text:
Voices of the living past: the 'Ashug' minstrel music of Azerbaijan (EAP149)
The ashug art is a 500 year-old narrative and musical tradition that has survived in the mountains of Azerbaijan. The core of the art is the dastan epic that is told to the accompaniment of the Azerbaijani lute by an ashug, a minstrel who must train many years with a master in order to learn the art. These lengthy epics, which combine Caucasian folklore with Sufi philosophy, have been passed through generations for hundreds of years. Ashugs also engage in contests called deyishme in which they pose riddles intricately woven in improvised verse. There are many regional schools of the art, each of which has its own repertoire and music. Continuing a traditional method of encoding and communicating information over time, dastan contain layers of cultural, linguistic, and historical information about the peoples and microcultures of the Caucasian mountains. Every ashug performance is based on verbal improvisation within a traditional framework, thus every recording represents an artistic moment which will never be repeated.
Because this art is often dismissed as back-country folklore, there has been little effort by state cultural organs to preserve its traditions. Contemporary ashugs concentrate on short lyric songs in order to compete in the profit-centred entertainment marketplace, and many original features of the art are rapidly disappearing. Tragically, due to the territorial wars of the past 20 years, whole regional ashug schools have been wiped out, their surviving members dispersed as refugees. In addition, because of enduring economic crisis, the population has shifted to Baku, further undermining cultures of the rural regions. Today, epic dastan, deyishme, and the subtleties of regional variants are only known by the oldest ashugs, and this living heritage may be lost within the next 10 years.
Thanks to the efforts of Archive Director Madatov, the Azerbaijan State Archive of Sound Recordings has a significant collection of ashug arts of the past 70 years recorded on phonograph records, magnetic tape, and video. They also house a collection of photographs and field recordings. These holdings include more than 100 dastan, as well as deyishme and songs performed by ashugs from all regions of Azerbaijan. As the 20 th century witnessed several waves of dispersion and destruction of archives, many of the recordings are unique representations of a specific dastan or a great master ashug. Because these holdings are stored on media that is vulnerable to embrittlement over time, it is important that they are copied to digital media, both as a method of preservation and as a way to make the collection available to the public. Thus, the first goal of the pilot programme will be to identify the 50 most voluble items related to the ashuq art and to create digital copies.
The second goal of the project will be to identify other collections of significant ashiq materials (which can include recordings, photographs, and perhaps manuscripts). Potential institutions with large collections include the Museum of Musical Culture under the direction of Allah Bayramova, the Folklore Institute under the direction of Huseyin Ismailov, the Azerbaijan State Radio Gold Fund, and the Museum of Ashiq Arts in Tovuz. In addition, there are many scattered collections of very rare materials that are being kept by folklore enthusiasts, families of ashugs, and regional cultural centres throughout the country. Accordingly, regions of Azerbaijan will be visited to identify these collections and reach an agreement with the owners and will be used as the basis of a future major project.
The pilot project succeeded in creating digital copies of 50 oral epic dastan performed live by ashug minstrels. Recordings are rare as dastan are long; most recordings were done in studios for the radio or TV programmes, each running for about 50-60 minutes. These recordings were primarily on magnetic reel to reel tape but some of the recordings were from cassette tape, phonograph record, or video. As the material was digitised the staff were trained in using the hardware and software acquired through the grant for that purpose.
It was determined that significant holdings of ashug dastan are also held in two institutions in Baku, the Azerb ai jan State Television and Radio's Gold Fund (Kizil Fond), which are recordings that have been created for radio and television. This is a large and valuable collection held on reel to reel tape. There are hundreds of recordings of ashugs, some done in the field in remote regions, recorded over the past 50 years. However, careful negotiations would have to be entered into over any future collaboration.
Another collection of holdings is at the National Folklore Institute, also in Baku. These holdings have been collected from around the country by fieldwork, and also from Azeris in Iran. The Folklore Institute has expressed willingness to cooperate with future projects but for both of these sources approval would to be sought initially from the Ministry of Culture.
There are also individual ashugs and scholars who have access to recordings and have expressed willingness to cooperate with future projects. There are also very small scattered collections held by individual families and friends of ashugs.
In addition, it has been determined that there is a significant amount of epic and folksong recordings of non-Azeri ethnic groups who live in northern Azerb ai jan, including Avar, Lezgi, Udi, and Mountain Jews, held by private individuals and at small local museums and radio stations. Because these ethnicities have no country and are distributed across Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russia, they are especially vulnerable.
The endangered archival material is now housed in the new building of the Azerbaijani Archive of Sound Recordings (ARDSYA) in Baku, Azerbaijan. ARDSYA is a professional state archive under the direction of Hasankhan Madatov. The digitized materials have been stored in archive boxes with protective sleeves, and the original archive materials have been restored in archive boxes. All materials are located in the archives central holdings. Copies have also been provided to the British Library. The project also recorded lending copies of each of the 50 discs which will be available for visitors to listen to in the ARDSYA building.
Dr Anna Senarslan
Azerbaijan Archive of Sound Recordings
Azerbaijan Archive of Sound Recordings (ARDSYA)
Digitisation of Georgian national heritage materials at the National Scientific Library
The National Scientific Library of Georgia (NSL) possesses unique materials collected throughout its history. This project will digitise a part of its collection – the Library-Museum of Joseph Grishashvili. These materials were collected by the Georgian writer and scientist J. Grishashvili (1889…
Voices of the living past: the 'Ashug' minstrel music of Azerbaijan
The ashug art is a 500 year-old narrative and musical tradition that has survived in the mountains of Azerbaijan. The core of the art is the dastan epic that is told to the accompaniment of the Azerbaijani lute by an ashug, a minstrel who must train many years with a master in order to learn the…
Digitisation and preservation of the manuscript collection at the Monastery of St Saviour in Old Jerusalem
The objective of this project is to digitise and make widely accessible the full collection of manuscripts at the Franciscan monastery of St Saviour in the Old City of Jerusalem. The collection contains 553 codices and rotuli, dating from the 12th to the 20th century and written in eight languages:…
Preparing "The Messenger" To Go Online: Digitally preserving Avedaper and other rare publications of an Istanbul missionary press
This project will digitise a collection of works produced and distributed by the Istanbul publishing department of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) between 1857 and 1933. The publications include Armenian and Armeno-Turkish editions of the newspaper Avedaper ("the…


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Commander Banned List and Philosophy Update
Announcements Jul 8, 2019
The following information was originally posted by the Commander Rules Committee on the Commander format forums. That site is currently facing technical difficulties, so we're reposting the information here to ensure the information remains visible.
Philosophy Document Update
Paradox Engine is banned
Iona, Shield of Emeria is banned
Painter's Servant is unbanned
The Philosophy Document update coalesces the important elements of how we think about the format into a concise and easily digestible set of ideals, answering the question "What is Commander?" We haven't changed the underlying philosophy of Commander: it's specifically intended to be something other than a tournament format in which players consider each other's experiences alongside their own. You'll notice that we've eliminated categories for banning cards. We'd found that many folks misinterpreted them as hard criteria for banning as opposed the guidelines we always considered them. There might be some common threads among banned cards, but the primary reason cards get put on the list is that they challenge the positive experience we want to promote.
Paradox Engine is a card that has proven to be intensely problematic. Not only does it provide easy wins seemingly out of nowhere, it has demonstrated the potential to unintentionally wreck games. Easily inserted into any deck, it combines with cards which players already have heavy incentives to play, generating a great deal of mana with virtually no deck-building cost. While we don't ban cards which are only problematic if you build around them, Paradox Engine has clearly demonstrated that it doesn't need to be built around to be broken.
Iona, Shield of Emeria creates a negative experience for many players without the benefit of a positive application. We had previously considered its high mana cost sufficient to keep it from getting played, but deeper investigation demonstrated many ways of getting it onto the battlefield without paying that cost. Iona, Shield of Emeria is also an exemplar as the type of card which creates an experience we wish to discourage, namely shutting players out of games.
Painter's Servant is a card that's been discussed for a long time and it's time to take off the shackles. We feel as though there are now more weird and fun uses for the card than there are dangerous ones. The card will provide deck builders with some additional paths to explore in expressing their creativity.
Many thanks to the Commander Advisory Group for the input and insights into putting together this update. Their presence continues to add great value to the format.
The Philosophy of Commander
Commander is for fun. It's a socially interactive, multiplayer Magic: The Gathering format full of wild interactions and epic plays, specifically designed as an alternative to tournament Magic. As is fitting for a format in which you choose an avatar to lead your forces into battle, Commander focuses on a resonant experience. Each game is a journey the players share, relying on a social contract in which each player is considerate of the experiences of everyone involved—this promotes player interaction, inter-game variance, a variety of play styles, and a positive communal atmosphere. At the end of an ideal Commander game, someone will have won, but all participants will have had the opportunity to express themselves through their deck building and gameplay.
The rules of Commander are designed to maximize these experiences within a game of Magic. The addition of a commander, larger life total, and deck-building restrictions emphasize the format's flavor; they increase deck variance and add more opportunities for participation and expression.
The goal of the ban list is similar; it does not seek to regulate competitive play or power level, which are decisions best left to individual play groups. The ban list seeks to demonstrate which cards threaten the positive player experience at the core of the format or prevent players from reasonable self-expression. The primary focus of the list is on cards which are problematic because of their extreme consistency, ubiquity, and/or ability to restrict others' opportunities.
No single rule can establish criteria for a ban; there are many mitigating or exacerbating factors. Some cards will represent an extreme on a single axis; others are a confluence of multiple smaller issues. The following list isn't exhaustive, nor is it a checklist, but it represents ways in which cards challenge the positive experiences players look for in Commander games. It includes cards which easily or excessively:
Cause severe resource imbalances
Allow players to win out of nowhere
Prevent players from contributing to the game in a meaningful way
Cause other players to feel they must play certain cards, even though they are also problematic
Are very difficult for other players to interact with, especially if doing so requires dedicated, narrow responses when deck building
Interact poorly with the multiplayer nature of the format or the specific rules of Commander
Lead to repetitive game play
Cards which are banned likely meet a few of these criteria in a significant way; not all cards which meet some of the criteria need to banned.
We prefer to be conservative with what goes on or comes off the ban list. Commander players often become emotionally attached to their decks through play and personalization, and we value that experience highly. We only want to disrupt that bond when necessary.
Commander is designed to be a malleable format. We encourage groups to use the rules and the ban list as a baseline to optimize their own experience. This is not license for an individual to force their vision onto a play group, but encouragement for players to discuss their goals and how the rules might be adjusted to suit those goals. The format can be broken; we believe games are more fun if you don't.
Extended-Art Urtet, Remnant of Memnarch Rarity
2023 APAC League and The Year of the Rabbit
Phyrexia: All Will Be One Commander Decklists

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Ableton 8.2.1 is now available to download, which tweaks the recently released AMP effect, among other things.
The lovely people at Ableton have teamed up with their favourite sound designers to developed a collection of instruments custom-made for Ableton Live. The free pack is 1.6. GB and includes everything from acoustic pianos and electronic drums to exotic instruments and cinematic soundscapes.
If you're new to music production, then you're going to need some help along the way. We here at FunkNaughty.com use Ableton and are regularly on their forum, which is where I came across the page below, so before you rush out to join the latest on-line course, have a look at these videos to help get you started.
The video log is updated regularly so get bookmarking the page and watching the vids!
I found this whilst surfing the net the other day and thought I'd share, just goes to show Djing isn't all hard work!
Now I know what you're all thinking…………………..if only I could get between those cans!
What's your favourite classic house track?
FunkNaughty were recently Djing at an excellent Halloween party, where the music policy was mainly classic house, this got us to talking about our favourite classic house tune of all time, now this is all down to personal preference but for me it's got to be………………Pete Heller's Big Love.
Add a comment and let us know what your favourite classic house anthem is.
Do we have a treat in store for you.
The lovely people at MusicRadar.com have put together an excellent article on all of the 89 Roland Synths! That's everything from the 1973 to now and includes the mighty 303, 808 and 909, seriously enjoy!
Watch out for similar articles on the Korg and Moog range of synths, hopefully coming soon.
Native Instruments have stepped up with a great offer leading up to Xmas. To celebrate their landslide victory at this years DJ Tech Awards. Native Instruments are offering a full 50% off the whole Traktor product range.
The offer is available until December 31st 2010. So a great little present for yourself or loved one and a great excuse to upgrade if you are using Traktor LE.
With Traktor's Kontrol S4 out in November and these dicounts i wonder if this means there will be a new version of Traktor hitting the stores in the new year at some point? Hmmm i wonder??
You'll be able to pick up these discounts from most retailers so contact your local DJ shop today or check the Native Instruments website where you can use their dealer locator.
Back in the day it was fairly easy to decided what type of DJ system to go for. You only had one real choice – decks and a mixer. The hardest part of acquiring your new decks and mixer (apart from saving up your hard earned cash) was choosing which make to go for. However even then there weren't too many different brands to choose from, so choosing wasn't to much of a struggle. Jump forward a number of years into the digital dj age and suddenly you don't not know which way to look let alone choose. There are now so many systems it is really hard to work out which is best for you .
Every music technology company seems to be jumping on the band wagon with digital dj systems ranging from beginners to pros a like. The major problem is where do you start looking when it comes to choosing the system that is right for you? Do you go for system of laptop and midi player, a system of laptop, midi player and cdj/vinyl decks, a system of cdj's, mixer and a mp3 stick, or do you choose one of the new midiplayer/mixer/do everything you can imagine including taking your dog for a walk hybrid systems etc. It really can be quite a daunting task working out where to start and what to buy.
In later posts we'll be talking more specifically about different systems and what you can do to choose the best one for you, but in the mean time check out this video from our visit to the BPM conference. This video shows some of the different types of digital dj setups and software on display at the conference and gives you a good idea of what systems and setups are available to you.


Congressman Tom MacArthur's views are extreme for his district. Andy Kim is a far better choice to represent NJ's 3rd district and the nation.
Congressman Tom MacArthur spoke recently at an Asbury Park Press editorial board meeting about how difficult it was to please his constituents in both the red-majority Ocean County towns and the blue-majority Burlington County towns in his 3rd Congressional District.
Difficult, yes. But we believe he has failed constituents in both counties. While Burlington County leans Democratic and Ocean County is solidly Republican, the demographics and the concerns of constituents in both counties are similar: they are worried about losing their health care coverage, paying their bills, being overtaxed and being represented by a partisan, dysfunctional Congress.
MacArthur, 57, is a former insurance executive who served on the Township Council in Randolph in Morris County from 2011 to 2013 before moving to Toms River and running for Congress. He is seeking his third two-year term in the House. Kim, a native of Burlington County who now lives in Bordentown Township, formerly served as a national security adviser in the Obama administration. He is making his first bid for election office.
More: In MacArthur-Kim House race, economy is good, so why is everyone stressed?
Polls show the race between MacArthur and Kim is one of the closest in this year's midterm congressional elections. Democrats hope to regain majority control of the House for the first time in eight years. We believe Kim, 36, possesses a governing philosophy more in keeping with the best interests of 3rd District voters and the nation.
MacArthur, a staunch conservative, has never pretended to be anything other than a staunch conservative. But that conservatism has manifested itself in votes that have not served most of his constituents well. The 3rd District incorporates 17 Ocean County towns, including Toms River, Brick, Berkeley, Lacey, Barnegat and Ocean Township (Waretown), and 36 Burlington County towns.
MacArthur, has voted in line with the president's positions on issues 94.4 percent of the time, according to a FiveThirtyEight report, That included "yes" votes on the Republican's tax reform bill and on the GOP attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Voters should reject him on the basis of those two votes alone.
MacArthur has tried to distance himself from Trump during the campaign, but his actions speak louder than words. And he has failed, as have most Republicans in Congress, to call out Trump for his divisive rhetoric.
In addition to trying to dismantle Obamacare, supporting a Republican tax plan that further enriches corporations and the wealthy while dramatically deepening the national debt, he has failed to support common-sense legislation on gun control that would make America safer and he opposes federal regulation of greenhouse gases.
Rather than running on his record, MacArthur instead has chosen to attack Kim. Most of the attacks don't hold up to close scrutiny. He has accused Kim, a former director of Iraq for the National Security Council during the Obama administration, of inflating his resume and of operating a website that promoted the books of left-wing extremists. Kim, son of South Korean immigrants, is a Rhodes scholar who earned a doctorate in international relations at Oxford. He has experience as a military and national security adviser. He is smart, and he is no extremist, unless you consider opposing Trump's policies on taxes, health care and deregulation of consumer and environmental protections as radical.
We don't. MacArthur's views, on the other hand, are extreme for his district and New Jersey. We think Kim is a far better choice to represent the 3rd district and the nation.
March 23, 2019, 12:53 p.m.
March 23, 2019, 12:47 p.m.
March 24, 2019, 12:08 p.m.


text:
namespace Prometheus.Nodes.Types.Bases
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Variables can be stored in different locations. Memory storage classes and arrays. Different
    /// parts of the code want read/write access from a qualified ID reference. This interface
    /// provides boxing around a reference so that data can be read/write to a location.
    /// </summary>
    public interface iVariablePointer
    {
        /// <summary>
        /// Does the pointer reference a valid location.
        /// </summary>
        bool IsValid();

        /// <summary>
        /// Reads the value
        /// </summary>
        DataType Read();

        /// <summary>
        /// Writes over the value.
        /// </summary>
        bool Write(DataType pValue);
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Most places along this stretch of coast south of Los Angeles have fairly straightforward layouts, lining the beach for a few miles with the Pacific Coast Highway running through them in a more or less straight line. Not Newport Beach, however, as this Google Map shows.
Newport Beach Map (c) Google Maps
If you drive through on the Pacific Coast Highway without stopping, you won't really notice the make-up of Newport Beach, but you will miss seeing where a lot of the action is, out on the Balboa Peninsula. This long peninsula almost encloses Newport Beach Harbor, in which there are several artificial islands.
The two biggest are Balboa Island and Lido Isle. These are both totally covered in housing, and surrounded by boat moorings, jetties, and small piers, with not an inch of space to be seen! In total there are an estimated 9,000 boats in Newport Harbor, making it one of the largest recreational harbors on the west coast.
The water then extends inland in a series of waterways, firstly in Lower Newport Bay and then Upper Newport Bay. You get a lot of water for your money in Newport Beach! There's quite a lot of green space too by way of parks and nature reserves, making it a very pleasant place to spend a few days.
Surfing at Newport Beach
Newport Beach History
With an abundant supply of water it isn't surprising that Newport Beach was initially attractive to Native American tribes, till settlers began to arrive in the 19th century and the town started to grow up. In 1905 the railway opened, connecting Newport Beach to Los Angeles, bringing a huge increase in visitors and people looking to live here.
The Lovely Long Beach in Newport Beach
Things to Do in Newport Beach
Activities here inevitably revolve around the beaches and the ocean. There are several excellent beaches, and the town is good for surfing and other water sports. There are fishing charters as well, and whale watching tours are popular with companies like Newport Landing Whale Watching. You can also do harbor boat tours, which are fun, spotting the homes of some of the many celebrities who choose to live here.
Paddleboarding at Newport Beach
Being a pretty upscale kind of a place, Newport Beach is a very good destination for shopping, ranging from the luxury to the bargain. Fashion Island is the city's main shopping mall, just off the Pacific Coast Highway and with stores like Apple, Bloomingdale's, Armani, Bose, Gucci, and lots of eating options too.
Sports and Outdoor Activities
Newport Beach is a good city for cycling around, especially along the long boardwalk, and there are several golf courses within easy driving distance. You'll also see plenty of rollerbladers and joggers.
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is a 20-minute drive south from Newport Beach, almost in Laguna Beach. It covers several miles of coastline either side of the Pacific Coast Highway, and indeed extends under the ocean too. Its tide pools are popular with kids, and its beaches popular with everyone. Over 180 different species of birds have been observed in the park, and there are several species of snakes here as well, so watch out if walking around.
Other Wildlife Spots
The Upper Newport Bay State Marine Conservation Area is good for wildlife, especially birds, and you can go hiking and kayaking, amongst other activities. It's only about ten minutes drive from PCH.
The San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is 300 acres of wetland, which naturally attracts lots of birds, both resident and migrating. It has about 10 miles (16 km) of wheelchair-accessible hiking and biking trails, if you want to get out of your car and stretch your legs. It's about a 15-minute drive off the Pacific Coast Highway.
Santa Catalina Island
You can get ferries from Newport Beach to the unique Santa Catalina Island, well worth a trip of a day or more.
Christmas in Newport Beach
Read our page on the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade!
This only skims the surface of the many things to do in Newport Beach, and for more details see the Visit Newport Beach website.
Where to Stay in Newport Beach
More California coast pages
San Luis Obispo in California is half-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, on the Pacific Coast Highway and with lots of things to do and see.
Pacific Grove is a small city on the California coast, next to Monterey and close to Carmel, with attractions including its historic Victorian houses.
Point Reyes National Seashore
The Point Reyes National Seashore is an hour's drive northwest of San Francisco on the Pacific Coast Highway and is maintained by the National Park Service.
California Coast Guide
One of the best California coast guides is the California Coastal Access Guide, describing the coast's beaches, National Parks, State Parks, with many maps.
Mendocino in Mendocino County is a small but pretty California coastal town, popular with artists and with travelers. It has featured in many songs and movies.
Santa Monica Pier is just off the Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica near Los Angeles, with an amusement park, an aquarium and many other attractions.
Standing on the Pacific Coast Highway in California, Santa Barbara is an attractive resort with a historic downtown, sandy beaches, a mission, and good museums.
The Pacific Coast Highway goes right through Laguna Beach, a relaxed artsy beach resort whose attractions include shopping, galleries, dining, and beaches.
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is a small beach town on California's Central Coast, a resort famous for surfing and clams.
Santa Cruz on the Pacific Coast Highway in California has its famous boardwalk, beaches, wine tastings, Surfing Museum, Mission, and Marine Discovery Center.


A tandem lets two riders of different abilities cycle together without anyone getting left behind. It's ideal for an adult and child. Cost is a lot higher than for a trailer cycle but it isn't simply a luxury version. A tandem can be combined with a child seat, child trailer, or even a trailer cycle so that a whole family can ride together.
Most tandems have two seats, one behind the other, although there are versions with three seats (called a triplet) or even more. The front rider, called the pilot or captain, controls the steering, the brakes and the gears. The rear rider, called the stoker, helps to pedal. Because of the extra weight and power on a tandem compared to a solo bike, it's easiest to control if the heavier, stronger rider is the pilot – usually the man if husband and wife ride together, and always the adult if a child is onboard.
A tandem is the most efficient family bicycle, bar none. Two adults can go faster than one adult on a solo bike because, while you're doubling the power, weight isn't quite doubled (one tandem is lighter than two solos), and wind resistance stays almost the same. This gives the tandem a big speed advantage when you're going downhill, on the flat, or into a headwind. Even with an adult and a child on a tandem, speed is barely less than an adult cycling alone. If you're touring, it means you can travel further. If you're commuting, it means you have the option to step on it when running late!
Tandems don't go up hills as quickly as solo bikes unless the riders can manage to pedal out of the saddle in perfect unison. Some can; most can't. In that case, stick to pedalling while sitting down, shift to a lower gear, and accept that you'll make up ground when you get over the brow of the hill.
A tandem has to be built more sturdily than a solo bike, because it carries more weight over a longer frame. To stop it flexing from side to side as you pedal, an extra frame tube or two is usually added, running roughly along the bike's torsional axis. That's an imaginary line from the head tube, where the bike is steered, to the rear dropouts, which hold the rear wheel.
Some designs run a tube right along that axis, splitting it into an extra set of seat stays to reach the dropouts. Some run a tube from the head tube to the rear bottom bracket instead, and there are other variations on this theme. A few designs ignore it entirely, but unless they incorporate massively oversized tubes the frame will flex with every pedal stroke. The heavier the riders – particularly the stoker – the worse the flex will be.
Tandems obviously have two sets of pedals, with an extra chain (called the timing chain) running between. On some tandems the timing chain is on the left, on some it's the right; either is fine. As the timing chain isn't kept in tension by a derailleur, another method is needed to stop it from going slack. This is achieved using an eccentric bottom bracket. Inside a bigger outer shell, the actual bottom bracket is offset in a circular housing. Rotating the housing changes the position of the bottom bracket – a bit like the orbit of a coupling rod where it's fixed to a steam engine wheel. This scope for adjustment allows you to take up the chain tension. Bolts on the outer shell allow the housing to be held in position when the chain is adjusted.
A tandem's gearing is much like a solo bike's, except that the range ought to be greater. Ideally a tandem needs gears that go as low as a mountain bike's. It's harder to dance gracefully on the pedals to get a tandem uphill as efficiently as a solo, and pedalling while sitting down requires lower gears. Conversely, it also wants gears that go as high as those on road racing bikes, so that you can take advantage of a tandem's superior power-to-wind-resistance downhill or on the flat. High gears aren't so important, however, because you can always just coast coming down.
Reliable brakes are vital. For an adult and child, a V-brake front and rear is sufficient. If you're also carrying luggage or towing a trailer, it's worth adding a drag brake – a kind of hub brake that's designed to be held on during a long or steep descent to slow you down rather than stop you. When two adults ride tandem, the stoker often controls the drag brake (or other third brake). With a child on the back seat, the pilot operates the lot.
Tandem wheels need to be stronger. How much stronger depends on you and your stoker's weight. Some child-back tandems come with solo bike wheels, which is fine when you consider that an average adult plus one child only weigh the same as a heavy adult who might otherwise ride on the same wheels on a solo bike. More spokes make the wheel stronger, of course, and even on a child-back tandem 36 spokes (also used on solos) will be better than 32. Tandem hubs and rims are available that take 40 or even 48 spokes per wheel. That provides valuable insurance against wheel damage if the tandem will be carrying more weight, whether in the form of heavy touring loads or a second adult. It's particularly worthwhile in 700C wheels, which are about 10 percent weaker than 26-inch wheels.
A tandem can only carry the same number of panniers as a solo bike, so if you plan to take yours touring (or even shopping), make sure there are eyelets to fit a carrier rack at the front as well as at the rear. You'll need it. If you're camping, you may need a luggage trailer as well.
A child-back tandem is made specifically for an adult pilot and a child stoker. The top tube slopes down steeply from front to back, so that you can both have your saddles at the right height. Bike length is less too, since a child doesn't need or want the same reach to the handlebars as an adult.
To an extent, a child-back tandem can grow with your child. A long seatpost is required, of course. Also useful is a telescoping stem for the stoker handlebars, so they can be moved further away as the years pass. Some tandems have 'double drilled' cranks. That is, there are two pedal holes in each crank: one closer to the bottom bracket axle for smaller children, and one further away for larger children. When the time is right, you unscrew and refit the pedals.
The main benefit of the child-back tandem over the adult tandem is that everything is scaled for your child from the start; you don't have to customise it. With the rear saddle so low down, your child will be able to get on and off without your help, too. Since the whole bike is a bit smaller, it's a little easier to live with than an all-adult tandem: easier to store and easier to get in or on a car.
A few custom frame builders are well known for their tandems and will readily make child-backs for a four-figure sum. Names to put into Google include: Longstaff Cycles, Bob Jackson Cycles, and Mercian Cycles. For rather less outlay, you can get an off-the-peg child-back tandem. Thorn's Voyager is a great bike for the price and features 26-inch wheels with a touring/utility steel frame, slick tyres and decent quality mountain bike gearing.
Some tandems aren't made for a child stoker but would nevertheless fit because the seat will go low enough for a child to reach the pedals. The reach may be too great, in which case you will need a longer or telescoping stoker stem. Adult cranks are too long for children. An engineer who is able to cut down cranks to suit a child can alternatively drill another pedal hole, which will allow two pedal positions – adult or child.
Another interesting option is the Bike Friday Family Tandem, a small-wheeled tandem that fits a child or adult stoker – and packs up into a couple of suitcases! The now out-of-production Bike Friday Family Triple Traveller was a three-seater version of the same bike, with the middle seat meant for a child and the rear for an adult or a child. You can only get such bikes to order in the UK. Try contacting Avon Valley Cyclery or Cycle Sense.
Lowering the child down to the pedals via a child-back tandem isn't the only option. If you've already got an adult tandem – or would prefer to buy one so that you can convert it back again when your child is bigger – the pedals can come up to reach the child. So long as you've got a good level of mechanical competence, this is a conversion you can do yourself. If not, it's a job for your local bike shop.
What you need are kiddy cranks. They are: a bottom bracket that bolts to seat tube under the child's saddle; a child-sized chainset; an extra timing chain; and an extra chainring for the tandem's drivetrain to link the child's chain into the loop.
You could saw up an old bike to get the bottom bracket. An easier way to is to buy it: St John Street Cycles sell a kiddy crank seat tube block. Get yourself a 110mm chainset while you're at it. You'll then need to add a chainring to the tandem's main drive, ideally no bigger than the child's or you'll spin their legs like egg whisks.
It's easiest to add a chainring to the right-hand side of the pilot's chainset – using a new single ring right-hand crank if the timing chain is on the left, or a new double or triple-ring crank in place of the existing single if the timing chain is on the right. It's also possible to run the child's timing chain to the pilot's left-hand crank or to the left-hand stoker crank; the latter is neatest. Get a tandem specialist to advise – try www.tandems.co.uk, www.longstaffcycles.co.uk, or www.sjscyles.com. Once you've bought a new adult crank and a new chain or two, the conversion will cost something over £100 – more if you use more expensive components.
That's not quite it. You also need to let your child reach the handlebars. A long stoker stem and backswept stoker bars is one option. Another solution requires a bit of DIY but arguably works better for smaller children.
You will need: two pairs of drop handlebars; an extra stoker stem; two broom handles; lots of handlebar tape. Fit one pair of drop bars in the normal stoker stem, upside down, bar ends pointing backwards. Fit the other stoker stem pointing back from the child's seatpost, and in that fit the other pair of drop bars, also upside down but with the ends facing forwards. Saw down a broom handle so that it is several centimetres longer than the distance between the bar ends and wedge one end in each bar end, if necessary wrapping the broom in insulation tape to provide a tighter fit. Repeat with the other handle. (Your broom handles need to be roughly the right diameter. Take your drop bars to the hardware shop to check.) When you've done this, tighten all bolts and wrap the lot in handlebar tape. Your child will have handlebars all down each side and can hold on anywhere.
As your child grows, you can lower the kiddy crank attachment block down the seat tube and/or raise the saddle. And one day you can remove the whole caboodle and be left with a standard tandem.
Riding a tandem is easier than riding a solo bike plus trailer cycle. The long wheelbase of a tandem makes is very stable, although the slightly bus-like cornering at slow speed takes some getting used to. There is very little 'tail wagging dog' as the child's weight on a tandem is between the steering bike's axles rather than way behind them, as on a trailer cycle. The restriction on weight only exists insofar that the pilot be heavier than the stoker – and even that's not vital.
The stoker has to trust the pilot completely and not try to steer the bike or tense up. That's more of a problem with adults than it is with children, who are both more trusting and a lot lighter! Once you're moving, both riders are literally chained together and have to pedal simultaneously – even if that means you pedalling and dragging the stoker pedals around too. Inexperienced adult tandem riders may struggle to synchronise their pedalling efforts effectively.
Again, it's easier with a child stoker. Since you're so much bigger and stronger, you set the tempo and your son or daughter can join in or go through the motions as desired. The thing to watch for with a child stoker is his or her feet coming off the pedals. If you don't notice immediately, the pedals will come round again and whack dangling legs. Use toe clips to keep little feet in place.
The hardest part of tandem riding is starting and stopping, particularly for two adults. To get on, the pilot straddles the bike, feet on the floor, holding the brakes on. Leave the left-hand pedals at the bottom of the stroke, so that the stoker can use the rear left pedal as a mounting step to get onto the saddle and ready to go. This ensures the stoker won't spin the pedals backwards when stepping on, which could spin one of front pedals into one of the pilot's shins. Ouch.
With the stoker on board, you can roll the bike forward to put the right-hand pedal over the top of the stoke, ready to tread down onto, setting off and simultaneously rising up onto the pilot's saddle. That's the theory. Two adults will need some kind of signal to start pedalling simultaneously. With a child stoker, it's easier: you can just announce you're setting off and go – you'll have enough mass to get the tandem rolling by yourself.
This procedure works with a child stoker who is tall enough to get onto a child-back tandem and able to worm feet into toe clips unaided. If you've got a smaller child or a taller bike such as an adult tandem with kiddy cranks, it's a bit more complicated, because you have to get your child on first. It's much easier if the tandem has a drag brake – which can be left switched on – and a rear carrier rack. You can then put the drag brake on, straddle the rear rack, and hold the bike steady with your thighs. Lift your stoker onto the saddle and slot feet into toe clips. Then, never forgetting to hold onto some part of the bike at all times, you need to work your way to the front and step over the top tube. Do not swing your leg over your saddle: you will kick your stoker in the head.
Alternatively, you can straddle the front of the bike, facing towards the back and holding the top tube between your thighs. Again, switch on the drag brake if you have one. Now reach down and lift junior onto the saddle. To get going, you just have to step back off the bike and back onto it facing the right way, at all times holding some part of the bike such as the pilot's saddle and/or handlebar.
To get off, you put your feet down and reverse whatever procedure you used to get you both on.
Talking together is easier on a tandem because you're much closer together, so the ride is more social. Plus it's more egalitarian: a child on a tandem is more part of a partner in the cycling experience than the trailer cyclist, who really is 'tagging along'. The general tips for riding with a trailer cycle also apply to tandems. Keep an eye out for your stoker getting drowsy – perhaps with a mirror?
Finally, dont forget that tandems are harder to transport than solo bikes. You'll need a special roof-rack adapter for your car, such as the Pendle Tandem Carrier (from £200 at www.tandems.co.uk). Some intercity trains will accept tandem bookings; most trains won't.
If you want more information or inspiration, consider joining the Tandem Club, which was founded by Cycling UK/CTC members in 1971.


A very fine used 1d Black from Plate 5 lettered RL with four mostly large margins and cancelled by a red maltese cross showing the distinctive strong curves of the LEEDS SPECIAL Rare in red! Many more interesting items over the next few weeks. If you are interested in all things GB Victoria then our online club, probably the most active on the net, can also be found on our' me' page. Membership is, of course, free. Member of the Great Britain Philatelic Society and.
The item "1840 1d Black Pl 5 RL Fine 4 margin RARE RED LEED CROSS" is in sale since Monday, May 4, 2015. This item is in the category "Stamps\Great Britain\Victoria\Line-Engraved Issues". The seller is "pennyblack1" and is located in Dorset. This item can be shipped worldwide.


Dimethyl ether (DME) is a type of renewable energy that could replace the use of fossil fuel in Indonesia. Nevertheless, DME can cause degradation of rubber-based materials. Therefore, the performance of rubber that has been degraded by DME must be improved. This research study aims are to determine the degradation characteristics of modified vulcanized natural rubber in a DME environment. The effect of the filler (carbon black) and plasticizer (minarex-B) components of vulcanized natural rubber was examined. The vulcanized rubber samples were comprised of 10, 30, and 60 parts per hundred rubbers (phr) of filler and 0, 10 and 20 phr of plasticizer. The degradation of the mass and mechanical properties of the rubber were investigated. Degradation testing was conducted by immersing the samples inside a pressure vessel that was filled with the liquid phase of DME. The results indicate that the increasing of the filler composition reduces the impact of degradation, while the increasing of the plasticizer composition has the opposite effect. The plasticizer is needed to distribute the filler to all parts of the rubber. Consequently, a filler composition of 30 phr and a plasticizer composition of 10 phr provide a vulcanized natural rubber with optional protection against the degradation caused by DME. The characteristics of natural rubber, as measured by Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) proved that DME does not damage the structure of the polymer chains, although DME may react with some ingredients in the rubber that have a similar polarity.


text:
Gas isn't going anywhere, say finance gurus. 'The death of the LDC has been way overstated.'
Despite enthusiasm for the electrification of heating and industrial processes, gas local distribution companies (LDCs) are not about to go extinct, a panel of investment bankers said Wednesday at S&P Global's Power and Gas M&A Symposium. But they also said there could be a shift in how the sector is owned and capitalized.
Gas utilities as a group lost 17.3% of their share value in 2020, according to S&P, and the panel acknowledged the fuel is not viewed favorably right now. However, "the death of the LDC has been way overstated," said Jeffrey Holzschuh, chairman of Morgan Stanley's global power and utility group.
Part of the lower gas valuation is related to an increasing focus on environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) issues, including decarbonization, the panel said. Banks are increasingly considering ESG issues before financing energy company deals, making carbon reduction strategies one key to accessing capital at affordable rates.
Electric companies ought to be evaluating any positions they hold in gas LDCs "because they trade a little differently now," said George Bilicic, vice chairman of investment banking and global head of power, energy, and infrastructure, at Lazard.
That could lead to an increase in corporate transactions, he said, particularly as Lazard expects concerns around the gas LDC business to continue.
The electric utility sector has done a "great job of working with Wall Street banks on ESG matters," Joseph Sauvage, vice chairman and global head of the power group at Citi, said during the virtual conversation, which focused on shareholder activism.
Sauvage pointed to an ESG reporting template developed by the American Gas Association and the Edison Electric Institute, with input from member companies and banks. The panel discussed broader ESG pressures on electric and gas utilities from stakeholders such as banks, in response to pressure from shareholders and regulators.
Sauvage said he would break the stakeholder side of ESG concerns into two components.
"The first is simply credit implications, in terms of changing business models, the acceleration of coal retirements, and questions about the longevity of the gas LDC business in certain spots," said Sauvage "The banks' regulators are focused on the credit quality of their portfolios."
The second part, and more interesting for the sector as a whole, said Sauvage, is "how the stakeholders of those big Wall Street banks are approaching ESG," including carbon intensity and commitment to the Paris climate accord.
Every bank with a large finance and capital-raising business has adopted, or is in the process of adopting, policies on oil and gas exploration, coal and carbon, said Sauvage. Many electric utilities have committed to 2050 carbon neutrality, and banks face similar pressure.
"Banks are going to be under tremendous pressure to hit net-zero carbon neutrality in 2050," said Sauvage. "For U.S. companies, the question will be how their own targets ... correspond to the pressure that the banks are seeing from their regulators, also shareholders and stakeholders."
The influence of stakeholders and shareholders in the utility business is a net positive for the sector, said George Bilicic, vice chairman of investment banking and global head of power, energy, and infrastructure, at Lazard.
Utilities are probably "underappreciated in terms of their skill" in responding to stakeholder concerns, said Bilicic. "It's an emerging area, but its an area of strength for the utility industry given the ratepayer interfacing nature of the sector and the need to work in communities."
The impact of banks and other groups on utility policy is a relatively new phenomena, Holzschuh observed. When conversations on carbon began 20 years ago, utilities were most impacted by environmental groups and other non-government organizations.
"Now it's become mainstream," said Holzschuh, with pressure coming from shareholders, regulators, activists, banks and other groups. "It's here to stay, and we need to figure out if we can quantify its impact on shareholder value going forward," he said.
The growing impact of carbon issues was a factor in gas utility valuations last year.
While the value of gas utilities took a hit last year, in part due to storylines surrounding carbon and bans on natural gas, Bilicic said the LDCs are "an enduring business."
"There isn't a technology or solution that, is in our judgement, practical to displace the gas LDC business," Bilicic said.
There are opportunities to "supplement" what gas LDCs have traditionally done, through renewable natural gas and possibly through hydrogen, Bilicic said. But "the idea this business is going away is not an idea that we would subscribe to."
Howeverm, gas LDC valuation levels have been effected because of the uncertainty in the business, said Bilicic. "And we'd expect that to continue," he said, pointing to continued criticism of the fuel, concerns about growth prospects in new construction utilizing natural gas and the ability to convert new customers.
This has raised doubts in some quarters about the future of gas companies. A study earlier this year completed by environmental consulting firm Energy Innovation and corporate social responsibility group As You Sow concluded investment into new gas infrastructure like pipelines and power plants is "incompatible" with long-term shareholder value.
Nevertheless, "there is the potential for this business to be more in the hands of private capital," Bilicic said. "If there is a lot of noise in public markets around this business, and taking into account the total market cap focused on gas LDCs, you could see private capital winding up owning these businesses because of their enduring nature and their cash flow profile."
Holzschuh agreed, noting that historically valuation multiples for LDCs "may have been higher" due to the hope that high rates of return on gas assets would continue to be authorized by regulators. With less than a dozen large, publicly traded gas utility companies in the space, "we do believe as well that's likely to be consolidated," he said.
Filed Under: Corporate News
sestovic/E+/Getty via Getty Images
A month after 'malicious' cyberattack, a small Colorado utility still doesn't have all systems back online
Delta-Montrose Electric Association is still working to restore its payment and billing systems. Security experts say the recovery time points to a need for better backups.
Latest in Corporate News
Hydrostor secures $250 million from Goldman Sachs amid rising investor interest in long-duration storage
Massachusetts taps Vineyard Wind, Mayflower Wind to deliver an additional 1.6 GW
NuScale Power plans to be the first advanced nuclear reactor company to go public
Shell, KKR invest in solar + storage as renewable market booms


text:
package graphql_test

import (
	"context"
	"reflect"
	"testing"

	"github.com/sprucehealth/graphql"
	"github.com/sprucehealth/graphql/gqlerrors"
	"github.com/sprucehealth/graphql/language/location"
	"github.com/sprucehealth/graphql/testutil"
)

func checkList(t *testing.T, testType graphql.Type, testData interface{}, expected *graphql.Result) {
	data := map[string]interface{}{
		"test": testData,
	}

	dataType := graphql.NewObject(graphql.ObjectConfig{
		Name: "DataType",
		Fields: graphql.Fields{
			"test": &graphql.Field{
				Type: testType,
			},
		},
	})
	dataType.AddFieldConfig("nest", &graphql.Field{
		Type: dataType,
		Resolve: func(ctx context.Context, p graphql.ResolveParams) (interface{}, error) {
			return data, nil
		},
	})

	schema, err := graphql.NewSchema(graphql.SchemaConfig{
		Query: dataType,
	})
	if err != nil {
		t.Fatalf("Error in schema %v", err.Error())
	}

	// parse query
	ast := testutil.TestParse(t, `{ nest { test } }`)

	// execute
	ep := graphql.ExecuteParams{
		Schema: schema,
		AST:    ast,
		Root:   data,
	}
	result := testutil.TestExecute(t, context.Background(), ep)
	if len(expected.Errors) != len(result.Errors) {
		t.Fatalf("wrong result, Diff: %v", testutil.Diff(expected.Errors, result.Errors))
	}
	for i := range expected.Errors {
		expected.Errors[i].Type = gqlerrors.ErrorTypeInternal
	}
	for i := range result.Errors {
		result.Errors[i].OriginalError = nil
	}
	if !reflect.DeepEqual(expected, result) {
		t.Fatalf("Unexpected result, Diff: %v", testutil.Diff(expected, result))
	}
}

// Describe [T] Array<T>
func TestLists_ListOfNullableObjects_ContainsValues(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.Int)
	data := []interface{}{
		1, 2,
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_ListOfNullableObjects_ContainsNull(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.Int)
	data := []interface{}{
		1, nil, 2,
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, nil, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_ListOfNullableObjects_ReturnsNull(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.Int)
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": nil,
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, nil, expected)
}

// Describe [T] Func()Array<T> // equivalent to Promise<Array<T>>
func TestLists_ListOfNullableFunc_ContainsValues(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.Int)

	// `data` is a function that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := func() interface{} {
		return []interface{}{
			1, 2,
		}
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_ListOfNullableFunc_ContainsNull(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.Int)

	// `data` is a function that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := func() interface{} {
		return []interface{}{
			1, nil, 2,
		}
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, nil, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_ListOfNullableFunc_ReturnsNull(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.Int)

	// `data` is a function that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := func() interface{} {
		return nil
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": nil,
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}

// Describe [T] Array<Func()<T>> // equivalent to Array<Promise<T>>
func TestLists_ListOfNullableArrayOfFuncContainsValues(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.Int)

	// `data` is a slice of functions that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := []interface{}{
		func() interface{} {
			return 1
		},
		func() interface{} {
			return 2
		},
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_ListOfNullableArrayOfFuncContainsNulls(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.Int)

	// `data` is a slice of functions that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := []interface{}{
		func() interface{} {
			return 1
		},
		func() interface{} {
			return nil
		},
		func() interface{} {
			return 2
		},
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, nil, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}

// Describe [T]! Array<T>
func TestLists_NonNullListOfNullableObjectsContainsValues(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.NewList(graphql.Int))
	data := []interface{}{
		1, 2,
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_NonNullListOfNullableObjectsContainsNull(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.NewList(graphql.Int))
	data := []interface{}{
		1, nil, 2,
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, nil, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_NonNullListOfNullableObjectsReturnsNull(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.NewList(graphql.Int))
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": nil,
		},
		Errors: []gqlerrors.FormattedError{
			{
				Message: "Cannot return null for non-nullable field DataType.test.",
				Locations: []location.SourceLocation{
					{
						Line:   1,
						Column: 10,
					},
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, nil, expected)
}

// Describe [T]! Func()Array<T> // equivalent to Promise<Array<T>>
func TestLists_NonNullListOfNullableFunc_ContainsValues(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.NewList(graphql.Int))

	// `data` is a function that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := func() interface{} {
		return []interface{}{
			1, 2,
		}
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_NonNullListOfNullableFunc_ContainsNull(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.NewList(graphql.Int))

	// `data` is a function that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := func() interface{} {
		return []interface{}{
			1, nil, 2,
		}
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, nil, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_NonNullListOfNullableFunc_ReturnsNull(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.NewList(graphql.Int))

	// `data` is a function that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := func() interface{} {
		return nil
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": nil,
		},
		Errors: []gqlerrors.FormattedError{
			{
				Message: "Cannot return null for non-nullable field DataType.test.",
				Locations: []location.SourceLocation{
					{
						Line:   1,
						Column: 10,
					},
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}

// Describe [T]! Array<Func()<T>> // equivalent to Array<Promise<T>>
func TestLists_NonNullListOfNullableArrayOfFunc_ContainsValues(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.NewList(graphql.Int))

	// `data` is a slice of functions that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := []interface{}{
		func() interface{} {
			return 1
		},
		func() interface{} {
			return 2
		},
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_NonNullListOfNullableArrayOfFunc_ContainsNulls(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.NewList(graphql.Int))

	// `data` is a slice of functions that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := []interface{}{
		func() interface{} {
			return 1
		},
		func() interface{} {
			return nil
		},
		func() interface{} {
			return 2
		},
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, nil, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}

// Describe [T!] Array<T>
func TestLists_NullableListOfNonNullObjects_ContainsValues(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.Int))
	data := []interface{}{
		1, 2,
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_NullableListOfNonNullObjects_ContainsNull(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.Int))
	data := []interface{}{
		1, nil, 2,
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": nil,
			},
		},
		Errors: []gqlerrors.FormattedError{
			{
				Message: "Cannot return null for non-nullable field DataType.test.",
				Locations: []location.SourceLocation{
					{
						Line:   1,
						Column: 10,
					},
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_NullableListOfNonNullObjects_ReturnsNull(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.Int))

	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": nil,
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, nil, expected)
}

// Describe [T!] Func()Array<T> // equivalent to Promise<Array<T>>
func TestLists_NullableListOfNonNullFunc_ContainsValues(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.Int))

	// `data` is a function that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := func() interface{} {
		return []interface{}{
			1, 2,
		}
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_NullableListOfNonNullFunc_ContainsNull(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.Int))

	// `data` is a function that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := func() interface{} {
		return []interface{}{
			1, nil, 2,
		}
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": nil,
			},
		},
		Errors: []gqlerrors.FormattedError{
			{
				Message: "Cannot return null for non-nullable field DataType.test.",
				Locations: []location.SourceLocation{
					{
						Line:   1,
						Column: 10,
					},
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_NullableListOfNonNullFunc_ReturnsNull(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.Int))

	// `data` is a function that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := func() interface{} {
		return nil
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": nil,
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}

// Describe [T!] Array<Func()<T>> // equivalent to Array<Promise<T>>
func TestLists_NullableListOfNonNullArrayOfFunc_ContainsValues(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.Int))

	// `data` is a slice of functions that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := []interface{}{
		func() interface{} {
			return 1
		},
		func() interface{} {
			return 2
		},
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_NullableListOfNonNullArrayOfFunc_ContainsNulls(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.Int))

	// `data` is a slice of functions that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := []interface{}{
		func() interface{} {
			return 1
		},
		func() interface{} {
			return nil
		},
		func() interface{} {
			return 2
		},
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, nil, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}

// Describe [T!]! Array<T>
func TestLists_NonNullListOfNonNullObjects_ContainsValues(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.NewList(graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.Int)))
	data := []interface{}{
		1, 2,
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_NonNullListOfNonNullObjects_ContainsNull(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.NewList(graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.Int)))
	data := []interface{}{
		1, nil, 2,
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": nil,
		},
		Errors: []gqlerrors.FormattedError{
			{
				Message: "Cannot return null for non-nullable field DataType.test.",
				Locations: []location.SourceLocation{
					{
						Line:   1,
						Column: 10,
					},
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_NonNullListOfNonNullObjects_ReturnsNull(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.NewList(graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.Int)))

	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": nil,
		},
		Errors: []gqlerrors.FormattedError{
			{
				Message: "Cannot return null for non-nullable field DataType.test.",
				Locations: []location.SourceLocation{
					{
						Line:   1,
						Column: 10,
					},
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, nil, expected)
}

// Describe [T!]! Func()Array<T> // equivalent to Promise<Array<T>>
func TestLists_NonNullListOfNonNullFunc_ContainsValues(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.NewList(graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.Int)))

	// `data` is a function that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := func() interface{} {
		return []interface{}{
			1, 2,
		}
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_NonNullListOfNonNullFunc_ContainsNull(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.NewList(graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.Int)))

	// `data` is a function that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := func() interface{} {
		return []interface{}{
			1, nil, 2,
		}
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": nil,
		},
		Errors: []gqlerrors.FormattedError{
			{
				Message: "Cannot return null for non-nullable field DataType.test.",
				Locations: []location.SourceLocation{
					{
						Line:   1,
						Column: 10,
					},
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_NonNullListOfNonNullFunc_ReturnsNull(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.NewList(graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.Int)))

	// `data` is a function that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := func() interface{} {
		return nil
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": nil,
		},
		Errors: []gqlerrors.FormattedError{
			{
				Message: "Cannot return null for non-nullable field DataType.test.",
				Locations: []location.SourceLocation{
					{
						Line:   1,
						Column: 10,
					},
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}

// Describe [T!]! Array<Func()<T>> // equivalent to Array<Promise<T>>
func TestLists_NonNullListOfNonNullArrayOfFunc_ContainsValues(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.NewList(graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.Int)))

	// `data` is a slice of functions that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := []interface{}{
		func() interface{} {
			return 1
		},
		func() interface{} {
			return 2
		},
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}
func TestLists_NonNullListOfNonNullArrayOfFunc_ContainsNulls(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.NewList(graphql.NewNonNull(graphql.Int)))

	// `data` is a slice of functions that return values
	// Note that its uses the expected signature `func() interface{} {...}`
	data := []interface{}{
		func() interface{} {
			return 1
		},
		func() interface{} {
			return nil
		},
		func() interface{} {
			return 2
		},
	}
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": []interface{}{
					1, nil, 2,
				},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}

func TestLists_UserErrorExpectIterableButDidNotGetOne(t *testing.T) {
	ttype := graphql.NewList(graphql.Int)
	data := "Not an iterable"
	expected := &graphql.Result{
		Data: map[string]interface{}{
			"nest": map[string]interface{}{
				"test": nil,
			},
		},
		Errors: []gqlerrors.FormattedError{
			{
				Type:      "INTERNAL",
				Message:   "User Error: expected iterable, but did not find one for field DataType.test.",
				Locations: []location.SourceLocation{},
			},
		},
	}
	checkList(t, ttype, data, expected)
}


Employers normally have the right to expect that instructions to employees will be faithfully carried out. But what happens when the employer asks that employees do something dodgy or potentially illegal? While not proven, there have been allegations that senior managers at Nortel asked other staff to manipulate accounting entries for the purpose of triggering bonuses to those managers. Similarly, staff who worked at a Thunder Bay call centre have been reported in the media as claiming their employer knowingly had them provide false information about poll locations on voting day in last spring's federal election. What would you do when faced with an employer request you felt might not be within the law?
While the normal rule is that employers have every reason to expect employees will follow instructions given, this right is not absolute. And in some cases, employees may be fully within their rights to refuse to act on improper employer requests.
Except in emergencies, there are limits on the number of hours employees may be required to work, without their consent. For example, without a variance or an emergency, most employees may not be required to work more than 48 hours in a workweek.
Except in emergencies, most employees must have at least one day free from work, after six consecutive days worked, or at least two consecutive days free from work, after ten consecutive days worked.
Except in continuous operations and certain retail businesses, such as restaurants and hotels, employees entitled to holiday pay for a statutory holiday also have the right to refuse to work on that day.
Employees, including job applicants, may refuse to take lie detector tests.
Except in certain retail business, most employees have the right to refuse work on a Sunday.
Employees who have the right to refuse such work, may also freely agree to it. Similarly, where employees exercise their right of refusal, employers are prohibited from imposing consequences on these employees.
Similarly, under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, employees may refuse to work in circumstances they feel are are dangerous, including threats of violence in the workplace. This right may be exercised where employees have reasonable grounds for considering such a danger exists. Employees' right to refuse work in these circumstances is protected, even if ultimately it is determined that no such danger existed in fact. This means employees may continue such a refusal pending the outcome of an investigation of their concerns. Where such an employee right to refuse unsafe work exists, employers may not impose consequences for exercising the right.
But barring either the Ontario employment standards or the Occupational Health and Safety Act, it's the common law that determines what consequences flow when employees refuse to follow employer requests. Generally, under the common law, employees who fail to carry out employer instructions may either be terminated for cause or may be seen as having abandoned the employment.
There seem to be few cases of employees challenging such consequences, in circumstances when employees claimed their refusal stemmed from unlawful employer requests. However, in Roden v. Toronto Humane Society, 2005, two former employees of the Toronto Humane Society claimed the employer, after losing its contract with the newly merged City of Toronto, had no legal basis for putting stray dogs and cats up for adoption. Based on this claim, these two employees refused to follow the employer's instructions, which ultimately led to their being terminated for cause. In the resulting court cases, the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld the lower court ruling that these employees had not demonstrated the unlawful nature of the employer's instructions. Unfortunately, in making this ruling, the courts provided no legal guidance as to what might be sufficient evidence in such circumstances. The Toronto Humane Society later achieved notoriety when five of its senior managers, including those acting on behalf of the employer above, were charged with cruelty to animals. These Criminal Code charges were later stayed, before being tried on their merits, because of problems with search warrants used to gather evidence in the case.


Joel Therien understands that the direct sales industry is in a massive shift change from home based meetings to online meetings. Today with social media channels it has never been easier to grow a home based business from home.
Nowlifestyle, together with its technology partner GVO is at the forefront of this change. An estimated 20% of Americans are now starting home based businesses because of the power of the internet and direct sales marketing.


text:
Apple Store leaks 4.7-inch 'iPhone SE' name
We'll never get an iPhone 9
By Sam Byford / @345triangle
Apr 3, 2020, 3:19 AM UTC |
Photo by James Bareham / The Verge
Apple's upcoming 4.7-inch iPhone is likely to be announced imminently and looks set to be called the iPhone SE. A Belkin screen protector is currently live on the Apple Store and listed for the iPhone SE as well as the 8 and 7, matching reports that the new phone would feature a similar design to those models.
Earlier today 9to5Mac reported the iPhone SE name, as well as details including that it'll come in white, black, and red color options with storage tiers of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The device is expected to come with an A13 processor, though pricing information is still unknown.
The Belkin accessory is called the "InvisiGlass Ultra Screen Protection for iPhone SE/8/7." It's on sale now for $39.95, although Apple eventually removed all mention of the iPhone SE from the page. The product is also available in a 5.5-inch size, but that listing only makes reference to the iPhone 7 Plus and 8 Plus. 9to5Mac's previous reporting has suggested a new 5.5-inch iPhone is also on the way.
How the page appeared early on Friday before Apple removed mention of the SE model.
There have been rumors about a new 4.7-inch iPhone for many months now, but while supply-chain analysts are often able to glean hardware details ahead of time, it's rare that anyone can make accurate predictions on product marketing decisions like the name of a particular iPhone. Apple shares that information with very few people internally, and of course it's easier to decide on closer to launch than a device's core hardware.
The original iPhone SE came out in March 2016 for $399 and essentially crammed 2015's iPhone 6S specs into an iPhone 5 body. Some rumors referred to this upcoming 4.7-inch phone as an "iPhone 9," since it would directly follow on from the 8, but "SE" would technically be in keeping with the prior use of the name.
Update April 3rd, 2:35PM ET: Updated to note that Apple has removed any mention of the iPhone SE from the Belkin page.


text:
CloseSections
Want to explore southern Africa like Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry? One of the world's best travel advisors offers her recommendations!
By Zach Harper
Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry are back in the UK now after returning home from their 10-day trip to southern Africa. They travelled through Cape Town and Johannesburg together, with Harry making solo trips to Botswana, Angola and Malawi during their time on the continent.
The Duke of Sussex has spoken extensively about his love for Africa, from its people to its incredible landscapes and vistas, and its amazing cuisines and abundant animal life.
This wasn't their first joint trip to the continent, either! Harry and Meghan journeyed to Morocco earlier this year – a place beloved by travel enthusiasts and those curious about its rich culture.
Meghan and Harry's recent tour was the Duchess of Sussex's first time in South Africa and she had a blast! Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images
There's a good chance many a royal watcher has caught the travel bug after seeing Harry, Meghan and Archie experience all the sights and sounds and some of the best spots South Africa, Botswana, Angola and Malawi have to offer. So HELLO! Canada reached out to Mary Jean Tully of Tully Luxury Travel. She's one of the world's best travel advisors!
We spoke to her about the where to visit and stay in those four African countries and other gorgeous places throughout the continent. Here's how you can go deeper with your experiences and see some of the best Africa has to offer.
HELLO! Canada: What are some of the best locations, places to stay, hotels, spots to visit for new parents with little ones who are visiting South Africa? What are some of the best ways travellers can give back while in Cape Town or Johannesburg?
Mary Jean Tully: At Tully Luxury Travel, we work with a company called African Link, which organizes enriching experiences for clients, in communities and villages in Africa. They not only curate incredible experiences in destinations like Cape Town and Johannesburg, but also are a great resource for parents! The company is owned by a gentleman who is a father himself, so this is a great partner for families who are planning on travelling through South Africa like Meghan and Harry. They are passionate about South Africa and provide unique choices from hotels to programs/daytime activities while having focuses on conservation and philanthropic efforts. They have the ability to make any arrangements that any guest would be looking for, so we absolutely love working with them!
Nestled at the foot of the Table Mountain next to the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is picturesque, colourful and a must-see on any trip to South Africa. Photo: © Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
In terms of places to stay, I highly recommend Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town. The service is absolutely fabulous and the property is right on the oceanfront. One&Only Cape Town is another wonderful property that I cannot rave enough about. They have one of the best "KidsOnly" program that is catered specifically to travelling families. I also recommend Ellerman House, which is about 10 minutes outside the city, right on the ocean with ample privacy.
There are so many different foundations in South Africa to get involved with – some of my personal favourites would have to be the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which focuses its work on the legacy of Nelson Mandela to promote equality and freedom, and the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, which provides treatment and conducts research for HIV/AIDS. These causes are especially close to the hearts of the Royal Family.
Harry has long said Botswana's Okavango Delta is one of his favourite places in the world. Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images
HELLO! Canada: What are some of the best attractions for travellers to take in Botswana's rich natural beauty? And how can they give back while there? What are some of the best places to stay and best hotels?
Mary Jean Tully: Witnessing wildlife in Botswana, especially on the Okavango delta, is indescribable! The game viewing is abundant and the movement and protection of rhinos is hard for me to put into words because it's so special and I'm so happy it is happening in the animal conservation world. While Botswana unfortunately lifted its ban on elephant hunting and poaching, the game viewing is distinctly different than anywhere else.
The Okavango Delta is a perfect location to take a safari, being full of animals like elephants and more! Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images
I always recommend travellers align themselves with the camps that include a charitable component. It truly gives people the best of both worlds – luxury and philanthropy. Most camps have special projects that involve communities and villages, which always makes a trip more meaningful and inspiring.
Some of my favourite hotels to stay at in Botswana are Mombo Camp, Zarafa Camp and Vumbura Plains.
HELLO! Canada: What about Angola? Best attractions? Places to stay? Hotels? Ways to give back? It has made huge strides in recovering from its decades-long civil war, but still faces significant issues related to mines. How can people pitch in there and help out, just like Harry and Diana have both done with The HALO Trust?
Mary Jean Tully: Angola is still very much a conflict-afflicted country, and travellers need to be aware when visiting here. Organizations like Halo Foundation, which is based on the movement of land and clearing of landmines, are doing incredibly difficult and meaningful work. This is a foundation that Prince Charles was previously involved with and one we still champion today. With the help and work of groups such as The Halo Foundation, we hope that we will be able to see changes in Angola, so that more and more travellers can freely explore that part of the continent.
HELLO! Canada: Malawi is kind of like the gateway to East Africa and is also gorgeous. What are some of the best spots to visit there? Places and hotels to stay?
Mary Jean Tully: In my opinion, one of the best and most luxurious properties is Malawian Style – Kaya Mawa, located on the southern cost of Likoma Island in Malawi. Surprisingly, this lodge is not a 5 star, but rather 3 or 4, making Malawi a very affordable but high-end place to visit.
A cheetah in a protected enclosure in Liwonde National Park, Malawi. Harry visited the park on his trip to Malawi in September. Photo: © Amos Gumulira/AFP/Getty Images
There was a successful cheetah reintroduction in Liwonde, Malawi last year, as the moms have been reproducing a high number of cubs – tripling the number of cheetahs in the township! Lions have also been reintroduced this year, which is always breathtaking to see. The animal populations are growing from strong to stronger and sightings continue to be better and more frequent. Get to Malawi before the crowds. It is so exciting to see conservation success in Africa.
HELLO! Canada: Both Harry and Meghan are huge foodies. We saw this while they were visiting Morocco earlier this year. They were fascinated with the food at several events they attended. The cuisines of all these countries are highly diverse and varied, but what are some things travellers must try in each spot and why?
La Maison Arabe is a tastefully decorated Moorish-style palazzo hidden down a lane in the medina (close to the souks) in Marrakech. Photo: © Adam Lubroth/Liaison
Mary Jean Tully: La Villa des Orangers is a must-see in Marrakech, Morocco. This riad loft is trendy, contemporary and a popular spot in the area. The ambience is absolutely breathtaking, so it is one of my personal favourites. Al Fassia is another restaurant I highly recommend. They serve mouth-watering traditional Moroccan cuisine, plus the restaurant is run entirely by women, which I personally love, as I truly admire and stand behind strong women – female empowerment is close to my heart, as I know how difficult it can be to be a female entrepreneur. If you're looking for a restaurant for special occasions, The Restaurant (which is actually the name of the restaurant) at La Maison Arabe is a great choice.
I recommend all of these places as they give you the authentic Moroccan experience, both in atmosphere and cuisine. Offering local cuisine, these restaurants are great choices for foodies like Meghan and Harry, who want to try something new while visiting Morocco.
HELLO! Canada: The royals have a long and rich history of visiting many countries in Africa. What other spots outside the countries Harry and Meghan visited are worth exploring? Charles will visit Rwanda next year, which I particular is booming after the recovery it made from the 1994 Genocide. Are there highlights there? What about north and west Africa – Egypt, Ghana, Libya? What other recommendations for travel outside the four countries on their big tour do you have for our readers?
A day trip to the Rwandan mountains to see mountain gorillas (and their babies!) has long been one of the main attractions in Rwanda. Photos: © Ivan Lieman/AFP/Getty Images
Mary Jean Tully: Some other spots I always recommend (and personally love to visit) are Egypt, Tanzania and Kenya.
In Rwanda, trekking with the gorillas is a bucket list item for many people, and rightfully so! Several of our clients have gone multiple times because it is such a unique and memorable experience. Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial and museum is a must. It is important for visitors to see and understand what the country has overcome and what people went through.
Etosha National Park in Namibia is home to an incredible array of wildlife, from zebras and antelopes to elephants and giraffes. Photo: © Martin Bureau/AFP/Getty Images
I also recommend visiting Namibia and Zambia. Etosha National Park in Namibia and the Cheetah Conservation Fund are just a couple of the most-do and see experiences in Namibia. To stay, Serra Cafema, Skeleton Coast is picture-perfect. There is also the Hoanib Valley Camp, which is a luxury, remote, tented camp in Namibia off the Skeleton Coast. Prince William stayed there, so it's Royals-approved!
Don't miss a beat with HELLO! Canada's Daily Hits newsletter, your daily dose of royal and celebrity news, fashion, weddings and more. CLICK HERE to sign up for free!
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Joaquin Phoenix's touching tribute to Heath Ledger at the SAG Awards
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Helena Bonham Carter and Josh O'Connor sound off on Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan standing down
2019 African royal tour
Liwonde


text:
By Spencer Klaw and Brendan Gill
The New Yorker, November 3, 1951 P. 26
Talk: Visit to the U.N. Archives in the Secretariat Bldg. Over 12,000 cubic feet of official records have already accumulated and, Irving Schiller, acting in the absence of the head archivist Robert Claus, said that besides amassing its own records the Secretariat has inherited documents of several defunct international organizations: the UnRRa, the UN War Crimes Comm., the Information Organizations, and has also taken over more than one third of the records of various agencies of the League of Nations, and are expecting to get the records of the IRO, the Int. Penal and Penitentiary Comm. Obsolete records are destroyed at a rate of 200 cubic feet a month. In case of fire a gas is released that is supposed to smother the fire with damaging the documents. The U.N. Charter is in the State Dept. Tells how the records are classified and stored.
Published in the print edition of the November 3, 1951, issue.
More:United Nations


text:
Argentina taxes the rich, even for those with Bitcoin
Facebook Coin: "will replace the US dollar"
By Fabio Lugano - 25 Mar 2019
Facebook Coin will replace the US dollar. Ted Livingston, founder of Kik, is convinced that Facebook's goal is not to replace bitcoin, but rather the dollar.
Famous for being good at making predictions, in a post on Medium the entrepreneur shares his point of view on the future of any coin issued by Facebook, which he calls Facecoin.
Livingston starts from his own experience with Kik and Kin, the connected integrated token and the subsequent entry of the Chinese messaging giant WeChat.
Already in 2014 he and WeChat predicted that the real business did not come so much from social sharing, as is the case with Facebook, but from the ability to integrate payment into messaging services and to integrate them privately. The success of such an initiative requires the implementation of 3 factors:
Persuade people to transfer money via a messaging app;
Have a tool to move money efficiently;
Convince the public to keep the money in the messaging app through services.
WeChat has managed to activate these success factors by starting to promote the use of its messaging service to send so-called "red envelopes", ie small cash gifts that are exchanged on holidays, such as New Year's Eve, in the Chinese community.
The messaging app then convinced the community to keep the money on the app thanks to a series of additional services payable with the platform itself.
The potential of Facebook Coin
Facebook, integrating its messaging services, Instagram and Whatsapp, could do the same thing, but in a much more complete and effective way: in fact, on the one hand, the blockchain is a perfect tool to allow a safe and cheap money transfer, with infinitesimal costs compared to the banking system, on the other, while WeChat was bound by the regulations of the Chinese state, on the contrary the hypothetical Facecoin would not have the regulatory limitations of the Chinese counterpart, closely bound to fiat currencies.
At this point, Facebook Coin could become a stablecoin linked to the dollar or the euro, but indirectly linked to the fiat currency, just as in the 19th-century banknotes were tied to gold through a reserve ratio.
Practically the dollar would be the partial value reserve of Facebook Coin, being substituted in daily practical use. This would make Facebook Coin the currency of a community of 2 billion Facebook and Whatsapp users, replacing the dollar, the current world reserve currency. Will the US allow it?
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Fabio Lugano
Graduated with honors from Bocconi University, Fabio is a consultant for companies and wounded shareholders of the Banche Venete. He is also the author of "Scenari Economici", and lecturer and analyst of cryptocurrencies since 2016.
Thuy Dung - 21 Jan 2021