text:
Posted on 16/12/2021 by amartinez
On Dec 21st, 2021, at 13:00.
To participate, please contact: perezverdugo.marta@gmail.com
In this talk I address the relationship between health and environment which is of particular relevance in the current pandemic scenario. To do so I discuss and question the definition of health as provided by WHO (1948) and I propose an account of health which considers the role of the environment, from micro to macro level. This account is based on the concepts of adaptation used in public health and adaptivity in philosophy of biology. According to this perspective, the environment is not understood as a threat to health, but it may be characterized as a source of opportunities that require the organism to modify its activities and adopt new courses of action. I discuss two examples of adaptive mechanisms in the environment: community-based medicine and microbiologically healthier buildings.
Bio: Laura Menatti (UPV/EHU)
Posted in Events, IAS-Research, Seminars
Tuesday, Dec 14, 2021 at 13:00
To participate please contact alejandra.mtz.quintero@gmail.com
Resumen: La "Ciencia de la Ciencia" (SciSci en su acrónimo inglés) es
un campo en expansión que pretende entender de manera sistémica, y
apoyándose en analítica de datos, la compleja estructura de
interacciones y dinámicas de las comunidades científicas. Las
posibilidades que abre este campo nos ayuda a plantear cuestiones
novedosas en la gestión de la investigación: ¿Qué políticas
estimulan la ciencia de mayor impacto?, ¿cuál es el tamaño
óptimo de los equipos que desarrollan las ideas más originales?,
¿Qué impacto real tienen los enfoques interdisciplinares? Estas
evidencias permiten explorar nuevas iniciativas de l+D -en materia de
financiación, evaluación o promoción- y reflexionar acerca de si los
indicadores con los que medimos el talento son los más adecuados o si
las formas de participación de los investigadores en el proceso
científico pueden ser diferentes a las actuales. En esta charla
mostraremos algunos de los resultados más relevantes en esta materia y
los conectaremos con nuevas perspectivas en la política científica.
On Thursday, Dec 2nd, 2021 at 11:30
To participate, please contact: alejandra.mtz.quintero@gmail.com
Living beings are the result of a cocktail made with unknown doses of chance and necessity. Consider a thought experiment, in which we could rewind the 'tape of life' starting from the same initial conditions, what biochemical traits and cellular features would finally be the same as those we observe today? It is clear that what is real in biology is a subset of what is possible, and this issue has been discussed at different scales. Thus, structural and dynamic developmental constraints limit the space of solutions for animal bodies (Alberch, 1989), whereas physicochemical restrictions and historical contingencies shape the possible at the molecular level (Jacob, 1981). Meteorite analysis and many organic syntheses performed under prebiotic conditions indicate that the primitive Earth was home of a moderately complicated chemodiversity, including the most common biological building blocks – sugars, fatty acids, amino acids, nucleobases, etc. (Lazcano, 2018). In this period of chemical evolution, physicochemical constraints (i.e. thermodynamics and kinetics in a given environment) determined the origin and maintenance of the abiotic chemical landscape. The chemically possible was the scenario for the organization of the most simple and primitive biochemical systems: autocatalytic cycles for self-maintenance of a set of building blocks, self-reproduction of lipid vesicles, and self-replication of genetic templates (Peretó, 2012). Presumably, all these cycles kicked off in the absence of catalysts or with the involvement of very simple and unspecific facilitators (e.g. mineral surfaces). The emergence of optimizable catalysts through natural selection (e.g. ribozymes) was a phase transition to a period of a more efficient and creative functional screening of the possible (de Duve, 2005). Diverse lines of evidence indicate that metabolic surveys of alternative sources of matter and energy were rapid and explosive, performed by the first microbial communities. Biogeochemical closing of the recycling of bioelements was a vital step for a sustainable and long-term continuity of terrestrial life (Falkowski et al., 2008). Thus, the boundaries of the metabolically possible were expanding in parallel to the coevolution of life and the planet. For instance, after the emergence in some cyanobacterial ancestors of the enzymatic machinery able to extract electrons from water to feed the photoelectronic chain, molecular oxygen accumulated in oceans and afterwards in the atmosphere. Those microorganisms able to cope with this new-to-life compound took advantage of its reactivity and dramatically expanded the world of the metabolically possible: many new metabolites, including steroids, and processes (e.g. oxygen respiration) became available to life. Thus, recurrent patterns in actual cell metabolisms are the result of a long evolutionary exploration within the chemically constrained space of the possible solutions under specific yet changing conditions (de Lorenzo et al., 2014).
Full text: https://sfamjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1751-7915.13691
Posted in Events, Talks	| Tagged autonomy, Metabolism
On Nov 23rd, 2021, at 11:30.
In this talk, I will show how social normativity, the field of promoted action, and canonical affordances are related. The field of promoted action is a concept proposed by Reed (1996), which is based on the idea that there are affordances emphasized by other people (Reed 1996: 130). Although proposed for the field of developmental psychology and experimentation, I think it is a rich concept to be applied to other fields (like philosophy of mind) to make sense of our everyday experience. But how could we articulate this idea? I propose that my ideas on social normativity (Heras-Escribano 2019) could serve as a framework for showing how the field of promoted action is constituted and present in everyone's cognitive life. Also, I think the combination of the ideas of social normativity and the field of promoted action can help articulating the origins and nature of canonical affordances from a social perspective.
Bio: Manuel Heras-Escribano (University of Granada)
On Nov 9th, 2021, at 11:30.
From the starting point of the Hypothesis of the Extended Mind (Clark & Chalmers, 1998), the last two decades of research in situated cognition have seen efforts to further characterize how cognition extends to our environment, and particularly to tools and artifacts. In this vein, proposals have been made to describe different dimensions of integration of artifacts in systems of extended cognition (Heersmink, 2015). Amongst these dimensions -and arguably as the main phenomenological marker of integration- appears the controversial concept of transparency, understood as the automaticity and lack of effort and conscious reflection with which we deploy an artifact (Heersmink, 2015). This notion, which we will call transparency-as-automaticity, seems however incomplete upon closer examination: it is not always the best characterization of extended experience (Andrada, 2020) and it can sometimes be insufficient, particularly when looking at examples of algorithm-based technologies where another kind of transparency (reflexive transparency) -more focused on access to regulative mechanisms- might be needed (Clowes, 2020).
With the aim of providing a better characterization of the ambivalent concept of transparency in the context of extended cognition, we will explore the theories of action control that are behind the notion of transparency-as-automaticity. We will review automatic views of skilled action, such as those defended by Hubert L. Dreyfus (2005, 2007), that focus on the "mindless" flow of expert performance and explore their limitations. We will then turn to hybrid theories that claim that both automaticity and control are needed for skilled performance (Christensen et al., 2016), which from our point of view provide a more detailed and situated picture of action, and use them to propose a revised concept of transparency: situated transparency. This hybrid notion of transparency allows to accommodate the experience of flow in our use of artifacts with the need for flexible control and situational awareness of a dynamic and ever changing environment in which (extended) cognition takes place.
Bio: Marta Pérez Verdugo (University of Basque Country, UPV/EHU)
New (6-month) post-doc position
A new position is open for a 6-month full-time post-doc contract at IAS-Research.
Deadine for application: June 11th (2021).
The contract will extend from July 1st to December 31st (2021).
Among other documents, the interested candidates should present:
PhD title
Motivation letter (max. 2p.)
Language titles (English & Basque) — if you have any.
More details on the application procedure (please, read carefully and follow the instructions):
https://www.ehu.eus/es/web/iip/-/conv_pers_invest_01_06_2021
In additon, please, let us know that you are applying through an e-mail message to kepa.ruiz-mirazo@ehu.eus, including the CV and the motivation letter presented.
IAS-Research Seminar (Online) by Tiago Rama (UAB) and Xabier Barandiaran (UPV/EHU), "An organismic path for teleosemantics: from biological to cognitive autonomy"
On June 15, 2021, at 11:30.
The most widespread attempt to explain cognitive norms in naturalistic terms is etiological teleosemantics (Millikan, 1989; Neander, 1991). However, the neo-Darwinian bases on which etiology is hosted have been severely challenged in the philosophy of biology, confronting the teleological account that departs from orthodox natural selection adaptationism. Organismic Biology (Camazine, 2003; Etxeberria & Umerez, 2006; Gilbert & Sarkar, 2000; Goodwin, 2001; Kauffman, 1995, 1995; Müller & Newman, 2003; Walsh, 2015) is an increasingly widespread alternative to this evolutionary adaptationist framework. There is, however, still little development of how organicism can contribute to teleosemantics and to transit from biological to cognitive norms. A prominent area to approach natural normativity within organismal biology is Autonomous System Theory (Barandiaran, 2008; Bechtel, 2007; Bickhard, 2000; Moreno et al., 2008; Moreno & Mossio, 2015; Ruiz-Mirazo et al., 2004). Within this approach normative behaviour has been conceptualized as that which operates in accordance with the viability conditions of a recursively self-sustaining system (Barandiaran et al., 2009; Barandiaran & Egbert, 2013; W. D. Christensen & Bickhard, 2002). Departing from different works on sensorimotor theory and the autonomy of cognition (Barandiaran, 2008; Barandiaran & Di Paolo, 2014; Barandiaran & Egbert, 2013; W. Christensen, 2012; W. D. Christensen & Bickhard, 2002; Di Paolo et al., 2017; Egbert & Barandiaran, 2014) we extend and discuss the notion of cognitive normativity from an organismic perspective that understands cognitive norms as emerging from interdependencies between sensorimotor habits. We attempt to refine the different sensorimotor layers that build cognitive norms, from the intrinsic normativity of a single habit to that of networks of habits up to the emergence of social habits. We identify minimal requirements for a system to be teleosemantic: 1. That its behaviour is goal directed (minimally pre-intentional), 2. That its behaviour must potentially be judged (naturalistically) as erroneous, and 3. That its behaviour be (at least potentially) corrected by the organism as a result of it being detected as erroneous. Next we apply the organismic approach to cognitive normativity to a simple example of sensorimotor behavior that satisfies the minimal teleosemantic requirements. Finally, we discuss the advantages of an organismic path to teleosemantics by addressing core challenges in the literature: a) the Swampman scenario (and the Swampfrog variant we will suggest); b) the relation between normal and natural normativity c) the plasticity of cognitive norms.
Bio: Tiago Rama (Autonomous University of Barcelona, UAB) trama.folco@gmail.com and Xabier E. Barandiaran (University of Basque Country, UPV/EHU)
IAS-Research Seminar by Izar Agirresarobe-Pineda (EHU/UPV) and Iñigo R. Arandia (EHU/UPV)
On May 18, 2021, at 11:30. This session consists of three small talks:
Izar Agirresarobe-Pineda (EHU/UPV) and Iñigo R. Arandia (EHU/UPV)
"Placebo, addictions, and the interplay between pre-reflective and reflective activity"
Background: Placebo and addictive phenomena share a controversy between reflective volition and uncontrollable bodily responses. Motivated by the conscious/nonconscious divide, they also share explanations in terms of (conscious) expectations and (nonconscious) conditioning. However, this dichotomy is problematic: it assumes a passive mechanistic account of bodies difficult to extrapolate beyond controlled experimental settings, and it renders the nonconscious as an almost inaccessible black-box.
Methods: We assess empirical evidence and theoretical explanations on placebo and addictive phenomena employing the dynamic interplay between pre-reflective (more implicit and automatized) and reflective (more explicit and controllable) aspects of agency derived from embodied cognitive science. We take the intersubjective domain as constitutive of experience, following the notion of "ontological intimacy" developed by philosopher Kym Maclaren.
Results: The pre-reflective/reflective interplay allows to investigate the influence of habits and other interrelated behavioral patterns, personal narratives, and a variety of tacit interactive elements (body language, speech tone, moods, atmospheres) that are fundamental to understand placebo phenomena and addictive behavior. Social interactions, including therapeutic encounters, cannot be reduced to exchanges of information that shape expectations only in a reflective manner. Social encounters always affect (positively or negatively) the ongoing constitution of our personhood in pre-reflective and reflective ways.
Conclusions: We suggest placebo and addictive phenomena should be investigated as meaningful interactive experiences involving a dynamic interplay between pre-reflective and reflective activity. This interplay, capturing essential sensorimotor and intersubjective influences, offers more flexibility than the conscious/nonconscious dichotomy. These categories might also provide insights for other conditions such as phobias or traumas.
Iñigo R. Arandia (UPV/EHU)
2. "Placebo from an Enactive Perspective"
Background: A set of problematic assumptions pervades research into placebo effects. These include various kinds of dualisms (physiology/psychology, object/subject, known/knower), and tendencies towards reductive explanations based on passive individuals and mechanistic conceptions of the body.
Methods: We review an alternative theoretical framework in embodied cognitive science that rejects these assumptions—the enactive approach to life and mind—and evaluate the conceptual tools it offers for placebo research. We overview enactive concepts such as dimensions of embodiment, agency, and sense-making. We also introduce the ontology of individuation developed by Gilbert Simondon to offer a processual account of placebo phenomena.
Results: Based on empirical evidence, we interpret placebo interventions not as originating causal chains, but as triggers in the regulation of existing tensions between bodily and interpersonal processes. These processes involve looping effects through three intertwined dimensions of embodiment: organic, sensorimotor, and intersubjective. From this perspective, placebo responses are individuation processes triggered to regulate ongoing tensions in biopsychosocial processes. We defend the need to investigate therapeutic interactions in terms of participatory sense-making, going beyond the identification of individual social traits that modulate placebo effects to the investigation of patterns and kinds of social interaction.
Conclusions: We offer enactive proposals to overcome limiting assumptions common in placebo research and clinical practice, and discuss their resonances and differences with traditional explanations in terms of expectations and conditioning, and other approaches based on meaning responses and phenomenological/ecological ideas.
3. "Social Interaction and Not Just Social Skills Affect Placebo Phenomena"
Background: Placebo effects are not predictable nor easily manipulable at an individual level. We suggest that a poor understanding of individual experiences and of social interactions contributes to discrepancies between placebo as robust group effects, and individual variability. Social influences on placebo are considered as external factors to be controlled for. The focus is on individual social traits, reducing the complex interactive experience to personal expectations, personality traits, motivational goals, or beliefs, downplaying interactive aspects such as patterns of coordination, asymmetries, and dissonances.
Methods: Following the enactive concept of participatory sense-making, we propose that a kind of interactive autonomy emerges in the therapeutic encounter, constituting a third element that depends on both patient and practitioner but is not controllable by either. Social interaction cannot be reduced to information transmission shaped by individual characteristics (empathy, trust, warmth).
Results: A successful encounter demands the capacity of relatedness from both sides in order to construct shared meaning and adequately modulate hopes and expectations. The few studies that gather data about interaction dynamics support the hypothesis that engaged forms of participation correlate with placebo effects. This perspective is compatible with the 'placebo by proxy' hypothesis and can account for evidence showing the impact of parental expectations on placebo effects in children.
Conclusions: Looking at phenomenological, anthropological and biomedical research, we show the necessity to investigate concrete situated and interactive experiences to gain generalization ability. Enactive theory bridges the gap between placebo effects measured at the group level and variability at the individual level.
Bio: Izar Agirresarobe-Pineda (EHU/UPV) and Iñigo R. Arandia (EHU/UPV)
IAS-Research Seminar (Online) by Alejandro Merlo (EHU/UPV), "Life and thermodynamics: the contribution of Earth system science"
On May 11, 2021, at 11:30.
Abstract: The classic thermodynamic account of life describes organisms as open systems, which compensate their internal low entropy by an increased dissipation in their surroundings. An intuitive consequence of this account is that complex living systems would seem to necessarily decrease the potential for life in their environment by their increased entropy production.
Within this framework, some accounts have attempted to explain biological organisation as a manifestation of the second law and the tendency to increase entropy; others have rejected this position as reductionist and moved to an account of biological organisation in non-thermodynamic terms. However, even if thermodynamics cannnot give a full account of biological organisation, there is in all cases a thermodynamic background to biological phenomena which needs to be accounted for in an understanding of the materiality of life.
In this context, James Lovelock's idea, according to which a planet with life could be distinguished because of a thermodynamic disequilibrium in its atmospheric composition, shifts the discussion to the planetary scale, where the presence of Life becomes the explanans of a certain thermodynamic configuration. This observation, which corresponds to the Gaïan principle according to which Life modifies its physical environment to improve and maintain its own conditions of existence, has been recently developed in a systematic way by German physicist Axel Kleidon.
From this planetary standpoint, it is Life together with its physical environment that has to be considered as the primordial open, far from equilibrium dissipative system. So, while individual organisms or complex organisations within the Earth can be described as dissipative systems if considered separately from the whole, a full thermodynamic account needs to integrate them in the planetary scale, where they might (or might not) function as part of the global material organisation that sustains a low entropy environment.
Bio: Alejandro Merlo Ote (EHU/UPV)
IAS-Research Talk Jo Bervoets (University of Antwerp), "Making sense of Tourettic sensibility (the joy of being let be?) "
Posted on 20/04/2021 by gmilitello
On April 27, 2021, at 11:30.
To participate, please contact: guglielmo.militello@ehu.eus
Abstract: Tourettic tics are typically socially received as problematic and nonsensical. But there is a tension between this fact, and how individuals with Tourette's make sense of their world. I resolve this tension by bridging phenomenological and post-phenomenological thinking via the concept of participatory sense-making. In doing so, I interpret Gilbert Simondon's becoming of the individual being as participatory sense-making between the human and the non-human. I propose to view the Tourettic difference as an example of a particular way of being that becomes problematic only if it is not 'let be,' and as a prototype of playfulness when it is 'let be'. In line with Simondon, the ethical primacy of our relational openness to such difference is seen as prerequisite of knowledge creation. In fact, I – provocatively – argue that 'being human entails being mentally ill' insofar as a deviation from social norms forms the precondition for the continued becoming of human knowledge. I tie dogmatic blocking of this becoming to 'arrogant perception' as elaborated by María Lugones. My talk is an outcome of a 'virtual' research visit with Hanne De Jaegher & Diana Beljaars, specialists in enaction/participatory sense-making and in post-phenomenolog/Tourette's respectively.
Bio: Jo Bervoets holds Masters in Philosophy, in Cognitive Sciences and in Sciences (Electronic Engineering). He worked for 25 years in the technology sector. After a burn-out, Jo was diagnosed with autism in 2017. To get back on track he pursued his lifelong obsession with philosophy graduating in '18. Jo wrote his master's thesis, published as "Going beyond the Catch-22 of autism diagnosis and research", on the moral implications of asking "What is autism?". He is currently a PhD researcher in the ERC project NeuroEpigenEthics with a specific focus on Tourette's.


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This article investigates the impact of court verdicts on Chennai's canals, tanks and related wetlands. It discusses three interlinked cases surrounding Buckingham Canal area and argues that the verdicts in these cases allowed the administration to destroy sophisticated water systems. It also argues that these waterbodies could have mitigated, if not prevented, the November–December 2015 floods in Chennai.
This historical analysis of the Periyar project questions the arguments and some of the contemporary claims made about the project's engineering and construction, and its environmental impact. Far from being an environmentally destructive project, this was a "pacifist" scheme when it was built. The article throws light on these issues by analysing historical documents.
The National Wetland Atlas 2011 has used confusing and inappropriate classifications. Many man-made wetlands have been treated as naturally occurring, tanks have become lakes, and a large number of ponds have become nondescript entities. The number of inland wetlands estimated is far less when compared to other known sources of data, creating reasonable doubt on the reliability of the exercise. This article emphasises the need for releasing the complete geo-coordinates and areal data sets, and undertaking accurate assessments of the numbers and water spreads of tanks and ponds.


text:
#ifndef _LIBSVM_H
#define _LIBSVM_H

#define LIBSVM_VERSION 300

#ifdef __cplusplus
extern "C" {
#endif

struct svm_node
{
	int dim;
	int ind; /* index. A bit redundanat, but needed if using a
                    precomputed kernel */
	double *values;
};

struct svm_problem
{
	int l;
	double *y;
	struct svm_node *x;
	double *W; /* instance weights */
};

struct svm_csr_node
{
	int index;
	double value;
};

struct svm_csr_problem
{
	int l;
	double *y;
	struct svm_csr_node **x;
        double *W; /* instance weights */
};

enum { C_SVC, NU_SVC, ONE_CLASS, EPSILON_SVR, NU_SVR };	/* svm_type */
enum { LINEAR, POLY, RBF, SIGMOID, PRECOMPUTED }; /* kernel_type */

struct svm_parameter
{
	int svm_type;
	int kernel_type;
	int degree;	/* for poly */
	double gamma;	/* for poly/rbf/sigmoid */
	double coef0;	/* for poly/sigmoid */

	/* these are for training only */
	double cache_size; /* in MB */
	double eps;	/* stopping criteria */
	double C;	/* for C_SVC, EPSILON_SVR and NU_SVR */
	int nr_weight;		/* for C_SVC */
	int *weight_label;	/* for C_SVC */
	double* weight;		/* for C_SVC */
	double nu;	/* for NU_SVC, ONE_CLASS, and NU_SVR */
	double p;	/* for EPSILON_SVR */
	int shrinking;	/* use the shrinking heuristics */
	int probability; /* do probability estimates */
	int max_iter; /* ceiling on Solver runtime */
    int random_seed; /* seed for random number generator */
};

//
// svm_model
//
struct svm_model
{
	struct svm_parameter param;	/* parameter */
	int nr_class;		/* number of classes, = 2 in regression/one class svm */
	int l;			/* total #SV */
	struct svm_node *SV;		/* SVs (SV[l]) */
	double **sv_coef;	/* coefficients for SVs in decision functions (sv_coef[k-1][l]) */

	int *sv_ind;            /* index of support vectors */

	double *rho;		/* constants in decision functions (rho[k*(k-1)/2]) */
	double *probA;		/* pariwise probability information */
	double *probB;

	/* for classification only */

	int *label;		/* label of each class (label[k]) */
	int *nSV;		/* number of SVs for each class (nSV[k]) */
				/* nSV[0] + nSV[1] + ... + nSV[k-1] = l */
	/* XXX */
	int free_sv;		/* 1 if svm_model is created by svm_load_model*/
				/* 0 if svm_model is created by svm_train */
};

struct svm_csr_model
{
	struct svm_parameter param;	/* parameter */
	int nr_class;		/* number of classes, = 2 in regression/one class svm */
	int l;			/* total #SV */
	struct svm_csr_node **SV;		/* SVs (SV[l]) */
	double **sv_coef;	/* coefficients for SVs in decision functions (sv_coef[k-1][l]) */

        int *sv_ind;            /* index of support vectors */

	double *rho;		/* constants in decision functions (rho[k*(k-1)/2]) */
	double *probA;		/* pariwise probability information */
	double *probB;

	/* for classification only */

	int *label;		/* label of each class (label[k]) */
	int *nSV;		/* number of SVs for each class (nSV[k]) */
				/* nSV[0] + nSV[1] + ... + nSV[k-1] = l */
	/* XXX */
	int free_sv;		/* 1 if svm_model is created by svm_load_model*/
				/* 0 if svm_model is created by svm_train */
};

struct svm_model *svm_train(const struct svm_problem *prob, const struct svm_parameter *param, int *status);
void svm_cross_validation(const struct svm_problem *prob, const struct svm_parameter *param, int nr_fold, double *target);

int svm_save_model(const char *model_file_name, const struct svm_model *model);
struct svm_model *svm_load_model(const char *model_file_name);

int svm_get_svm_type(const struct svm_model *model);
int svm_get_nr_class(const struct svm_model *model);
void svm_get_labels(const struct svm_model *model, int *label);
double svm_get_svr_probability(const struct svm_model *model);

double svm_predict_values(const struct svm_model *model, const struct svm_node *x, double* dec_values);
double svm_predict(const struct svm_model *model, const struct svm_node *x);
double svm_predict_probability(const struct svm_model *model, const struct svm_node *x, double* prob_estimates);

void svm_free_model_content(struct svm_model *model_ptr);
void svm_free_and_destroy_model(struct svm_model **model_ptr_ptr);
void svm_destroy_param(struct svm_parameter *param);

const char *svm_check_parameter(const struct svm_problem *prob, const struct svm_parameter *param);

void svm_set_print_string_function(void (*print_func)(const char *));

/* sparse version */

struct svm_csr_model *svm_csr_train(const struct svm_csr_problem *prob, const struct svm_parameter *param, int *status);
void svm_csr_cross_validation(const struct svm_csr_problem *prob, const struct svm_parameter *param, int nr_fold, double *target);

int svm_csr_get_svm_type(const struct svm_csr_model *model);
int svm_csr_get_nr_class(const struct svm_csr_model *model);
void svm_csr_get_labels(const struct svm_csr_model *model, int *label);
double svm_csr_get_svr_probability(const struct svm_csr_model *model);

double svm_csr_predict_values(const struct svm_csr_model *model, const struct svm_csr_node *x, double* dec_values);
double svm_csr_predict(const struct svm_csr_model *model, const struct svm_csr_node *x);
double svm_csr_predict_probability(const struct svm_csr_model *model, const struct svm_csr_node *x, double* prob_estimates);

void svm_csr_free_model_content(struct svm_csr_model *model_ptr);
void svm_csr_free_and_destroy_model(struct svm_csr_model **model_ptr_ptr);
void svm_csr_destroy_param(struct svm_parameter *param);

const char *svm_csr_check_parameter(const struct svm_csr_problem *prob, const struct svm_parameter *param);

/* end sparse version */

#ifdef __cplusplus
}
#endif

#endif /* _LIBSVM_H */

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


(Reuters) - UBS Group AG, Switzerland's largest bank, said it expects to be sued by the U.S. Department of Justice as early as Thursday on civil charges related to the sale of mortgage-backed securities in the run-up to the 2008 global financial crisis, according to a company statement.
UBS said the Justice Department advised the bank that it intends to file the lawsuit. It anticipates the Justice Department will seek unspecified monetary penalties stemming from mortgage securities which date back to 2006 and 2007.
The lawsuit against UBS, a small originator of U.S. residential mortgages at the time, is among the last actions over misconduct in the sale and pooling of mortgage securities which helped to cause the financial crisis.
In recent years, the Justice Department has settled similar claims with Citigroup Inc, Deutsche Bank AG, JPMorgan Chase & Co, Credit Suisse Group AG, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs Group Inc, Bank of America Corp and Barclays Plc.
More recently, HSBC Holdings Plc agreed to pay $765 million in October to settle with the Justice Department over its sale of defective mortgage securities before the crisis, while major player Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc reached a $4.9 billion deal in May.
After the crisis, banks were accused of deceiving investors about the quality of loans underlying the mortgage-backed securities they pooled and sold, with loans made to borrowers with no ability to repay them and based on inflated home appraisals.
UBS, which originated $1.5 billion of U.S. residential mortgages in a $5 trillion market, lost more than $45 billion when the housing market collapsed, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters.


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text:
Home » Celebrities » Ricky Berwick Wiki, Age, Girlfriend | Canadian Twitter Star Facts
Ricky Berwick Wiki, Age, Girlfriend | Canadian Twitter Star Facts
By Oshil Pokhrel | On: 21 Aug, 2018
28 Years 8 Month(s)
Social Media Personality
Wife/Spouse
Devon Berwick (Father), Barbara Berwick (Mother)
Canadian social media star Ricky Berwick surpassed his disability and entertained the viewers with his comedic videos and usual rants. Although he suffered from an abnormal disease condition, which restricted his movement, the Internet personality did not let his spirit lose and kept entertaining his viewers.
His comedic videos have scattered all over the social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Internet star sealed his ideas to fade into obscurity and carved a path in all aspects of entertainment.
Facts About Ricky Berwick
Here are some quick facts about the social media personality, Ricky Berwick.
The Canadian Twitter star was born to his parents Barbara and Devon Berwick. Since his birth, he had a physical disability known as the Beals-Hecht syndrome. The abnormal disease condition restricted his movement, and Ricky started using a motorized wheelchair.
Ricky is famous on social media platforms and is a self-proclaimed Twitter entertainer. On Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, he shares comedic videos and usual rants. With his popularity, Ricky gathered over 290,000 followers on Instagram, over 190K followers on Twitter and more than 1 million subscribers on YouTube and Facebook.
In 2006, he started his social media journey and made videos on YouTube. However, he did not gain attention and took a hiatus for over nine years. In late summer-2016, Ricky tried a second attempt in Twitter. He shared a video of him yelling and eating McDonald's french fries which went viral. Moreover, the video was stolen to Facebook and received millions of views.
In one of his funny YouTube videos published on 18 January 2018, the social media star calls his mom. He asked his mom to reach stuff for him and started jumping on a chicken toy in the comedic video. The video was published under the title, 'MOM - Ricky Berwick.' which gathered over 4.4 million views as of August 2018.
Who Is Ricky's Girlfriend?
The social media personality, who gathered fame through his whimsical persona addresses humorously regarding his girlfriend. In a YouTube video shared by Ricky on 27 December 2016, he collaborated with a mysterious lady and the duo covered a duet song. He joked about the title and wrote, 'Meet My Girlfriend.'
See Also: Evan Felker Wiki: Age, Birthday, Miranda Lambert, Net Worth, Height, Parents
Ricky Berwick jokes about having a girlfriend in a video posted on 27 December 2016 (Photo: YouTube)
In a video tweet shared by Ricky on 31 October 2017, he showed his hand and labeled it as his girlfriend. He added more fun and named his girlfriend Alex. Further on 24 March 2018, he shared a funny clip on Twitter, in which he rubbed the keyboard and captioned the image as 'be my internet girlfriend.' Although the social media star jokes about his girlfriend, he is reportedly single as of August 2018.
Read Also: Ron Claiborne Married, Wife, Gay, Family, Salary and Net Worth
How Much Is Ricky Berwick Net Worth?
Ricky Berwick, 26, has gathered his net worth from his career as a social media star. According to Socialblade, his self-titled YouTube channel estimated earnings ranges between $3.9K - $62.1K monthly and $46.6K - $745.7K yearly.
He has hoarded over 1.2 million subscribers on YouTube, and his partnership with the luxury sports car company DXRacer has served to boost his revenues. His popularity does not limit on YouTube as he has gathered massive fame in social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Ricky Berwick, who was born in 1992 in Canada, celebrates his birthday on 23 April. As per wiki, Ricky resides in Ontario, Canada.
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From a young age, he started to post a video on YouTube and then after the hiatus he reprised with short comedic videos and gathered attention in social media platforms.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


If you are interested in having NOJO Kicks locate you Bape- Sakura Head Photo T-Shirt. Select a size and enter your email to be notified when that size is back in stock. Please be aware that special order shoes will vary in price.
Looking For A Size? Request A Size! Click above to be notified by email when Bape- Sakura Head Photo T-Shirt becomes available.
This is a super exclusive Bape shirt that you will not be able to find anywhere. It is super rare and a great cop for any real collector.


text:
Q: How to change Bootstrap 4 tooltip opacity? What do I need to target to change the opacity for Bootstrap 4? I found that I need to target this to affect its background, but when I add opacity:1 to tooltip-inner or tooltip, it does nothing:
.tooltip .tooltip-inner {
  background-color: #014379;
}

.tooltip .arrow:before {
  border-top-color: #014379;
}

What do I need to do to change it?
Thanks!

A: If you've tried tried this code
.tooltip.show /* The CSS classes that the tooltip has */ {
    opacity: 0.5; /* or whatever */
}

Then try to add !important, so that you can be sure that your style will be applied
opacity: 0.5 !important;

If it still doesn't work, feel free to tell me.

A: You can change the opacity of tooltip like this
.tooltip.show {
    opacity: 0.5;
}

A: Opacity has a value between 0 and 1. 1 being nothing changed at all and 0 being invicible.

.tooltip .tooltip-inner {
  background-color: #014379;
  opacity: 0.5;
}

.tooltip .arrow:before {
  border-top-color: #014379;
}
<html lang="en">
  <head>
    <!-- Bootstrap CSS -->
    <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/bootstrap/4.0.0/css/bootstrap.min.css" integrity="sha384-Gn5384xqQ1aoWXA+058RXPxPg6fy4IWvTNh0E263XmFcJlSAwiGgFAW/dAiS6JXm" crossorigin="anonymous">
  </head>
  <body>
    <button type="button" class="btn btn-secondary" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="Tooltip on bottom">
        Tooltip on bottom
    </button>

    <script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/2.1.1/jquery.min.js"></script>
    <script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/popper.js/1.12.9/umd/popper.min.js" integrity="sha384-ApNbgh9B+Y1QKtv3Rn7W3mgPxhU9K/ScQsAP7hUibX39j7fakFPskvXusvfa0b4Q" crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
    <script src="https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/bootstrap/4.0.0/js/bootstrap.min.js" integrity="sha384-JZR6Spejh4U02d8jOt6vLEHfe/JQGiRRSQQxSfFWpi1MquVdAyjUar5+76PVCmYl" crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
    <script>
    $(function () {
      $('[data-toggle="tooltip"]').tooltip()
    })
    </script>
  </body>
</html>

A: If you want to change the background color opacity, you could use rgba()
though it will not work with HEX colors unless you use SCSS
that means if you want this solution you will need to find a color that looks like #014379 but with rgb()
RGBA Example:
/*Instead of
background-color: #014379;
*/
background-color:rgba(XXX,XXX,XXX,0.5)

SCSS Example:
SCSS Variable:
$color-tertiary: #607D8B;

Change Opacity:
background-color: rgba($color-tertiary, 0.5);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


A Son, A Servant, A Steward - Where is the Church? Where is the Mission Field?
PERHAPS THIS PROMPTS YOU TO ASK, "IF THAT IS THE CASE, WHERE ARE THEY?" When you look around New England, it seems like the number of Christians is shrinking, not growing.
If that is the case, where are they? If half of the Christians who ever lived are alive right now, where are they?
One way to answer this question is to recognize how everything has been turned upside down. Quite literally that is true. The center for Christianity is no longer in the north and in the west. The center of the church is now the global south and the east.
Consider what happens on any given Sunday around the world.
More Anglicans attend church in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda than did Anglicans in Britain and Canada and Episcopalians in the United States.
More Presbyterians were in church in Ghana than in Scotland.
The largest attended churches in England and France were black churches. About half of the churchgoers in London were African or African-Caribbean.
There are several observations to make from what God is doing in the world.
What God is doing in the global south and the east has been truly remarkable and has been the fruit of the missionary movement that came from the west.
Today, God is now starting a mission movement from the global south and east to the west. Today there are 15,000 foreign missionaries working in Great Britain. Most of these missionaries are from Africa and Asia.
When you think of the mission field, do you think about your own backyard? Do you think of New England? If ever there was a case for church planting, it is this. What God has done in the global south he can do once again here.
Perhaps we need to start thinking like a missionary. Perhaps we need to see our backyard as a legitimate mission field.


text:
Camp Countdown
Camp Countdown 2020 | 5 positions to watch at camp
It's going to be a much different training camp for the Bills and the 31 other NFL clubs this summer. Typically, this is where we lay out what positions fans attending camp should keep their eye on for compelling position battles. Obviously, with Bills fans not attending training camp this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we explain the positions we'll be keeping tabs on for you once the Bills are back on the field.
For the second straight year Levi Wallace is going to be challenged for his starting right cornerback position. Two years ago, as a rookie, he eventually succeeded Phillip Gaines at position. Last season, he successfully held Kevin Johnson off at the start of the year for the starting role before the team instituted more of a platoon system between Wallace and Johnson.
Now Wallace will be trying to hold off veteran Josh Norman, who is looking for redemption after two down seasons in Washington. Norman has a working knowledge of the system having played in it his first four seasons in the league under Sean McDermott in Carolina. Can he rediscover a consistency of play that could unseat Wallace?
The nickel corner role held by Taron Johnson the last couple of seasons could also be up for grabs. Though Johnson is an aggressive player despite his diminutive frame, he's expected to get competition from veteran EJ Gaines, who returned to the roster as a free agent this offseason.
Siran Neal and Dean Marlowe were also schematic role players at nickel corner based on the opponent's personnel grouping. Will they be factors as well?
State of the Roster - 2020 Buffalo Bills
Scroll through to get a look at Buffalo's roster in numerical order as it currently stands. After making the playoffs in 2019, the Bills had some roster turnover with free agency and the NFL Draft prior to the 2020 season.
#2 Tyler Bass, Kicker
Bass was selected in the sixth round by the Bills in the 2020 NFL Draft. He is expected to compete for the kicking job this offseason.
Georgia Southern's Tyler Bass (16) celebrates his 49-yard field goal with Anthony Beck II (98) during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Appalachian State on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019, in Boone, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
#3 Gabriel Davis, Wide Receiver
Davis comes to the Bills after being selected in the fourth round following a great college career at UCF. He will have a chance to be in the deep receiver rotation this fall.
Central Florida wide receiver Gabriel Davis (13) catches a pass in front of Connecticut defensive back Keyshawn Paul for a 73-yard touchdown play during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack/Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
#4 Stephen Hauschka, Kicker
Hauschka enters his fourth season in Buffalo. He has hit at least 78% of his field goal attempts in each of his first three seasons as the Bills kicker.
Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at New Era Field on October 20, 2019. Buffalo Bills kicker Stephen Hauschka (4). Photo by Craig Melvin
#5 Matt Barkley, Quarterback
Barkley enters his third season in Buffalo, after serving as the primary backup quarterback in 2019. Barkley appeared in two games last season for the Bills.
Matt Barkley. Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets at New Era Field, December 29, 2019.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
#6 Kaare Vedvik, Punter/ Kicker
Vedvik was signed by the Bills this offseason and joins the team after serving as a kicker and punter so far during his career. He will likely compete for a starting spot as a punter for the Bills.
Minnesota Vikings punter Kaare Vedvik kicks the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Jim Mone/Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
#7 Davis Webb, Quarterback
Davis Webb returns after spending the 2019 season on Buffalo's practice squad. He will be in the mix for a backup quarterback spot this season.
Buffalo Bills practice at One Bills Drive, November 6, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
#9 Corey Bojorquez, Punter
Bojorquez returns after serving as the starting punter in 2019. He was initially brought to Buffalo in 2018, and will be entering his third season as a Buffalo Bill in 2020.
Corey Bojorquez. Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens at New Era Field, December 8, 2019.
#10 Jake Fromm, Quarterback
Jake Fromm joins the Bills after being selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He will compete with Davis Webb and Matt Barkley for a spot in the QB room behind Josh Allen.
Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm shots to players during an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
John Amis/Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
#11 Cole Beasley, Wide Receiver
Cole Beasley is back for year two in Buffalo after catching 6 touchdowns in 2019. He is switching to #11 this year after wearing #10 in 2019.
Touchdown Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley (10)Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos at New Era Field, November 24, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
#13 Ray-Ray McCloud III, Wide Receiver
McCloud III is back with the Bills in 2020 after being drafted by the Bills in 2018. He will compete for a spot at receiver and at returner this offseason.
Ray-Ray McCloud III. Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions at Ford Field, August 23, 2019.
Photo by Bill Wippert
#14 Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver
Diggs comes to the Bills after being acquired in a trade with the Vikings. One of the NFL's best route runners and receivers, Diggs joins an offense that now has one of the best trios of receivers in the NFL with Cole Beasley and John Brown.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. (Tom DiPace via AP)
Tom DiPace/Tom DiPace
#15 John Brown, Wide Receiver
John Brown is back for year two in Buffalo after having over 1,000 yards receiving to go along with 6 touchdowns in 2019.
John Brown touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, December 21, 2019 at Gillette Stadium.
#16 Robert Foster, Wide Receiver
Robert Foster enters his third season in Buffalo after establishing himself as a valuable special teams player in addition to serving as a receiver on offense when called upon. Foster was active for 13 games in 2019's regular season.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Robert Foster (16) Buffalo Bills vs Dallas Cowboys, November 28, 2019 at AT&T Stadium.
#17 Josh Allen, Quarterback
Serving as a captain for the first time in 2019, Josh Allen led the Bills to the playoffs in just his second season. Heading into year three, Josh will be Buffalo's starter and will look to continue improving while developing chemistry with some of the new playmakers on offense. Josh had 30 total touchdowns in 2019.
Josh Allen (17) Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals at New Era Field, September 22, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
#18 Andre Roberts, Wide Receiver
Named to the Pro Bowl as a returner in 2019, Andre Roberts is back for his second season in Buffalo. Roberts will likely return punts and kicks again for Buffalo in addition to contributing as a receiver.
Andre Roberts. Buffalo Bills vs. Washington Redskins at New Era Field, November 3, 2019.
#19 Isaiah McKenzie, Wide Receiver
Isaiah McKenzie was re-signed this offseason and will be entering his third season with the team. Involved in all sorts of formations on offense, McKenzie appeared in 16 games for the Bills in 2019.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (19). Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 6, 2019 . Photo by Craig Melvin
#20 Zack Moss, Running Back
Drafted by the Bills in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Zack Moss is expected to come in right away and compete with Devin Singletary and T.J. Yeldon.
Utah running back Zack Moss (2) carries against Texas during the first half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game in San Antonio, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric Gay/Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
#21 Jordan Poyer, Safety
One of the unquestioned leaders on Buffalo's defense, Jordan Poyer enters his fourth season as a Buffalo Bill. He has started every game he's appeared in for the Bills in three seasons, and set a career high with 91 tackles in 2019.
Buffalo Bills free safety Jordan Poyer (21) Buffalo Bills vs Dallas Cowboys, November 28, 2019 at AT&T Stadium.
#22 T.J. Yeldon, Running Back
Yeldon enters his second season in Buffalo after being in the active rotation at running back in 2019. He is a valuable player in the passing game, and will be in the mix for more snaps heading into the 2020 season.
Buffalo Bills running back T.J. Yeldon (22) Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, September 29, 2019 at New Era Field.
#23 Micah Hyde, Safety
A huge part of Buffalo's defense, Micah Hyde returns for his fourth season and will likely line up next to Jordan Poyer in the secondary again.
Micah Hyde. Buffalo Bills vs. Washington Redskins at New Era Field, November 3, 2019.
#24 Taron Johnson, Cornerback
Taron Johnson will be back for his third season in Buffalo. He has served as Buffalo's starting nickel corner for the past two seasons, and is used in a variety of ways on defense.
Taron Johnson. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, October 20, 2019 at New Era Field.
#25 Taiwan Jones, Running Back
Taiwan Jones is back with the team for another stint after previously being on the team for the 2018 season. Regarded as a terrific special teams player, that is likely where Jones will make most of contributions for the Bills in 2020.
Buffalo Bills running back Taiwan Jones (26) - Buffalo Bills vs Los Angeles Chargers at New Era Field.
Photo by Kevin Hoffman
Kevin Hoffman
#26 Devin Singletary, Running Back
After a terrific rookie season, Devin Singletary is back for year two and will look to make an even larger impact now that he has experience.
Buffalo Bills vs Philadelphia Eagles at New Era Field on October 27, 2019. Buffalo Bills running back Devin Singletary (26). Photo by Craig Melvin
#27 Tre'Davious White, Cornerback
After being named a first-team All-Pro in 2019 while also being named to the Pro Bowl, Tre' White looks to build off of his great season in 2019 while continuing to guard the top options on the opposing offenses.
Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White (27) Buffalo Bills at New York Giants, September 15, 2019 Metlife Stadium. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
#28 E.J. Gaines, Cornerback
Gaines returns to Buffalo after being signed this offseason. He will be competing for a spot in the rotation at corner.
Buffalo Bills vs the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on December 31, 2017. Photo by Craig Melvin.
Craig Melvin/Craig Melvin/ 2017
#29 Josh Norman, Cornerback
Norman comes to Buffalo to reunite with Sean McDermott and will likely be in the mix for a spot opposite of Tre'Davious White at cornerback this season.
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) ,during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fl. (Tom DiPace via AP)
#30 Dane Jackson, Cornerback
A rookie taken in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Jackson will likely have to make his mark on special teams early on to be in the mix for snaps. He could be a candidate to help out at nickel corner as well.
State College, PA - September 14, 2019: The Pitt Panthers football team faces the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Keystone Classic at Beaver Stadium in State College, PA - Credit: Jeffrey Gamza/Pitt Athletics
Jeffrey Gamza/Copyright 2019 - Jeffrey Gamza/Pitt Athletics
#31 Dean Marlowe, Safety
A valuable member of Buffalo's secondary rotation, Marlowe was re-signed this offseason. He was even used in some "big nickel" packages in 2019, as his versatility is a great asset.
Buffalo Bills strong safety Dean Marlowe (31) Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets, December 29, 2019 at New Era Field.
#33 Siran Neal, Safety
Another member of Buffalo's defense with tremendous versatility, Siran Neal is back in 2020 looking to build off his successful second season in 2019. Neal played in a number of different spots on defense and was one of Buffalo's best special teams defenders in 2019.
Buffalo Bills defensive back Siran Neal (33) Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at New Era Field, December 29, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
#35 Antonio Williams, Running Back
Williams was brought in as an undrafted free agent, and will immediately add to the level of competition among the running backs. Williams had a productive career in college at North Carolina.
North Carolina's Antonio Williams gestures to the crowd during an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sep. 21, 2019. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
Ben McKeown/Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
#36 Josh Thomas, Safety
Thomas joins the Bills after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Appalachian State. He will compete at safety and on special teams.
Appalachian State's Josh Thomas defends during an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sep. 21, 2019. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
#37 Garrett Taylor, Safety
Taylor joins the Bills after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Penn State. He will compete at safety and on special teams.
Penn State safety Garrett Taylor (17) during an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Barry Reeger
#38 Ike Brown, Cornerback
Ike Brown comes to the Bills after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of FIU. He will compete at corner, but could likely slide in to nickel corner if needed as well.
FIU defensive back Isaiah Brown (4) runs during an NCAA football game against Tulane on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Matthew Hinton/Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
#39 Levi Wallace, Cornerback
Wallace enters year three with the Bills after starting every game in 2019 opposite of Tre'Davious White at corner. Wallace had a productive season, totaling 67 tackles and 2 interceptions in the 2019 regular season.
Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at New Era Field on October 20, 2019. Buffalo Bills defensive back Levi Wallace (39). Photo by Craig Melvin.
#42 Patrick DiMarco, Fullback
DiMarco returns for his fourth season with the Bills. He has appeared in every game for the Bills in his first three seasons.
Patrick DiMarco. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, October 20, 2019 at New Era Field.
#43 Del'Shawn Phillips, Linebacker
Phillips enters his second season in Buffalo after being signed to Buffalo's practice squad in 2019.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (46) follows a play during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phelan M. Ebenhack/Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
#44 Tyler Matakevich, Linebacker
Matakevich comes to Buffalo after being signed as a free agent this offseason. A terrific special teams player, Matakevich is likely to contribute there as well as on defense.
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Adam Hunger/Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
#45 Christian Wade, Running Back
Christian Wade was added to the Bills roster last year as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program and spent the season on the practice squad. With a year of NFL experience under his belt, Wade will look to compete in a deep running back room.
Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers,August 16, 2019 at Bank of America Stadium.
Photo by Gregg Forwerck
#46 Jaquan Johnson, Safety
Taken in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Jaquan Johnson established himself as a versatile option on defense while also being a great special teams contributor in his rookie season.
Buffalo Bills defensive back Jaquan Johnson (46) Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, October 20, 2019 at New Era Field.
#47 Cam Lewis, Cornerback
Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Buffalo, Cam Lewis spent the 2019 season on the practice squad. He will look to earn a spot in the rotation for 2020.
Buffalo Bills cornerback Cam Lewis (47) at the Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts at New Era Field, August 8, 2019.
Photo by Craig Melvin/Buffalo Bills
#48 Mike Bell, Linebacker
Mike Bell joins the Bills after starting his NFL career in 2019. After a standout career in college at safety, Bell will switch to linebacker with Buffalo.
Fresno State defensive back Mike Bell participates in a drill during the 2019 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Monday, March. 4, 2019. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Perry Knotts/© 2019 Perry Knotts Photography
#49 Tremaine Edmunds, Linebacker
Serving as a captain for the first time in 2019, Tremaine Edmunds was named to the Pro Bowl in just his second season. Back for year three, Edmunds will again anchor one of the league's best defenses.
Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, September 29, 2019 at New Era Field.
#50 Vosean Joseph, Linebacker
Joseph enters his second year in Buffalo after being drafted by the Bills in 2019. Joseph spent the regular season on injured reserve, but should have a good chance to contribute on defense and special teams this season.
Buffalo Bills linebacker Vosean Joseph (50) Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings at New Era Field, August 29, 2019.
#51 Bryan Cox Jr., Defensive End
Cox Jr. was signed as a free agent this offseason, and will immediately be thrown into the mix for a spot at defensive end for the Bills.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Bryan Cox runs during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Cleveland. The Browns won 27-19. (AP Photo/David Richard)
#52 Corey Thompson, Linebacker
Corey Thompson was a solid member of Buffalo's special teams in 2019, and he'll be back in 2020 to contribute there again while also giving snaps at linebacker when needed. His versatility is loved by Buffalo's coaches.
Buffalo Bills linebacker Corey Thompson (52) Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens game at New Era Field on December 8, 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
#53 Tyrel Dodson, Linebacker
After spending the 2019 season on the practice squad, Dodson is back in 2020 and will look to carve out a spot in the rotation at linebacker.
Buffalo Bills linebacker Tyrel Dodson (53) Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts at New Era Field, August 8, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
#54 A.J. Klein, Linebacker
The Bills signed Klein as a free agent after becoming a very important part of New Orleans' defense and special teams. Klein is expected to be a major contributor on defense and special teams in 2020.
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker A.J. Klein (53) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Colts 34-7. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Margaret Bowles
#55 Jerry Hughes, Defensive End
Jerry Hughes has been one of the more productive pass rushers in team history, and he will be back in 2020 for his eighth season in Buffalo. In 2019, Hughes battled injuries but still started every game for the Bills.
Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals at New Era Field, September 22, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
#56 Mike Love, Defensive End
Love enters his third season with the Bills after being signed as a rookie free agent in 2018. Love spent the 2019 regular season on injured reserve, but will have a chance to make his way into the rotation in DE for 2020.
Buffalo Bills defensive end Mike Love (56) Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts at New Era Field, August 8, 2019.
#57 A.J. Epenesa, Defensive End
Selected by the Bills in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Epenesa is expected to contribute right away as a rookie. Epenesa was one of college football's best players during his career at Iowa.
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) plays against Michigan during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Paul Sancya/Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
#58 Matt Milano, Linebacker
One of the most underrated players in the NFL, Milano is back in 2020 and will likely pair up with Tremaine Edmunds at linebacker again to anchor the middle of Buffalo's defense.
Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Matt Milano (58) sack of Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns, November 10, 2019 at FirstEnergy Stadium. Photo by Sara Schmidle
#59 Jonathan Woodard, Defensive End
Woodard was signed to the practice squad at the end of the 2019 season, and will be competing for a spot at DE in 2020.
Miami Dolphins defensive end Jonathan Woodard (76) in action during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, in Houston. The Texans defeated the Dolphins, 42-23. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Ryan Kang
#60 Mitch Morse, Center
Signed prior to the 2019 season, Mitch Morse was a big reason for Buffalo's improved offensive line play during 2019. He will be back, and is the likely starter again at center in 2020.
Mitch Morse. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, October 20, 2019 at New Era Field.
#61 Spencer Long, Offensive Line
Spencer Long readies for his second season with the Bills after establishing himself as a valuable member of Buffalo's O-Line rotation in 2019 by playing both guard and center.
Buffalo Bills center Spencer Long (61) and quarterback Josh Allen (17) Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos, November 24, 2019 at New Era Field.
#62 Victor Salako, Tackle
Salako spent the 2019 season on the practice squad.
New York Giants offensive lineman Victor Salako (64) pass blocks during a NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday Aug. 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. The Giants defeated the Patriots 31-29. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Damian Strohmeyer/Damian Strohmeyer
#63 Garrett McGhin, Offensive Line
Originally signed by Buffalo as an undrafted free agent in 2019, McGhin was injured during the 2019 preseason and spent the rest of the season on injured reserve. McGhin had a great college career at East Carolina.
Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Garrett McGhin (64) Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers, August 16, 2019 at Bank of America Stadium.
#64 Evan Boehm, Offensive Line
Boehm was signed as a free agent this offseason after starting 8 games for Miami in 2019. He will likely play guard for the Bills and adds to the competition up front during camp.
Miami Dolphins offensive guard Evan Boehm (76) blocks during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Oct. 28, 2019, in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh won 27-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
#65 Ike Boettger, Offensive Line
Boettger is back for year three in Buffalo after appearing in six games during his first two seasons on the Bills at both guard and center.
Buffalo Bills offensive guard Ike Boettger (65) and quarterback Matt Barkley (5) Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets, December 29, 2019 at New Era Field.
#67 Quinton Spain, Guard
Spain was re-signed after starting every game for the Bills in 2019. He will be a candidate to start at left guard again in 2020.
Buffalo Bills offensive guard Quinton Spain (67) Buffalo Bills at New York Jets, September 8, 2019 at MetLife Stadium.
#68 Marquel Harrell, Offensive Line
Harrell was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn. He will likely line up guard for Buffalo.
Auburn running back Kam Martin (9) runs behind Auburn offensive lineman Marquel Harrell (77) against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Vasha Hunt/Copyright 2018, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
#69 Reid Ferguson, Long Snapper
Ferguson had his contract extended this offseason after serving as the long snapper in every game for the Bills over the past three seasons.
Buffalo Bills long snapper Reid Ferguson (69) and Buffalo Bills punter Corey Bojorquez (9) Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at New Era Field on December 29, 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
#70 Cody Ford, Tackle
Cody Ford enters his second season after being selected in the second round by the Bills in the 2019 NFL Draft. Ford elevated his play as the season went along as a rookie in 2019, and should be in line for a breakout season in year two.
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Cody Ford (70) Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals, September 22, 2019 at New Era Field.
#71 Ryan Bates, Offensive Line
After being acquired via trade prior to the 2019 regular season, Ryan Bates was in Buffalo's rotation up front with his ability to play every spot on the offensive line. His versatility should help him in some of the position battles that are likely to take place on the OL.
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Ryan Bates (71)/ Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 6, 2019 . Photo by Craig Melvin
#72 Trey Adams, Tackle
Trey Adams joins the Bills after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Washington.
The University of Washington football team plays Hawaii on September 13, 2019. (Photography by Scott Eklund/Red Box Pictures)
#73 Dion Dawkins, Tackle
A captain for the first time in 2019, Dion Dawkins gets ready for year four in Buffalo. Dawkins has started every game for the Bills over the past two seasons and will look to do so again in 2020.
Dion Dawkins national anthem. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, October 20, 2019 at New Era Field.
#75 Daryl Williams, Offensive Line
Daryl Williams comes to Buffalo from Carolina, where he started 41 games for the Panthers over five seasons. Williams has the ability to play every spot on the offensive line, and his experience should come in handy for Buffalo.
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams (60) during an NFL regular season football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers won, 51-13. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Ric Tapia/AP2019
#76 Jon Feliciano, Offensive Line
Feliciano is back with Buffalo after starting every game for the Bills in 2019. He played both guard and center last year, and will likely be able to so again if needed in 2020.
Buffalo Bills offensive guard Jon Feliciano (76) Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans, October 6, 2019 at Nissan Stadium.
#77 Ty Nsekhe, Tackle
Ty Nsekhe is back in Buffalo for his second season after serving as a valuable part of the rotation at tackle in 2019. Playing at right tackle in 2019, Nsekhe made a great pairing with rookie Cody Ford last season.
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Ty Nsekhe (77) Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals, September 22, 2019 at New Era Field.
#79 Brandon Walton, Tackle
Brandon Walton joins the Bills after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic.
RalphNotaro
#80 Jason Croom, Tight End
Croom is back in the mix at tight end after spending 2019 on injured reserve. He was a rotation member at tight end for Buffalo in 2018, totaling 22 catches to go along with a touchdown.
Buffalo Bills tight end Jason Croom (80). Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings at New Era Field, August 29, 2019.
#81 Tyler Kroft, Tight End
Tyler Kroft gets ready for year two in Buffalo after being signed as a free agent prior to the 2019 season. He will likely be in the mix for a large number of snaps again in 2020.
Buffalo Bills tight end Tyler Kroft (81) Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 17, 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
#82 Duke Williams, Wide Receiver
Williams had some notable moments in 2019, and will be firmly in the mix for the competition at wide receiver in 2020.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Duke Williams (82) Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, October 20, 2019 at New Era Field.
#84 Nate Becker, Tight End
Signed as undrafted free agent out of Western Kentucky, Nate Becker spent the 2019 season on the practice squad.
#85 Lee Smith, Tight End
Lee Smith is back in 2020 after being being a rotation tight end in 2020. A veteran presence in an otherwise young tight end room, Smith was used primarily as a blocker in 2019.
Buffalo Bills tight end Lee Smith (85).
Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 6, 2019 . Photo by Craig Melvin
c.melvin/2019
#86 Nick Easley, Wide Receiver
Nick Easley returns in 2020 after spending the 2019 season on the practice squad. He was initially signed as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa.
Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings at New Era Field, August 29, 2019. Buffalo Bills Nick Easley (86). Photo by Craig Melvin/Buffalo Bills
#87 Isaiah Hodgins, Wide Receiver
Isaiah Hodgins comes to the Bills after being selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. A large body at WR, Hodgins could be in the mix for snaps as a rookie.
Oregon State wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins (17) in the second half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Tucson, Ariz. Oregon State defeated Arizona 56-38. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Rick Scuteri/Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
#88 Dawson Knox, Tight End
Dawson Knox had a great rookie season in 2019 after being selected in the third round of the 2019 Draft. With a year of experience under his belt, Knox could be in line for a breakout season in 2020.
Buffalo Bills vs Cleveland Browns at First Energy Stadium on November 10, 2019. Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (88).
Photo by Craig Melvin
#89 Tommy Sweeney, Tight End
After being selected in the seventh round in 2019 out of Boston College, Tommy Sweeney was in the rotation at tight end throughout the 2019 season. He will likely be right in the mix during the competition at tight end this offseason.
Buffalo Bills tight end Tommy Sweeney (89) reception Buffalo Bills at New York Jets, September 8, 2019 Metlife Stadium. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
#90 Quinton Jefferson, Defensive Line
Jefferson joins the Bills after being signed as a free agent this offseason. A standout starter in Seattle, Jefferson has the ability to play tackle and end on the defensive line, which should give Leslie Frazier plenty of options on defense.
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson in action during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Matt Rourke/Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
#91 Ed Oliver, Defensive Tackle
After a productive rookie season, Ed Oliver is back for year two, where he is likely going to enter the season as a starter. After getting better and better as the year went on in 2019, Oliver could be ready for a breakout season in his second season in 2020.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots at New Era Field, September 29, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
#92 Darryl Johnson, Defensive End
A seventh round pick by the Bills in 2019, Johnson became a big part of Buffalo's special teams units in his rookie season while also contributing at defensive end. With some new faces on the defensive line this season, Johnson should be in the mix again in 2020.
Buffalo Bills defensive end Darryl Johnson (92) Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens game at New Era Field on December 8, 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
#93 Trent Murphy, Defensive End
A starter in every game for the Bills in 2019, Trent Murphy should be a candidate for a large amount of snaps again in 2020. Murphy had 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and an interception in 2019.
Buffalo Bills Trent Murphy (93) vs Baltimore Ravens at New Era Field, December 7, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
#94 Vernon Butler, Defensive Tackle
Signed as a free agent out of Carolina, Vernon Butler comes to Buffalo with lots of ability at the DT position. He had six sacks as a starter in Carolina last season.
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Vernon Butler (92) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Panthers, 24-16. (Ryan Kang via AP)
#96 Vincent Taylor, Defensive Tackle
Signed to the practice squad during the season, Taylor was eventually moved up to the active roster, where he appeared in three regular season games for the Bills in 2019 at DT.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Vincent Taylor (96) Buffalo Bills vs Washington Redskins at New Era Field on November 3, 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
#97 Mario Addison, Defensive End
Consistent and productive. Mario Addison comes to the Bills with tons of NFL experience and production. In the last three seasons in Carolina, he played in and started in all but one game, and had at least 9 sacks in each of those three seasons. Entering his tenth season in the NFL, Addison should bring a steady presence at DE for the Bills.
Carolina Panthers defensive end Mario Addison (97) during an NFL regular season football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in New Orleans. The Saints won, 34-31. (Ric Tapia via AP)
#98 Star Lotulelei, Defensive Tackle
Entering his third season in Buffalo, Lotulelei has been a consistent presence on Buffalo's defensive front since his arrival. While he doesn't put up the same stats as other members of the defense, he is an integral part of Buffalo's scheme to stop the run.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (98). Buffalo Bills vs Washington Redskins, November 3, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Nicholas T. LoVerde
#99 Harrison Phillips, Defensive Tackle
After a strong start to his second season in 2019, Harrison Phillips suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss the rest of the season. After rehabbing all season, Phillips should be right back in the mix for snaps in the defensive line rotation in 2020.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (99) Buffalo Bills at New York Giants, September 15, 2019 at MetLife Stadium.
Camp Countdown 2020 | Which Bills offer the most versatility?
Camp Countdown 2020 | Will Stefon Diggs make the Pro Bowl?
Camp Countdown 2020 | 3 reasons why Buffalo's defensive line should excel in 2020
There are a host of veterans and some young up and coming players who will be battling for roles at the position. Outside of Jerry Hughes, no one's role is a lock.
Trent Murphy is expected to see fierce competition from the likes of free agent signee Mario Addison and rookie A.J. Epenesa for snaps at left end.
Addison's pass rush productivity the last four years is undeniable and Epenesa comes in with a ready-made edge-setting skill set against the run.
Also pushing for time on the field will be second-year end Darryl Johnson who flashed as a rookie in a rotational role. Mike Love, who was having a strong offseason before an injury forced him to miss the entire 2019 season, is also in the conversation as a speed rusher off the edge.
Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano are locks, but beyond that it's a wide-open position. Who replaces Lorenzo Alexander on the strong side in the base defense? Who fills his pass rush role, and is it even a linebacker?
A.J. Klein, who has played all three linebacker positions in this scheme in his time in Carolina, is seen a prime candidate in the base defense. Third-year linebacker Corey Thompson is also a consideration.
Where will second-year linebackers Vosean Joseph and Tyrel Dodson fit after not seeing the field at all as rookies?
And does special teams ace Tyler Matakevich make a play for a role on defense?
There are a lot of pieces to fit together at this position for sure.
Right tackle
Even though the Bills return all five starters from last year's offensive line, the right tackle spot was largely a platoon position between Cody Ford and Ty Nsekhe before a high ankle sprain took Nsekhe off the field in the second half of the season.
Ford appears primed to seize the job full time, but Nsekhe played well when he was in the lineup and the team finished drives with touchdowns more often with the veteran on the field.
Another factor in the equation could be free agent signee Daryl Williams. Though guard is thought to be Williams strongest position, he has a ton of experience at offensive tackle, having started on both the right and left side for Carolina in his career. Whether he's part of the competition remains to be seen.
This might be the toughest position in which to earn a roster spot this summer. Buffalo's top three appear clear cut with Stefon Diggs, John Brown and Cole Beasley filling those roles. As for spots four, five and six, it's a complete scramble.
Special teams returner Andre Roberts showed he can contribute on offense last season and Isaiah McKenzie and Robert Foster both have two accrued seasons on Buffalo's roster.
But all three are going to be pushed by the likes of 2019 upstart Duke Williams, Ray-Ray McCloud, draft choices Gabe Davis and Isaiah Hodgins and Nick Easley.
Essentially there are eight receivers battling for three spots on Buffalo's 53-man roster. It will easily be the most intense competition at camp.
Camp Countdown, presented by Connors & Ferris, will examine some of the more pressing questions facing the team on the field, and players who could make a difference as the team makes its final preparations for the 2020 regular season. We also focus on a few different areas that impact the team off the field. We'll examine these issues one at a time until training camp begins. Here now is the latest daily installment as we carefully seek some of the answers the Buffalo Bills have to come up with between July 29th and the opener on Sept. 13th.
Camp Countdown 2020 | Will the Bills win the AFC East?
In our final story of the Camp Countdown series, Chris Brown looks at the chances of Buffalo claiming an AFC East title in 2020.
Camp Countdown 2020 | What should be expected from Josh Allen in year three?
In our second to last story of our Camp Countdown series, Chris Brown takes a look at what fans can expect from Josh Allen in his third NFL season.
Camp Countdown 2020 | Can Buffalo's defense be a top 5 unit for a third straight season?
With veterans reporting to training camp on Tuesday, Camp Countdown takes a look at the defensive unit.
Camp Countdown 2020 | Which rookie will make the most immediate impact?
With four days to go to the start of training camp, our Camp Countdown series looks at the rookies who have the best chance to make an impact in 2020.
Camp Countdown 2020 | What are the deepest positions on the roster?
With five days until the start of training camp, Chris Brown offers his opinion on these four position groups.
Camp Countdown 2020 | Who are the training camp sleepers?
With six days to go until veterans report for training camp, Chris Brown unveils his list of under-the-radar players to watch this preseason.
Camp Countdown 2020 | 3 reasons why the Bills should be able to make up for lost time in the spring
In this edition of our Camp Countdown series, Maddy Glab looks at the factors that will help the Bills hit the ground running once camp begins.
Camp Countdown 2020 | Which veteran will have a career year?
With eight days to go to the start of training camp, our Camp Countdown series takes a look at which veterans are set-up to have a career year in 2020.
Camp Countdown 2020 | Who will be the starting right tackle?
With 10 days to go to the start of training camp, our Camp Countdown series takes a look at the top candidates for the right tackle position.
Camp Countdown 2020 | 4 reasons why the Bills should score more points in 2020
With 11 days to the start of training camp, Chris Brown takes a look at how the offense can improve their point production this season.
With 13 days remaining to the start of training camp, our Camp Countdown series takes a look at the most versatile players on the Bills roster.


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Memorial Day Playlist: Honor the Fallen, Sing Along and Arrive Alive
Music Streaming Services Can Make Roads Safer
Songs that honor the sacrifices of veterans
Summertime Songs
Song of the Summer, 2019
After Crafting the Perfect Memorial Day Road Trip Playlist
Memorial Day marks the unofficial kickoff to summer. Many of us celebrate the lives of our fallen troops by accepting an invite to a good friend's barbecue or hitting the road to the nearest beach. Those hosting barbecues or beach parties are already putting together Memorial Day playlists for the party. But travelers headed out for a road trip may also want to get in on the playlist action. The increase in roadway travel makes Memorial Day one of the deadliest holidays for car accidents. This increase in motor vehicle travel increases a driver's duty to pay attention to their surroundings.
Most warnings about holiday driving center around drunk driving, sleepy driving, weather, and road conditions. However, there are not nearly enough warnings about the dangers of distracted driving. Studies show that adjusting the radio is the single biggest distraction in the vehicle and accounts for approximately 80% of all distracted driving. Further, distracted driving is the cause of more than 420,000 accident-related injuries and more than 3,100 fatalities each year. Even if you don't text and drive, picking up your cell phone to search for a song on your preferred music streaming service is an added distraction most motorists now have to consider.
Despite the newness of this technology, we aren't saying anything new about fiddling with the radio while driving. Since the introduction of the car radio in the 1930s, there has been pushback about music's ability to take a driver's attention from the road. But music streaming services may be the solution to the radio distraction.
Listen to our Memorial Day 2019 playlist on Spotify:
Gone are the days where you have to sit through five minutes of radio commercials. Gone are the days of lowering your car radio when all of your favorite stations presets are on commercial break at the same time. You don't have to worry about taking your eyes off the road to rewind a tape or find and switch out a CD. In 2019, you have more choices than ever to keep your commutes and road trips enjoyable. As long as your cell phone bill is paid, you can stream whatever you want from almost anywhere in the world.
While it's fair to say that apps like Apple Music, Spotify, Google Music, and Tidal can be a distraction, they also offer drivers an innovation of selection not seen since the first mix CD. But where mixed CDs were bound by data constraints, streaming offers drivers the ability to create an unlimited playlist. Playlists make roads safer simply because they remove the temptation to multitask. Fiddling with the car controls and radio dials is actually more distracting than you may think. In addition, searching for music on your phone while you're driving is just as dangerous as texting and driving.
If your Memorial Day plans include a road trip, consider creating the perfect playlist right now. We have some song suggestions that honor our nation's fallen soldiers and make your drive enjoyable while ensuring your surroundings have your attention.
Memorial Day honors those who have died in armed conflicts while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Your Memorial Day playlist would be incomplete without a few songs that honor the sacrifices these men and women have made.
"Born in the U.S.A." – Bruce Springsteen
Who is more American than Bruce Springsteen? Heralded as the blue-collar worker's champion, Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." is the go-to song we think of to celebrate the country. But past its aggressive piano, Springsteen's anger, and its catchy ubiquitous chorus, the song tells the story of a man sent off to the Vietnam war whose left dealing with the lasting effects of war.
"American Girl" – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty is an American icon with an extensive catalog. Despite its current ubiquity, "American Girl" wasn't actually a hit on its initial release in 1977. But thanks to the chilling scene from 1991's "Silence of the Lambs" and a 1994 re-release, the song now gets the credit it deserves as an American classic. There are a lot of myths as to what the song is actually about. (Tom Petty wrote the song about the sounds of a highway.) However, you can interpret it however you want. No matter what you interpret, the song is easy to bop along to and will make you feel patriotic driving on America's open roads. When the song comes on, its upbeat tempo is enough to keep you awake through any length road trip.
"Some Gave All" – Billy Ray Cyrus
Young millennials may only know Billy Ray Cyrus as Miley Cyrus' real-life and Hannah Montana dad. And Gen Z may only know Billy Ray Cyrus from his current long-running number one song in the country, "Old Town Road" with rapper Lil Nas X. But before becoming a Disney dad and blending musical genres, Billy Ray Cyrus was honoring fallen soldiers on the ballad "Some Gave All", the eponymous title of his first album.
"Surrender" – Cheap Trick
You won't find "Surrender" by Cheap Trick on many U.S.-specific holiday playlists. Why? Because it doesn't contain the word America or U.S.A. However, the song is about the advice a Baby Boomer receives from his Greatest Generation parents. "Surrender" even nods to the contributions that women made to our country's military efforts as it dismisses claims that women recruited into the WACS (Women's Arny Corps) during WWII were old maids.
"Star-Spangled Banner" – Whitney Houston
What would a Memorial Day road trip playlist be without the only rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner to become a top 10 hit? Houston recorded the song as a charity song to raise funds for soldiers and families who were involved in the Persian Gulf war in 1991. Arista Records, her label, re-released the song in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Funds from the re-release were donated to the first responders and victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
"Party in the U.S.A." – Miley Cyrus
Sometime between Hannah Montana and becoming Mrs. Liam Hemsworth, Miley Cyrus found time to release the effervescent 2009 classic "Party in the U.S.A." The song opens with an infectious pop guitar riff before the beat drops and Miley begins crooning about moving from Small Town, U.S.A. to Hollywood to pursue her dreams. She listens to Jay Z and Britney Spears in her cowgirl boots. The song will keep your mood up as it celebrates the freedom of pursuing the American Dream while soaking in all of the cultures and backgrounds this great country has to offer—the freedoms those who fought and died for this country swore to uphold and protect.
It's warming up and you're likely to spend your Memorial Day outside. Not everyone gets MLK Day or Good Friday off of work, so for some workers, the three-day Memorial Day weekend is their first break of the New Year. We already know, any summer road trip playlist would be incomplete without summer-themed hits that bring about that teenaged nostalgia. Add these to your Memorial Day playlist:
"Hot in Herre" – Nelly
"Summertime" – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
"Summer Girls" – LFO
"Cruel Summer" – Bananarama
"The Boys of Summer" – Don Henley (or The Ataris – whichever version you were a teen for)
"Summer of '69" – Bryan Adams
"Summertime Sadness" – Lana Del Rey
"It Was A Good Day" – Ice Cube
"Summer Madness" – Kool & The Gang
In addition to honoring the fallen, we know you want to have a good time to get you pumped to celebrate your three-day Memorial Day Weekend. While we're not quite into the summer there are some early contenders for song of the summer, 2019. Here are a few top hits across genres that you might want to consider adding into your Memorial Day road trip playlist:
"Old Town Road (Remix)" – Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus
"If I Can't Have You" – Shawn Mendes
"Before I Let Go" – Beyoncé*
"Juice" – Lizzo*
"Sucker" – Jonas Brothers
"Go" – The Black Keys
"Wow" – Post Malone*
"Sweet but Psycho" – Ava Max
"Talk" – Khalid, Disclosure
"God's Country" – Blake Shelton
"MIA" – Bad Bunny, Drake
"Key Song" – Toebow
"Taki Taki" – DJ Snake, Selena Gomez, Ozuna, Cardi B
"Bad Guy" – Billie Eillish
"I've Been Waiting" – Lil Peep, iLoveMakonnen ft. Fall Out Boy*
"Crave" – Madonna, Swae Lee
*If you're taking a family trip this holiday, make sure you get the clean versions.
Even when you settle on your music early, there are still dangers associated with listening to music. Some studies show that music increases distractions. However, other studies indicate that listening to jazz or other smooth sounds increases attentiveness.
Your Memorial Day road trip playlist might be perfect, but here are some tips to keep in mind while you're driving:
Listen to your music at a reasonable level.
There is something to the old joke about turning your music down when you're lost. When the volume is high, the time needed to make decisions increases by 20 percent.
Hit play and don't touch your playlist until you stop.
And we're not talking when you come to a quick halt in stop-and-go traffic, we're talking about you're pulled off the road and stopped at a gas station. Searching for songs means that you will look away from the road more often and for more than two seconds.
Turn off cell phone notifications.
That text and that phone call can wait. Even hands-free cell phone use can be a distraction.
This has nothing to do with music, but it's worth repeating.
Memorial Day is meant to honor fallen heroes, but it can quickly become a day that your family has to honor your memory as well. Tragedy can strike at any moment—particularly when drivers aren't aware of what's going on around them. The Carlson Law Firm believes that responsible driving begins with using common sense. If everyone takes responsibility for their actions on the road, we can reduce the number of car crashes and keep yourself and others safe. Even if none of the songs we suggested are your jam, putting together a playlist before you put the car in 'drive' is the best way to avoid searching for songs and causing a distracted driving accident.
Even responsible drivers who are aware of their surroundings can become car crash victims. If you were the victim of distracted driving or Memorial Day car crash, contact The Carlson Law Firm. Our team of experienced and dedicated attorneys is ready to help you and your family begin the recovery process.


But expect Saturday's season opener (4 p.m. MT, ESPNEWS) to be a battle, with the Trojans capable of pulling the upset if turnovers or special teams go their way like they did for the Broncos in last year's season opener. Boise State won that game 24-13 in Boise.
Troy coach Neal Brown has told his Trojans they might need time to reload — potentially as a motivational ploy.
The Trojans went 11-2 last season, winning their final seven games and upsetting LSU. The Broncos posted an 11-3 record, winning nine of their final 10 games and beating Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl.
The Broncos enter the season ranked No. 22 — making them just the second ranked team to visit Troy, which is expecting a large crowd as it debuts its north end zone football facility complete with video board and club seating.
"It's a game that is a measuring stick for us as a program," Brown said.
It's a tell-tale game for the Broncos, too. If they're talented and focused enough to thrive under adverse conditions in the season opener, it's safe to expect big things this year. If not, the five-game gauntlet to open the season will look even more daunting.
The Broncos play two more of those programs with back-to-back 10-win seasons: Oklahoma State on Sept. 15 and San Diego State on Oct. 6.


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Q: Selenium RC - Cannot redeclare class PHPUnit_Framework_TestCase This I have found on the net in various places but with no actual solution. The default code for running a test is
<?php

set_include_path(get_include_path() . PATH_SEPARATOR . './PEAR/');
require_once 'Testing/Selenium.php';
require_once 'PHPUnit/Framework/TestCase.php';

class GoogleTest extends PHPUnit_Framework_TestCase
{
    private $selenium;

    public function setUp()
    {
        $this->selenium = new Testing_Selenium("*firefox",
                                               "http://www.google.com");
        $this->selenium->start();
    }

    public function tearDown()
    {
        $this->selenium->stop();
    }

    public function testGoogle()
    {
        $this->selenium->open("/");
        $this->selenium->type("q", "hello world");
        $this->selenium->click("btnG");
        $this->selenium->waitForPageToLoad(10000);
        $this->assertRegExp("/Google Search/", $this->selenium->getTitle());
    }

}
?>

This gives me the following error
Fatal error: Cannot redeclare class PHPUnit_Framework_TestCase in /usr/lib/php/PHPUnit/Framework/TestCase.php on line 115
My include path looks like this
.:/usr/lib/php/ZendLatest/library/:/usr/lib/php/:./PEAR/
Can anyone help me fix this? It isn't obvious where the class is being re-declared, is it on line 115 of the file mentioned above or somewhere else?
Thanks

A: I have solved this by changing the line
 require_once 'PHPUnit/Framework/TestCase.php';

To
require_once 'PHPUnit/Framework.php';

The Framework.php file is the Bootstrap for PHPUnit and including this deals with all other includes. Including TestCase.php doesn't work because that isn't the Bootstrap file and thus doesn't load PHPUnit correctly.


text:
Britain's Adam Peaty sets world record in heats
By Hugo Lowell • Updated: 06/08/2016
Britain's Adam Peaty broke his own world record in the heats of the men's 100 metres breaststroke at the 2016 Rio Olympics on Saturday.
The 21-year-old, who also holds the world record in the 50 metres breaststroke, finished in a time of 57.55 seconds to shave 0.37 off his previous mark set at the British Swimming Championships less than four months ago.
"I just raced today and did what I did," Peaty told reporters. "I've become an Olympian now so that's a good thing to have, but hopefully tonight we are going to move it on tonight (in the semifinal) a little bit more and see what we got."
"Hopefully tonight I'm going to feel a lot better and hopefully swim a little bit faster," he added.
"Mel, my coach, is axe-splitting in this region," Peaty said when asked if the point of going out fast in the heats was to give himself a margin. "We're not going to get too complacent now, we're going to keep pushing the boundaries and see what we get."
The defending Olympic champion, South Africa's Cameron van der Burgh, also progressed safely to the semifinal round in a time of 59.35 seconds in seventh place.
Frank Lampard sacked as manager of Premier League club Everton
Former Wales, Real Madrid, and Tottenham forward Gareth Bale retires from football aged 33
SWIMMING SPORT 2016 RIO SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES