text:
// Type definitions for node-mysql-wrapper
// Project: https://github.com/nodets/node-mysql-wrapper
// Definitions by: Makis Maropoulos <https://github.com/kataras>
// Definitions: https://github.com/borisyankov/DefinitelyTyped

///<reference path='./../mysql/mysql.d.ts' />
///<reference path='./../bluebird/bluebird.d.ts' />

declare module "node-mysql-wrapper" {
    import * as Mysql from 'mysql';
    import * as Promise from 'bluebird';
    import {EventEmitter} from 'events';

    var EQUAL_TO_PROPERTY_SYMBOL: string;
    var TABLE_RULES_PROPERTY: string;

    type DeleteAnswer = {
        affectedRows: number;
        table: string;
    };

    type RawRules = {
        table: string,
        begin: string,
        orderBy: string,
        orderByDesc: string,
        groupBy: string,
        limit: number, // limit = limitStart  =0 and limitEnd = limit.
        limitStart: number,
        limitEnd: number,
        end: string

    };

    type TableToSearchPart = { tableName: string, propertyName: string };

    interface Map<T> {
        [index: string]: T;
    }

    interface IQuery<T> {
        _table: Table<T>;
        execute(rawCriteria: any, callback?: (_results: any) => any): Promise<any>;
    }

    interface IQueryConstructor<T> {
        new (_table: Table<T>): IQuery<T>;
    }

    class Helper {
        /**
         * Callback like forEach
         * @name valueCallback
         * @function
         * @param {T} the value of the object's key
         * @returnTye {U}
         * @return {U}
        */

        /**
         * Callback like forEach
         * @name keyCallback
         * @function
         * @param {string} the name of the object's key
         * @returnTye {U}
         * @return {U}
        */

        constructor();

        /**
         * Create and return a copy of an object.
         * @param {T} object the object you want to copy.
         * @returnType {T}
         * @return {T}
         */
        static copyObject<T>(object: T): T;

        /**
         * Converts any_string to anyString and returns it.
         * @param {string} columnKey the string you want to convert.
         * @returnType {string}
         * @return {string}
         */
        static toObjectProperty(columnKey: string): string;

        /**
         * Converts anyString to any_string and returns it.
         * @param {string} objectKey the string you want to convert.
         * @returnType {string}
         * @return {string}
         */
        static toRowProperty(objectKey: string): string;

        /**
         * Iterate object's keys and return their values to the callback.
         * @param {Map<T>} map the object.
         * @param {valueCallback}
         * @returnType {U}
         * @return {U}
         */
        static forEachValue<T, U>(map: Map<T>, callback: (value: T) => U): U;

        /**
        * Iterate object's keys and return their names to the callback.
        * @param {Map<T>} map the object.
        * @param {keyCallback}
        * @returnType {U}
        * @return {U}
        */

        static forEachKey<T, U>(map: Map<T>, callback: (key: string) => U): U;

        /**
         * Checks if anything is a function.
         * @param {functionToCheck} the object or function to pass
         * @return boolean
         */
        static isFunction(functionToCheck: any): boolean;

        /**
         * Checks if an object has 'tableRules' property.
         * @param {obj} the object to pass
         * @return boolean
         */
        static hasRules(obj: any): boolean;
    }

    interface ICriteriaParts {
        rawCriteriaObject: any;
        tables: TableToSearchPart[];
        noDatabaseProperties: string[];
        whereClause: string;

        selectFromClause<T>(_table: Table<T>): string;

    }

    class CriteriaParts implements ICriteriaParts {

        /**
         * The raw format of the criteria eg: {yearsOld:22}.
         */
        rawCriteriaObject: any;

        /**
         * Which tables to search after the find method of the proto table finish.
         */
        tables: TableToSearchPart[];

        /**
         * The properties of the criteria which don't belong to the database's table.
         */
        noDatabaseProperties: string[];

        /**
         * The converted/exported where clause.
         */
        whereClause: string;

        constructor(rawCriteriaObject: any, tables: TableToSearchPart[], noDatabaseProperties: string[], whereClause: string);

        selectFromClause<T>(_table: Table<T>): string;
    }

    class CriteriaDivider<T> {
        private _table;
        constructor(table: Table<T>);

        /**
         * Builds the criteria raw object to Criteria object.
         * @param {any} rawCriteriaObject the criteria at raw format you pass eg: {yearsOld:18}.
         * @returnType {Criteria}
         * @return {Criteria}
         */
        build(rawCriteriaObject: any): CriteriaParts;
    }

    class SelectQueryRules {
        private lastPropertyClauseName: string;
        manuallyEndClause: string;
        manuallyBeginClause: string;
        exceptColumns: string[];
        orderByColumn: string;
        orderByDescColumn: string;
        groupByColumn: string;
        limitStart: number;
        limitEnd: number;
        public tableName: string; //auto den benei oute sto last, oute sto from.
        static build(): SelectQueryRules;
        private last(propertyClauseName);
        except(...columns: string[]): SelectQueryRules;

        /**
         * Same as .except(...columns)
         */
        exclude(...columns: string[]): SelectQueryRules;

        orderBy(columnKey: string, descending?: boolean): SelectQueryRules;
        groupBy(columnKey: string): SelectQueryRules;
        limit(limitRowsOrStart: number, limitEnd?: number): SelectQueryRules;
        appendToBegin(manualAfterWhereString: string): SelectQueryRules;
        appendToEnd(manualAfterWhereString: string): SelectQueryRules;
        append(appendToCurrent: string): SelectQueryRules;
        clearOrderBy(): SelectQueryRules;
        clearGroupBy(): SelectQueryRules;
        clearLimit(): SelectQueryRules;
        clearEndClause(): SelectQueryRules;
        clearBeginClause(): SelectQueryRules;
        clear(): SelectQueryRules;
        from(parentRule: SelectQueryRules): SelectQueryRules;
        isEmpty(): boolean;
        toString(): string;
        toRawObject(): RawRules;
        static toString(rules: SelectQueryRules): string;
        static toRawObject(rules: SelectQueryRules): RawRules;
        static fromRawObject(obj: RawRules): SelectQueryRules;
    }

    class CriteriaBuilder<T>{

        private rawCriteria: any;
        private primaryTable: Table<T>;
        private parentBuilder: CriteriaBuilder<any>;

        constructor(primaryTable: Table<T>); //to arxiko apo to Table.ts 9a benei
        constructor(primaryTable: Table<T>, tableName: string, parentBuilder: CriteriaBuilder<any>);// auta 9a benoun apo to parent select query.
        constructor(primaryTable: Table<T>, tablePropertyName?: string, parentBuilder?: CriteriaBuilder<any>);

        except(...columns: string[]): CriteriaBuilder<T>;

        /**
	    * Same as .except(...columns)
	    */
        exclude(...columns: string[]): CriteriaBuilder<T>;

        where(key: string, value: any): CriteriaBuilder<T>;

        private createRulesIfNotExists(): void;

        orderBy(column: string, desceding?: boolean): CriteriaBuilder<T>;

        limit(start: number, end?: number): CriteriaBuilder<T>;

        join(realTableName: string, foreignColumnName: string): CriteriaBuilder<T>;

        joinAs(tableNameProperty: string, realTableName: string, foreignColumnName: string): CriteriaBuilder<T>;

        at(tableNameProperty: string): CriteriaBuilder<T>;

        parent(): CriteriaBuilder<T>;

        original(): CriteriaBuilder<T>;

        /**
         * Auto kanei kuklous mexri na paei sto primary table kai ekei na epistrepsei to sunoliko raw criteria gia execute i kati allo.
         */
        build(): any;

        static from<T>(table: Table<T>): CriteriaBuilder<T>

    }

    class SelectQuery<T> implements IQuery<T> { // T for Table's result type.

        _table: Table<T>
        constructor(_table: Table<T>);

        private parseQueryResult(result: any, criteria: ICriteriaParts): Promise<any>;

        /**
         * Executes the select and returns the Promise.
         */
        promise(rawCriteria: any, callback?: (_results: T[]) => any): Promise<T[]>;

        /**
         * Exactly the same thing as promise().
         * Executes the select and returns the Promise.
        */
        execute(rawCriteria: any, callback?: (_results: T[]) => any): Promise<T[]>;
    }

    class SaveQuery<T> implements IQuery<T> {

        _table: Table<T>
        constructor(_table: Table<T>);

        execute(criteriaRawJsObject: any, callback?: (_result: T | any) => any): Promise<T | any>;
    }

    class DeleteQuery<T> implements IQuery<T>{

        _table: Table<T>
        constructor(_table: Table<T>);

        execute(criteriaOrID: any | number | string, callback?: (_result: DeleteAnswer) => any): Promise<DeleteAnswer>;
    }

    class Connection extends EventEmitter {

        /**
         * The real database connection socket.
         */
        connection: Mysql.IConnection;

        /**
         * Collection of the supported event types for the tables.
         */
        eventTypes: string[];

        /**
         * Force to fetch ONLY these Database table names {array of string}.
         */
        tableNamesToUseOnly: any[];

        /**
         * All tables {MysqlTable} inside this connection's database.
         */
        tables: Table<any>[];

        constructor(connection: string | Mysql.IConnection);

        /**
         * Creates the MysqlConnection from the connection url or the real connection object.
         * @param {string | Mysql.IConnection} connection the connection url or the real connection object.
         * @returnType {nothing}
         * @return {nothing}
         */
        create(connection: string | Mysql.IConnection): void;

        /**
         * Attach a real connection.
         * @param {Mysql.IConnection} connection the real connection object.
         * @returnType {nothing}
         * @return {nothing}
         */
        attach(connection: Mysql.IConnection): void;

        /**
         * Close the entire real connection and remove all event's listeners (if exist).
         * @param {function} callback If error occurs when closing the connection, this callback has the responsibility to catch it.
         * @returnType {nothing}
         * @return {nothing}
         */
        end(callback?: (error: any) => void): void;

        /**
         * Close the entire real connection and remove all event's listeners (if exist).
         * the difference from the 'end' is that this method doesn't care about errors so no callback passing here.
         */
        destroy(): void;

        /**
         * Link the real connection with this MysqlConnection object.
         * @param {function} readyCallback when the link operation is done this callback is executed.
         * @returnType {Promise}
         * @return {Promise}
         */
        link(readyCallback?: () => void): Promise<void>;

        /**
         * Force to use/fetch information from only certain of database's tables, otherwise all database's tables information will be fetched.
         * @param {Array} tables the array of the tables  {string}
         * @returnType {nothing}
         * @return {nothing}
         */
        useOnly(...tables: any[]): void;

        /**
         * This method has the resposibility of fetching the correct tables from the database ( table = columns' names, primary key name).
         * @returnType {Promise}
         * @return {Promise}
         */
        fetchDatabaseInfornation(): Promise<void>;

        /**
         * Escape the query column's value  and return it.
         * @param {string} val the value which will be escaped.
         * @returnType {string}
         * @return {string}
         */
        escape(val: string): string;

        /**
         * Call when must notify the Database events, SAVE(INSERT,UPDATE), REMOVE(DELETE).
         * @param {string} tableWhichCalled the table name which event is coming from.
         * @param {string} queryStr the full parsed query string which used to determinate the type of event to notify.
         * @param {any[]} parsedResults the parsed results (results after a method parse/edit/export them as objects), these are passing to the watch listener(s).
         * @returnType {nothing}
         * @return {nothing}
         */
        notice(tableWhichCalled: string, queryStr: string, parsedResults: any[]): void;

        /**
         * Adds an event listener/watcher on a table for a 'database event'.
         * @param {string} tableName the table name which you want to add the event listener.
         * @param {string or string[]} evtType the event(s) type you want to watch, one of these(string) or an array of them(string[]): ["INSERT", "UPDATE", "REMOVE", "SAVE"].
         * @param {function} callback Callback which has one parameter(typeof any[]) which filled by the parsedResults (results after query executed and exports to object(s)).
         * @returnType {nothing}
         * @return {nothing}
         */
        watch(tableName: string, evtType: any, callback: (parsedResults: any[]) => void): void;

        /**
         * Removes an event listener/watcher from a table for a specific event type.
         * @param {string} tableName the table name which you want to remove the event listener.
         * @param {string} evtType the Event type you want to remove, one of these: "INSERT", "UPDATE", "REMOVE", "SAVE".
         * @param {function} callbackToRemove the callback that you were used for watch this event type.
         * @returnType {nothing}
         * @return {nothing}
         */
        unwatch(tableName: string, evtType: string, callbackToRemove: (parsedResults: any[]) => void): void;

        /**
         * Executes a database query.
         * @param {string} queryStr the query text/string to be executed.
         * @param {function} callback the function will be called and fill the one and only parameter when an errors occurs.
         * @param {any[]} queryArguments (optional) the query arguments you want to pass into query. ['arg1','arg2']...
         * @returnType {nothing}
         * @return {nothing}
         */
        query(queryStr: string, callback: (err: Mysql.IError, results: any) => any, queryArguments?: any[]): void;

        /**
         * Returns a MysqlTable object from the database factory. (Note: this method doesn't create anything, just finds and returns the correct table, you don't have to create anything at all. Tables are fetched by the library itself.)
         * If you are using typescript you can pass a class (generic<T>) in order to use the auto completion assistance on table's results methods(find,findById,findAll,save,remove,safeRemove).
         * @param {string} tableName the table name which you want to get, on the form of: 'anyDatabaseTable' OR 'any_database_table' (possible your real table name into your database).
         * @returnType {MysqlTable}
         * @return {MysqlTable}
         */
        table<T>(tableName: string): Table<T>;
    }

    class Table<T> {
        private _name: string;
        private _connection: Connection;
        private _columns: string[];
        private _primaryKey: string;
        private _criteriaDivider: CriteriaDivider<T>;
        private _rules: SelectQueryRules;
        private _selectQuery: SelectQuery<T>
        private _saveQuery: SaveQuery<T>;
        private _deleteQuery: DeleteQuery<T>;
        constructor(tableName: string, connection: Connection);

        /**
         * An array of all columns' names inside this table.
         */
        columns: string[];

        /**
         * The name of the primary key column which this table is using.
         */
        primaryKey: string;

        /**
         * The MysqlConnection object which this MysqlTable belongs.
         */
        connection: Connection;

        /**
         * The real database name of the table. Autofilled by library.
         */
        name: string;

        /**
         * Set of the query rules that will be applied after the 'where clause' on each select query executed by this table.
         * @return {SelectQueryRules}
         */
        rules: SelectQueryRules;

        /**
         * Returns this table's criteria divider class.
         * @return {CriteriaDivider}
         */
        criteriaDivider: CriteriaDivider<T>;

        /**
         * Returns new Criteria Builder each time.
         * Helps you  to make criteria raw js objects ready to use in find,remove and save methods.
         * @return {CriteriaBuilder}
         */
        criteria: CriteriaBuilder<T>;

        /**
        * Adds or turn on an event listener/watcher on a table for a 'database event'.
        * @param {string} evtType the event type you want to watch, one of these: ["INSERT", "UPDATE", "REMOVE", "SAVE"].
        * @param {function} callback Callback which has one parameter(typeof any[]) which filled by the parsedResults (results after query executed and exports to object(s)).
        * @returnType {nothing}
        * @return {nothing}
        */
        on(evtType: string, callback: (parsedResults: any[]) => void): void;

        /**
         * Removes or turn off an event listener/watcher from a table for a specific event type.
         * @param {string} evtType the Event type you want to remove, one of these: "INSERT", "UPDATE", "REMOVE", "SAVE".
         * @param {function} callbackToRemove the callback that you were used for watch this event type.
         * @returnType {nothing}
         * @return {nothing}
         */
        off(evtType: string, callbackToRemove: (parsedResults: any[]) => void): void;

        /**
         * Use it when you want to check if extended function is exists here.
         * @param {string} extendedFunctionName the name of the function you want to check.
         * @returnType {boolean}
         * @return {boolean}
         */
        has(extendedFunctionName: string): boolean;

        /**
         * Extends this table's capabilities with a function.
         * @param {string} functionName the function name you want to use, this is used when you want to call this function later.
         * @param {function} theFunction the function with any optional parameters you want to pass along.
         * @returnType {nothing}
         * @return {nothing}
         */
        extend(functionName: string, theFunction: (...args: any[]) => any): void;

        /**
         * Converts and returns an object from this form: { a_property:'dsda', other_property:something, any_property_name:true } to { aProperty:..., otherProperty...,anyPropertyName...}
         * @param {any} row the raw row object.
         * @returnType {any}
         * @return {any}
         */
        objectFromRow(row: any): any;

        /**
         * Converts and returns an object from this form: { aProperty:'dsda', otherProperty:something, anyPropertyName:true } to { a_property:..., other_property...,any_property_name...}
         * @param {any} row the raw row object.
         * @returnType {any}
         * @return {any}
         */
        rowFromObject(obj: any): any;

        /**
         * Returns and array of [columns[],values[]]
         * @param {any} jsObject the raw row object.
         * @returnType {array}
         * @return {array}
         */
        getRowAsArray(jsObject: any): Array<any>;

        /**
         * Returns the primary key's value from an object.
         * @param {any} jsObject the object which you want to find and return the value of the primary key.
         * @returnType {number | string}
         * @return {number | string}
         */
        getPrimaryKeyValue(jsObject: any): number | string;

        /**
         *
         */
        find(criteriaRawJsObject: any): Promise<T[]>; // only criteria
        find(criteriaRawJsObject: any, callback: ((_results: T[]) => any)): Promise<T[]>; // criteria and callback
        find(criteriaRawJsObject: any, callback?: (_results: T[]) => any): Promise<T[]>;

        findSingle(criteriaRawJsObject: any, callback?: (_result: T) => any): Promise<T>;

        findById(id: number|string): Promise<T>; // without callback
        findById(id: number | string, callback?: (result: T) => any): Promise<T>;

        findAll(): Promise<T[]>; // only criteria and promise
        findAll(tableRules: RawRules): Promise<T[]> // only rules and promise
        findAll(tableRules?: RawRules, callback?: (_results: T[]) => any): Promise<T[]>;

        save(criteriaRawJsObject: any): Promise<any>; //without callback
        save(criteriaRawJsObject: any, callback?: (_result: any) => any): Promise<any>;

        remove(id: number | string): Promise<DeleteAnswer>; // ID without callback
        remove(criteriaRawObject: any): Promise<DeleteAnswer>; // criteria obj without callback
        remove(criteriaOrID: any | number | string, callback?: (_result: DeleteAnswer) => any): Promise<DeleteAnswer>;

    }

    class Wrapper {
        connection: Connection;
        readyListenerCallbacks: Function[];
        constructor(connection?: Connection);
        static when(..._promises: Promise<any>[]): Promise<any>;
        setConnection(connection: Connection): void;

        /**
         * Force to use/fetch information from only certain of database's tables, otherwise all database's tables information will be fetched.
         * @param {Array} tables the array of the tables  {string}
         * @returnType {nothing}
         * @return {nothing}
         */
        useOnly(...useTables: any[]): void;

        has(tableName: string, functionName?: string): boolean;
        ready(callback: () => void): void;
        table<T>(tableName: string): Table<T>;
        noticeReady(): void;
        removeReadyListener(callback: () => void): void;
        query(queryStr: string, callback: (err: Mysql.IError, results: any) => any, queryArguments?: any[]): void;

        /**
        * Close the entire real connection and remove all event's listeners (if exist).
        * the difference from the 'end' is that this method doesn't care about errors so no callback passing here.
        */
        destroy(): void;

        /**
       * Close the entire real connection and remove all event's listeners (if exist).
       * @param {function} maybeAcallbackError If error occurs when closing the connection, this callback has the responsibility to catch it.
       * @returnType {nothing}
       * @return {nothing}
       */
        end(maybeAcallbackError: (err: any) => void): void;

        newTableRules(tableName: string): SelectQueryRules;

        buildRules(): SelectQueryRules;
        buildRules(parentRules?: SelectQueryRules): SelectQueryRules;
    }

    function wrap(mysqlUrlOrObjectOrMysqlAlreadyConnection: Mysql.IConnection | string, ...useTables: any[]): Wrapper;
}


text:
About GRBR
The mission of The Great Reno Balloon Race is to provide a premier, safe, family-oriented/tourist-attractive, visually dramatic event that celebrates the joy of flight while remaining free to the public.
The Great Reno Balloon Race is the world's largest free hot-air ballooning event. During four days in early September, you can look up into the Reno skies and see a rainbow of hot air balloons soaring about. From its humble beginnings in 1982 with just 20 balloons, The Great Reno Balloon Race has taken flight with up to 100 balloons each year. The idea was to create an event that would keep visitors in town the weekend between the State Fair and the Reno Air Races and 38 years later, it is known as a world-renowned, and locally, a beloved community tradition.
Taking place just a few miles north of downtown Reno, the event enchants both young and old with its vibrant colors and inspiring music. The Great Reno Balloon Race has won many awards over the years, including 'Best Special Event in Reno' and 'Best Special Event in Northern Nevada.' With an average of 120,000 spectators attending the event each year, the number of lives touched by the beautiful spectacle continues to rise just like the balloons themselves.
Stand-Out Moments in GRBR History:
1998: Addition of the Glow Show, which was added to offer spectators an attraction as they wait for Dawn Patrol on Saturday and Sunday. The Glow Show begins at 5 a.m.
1999: Washoe County school children get involved with the event in the E.L. Cord Tissue Paper Balloon Launch. This event gives school children a chance to positively interact with their community. One of the major goals of this project is to make sure that no funding comes out of the pocket of schools or teachers.
-The thrill of winning big goes airborne as the Biggest Little City in the World hosts the biggest card game, Balloon Blackjack.
2001: The Great Reno Balloon Race celebrated its 20th Anniversary with the Birthday Cake balloon.
2002: ABC's Good Morning America appeared at The Great Reno Balloon Race for live cut-ins of Dawn Patrol during their Friday morning show.
2003: The Great Reno Balloon Race hit record attendance with over 140,000 spectators attending the three-day event. Also, Serena's Song, the only wheelchair accessible balloon in the United States, offered free tethered rides for wheelchair usage and people with disabilities throughout the weekend.
2007: CNN attended the event and The Great Reno Balloon Race also got coverage in worldwide media, including Prestige Hong Kong, Every Day with Rachel Ray and The History Channel Magazine. National Championship Air Race becomes a sponsor and performs a T-6 formation fly over during the singing of the National Anthem.
2008: The Great Reno Balloon Race hosted the World's Largest Pajama Party which encouraged spectators to attend in pajamas with their best (and worst) bed-head.
2009:"Rolling Pilot," Michael Glen, the first paraplegic hot-air balloon pilot in the world, flew in the Balloon Race.
-For the first time, Brian Jones flew a hot-air replica of his helium balloon, the Orbiter 3 at the Balloon Race. The Orbiter 3 was the first balloon to fly around the world nonstop.
2011: The Darth Vader balloon made his first appearance to the event. The balloon gave way to Star Wars themed activities and contests and also brought in an entourage of Storm Troopers and included Darth himself!
2012: GRBR introduced the Cloud 9 VIP Club! For the first time spectators could have a front-row seat to the event with a heated tent, catered breakfast and much more!
2013: This marks the introduction of the Friday Super Glow Show. See upwards of 25 balloons twinkling and glowing to music across the field!
2019: GRBR expands Dawn Patrol to take flight during all three days of the event!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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François de Nicolaÿ, comte de Nicolaÿ, né le  au château du Lude et mort le  au Lude, est un aristocrate et homme politique français.

Biographie
Descendant d'Aimar-Charles-Marie de Nicolaï par son père et des Talhouët-Roy par sa mère, il suivit ses études à l'École supérieure des sciences économiques et commerciales (ESSEC) et devint administrateur de la société d'édition de la revue féminine Femmes d'aujourd'hui.

Il s'engage en 1939 et prend part à la campagne contre l'Allemagne. À l'armistice, il s'installe comme propriétaire exploitant agricole et forestier au Lude.

Il devient conseiller municipal le , maire adjoint, puis maire du Lude en 1947. Élu conseiller général en 1949, il est président du Conseil général de la Sarthe de 1952 à 1958.
En 1959, il est élu au Sénat et s'inscrit au groupe des Républicains et indépendants. Il devient membre de la commission des affaires étrangères, de la défense et des forces armées,
Il fut membre du Sénat de la communauté et représenta la Haute Assemblée à la conférence des parlementaires de l'Organisation du traité de l'Atlantique nord (OTAN).

Marié à la baronne Marie-Hélène van Zuylen van Nyevelt van de Haar (remariée par la suite au baron Guy de Rothschild), il est le père de Philippe de Nicolaÿ et le frère de René de Nicolaÿ, marié à la princesse Pia-Maria d'Orléans-Bragance. Son neveu, Louis-Jean de Nicolaÿ est sénateur-maire du Lude depuis 2014.

Il décède en 1963 d'un accident de voiture

Détail des fonctions et des mandats

 Mandat parlementaire

  -  : Sénateur de la Sarthe

Notes et références

Voir aussi

Articles connexes

 Canton du Lude
 Conseil général de la Sarthe
 Le Lude
 Liste des sénateurs de la Sarthe
 Famille de Nicolaÿ

Lien externe

 Sa fiche sur le site du Sénat

Sénateur de la Cinquième République française
Sénateur de la Sarthe
Décès en novembre 1963
Naissance en août 1919
Maire de la Sarthe
Président du conseil général de la Sarthe
Élève de l'École supérieure des sciences économiques et commerciales
Famille de Nicolaï
Décès à 44 ans

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Biografia
Nato a Los Angeles, sua sorella minore è Susan Olsen, apparsa nella serie televisiva La famiglia Brady, mentre suo fratello maggiore è Larry Olsen, che interpretò il protagonista nel film commedia Curley (1947) di Hal Roach.

Olsen è conosciuto per il ruolo di Hank McKenna, il ragazzino che viene rapito in L'uomo che sapeva troppo (1956) di Alfred Hitchcock. Tra gli altri film in cui apparve, i western La pistola sepolta (1956), con Glenn Ford, e Ritorno a Warbow (1958), con Philip Carey. Interpretò il figlio di James Mason in Dietro lo specchio (1956), e il figlio di Robert Stack in Il trapezio della vita (1957).

Apparve in numerosi episodi di serie televisive, tra cui Cheyenne, Lassie, The Millionaire, Make Room for Daddy, e The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.

Filmografia parziale
Dietro lo specchio (Bigger Than Life), regia di Nicholas Ray (1956)
L'uomo che sapeva troppo (The Man Who Knew Too Much), regia di Alfred Hitchcock (1956)
La pistola sepolta (The Fastest Gun Alive), regia di Russell Rouse (1956)
I tre banditi (The Tall T), regia di Budd Boetticher (1957)
Il trapezio della vita (The Tarnished Angels), regia di Douglas Sirk (1957)
Ritorno a Warbow (Return to Warbow), regia di Ray Nazarro (1958)

Collegamenti esterni


'Summary of the principle events and measures of the Viceroyalty of his Excellency the Earl of Minto, Viceroy and Governor-General of India, 1905-1910, Vol. III, Aden, Turkish Arabia, Baluchistan, Nepal, Tibet, Sikkim, Bhutan, Assam, Burma and Siam' (Simla 1910)., 1910.
Printed summaries of the 4th Earl of Minto's administration: Foreign Department., 1905-1910.


text:
Bob Melvin
A's fall 8-6 to Angels in Sonny Gray's return
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics got a morale boost from ace Sonny Gray's return Wednesday night, but it wasn't enough.
Kole Calhoun homered, Alex Meyer earned his second major league win and the Los Angeles Angels held off a late rally from the A's to sweep the three-game series with an 8-6 win.
Gray was activated from the 15-day disabled list prior to his start. Gray, who was sidelined with a right forearm strain from Aug. 7-Sept. 27, was limited to only one inning and threw 18 pitches, 13 of them for strikes. He gave up one hit and faced four batters in his first start since Aug. 6.
A's manager Bob Melvin said his return made a noticeable difference in the clubhouse culture.
"That's our guy," Melvin said. "It was sort of an off season for him, but he went out there and was healthy and looked like the old Sonny. Psychologically, he's good for the whole ball club."
Khris Davis, who played at nearby Cal State Fullerton, hit his 41st home run and his sixth against the Angels this season in the sixth inning, making the score 8-3. Marcus Semien brought the A's to within two runs with a three-run homer, also his sixth against Los Angeles, in the eighth.
But J.C. Ramirez pitched a perfect ninth to convert his second save.
"That's a big blow for us right there," Melvin said. "You feel like, now we're back in the ballgame and hold them down. We thought going into the ninth we'd have a chance."
Mike Trout was hit by a John Axford fastball in the back of his left shoulder in the eighth inning and was removed from the game. He'll have imaging done Thursday to determine whether or not he can play through the weekend against the Houston Astros.
Trout said the pitch his his shoulder blade and left him with a sizable, sore welt.
"I want to (play), I'll tell you that," Trout said. "We've got three games left, so I'm going to try to grind it out." After going down 2-0 early, the Angels rallied for eight runs in the fourth inning. Ross Detwiler (3-3), who replaced Gray in the second, got the first out but then put then put the next four batters on and gave up two runs before getting the second out.
Meyer (2-3) limited the A's to two runs on five hits over four innings and struck out five.
"I think there's no doubt that Alex is moving forward in many ways," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "I think first and foremost, I think his delivery is getting more consistent. He's able to repeat it, his arm angle is where he's working towards getting it, and hopefully he'll continue to improve with his consistency."
With runners on the corners, Shane Robinson cleared the bases with a double to left and took third on the throw. Calhoun homered for the 17th time this season to give Los Angeles a 6-2 lead and Mike Trout singled to keep the inning alive.
Detwiler was finally replaced after giving up a double to C.J. Cron, the 10th batter of the inning. Reliever Chris Smith couldn't end the threat as he walked the next two batters to walk in a run and Stephen Vogt's failure to throw to first on a grounder by Jett Bandy allowed Cron to score for the eighth run of the inning.
Gregorio Petit, the 14th batter, finally ended the inning by grounding out to Smith.
"Early on, it looked like he had good stuff," Melvin said. "The ball was down, the ball was moving, it looked like he had good nicks right away. But then he left some balls up and got into some funky counts."
Angels: RHP Garrett Richards threw off the mound to hitters for the first time since tearing his ulnar collateral ligament May 1. Richards, who has been throwing for a month after stem cell treatments showed significant healing in the ligament, will throw another bullpen this weekend before continuing his season in the instructional league.
Athletics: RHP Kendall Graveman will start the A's final series of the season, Thursday in Seattle. Graveman is 0-3 with a 5.28 ERA in his last five starts and has posted similar numbers against the Mariners, going 1-3 with a 5.40 ERA in seven career appearances.
Angels: Los Angeles manager Mike Scioscia declined to name a starter for Friday's series-opener against the Houston Astros. RHP Daniel Wright or RHP Jhoulys Chacin are likely candidates.


text:
Review: Sinister
Sinister is an original story with buckets of potential that fails to deliver a final, satisfying punch. It doesn't really matter, though, because the experience is still so chillingly unique and enjoyable.
Ethan Hawke plays Ellison, a down-on-his-luck writer who's ten years out from his first (and only) bestselling book, a true crime novel that exposed a murderer and put Ellison's name on the maps. We quickly learn, from the unfriendly town sheriff, that Ellison's follow-up book floated another theory about a different crime that not only turned out to be wrong, but also helped to free a killer from prison. Thus the reason the sheriff is so loathe to welcome Ellison and his family to town: Ellison hopes to revive his writing career with a book about a girl who went missing after her entire family was murdered – in the very house he's moved into.
I think you can see where this is going.
It's not long before Ellison finds a box of Super 8 "home movies" in the attic, labeled with seemingly innocuous titles such as "Family hanging out" (points if you can already spot the double entendre!). In the name of research, Ellison dutifully sets up the film projector and begins to watch the films. As you probably already know from the trailer, that's when shit starts to get real.
First of all, I was thrilled to find that the plot revolved not simply around a nondescript "writer" character, as so many horror movies do. The true-crime angle was an unexpected and interesting little twist on an old horror standby, and served to make Ellison's presence in the town, and the house, much more believable. It also helped avoid the standard question – "Why don't they just move?!" – as things got worse and worse in the house. The answer? Ellison's greed and hunger for fame simply won't let him. He hangs onto the possibility of a New York Times bestseller like a dog with a bone, and as we see him in his study watching old videotapes of himself on talk shows, discussing his one and only success, we can almost sort of understand why.
I think that is the film's strongest aspect: it's determination to take old horror tropes and shake them up a bit. Take voyeurism, for example. There is something implicitly creepy and wrong about watching people who don't know you're watching them. Horror is basically all voyeurism, but Sinister, like some other horrors (most recently in The Cabin in the Woods), takes it a step further. We're watching the characters, who are watching something they probably shouldn't be watching, which only makes us feel like maybe we shouldn't be watching. We watch the home movies with Ellison out of morbid curiosity (and they are horrible, not in an explicitly gory way, but in a disturbing, blood-curdling way), even though we know better, even though we know he's eventually going to pay for the indiscretion. The films themselves, and their back-story, are simply a new twist on something that dates back to, and calls to mind, much older films like Peeping Tom and Rear Window.
Then there's the musical score. Frankly, I'm not even sure you can call it music, as much of the score seems to be made up of whispered words and repetitive sounds (such as the opening click of the projector). Regardless, it works. The score is just about the creepiest thing I've ever heard. Not only that, but while it doesn't distract, it truly adds to the suspense and ambience of the film. The sound is a character unto itself.
Which brings me to my final point, and my only grievance. The film does such an amazing job of building suspense throughout; it's a slow burn, which, again, evokes much older horror films and keeps the audience (most of which is so desensitized by constant jump scares) on the edge of their seat. But although the plot is, in my opinion, quite original, it's also somewhat predictable. Not in the sense that we've seen it all before, but in the sense that there is a clear trajectory to the story, and despite the fact that Ellison seems blissfully unaware of that trajectory, we can see where it's headed fairly early on.
That's not a problem in and of itself; there's nothing wrong with a clear-cut storyline, as long as the story itself is good enough to take the audience for a ride. The problem is in the payoff, though. The entire movie builds dread by showing only enough to tantalize, to hint at the horrors that lay ahead. In the final act, however, everything is on the table. Everything is shown, and instead of upping the creep factor, it dials it back. What was once terrifying because we couldn't quite see it as it skulked in shadow… well, that's now in full daylight (figuratively speaking), and much less scary. It's a bit of a disappointment for such a spectacular buildup.
Despite my last point, Sinister is fucking scary and hella good. What's more, it's unlike almost anything else we've seen in horror lately, and that alone makes it something for horror fans to celebrate.
Final Rating (out of 5):
Posted by Claire at 12:43 PM No comments:
Labels: creepy children, demons, possession, reviews
Review: Chernobyl Diaries
You know, there really needs to be a curve when it comes to grading horror movies, for two reasons: 1) there is huge dearth of truly good horror, and 2) horror fans are not looking for all the same things other movie fans are looking for.
I'll start with the second point. There are some amazing horror movies out there, but there's a reason those movies aren't winning Oscars or getting perfect scores from Roger Ebert. A great horror movie doesn't need deeply, perfectly developed characters or a never-before-seen storyline. Of course, it can have those things – Silence of the Lambs, for example, went far beyond superficial character development with Clarice Starling and the plot was definitely unique (to say the least). It was one of the few horror movies to win Best Picture at the Oscars. It's an amazing, scary, psychological, thrilling film, and one of my favorites. But the fact is that it's not the scariest horror movie I've ever seen; it's not even close.
What are some of the scariest movies I've ever seen? The Strangers. The Ring. The Descent. And what do all of these movies have in common? Minimal character development, high suspense. Honestly, when I'm in the mood to be scared shitless, I don't care very much about the characters' inner lives and hopes and dreams. Of course I need to get to know them enough to care about them, but as soon as I have that hook, the thing that makes me want to see them get out alive, then I'm ready to move right along to the scares. Almost all horror films follow a basic formula to some extent, and some of the best horror films work hard to evoke that old, tried-and-true formula. It's not a formula that's conducive to winning Oscars, but it's a formula that can really work when done right.
Then there's the other thing – there are fewer and fewer really great horror movies. Like all other Hollywood genres, the horror film is suffering due to a lack of imagination and an overabundance of remakes. Accordingly, the horror fan has been forced to adjust her expectations. Which is not to say that I can't recognize a terrible horror movie when I see one (for example, the recent Nightmare on Elm Street remake was inexcusable, and no grading curve in the world could save it from failing abysmally), but I have learned to enjoy the simpler pleasures of the adequate horror film. I'm still constantly on the prowl for the perfect horror (which I actually stumbled upon in the wonderful The Cabin in the Woods just a month or so ago – see, they do exist and that's why we horror lovers continue to search), but I'm also willing to accept a movie that gives me sufficient thrills and chills without being particularly spectacular.
All of this is to say that I'm annoyed that The Chernobyl Diaries has a rating of 25% on Rotten Tomatoes (especially when the abysmal Paranormal Activity 2 holds a steady 59%). While I usually agree with Rotten Tomatoes' assessments, I find this one incredibly misleading. No, this movie doesn't reinvent the horror genre, but as this excellent review (from a horror fan website, natch) says, it's "a fun take on familiar tropes." Yes, we've seen it all before: seemingly mentally-challenged characters go to a stupidly dangerous locale in search of "adventure" only to find, duh, they're in a stupidly dangerous locale that they're ill-equipped to handle. They wander dark stairwells and begin dropping off like flies; panicky decisions ensue. It's all been done before.
And yet The Chernobyl Diaries manages to infuse some real excitement into the whole endeavor. After the characters find themselves stranded in Chernobyl through mysterious circumstances (aside from the stupidity it took to bring them there in the first place), the film takes off at a hurtling pace and it hardly lets up until the closing credits. The scares mainly rely on pop-outs and loud music, and it would be great if there was more to it than that, but it's also acceptable that there's not. I was also pleasantly surprised to discover that it was not yet another bogus "found footage" movie, a subgenre that I think is more than worn out already. As is, Chernobyl provides plenty of shocks (the first one, especially, is a mix of frightening and hilarious) to maintain interest and a high level of tension. Bottom line: it was scarier and more fun than the majority of horror movies I've seen in theaters lately.
Can you guess who the least likable characters are? Of course, there's a lot to criticize, too – though, first I must point out something I don't criticize: the decision-making skills of the characters. First of all, we're talking about a bunch of people who thought that visiting Chernobyl, the site of a still-radioactive nuclear disaster, would make for a super duper vacation. This is our baseline for smart decision-making. In other words, it's not high. Which is not to say that I find it unrealistic, either; I don't doubt that there are a multitude of idiots out there who think this would be awesome. So, yes, the characters make many, many dumb decisions throughout the movie. Is it annoying? Sure. Did I find it unrealistic? Absolutely not.
The only thing that bothered me was the ending. First, the two least interesting, least likable characters are the only ones left to see it. Second, it's a total cop-out, a nothing ending that leaves the audience wondering what just happened, and simultaneously not giving a fuck. Really, it's in keeping with the rest of the movie: it just is what it is, and what it is is adequate. There's nothing below its surface, but luckily its surface is enough for one fun viewing. Frankly, I'm okay with that.
Labels: mutants, reviews, wilderness/survival
Review: We Need to Talk About Kevin
I got a chance to see We Need to Talk About Kevin before it came out in theaters, which was so exciting because I've been dying to see it ever since I saw the trailer. It looked exactly like my kind of movie – creepy, suspenseful, a little scary. I wasn't even sure what it was about; from the scenes in the trailer I hypothesized that it was some sort of "Omen 2012," because Kevin looked so… evil. As it turns out, there was nothing supernatural about Kevin, but as is so often the case, the hyper-realistic feeling of this film made it all the more frightening.
The film opens with a shot of Eva (Kevin's mother, played painfully well by Tilda Swinton) awakening from what appears to be a pill- and alcohol-induced sleep. When she stumbles outside to go to work, we see that her house is splattered violently with bright red paint, as is the windshield of her car. Strangely, Eva does nothing but wipe off her car with a clump of newspaper and continue on to work.
As the film progresses, we discover that Kevin (Ezra Miller) is in jail, presumably for doing something very bad (though we don't know what), something that not only he is hated and blamed for, but also Eva. Although we don't find out exactly what happened until the end, the movie employs a series of flashbacks to show what life was like for Eva and her family before the incident. We see Eva briefly as a carefree, adventurous young woman and travel journalist, and we see her fall in love with her husband Franklin (John C. Reilly). On what seems to be a bit of a whim brought on by a romantic night, she and Franklin decide to get pregnant.
And that's where all the trouble starts – immediately.
Though we only see Eva pregnant fleetingly, we're given the distinct impression that she's not very happy to be so. Once the romantic impulse has passed, she seems overwhelmed and depressed by the reality. A difficult birth only makes matters worse, accentuated by a shot of Franklin happily holding and rocking their newborn child while Eva sits up in her hospital bed, staring forward grimly, ignoring the child.
From there we see the highlights of Kevin's childhood: he doesn't, or perhaps refuses, to talk for years, and when he finally does his vocabulary consists mainly of the word "no" – except in the presence of his father, when he becomes sweet and bubbly. Similarly, it takes upwards of five years to potty train Kevin – Eva believes out of spite. He purposely has accidents and seems to revel in his mother's anger and discomfort as she is forced to change his diaper. And things only get worse, far worse, as he ages.
The story flashes back between these scenes of Kevin growing up to Eva's present day life. She lives in a small, hovel-like house where her husband and daughter are conspicuously absent, and she moves through her life like a zombie. Not only that, but she readily accepts the abuse of her neighbors and fellow townspeople. When a woman slaps her in the middle of the street, seemingly out of the blue, Eva refuses to take an onlooker up on their offer to call the police. Instead, she claims it was her own fault. It's the same with her paint-splattered house; she toils every weekend, scrubbing and sanding away the paint like it's her duty or a sentence.
The film is both written and shot sparingly. We only get enough dialogue and back-story to understand what is going on in the moment, and solely through Eva's eyes. Similarly, while the color red haunts Eva throughout, we never get a big, bloody payoff. The film simply teases, worries the viewer with these splashes of color, making us wonder at the subtext. I think it's the perfect way to present such a story.
The actors are well equipped to carry such an emotionally intense, but spare, film. Swinton in particular is already getting Oscar buzz, which is well deserved in my opinion. She shows in Eva the perfect balance of conflicting emotions: a strenuous effort to be a good mother while trying to contain her rage (which occasionally bubbles over into abuse, regardless of the circumstances) and barely-concealed contempt for Kevin. Ezra Miller is excellent as both the malicious, manipulative incarnation of Eva's memories, as well as the more realistic version we see briefly, but powerfully, towards the end. Meanwhile, Reilly is perfect as the affable, clueless (or deeply in denial) father.
In the end, the viewer is left to wonder who is truly at fault for what happened. While Kevin indeed seems the embodiment of evil for most of the film, when he finally talks to his mother in jail his attitude and disposition are rather different from what we saw through the possibly tainted lens of Eva's memory. Was Kevin born bad? Did Eva fail to bond with him from birth, dooming their relationship and his upbringing from the start? Or was it a combination of factors? We Need to Talk About Kevin offers no cut and dry answers, but it provides more than enough to consider.
Labels: creepy children, psychological, reviews


Place Caribbean Red papaya on its side. Cut off 2 to 3 inches of the bottom, enough to view the seed cavity.
Holding the cut bottom over a bowl, scoop out most of the seeds with a large spoon.
Slice off the peel in thin, downward slices.
Leave enough peel at top to hold and turn the fruit.
Position a spoon below to easily pick up the slippery peels.
Place the papaya back on its side.
Hold the top of the papaya while you trim any remaining peel off the bottom.
With the peel off, cut off about 2 to 3 inches off the top.
Slice down the middle of the papaya.
Flip over to show seed cavity. Scoop out any remaining seeds and any white fibers.
If chopping for salads, turn the papaya seed cavity down, and slice lengthwise to your desired width for your cubes or long slices.
Turn the chopping board and slice across the papaya for bite-sized chunks.


La Grande Cascade is a gastronomic restaurant situated in the very heart of the Bois de Boulogne. In our historical dining rooms dating back to the 19th century, chef Frédéric Robert executes with finesse and simplicity the dishes which have cemented his reputation at this timeless institution.
La Grande Cascade was not always a restaurant; its exceptional and unique décor is testament to this. The pavilion originally served as a place of rest for Napoléon III, who would come to the Bois de Boulogne to hunt. Over the years La Grande Cascade evolved, bringing with it its own inimitable 'retro-modern' style. Fine chandeliers, elaborate gilding and antique mirroring bestow classical charm to the building, which retains all the majesty of its era. Natural light floods our capacious dining rooms with their impressive high classical ceilings and generously-spaced tables, the perfect environment in which to enjoy moments of intimate relaxation and indulgence. La Grande Cascade is a venue suited as much to lingering romantic dinners as to discreet business lunches, and for private conferences, corporate meetings or events our first floor salons can be hired for exclusive use.
Beyond its famed décor, La Grande Cascade is first and foremost renowned for its gastronomic cuisine. Produce reigns supreme here- produce of unparalleled freshness and provenance, imbued with the inimitable flair of chef Frédéric Robert. A perennial leading light amongst his culinary peers, Frédéric Robert excels in the execution of French gastronomy at its very highest level. His style stands as an extrapolation of years spent working alongside Bernard Pacaud at l'Ambroisie, Claude Peyrot at Vivarois, and, most notably, Alain Senderens at Lucas Carton. Finely executed dishes- macaroni with celery root, foie gras and black truffle; seared veal sweetbreads with salted butter; turbot cooked in seaweed salt crust- constitute the unmistakable signature of the chef and the very hallmark of the restaurant itself.
At just 30 years of age, Belgian-born pâtissier Nelson Lechien shares Fréderic Robert's creative philosophy, one guided by classicism; guests can rediscover the forgotten joys of Crêpes Suzette flambéed in the dining room or of a traditional Soufflé Rothschild, alongside modern rhapsodies on classic themes such as Waffle mille feuille with a light vanilla cream.
La Grande Cascade is fiercely proud to bear these accolades. Holder of a Michelin star since 1965, the restaurant profits enormously from the close relationships it has fostered throughout the years with the most talented producers and suppliers. Chance arrivals of new produce can ignite the chef's creativity, particularly those which come fresh from the wild. Hunters returning with a bountiful array of game, pickers bringing spring and autumn mushrooms from the forests, boats returning home from l'Île d'Yeu and Les Sables d'Olonne to the markets of Noirmoutier; the fruits of this noble toil dictate the rhythm of our menus, suffusing La Grande Cascade with the symphony of the seasons.
During the summer months La Grande Cascade transforms itself, offering a retreat into the sunshine. Situated within the verdant stage-set of the Bois de Boulogne, the restaurant boasts a magnificent terrace where guests can enjoy the finest cuisine in the open air. The lush flora and the quiet tranquility of the Bois de Boulogne offer welcome respite in which to enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner away from the tumult of central Paris. A second covered courtyard is the perfect place to escape the office, a fine foray into the natural landscape for a degustation of aperitifs and a selection of carefully-selected wines by the glass.
Nestled in the Bois de Boulogne yet bordering the city's vibrant centre, close to such sporting and cultural diversions as the GoodPlanet Foundation, the Jardin d'Acclimatation, the Louis Vuitton Foundation, the Hippodrome de Longchamp, Roland Garros, the Jardins de Bagatelle, le Tir au pigeons and Polo de Paris, La Grande Cascade offers the perfect getaway for an unforgettable gastronomic experience. As night falls, candlelight from the tables merges with the summer air, conferring upon La Grande Cascade its own timeless brand of magic.


I'm Camille Sander. I raised $302 for the Windows and Orphans Firemen's Fund. My dad is a fireman and has earned the Medal of Valor.
My wife and I were at the Route 91 concert last night in Las Vegas. You have a LAFD hero named Michael Mandahl who was at the event.
Your column in the August 2017 edition of the Grapevine was very informative. It reminds us to look forward so that we can take care of those that we love.
Please accept this donation to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen's Fund in the name of Rudy Concha.
The article submitted by Frank Borden in the February issue of the Grapevine about the dam breaks was great. I commend him on his accuracy.
Ron [Dorn] was assigned to 5's when I was an engineer at 63's. He was the guy who would always help exchange our bottles or help us get our station supplies.
Rest in Peace Billy Jack (Billy J. Miser). You certainly deserve that. You are one the kindest people I have ever known. And you could outfly me 365 days a year.
© 2019 The Relief. All rights reserved.


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text:
package unl.cse;

public enum Degree {

	COMPUTER_SCIENCE("Computer Science", 1), COMPUTER_ENGINEERING("Computer Engineering", 2);

	private final String name;
	private final Integer id;

	private Degree(String name, Integer id) {
		this.name = name;
		this.id = id;
	}

	public Integer getId() {
		return this.id;
	}

	@Override
	public String toString() {
		return this.name;
	}

	public static Degree getDegreeById(Integer id) {
		if(id == 1) {
			return COMPUTER_SCIENCE;
		} else if(id == 2) {
			return COMPUTER_ENGINEERING;
		} else {
			return null;
		}
	}

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


HBO Teases 'Game of Thrones' Season 8!
No new footage provided in the teaser, but the promo reminds us of the ordeal the Starks have suffered and the struggles still to come as the voices of Ned and Lyanna Stark speak to Jon Snow and Sansa and Arya Stark about…about…well, dammit, I don't remember anymore! It's been two years!


text:
Delhi Features In World's Best Cities; India COVID Update + More Top News
IndiatimesUpdated on Nov 22, 2020, 18:24 IST
The list of the world's best cities is out and Delhi has made it to the top 100. Yes, the capital is in the 62nd position as per a TOI report. This is the list of the world's best cities for 2021. The ranking is determined by Resonance Consultancy Ltd. Read more
Here's more top news of the day:
1) Night Curfew Back In Gujarat, MP, Rajasthan; Maharashtra Shuts Schools As COVID Cases Surge
The respite due to the falling COVID-19 numbers across the country was short-lived after cases began to surge in several states as the country threw open its markets and public places and gave a green signal to festivities. Read more
2) While Delhi Air Improves With AQI At 232, Records 111 COVID Deaths - Highest In The Country
Delhi's air quality has improved marginally over the weekend, especially on Sunday, as the city's overall Air quality index (AQI) dropped to 232, though still in 'poor' category, according to Ministry of Earth Science's air quality monitor, System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). Read more
3) Waste Collector In Karnataka Builds Eco-Friendly House Made From 100% Recycled Plastic
NewsKarnataka.com
A waste collector in Karnataka has built a house made from 100 per cent recycled plastic after collaborating with Plastics For Change India Foundation. Read more
4) Karnataka School Converts Land Into Farms After Teachers Take Up Odd Jobs To Survive Pandemic
The Shantiniketan Central School in Kadur taluk in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, has converted open areas of close to two-and-a-half acres into farms, and empty classrooms into workshop spaces. Read more
5) Ayodhya: Dalit Gangrape Survivor Who Went To File Complaint, Reportedly Beaten Up By Constables
Representattional Image
A gangrape survivor from Ayodhya has alleged that she was beaten up by two woman constables when she went to the police station to file a complaint of the assault. Read more


I am very glad to have the Location Label option in 2015. I want to use it with details to indicate the drawing letter on the top line and the sheet number on the bottom line. There does not seem to be a way to remove/hide the detail letter on the parent drawing (in Detail View) which results in redundant information. See the attached picture.
Ideally, on the parent drawing I would have the circle enclosing the detail area, a leader connecting it to the Location Label and the location label identifying the drawing letter and sheet number. Any ideas?
You can control the values of the top and bottom halves of your symbol via the PropertyManager. However, what do you mean by "drawing letter"?


Beautiful vintage style pixie hat suitable for a baby boy or girl hand knitted with the softest pure merino wool.
The pixie hat is snug and warm, perfect for keeping little heads cozy in the cold winter weather.
The hat has a traditional cable knit braided design around the face and fastens with a natural wooden button.
Care: Machine washable at 30°C. Dry flat. Do not tumble dry.
So beautiful, very happy with my purchase.
Well made and beautiful, my wee babe loves wearing it!
A most beautiful and well made hat for my little one - heirloom quality. The craftsmanship is exquisite. I could feel the love that went into this hat. Thank you so much!!


The hexadecimal color code #9a4f04 is a medium dark shade of brown. In the RGB color model #9a4f04 is comprised of 60.39% red, 30.98% green and 1.57% blue. In the HSL color space #9a4f04 has a hue of 30° (degrees), 95% saturation and 31% lightness. This color has an approximate wavelength of 589.6 nm.


Tunisia is a country in north Africa bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Algeria, and Libya. Planning a trip or looking for a great destination? Then continue reading this Tunisia travel guide. You can expect a huge variety of activities which include beaches, desert safari's and water activities. Tunisia is also a country for culture lovers as it's full of historical landmarks including century old Phoenician and Roman settlements. Star Wars fans should visit as well as one of the sets of the first movies is now a tourist attraction near Tatooine. I have combined many of these items in a two week Tunisia itinerary; THE must read of this Tunisia travel guide.
Tunisia is just a short flight from Europe and one of the most easily reached north African countries. A road trip is the best way to explore the country. You can either hire a car and drive yourself or take one with driver. Currently the Tunisian Dinar is a weak currency which makes it a cheap destination compared to some years back. A three-course meal for a family of 4 including a bottle of wine and other drinks at a top restaurants costs just 80 euro. It doesn't matter if you look for a sunny destination or one with an abundance of cultural sites. After reading this Tunisia travel guide you'll agree Tunisia is the place to go to next.
Make sure to read my 2-week Tunisia itinerary; a road trip to all the highlights including cultural, natural and beaches.


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Justia Patents Lotfi Hedhli Inventions, Patents and Patent Applications
Patents by Inventor Lotfi Hedhli
Lotfi Hedhli has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Method of producing fluoropolymers using alkyl sulfate surfactants
Abstract: The invention relates to methods of polymerizing fluoromonomers using non-fluorinated surfactants, in particular to emulsion polymerization method for producing fluoropolymer latex. Specifically, the method of polymerization uses one or more alkyl sulfate surfactants.
Assignee: Arkema Inc.
Inventors: Ramin Amin-Sanayei, Lotfi Hedhli, Mehdi Durali, Roice A. Wille
Method of producing fluoropolymers using acid-functionalized monomers
Abstract: A fluoropolymer latex is obtained by emulsion polymerization of one or more fluoromonomers in the presence of one or more acid-functionalized monomers such as vinyl sulfonic acid or a salt thereof. A fluorosurfactant need not be present.
Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
Inventors: Mehdi Durali, Lotfi Hedhli
LONG CHAIN BRANCHED FLUOROPOLYMER MEMBRANES
Abstract: The invention relates to membranes formed from long chain branched fluoropolymers, and especially long chain branched homopolymers and copolymers of polyvinylidene fluoride such as KYNAR resins. The novel membranes retain all the advantages of a fluoropolymer membrane (excellent chemical resistance especially to strong acids and oxidizing agents, and good mechanical strength), and additionally offer improved permeability, improved strain hardening, and even better resistance to caustic attacks. The improvements are believed to be related to an improvement to the microstructure of the membranes, producing a more open structure due to the long chain branched fluoropolymers. Further improvements in the mechanical properties of the membranes can be induced by strain hardening.
Filed: February 27, 2014
Inventors: Walter P. Kosar, Lotfi HEDHLI, Roderick REBER
Method of regenerating an enzymatic catalyst
Abstract: A method of regenerating an enzymatic catalyst arranged in a reactor includes a mineral support based on metal oxide and at least one enzyme, wherein it contains at least one step of detachment of the spent enzymes by solvation by scavenging of the catalyst using at least one ionic surfactant, and at least one step of re-attachment of active enzymes by scavenging of the purified support with at least one solution of active enzymes, the two steps being performed in situ within the reactor.
Assignee: Total Marketing Services
Inventors: Daniel Thomas, Sylviane Pulvin, Lotfi Hedhli, Samuel Djelassi
Polymerization of fluoropolymers using non-fluorinated surfactants
Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the polymerization in an aqueous medium of monomers, and especially of fluoromonomers, using non-fluorinated surfactants; and the fluoropolymers formed therefrom. Specifically, the method of the polymerization uses one or more non-fluorinated surfactants selected from the group consisting of polyvinylphosphonic acid, polyacrylic acids, polyvinyl sulfonic acid, and salts thereof. Additionally, the use of polyvinylphosphonic acid, polyacrylic acids, polyvinyl sulfonic acid as surfactants in aqueous free radical polymerization is also novel.
Filed: June 26, 2006
Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
Inventors: Mehdi Durali, Lotfi Hedhli, Ramin Amin-Sanayei
Branched fluoropolymers
Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of branched fluoropolymers having long chain branches and little or no gels, by a process involving polymerization at high temperatures using persulfates and optionally multifunctional initiators. The invention also relates to gel-free, branched polymers with strain hardening produced by the process.
Filed: November 10, 2005
Inventors: Lotfi Hedhli, Nafih Mekhilef
Applicant: Arkema Inc.
PROCESS FOR PURIFYING AROMATIC EXTRACTS CONTAINING AROMATIC POLYCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
Abstract: A process is disclosed for reducing the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs in aromatic extracts including oxidizing the PAHs in the presence of a hemoprotein via an oxidizing compound, wherein the aromatic extract is brought into contact with the oxidizing agent in a non-reactive organic solvent, then is brought into contact with the immobilized or supported hemoprotein.
Filed: April 7, 2011
Publication date: February 7, 2013
Applicant: TOTAL RAFFINAGE MARKETING
Inventors: Lotfi Hedhli, Samuel Djelassi, Sylviane Pulvin, Daniel Thomas
Polymerization of fluoropolymers using polycaprolactone
Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the polymerization of fluoromonomers using non-fluorinated polycaprolactone, and to the fluoropolymers formed thereby. Specifically, the method of the polymerization uses one or more polycaprolactone, or salts thereof.
Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
Inventor: Lotfi Hedhli
Polymerization of fluoropolymers using alkyl phosphonate surfactants
Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the polymerization of fluoromonomers using non-fluorinated alkyl phosphonate surfactants, and to the fluoropolymers formed thereby. Specifically, the method of the polymerization uses one or more alkyl phosphonic acids or salts thereof.
Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
Inventors: Mehdi Durali, Lotfi Hedhli, Roice Wille
Multi-layer polyelectrolyte membrane
Abstract: Multi-layer polyelectrolyte membranes are described wherein at least one of the layers contains at least one acrylic resin or vinyl resin having at least one ionic or ionizable group, and at least one additional polymer. The polymer has small or large domain sizes with respect to the acrylic resin or vinyl resin that is present in one or more layers. The polymer preferably has improved conductivity when formed into a film. The membranes are useful in batteries, fuel cells, and the like.
Inventors: Lotfi Hedhli, Isabelle Decker, Patrick M. Piccione, Holger Amort, Scott R. Gaboury, Fabienne Piroux
FLUOROPOLYMER AQUEOUS HYBRID COMPOSITIONS WITH IMPROVED FILM FORMATION
Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous fluoropolymer hybrid compositions made by a seeded emulsion polymerization process, having improved film formation properties. The seed is a fluoropolymer dispersion. At least two different monomer compositions are added sequentially to the seeded dispersion. These monomer compositions preferably include acrylic monomers. The first monomer composition is selected for miscibility with the fluoropolymer dispersion. The second monomer composition is selected to have a glass transition temperature (Tg) of less than 30° C. The final composition can be formulated to make coatings with a minimum film forming temperature (MFFT) of less than 5° C., and a maximum VOC of 50 g/liter. The composition is especially useful for coatings and films.
Inventors: Kurt A. Wood, Lotfi Hedhli, Mehdi Durali
Applicant: Arkema Inc,
Highly weatherable roof coatings containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersions
Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous-based fluoropolymer coating that is especially useful for use over flat or low-slope flexible surfaces, and more specifically for flat or low-slope roofing. The coating can be factory or field applied. The coating offers the advantages of improved durability, lower dirt pick-up, stain resistance, water repellency, increased solar reflectivity duration, and mildew resistance.
Inventors: Kevin Hanrahan, Kurt Wood, Lotfi Hedhli, Ravi Gupta, Wayne Skilton
Inventors: Mehdi Durali, Lotfi Hedhli, Amin-Sanayei Ramin
Methods for producing thermoplastic fluoropolymers
Abstract: A process for producing a class of polyarylenes having p-bis-(chlorodifluoromethyl) benzene or p-bis(bromodifluoromethyl) benzene as a comonomer. The p-bis-(chlorodifluoromethyl) benzene or the p-bis(bromodifluoromethyl)benzene act as precursors in a polycondensation reaction with a difunctional monomer.
Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Arkema Inc.
Inventors: William R. Dolbier, Jr., Lotfi Hedhli, Maher Elsheikh, Valerie Rodriguez-Garcia, Kai Wu
Resins containing ionic or ionizable groups with small domain sizes and improved conductivity
Abstract: A polymer or blend is described which contains at least one acrylic resin or vinyl resin having at least one ionic or ionizable group, and at least one additional polymer. The polymer has small domain sizes with respect to the acrylic resin or vinyl resin. The polymer preferably has improved conductivity when formed into a film. Preferably, the polymers are useful in a variety of applications including in the formation of a membrane which is useful in batteries and fuel cells and the like. Methods of making the polymer blends are also described.
Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
Novel methods for producing thermoplastic fluoropolymers
Abstract: A process for producing a class of polyarylenes having p-bis-(chlorodifluoromethyl)benzene or p-bis(bromodifluoromethyl)benzene as a comonomer. The p-bis-(chlorodifluoromethyl)benzene or the p-bis(bromodifluoromethyl)benzene act as precursors in a polycondensation reaction with a difunctional monomer.
Inventors: William R. Dolbier, Lotfi Hedhli, Maher Elsheikh, Valerie Rodriguez-Garcia, Kai Wu
Non-Perfluorinated Resins Containing Ionic or Ionizable Groups and Products Containing the Same
Abstract: A non-perfluoropolymer is described which contains at least one acrylic resin or vinyl resin having at least one ionic or ionizable group and optionally at least one additional polymer. Preferably, the polymers are useful in a variety of applications including in the formation of a membrane which is useful in batteries and fuel cells and the like. Methods of making the polymer blends are also described.
Publication date: November 8, 2007
Inventors: Lotfi Hedhli, Isabelle Decker, Holger Amort, Scott Gaboury, Jyotsna Iyer


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Approaching Uncertainty
6 strategies for building trust when you're in a new leadership role
Posted by Tasnim Ahmed
Stepping into a new leadership position comes with its own pros and cons. You may be excitedly taking the reins in a role that you've long aspired for, but how you navigate the transition will have a major effect on your career. You need a strategy to succeed not only with your bosses but also with the direct reports on your team.
While effective leadership requires a range of skills, trust is the glue that binds them all. The onus is on you as a leader to foster trust and keep it high. We've compiled six vital steps new leaders can follow to grow and maintain trust with their teams.
First impressions tend to be the last impression people hold in their heads. Whether you come in with all guns blazing upon first interaction or act like a wet blanket, people will persistently remember you as such.
The key is to make a good first impression that sets the tone of your manager-employee relationship going forward. Upon making your first introduction, avoid blowing your own trumpet (nobody likes a pompous bragger) and instead aim to be matter of fact. The goal is to be friendly while conveying an air of command that people will respect.
Find common goals
People tend to trust others who strive for the same things as they do. Find shared goals with individuals on the team, such as the desire to deliver excellent customer service and further the company's mission. Demonstrate that you are aligned with their goals by showing how you will help achieve them. This conveys that you are a team player and a leader with a human face, which is conducive to more discussion and less conflict.
Respect status quo
When you take a new leadership role, avoid immediately changing the status quo of the team, unless it is a dire emergency and you have prior knowledge of the relevant facts. Handovers should be as seamless as possible with no sudden changes as that can erode trust by making people feel like they have no control.
You as a leader should also be the first person to show trust through your willingness to delegate tasks to team members, even for the first time. It takes a certain amount of risk, but it is necessary to forge an enduring bond.
Listen, and be consistent
When you are a new leader, try not to form opinions without talking and listening to everyone first. Conducting one-on-one sessions with team members lets people open up, and it is important that you actively listen during these meetings to glean their insights and trust. When communicating with team members, maintain a single line of thought and be very clear and consistent in your words and actions. This ensures that people begin trusting you as a person of integrity rather than someone who lacks conviction.
The safety net with a win
All changes come with a sense of trepidation and uncertainty. It is your responsibility as a leader to ensure that your team believes you represent a safety net. Team members that feel safe demonstrate higher productivity and loyalty — after all, nobody likes to work in a place that is mired in uncertainty. To keep morale up, orchestrate a few easily achievable wins early in your tenure. This will not only lighten the mood, but it will also make people more willing to listen to you and boost their trust by showing you're on their side.
Don't bad mouth staff, and work hard
Do not under any circumstance speak poorly of your predecessor or any colleague in front of your new team. This can have the effect of making them perceive you in the same disparaging light. Gossip in the workplace, especially early in the timeline of a new manager, can erode authority and obliterate the trust that is so sorely needed for any team to function effectively.
Instead, lead by example through your actions. Show, don't tell, the team you are a team player willing to share responsibility for the work. During the early part of your tenure, you might want to go the extra mile in terms of working hard, to demonstrate your commitment to the team's success.
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Summary: Difference Between Computer Buses and Registers is that computer processes and stores data as a series of electronic bits. These bits transfer internally within the circuitry of the computer along electrical channels. While Registers are also a part of a computer processor and holding one small piece of data in Processor. A register may hold a piece of data, like a storage address and computer instruction.
A computer processes and stores data as a series of electronic bits. These bits transfer internally within the circuitry of the computer along electrical channels. Each channel, called a bus, allows the various devices both inside and attached to the system unit to communicate with each other. Just as vehicles travel on a highway to move from one destination to another, bits travel on a bus. Buses are used to transfer bits from input devices to memory, from memory to the processor, from the processor to memory, and from memory to output or storage devices. Buses consist of two parts: a data bus and an address bus. The data bus is used to transfer actual data and the address bus is used to transfer information about where the data should reside in memory.
The size of a bus, called the bus width, determines the number of bits that the computer can transmit at one time. For example, a 32-bit bus can transmit 32 bits (4 bytes) at a time. On a 64-bit bus, bits transmit from one location to another 64 bits (8 bytes) at a time. The larger the number of bits handled by the bus, the faster the computer transfers data. Most personal computers today use a 64-bit bus.
A computer has these basic types of buses: a system bus, possibly a backside bus, and an expansion bus. A system bus, also called the front side bus (FSB), is part of the motherboard and connects the processor to main memory. When computer professionals use the term bus by itself, they usually are referring to the system bus. A backside bus (BSB) connects the processor to cache. An expansion bus allows the processor to communicate with peripherals. Some peripherals outside the system unit connect to a port on an adapter card, which is inserted in an expansion slot on the motherboard. This expansion slot connects to the expansion bus, which allows the processor to communicate with the peripheral attached to the adapter card.
Registers are also a part of a computer processor and holding one small piece of data in Processor. A register may hold a piece of data, like a storage address and computer instruction. Some instructions specify registers as part of the instruction. E.g it may be specified that an instruction of two registers can be placed together on a specified register. There must be a large register enough so that it can hold instructions. For example, in a 32-Bit instruction computer, a register must be 32 bits in length. But in many computers, there are smaller registers like half registers for shorter instructions. Registers may have arbitrary or numbers names which depends on the processor designs and language rules.


It would be nice to get the truth about this ban on refugees. I understand that in 2011 President Obama banned Iraqis from coming in for nine months. And I understand other Presidents in history have done similar things. I have no problem with implementing a better vetting system. I also am confused over the Christian response to this situation, and also the non-Christian view. Most evangelicals are viewing the situation the same as non-evangelicals, that we should not ban refugees because Jesus wouldn't. Many liberals love this side of Jesus but hate his moral commands. And many conservatives love the moral commands, but are for closed boarders. I was of the understanding that we were not a Christian nation and that many believe that God's name or Jesus name needed to be removed from our government, and public life in general. So, the way I understand things is that the governments first priority is to protect its people. And the Church is called to help all people regardless of their nationality. In other words it's the governments job to secure the boarder, and the churches job to help those who get through. I would appreciate someone fact checking anything I've said. At the end of the day I want to be on Jesus' side, but I know from the Bible the government and the church have different roles to play. I know Germany has suffered from allowing to many refugees in, and from what I've studied over many years is that radical Islamist have a long term commitment to bring the whole world under Shariah law. I know a Harvard trained theologian that knows some of the leading Muslim clerics in Great Britain, who have the same goals as the more radical folks we hear about. But they are much more civilized about it. If we care about our country, we had better pray for this President – like him or not.
Once again I find myself captivated by the beauty and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. I am presently on a quest, to grasp as much as I possibly can of the Gospel. As I continue to explore the gospel of grace-I realize I will be spending eternity in awe and amazement with this Jesus. You see Jesus is the author and perfecter of this faith I have embraced. Understanding and experiencing the power of this gospel centered life, is revelatory in nature.
I find myself being drawn back to the old story of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Who is this man and why can't I get over Him? He was and is God incarnate. Yes, God became a baby in the womb of Mary, and he was born to take away the sin of the world. These facts can only be believed by those that have received the same Holy Spirit that impregnated the Virgin Mary. You see, a virgin birth is easy for the Creator of all Life. And so it's an easy thing for God to cause a spiritual rebirth for those He has called to be His sons and daughters.
As we embrace these simple but profound truths, think on the ramifications in our own lives and the spiritual transformation, that is available to us, by believing in the Gospel of grace. God can set us free from any sin or stronghold that we are presently being held captive too. Call on his name as you look into the Gospel narrative in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The goal of the Gospel is life with Jesus…now!
When Jesus says, "Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood" it's clear that he is using metaphoric language. He uses this language to call for total commitment. Jesus did not come to the earth and die to make us successful and to leave us in our sins. He was resurrected from the dead for us so that we could live a resurrected life, now, abiding in his presence. This brief moment we call life is merely preparation for eternity with God. Jesus is not a part time savior, he requires total commitment to himself and his Kingdom. In John chapter 6 we see the narrow path of discipleship that Jesus teaches his students. And at that point many walk away from the Teacher.
This path to God is only through his unique and only Son, Jesus. Radical commitment to the Son of God isn't a life of sinless perfection, but it will lead to that on the day we see him and are glorified in his presence, in Heaven. But as we journey on the narrow road with Him we are being changed from one degree of glory to another. All of us on this journey are called to hold on to the things of this world loosely and to focus on God's kingdom agenda.
As we begin to comprehend this call and walk this path, we must not be like those that followed Jesus for material things he could give them. Yes, He gives us what we need, but what we need the most is his character and life transforming presence. It's a counter- cultural thought but we must consume him if we expect to live eternally with him.
Recently I was having coffee with a couple of friends at a local coffee shop. As we talked about our spiritual life with God, we began to notice two ladies at a table nearby, they were listening to our conversation. Well, we were also listening to them as they talked, and one of the ladies mentioned Kabbalah. To make a long story short, one of the ladies was seeking to make a disciple of the other one. She had found a spiritually hungry person who was eager to pursue new spiritual experiences.
The local Church gathering on Sunday mornings is important, and it is where we should be exposed to sound biblical teaching and to experience corporate worship. But if we are to make disciples of Jesus we must be willing to teach and share with people in everyday life. We can do this in conversations with coworkers, setting across the table at lunch or at a coffee shop. Our job is to interact with people and speak into their lives, about Jesus, and help them on their on spiritual journey's.
At one point in the coffee shop my two friends and I began to experience the gentle presence of God. People are hungry for spiritual reality. And every Christian should seek to live in the presence of God and help others experience God for themselves. If we fail to do this, the New Age and other mystical religions will fill the void.
Real, Holy Spirit, Christian power is found and experienced in weakness. Followers of Jesus are called to embrace the weakness that he himself walked in while on the earth. While the world values charismatic personalities, money and prestige, God values humility. Charismatic personalities and materialism can actually be a hindrance to real spiritual power in the Church. God doesn't use many of the rich and powerful of this world. He is most glorified when he takes the lowly, and uses them as his instruments of salvation, and to bring healing to the broken. The power to restore humanity can only be found in embracing the One who died in weakness, but was raised in power. And we can partake of that power.
To follow Jesus is to embrace a life of humility. Jesus did not come to start a political movement or to use an army to advance his kingdom. Christians should influence governments and society in a positive way, but real change in behavior can only come from changed hearts. And hearts are changed by believing the gospel and following Jesus. While earthly rulers stay in power by military force. Jesus depended on his Father, and was empowered by the Spirit, to fulfill his calling and ministry. As followers of "the Jesus way" we aren't called to die for the sins of the world, but we are called to embrace the cross, and die to our own selfish way of life. This cross driven life helps others to see Jesus in us, and to bring others into his Kingdom. This is a life that has been filled by the Holy Spirit, and outwardly appears foolish to those who are perishing.
We must die to our selfish way of life to experience true power. The power that comes from above, is demonstrated by the love of God and neighbor. The power that comes from below is earthly natural and demonic and is built on pride and self-centeredness. The Holy Spirit enables us to reject illegitimate sinful ways of living, so that we can testify to the overcoming power of the living God. We can only overcome our sinful tendencies and do the work of God by acknowledging our total inability, and lack of power within ourselves. When sinful hindrances are removed, we can be used more effectively by God. Our appetite for sin decreases as we experience the unhindered presence of the Spirit, in our lives. When we fall short of God's best for us (and we do) we confess and turn from our sins, and pursue Christ as our supreme treasure. A cross empower life is the key to the transformative power of God.
As disciples of Jesus we are called to walk in the way of "non-violent resistance." I'm not talking about issues such as, fighting in a just war, or defending your family during a home invasion from criminals. I'm referring to how we relate to the Church, and surrounding culture, as non-violent people of peace who are called to be change agents in the earth. Walking in "the Jesus way" is to make peace as much as we possibly can. We are to seek unity, racial reconciliation in the Church, and to be ambassadors of peace, and justice in society. In short we bring the gospel of the Kingdom into the world.
The Church must be careful to follow the tactics of Jesus, and not Satan's. Christians can easily be influenced by the powers of darkness, if we're not operating in love, and discernment. We can easily fall into that trap of carnal, or worldly techniques to bring about political change, and racial reconciliation. When we do this, we are being influenced by evil powers, as opposed to the power of God. To walk out the Kingdom of God in our culture, we must develop new, "habits of the heart: patience, humility , honesty and recollection."(2) Satan's way is to bring change through strong armed, and hate filled rhetoric, and actions. He is the master of division, Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
There is no place for racism or division in the Kingdom of God. All ethnic groups are one in Christ, we all have this in common, for he is the cornerstone of our faith. Nor is there a place for political infighting. We are called as those who have been redeemed by Christ, and reconciled to God, to be ministers of reconciliation in the Church, and in all spheres of society. Truth is found in Christ, and we must never compromise it for the sake of false peace. Jesus' words (truth) are divisive and his claims of divinity are exclusive. Followers of Jesus must never, "keep the peace at the cost of truth."(3) Jesus was the most compassionate man on earth, and he spoke the truth in love. The truth is divisive enough without our trying to force it on others in our own strength. When we speak the truth, and live the truth, the Holy Spirit will bear witness to those whose hearts are open. To others we will be seen as hateful.
Source: All quotes above are from, The Way Of The Dragon Or The Way Of The Lamb, by Jamin Goggin and Kyle Strobel. I would encourage everyone to buy and read this excellent book.


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Submarines: Titanium Farewell
July 15, 2021: In early 2021 the Russian Navy produced and released a TV feature showing off the last of its dozen revolutionary, but too expensive, titanium hulled SSNs (nuclear attack submarines). These subs entered service between 1970 and 1993 and only a few still exist. The last two of these subs are officially known as the Project 945A, or Kondor type boats which, thanks to several overhauls, will remain serviceable into the 2030s. These four SSNs are known as the Sierra class in the West but the Russians called the first two Barakudda and the second two Kondor. The video is part of an effort to get the government to provide the money to refurbish the elderly Type 945 subs.
While these twelve subs were the most technically innovative Russian SSNs to actually enter service, the high-cost of their lightweight and corrosion resistant titanium hulls made them too expensive to build in large numbers. Many of the other successful innovations found in the titanium boats found their way into subsequent classes of more affordable steel-hulled subs. The high cost of the titanium boats made it possible to try out innovative new technologies, a tradition that continued with the last four.
These last four subs had unique wake detection sensors, which Western navies investigated but never found reliable enough to emulate. The last four boats solved the noise problem with new tech and by adopting slower top-speeds as standard. During the Cold War Russia realized their major submarine vulnerability was noise, which the superior passive sonars of Western subs took full advantage of.
While the performance (record high speeds and diving depths) of these subs was always a source of great pride, it was widely known that they were too expensive. Russian sailors nicknamed the titanium boats "Gold Fish".
In 2010 the first of the twelve titanium hulled SSNs was scrapped, after being idle since 1980, when the nuclear reactor was damaged during shipyard maintenance and there never enough money or justification for fixing the problem. The only ship of its class, the K-222 entered service in 1970, and was referred to by NATO as the Papa class. This 5,200-ton nuclear boat had a record- breaking top speed of 82 kilometers an hour. But it was very noisy at this speed, and uncomfortable for the crew as well. In other words, not very useful as a combat boat. The K-222 did, however, serve as a test bed for two other classes of subs; the smaller (2,300 ton) Alfa class SSNs, and larger missile-carrying SSNs. Because of their high cost, because of the titanium hull, only seven Alfa's were built in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and by 1994 all seven had been sent to the scrapyard because of reliability issues and high operating costs.
The K-222 also carried ten anti-ship missiles, and this feature taught the Russians that silence, more than speed, was needed for these weapons to work in combat. The 4,300-ton steel-hull Charlie class appeared a few years before the K-222, but these only had a top speed of 43 kilometers an hour.
The K-222 has been laid up since 1980 because problems with its reactor proved too expensive to repair. Actually, the K-222 cost about twice what a Charlie class boat cost to operate, and was less effective as a "carrier killer" This is a sub equipped primarily with anti-ship missiles. There was no incentive to get the K-222 back into service. Age finally caught up with the K-222, and in 2008 it was announced that it would be cut up for scrap. K-222 technically remained in commission (part of the active navy) until 1998. Old triumphs die hard.
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