
Considering adding a new badge to our product box. pic.twitter.com/gOGidSeZ8D
— Mikko Hypponen (@mikko) March 9, 2017
7. These obviously won't be the last leaks.
"It's no surprise that the CIA is using these hacking techniques. What is unsuspected is the leak, and it's huge," Mikko said. "So the question is who leaked it to Wikileaks? The Russians, an insider? We don't know the answer. Another question we need to ask us, why was it leaked now?"
Answers to these questions might help predict the next set of leaks we're likely to see. But for now, if you're involved in politics or business at a national or international level you have to assume someone is hacking you.
If not, you may want to take that as an insult.
[Image by Mike Mozart | Flickr]
1 comments on 7 Lessons from the #Vault7 Leak
rogerglewis says:
Fantastic Article. Essential reading.
Cyber security headlines from 2019 that will still matter in 2020
Sandra Proske
What to look for when you're buying connected home devices
What is Fake News?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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homeearnings News
Ashok Leyland reports Rs 389 crore net loss in Q1
By PTI Aug 12, 2020 9:06:20 PM IST (Published)
Hinduja Group flagship firm Ashok Leyland on Wednesday reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 388.82 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
The commercial vehicle maker had posted a net profit of Rs 274.96 crore for the April-June 2019 quarter.
Revenue from operations in April-June 2020 significantly declined to Rs 1,486.04 crore as compared with Rs 6,588.23 crore in the year-ago period, Ashok Leyland said in a regulatory filing.
"With the pandemic hitting us, this has been one of the most challenging quarters for the industry," Ashok Leyland MD and CEO Vipin Sondhi said.
The company saw a significant decline in volumes, affecting the financial performance adversely, he added.
Despite challenging times, the company went ahead and launched the modular business platform that gives customers the flexibility to choose vehicles as per their requirements, Sondhi said.
"This will be a game changer in the industry, and we have already rolled out over 2,000 of these vehicles till date this year and together with our LCV (light commercial vehicle) range, we have already rolled out 10,000 BS-VI vehicles. This is an encouraging sign for the quarters to follow," he added.
Ashok Leyland Chief Financial Officer Gopal Mahadevan said this is an exceptional quarter not just for the industry but also for the entire economy. "We have used this time to drive disruptive cost efficiencies and productivity measures."
The focus is also on maintaining liquidity, not just of the company but also of dealers and vendors, he noted.
"There have been tremendous learnings for us in doing business efficiently without dropping the ball on growth initiatives. We will come out of this much stronger," Mahadevan said.
Ashok Leylandearnings


The CSSB Opening Symposium will explore new frontiers in structural systems biology with a particular focus on host – pathogen interactions. The symposium will take place from 13-15 November 2017 in Hamburg, Germany. The preliminary programme for the symposium can be found below.


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Econ 919 — How the Kenai Peninsula Works
Econ 919: Soldotna Annexation
By Shaylon Cochran • Jul 13, 2018
The city of Soldotna has looked at expanding its footprint at various times over the years. The most recent effort goes back almost two years and has potential economic implications for residents, businesses and the city.
On this week's Kenai Conversation, I talked with Soldotna city manager Stephanie Queen about the city's economic goals as it looks at bringing several areas into the city's limits for a variety of reasons and what development now could mean for development in the future.
Are there specific economic goals for annexation that the city has in mind?
One of the common misconceptions I've heard often is that the city has desires for some sort of development to occur, whether it's on vacant land or outside the city. And I can honestly say from my perspective, that has not been a consideration. So I see this as a process that's looking at what's happening or what's already occurred and trying to mitigate and keep up with that impact. There are some areas, one of the areas across K-Beach from the Sports Center, has a lot of vacant land that's not developed yet. I think the city has a lot of benefit that we could bring to that area if we planned ahead of time to bring water and sewer, for example, to be extended across the road. But we don't have a master plan or designs on particular types of commercial development. You look at the portion of K-Beach where there's a tremendous amount of growth and development. The city's not causing that. And we don't have a particular interest, other than recognizing that it's occurring and making sure we can look forward 20-30 years from now and still be able to pave our roads, provide parks that people want and those kinds of services.
There are some gravel resources that could potentially be developed over. How does protecting those kinds of resources go into the planning?
I don't anticipate that if the city boundaries moved and that area became part of the city, that that would either preclude or encourage any particular development on that property. It's really going to be up to the property owners to continue to make those decisions. A lot of the areas we are looking at outside Soldotna feel commercial in nature. It's kind of a do what you want in terms of the type of use you want to develop. It accommodates residential, it accommodates a wide variety of commercial and industrial uses. So it's not the case that if city boundaries expanded that we would have undue influence on the type of business and even whether it's residential or commercial. There's still a tremendous amount of flexibility. That decision belongs with those landowners.
What is the measuring stick or the mark for what (areas) make sense economically.
There are several. Soldotna is about seven square miles. The areas we are looking at are an additional four square miles, approximately. And it's different for different areas. So one of the criteria is that the area has a reasonable need or an expectation of a need for city services. So when we look at that criteria, we look at areas where the city is already providing water and sewer outside the city. There are about two dozen businesses, residences where they're outside the city currently, but our infrastructure is already serving that area and they've made a request to come in and get that service. So the ability to provide service is one criteria.
For this week's number, of course, the one that matters most right now to a lot of people: 51,308.
That's the sockeye count for the Kenai river as of Wednesday, still well off the mark of where we were last year and well, well off the mark for historical averages at this time of the run. The biggest day for passage through the sonar counters at mile 19 so far was July 7th when about 7,700 reds went through. The late king run, which had been trending up earlier in the week slid back down a bit. Just 2,100 chinook have been estimated up the river so far, as restrictions remain in place to try and get to the department of fish and game's goal of at least 3,900.
Econ 919: Adding a smartphone app to your tacklebox
By Jay Barrett • Jul 6, 2018
Here on the Kenai Peninsula we take our sportsfishing seriously. People fly or drive thousands of miles for the opportunity to wet a line in our cold, fish-filled rivers, streams and inlet. Helping visitors do that is a full time job for thousands in a score of industries, and today on Econ 919, we talk with Jim Voss, the developer of a new smartphone app, Alaska Fishtopia, that is designed to take sportsfishing as seriously as the angler who uses it.
ECON 919 - Sportfishing guides adapt to poor king seasons
By Shaylon Cochran • Jun 15, 2018
The 2018 salmon season is getting off to a very slow start, with restrictions and closures around the state. King fishing on the Kenai has been dialed back to catch and release and for sport guides, that's nothing new.


Every month we put one of our partners and his or her organisation 'in the spotlight'. This month it is Leon Thommassen, managing director of De Maaspoort Theater & Events.
At the Maaspoort Theater & Events I have found an all- round employment at a beautiful company. The congress and events industry is amazing and very challenging. My motivators are passion, speed, challenge, vitality and winning and I find all of them in my current position.
I started at the Maaspoort in 2011 and since then we have renovated and expanded the existing building with café-restaurant Luif. In 2013 we added a new theatre hall, restaurant Cabillaud, and beautiful rooftop terrace Scheuten. In 2017 we further expanded with the inhouse theatre hotel that co-operates intensively with De Maaspoort.
Besides all these expansions, the organisation was substantially streamlined into a hospitable and result oriented organisation that has accomplished an increase in customer satisfaction from 7 to 8,4, an increase of 60% of the number of visitors and a revenue increase of 50%. What a top team!
We find the biggest challenge to be the increased competition in the leisure market, specifically because of on demand devices that people own. Additionally, more and more facilities and spaces that offer catering are becoming available. High quality and hospitality are the "magic words" to face these challenges head on and stay on top.
The developments of the last 7 years: growing from a theatre with two halls to a multi-functional theatre with three theatre halls, 4 conference rooms, a bar-restaurant, a restaurant and one of the most beautiful roof top terraces of the Netherlands, with very high customer satisfaction rates for the theatre as well as the other facilities, hospitality, events and hotel make me very proud.
I contemplate the challenges at work, I read, ski, run, hike and love relaxing in a sauna.
They are the perfect partner for our continuing ambition to become the essential partner for congresses and events in North and Middle Limburg.


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Fountain Square ice skating hotspot during the holiday season
Nathalie Schickendantz | Staff Writer
Fountain Square has redecorated for the holidays.
Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati celebrates winter early by adding an ice rink to the plaza. On November 24, O'Keeffe's Ice rink began its season with an elaborate grand opening.
People gather in the square for a countdown to the christmas tree lighting as they listen to a live performance by the second wind band. The rink continues its long season with special events until late February. All ages can enjoy ice skating under the lights in the heart of downtown.
More than 600 people come daily to enjoy ice skating and refreshing snacks served at the rink's refreshment bar, the 'Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt.'
Instead of spending the winter inside, ice skating makes the best of the cold weather and allows the community to come together in an exciting tradition. The plaza hosts special events to enjoy throughout the season. Every Friday night pop music thunders in the square for 'Radio Skates Night.' On occasion, the large LED Video board plays a movie, such as 'Frozen' whilst skaters glide on the ice. The 'Watch It & Wear' inspires children to dress to impress whilst meeting their favorite characters from the movie. Santa Claus also makes a weekly appearance on Saturday's throughout the season.
Senior Paige Riegert said when Santa made his appearance, children's faces lit up with joy as they cheered for the man in the red suit.
"My favorite part was watching a man dressed as Santa Claus propel down the side of the building." Riegert said. "He came on the ice and performed tricks, like spinning in circles and yelling 'Ho, Ho, Ho.'"
When Santa is not around, the lights and Christmas tree put on a show of their own. A 50-foot tree captivates the southwest corner with a string of multiple colored lights and a large red star resting on the top. The fountain statue switches colors periodically accompanied by the Fifth/Third bank building whose windows flash with flamboyant colors. The atmosphere is festive and embellished with harmonious lights in every tree.
Freshman Manuela Capiello said the square is gorgeous at night when beautified with bold lights.
"It's funny because when you first enter the rink, you're really unstable and embarrassed, but you look up and see adults falling and you enjoy the embarrassment together," Capiello said. "Once you get the hang of it, you look at the atmosphere and see the lights sparkle in the tree and the statue changing color."
nschickendantz.chronicle@gmail.com


Pre-Puerto Rican Day Parade Celebration!
Oscar D'Leon, Tito Nieves, India, Ismael Miranda, Domingo Quiñones, Jose Alberto "El Canario", Tony Vega, Ray Sepulveda, Johnny Rivera, Frankie Negrón and Eddie Santiago with special invited guests Willie Colon, Elvis Crespo and Charlie Aponte will be at Barclays Center on Saturday, June 13 for the Combinación Perfecta Salsa Concert. All true tropical music fans will embrace the history, culture and longevity of great music and show stopping performances that are timeless.
Tickets for this event are available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000 or by visiting the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
*Artists and/or support acts are subject to change.


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Unbound - Past Productions
UnboundTheatre debuted in 2014, with its first full-length theatrical production taking place early the following year. Since then they have performed work by classic and contemporary playwrights, as well as brand-new material by local writers. Below is a brief summary of each project.
'Overactors Anonymous' (July 2019)
Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray, Dario Knight & Jamie Drew
The Unbound Sketchbook return with their fifth night of all-new sketches. Step inside a self-help group for over-the-top thespians, find out what happens in the rules of fishing were applied to land animals, and discover why you really should Mind the Gap on the London Underground...
"Excellent writing, excellent acting, and overall wonderful night out."
"Some excellent sketches - fabulous writing and very accomplished performances!"
"Your shows get better and better each time."
'Treasure Island' (July 2019)
Directed by Erika Sanderson
Written by Robert Louis Stevenson
Adapted by Dario Knight
When young Jim Hawkins befriends a mysterious old sailor, he find himself flung into a whirlwind adventure on the high seas, bound for an island full of pirate treasure. But not everyone on the good ship Hispaniola can be trusted - least of all the mysterious Long John Silver...
Performed in Vale Park as part of Aylesbury Town Council's 'Aylesbury-on-Sea' event.
"Your entire team were totally brilliant. Please could you pass on my sincere thanks to the team / crew / technicians, everyone was amazing. Your skill, knowledge professionalism and creativity helped to create a brilliant free day for local families."
'500 Words - The Final Chapter' (June 2019)
Hosted by Dez Kay
The culmination of Queens Park Arts Centre's innaugural 500 Words Challenge, we appeared in the Grand Marquee at QhizzFizzFest to read out the top six stories, and to announce the two overall winners!
Part of the 2019 WhizzFizzFest.
'An Unbound Brief History of Britain' (June 2019)
Written by Gareth Johnson & Dario Knight
A rip-roaring half-hour race through British history, from the dark ages to the present day, stopping off in Roman Britain, the court of King Henry VIII, England under Oliver Cromwell and a jaunt through Victorian London.
This special production was commissioned as part of the 2019 WhizzFizzFest, and was performed at The King's Head Inn.
"So entertaining - thank you for a lovely afternoon"
"My kids loved it! Perfect mix of facts and jokes (for all ages!)"
"Hysterical! Please do more!!"
'The Doctor's Dilemma' (June 2019)
Directed by Hannah Rogers
Written by Bernard Shaw
Sir Colenso Ridgeon has developed a revolutionary new treatment for tuberculosis. However, his resources are limited and soon he must choose whom he shall save and whom he shall let die - a decision complicated by matters of the heart...
"What a wonderful performance! Well done."
"Amazing show. The cast are so professional."
"Very thought-provoking, and still relevent today."
'Lost in Time' (May 2019)
Directed by Dario Knight
Written by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson
Professor Chronomier has lost her time machine. Now, ghost from Aylesbury's past are walking into the present - and the Professor needs your help to put things right before the fabric of time itself comes apart at the seams. Commissioned by Aylesbury Town Council, this site-specific interactive, immersive production was performed at Bucks County Museum.
"Not seen anything as good as this done elsewhere in this way."
"Loved the use of the spaces and the way the story hung together."
"I thoroughly enjoyed the show... can't wait for the next one!"
Live Comedy Podcast Recording (May 2019)
The Unbound Sketchbook's fourth live podcast recording included a brand new script entitled 'Wildsden Butterfly Sanctuary', plus a very special tribute to founding member of the Sketchbook, Matthew Doherty, who passed away in early 2019. The tribute included reprises of his best-loved sketches and a special episode of Inspector Murder Inspects...
"You guys were brilliant last night as always and what an amazing tribute to Matthew he would have love to know that it had happened and who was involved too!"
"Loved it, well done to all involved."
'Antony & Cleopatra' (April 2019)
Written by William Shakespeare
The old world is changing. Wars will be fought that could topple empires, and the Triple Pillar of the world and his serpent of Old Nile have such a very great distance to fall...
Our biggest production to date was performed at the Limelight Theatre, Bucks County Museum, St Mary's Church and The King's Head. Made possible thanks to the generous support of Aylesbury Town Council.
"You don't have to go to the West End for great theatre, sometimes it's on your doorstep."
"Wonderful show! Great staging and ceremony, hilariously funny in all the right places and some absolutely sterling performances all round!"
"It was magnificent! Excellent staging and top class acting."
'Epic Tales Improv' (March 2019)
Hosted & Directed by Gareth Johnson
The Unbound Sketchbook team's first show of 2019 once again broke the audience record for an improv show at the Limelight Theatre. Audience suggestions saw the team telling tales about stolen works of art, capturing aardvarks and how to toast a muffin in a volcano.
"It was absolutely brilliant guys, I've never been to one before and I've not laughed as hard in a long time!! Loved it!!"
'Falstaff! An Evening with the Fat Knight' (February 2019)
Adapted & Directed by Dario Knight
Based on the works of William Shakespeare
A riotous evening of speeches and scenes taken from Shakespeare's Henry IV, interspersed with songs from the Bard's plays. This 45-minute show told the story of two great English kings and one of Shakespeare's most lovable rogues. Performed at The Old Millwrights Arms in Aylesbury.
"It was brilliant! What a fantastic event to stumble on. Brilliant night thank you!"
"Really enjoyed this...it worked so well, as though a troupe of mummers had wandered into the pub, which I guess they had! Loved it!"
'The Hypochondriac' - A Rehearsed Reading (February 2019)
Written by Moliere
Argan is ill. Very ill. Quite unfathomably ill. No rememdy seems to cure him - but that's not going to stop him trying them. As his medical bills mount up Argan hatches a plan to marry his daughter off to a dimwitted - but wealthy - young doctor. It's a sickening plan - one that needs a cure...
" It was a terrific production, huge energy. Deserves a repeat."
"Absolutely hilarious! Well done everyone!"
'The Sword in the Stone' (December 2018)
Directed by Lara Pipistrelle
Written by Dario Knight
Dark forces are stirring in the kingdom of Albion. Morgana La Fey is out to steal the throne from King Arthur, who is warned by a prophecy that there's a traitor in Camelot. Will Arthur find the conspirator before it's too late? Will Morgana's quest for power succeed? And what will it take for Arthur's daughter Anwyn to prove she's a worthy Knight of the Round Table?
"Absolutely stunning - the professionals couldn't out-do you"
"What a clever show, covers all sorts of emotions, full of action, best dragon ever, and best of all full of jokes."
'Call Off The Apocalypse' (November 2018)
Directed by Brian Murray
Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray and Dario Knight
More pages from the Unbound Sketchbook - their fourth sketch show attracted a record-breaking audience, and featured a self-aware self-service checkout, an unusual take on the problem of climate change, and a performance review for the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse...
"Good night out. Well done all."
"Your best one yet."
"A fabulous show! Highly recommend seeing this group of talented performers, many of whom are involved in writing their own material - they are very funny!"
'Voices of the Great War' (October 2018)
Commissioned by Bucks County Council as part of their 'Great War Showcase', this 45-minute show featured readings of war poetry and biographies of local men who served in the First World War, and was performed at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone in Milton Keynes
Drama Festival (October 2018)
Directed by Hannah Rogers, Gareth Johnson, Beatrice Benedek and Lara Pipistrelle
Written by Michael Dines, Eddie Robson, Joe Laredo and Lara Pipistrelle & Matte Black
Our first drama festival included six one-act plays staged by our talented team of local theatre makers, including work from established playwrights and two of the three winning entries of our 2017 Playwriting Competition.
"Brilliant performances and excellent direction."
"I was so so so impressed!"
'Marvin's Room' (September 2018)
Directed by Shaun Nolan
Written by Scott McPherson
Bessie is dedicated to caring for her bedridden father, but when she herself receives a devastating diagnosis she must face she must turn to her estranged sister for help…
"Fantastic production! Congratulations to you, Shaun and all the cast."
'Antigone' (September 2018)
Directed by Beatrice Benedek
Written by Bertolt Brecht
Translated by Judith Malina
Where does your loyalty lie? Who are you faithful to? Which voice will you follow? The voice of the Many? The Few? Or the One? A story of love, torment, righteousness and ultimate sacrifice. Antigone.
"Great first performance everyone."
"Well done. You were amazing!"
'The Unbound Sketchbook' @ Wycombe Arts Centre (August 2018)
Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray, Dario Knight, Matthew Doherty & Pete Benson
Our comedy team headed out on the road with their mighty book of sketches, stopping off at Wycombe Arts Centre to perform a selection of the best sketches from their repertoire, including much-loved characters like Professor Chaos and Inspector Murder.
"Great night, thanks!"
"Thank you for such an entertaining evening."
'Old Times' (July 2018)
Written by Harold Pinter
Kate and Deeley have a visitor. Anna was once a friend of Kate's – although she's not, perhaps, quite how Kate remembers her. But then again, how far can you really trust your memory?
"It's ages since I saw a Pinter play and to see it locally at a reasonable price was wonderful. The direction and acting was wonderful and I look forward to future productions."
This production was revived for a one-night only performance at Wycombe Arts Centre in November 2018.
'The Wind in the Willows' (July 2018)
Written by Kenneth Grahame
This special outdoor production debuted at Aylesbury Town Council's 'Aylesbury On Sea' event. A rollocking thirty-minute re-telling of the timeless tale of the Riverbank in which Ratty, Badger and Mole try to stop Mr Toad's obsession with motorcars ending in disaster!
"Please could you pass on my sincere thanks to all of the team for your amazing contribution to the success of this year's Aylesbury on Sea. Everything you and the team did was perfect and it's a pleasure to work with you all."
Live Comedy Podcast Recording (June 2018)
Our third live podcast recording went down a storm with the audience. The Unbound Sketchbook team recorded another installment for 'Everything Wrong With Politics' and the final two thrilling episodes of 'Inspector Murder Inspects...', in which the Inspector finally comes face to face with his nemesis - the dastardly Travers Steve O'Justice...
'Epic Tales Improv' (May 2018)
Directed & Hosted by Gareth Johnson
Unbound Sketchbook's first improv event was all about Epic Tales. Using story-focused improvisation games to create brand new characters and scenes based on audience suggestions, the team took a trip to ancient Egypt, discovered a cure for the common cold and created a brand new major motion picture: E.T. vs Jaws. The show also drew the biggest audience for an improv show to date!
"It was a fabulous evening! You really are a talented bunch!"
"Wow! What an evening! I did expect fun and laughter, but truly, my sides hurt through laughing so much. Can't wait for the next one - thank you!"
'Twelfth Night' (April 2018)
Viola finds herself shipwrecked on the shores of a strange world known as Illyria, where a bittersweet web of mistaken identity, wicked humour and tangled love awaits her...
This very special production was performed at the Limelight Theatre, Bucks County Museum and in Market Square. Made possible thanks to the generous support of Aylesbury Town Council.
"Excellent show. Congratulations to you all."
"The most professional theatre show we've seen at an event"
"I must've seen more than a dozen productions of Twelfth Night and that was one of the absolute best, well done."
'Deploy the Emergency Sketch Show' (March 2018)
Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray, Dario Knight, Pete Benson and Matthew Doherty
Unbound Sketchbook's third sketch show featuring a wealth of all-new material. This time around there's a look inside a top-secret meeting of the Fairy Council, a Barbershop Quartet going for a job interview, and the truth about War & Peace
"It was so fab to watch. Well done everyone."
"Brilliant performance by everyone! Thoroughly enjoyed it!"
"Wonderful sketch show. So funny! Very talented writers and actors! So very proud of you all!"
Live Comedy Podcast Recording (February 2018)
Following on the heels of Unbound's first podcast evening, a second night of recording took place in early 2018. Two further episodes of 'Inspector Murder Inspects...' were recorded, as well as some improv games a selection of the team's very best sketches.
'Pinocchio' (December 2017)
Written & Directed by Dario Knight
When Fairy Celestia grants Geppetto's wish for a son, his treasured puppet Pinocchio magically springs to life! But there's danger afoot as Mangiafuoco – ringmaster of the Traveling Toy Circus – plots to steal the little wooden boy away to become his new headline act!
"Absolutely fantastic. My children loved it and will be talking about it for quite a long time to come. Thanks to all the cast & crew who made it such a brilliant night."
"A brilliant show – best panto yet by a long, long way."
Live Comedy Podcast Recording (November 2017)
Building on the success of their sketch shows, Unbound Sketchbook recorded two brand new podcasts live at the Limelight Theatre. The shows included two episodes of sleuthing sitcom 'Inspector Murder Inspects...' and the panel game 'Everything Wrong with Politics'.
Improv Comedy Evening (October 2017)
Directed & Hosted by David Pustansky
The second improv night of 2017, featuring a host of familiar faces alongside a few new members of the cast. Another night of quick-fire 'Whose Line...?' games, physical comedy, on-the-spot scenes and audience participation.
'A Doll's House' (September 2017)
Written by Henrik Ibsen
"I've existed to perform for you" - Nora finally understands the illusion she's been living in for eight years – and realising that the person you lived with is a stranger to you can trigger the most unthinkable action...
"Congratulations on such a beautiful production."
'Farmers vs Pirates' (July 2017)
Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray, Dario Knight and Matthew Doherty
A cavalcade of brand-new comedy sketches courtesy of 'The Unbound Sketchbook'. Favourite characters Inspector Murder and Professor Chaos return, alongside new sketches including visits to a humane Hitman and the World's Greatest Uncle, and dinner with Immanuel Kant.
"Thoroughly enjoyed this! Good job everyone."
"A great show! Really enjoyed it.
'A Number' & 'Far Away' (June/July 2017)
Written by Caryl Churchill
Two plays from one of the country's leading playwrights, rarely performed together. These two searing short plays examine the nature vs nurture debate, explore the relationship between father and son, and speculate on just how catastrophic the politics of fear can be.
"Two challenging plays really well delivered - thought provoking indeed!"
'Macbeth' (April 2017)
A sinister prophecy foretold on a battle-scarred heath leads Lord and Lady Macbeth to commit a terrible crime. Power and privilege awaits them, but blood will have blood – and what is done cannot be undone… Made possible thanks to the generous support of Aylesbury Town Council.
"A wonderfully full-blooded and imaginative interpretation; beautifully choreographed and acted"
"An excellent and very moving production"
Improv Comedy Evening (March 2017)
Featuring a larger cast than ever, our third improv evening drew its biggest audience yet. Once again, performers took part in a series of improvisation workshops leading up to the night itself.
'Alice in Wonderland' (December 2016)
Directed by David Pustansky
Something is amiss in Wonderland – time has stopped, the Queen of Hearts is embarking on her latest evil scheme, and there's a beast lurking in the shadows… Can Alice discover who broke the Great Clock of Wonderland? Will she stop the evil Queen (without losing her head)? And just why is a raven like a writing desk?
"A well written fun show, with a friendly welcoming staff and cast. All things considered a great evenings entertainment."
"A very impressive show - hilarious and perfect for all family, well done!"
'Transcendental Mongoose' (November 2016)
Directed by Matthew Doherty
The debut production from Unbound's comedy contingent – 'The Unbound Sketchbook'. A riotous night of brand new sketches and stand-up comedy including a Postcode Lottery gameshow, the fiendish plans of Professor Chaos and the sleuthing skills of Inspector Murder – plus stand-up comedy from Tarquin and Mysterio.
Improv Comedy Evening (May 2016)
Following on from our first Improv event, this second show featured more rapid-fire games and devised scenes based on audience suggestions, and included some returning performers in the cast alongside new improvisers from our weekly drama class.
'A Celebration of Shakespeare' (April 2016)
A one-night-only production celebrating 400 years since Shakespeare. A selection of speeches, scenes, sonnets and songs from the greatest writer of all time, brought together to explore his work in comedies, tragedies, histories and romances. Made possible thanks to the generous support of Aylesbury Town Council.
"Congratulations to all the cast and crew; you did a great job - lovely performances!"
"The rude mechanicals scene was to die for. I laughed myself silly."
'Beauty and the Beast' (December 2015)
Leaving behind the quiet town of Folly, plucky young Rosalind sets out to save her impoverished family by venturing through the Forbidden Forest and into the Castle of the Fallen Prince – wherein lives the fearsome Beast of Folly. Trouble lurks at every turn – but heroes and villains aren't always as they appear…
"Exactly what a proper pantomime should be."
"I felt like a child again, shouting out and singing along."
'Betrayal' (March 2015)
Hindsight can be a devastating thing - imagine living your entire life again, knowing precisely what was about to happen each day. When the bad times rose to meet you - wouldn't your heart break all over again? Jerry and Emma's affair is over. Now it's time to see how it unfolded – starting at the end...
"A fantastic show."
"It was superb."
Improv Comedy Evening (February 2015)
Our first Improv Comedy evening took place in the spring of 2015 and featured a talented cast of performers, who took part in a series of workshops leading up to the performance. A night of 'Whose Line Is It Anyway? style games and challenges.
Unbound Launch Night (September 2014)
Hosted by Dario Knight
Unbound launched at the Limelight Theatre with a special event previewing the company's programme, as well as showcasing the talents of its writers, directors, actors and tutors. The show included performances and readings as well as live drama and creative writing workshops.


Marketing managers and reps are closely aligned with their clients. If you work in the entertainment industry, expect tickets to concerts, sporting events, plays, banquets, and conventions-and bling galore. If you're in the tech sector, you'll probably have a company car and a paid cell phone. Prepare by earning a bachelor's degree in marketing or advertising or an MBA degree. Expense accounts for dinner, travel, and entertainment often go along with the job. And the wages look pretty good. The median 2007 annual salary: $104,400.
Hours are long and customers rarely stop whining. But if you work for a major hotel chain, expect complimentary or deeply reduced prices for lodging and tourism excursions for you and your family-and not just at the properties you represent. Job prospects are good, too, with business travel and vacationing remaining strong despite rising fuel costs and economic stagnation. You'll need a degree in hospitality management or enroll in your company's management career training program to qualify. Median annual wages in 2007: $44,240, with top-end wages surpassing $80k.
Network administrators plan, install, and maintain the secure operations of an organization's internal network and public-facing internet. They enjoy top-end salaries in the six figures and, depending on their employers, have casual dress codes, cell phone service, laptops, free coffee and soft drinks, massage service, gym memberships, and subsidized dining. The hours can be hectic. Median annual wages in 2007: $64,690.
The pharmaceutical industry is predicted to grow 23 percent by 2012. Pharmaceutical sales representatives typically combine earnings with a base salary and a commission with a high upside. You'll have a territory to manage and may spend half the year on the road. But you'll probably get a company car and cell phone to ease your travels. Many reps also receive lodging, airline, or other travel discounts, along with gym memberships and (of course) great health care. You'll need a bachelor's degree in science (biology, chemistry, biochemistry) and/or marketing training. The median annual wage in 2007: $77,200.
Competition may be tough for the top-end jobs with big city broadcast studios or working the sound board for Jay-Z, but opportunities abound for highly trained electrical technicians in setting up communications or mixing boards at corporate events, conventions, news conferences, concerts, plays, and at local recording studios. As for perks, consider plenty of free admissions to rock shows, fashion engagements, or awards parties--and plenty of T-shirts and CDs for your music collection. You'll get career training through associate or bachelor's degree programs at trade schools and colleges. Median 2007 annual wage: $46,550.
This one's a no-brainer. One major airline allows mechanics to participate in ownership. Perks include no-restriction, no-limit stand-by ticketing for all the routes the airline serves. Many employers offer gym memberships, employee discount purchase plans, and partnership discounts at hotels and resorts. Few mechanics receive on-the-job career training. You'll need to complete associate or bachelor's degree programs in aircraft maintenance or avionics technology. Median 2007 annual wage: $49,010.
Lastly, if your career choice is not listed, it doesn't mean you shouldn't ask for perks. Government employees get discounts on computers and software. Many companies have business alliances that award employees discounts on car purchases, office supplies, books, home furnishings, movie theatres, clothing, camping gear, electronics, and fitness club memberships. Bartenders, wait staff, and hospitality workers also can add substantial tips to their total income package.
just keep visiting this website/blog for update.


This book is a collection of work based on selected papers presented at a symposium 'Removing Safe Spaces: Terrorism, Communication and International Human Rights', organised by the Editors at Leeds Beckett University in June 2018. The main theme of the book focuses on the terrorist threat facing the UK and the EU, terrorist organisations' use of electronic communications and the law governing relevant agencies, and police powers to access to electronic communications, assessing its evidential role and how those powers are balanced with human rights law. The contributors include practitioners, former practitioners who are currently academics and academics resulting in a wide range of views and arguments related to state agencies' access to telecommunications data and the surveillance of electronic communications being discussed. As such, the book's chapters reflect the inter-disciplinary nature of the symposium that covered a practitioner perspective, law, criminology and political science, offering the reader a diversity of opinions and academic approaches to the impact terrorists and criminals' use of communications has and issues related to the law and practice of the security services and the police.
A Senior Lecturer in Law at Edge Hill University, Simon teaches Public Law, Criminal Law, Land Law, Advanced Lawyering Skills and Career Development. He is currently developing new modules covering terrorism and surveillance for the new policing undergraduate degree, to be certified by the College of Policing and delivered at Edge Hill University. Simon's research focuses on global security and cyber security, terrorism, counterterrorism law and policy, terrorist electronic communications, policing and surveillance, international human rights and civil liberties and has been previously published by Routledge. Simon is a reviewer for the Taylor & Francis International Journal, 'The Law Teacher'.
A former police officer, David is currently a Senior Research Fellow at Leeds Beckett University's Law School where his main focus is terrorism & security, policing and criminal law. He gained his PhD in 2010 from Liverpool John Moores University where he researched the role of the UK's Special Branch in counter-terrorism investigations. His work has been previously published in books, book chapters, articles in peer-reviewed journals and online journals, and he frequently provides expert commentary for the mainstream news media. David also runs his own consultancy business, and regularly blogs on issues related to his research on his website, drdavidlowe.co.uk.


Principal and Accredited Property Law Specialist, Col Myers, leads our team of fully equipped, connected and dedicated strata lawyers who have assisted hundreds of clients with their management rights matters.
We are constantly exposed to all aspects of the management rights industry which in turn ensures you are receiving the most practical advice and expert solutions. Our entire team is focused on developing not only professional relationships but long lasting partnerships with our clients to collectively work towards successful outcomes.
We are also firm believers that our management rights clients should be directed to the key specialists within the industry. We can advise and direct you to the appropriate specialists including selling agents, finance brokers, accountants and banks. We know who has a proven track record of making things happen.
As with any business or investment, it is essential that you partner with experienced and reliable advisors, who not only comprehensively understand the management rights industry but also take the time to understand you and your personal circumstances and goals.
Management Rights (sometimes referred to as Management and Letting Rights) is a unique area of law and can deliver an excellent return on investment.
"As a Body Corporate Manager Company we work closely from time to time with Solicitors on wide and varied matters, so finding a company with efficient and knowledgeable staff is vital to our business. To that end we have used the services of Small Myers Hughes on many occasions, in particular with matters associated with property and body corporate legislation. We have always found their advice to be very sound and comprehensive, carried out in an efficient and timely manner and most importantly at reasonable rates. The staff that we have dealt with over the years always extend a courteous manner and tend to go beyond the brief, offering additional support if required. Based upon this experience that we have enjoyed we will continue to utilise the services of Small Myers Hughes into the future. We unreservedly recommend their services. "
"Thank you so much Julie for the wonderful service you provided to me with the sale of my management rights in New South Wales. I was extremely, extremely happy with your service and your constant communication keeping me up to date with what was going on was greatly admired and appreciated. I'd definitely recommend you to anyone who is looking to sell or buy management rights. "
"Col has been my go to lawyer for more than 20 years. He and his team have looked after many property developments for me over the years and they always do a great job helping me get through each development. I like that I can call any member of the team and get the legal advice I need at the time. I guess you could say that our relationship is more like a partnership than client and solicitor. "


MyTrainTicket can help you find cheap train tickets to Norwich from any other train station. We've got all the cheapest Advance fares to Norwich available right now, as well as flexible Off-Peak and Anytime fares.
Click on the i icon at the bottom of the results (see image above), and then click on Calling Points which will show you all the stations the train stops at, for example Derby. Now play around with the options for splitting your journey, e.g. Norwich – Derby + Derby – Plymouth, to see whether you can get a better deal.
Norwich is in the East of England, home to The Canaries and both the University of East Anglia and the Norwich University of Arts, it easily reached from London Liverpool Street and offers connections to other East Anglian stations. The Best Fare Finder will show all available cheap train tickets to Norwich. Book ahead and save money on Advance ticket fares which allow you to choose a specific date and time to travel.


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Video Gaming's Best Opening Levels
David LozadaTuesday, November 27, 2018
A common misconception regarding video games is that the final level is the best one. But the best opening levels in video games puts paid to such a notion. It's true that this last stage is meant to represent a culmination of gameplay mechanics and tests everything players have learned throughout the course of their adventures. In the 21st century, however, the medium has grown wider in scope and adopted a film-like quality that rivals some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters thanks to some of its entertaining, bombastic first impressions.
Keeping this in mind, games with large production values do their best to match the captivating opening moments of a memorable motion picture to encourage fans to keep playing. The following are video gaming's best opening levels so far, each one serving as an example of how to engage audiences from the get-go and get them invested in a title's characters before they actually get to shoot anything.
Gaming's Best Opening Levels – A Rock and a Hard Place (Uncharted 2)
Uncharted 2 starts off with protagonist Nathan Drake literally clinging for life on the rail of a dangling train carriage. A sense of urgency is immediately placed upon fans to control the wisecracking adventurer to safety, navigating across tubes, ledges, and seats in order to reach the cliff. As the train begins to slip away into the snowy depths below, a truly spectacular Indiana Jones moment occurs that sees Nathan Drake barely make it out in one piece. Dumb luck seems to be Drake's best friend, so including an instance of it in Uncharted 2's opening moments seems appropriate.
Gaming's Best Opening Levels – Saving Joker (Mass Effect 2)
Mass Effect 2 launches with the beloved SSV Normandy in disarray as a mysterious entity attacks the spaceship with a volley of laser blasts. A lot of the crew manages to escape, but the Normandy's pilot, Joker, refuses to abandon his post. As Commander Shepard, players must navigate across the destroyed vessel to convince the man to leave with him or her.
After dragging Joker out, Shepard places the pilot into a pod. Another barrage of lasers strike the Normandy before the commander can secure him or herself inside the pod, thus sending the leader flying across the vast reaches of space, dying in the process. Thankfully, Shepard is brought back thanks to science, though the Normandy's crew is forever scarred from what happened. It's a good thing players have the rest of the title to find out who ordered the attacks to begin with.
Gaming's Best Opening Levels – Prologue (The Last of Us)
Naughty Dog somehow manages to outdo the opening of Uncharted 2 with The Last of Us' initial chapter. In it, players control Joel's daughter Sarah just as the Cordyceps fungus breaks out in Texas.
From the outset, it's clear that a tragedy will befall this family. Despite the predictability, fans can't help but feel an overwhelming amount of grief by the time the sequence is over. There are few bonds that are stronger than that of a father and his child. It's this inherent truth that makes The Last of Us' opening painfully endearing to watch.
Gaming's Best Opening Levels – Poseidon (God of War 3)
The screenshot above doesn't do God of War 3's opening sequence with Poseidon any justice. Players take on the role of Kratos as he leads a coup against the gods of Mount Olympus atop Gaia's shoulder. All manner of beasts show up to challenge the son of Zeus, but none are successful. Seeing this, Poseidon decides to take matters in his own hands and faces Kratos head on, taking on the form of a massive being surrounding by aquatic horses and crustacean legs.
The sheer size of it all is still impressive given our technological advances today. It makes one wonder how Sony's Santa Monica Studio managed to create such an epic opening in the first place.
Gaming's Best Opening Levels – The Dam (GoldenEye 007)
Taking a page from the movie it's based on, GoldenEye 007 begins by having fans take over a dam before stylishly diving off the top of it. This opening level cleverly introduces players to the first-person shooter mechanics that define the game, the likes of which include taking out armed guards and stealing their weapons to use against other enemies. It helps that throughout the level, a phenomenal soundtrack is playing that makes one feel really like a secret agent. The iconic jump at the end is just the icing on the cake.
Gaming's Best Opening Levels – Welcome to Rapture (Bioshock)
Bioshock's introduction to the world of Rapture is hard to forget. As Jack, players must swim to a lonely lighthouse sitting in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean after narrowly avoiding death via a plane crash. Once there, fans will enter a Bathysphere submersible and travel underwater. A projection explaining some of Andrew Ryan's philosophies will play, alluding to the dangers that await users once they reach their destination.
Soon after, Rapture reveals itself. This breathtaking moment seems almost sinister in hindsight, though it's hard to shake the feeling of adventure one gets when witnessing this new world to discover. Novices should watch their step when they get off, as murderous Splicers are eagerly waiting to hunt you down and tear you to pieces.
Gaming's Best Opening Levels – Sector 1 Reactor (Final Fantasy VII)
Final Fantasy VII opens with a mysterious mercenary named Cloud Strife disembarking off a train and immediately cutting soldiers open with his gigantic broadsword. He and his partner Barrett are tasked with reaching Midgar's Sector 1 Reactor to place a bomb. The enemies don't let up and a menacing Guard Scorpion shows up to further deter Cloud and his crew.
Once the spiky-haired protagonist does manage to place the explosive, players are given 10 minutes to escape. This breakneck speed makes Final Fantasy VII stand out among JRPGs, as there are few games out there that manage to thrust players into their fantastical worlds as successfully.
Be it intense action or mind-boggling innovation, the opening sequences above have each managed to seize player imagination and continue to earn the admiration of video game enthusiasts to this day. One may think that these first few memorable hours make it hard for the games to live up to expectations, though thankfully each title on this list is worthy to be played entirely at least once. As gaming becomes more technically impressive and continues to immerse fans further into its worlds, it'll be interesting to see how openings evolve to better subvert that which has been done before.
Tags: bioshock, Features, Final Fantasy VII, god of war 3, GoldenEye 007, Mass Effect 2, The Last of Us, uncharted 2


BOISE – Respect the rat.
That's the approach people should take toward the rodent that may need an image makeover, but actually makes a loveable pet, according to Dawn Burke – president of The Rat Retreat, Inc. a nonprofit shelter where 16 rats reside.
While that generalization may largely have held true centuries ago in Europe for wild rats that carried bubonic plague-packing fleas – reportedly resulting in the deaths of millions of people – Burke said domestic rats in the United States in the 21st century have been deemed by local health officials as not being carriers of communicable diseases.
"With the same respect as they would with dogs or cats, or with any other animal," Burke said, in regard to how rats should be treated by human beings.
Instead, rats oftentimes are valued for their captive roles in the food chain.
"Ninety percent of the rats are bred for snake food," Burke said.
That rats oftentimes are born to be snake food frequently leads to health problems for the rodents, Burke said.
"One of the main things that we would like to see is that people stop feeding live rats to snakes," she said. "You know, that would solve half the problem with rats right there… Rats are so much like us – that's why we use them in labs. And, we're feeding an animal that's so much like us, we're feeding them alive to another animal.
"People say 'Well, it's nature,' but it's not natural to put an animal in an enclosure with another animal that they know is gonna eat it," she continued.
The fear created for the rats in that situation "is a form of torture," that leads to cancer and other illnesses in the animals, Burke said.
At The Rat Retreat – located in the home of Burke and her husband, Don – the rodents living there are given medication, clean cages, adequate food and water, and interaction with other rats and humans. Dawn said that the rats are engaged in recreational activities.
"Get them running and playing and having fun," she said, referring to activities in a play area of The Rat Retreat. Burke calls the place a "sanctuary," that takes care of previously unwanted pet rats.
Since people sometimes decide they don't want rats as pets, the rodents are transferred in the majority of cases to The Rat Retreat from the Idaho Humane Society. Other times, individuals will contact the Rat Retreat directly to bring unwanted pet rats there. From there, Burke said, the rats at The Rat Retreat are sometimes adopted out, sometimes go to one operating "foster home," and at other times live out their lives at The Rat Retreat.
The Burkes – who started The Rat Retreat, Inc., with Idaho articles of incorporation in November 2008 – are looking at the possibility that additional monetary donations could eventually lead to the construction of a "brick and mortar," version of The Rat Retreat other than its current facility in the Burkes' home.
Currently, donations to the nonprofit entity cover the $200 monthly cost of running the facility, Burke said.


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Riptide Sports is massive Hardware and Bushing company dedicated to offer the best quality in their products. They are always looking for the best design in all their products to satisfy every riders need. Expect great performance from any of their products. Team riders: Rob McWhinnie, Maga McWhinnie, Adam Yates and Connor Ferguson.


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NEPC Grazing Guide
Grazing Forecast
Information by Keyword
Information by State
Linking Graziers, Research, and Extension
Invasive Plants, Climate and CO2: Implications for Agriculture
Tags NEPC2011 / carbon dioxide / climate change / MD
Northeast Pasture Research and Extension Consortium
Ramada Conference Center and Inn
nvasive Plants, Climate and CO2: Implications for Agriculture
Dr. Lewis Ziska, research plant physiologist, USDA-ARS, Crop Systems and Global Change Lab, Beltsville, MD
So what happens if CO2 goes up? An indirect effect of rising carbon dioxide is warmer temperatures. For example: No H2O and CO2? Surface temperature of Earth would be -18o C on average. With H2O and CO2? Surface temperature averages 15o C. A direct effect of rising CO2: Stimulation of plant growth. Any change in light, water, nutrients, or carbon dioxide will alter plant growth.
What would the rise in CO2 alone mean for agriculture? Couldn't there be positive effects? As an example, the difference in yield with genetic variability in soybean varieties changes with elevated atmospheric CO2 (710 ppm). In nine varieties of soybeans, yield increases ranged from 22% to 85%. So it can be quite variable within a plant species.
Green is not always good, as demonstrated by an image kudzu almost completely covering an abandoned car. CO2, climate change, and plant biology can affect these issues:
Crop/weed competition
Invasive plant species
Weeds and public health
An invasive weed is a weedy species, usually non-native for a given region, whose introduction results in wide-spread environmental or species degradation.
Invasive weeds cost us two ways:
Financial Cost: In the billions to eradicate and in lost crop production
Environmental Cost: loss of genetic diversity
Canada thistle is one of the top noxious weeds, and a good example of potential impacts. Canada thistle is common throughout most of North America. The exception is southeastern US. Historically it has been a troublesome weed in the Northeast. General Burgoyne unwittingly brought Canada thistle from eastern Canada into the Upper Hudson Valley of New York during that Campaign of the Revolutionary War in 1777 in the hay that they fed their horses.
Canada thistle responded to elevated CO2, 350 ppm over ambient air levels (Ziska, 2004. Weed Sci. 52:584-588), in a 4-year experiment (2000-2003) by increasing shoot production by 140% and root (and rhizome) growth by 270% on average. When glyphosate was sprayed on the thistle grown in an elevated CO2 environment, less control was achieved due to the dilution effect created by the larger root system that could absorb the systemic weed control chemical and render its concentration much lower. The study indicates that carbon dioxide–induced increases in root biomass could make Canada thistle and other perennial weeds that reproduce asexually from below-ground rhizomes harder to control in a higher CO2 world.
In another experiment, where 3 rates of nitrogen fertilizer were applied to Canada thistle seedlings at 2 different levels of elevated CO2 in the air, it was found that both CO2 and N increased biomass, relative growth rates, and leaf area. Root : shoot ratio was increased by CO2 but decreased by increasing N. However, N supply did not effect the relative response to CO2 for any measured vegetative parameter up to 77 days of growth. Due to the relative stimulation of shoot biomass, total above-ground N increased at elevated CO2 for all levels of supplemental N, but NUE did not differ as a function of CO2.
Overall for Canada thistle, there is a strong response to rising carbon dioxide with differential response between root and shoot growth, root (and rhizome) growth much greater. The response to recent changes in carbon dioxide appears independent of N concentration.
Of six noxious weeds tested, Canada thistle is by far the most aggressive grower in an enriched CO2 environment. It total biomass (roots and shoot) has increased 180% since CO2 has increased from 285 ppm to 380 ppm. Perennial sowthistle is a distant second at 110%, yellow star thistle is third at 105%, leafy spurge is fourth at 95%, field bindweed is fifth at 83%, and lastly spotted knapweed at 80%.
Does CO2 preferentially select for invasive species within plant communities? The answer was yes from among the 5 invasive species studied so far for this factor. Only yellow star thistle was found not to be favored in a California grassland. Much more work needs to be done on this factor since there are over 600 invasive species in North America alone.
Summary so far: Invasive weeds and CO2 / temperature
Canada thistle, the "worst" invasive, shows a strong response to CO2, but greater below ground, relative to above ground growth. Response to CO2 is nitrogen independent.
Suggestion that CO2 may select for invasives within plant communities, such as pastures.
Is the rise in CO2 the same everywhere? The answer is no; it tends to be higher in cities than in rural areas. An example is from Maryland where Baltimore has a CO2 level of 456 ppm while a rural organic farm's CO2 level is 386. A corollary question then is, "Is the increase in temperature the same?" This answer too is no; it tends to be higher in cities than rural areas. The change in average daily temperature (o C) from downtown Baltimore to an organic (rural) farm (2002) was 20.7 to 18.6. With this existing CO2 and temperature gradient in a localized area, it allows us to study climate change effects now, rather than wait to see the outcome years down the road.
Taking advantage of this existing gradient, Lew set up an experiment using Baltimore and the rural organic farm by setting up plots that used the same soil and seed bank at both locations. Each site was watered to replace soil water lost by evapotranspiration. The first year at the rural farm re-growth on the fallow soil plot was +90% lambsquarters, 6-8 feet in height at maturity. First year response, urban Baltimore, re-growth was 80% lambsquarters, 10-12 feet in height. More annual weeds present here. After 5 years, he found that the plant succession occurred much faster in the urban setting of Baltimore. Trees had started to grow in the plots there, while in the rural setting the plots were still mostly annual weeds (Ed. note: Plot location looked remote to a tree seed source, however.).
It appeared that the difference in rate of succession was caused by a big difference in plant litter deposition on the soil surface between the two locations. Greater litter deposition from the urban site (high carbon dioxide, temperature) prevents germination of small seeded annuals (e.g. ragweed), while promoting larger seeded (usually perennial) species. The city site after 5 years had almost 8 times more plant biomass on it than did the rural site. Eighty-five percent of the city biomass was from invasive species.
Where do we go from here? Invasive plants are invasive, in part, because they lack predators to keep populations in check. Climate therefore, will be a major factor in limiting population establishment and spread of invasive species. Differential response to CO2 may also favor invasive species. As climate and carbon dioxide change, invasive weed populations will change.
These questions still need answers:
Which ones are more likely to increase their range? Why?
How will climate and CO2 alter competition between native and invasive plants?
How can we manage invasive species in the future?
WHAT ELSE? WHAT DO YOU THINK?
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Gentlemen value integrity. Punishment is designed for criminals. Prisoners sentenced to death are the worst villains who are guilty of the most heinous crimes. To die for a just cause and look upon death as going home is much more moral than simply living in an ignoble existence. This extremely high standard is difficult to follow even for a gentleman.
In the sixth year of his reign, Emperor Tai-zong 2 of the Tang dynasty let more than 300 prisoners on death row go home. He stipulated that they must return to be executed at their scheduled time. Thus, he demanded that the worst villains do something that would be difficult even for a gentleman. It turned out that the prisoners all returned at their designated time. Thus, criminals easily accomplished a task that even a gentleman would find hard to do. Is this common to human nature?
Someone might say, "The ones who had committed felonies were truly villains. After Emperor Tai-zong demonstrated beneficence and kindness to them, they were able to become good men. It was beneficence and kindness that entered people's minds so deeply and changed their characters so fast."
I said, "Emperor Tai-zong acted thus simply because he desired to seek fame. He must have thought that the prisoners would expect amnesty upon their return. Was this the reason why he released them? The criminals must have expected to be pardoned upon their return. Was this the reason why they all returned?
Releasing prisoners with the anticipation that they would return was the way Emperor Tai-zong helped prisoners avoid death sentences. Returning and expecting pardon was the way the prisoners helped the emperor gain this undeserved reputation. Thus, I only saw that Emperor Tai-zong and the criminals conspired with each other to steal fame. There was nothing in this event related to granting beneficence and kindness or converting criminals to virtue.
Suppose I am wrong, and it was Emperor Tai-zong's beneficence that made the difference. At the time of releasing the criminals, the emperor had governed beneficently in China for six years. However, he still failed to prevent these criminals from committing the most heinous crimes. To think that his one-day grace could make the prisoners on death row look upon death as going home and make them remain virtuous does not make any sense."
Then what should Emperor Tai-zong have done? I said, "He should have released the prisoners and executed them upon their return. If later he were to release another group of prisoners and give them the same offer, and if they were to return, then it would be possible to infer that their return resulted from his beneficence. However, it is certain that the second group would not return.
Thus, releasing prisoners and pardoning them upon their return can only be done occasionally. If we do it frequently, then all murderers can avoid capital punishment. Can we allow this practice to be established as the permanent law of a nation? A just law would not pardon prisoners frequently. Consequently, the governments of Emperor Yao, Emperor Shun, and the Three Emperors 3 were based on sensibility. They did not do unusual things to distinguish themselves, and did not contradict common practice in search of fame."
1 Yong-shu was Xiu Ou-yang's other first name. In his late years, he called himself Liu-yi-ju-shi (a sixty-one year old Buddhist scholar). He was a native of Lu-ling City in Ji-zhou County (which is either present day Ji-an-xian City or Yong-feng-xian City of Jiang-xi Province). When Xiu Ou-yang was four, his father died. His family was poor and could not afford to purchase writing brushes and paper. His mother taught him by writing words on the ground with a tree branch. In 1030 A.D., Ou-yang passed the Advanced Exam at the age of 24. In 1041 A.D., he became an advisor and then drafted the emperor's edicts. At that time Yan Du, Qi Han, and Zhong-yan Fan resigned their positions as prime minister one after another. He told Emperor Ren-zong that he should have retained these great prime ministers. His words offended the emperor. Consequently, he was demoted to Mayor of Chu-zhou City (present day Chu-xian City of Anhui Province). While he was in Chu-zhou City, he called himself "Old Drunkard". Later, he was transferred to Mayor of Yang-zhou City and then Ying-zhou City. Afterwards, he was reinstated as the member of the Royal Academy. He was appointed by Emperor Ren-zong to revise The History of the Tang Dynasty. In 1060 A.D., he became the Vice President of the Privy Council. In 1061 A.D., he worked closely with the prime minister, Qi Han, to administer state affairs. During the early years of Emperor Shen-zong's reign, he was demoted to Mayor of Bo-zhou City. Later, he was transferred to Mayor of Qing-zhou City and then Cai-zhou City. When he was the imperial tutor of the crown prince, he recruited talented scholars. He retired at Ying-zhou City. After he died, the emperor honored him by giving him the posthumous name "Wen-zhong" (Duke of Loyalty and Literature). In his early years, he loved to read Yu Han's essays. After taking pains to explore them thoroughly, he promoted ancient Chinese literary essays. His campaign for Chinese classics served to demonstrate principles that could be put into practice. All the Chinese scholars became his followers. Whenever he finished writing an essay, he would revise it many times. China's great writers that came after him like Gong Zeng, An-Shi Wang, Dong-po Su and Che Su were all his students. It is difficult to write great essays and it is even more difficult to produce a group of great writers. Here is one story about Ou-yang: When Dong-po Su took the Advanced Exam, Ou-yang was the examiner. In this exam, Su's score was the highest, but Ou-yang put him in the second place and put Gong Zeng in the first place. Ou-yang said, "Su is only twenty-two years old. If I put him in the first place, he might become proud." It turned out that Su became the greatest and the most prolific writer during this period of China's Renaissance.
2 Emperor Tai-zong was the son of Emperor Gao-zu of the Tang dynasty. Shi-ming was Emperor Tai-zong's first name.
3 "The Three Emperors" refers to Emperor Yu of the Xia dynasty, Emperor Tang of the Shang dynasty, and Emperor Wu-wang of the Zhou dynasty.


text:
Q: MenuPickerStyle not working on Mac Catalyst According to the Apple Developer Documentation MenuPickerStyle is defined as:

A picker style that presents the options as a menu when the user presses a button, or as a submenu when nested within a larger menu.

Using an example below, I can get the behaviour I want on iOS, but not when running the same example on Mac Catalyst target, even though the documentation states support for it.
struct ContentView: View {
    enum Fruit: Int, CaseIterable {
        case apple
        case orange
        case plum
    }

    @State private var selectedFruit: Fruit = .apple

    var body: some View {
        Picker("Select a fruit", selection: $selectedFruit) {
            ForEach(Fruit.allCases, id: \.rawValue) { fruit in
                Text(String(describing: fruit).capitalized).tag(fruit)
            }
        }.pickerStyle(MenuPickerStyle())
    }
}

Running this code on macOS displays the actual label and the value, but the actual picker presentation is not working after tapping on the value. Am I missing something here?

A: Only right click works. It's not a bug, it's a feature.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
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Home » The Sugarhill Gang
The Sugarhill Gang
When you mention LEGENDS in the music industry, you have to mention "The Sugarhill Gang". HIP HOPS first superstars and pioneers. The Sugarhill Gang made history in 1979 with their debut 12" Rap Single "Rappers Delight"!! Their song "Rappers Delight" was the first commercial rap record ever made and later went on to become the largest selling 12" single of all time with over 15 Million Records sold!!
The Sugarhill Gang who were put together by legendary Recording Artist/Producer/Record Owner Sylvia Robinson who named the group after her Record Label Sugarhill Records, revolutionized the music industry by introducing a new art form of music and culture throughout the world. Hip hop/rap music has now become a multi billion dollar industry and many record companies and Rap Artist today give The Sugarhill Gang credit for creating this music phenomenon!!
The Sugarhill Gang was the first rap group to tour throughout the world and to appear on national TV shows such as: American Band Stand, Solid Gold, Soul Train and Wonderama, as well as on England's #1 TV show Top of the Pops. In addition, The Sugarhill Gang has received numerous gold and platinum 12" singles and albums status under their belts such as: 8th Wonder, Showdown, Kick It Live From 9 to 5, Livin' In The Fast Lane and Apache. Many artists today have sampled and performed Sugarhill Gang's songs such as: Busta Rhymes,
LL Cool J, Lil Kim, 50 Cent, and Pitbull to name a few.
The classic song "Love Is Strange" By Mickey &
Sylvia (Dirty Dancing Movie) is sampled in the new Pitbull
composition "Back In Time". "Back In Time" is the theme song for the
new movie Men In Black 3 featuring Will Smith.
JayZ and Alicia Keys "Empire State Of mind" which samples The Moments song "Love On A Two Way Street", written and produced by the original queen of hip hop Sylvia Robinson, Kid Rock's most famous song "Bawitaba" which samples "8th Wonder" by The Sugar Hill Gang and "Getting Jiggy With It" by Will Smith to name a few songs from the "Sugarhill Music" stable.
One of the most memorable performances of a Sugarhill Gang song was when Will Smith performed Apache on his TV show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
In 1999, The Sugarhill Gang made history again by recording the first kids Hip Hop Album which was entitled "Jump On It" released on the Rhino/Warner Brothers Record Label and in 2010 Rolling Stone's magazine article "500 of the greatest songs ever recorded"; listed "Rapper's Delight" by The Sugarhill Gang as one of the 500 greatest songs!!
In May 2012, Sugar Hill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" was added To The Library Of Congress National Recording Registry.
Today the Sugarhill Gang is touring more than ever and still selling out venues throughout the world!!
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