STOCKHOLM – Three U.S.-born scientists won the Nobel Prize in physics Tuesday for discovering that the universe is expanding at an accelerating pace, a stunning revelation that suggests the cosmos will eventually freeze to ice.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said American Saul Perlmutter would share the 10 million kronor ($1.5 million) award with U.S.-Australian Brian Schmidt and U.S. scientist Adam Riess. Working in two separate research teams during the 1990s -- Perlmutter in one and Schmidt and Riess in the other -- the scientists raced to map the universe's expansion by analyzing a particular type of supernovas, or exploding stars.
They found that the light emitted by more than 50 distant supernovas was weaker than expected, a sign that the universe was expanding at an accelerating rate, the academy said.
"For almost a century the universe has been known to be expanding as a consequence of the Big Bang about 14 billion years ago," the citation said. "However the discovery that this expansion is accelerating is astounding. If the expansion will continue to speed up the universe will end in ice."
Perlmutter, 52, heads the Supernova Cosmology Project at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and University of California, Berkeley.
Schmidt, 44, is the head of the High-z Supernova Search Team at the Australian National University in Weston Creek, Australia.
Riess, 41, is an astronomy professor at Johns Hopkins University and Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland.
Schmidt said he was just sitting down to have dinner with his family in Canberra, Australia, when the phone call came.
"I was somewhat suspicious when the Swedish voice came on," Schmidt told The Associated Press. "My knees sort of went weak and I had to walk around and sort my senses out."
The academy said the three researchers were stunned by their own discoveries -- they had expected to find that the expansion of the universe was slowing down. But both teams reached the opposite conclusion: faraway galaxies were racing away from each other at an ever-increasing speed.
The discovery was "the biggest shakeup in physics, in my opinion, in the last 30 years," said Phillip Schewe, a physicist and spokesman at the Joint Quantum Institute, which is operated by the University of Maryland and the federal government.
"I remember everyone thinking at the time (that) there was some mistake," Schewe said. But there was no mistake, and in fact the basic finding was confirmed later by other measurements. Other scientists found evidence for it when they analyzed the microwave radiation left over from the big bang that still bathes the universe, he said.
Perlmutter told AP his team made the discovery in steps, analyzing the data and assuming it was wrong.
"And after months, you finally believe it," he said. "It's not quite a surprise anymore. I tell people it's the longest "ah-ha" experience that you've ever had."
An accelerating universe means it will get increasingly colder as matter is spread out across ever-vaster distances in space, said Lars Bergstrom, secretary of the Nobel physics committee. The acceleration is believed to be driven by an unknown cosmic power, called dark energy, one of the great mysteries of the universe.
Fred Dylla, executive director of the American Institute of Physics, said the prize confirmed an idea from Albert Einstein, called the cosmological constant, that Einstein inserted in his general theory of relativity, a cornerstone of modern physics.
Einstein later repudiated that idea as his "biggest blunder," but it did lead to a lot of theoretical and experimental studies, Dylla said.
The research implies that billions of years from now, the universe will become "a very, very large, but very cold and lonely place," said Charles Blue, spokesman for the American Institute of Physics.
In contrast to the big bang, that fate has been called the "big rip" to indicate how galaxies would be torn apart, he said. Galaxies will be flying away so quickly that their light could not travel across the universe to distant observers as it does today, making the sky appear black, he said.
The Nobel committee's comment that the universe would "end in ice" is "an eloquent way of putting it," Blue said.
The physics prize was the second Nobel to be announced this year. On Monday the medicine prize went to American Bruce Beutler and French scientist Jules Hoffmann who shared it with Canadian-born Ralph Steinman for their discoveries about the immune system. Steinman died three days before the announcement, but since his death was not known to the committee, they decided he should keep the Nobel. Since 1974, Nobels have been awarded only to living scientists.
Last year's physics award went to Russian-born scientists Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov for groundbreaking experiments with graphene, the strongest and thinnest material known to mankind.
The prizes are handed out every year on Dec. 10, on the anniversary of Nobel's death in 1896.


Organic food has no nutritional or health benefits over ordinary food, says a major study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine said consumers were paying higher prices for organic food because of its perceived health benefits. But research commissioned by the British government's Food Standards Agency and consisting of a systematic review of 162 scientific papers published over the last 50 years found no significant difference between organic and conventionally raised food.
"Our review indicates that there is currently no evidence to support the selection of organically over conventionally produced foods on the basis of nutritional superiority," said Alan Dangour, one of the report's authors.


Atlas Kv350 cut resistant gloves provide outstanding protection from nicks, cuts and abrasions while allowing maximum flexibility and feel. These standard weight gloves features a 10 gauge Kevlar liner and a rough nitrile palm for an improved, oil-resistant grip. Their open back provides breathability and ergonomic shape increases comfort. Atlas Kv350 cut resistant gloves are ideal for use in glass handling, recycling, bottling and canning, sheet metal work, automotive and fabrication industries.


text:
Glovo announces complete operational shutdown in Egypt and Chile
It looked like Spanish start-up home delivery app Glovo was going to secure a substantial market share in Middle East and Latin America. This no longer appears to be the case following some setbacks in Egypt and Chile.
Glovo, the Spanish start-up founded in Barcelona in 2015. It is an on demand service that purchases, picks-up and delivers anything that is ordered through the app. The service is carried-out in less than an hour by independent couriers, called Glovers. The startup has raised more than $40 million in funding with Rakuten leading their Series B last year.
Barcelona-headquartered startup is already available in more than 60 cities across 9 countries in Europe and South America.
Bye Bye Glovo
For the Egyptian market, it seems like Glovo couldn't stand against the 2 giants recently merged (Uber and Careem). Both have recently introduced motorbikes as a ride option for their users in Cairo which means that it won't be easy for Glovo to keep the competition going against Uber and Careem.
Also Read >> Officially: Careem to become a fully-owned subsidiary of Uber
Although Glovo Egypt was one of the best performing cities and was growing 50% month on month, Uber and Careem drivers are likely to generate more revenues while Glovo has flat delivery rates.
Glovo App – splash screen from an Egyptian operating mobile.
Glovo's Middle East plans is now revolving around Casablanca as the next destination in the Middle East and North Africa. Maybe the brand will be more lucky in the Moroccan market. While expects to be seen in at least 4-5 more countries of the MENA region by the end of 2019.
Last week, the company announced that it will abandon the South American country (Chile) due to some hefty financial losses. The startup has been preparing for its departure over the past few days, which entails letting go of executives and taking down equipment. A complete operational shutdown will take place on Tuesday, April 30 after spending only two years in Chile.
The sudden withdrawal of Glovo came on an agreed deal with the Lakestar (The European Venture Capital), which owns Otlob.com to obtain funding to serve the Spanish startup in the expansion of other regions in exchange for leaving Egypt and Chile.
Glovo raised 150 million Euros after they closed the operation in Egypt. The Spanish delivery startup Glovo said on Tuesday it had raised raises €150 million Series D ($168.08 million) in equity from institutional investors and venture capital funds to finance its international expansion.
The round was led by Lakestar and Drake, along with new investors Idinvest Partners, and Korelya Capital.
Competition Watchdog Orders Glovo back to Egyptian Market

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Today is MLK Day – Will You Get Your Mail?
Andy Rent Published: January 16, 2023
Reg Lancaster/Express/Getty Images
Today is MLK Day honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, and it is a Federal holiday. So, you may be wondering what is closed and what might be open. For one thing, many schools are closed to honor Dr. King.
Silent Prayer Walk And Rally Marks 50th Anniversary Of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Assassination
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
However, to answer your question will I get my mail, no you won't, not today. Post Offices will be closed because of the federal holiday.
The U.S. Postal Service Makes Announcement About Making Its Postal Service Vehicle Fleet Electric
That also means government agencies, banks, and many corporate offices will close for the day. Courts and Federal Offices will be closed, as well as Post Offices, with mail delivery resuming on Tuesday. City, and county offices are closed, the Secretary of State offices are closed as well.
Is anything open? Yes, for sure. Grocery stores, retail stores and restaurants are open.
There are celebrations throughout West Michigan celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King.
Book Release Party For Journalist Jemele Hill
Robin L Marshall/Getty Images
Fox17 reported that in Kalamazoo, at 6 p.m. at Western Michigan University tonight, acclaimed journalist, speaker and podcaster Jemele Hill will be hosting a conversation and community discussion at Miller Auditorium. The event is free, but tickets are required through the university's box office.
Here in Grand Rapids, Princeton University educator Eddie Glaude Jr. will deliver a keynote address at 6 o'clock tonight at Fountain Street Church. Local university presidents will also be on hand to discuss race relations in the U.S. and how Dr. King's teachings apply today. This event is free and open to the public.
The Candied Yam, 2305 44th Street in Grand Rapids, will serve free meals to patrons if they donate food or personal care items to the Kentwood Free Little Pantry.
The Holland Museum is hosting an entire day of activities today for their event, 'MLK Day Celebration: How Can You Change the World?'
And, the Muskegon Museum of Art is honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today with a Free Community Day featuring a movie screening, art and activities.
LOOK: 50 essential civil rights speeches
Many of the speakers had a lifetime commitment to human rights, but one tried to silence an activist lobbying for voting rights, before later signing off on major civil rights legislation. Several fought for freedom for more than one oppressed group.
Keep reading to discover 50 essential civil rights speeches.
Filed Under: dr martin luther king, fountain street church in grand rapids, Jemele Hill, mlk day, western michigan university, what celebrations on mlk day, who is closed on mlk day
Categories: Andy Rent, Events, Grand Rapids News, West Michigan News
Western Michigan Wants New Direction in Football and Fires Head Coach
WMU to Slap Fines on Unvaxxed Students That Miss COVID Testing
There Will Be No Football This Year for EMU, CMU, & WMU
Duane Davis Honored at GRCC
A Western Michigan University Student Has Died From Covid-19
Sexual Assault Reported at Western Michigan University
WMU's Buster Bronco vs. Cedric the Entertainer on 'The Neighborhood'
Why the University of Michigan, MSU, Others Won't Allow Marijuana
WMU Projected to Meet P.J. Fleck and Minnesota in a Bowl Game


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Emerging biotech
Novartis-linked startup launches with technology designed to remove 'destroy' tags on helpful proteins
Vicinitas and its protein-stabilizing research have attracted $65 million from a16Z, Deerfield and other investors.
Jacob Bell Senior Reporter
Vicinitas Therapeutics founder Daniel Nomura Courtesy of Vicinitas Therapeutics
Drug development relies on a few key principles, with one being that, to work, medicines must interact with the right molecules in the body.
But that requirement is difficult to meet. The helpful ingredients in most pharmaceuticals are microscopic. So, too, are their targets. In the relatively enormous spaces that are tissues or the blood, it's rarely guaranteed the pieces needed for a therapeutic reaction will come together.
As such, there's a growing pocket of research focused on designing drugs to overcome this challenge. Vicinitas Therapeutics, a biotechnology company that launched Thursday, is built around this type of research.
Vicinitas wants to stop cells from breaking down beneficial proteins by removing a molecular tag called an ubiquitin chain, which tells them to do just that. Vicinitas has a technology it claims can recruit a special enzyme to remove the tag, thereby stabilizing the protein.
Protein degradation research has "become incredibly hot in biotech and pharma in recent years," said Daniel Nomura, a professor of chemical biology at the University of California, Berkeley, and the founder of Vicinitas. Conversely, Nomura argues there hasn't been as much attention on technologies meant to safeguard or restore proteins.
"There are tons and tons of proteins and diseases where the pathology of the disease is driven by aberrantly degraded proteins, where the protein is lost from the cell," he said. "And if you can stabilize the levels of those proteins and restore their function, then that would enable disease treatment."
Vicinitas is a byproduct of a partnership that began in 2017 between University of California, Berkeley and the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, with the goal of tackling "undruggable" proteins. In February, the company's technology was featured in the journal Nature Chemical Biology, in an article detailing how researchers had discovered a recruiter molecule that, when linked to a drug developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, was able to stabilize — among other kinds of proteins — the mutated one that causes cystic fibrosis.
Nomura said that soon after the publication, there was "tremendous venture capital interest" to invest in a company with this protein-stabilizing technology.
Vicinitas has since raised $65 million in a Series A funding round co-led by the venture firm a16z and the crossover firm Deerfield Management. Also participating in the round were Droia Ventures, The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, the Berkeley Catalyst Fund and Alphabet's venture arm, GV.
Nomura expects the new funds will keep Vicinitas running long enough to hit "value inflection points," when the company will be able to build a "robust" slate of drug programs and expand its technology platform.
He added that Vicinitas is "always looking" for business development deals. "I think that there are plenty of strategic partnerships that could potentially be made," Nomura said, "and we're certainly interested in figuring out what interest there might be."
Initially, Vicinitas will focus on developing therapies for cancer, as well as genetic disorders tied to changes in a single gene. Cystic fibrosis, for example, is a disease the company is "definitely pursuing" following the recent study results published in Nature, Nomura said.
Another area of interest, according to Nomura, is "haploinsufficiency diseases," which arise when there's only one working copy of a gene, leading to inadequate production of a necessary protein.
Vicinitas isn't yet disclosing how many programs it's working on or when the most advanced of them could enter human testing.
Nomura will be part of the Vicinitas leadership team and hold a seat on the company's board. Joining him there are Jorge Conde, a general partner at a16z, Cameron Wheeler, a partner at Deerfield, and George Golumbeski, a partner at Droia Ventures who's well known in the biotech industry for his time at Celgene, where he led dealmaking activities for nearly a decade before the company's eventual $74 billion sale to Bristol Myers Squibb.
Filed Under: Biotech
National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2016). "Human natural killer cell" [Micrograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
Six CAR-T cell therapies are now approved in the U.S., and their continued emergence has helped fueled further research into next-generation approaches.
By BioPharma Dive staff
Sarah Silbiger via Getty Images
5 FDA decisions to watch in the first quarter
An Alzheimer's drug from Eli Lilly, BioMarin's hemophilia gene therapy and a new type of breast cancer treatment are among the top decisions on the agency's docket through the end of March.
By Ben Fidler, Ned Pagliarulo, Jonathan Gardner and Delilah Alvarado • Jan. 9, 2023
Keep up with the story. Subscribe to the BioPharma Dive free daily newsletter
Vial Partners with RecensMedical in Phase III Clinical Trial to Further Ophthalmology Innovati… From Vial
The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) announces location for … From CASTL
Sage Bionetworks Appoints New President From Sage Bionetworks
Cell and Gene Therapy Manufacturing: Current and Future States Webinar - on demand • Provided by Form Bio and PacBio
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Latest in Biotech
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By Gwendolyn Wu


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Founded in 2004, is located in chengdong industry zone Yueqing, Zhejiang province, China. It is a hi-tech enterprise specialized in designing and producing insulation piercing connector, anchor clamp, suspension clamp, waterproof In addition, it has achieved ISO9001 Quality Management system, ISO14001 environmental management system, OHSAS18001 occupational health and safety management system, CE, ROHS and other certificates, as well as many invention and utility model patents in China.


text:
Q: processing date and time information with php and sql Im building a program that grabs date and time information from tweets through the twitter api, my challenge right now is I need to figure out what the best plan is to go about storing a timestamp like this: Fri Jul 16 16:55:52 +0000 2010, into a mysql database and then after they are stored making an sql call to the database ordering them by the most recent date

A: You will want to make the data type on your MySQL field a DATETIME. To insert you need to read the timestamp from Twitter into a PHP -readable timestamp with strtotime(), then convert it to the mysql format with the date() function.
For Example
$mysqlDate = date('Y-m-d H:i:s', strtotime($dateFromTwitter));

A: Turn the date into an valid mysql datetime
date('Y-m-d h:i:s', strtotime("Fri Jul 16 16:55:52 +0000 2010"));

That then needs quoting and inserting into your table:

$sql = "insert into tweets
  (tw,daydate) values ('$tweet',
  '$date');"

Where daydate is a DATETIME field.

A: Using PHP's strtotime() is surely a nice way of doing this but I've found issues working with strtotime() earlier. So perhaps you may like to do this only in MySQL, like:
SELECT STR_TO_DATE(
    CONCAT(
        SUBSTRING('Fri Jul 16 16:55:52 +0000 2010', 1, 20),
        ' ',
        SUBSTRING('Fri Jul 16 16:55:52 +0000 2010', -4)
    ),
'%a %b %d %H:%i:%s %Y');

Please note that when doing so I've ignored the +0000 part of the time-stamp.
Hope this helps.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


The Woodsworth College Alumni Association represents the College's 30,000 plus alumni. It is governed by a board of directors made up of Woodsworth grads.
The Woodsworth College Alumni Association (WCAA) is recruiting for 2019-2020 Board of Director Positions.
As a member of the Board, you will gain exposure to the network, operations, and events of the broader Woodsworth and U of T Community in which you may serve as a representative of the Board and/or College.
Board members also have the opportunity to take on leadership roles by striking and chairing committees in areas of interest and by joining the Board executive team.
Being a member of the board also allows you to act as a representative on other governance bodies of the College and University such as the College of Electors, which elects alumni governors and the Chancellor.
We are seeking to expand the number of positions on the Board from 10 to 15 this year, so it is a great time to get involved.
One of these positions will have a focus on social media and expanding our presence and outreach online.
In an effort to ensure our board represents the programs offered by Woodsworth, we are seeking someone that completed studies on a part-time basis.
We are also seeking someone interested in taking on the role of treasurer in future years.
If you are interested in joining our board, please email a copy of your resume to sean.kiefte@alumni.utoronto.ca by no later than March 11th. Best efforts will be made to interview all candidates from March 18 to April 5.
Please note that successful candidates will be required to attend the Board's Annual General Meeting, where the slate of directors will be affirmed on the evening of May 30, 2019.
To connect, re-connect and engage Woodsworth Alumni, through enriching experiences, with the College and the University communities.
Want to get involved or to find out more?


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Brigadier General Craig Nixon (USA retired) worked for US Central Command (CENTCOM) as the deputy director of operations responsible for force protection from June 2010 until his retirement in August 2011, according to his LinkedIn profile. According to an Army Profile, Nixon spent nearly 30 years in the Army, where he "served in a wide range of assignments including seven tours in special operations units."
A year and a half after leaving government, Nixon joined Academi as the company's Chief Executive Officer. Academi, formerly known as Blackwater and Xe Services, is a private security, law enforcement, and professional military firm originally founded by Erik Prince. The last year he was at CENTCOM the company had received $73.3 million in Department of Defense contracts (click on the "Time" tab for yearly totals). In his role as CEO, Nixon oversaw Academi's merger with several other independent security companies, forming Constellis Holdings in 2014, which calls itself "one of the world's largest private security firms."
According to a fiscal year 2011 report from the Department of Defense, CENTCOM relied heavily on private security contractors in both Afghanistan and Iraq with nearly 10,000 and 21,544, respectively.
Despite the firm's questionable history, Academi still receives federal contracts (click on the "Time" tab for yearly totals).
Nixon did not respond to a request for comment.
In his role as CEO, Nixon oversaw Academi's merger with several other independent security companies, forming Constellis Holdings in 2014."
Director of Operations (Force Protection),
U.S. Central Command,


How can you help your department invest in the right things, at the right time? The way you develop your plan can help clarify what your priorities and goals are — and having clear goals is an important part of being able to achieve those goals.
Start with the basics. The foundation is a business case. You want your company's senior executives, to all levels of employees, to clearly understand what you are trying to achieve with an initiative for a product or service offering.
Build the executive summary first. The content must be on one presentation page. Simply describe what you are trying to achieve, by when, what value it will provide, and what you need to accomplish it.
What is the problem you are trying to solve? Clearly state a brief description of problem statement and how you are planning to address with the initiative.
What are the key objectives? List the top 3 – 5 key objectives the initiative will focus on solving or improving.
What are the key measurable business outcomes? Match line by line the what will result from achieving the objectives. The results should be measurable as in an increase or decrease by "x" or "%". Many refer to these results as key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics.
What are the deliverables and timeline? List the deliverables and when they will be delivered or released to the business. There is nothing more clear to an executive stakeholder than what are we getting and by when. The deliverables should be 3-5 high-level tangible things the initiative will deliver. These deliverables should be broken into things that can be delivered in short time frames, ideally quarterly or less.
How do you align the initiative? List how the initiative aligns with your organization or enterprise strategy and/or goals and if there are complementary efforts within the company that your initiative will have dependencies with.
What are the proposed financial factors? What funding is needed to accomplish the initiative? For example, think about implementation costs, workforce resources, depreciation expense, and ongoing support that is required to operationalize the initiative.
Asking and answering these core questions will build the executive summary. Table 1 below is a sample diagram to get started. The key is to be able to communicate what you are trying to achieve with one slide to start the needed investment and prioritization discussions.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Brief description of problem statement and how you are planning to address with this initiative.


Many of us will make a New Year's resolution for 2015. But have you made one regarding your professional development related to technology? How about listening to a webinar that will provide you with ideas and resources that can help guide the ways in which you, other teachers, and students can increase access to broadband, purchase low-cost equipment, and improve digital literacy skills?
A recording of the Reboot Your Digital Strategy webinar is available by clicking on the link below. See also webinar slides and related links to resources shared in the webinar.
Today's guest post by Jamie Hollier introduces a resource to assist with digital literacy in the classroom: DigitalLearn.org. Discussion on DigitalLearn was included in last week's webinar: "Reboot Your Digital Strategy". If you missed the webinar, you can watch the recording.
Major elements of our society are increasingly moving online. Accomplishing anything these days, from finding a job to engaging with your child's school, requires using the internet. However, according to a recent PEW report, 13% of American adults don't use the internet. That means more than one in ten are not engaged with online tools and content, creating negative impacts both at the personal and societal levels.
Getting online and gaining basic digital skills can be a difficult barrier to overcome for many reasons including limited access to computers and the internet, apprehension about learning new things, and not having support systems such as trainers and tutors to assist with skill attainment. Organizations such as libraries, nonprofits, and community groups are leading the way in providing methods to overcome these barriers and at the forefront of the work to support learners is the role of the adult education teacher. However, many of the tutors and trainers working with adult learners and teaching digital skills often have their own barriers to supporting their learners effectively, including limited time and resources to meet the demands of all their students.
Out of this need for better support and resources for digital literacy trainers, the Public Library Association, with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, created DigitalLearn.org. This site provides both self-directed classes that trainers can leverage for their students and a community where trainers can share tips, tools, and conversation around meeting the needs of digital literacy learners.
The "Learn" portion of the DigitalLearn.org site is a great resource for assisting digital skills learners. It holds a collection of interactive, multimedia classes that even learners with little to no computer skills and low literacy levels could navigate with minimal support from a teacher or tutor. Some of the topics covered in these classes are email basics and search topics including using cloud storage or searching for a job online.
There are currently twelve classes in English and two in Spanish but more are in the queue to be added to the site soon. Once a user has completed a class on the site, they can type in their name and they will get a certificate of completion that they can save or print. All of the classes on DigitalLearn.org are free to access and use in whatever way you would like, wether using them as a practice session for a learner outside of class, as a link from your site, or even just a place to refer learners.
In addition to the "Learn" portion of the site, trainers can connect in the "Teach" portion of the site to share resources, ideas, ask questions, etc. This portion of the site can be accessed through the "Help Learners" button on the homepage and all of the content can be read without logging in. However, if you want to comment or post in this area of the site, you simply need to register and login for that functionality. If you register, you will also be signed up for our email newsletter that is sent out twice a month with articles, blogs, and interviews relevant for the digital literacy community.
As we look toward the future of the DigitalLearn.org site, we will continue to add new classes and fresh content for the community in order to meet the constantly shifting needs of those gaining new digital skills. Your feedback, ideas, and input on the content we focus on moving forward is always welcome and incredibly helpful. Feel free to reach out to Jamie Hollier if you have questions, comments, or ideas for the site.
The Public Library Association (PLA) is a division of the American Library Association. PLA's core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve, and its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Through grant making, policy development, and research, IMLS helps communities and individuals thrive through broad public access to knowledge, cultural heritage, and lifelong learning.
Jamie Hollier is an entrepreneur and consultant who is passionate about technology and how it can be used to create stronger communities. Jamie is the Co-CEO of Anneal, Co-Owner of Commerce Kitchen, and the project manager for DigitalLearn.org for the Public Library Association. She has been honored as a White House "Champion of Change" for her work related to digital literacy and libraries and serves as a board member for the Digital Public Library of America.
Building digital literacy skills with ABE students can seem like a never-ending process. Indeed, the open-endedness of learning to use technology can be frustrating for learners and teachers. Additionally, many learners have difficulty articulating the skills they possess and what they want to learn. The Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment (NDLA) can help address these issues. NDLA is a series of online, interactive assessments that help learners identify skills gaps in several categories of technology literacy: Basic Computer Use, Internet, Windows Operating System, Email, Word Processing/ Microsoft Word, Spreadsheets/ Excel, and Social Media.
The assessments are available in two ways. First, anyone with the link (digitalliteracyassessment.org) can take the assessments. Results pop up immediately upon completion of an assessment, listing the skills the learner has mastered, and providing language the learner can use to describe the skills to an employer.
A second way to take the assessments is at one of the many NDLA sponsoring sites. These sites are Adult Basic Education programs or community based organizations working to build the digital literacy skills of their learners and program participants. For a minimal fee, the sites get a unique URL, access to a database hosting information about assessments given, and the means by which to provide proctored assessments. If a learner successfully completes an assessment at a sponsoring site, he or she can claim a digital badge or be issued a certificate by the participating organization. Working toward the certificate has proven to be incredibly motivating for ABE students taking the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments.
The battery of assessments best fits into programming when teachers use it to confirm skills mastered, rather than using it as a pure diagnostic assessment. Therefore, students should take the tests only after they have received some instruction and had ample time to practice the skills tested.
More information on the history of the assessment, assessment content, and details about how to integrate the assessment into programming can be found on the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment website or in this online article: The Northstar Digital Literacy Project: Community Engagement Initiative.
Webinar Announcement: Reboot Your Digital Strategy!
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) at the U.S. Department of Education are working together to encourage effective collaborations between libraries and federally funded adult education programs. The goal of this joint effort is to enhance the skills, employability, and quality of life of youths and adults with low skills.
On December, 18, 2014, from 1-2:30 pm (ET) IMLS and OCTAE will host the webinar "Reboot your Digital Strategy." This webinar supports state and local level efforts to cross-train staff on digital literacy and builds awareness about national and regional Internet access expansion efforts.
The webinar will feature a welcome by Susan H. Hildreth, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and a panel of representatives from the IMLS, OCTAE, and Everyone On. Learn how your library and adult education program can take advantage of national developments in digital literacy. Register now!
I believe it is essential to identify one's occupational skills and interests in order to seek employment and/or determine where to pursue further training or education. For all job interviews, selling oneself in a 30-second elevator speech requires having self-knowledge and occupational vocabulary. Here's an exercise we did recently in a computer-based ESOL class with intermediate students to begin to develop these skills. The test is really fun and can be used with Adult Basic Education students at many levels.
I use Word to create a Web Quest, an in-class guided lesson with specific links leading to information, then questions students need to answer using higher-order thinking skills.
Preview Holland Codes. What are Holland Codes? Here is the O*NET explanation. Simply put, they are six personality types aligned to specific careers. Finding a career that matches your personality type leads to greater success. Holland Codes are widely used. I have used them with groups of engineering students when I was a career counselor in a university. Our local high school administers it in their classes. O*NET has a Holland section in each job Summary Report. Look at the Summary Report for 25-3011.00 - Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors. Scroll down to Interests to see the Holland Code: SAE.
Teach vocabulary. Include short definitions of Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional, like/dislike, and appeal the most/least.
Take the free test. This consists of fifteen sets of four activities with great clip art and minimal text. Have students print out their results and send them to their own email.
Have a class discussion on the segmented graph of your personality type.
I show my results so that the students can give me career advice.
How close in % were the types?
Pick out the job titles that appeal most from the list of suggested occupations and enter them into O*NET, then scroll down for education needed, Wage and Employment Trends, i.e. salary (and click on the state link to find your state data) and check for "Bright Outlook" - occupations expected to grow rapidly in the next several years.
Prepare for next class. The test results suggest 20 occupations. Have students pick three that they want to investigate further or that they are interested in, even if they didn't show up on the list. This gives the students time to reflect and look up any words they need to know. Individuals may spend a lot of time investigating their top three jobs and the different levels of work within a field. For example, one student compared Physical Therapist, Assistants, and Aides and the links given for each to find training, certifications, and licenses.
As a group, discuss common questions that arise regarding foreign credentials and FAFSA. Some students generate a lot of one-on-one questions, others return and go over occupations in O*NET with a fine tooth comb, exploring the tasks, tools, technology, skill sets, work environment, styles, and values.
I provide and solicit quotations or legends about hope, hard work, and trials. Every culture has one!
We then work in pairs to rehearse answers to a typical job interview question like, "What can you offer us that others cannot?" In front of the whole class, we each make "I am great because..." statements using adjectives from the personality types and tying them to specific examples of personal accomplishments. This becomes the basis for the 30-second elevator speech.
Have you used the Holland Codes in your classroom? Tell us about it in the comments!
JobScout: Take Lessons. Earn Badges. Find Work.
Today's post by Christina Gagnier highlights a free online resource, developed by TRAIL in partnership with California State Library. Adult learners can use Job Scout to improve their digital literacy and look for work at the same time. This resource could be used in a classroom or library setting or as a resource for students to work through at home on their own.
Sixty million Americans do not know how to use the Internet. The ability to open a browser, conduct a search, send an email or connect with an old friend on a social network are all too often taken for granted. Engaging in some of these online activities may not seem critical, but they are fundamental to one's participation in the information economy. Online skills are not only necessary for seeking, applying for and getting today's jobs, but also to take advantage of the growing educational, civic and healthcare advances spurred by broadband.
TRAIL is an online education company dedicated to bringing people their first experience with the Internet. We partner with libraries, schools, social services offices, workforce development centers, and other trusted public institutions to offer our courses and features online. We built JobScout as a way for first-time Internet users to get access to digital literacy skills while allowing them to perform an essential task for many in today's economy, finding work.
JobScout, an online platform designed to get people back to work, teaches necessary Internet skills and job-hunting techniques. JobScout uses social game design to engage users in self-paced, online activities that focus on Internet skills applied in a real life context. Users master these skills to apply online for jobs and use JobScout's social network to collaborate with each other on and offline.
Mapping our lessons to the Basic Digital Literacy Skills Framework developed by the State of California ensures that each individual user is provided with a comprehensive toolkit to approach the job market.
JobScout boasts a custom resume builder and built-in job search function. Users earn badges for completing interactive lessons on everything from using Internet browsers to how to create social network profiles and use them to gain employment. The platform provides opportunities for users to immediately apply the skills they have learned. JobScout also features the "One-Stop Job Shop," a tool that allows users to manage their job application process right through our website.
JobScout is currently provided in two languages, English and Spanish. JobScout is also available for iOS and Android.
Why Did We Use Game Design? People Love Games.
Sixty-seven percent of American households play games. Learning digital literacy and Internet skills should be fun and engaging. The badges, points, and other game elements of JobScout provide users opportunities to experience a sense of accomplishment in learning new abilities and completing tasks. This has worked well with offline training programs.
This is not just about playing a game for the sake of playing a game. Rather than playing a game just to win, JobScout will lead users through activities where the results will be that they 1) have completed a resume, 2) successfully uploaded it, 3) can use online databases to find a job and 4) are collaborating and networking online with peers.
I don't have the Internet. Where can I find JobScout?
JobScout is being used by libraries, school districts, workforce development centers, and community organizations across the United States and is moving internationally. Users can access JobScout 24/7 online by visiting myjobscout.org. For our users who are on the go, the JobScout mobile application can be found in the iTunes and Google Play stores.
Can I use JobScout from Home?
Go to our website, myJobScout.org.
Sign up in a snap. Signing up for JobScout is so easy, you could be done by now. Only limited personal information is required, and we will not use your information for anything other than helping you find work.
Take lessons. Make progress. For every lesson you complete, you'll earn a badge. JobScout lets you track your progress and access games to reinforce the skills you learn.
Find Work. Fully armed with the know-how and confidence to use the Internet to its fullest potential, you'll be on the path to finding work.
Christina Gagnier is a founder and CEO of JobScout (by TRAIL), a unique online platform that teaches people how to use the Internet to find work. Christina is committed to crafting innovative education solutions to help the millions of Americans who are not yet online and to work towards solving the unemployment crisis.
In 2013, Christina was named one of Broadband for America's Faces of Innovation. Christina formerly served as Chief Information Officer at Mobilize.org, a national civic engagement organization dedicated to Millennial Generation advocacy and public policy.
Christina has been at the forefront of efforts to bring awareness to online consumer rights, working on initiatives such as the Social Network Users' Bill of Rights and on issues such as privacy rights and cybersecurity. Christina currently serves on the Board of Directors of Without My Consent, working to protect and provide a path to justice for victims of online harassment.
Christina is also a partner in the firm Gagnier Margossian LLP, leading its technology and Internet practice.
On December, 18, 2014, from 1-2:30 pm (Eastern) IMLS and OCTAE will host the webinar "Reboot your Digital Strategy." This webinar supports state and local level efforts to cross-train staff on digital literacy and builds awareness about national and regional Internet access expansion efforts.
The webinar will feature a welcome by Susan H. Hildreth, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and a panel of representatives from the IMLS, OCTAE, and Everyone On. Learn how your library and adult education program can take advantage of national developments in digital literacy. See JobScout showcased. Register now!


Collinwood is located adjacent to the Natchez Trace Parkway in southern Tennessee at milepost 355.
Located two minutes from the Natchez Trace, Miss Monetta's has two cottages. Cottage 1 can sleep up to six and Cottage 2 can sleep up to five. Breakfast is not included (Cottage 1 has a fully equipped kitchen.). Markets, a couple of restaurants and two grocery stores are nearby.
Located just off the parkway, Collinwood 355 offers travelers two lodging options - a large guest room on street level that can sleep up to five people and a fully furnished apartment upstairs with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living area, fully equipped kitchen, dining area and a covered deck.


The megacorporations operate behind a curtain of digital cover, manipulating the people and the truth through the propaganda and cybernetic network known as The Global Matrix.
m what they would have you believe -- it is not a tightly controlled system. The Matrix a battlefield just like the streets. With less rules, in may ways, if you can believe it.
The average corporate citizen uses the standard SenseTouchHoloMatrix Window UI but that isn't where the real power of the Matrix is. Cyberknights and Net Hacks alike make use of highly modified portable computers capable of accessing the source codes and protocols of the network directly.
This prompt shows that the user has connected to the host and can operate as a guest account on the Host.
This prompt shows that the user has connected to the host and is operating as a valid (or hacked) user account.
This prompt shows that the user has connected to the host as an administrator user.
Be warned, however, security is tight for even authorized users.


The incredible life of "T-Shirt" Larry Farmer came to an end Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 11:52 pm.
He was born June 17, 1942. "T-Shirt" Larry was one of the greatest airbrush artists ever! He touched hundreds of lives all across this country. He will be missed in death by all that knew and loved him. "Rest in Peace" my precious brother. We love you dearly and always will.


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15 Best Upcoming PlayStation 5 Games
2021 is on the way, and there are some extremely exciting PS5 games coming up. PS5 is out, but has not received the games to discover its glory. There is a huge catalogue waiting, with amazing sequels, spooky horrors of survival, and inspiring indie games. We've prepared a list of games for which you should be hyped for. So, be ready to plan your strategic vacation in 2021 to enjoy these titles.
Here's our list of 15 Best Upcoming Playstation 5 Games.
Watch Game Trailer
Publisher(s): Ubisoft Toronto
Genre:(s) Action-Adventure | First-Person Shooter | Open World
A Caribbean island simmering with unprecedented stress is unveiled by Far Cry 6. The game features Actor Giancarlo Esposito as President Anton Castillo. Castillo, the violent tyrant who holds an iron fist over the island of Yara, promising a return to its former glory. With an arsenal of arms and allies at your back, you (as Dani Rojas) will take on the government of Castillo and fight for Yara's future.
You will help stoke the fires of revolution through guerrilla warfare across the island of Yara, from verdant jungles to the urban streets of the capital city, Esperanza. You can use a powerful arsenal of weapons and vehicles to create a network of allies, including Fangs for Hire like Chorizo, the dangerously annoying Wiener dog, to battle alongside you.
As President Castillo prepares his son Diego (played by Anthony Gonzalez) to succeed him, you will do whatever you can to make sure that his plans do not come to fruition.
Publisher(s): Square Enix
Genre(s): Third-Person Shooter | Role-Playing Game
Release Date: February 2, 2021.
Outsiders as a game seems to be the blend of Gears of War, Destiny and Division. Outriders is a 1-3 co-op shooter, set in a dark sci-fi world.
You will build your own Outrider. As civilization bleeds out in the trenches of Enoch, you will embark on a journey across the hostile world. Your Outrider will belong to one of the four special classes, where each class has its own skill-set and offers a diverse style of gameplay. You will leave behind the slums and shantytowns of the First City with rich storytelling spanning a diverse globe, and cross forests, mountains and desert in search of a mysterious signal.
Publisher(s): Lucid Games
Genre(s): Vehicular Combat
Destruction AllStars is a "global sports entertainment event where stars & cars collide" according to Lucid Games. One of the 16 AllStars, each of which has access to unique hero vehicles, is managed by the player. Vehicles are equipped with different weapons and tools, for instance a vehicle is fitted with a blade that can slice opponents in half. The game is a vehicular fighting game in which players have to search for ways to kill opponents' vehicles.
In order to survive, whose car was already lost, will have to navigate the arena on foot and avoid incoming attacks. Although in this scenario, the player character is weak, each AllStar has unique abilities that can turn the combat to their advantage. Some can become invisible, for example, and others can take over the car of an opponent.
Sony revealed that the game will be released in February 2021, and that it would be available to PlayStation Plus subscribers for free during the game's first two months of release.
Publisher(s): Polyphony Digital
Gerne(s): Sim Racing
Release Date: Q1/Q2 of 2021
Gran Turismo 7 as the 8th addition to Gran Turismo series, will mark the return of the GT Simulation Mode, encompassing the long-established and definitive single player campaign feature. Other classic features such as the return of traditional racing tracks and vehicles, Special Events, Championships, Driving School, Tuning Parts Store, Used Cars dealership, GT Auto, while still maintaining the current GT Sport Mode, Brand Central and Discover introduced in Gran Turismo Sport.
The game will take advantage of the DualSense controller, Tempest Engine and dedicated ray tracing hardware from the PlayStation 5 to enable advanced haptic feedback, spatial 3D audio and real-time ray tracing effects, improving the experience of player immersion. The game would have shortened load times and run at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second with support for high dynamic range due to the improved computing capacity and addition of a custom solid state drive storage in the PlayStation 5.
Publisher(s): Capcom
Genre(s): Survival Horror
Some years after Resident Evil 7, starring Ethan and Mia, the next entry in the Resident Evil franchise takes place. Chris Redfield enters the scene and is seen to set off a series of events that sends Ethan desperate for answers to a mysterious village, somewhere in Europe. Oh, and werewolves also tend to feature.
The game is designed on the RE Engine, just like Resident Evil 7, and will be played from a first-person perspective.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Quarantine
Publisher(s): Ubisoft
Genre(s): Tactical Shooter
Release Date: Q1 of 2021
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Quarantine is the fourteenth iteration of the franchise. The game is set several years in the future, and a three-player team has the task to prevent technological parasites.
Inspired by the Outbreak incident, the game will see the return of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege's different gameplay mechanics. It will also use diverse operators, such as Vigil and Ela, from the previous game.
Publisher(s): Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre(s): Action role-playing game
With another adventure, Aloy is back!
Aloy, a young Nora tribe huntress, went on a search to find the origins of a deadly plague that destroys everything it infects at the arcane border known as the Forbidden West. Aloy encounters hostile regions battered by huge storms and populated by dangerous enemies and deadly machines on her journey through these uncharted lands.
The game will explore the mysterious frontier known as the Forbidden West, set in an open world situated in post-apocalyptic California, Utah and Nevada. The map will be larger than the previous game, loaded with secrets from the world of the Old Ones lying underneath the ruins. The game will feature a multitude of famous locations with multiple biomes, including a ruined San Francisco and the Yosemite Valley. The underwater exploration portion is one of the primary additions to the sequel.
Publisher(s): Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Genre(s): Action Role-Playing | Open World
Following a student at Hogwarts, Hogwarts Legacy is set in the late 1800s. At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the player will get to pick their Hogwarts House and attend lessons, and explore an open world consisting of locations like the Forbidden Forest and Hogsmeade Village. The player character can learn in the game to cast different magical spells, concoct potions, tame magical beasts, and master other battle skills. A scheme of morality will also play a role in the game.
Publisher(s): Bethesda Softworks
Genre(s): Action-adventure game | Shooter game
Release Date: June 2021
Deathloop has two opposing assassins trapped in a time loop, with eight targets to be eliminated. One of the assassins, Colt, is hellbent on taking the targets out while Juliana seems to want to protect them from harm. With lots of supernatural-looking elements, we get to see some first-person action and it leaves us keen to learn more.
The game has a multiplayer feature in which Julianna and Colt will enter a random player's game when the player assumes his position and will interfere with their play. The multiplayer portion is optional and players can stop anyone from playing Julianna's role in their game, hence leaving it to a computer-controlled competitor to try to stop Colt.
Chernobylite
Publisher(s): All In! Games
Genre(s): Action | Survival | Horror
The player plays as a scientist formerly working at the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant who, 30 years ago, suffers from the loss of his loved one in the Chernobyl Disaster and returns to the disaster zone to search for his partner. Much of the single-player gameplay revolves around exploring the exclusion zone, collecting supplies and instruments while meeting "Stalkers" and hostile military personnel.
The player is also pressured to make choices that impact the nonlinear story-line. There is also a method of crafting, which helps the player to craft their own weapons and equipment. It is possible for any character to die and any mission to fail. Because of the "chernobylite" generated from the nuclear aftermath, strange supernatural threats often lie deep in the polluted area.
GhostWire: Tokyo
Genre(s): Action-Adventure | Horror
Almost all of the residents of Tokyo have mysteriously disappeared, and the city has been overrun by otherworldly spirits (known as visitors). The supernatural powers of the player character start manifesting. He meets a group wearing Hannya masks as the player battles the spirits haunting the area, who may unveil the mystery behind the strange events in Tokyo.
To combat the ghosts and spirits roaming Tokyo, the player can use different psychic and paranormal powers. The battle was described as "karate meets magic" by Combat Director Shinichiro Hara, as the player character uses hand movements influenced by Kuji-kiri hand gestures to cast spells. The heart is revealed when an opponent loses much of its health and the player can use takedown moves to destroy it, destroying the spirit.
Genre(s): Action Role-Playing
The game's tale takes place sometime after the presumed death of Batman. With the GCPD having become corrupt after the death of James Gordon, there is an uptick in crime and lawlessness in the area, leaving the allies of Batman – Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood as the only ones willing to restore justice to Gotham and prevent it from collapsing into anarchy.
Four playable characters to choose from, Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood; each character has its own unique playstyle and powers, such as being able to teleport through the satellite of the Justice League. The game also features a two-player cooperative multiplayer mode, where the second player can drop in and out at any time without affecting the other one, although it can be played solo.
Publisher(s): IO Interactive
Genre(s): Stealth
In what will be the end to the World of Assassination trilogy, Agent 47 is back in the forthcoming instalment of Hitman.
Hitman 3 is a stealth game played from a third-person viewpoint, like its predecessors, and players once again assume control of assassin Agent 47. Agent 47 can fly to different locations in the game and conduct contracted assassinations of criminal targets across the globe.
The base game features six new locations, including Dubai, which was revealed alongside the game, with the subsequent announcement of Dartmoor and Chongqing. Players who own Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 (2018) will be able to import Hitman 3 maps, levels, and development.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
Publisher(s): Paradox Interactive
Release Date: 1st half of 2021
At the beginning of the game, the player creates his Vampire character. An identity will also be assigned to the character which defines the traits of the character when he was human. The selection process offers a lot of choices.
Once you create your Vampire character be ready to join the night as one of several people assaulted inexplicably in a Mass Embrace, unexpectedly plunged into Seattle's dangerous and brutal vampire politics. Tensions are at an all-time high between the groups in Seattle, and this unsanctioned assault throws the status quo into turmoil. To get to the root of the mystery, an investigation is summoned, and you're the star witness… whether you like it or not.
I.G.I Origins
Publisher(s): Eidos Interactive
1980 is the year. You play the code name "Regent" in the active-duty MI6 service of an agent. Tasked with vital national security duties, Regent will perform a series of missions around the globe in a dramatic, filmy experience that investigates the history of the Institute of Geotactical Intelligence to achieve the aims of Spy paymasters.
Your actions will define the limits of where allies and enemies lie, using a range of weapons and devices at your disposal, as you attempt to discover the truth behind events that lead to world-shattering repercussions.
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Stories of Oxford
Story Tellers in Oxford
Story Makers in Oxford
owys@ecschool.org.uk
Oxford is a melting pot of story telling. Our second topic, from May 18th to June 12th will consider three of Oxford's most famous authors and the worlds they introduced us to.
Kenneth Grahame
The author of the Wind in the Willows who taught us the joy of life by the river and messing about in boats attended St Edward's school in Oxford and is buried in Holywell Cemetery. Follow Ratty, Mole, Badger as they support their wayward but winsome friend, Toad.
CS Lewis
The author who taught us to entertain the possibility of a world beyond the wardrobe but not to shut the door behind us, studied, taught and wrote in this city. Follow his footsteps from Headington Quarry to Magdalen College.
The creator of Middle Earth, Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and Elvish created the world of the Hobbit while marking exam papers at Pembroke College. Learn more about the mythical spheres he created and his love of words and language.
©2020 by Emmanuel Christian School.
All artwork © Tim Steward.
Other images Creative Commons.


US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross could be the next member of the Trump administration on the chopping block, according to reports on Friday.
However, her ascension to the role may be dependent on the gusto with which the newly Democrat-dominated House of Representatives opts to investigate unanswered questions about Ross' finances.
These myriad accusations, and numerous others, led Joe Nocera to write in Bloomberg that Ross may be "Trump's most corrupt cabinet member".


Thanks for all the adivce. Please continue to say thinggsbI can do. I am very grateful for all of you commented.
Hey people of the Internet! Now I'm NOT typing to plug my Youtube channel, but check it out and please tell me what I could improve. It will be greatly appreciated and I will give you a shoutout if is a response I like. Im not picky about that kind of stuff. (My YouTube link is https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCX_lEk6Ba3UTBbWPNFBKMjg ) Don't be shy I can take whatever y'all have to say as long as it's appropriate! I also need video ideas!!! Anything (minus the list below) helps! Videos I will no do: Mod, texture pack, reasource pack, or server showcases Thank you sooo much!


Florida is one of the major tourist destinations for visitors in the world. The beaches, entertainment and weather serve as backdrops for all ages. There are so many great hotels that selecting a place to stay issues a challenge. Miami, Key West and Panama City offer a sampling of the possibilities for visitors to Florida if they want to bypass the theme parks in Orlando.
Miami is a major destination for many travelers, with Miami's South Beach area a favored destination for hotels, shops, restaurants, clubs and entertainment. The Miami area is packed with activities for all ages.
One of Miami's great hotels is the Palms Hotel and Spa, with decor and amenities that recall Miami Beach's tradition of luxury highlighted by modern decor. The Palms Spa offers the latest in spa treatments, such as the Walnut Body Polish, Caribbean Therapy and Aqua Salt Glow.
For breakfast, lunch or dinner, the hotel's Essensia Restaurant and Lounge serves gourmet meals for a stylish dining experience. Guests who enjoy informal dining and beverages go to the Tiki Bar, next to the hotel pool. The surrounding palm trees and the Atlantic Ocean beach combine for the ultimate Miami Beach experience.
The ocean provides opportunities for deep sea fishing, diving, snorkeling and parasailing. Other water-related action includes windsurfing, kayaking, wave running or swimming with dolphins. Visitors go to Everglades National Park for skydiving or airboat rides.
The Miami Beach Boardwalk and classic Art Deco architecture reminds visitors of the the area's continuing heritage. Other activities are eco tours, the Miami Metro Zoo, Miami Seaquarium, Lion Country Safari and Parrot Jungle Island.
Key West attracts visitors seeking an island experience, while still within touch of the mainland. Only 90 miles from Cuba, Key West blends the cultures of two countries. Many visitors come to Key West for the famed deep sea fishing or sailing.
The Crowne Plaza Key West, La Concha embodies the history and ambiance of Key West. Dating from 1926, this National Historic Landmark remains part of the heart of Key West's Historic District.
Close to beaches, restaurants, shopping and museums, the hotel includes a pool, fitness center, and roof-top observation deck for sunrises over the Atlantic and sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
The rooms are decorated in vintage design, mixed with modern amenities. Many of the rooms have French doors leading to balconies overlooking Duval Street. Hotel guests have access to the city's Old Town, Duval Street and Mallory Square. The shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and cafes continue the Key West tradition of culture, arts and adventure.
The area's many coral reefs and shipwrecks provide underwater scenery for scuba diving and snorkeling. Dolphin sighting is a favorite activity. Entertainment destinations include Ripley's Believe It or Not and Key West Aquarium.
Key West holds many historical sites, including Fort Zachary Taylor and the Ernest Hemingway House. Another famous writer who made Key West his home was Tennessee Williams, who worked on his masterpiece "A Streetcar Named Desire" while staying at La Concha Hotel.
Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, Panama City is famous for sugar-white sandy beaches and emerald-green water. Rated among the best beach destinations in the world, numerous hotels line almost 30 miles along the Gulf Coast. Visitors come for the surf and swimming, sailing, fishing, parasailing, jet skiing and golfing.
The Holiday Inn Resort Beachfront Hotel and Family Resort offers restaurants, a fitness center, steam room, sauna, hot tub, waterfall pool and children's pool. All rooms have balconies facing the Gulf of Mexico.
Families can stay in the Kids' Suites. The adults have a queen-sized bed and a partition sets off the kids' section with two twin beds. Each section has its own television. The room comes with a full-sized refrigerator, microwave oven and other amenities to make guests feel at home.
Dashwood, Teresa. "Great Hotels to Stay at in Florida." Travel Tips - USA Today, https://traveltips.usatoday.com/great-hotels-stay-florida-38562.html. Accessed 23 April 2019.


Alibaba is said to be close to buying out Snapdeal, the second largest e-commerce site in India.
Chinese e-commerce behemoth Alibaba (BABA - Get Report) isn't ready to lose out on the Indian e-commerce market just yet.
Alibaba is in talks to acquire Snapdeal, the second largest e-commerce firm in India behind Flipkart, Indian news site Factor Daily reported on Thursday.
Alibaba however, has been a little late to the party and its delayed start in India has given Amazon (AMZN - Get Report) the chance to claim a significant portion of the $23 billion e-commerce market. Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos has poured $5 billion into the expansion of Amazon India so far, a move that has caused both Flipkart and Snapdeal to lose steam.
Hangzhou, China-based Alibaba was reported to have been in talks with Flipkart for a potential buyout but it seems like the talks have fallen through as Alibaba takes an interest in acquiring Snapdeal, which has raised over $1.76 billion in 12 funding rounds.
In a rush to establish itself in the region, Alibaba announced in September 2015 that it had acquired a 40% stake in India-based online payments company Paytm, which allows online shoppers to pay for purchases without having to use credit cards or cash much like Alibaba's own Alipay, a strategy likely to work well under India's newly implemented demonetization policy.
As Alibaba builds up its presence in the country through acquisitions and Amazon continues to pour huge investments in the region, experts believe that it will be a long and hard battle among the four big players.
"There is only so much a Flipkart or Snapdeal can fight by reducing costs and lowering margins. I don't see the Indian market as being able to sustain two big domestic players and 1 big international player," said Anindya Ghose, Professor of Marketing at New York University's Leonard N. Stern School of Business.
"They will exist but they will keep bleeding. In about 2 years, I believe the Indian market will consolidate into 1 international and 1 domestic player. So it will be Amazon and either Flipkart or Snapdeal," said Ghose.
A deal between Alibaba and Snapdeal, if reached on consensus of valuation, would add oil on troubled waters for India's largest e-commerce site Flipkart, which just received a 38% slash of its valuation by a Morgan Stanley fund on Wednesday.