text:
Blue Stahli has recently just dropped his latest single off of his upcoming album, The Devil. With top notch songwriting showing up on Not Over Til We Say So, along with excellent collaborative work with Emma Anzai of Sick Puppies, I discuss with Bret, solo member of Blue Stahli, both the single, how working with Anzai went, and his upcoming album.
Hello, and welcome to our lovely site! Before anything, let's get our readers familiarized with you. Tell us a little bit about Blue Stahli.
Bret - "Blue Stahli is a multi-genre musical project with just one member. Which means I have no other bandmates to blame when things go horribly awry or alibis need to be put in place. I should have thought this through better."
And, for most of this, let's just focus on a bit of the present since that seems to be pretty exciting. Your single "Not Over Til We Say So" just released recently. What was the main inspiration in writing the lyrics for this song?
Bret - "Well, I never really divulge what sort of nonsense was flitting through my head when writing the lyrics because, though I certainly have my personal reason and meaning, the most important thing is what it means to you and each individual listener. If someone forms an attachment with a song that speaks to their experience, I'd hate to dash it. The personal interpretation of a song by an individual is what's most important to me. I want a Blue Stahli song to be something for your life. Whether that is catharsis, or feeling like a badass who can take on an army, or just something fun to listen to loud as hell while driving."
And, when you set out to write the music for this track, what did you originally have planned for it? Did your views on the song change musically as you progressed with it?
Bret - "Oh definitely. The opening thrash riff is something I wrote when I was 17 and never really knew what to do with, so it sat there in the back of my head taking up space that could have been used for tasks such as 'how not to look like a spazzy Molly Ringwald'. When I was in the initial demo phase for this album, I threw that riff down with a few other basic tracks just to see where it would go. I had no plan other than 'Let's see what the hell happens.' The funky halftime bit of it was the result of throwing everything against the wall and that's what stuck. The chorus was something I sang into my phone while driving as an idea for another song, but I figured why the hell not see if I can slam that sucker into this track. A lot of songs come together that way. Disparate elements all coming together to form a Voltron of a track."
You actually had Emma Anzai of Sick Puppies come in for this single. At what point did you know you wanted her talent on board? Was it always set to be that way from the get-go?
Bret - "It was a strange, happy accident! I wasn't really planning on having any guests on this record originally. A while ago, she discovered Blue Stahli and began following a few of my social media pages. I figured it was someone just using her name, as I was a fan of her work in Sick Puppies and thought 'there's no way in hell this is the actual Emma Anzai somehow finding me.' After shooting a few DM's back and forth, she said 'If you ever need any bass work, I'd be happy to help out.' She is absolutely one of the best bassists in rock'n'roll, so...come on...of course. From following her work in Sick Puppies, I knew she also had a great voice and knack for harmony, so I wanted to really feature all of what she can do."
Overall, how was working with Emma Anzai on this single? Did you have fun with it, and would you be looking to partner up with her again on any future tracks?
Bret - "Absolutely to both of those things. Working with Emma was a breeze. There were a few parts where I wanted her to just follow the riff, but there were large sections where my only note was 'Be Emma Anzai as hard as you can'. So naturally, she returns with a few takes of some of the best and most technical bass work I've ever heard. The scary thing is how close to the grid she was. Her timing is perfect. I'm pretty much convinced she's a cyborg."
Now, this single will be appearing on your upcoming album, The Devil. Is there a release date set in for that, or is that still in the works?
Bret - "There is, but I want to avoid my typical method of only opening my mouth to change feet. There isn't a full on release date, but there is a date set for 'Hey dummy, you have to have this whole album done by _____.'"
In comparison to anything that you've previously released, what do you think this new album will be doing differently? What can your fans expect to hear from The Devil?
Bret - "One thing is that I'm pulling back on the screamy parts just a bit. Not that there was a ton of that in the first album, but I like experimenting with making the vocals a bit more melodic (which is more natural for me) while contrasting that with making the guitars much louder and darker. If someone wants straight up screaming, there are a million bands that do exactly that. I love the juxtaposition of having great big mean chainsaw guitar riffs, elements of pop production, glitchy programming and sample mangling, cinematic atmospheres, and making something to get stuck in your head. You will absolutely have this album this year."
And, will you be playing any shows in support of the album release, or are live appearances not currently scheduled?
Bret - "Absolutely. Once I finish the album, I'll be working on a companion disc of Premonitions (strange reinterpretations of the album material) and putting a full on touring live show together. I loved being a part of the 2-man Celldweller live show and really miss both jumping around on stage and most importantly, meeting people after the show. So I can't wait to show my appreciation for everyone supporting Blue Stahli by making a space for everyone to go nuts and all say hello after the show."
I also understand that your music has been included in an abundance of films, television shows, and video games. Are you currently working to get your material in any other media right now? And, can we get details on that?
Bret - "The fun thing is that my songs show up in stuff without the aid of my prodding. Unless it's something that I've been contacted to write something for (taking a shot in the dark of it landing), that aspect functions independently of me. I am insanely grateful for the things I DO show up in, and it always blows me away to hear a song I wrote for a movie scene in my head being used in a big action movie trailer. For some reason, the pairing of Blue Stahli with action flicks and superhero radness works just as well as the more instrumental upbeat material I write. I'm just freakishly thankful I can watch things blow up to guitar riffs I've written."
Lastly, I would like to thank your time in participating in this quick questionnaire, and I wish you all the luck in your future.
Bret - "Right back atcha! Thank you very much!" Blue Stahli interview
Steven Gullotta https://www.brutalresonance.com/interview/blue-stahli-interview-mar-2015/ March 4, 2015 March 4, 2015
Bret - "Right back atcha! Thank you very much!"
# blue-stahli
# the-devil
# emma-anzai
# sick-puppies
# electrorock
Asmodeus X - 'The Bright Ones'
RxGF - 'Any Other Way'
Furthermore, 'Rot' is THE signal and warning colour. This, in turn, can be adapted on our songs, which you can interpret as wake-up calls with which we want to address social injustices in society.
[:SITD:], Nov 03 2009
Various Artists - 'Fall Is A House Of Gold And Rain'
Neuropa - 'Plastique People'
He Is Me - 'Let It Drip'
Ginger Snap5 - 'Break Me Down'
Panic Lift - 'Skeleton Key'
Patenbrigade: Wolff - Der Schallplattenunterhalter is available at POPONAUT from 12,75€


text:
Investigation continues into series of massive explosions at Huntington Beach restaurant celebrating Oktoberfest
ByABC7.com staff
Four people were injured in a series of electrical explosions at a Huntington Beach restaurant.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Authorities reported multiple injuries after a series of electrical explosions sent massive fireballs into the air Saturday night at a shopping and dining complex in Huntington Beach.
Staff at the Old World German restaurant on Center Avenue noticed an odor coming from the underground electrical vault. The fire department was called to the scene - where the restaurant was holding an Oktoberfest event - and the first explosion erupted shortly after, around 8:30 p.m.
Two firefighters were injured while investigating the initial explosion just before another one went off.
Witnesses say the lights started to flicker and the power went out before up to three explosions only about a minute apart rocked the restaurant.
Huntington Beach Fire Department officials say two firefighters and two civilians were injured, including a restaurant employee who led fire crews to the vault. He suffered burns to more than 38% of his body and was listed in moderate to critical condition Sunday.
"It's not abnormal that in an underground vault, when there's one explosion, it can be followed by others. In this case, there was, so perhaps there were three," said Jeff Lopez with the Huntington Beach Police Department.
The explosions, which reportedly sent flames shooting up dozens of feet into the sky, sparked chaos and sent hundreds of people fleeing for safety.
"All of a sudden, this giant explosion happened at the entrance. We were walking towards it, and then we could feel the heat of the flame like on our foreheads," witness Nicole Hallas said. "At that point, we saw everyone running and exiting the whole event."
In the initial chaos, multiple ambulances were called to the scene as firefighters had initially thought as many as 30 had been injured. They later revised that number after obtaining more information.
Fire officials say an underground electrical vault exploded, but additional details on the cause have yet to be released.
Huntington Beach Fire Department Battalion Chief Jeff Lopez said it was fortunate the injuries were not more serious, given the force and heat of the explosion.
"Electrical fires, vault explosions - a lot of energy potential, a lot of heat," Lopez said. "With the reports I'm getting on the level of injuries we have, it's not that bad."
Southern California Edison crews worked overnight to replace the transformer and begin their investigation.
"The first priority in these situations is to get the damage cleaned up, and make sure we repair and restore power as quickly as possible," said Robert Villegas with Edison.
HUNTINGTON BEACH ORANGE COUNTY EXPLOSION FIRE

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


In an age when most people communicate via email and/or social media, it is very nice to get a traditional postcard through the letterbox (rare nowadays). This one is from Manang in Nepal and surprisingly took less then a week to get to Hangzhou (China). Thanks to my world travelling friend for sending it. Nepal is on my list of countries to visit, and would certainly visit Manang if I ever get the chance!


'Children in Need' Could Unite All Surviving Doctor Whos - When pigs fly.
Sunday was a big day for Doctor Who news -- or at least for a fierce rumor fans hope is genuine Who news.
November's BBC Children in Need telethon made it a tradition in recent years to feature some sort of Who special as part of its fundraiser programming. Last year's show offered a Steven Moffat-written mini-episode, "Time Crash", bringing together current Doctor David Tennant and '80s version Peter Davison.
Now, reports claim the seven surviving actors who played The Doctor will reunite for this year's special. That means Tennant and Davision would join Tom Baker, Colin Baker, Sylvestor McCoy, Paul Mcgann and Christopher Eccleston for a reunion fans thought was impossible.
As for the 10th version of the Time Lord, Tennant is either walking away at the end of 2009's four special episodes, or he's looking to sign on through 2011. The only announcement on the situation that matters will come from the BBC and Tennant.


Exhibition to commemorate the ending of the First World War. An exhibition is being mounted in All Saints Church, Hemblington, during Open Churches Week – Friday 27th July to Sunday, 12th August, during the Heritage Open weekends 6 – 9th and 13th – 16th September and in November, to commemorate those local people who fought and died during the First World War, and to mark the Armistice. A collage to be made by local children will also be on show.
If you have any memories or stories of family members involved in the war, either at the front or supporting the war effort at home – or have family memorabilia from the time, we should love to hear from you.
We are also planning a special event on Saturday afternoon, 15th September, where such stories could be retold over afternoon tea, perhaps with poems or readings if anyone would like to offer these. Please get in touch with Catherine (270 360) or Lynda (713 597) or Sue (715 804) if you would like to learn more about this.


text:
Roc Riggio belts three home runs in Thousand…
Roc Riggio belts three home runs in Thousand Oaks' quarterfinal win over San Dimas
Find out what happened during Friday's baseball quarterfinals between San Dimas and Thousand Oaks
Thousand Oaks' Roc Riggio (3) is congratulated after hitting his third home run in the baseball quarterfinals at San Dimas High School on Friday June 11, 2021. Thousand Oaks defeated San Dimas 12-1. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
By Fred Robledo | frobledo@scng.com | San Gabriel Valley Tribune
PUBLISHED: June 11, 2021 at 8:37 p.m. | UPDATED: June 11, 2021 at 8:37 p.m.
When your name is Roc Riggio, and it's your birthday, what else do you expect?
Riggio, the Thousand Oaks high second baseman who signed to play with Oklahoma State, turned Friday's CIF Southern Section Division 2 quarterfinal into his own personal home run derby.
The senior belted three homers — all to different parts of the field — including a mammoth, punctuating three-run shot in the sixth inning that left those watching with their jaws on the floor as he finished the day with six RBIs as Thousand Oaks went on to rout San Dimas, 12-1.
Thousand Oaks' Roc Riggio after belting three home runs with six RBIs in their 12-1 quarterfinal win over San Dimas pic.twitter.com/e6pcgW9kBP
— Fred J. Robledo 👨🏻💻 (@SGVNSports) June 12, 2021
YES HE DID! On his birthday, Thousands Oaks' Roc Riggio belted his third homer, a three run shot and it's now 9-1. He also has a two run homer and a solo shot. pic.twitter.com/F5EiNOKAuk
"That kid, he hit a ball out to every field, and we knew he could hit it a mile," San Dimas coach Mike Regan said of Riggio. "That's about as good as it gets in high school baseball, he's going to do a lot of great things, he's a very talented kid."
The Lancers have over 40 home runs on the season, and Riggio, hit his ninth, tenth and 11th.
"Couldn't of done it without the guys behind me," Riggio said. "Obviously, I felt good at the plate today and had a (few) good swings that helped out my team, but we all had a good day, and that's all you can ask in playoff baseball."
Thousand Oaks coach Jack Wilson could tell how serious his team was in warm-ups and that someone might have a day like that, and why not Riggio.
"That's a great birthday day," Wilson said. "You spend a lot of time with these kids and you can see they were focused and they came off the bus and their stretch was silent. We worked really hard on our game plan yesterday, especially Roc, and he stayed inside the ball today and hit a homer to center, left-center and right-center and that was kind of our plan going in to today."
Thousand Oaks coach Jack Wilson after their 12-1 quarterfinal win over San Dimas pic.twitter.com/FvdKVHHQjO
The young Saints (20-5) that start four freshman and a sophomore got a good look at what a senior-heavy top seed with three Division one signees looks like, that's for sure.
"Obviously that's a tremendous team and they smoked the ball," Regan said. "But we had opportunities early and we didn't move runners and get a big hit and we can hit. Tip your cap, they're really good and we're super young and to get to the quarterfinals with this group is huge because we only lose three kids (seniors), but there's going to be a bright future for this group, and Thousand Oaks has an amazing team, so congratulations to them."
Thousand Oaks (27-1), which opened the season winning its first 23 games, advances to Tuesday's semifinals, where they await the winner of Saturday's quarterfinal between Bonita and Los Alamitos.
Thousands Oaks' power display did not end with Riggio, who hit a two-run homer in the third inning and a solo shot in the fifth.
Charlie Saum, who is signed with Stanford, hit a two run homer that gave the Lancers a 5-0 lead in the third inning and shortstop Max Muncy, who is committed to Arkansas, went 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored as the Lancers pounded out 11 hits.
San Dimas coach Mike Regan talks about their tough 12-1 quarterfinal loss to Thousand Oaks pic.twitter.com/FDMpoXEyFQ
The Lancers' starting pitcher Myles Weiss went five innings and allowed seven hits, but he only gave up one run.
The Saints nearly did something dramatic in the bottom half of the third, but it wasn't to be.
After Thousand Oaks walked in a run with the bases loaded, Matt Rice belted a deep fly to left that looked like it might leave for a game-tying grand slam, but it was just a long fly-out, and the Saints still trailed, 5-1, and it was never a contest after that
Riggio's three run homer in the sixth inning made it 9-1 and that was that.
San Dimas' Ryan Kim (35) steals second base as Thousand Oaks shortstop Max Muncy (23) leaps for the throw in the baseball quarterfinals at San Dimas High School on Friday June 11, 2021. Thousand Oaks defeated San Dimas 12-1. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Thousand Oaks' Charlie Saum (20) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the baseball quarterfinals at San Dimas High School on Friday June 11, 2021. Thousand Oaks defeated San Dimas 12-1. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Thousand Oaks' Charlie Saum (20) hits a two-run home run in the baseball quarterfinals at San Dimas High School on Friday June 11, 2021. Thousand Oaks defeated San Dimas 12-1. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Thousand Oaks' Roc Riggio (3) hits his third home run in the baseball quarterfinals at San Dimas High School on Friday June 11, 2021. Thousand Oaks defeated San Dimas 12-1. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
San Dimas pitcher Matt Romero (44) makes a pitch as they play Thousand Oaks in the baseball quarterfinals at San Dimas High School on Friday June 11, 2021. Thousand Oaks defeated San Dimas 12-1. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
San Dimas first baseman Ryan Kim (35) tags out Thousand Oaks' Max Muncy (23) on a pick off play in the baseball quarterfinals at San Dimas High School on Friday June 11, 2021. Thousand Oaks defeated San Dimas 12-1. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Thousand Oaks pitcher Myles Weiss (10) makes a pitch in the baseball quarterfinals at San Dimas High School on Friday June 11, 2021. Thousand Oaks defeated San Dimas 12-1. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
San Dimas left fielder Kasen Khansarinia (6) catches a fly ball as they play Thousand Oaks in the baseball quarterfinals at San Dimas High School on Friday June 11, 2021. Thousand Oaks defeated San Dimas 12-1. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
San Dimas third baseman Landon White (8) throws the Thousand Oaks runner out at first base n the baseball quarterfinals at San Dimas High School on Friday June 11, 2021. Thousand Oaks defeated San Dimas 12-1. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Thousand Oaks left fielder Easton Rulli (34) dives to catch the fly ball in the baseball quarterfinals at San Dimas High School on Friday June 11, 2021. Thousand Oaks defeated San Dimas 12-1. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
San Dimas catcher Matt Rice (12) forces out Thousand Oaks' Max Muncy (23) at home and tries for the double play at first base in the baseball quarterfinals at San Dimas High School on Friday June 11, 2021. Thousand Oaks defeated San Dimas 12-1. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Fred Robledo | sports editor
Fred Robledo is a local sports editor for the Southern California Newspaper Group.
frobledo@scng.com
Follow Fred Robledo @sgvnsports
More in High School Sports
Signing Day was worth the wait for St. Paul's Aidan Bravo, other SGV area athletes
San Dimas girls basketball beats Covina, looks to win Valle Vista League title outright
San Gabriel Valley girls athlete of the week: Miranda Morales, Covina


While Sprint is a major cell phone carrier for all kinds of consumers, Kajeet is in business to specifically target parents who want an array of kid-friendly wireless options.The Kajeet optional GPS phone locator, though, costs twice as much as with Sprint.
27/08/2014 · If it's been stolen, you'll want to report it to Verizon Wireless to prevent unauthorized use/charges (and file a Police report). Once suspended, you can't use locator apps, though (and you can't remotely install locator apps if the phone is dead nor will the GPS work if it's turned off).
Verizon Support & Protection allows you to signal a loud tone on your phone from another device or computer. The sound can help you locate your phone if you've misplaced it nearby. The sound can help you locate your phone if you've misplaced it nearby.


text:
Stories by Williams
Classic sci-fi books, reviews, and the best of from a dedicated fan and author!
Advise for Aspiring Writers
Articles by Matt Williams
*SETI
Beyond Fermi's Paradox Series!
Podcasts/Interviews
The Formist Series
***The Frost Line Fracture – Sample
**The Jovian Manifesto – Sample
*The Cronian Incident – Sample
The Revengers!
The Reviews Are In!
Timeline of the Future…
The Fate of Humanity
Enter your email address to follow storiesbywilliams and receive notifications of new posts by email.
Back from Europe - Part the Fifth!
Nukemap 3D: Bringing Nuclear War to your Home!
News from Space: Space Elevator by 2035!
"How Nanotech Could Reengineer Us."
The Future of Flight: Morphing Wings
New Podcast Series: Space Stations!
Sexy Robot Women!
Futuristic Guns (vol 3)
The Future is Here: Self-Healing Metal
Worlds of the Firefly Universe
Categories Select Category Aliens Architecture and Design Artwork Authors Awards Books Climate Change Comics Computing Education Environment Fantasy Future Games Grim5next guest writer HeroX History Ideas Interviews Issues Mars Medicine Milestones Military Movies Nanotech News Novels Podcast Promotions Renewable Energy Reviews robots Samples Sci-Fi Science science fiction Solar Space Story Time Technological Singularity Technology the cronian incident The Formist Series The Jovian Manifesto Trailer Travel Uncategorized Universe Today Video Video games Writer's Worth Writing zombies
Archives Select Month January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 July 2020 June 2020 March 2020 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 March 2018 January 2018 December 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 December 2015 November 2015 August 2015 July 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011
On page 141 of 190 of Tau Zero, by Poul Anderson goodreads.com/user_status/sh… 5 hours ago
@chrismanfrank https://t.co/32DlSsZ7Lz 10 hours ago
@chrismanfrank Good book! 17 hours ago
Follow @storybywill
storiesbywilliams	in News, Science, Space	 September 25, 2013 September 25, 2013 695 Words
News From Space: Big Bang Vs. Black Hole
For decades, the Big Bang Theory has remained the accepted theory of how the universe came to be, beating out challengers like the Steady State Theory. However, many unresolved issues remain with this theory, the most notable of which is the question of what could have existed prior to the big bang. Because of this, scientists have been looking for way to refine the theory.
Luckily, a group of theoretical physicists from the Perimeter Institute (PI) for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ontario have announced a new interpretation on how the universe came to be. Essentially, they postulate that the birth of the universe could have happened after a four-dimensional star collapsed into a black hole and began ejecting debris.
This represents a big revision of the current theory, which is that universe grew from an infinitely dense point or singularity. But as to what was there before that remain unknown, and is one of a few limitations of the Big Bang. In addition, it's hard to predict why it would have produced a universe that has an almost uniform temperature, because the age of our universe (about 13.8 billion years) does not give enough time to reach a temperature equilibrium.
Most cosmologists say the universe must have been expanding faster than the speed of light for this to happen. But according to Niayesh Afshordi, an astrophysicist with PI who co-authored the study, even that theory has problems:
For all physicists know, dragons could have come flying out of the singularity. The Big Bang was so chaotic, it's not clear there would have been even a small homogenous patch for inflation to start working on.
The model Afshordi and her colleagues are proposing is basically a three-dimensional universe floating as a membrane (or brane) in a "bulk universe" that has four dimensions. If this "bulk universe" has four-dimensional stars, these stars could go through the same life cycles as the three-dimensional ones we are familiar with. The most massive ones would explode as supernovae, shed their skin and have the innermost parts collapse as a black hole.
The 4-D black hole would then have an "event horizon", the boundary between the inside and the outside of a black hole. In a 3-D universe, an event horizon appears as a two-dimensional surface; but in a 4-D universe, the event horizon would be a 3-D object called a hypersphere. And when this 4-D star blows apart, the leftover material would create a 3-D brane surrounding a 3-D event horizon, and then expand.
To simplify it a little, they are postulating that the expansion of the universe was triggered by the motion of the universe through a higher-dimensional reality. While it may sound complicated, the theory does explain how the universe continues to expand and is indeed accelerating. Whereas previous theories have credited a mysterious invisible force known as "dark energy" with this, this new theory claims it is the result of the 3-D brane's growth.
However, there is one limitation to this theory which has to do with the nearly uniform temperature of the universe. While the model does explain how this could be, the ESA's Planck telesceop recently mapped out the universe and discovered small temperature variations in the cosmic microwave background (CBM). These patches were believed to be leftovers of the universe's beginnings, which were a further indication that the Big Bang model holds true.
The PI team's own CBM readings differ from this highly accurate survey by about four percent, so now they too are going back to the table and looking to refine their theory. How ironic! However, the IP team still feel the model has worth. While the Planck observations show that inflation is happening, they do not show why the inflation is happening.
Needless to say, we are nowhere near to resolving how the universe came to be, at least not in a way that resolves all the theoretical issues. But that's the things about the Big Bang – it's the scientific equivalent of a Hydra. No matter how many times people attempt to discredit it, it always comes back to reassert its dominance!
Source: universetoday.com, perimeterinstitute.ca
3-D brane
4-D black hole
bulk universe
Cosmic Background Radiation (CBR)
cosmic expansion
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
planck telescope
steady state theory
uniform temperature of the universe
Waterloo Ontario
More News in Quantum Computing!
Ending HIV: Foot Cream Kills HIV Cells!
4 thoughts on "News From Space: Big Bang Vs. Black Hole"
I wonder what else could have existed in the universe before the universe. But before I speculate, I have to ask: doesn't 4-dimensions mean time?
storiesbywilliams says:
It does indeed! This would mean it would work above and beyond our concept of a 3-D universe. I also did an article for Universe Today awhile back where some scientists said that it might be possible to see how other dimensions influenced the formation of the universe by looking deep into space. This is the same as looking back in time since light from the edge of our universe – the event horizon, the leftover radiation from the creation event – takes billions of years to get to us. By looking at what the universe looked like in its earliest eons, they thought they'd be able to gauge how those dimensions work. Freaky huh?
Yep. Now there's potential for a rather scary novel there.
Richard Leonard says:
My thoughts on what was before the Big Bnag: http://wp.me/p110vT-8D


The Clay Center, KS area has had 23 reports of on-the-ground hail by trained spotters, and has been under severe weather warnings 23 times during the past 12 months. Doppler radar has detected hail at or near Clay Center, KS on 69 occasions, including 10 occasions during the past year.
9/20/2018 8:36 PM CDT At 815 pm cdt, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near leonardville to 4 miles northeast of gypsum, moving east at 30 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include 60 mph wind gusts. Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. locations impacted include, abilene, clay center, herington, chapman, solomon, wakefield, enterprise, hope, woodbine, manchester, longford, carlton, oak hill, talmage, idana and moonlight. This includes interstate 70 between mile markers 267 and 289.
9/20/2018 8:15 PM CDT At 815 pm cdt, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near leonardville to 4 miles northeast of gypsum, moving east at 30 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include 60 mph wind gusts. Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. locations impacted include, abilene, clay center, herington, chapman, solomon, wakefield, enterprise, hope, woodbine, manchester, longford, carlton, oak hill, talmage, idana and moonlight. This includes interstate 70 between mile markers 267 and 289.
9/20/2018 7:52 PM CDT The national weather service in topeka has issued a * severe thunderstorm warning for. dickinson county in central kansas. clay county in north central kansas. until 845 pm cdt. At 751 pm cdt, severe thunderstorms were located along a line.
7/19/2018 2:10 PM CDT The severe thunderstorm warning for northern clay county will expire at 215 pm cdt, the storms which prompted the warning have weakened below severe limits, and no longer pose an immediate threat to life or property. therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. a severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 900 pm cdt for north central and northeastern kansas.
7/19/2018 1:28 PM CDT At 128 pm cdt, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 5 miles northwest of aurora to 4 miles north of miltonvale to 3 miles northwest of oak hill, moving east at 35 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include 70 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail. Hail damage to vehicles is expected. expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.
5/2/2018 4:48 PM CDT At 448 pm cdt, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 4 miles southwest of morganville to 3 miles northeast of oak hill, moving east at 25 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
5/1/2018 10:11 PM CDT At 1011 pm cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located over oak hill, moving east at 40 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include two inch hail and 60 mph wind gusts. People and animals outdoors will be injured. expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
5/1/2018 9:27 PM CDT At 925 pm cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located 4 miles northeast of oak hill, moving east at 40 mph (radar indicated. a tornado warning also remains in effect for portions of clay county). Hazards include two inch hail and 60 mph wind gusts. People and animals outdoors will be injured. expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
5/1/2018 9:19 PM CDT At 906 pm cdt, a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was located 5 miles southeast of idana, moving east at 30 mph. this is a particularly dangerous situation. take cover now! (weather spotters confirmed tornado). Hazards include damaging tornado. You are in a life-threatening situation. flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter. mobile homes will be destroyed. considerable damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction is possible. the tornado will be near, clay center around 915 pm cdt. Green around 930 pm cdt.
5/1/2018 9:07 PM CDT At 906 pm cdt, a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was located 5 miles southeast of idana, moving east at 30 mph. this is a particularly dangerous situation. take cover now! (weather spotters confirmed tornado). Hazards include damaging tornado. You are in a life-threatening situation. flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter. mobile homes will be destroyed. considerable damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction is possible. the tornado will be near, clay center around 915 pm cdt. Green around 930 pm cdt.
5/1/2018 8:58 PM CDT At 857 pm cdt, a confirmed tornado was located over oak hill, moving east at 30 mph (weather spotters confirmed tornado). Hazards include damaging tornado and hail up to two inches in diameter. Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. tree damage is likely. the tornado will be near, idana around 905 pm cdt. clay center around 920 pm cdt. Wakefield around 930 pm cdt.
6/15/2017 5:54 PM CDT At 552 pm cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located near green, moving northeast at 45 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include golf ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts. People and animals outdoors will be injured. expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include, clay center, leonardville, morganville, green and idana.
6/15/2017 5:29 PM CDT At 529 pm cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located 4 miles northeast of oak hill, moving northeast at 45 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include golf ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts. People and animals outdoors will be injured. expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
10/6/2016 4:48 PM CDT At 447 pm cdt, a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was 4 miles south of clay center, moving northeast at 30 mph. this is a particularly dangerous situation. take cover now! (weather spotters confirmed tornado). Hazards include damaging tornado. You are in a life-threatening situation. flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter. mobile homes will be destroyed. considerable damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction is possible. the tornado will be near, green around 500 pm cdt. Leonardville around 510 pm cdt.
10/6/2016 4:42 PM CDT Hen Egg sized hail reported 0.6 miles W of Clay Center, KS, largest hail stone in photo evidence was approximately 2 inches.
10/6/2016 4:40 PM CDT At 438 pm cdt, a confirmed tornado was located 4 miles south of clay center, moving northeast at 30 mph (weather spotters confirmed tornado). Hazards include damaging tornado and tennis ball size hail. Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. tree damage is likely. the tornado will be near, clay center around 445 pm cdt. green around 500 pm cdt. Leonardville around 510 pm cdt.
10/6/2016 4:28 PM CDT At 428 pm cdt, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 5 miles south of idana, moving east at 35 mph (radar indicated rotation). Hazards include tornado and golf ball size hail. Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. tree damage is likely. This dangerous storm will be near, clay center around 440 pm cdt.
10/6/2016 4:19 PM CDT At 419 pm cdt, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over oak hill, moving northeast at 30 mph (radar indicated rotation). Hazards include tornado and golf ball size hail. Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. tree damage is likely. this dangerous storm will be near, idana around 435 pm cdt. Clay center around 445 pm cdt.
10/6/2016 4:08 PM CDT At 408 pm cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located near idana, moving northeast at 40 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. Hail damage to vehicles is expected. expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. locations impacted include, clay center, miltonvale, morganville, green, oak hill and idana. A tornado watch remains in effect until 900 pm cdt for north central and northeastern kansas.
10/6/2016 3:49 PM CDT At 349 pm cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located near miltonvale, moving northeast at 35 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
10/4/2016 5:48 PM CDT At 547 pm cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located near oak hill, moving northeast at 35 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include two inch hail and 70 mph wind gusts. People and animals outdoors will be injured. expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.
10/4/2016 5:35 PM CDT Golf Ball sized hail reported 18 miles ENE of Clay Center, KS, .
10/4/2016 4:21 PM CDT Quarter sized hail reported 9.6 miles S of Clay Center, KS, .
8/23/2016 9:00 PM CDT At 859 pm cdt, the strongest part of a severe thunderstorm was located near leonardville, moving east at 20 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include ping pong ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts. People and animals outdoors will be injured. expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include, clay center, riley, leonardville and green.
8/23/2016 8:41 PM CDT At 841 pm cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located near idana, moving east at 15 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
8/23/2016 8:30 PM CDT At 829 pm cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located over clay center, moving east at 10 mph (law enforcement. at 828 pm. the sheriff reported hail up to the size of quarters with 50 mph winds on the west side of clay center). Hazards include 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. Hail damage to vehicles is expected. expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include, clay center and green.
8/23/2016 8:29 PM CDT Quarter sized hail reported 0.6 miles W of Clay Center, KS, winds were estimated up to 50 mph. no damage reported.
8/23/2016 8:15 PM CDT At 814 pm cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located near idana, moving east at 10 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include 60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail. Expect damage to roofs. siding. And trees.
5/25/2016 8:24 PM CDT At 824 pm cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located over idana, moving northeast at 30 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include two inch hail and 60 mph wind gusts. People and animals outdoors will be injured. expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
5/24/2016 3:41 AM CDT At 340 am cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles north of wakefield, moving east at 35 mph. another severe storm was located near riley, also moving east at 35 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include 60 mph wind gusts. Expect damage to roofs. siding. and trees. Locations impacted include, clay center, wakefield, riley, leonardville, keats and tuttle creek lake.
5/11/2016 4:29 AM CDT At 429 am cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located near keats and riley, moving east at 45 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include 60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail. Expect damage to roofs. siding. and trees. locations impacted include, southwestern manhattan, junction city, abilene, clay center, ogden, grandview plaza, chapman, wakefield, riley, enterprise, milford, leonardville, milford lake, moonlight, keats and tuttle creek lake. This includes interstate 70 between mile markers 274 and 305.
5/11/2016 4:14 AM CDT At 414 am cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located over chapman, moving east at 35 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include 60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail. Expect damage to roofs. siding. And trees.
5/11/2016 3:52 AM CDT At 352 am cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located over longford, moving east at 45 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
5/11/2016 3:23 AM CDT At 323 am cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located near clay center, moving north at 35 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include 60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail. Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
4/24/2016 7:20 PM CDT At 719 pm cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located near leonardville, moving northeast at 30 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include ping pong ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts. People and animals outdoors will be injured. expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
4/24/2016 6:40 PM CDT At 639 pm cdt, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles west of wakefield, moving northeast at 30 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
6/4/2015 11:15 AM CDT Golf Ball sized hail reported 0.6 miles W of Clay Center, KS, report was from law enforcement but could not verify the exact size or general amount of any golf ball size stones. most of the hail was nickel size at the time.
7/18/2012 5:40 PM CDT Quarter sized hail reported 3.3 miles W of Clay Center, KS, mainly nickel size hail with some quarter size.
4/15/2012 1:50 AM CDT Quarter sized hail reported 6.3 miles N of Clay Center, KS, minor crop damage also reported. estimated 3 to 4 inches of rainfall also.
4/15/2012 1:05 AM CDT Grapefruit sized hail reported 7.3 miles NW of Clay Center, KS, grapefruit size hail put holes in roofs of cars and broke all west facing house windows. time estimated.


A situation that is so ridiculous and cheap that is borders the edge of reality and believability.
Guy 1: "Dude did you hear that HolmB received a ticket going 60 in a 45 after the limit had just changed from 55?"
Guy 2: "That is Higgie-Deux for sure!"
Guy 1: "No doubt boo no doubt!"
Get a Higgie-Deux mug for your buddy Riley.


The China Tea Club was The place to go in recent times. John and I always lunched there enjoying the real colonial atmosphere. I believe it has closed recently which is very sad for us since we will be travelling to Hong Kong again at the end of May and I can hardly wait. It is the most exciting city in the southern hemisphere full of noise, intrigue and drama. Hong Kong is made up of Kowloon Peninsula and 236 islands – Hong Kong island being the largest. We stay on Lantau (one of the largest) in on our friends' houseboat moored in the Discovery Bay Marina which in itself is a real treat. It is peaceful and it's easy to find beautiful walks up into the hills through peasant allotments full of luscious veggies and discover hidden temples. By contrast, catching the ferry over to Central (Hong Kong island) is always an exciting adventure. Here you can shop till you drop and enjoy amazing food. John is a fan of Brooks Brothers and there are several shops in Hong Kong and we must visit them all!!! I usually get to buy something there too and that makes him happy 😉 My son, Jonathan, lived in Hong Kong for a few years working as a journalist for the South China Morning Post. He was a wonderful guide and host.


Weatherproof Signs: Outsmart the Weather with Precision Board!
Outdoor wooden signs are put in harm's way every day. Any number of environmental conditions can compromise a wood sign: Rain, snow, hail, sleet, high humidity, mist, and many others. If moisture is allowed to penetrate a wood sign, it can cause rotting, cracking, warping, and peeling, all of which can irreparably damage a wooden sign. No matter the skill of the sign maker, if an exterior wood sign is exposed to moisture for long enough, it will degrade and eventually fail – Sooner rather than later. Wooden signs are not weatherproof signs!
The good news is, wood isn't the only option for dimensional signage, and it's time to step into the modern world of sign making. Precision Board is a closed-cell High Density Urethane (HDU), which means it keeps water out! It absorbs no moisture, and stands up to temperature extremes with no degradation or breakdown. It's perfect for outdoor signs and displays that need to withstand rain, snow, ice, sleet and high humidity. Even signs in drier climates can benefit from Precision Board's moisture-repelling qualities: Repeated dousing with sprinklers or exposure to moist sea air can compromise a wood sign, but HDU stands up!
If you want the beauty of a hand-made wooden sign with the reliability of a modern material, high-density urethane is the only way to go. Available in 15 different densities and 8 standard sheet sizes, with thicknesses up to 24", Precision Board HDU is the all-purpose substrate for the modern signage professional. Don't let your handcrafted sign get beaten down by the elements: Outsmart the weather with Precision Board!
Just like every year, winter will be here before you know it! Click here to receive a FREE SAMPLE of Precision Board and get ready to step up your all-weather signage.


• Canisius officially opens the 2018-19 season on Tuesday night when the Golden Griffins travel to play at defending Patriot League champion Bucknell. Tipoff in Sojka Pavilion is set for 7 p.m. Canisius and Colorado are the last two Division I men's teams to start their seasons, as both teams play Tuesday night.
• Canisius, picked second in the 2018-19 MAAC Coaches' Preseason Poll, posted a 21-12 overall record and a 15-3 mark in MAAC play last season en route to a share of the league's regular-season crown with Rider. The MAAC regular season title is the second in program history, and first since 1993-94.
• Including the season opener at Bucknell, Canisius is set to play five non-league games against schools that competed in the 2018 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. The Griffs are one of seven teams in the nation to play five or more non-league games against schools that went to the tourney last March. The Blue and Gold's game vs. Villanova Nov. 22 at the AdvoCare Invitational in Florida will mark the first time Canisius has played the defending national champion since the team squared off with Syracuse in 2003-04.
• On Oct. 23, Canisius junior Isaiah Reese was named the 2018-19 MAAC Preseason Player of the Year, as voted on by the league's 11 head coaches. Reese is just the second MAAC Preseason Player of the Year in program history, joining former Griffs guard Billy Baron, who earned the title prior to the start of the 2013-14 season. Reese is the team's top returning scorer and rebounder, and he also led last year's squad in assists per game and steals per game average.
• Canisius sophomore Takal Molson, the reigning MAAC Rookie of the Year, returns for his second season on Main Street after a spectacular freshman campaign in 2017-18. The Buffalo, N.Y., native ranked second in the MAAC among freshmen in scoring average with his 12.6 points per game en route to becoming the fourth MAAC Rookie of the Year in program history. Molson starts this season as a Preseason All-MAAC Second-Team honoree.


text:
Carter v. Huterson
United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
William Billy Gene Carter, Plaintiff - Appellant
Kenny Huterson; Loratea Akers; Vickie Dye; Cynthia Jannaman; Lance Brown; Janet Heyer; Sandy Swanson; Angel Lawson; Heather Richards; Alexey Nikitin; David R. Hunter; Rhinnia Andrews; Kenneth Hutchason; Loretta Akers; Stanley Lance Brown, Defendants-Appellees
Submitted: June 16, 2016
Appeal from United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri - Jefferson City
Before SMITH, GRUENDER, and BENTON, Circuit Judges.
GRUENDER, Circuit Judge.
William Carter sued employees of the Missouri Department of Mental Health ("DMH") under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Carter alleged that these defendants violated his Fourth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights by forcibly collecting his fingerprints, a mouth swab, and a blood sample while he was confined at Fulton Hospital as a civilly committed sexually violent predator. The district court[1]dismissed Carter's complaint for failure to state a claim. We affirm.
In 2002, Carter pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect to various charges related to the kidnapping and deviate sexual assault of his sixteen-year-old neighbor. As a result of this plea, Carter was committed to the custody of the DMH. Carter's subsequent application for conditional release triggered mandatory review of his eligibility for involuntary civil commitment under Missouri's Sexually Violent Predators Act, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 632.480-513. Pursuant to that statute, a jury found Carter to be a sexually violent predator, and Carter therefore remained confined at Fulton State Hospital, a facility under the direction of the DMH.
In November 2014, Carter filed a complaint under 42 U.S.C § 1983, alleging that DMH employees working at Fulton State Hospital had violated his rights under the Fourth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments. The complaint alleged that the defendants and two Missouri Highway Patrol officers had approached Carter at the hospital and informed him that they needed his fingerprints, a blood sample, and a mouth swab. According to the complaint, when Carter refused to cooperate unless the officers produced a valid search warrant, the officers ordered the defendants to restrain Carter and obtain the samples. Carter alleged that at that point, all nine staff members "physically assaulted and attacked" him. He claimed that the attack resulted in a pulled tendon on his left index finger; a bruise, sprain, and cut on his left middle finger; and a bruise on his left arm. Carter further alleged that the defendants failed to provide appropriate medical treatment for these injuries.
The defendants moved to dismiss Carter's complaint. They argued that they did not violate Carter's Fourth Amendment rights by taking Carter's fingerprints, mouth swab, and blood sample because, as a sexually violent predator, Carter was required to provide these materials under Missouri law. According to section 650.055.1 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, "[e]very individual who . . . [h]as been determined to be a sexually violent predator... shall have a fingerprint and blood or scientifically accepted biological sample collected for purposes of DNA profiling analysis." The defendants further argued that Carter's assertion that the defendants employed excessive force failed to state a claim under the Fourth Amendment because Carter conceded that he resisted the efforts of the highway patrol officers to obtain his information and because his bare conclusion that he was "physically assaulted and attacked" was not sufficient to withstand a motion to dismiss. The defendants also contended that neither the manner in which they obtained the samples nor any alleged delay in Carter's receipt of medical treatment violated Carter's rights under the Eighth or Fourteenth Amendments. Finally, the defendants argued they were entitled to qualified immunity because their alleged forcible collection of Carter's fingerprints, mouth swab, and blood sample represented conduct that a reasonable officer would believe is lawful. See James ex rel. James v. Friend, 458 F.3d 726, 730 (8th Cir. 2006).
The district court granted the defendants' motion to dismiss. The court found that the warrantless collection of Carter's fingerprints, mouth swab, and blood sample did not violate the Fourth Amendment because this collection represented a reasonable, minimal intrusion and because Carter had a reduced expectation of privacy as a civilly committed sexually violent predator. The court also concluded that Carter failed to plead facts showing that the manner in which the defendants collected these materials violated Carter's rights under the Fourth, Eighth, or Fourteenth Amendment. Finally, the court ruled that the defendants were entitled to qualified immunity because Carter failed to state facts demonstrating the violation of a constitutional right that was clearly established at the time of the alleged violation and because the defendants' alleged conduct was reasonable under the circumstances alleged in the complaint. Carter appeals.
On appeal, Carter argues only that the district court erred when it dismissed his claim that the defendants' warrantless, forcible drawing of his blood to produce a DNA profile violated his rights under the Fourth Amendment. We review de novo a district court's dismissal under Rule 12(b)(6), taking all facts alleged in the complaint as true. Trooien v. Mansour, 608 F.3d 1020, 1026 (8th Cir. 2010). To survive a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim, "a complaint must contain sufficient factual matter, accepted as true, to state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face." Braden v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 588 F.3d 585, 594 (8th Cir. 2009) (quoting Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 678 (2009)). Similarly, defendants seeking dismissal under Rule 12(b)(6) based on an assertion of qualified immunity "must show that they are entitled to qualified immunity on the face of the complaint." Bradford v. Huckabee, 394 F.3d 1012, 1015 (8th Cir. 2005).
In appealing the dismissal of his Fourth Amendment claim, Carter first contends that because he was a civilly committed individual rather than a pre-trial detainee or a prisoner, the defendants could not collect a blood sample to produce his DNA profile without first demonstrating individualized suspicion of criminal wrongdoing and acquiring a search warrant. However, we do not reach the question of whether the alleged warrantless collection of Carter's blood sample violated the Fourth Amendment because the defendants are entitled to qualified immunity with respect to this claim. See Pearson v. Callahan, 555 U.S. 223, 240-42 (2009) (holding that courts have the discretion to recognize an official's entitlement to qualified immunity without first deciding whether a constitutional violation took place).
         "Qualified immunity shields government officials from liability for civil damages for discretionary acts that do not 'violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known.'" Moore ex rel. Moore v. Briggs,381 F.3d 771, 772 (8th Cir. 2004) (quoting Harlow v. Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 800, 818 (1982)). Here, the defendants are entitled to qualified immunity with respect to their alleged taking of Carter's blood sample because Carter has failed to demonstrate that, at the time of the events in question, civilly committed sexually violent predators maintained a clearly established right to be free from the warrantless drawing of a blood sample to produce a DNA profile. To the contrary, a ...


Stage 1: of the works will consist of the demolition and replacement of existing internal partitions. The new floor area will house staff offices that are being relocated from the first floor.
Stage 2: will involve the converting an existing management suite on the first floor into 6 bedrooms and 2 suites.
Stage 3: of the works will involve the subdivision of existing bedroom suites on the first, second, third and fourth floors to provide standard bedrooms. This will provide an extra 10 bedrooms.


The Census Nazis are coming.
The 2013 New Zealand Census Nazis are coming to crush the Spirit of Liberty and justice.
Nineteen Northlanders in the firing line.
Northlanders who did not fill out their Census forms are waiting to see if they are among 100 people nationally who are being prosecuted.
Statistics NZ has already released the first results from the 2013 Census, publishing population counts and electoral population numbers.
But the agency is now cracking down on those who did not fill out their census forms and has confirmed that 19 Northlanders are among the 100 people to be prosecuted.
Those being prosecuted have not been issued with a summons yet. The documents are now with Crown Law solicitor offices in each region and they will be lodging the papers with the courts.
One Northlander waiting to see if she will be taken before the courts is Libertarianz Northland coordinator Helen Hughes, who held a party on Census day, March 5, to "responsibly" destroy her form, along with others opposed to the information gathering exercise.
Read more >>> here <<< Yes... 100 Kiwi Individuals are about to be summoned before the Nazi Courts for the crime of refusing to fill out their compulsory census forms as demanded by State Dictate. Many of these are people of principle who utterly refused to fill out any part of the forms claiming the States demands violate their rights to privacy. Others did not fill them out to the satisfaction of the State. One wonders how these Summons will be delivered to Us Conscientious Objectors considering we didn't fill out our names and addresses on our census forms? How on Earth will the State Know who we are or where we live???? Oh they already have that information!... thus exposing what a travesty this whole process of Prosecution really is! Its not that they need such information.... it that they need us all to abandon any belief in our own rights and liberties, and to submit to their tyrannical demands like good Slaves! Of course all the spineless slaves whom have already bent their knee will enjoy the spectacle of us 'pesky whackos' being punished for refusing to do as we were bloody well told!
Of course picking only 100 people is a Machiavellian tactical ploy on the part of a vicious Socialist state as this is a big enough number to cause fear, but small enough to make it difficult for us to rally a large number of People in Protest.
Yes The Sheepish millions will not be too bothered by our plight.
They wont bother themselves protesting against our oppression by the government for our sakes… and will pretend that this issue has nothing to do with them… even though we Conscientious objectors are standing up for everyone's rights!
The Machiavellians can rely on the Apathy of the sheeple… whom will not care that 100 little people are trodden underfoot.
All this in an Era when many western Nations are abandoning having a Census because they are a Gross waste of Time and Tax money.
This just makes the Tyranny here in New Zealand that much more insane… that much more unbearable.
Please Contact me if you are one of the unfortunate few… of the thousands whom told the government to Bugger off and mind their own business.
Read more>>> I Am Not A Number! Protesting against the Census.
I could be wrong but I expect that they will go after the easy cases – those that they can easily prove refused to fill in the forms, people that have signed a confession (Tim?) and can't make a defense in court.
I never had any intention of lying or making lame excuses Reed.
I burned my Census because I am not a Socialist slave.
If eventually I do end up filling it out It will be out of Duress and not first without kicking up a stink.
I could be wrong but I think that the police have a list of difficult cases – those whom it is more trouble than it's worth to prosecute.
Tim, did you give them a confession ?
Richard, surely any case where there is a confession will be easy to prosecute .
Yes. I consciously refused to fill it in and I gave them my reasons.
I have wilfully disobeyed them., and called them Criminals.


Meet our representative upon arrival atSrinagarairport and proceed to Pahalgam, also called the Valley of Shepherds. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. In Pahalgam, admire the beauty of nature as you walk along the banks of River Lidder. Pahalgam is also famous for some trekking routes and is the base camp for the Amarnath Pilgrimage. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast,enjoy panoramic views of Pahalgam town and Lidder Valley. Start withChandanwari, 16 Km which is the starting point of sacred AmarnathYatra. Chandanwari is famous for snow sledging on a snow bridge, enroute you can visit Hajan, an idyllic picnic spot and Betaab valley. Later, today drive to Gulmarg - 'Meadow of Flowers' situated at an altitude of 2730 meters, with lush green meadows of flowers with a backdrop of the snow-capped mountains. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival and enjoy dinner.Overnight stay in the Gulmarg.
After breakfast, enjoy local sightseeing of Gulmarg and Gandola-ride (cable car). Later, proceed to Srinagar - This place is famous for its lakes and the charming houseboats, Srinagar is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. The lake comprises a series of water bodies, including the Nagin Lake. One can take in the panoramic view of the mountains surrounding Srinagar from this lake. Kashmiri boats called Shikara, are used to explore the intricate maze of waterways on this lake. In the evening, enjoy visit to Mughal Gardens followed by a Shikara-ride on Dal Lake. Overnight stay in Srinagar houseboat.
After breakfast depart for full day excursion to the Sonmarg, 'Meadow of Gold' on Srinagar- Leh road, a gushing river is the highlight of this meadow, flowing down from snowy heights into the dense woodlands of firs and silver birches. Glaciers pour down from this stream from the Himalayas on to the many camping sites in Sonmarg. A thick forest-cover of sycamore, alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine, Sonmarg offers adventure in the form of treks, sledging, angling, alpine skiing and white water rafting. Enjoy leisurely walks around the meadow. Return to Srinagar for dinner & overnight stay in houseboat.


Marjan is a professional in heart and soul with a long history in renowned catering. She has high regard for nonchalant perfection and is very proud that she and her team have the opportunity with circular catering to be an example for the future: "We have to wonder where our food and drinks REALLY comes from. We present the expertise we build up with this research at Circl.


text:
Canceling plans or turning someone down? Here's why you shouldn't apologize for it according to science.
Canceling plans or turning someone down? Here's why you shouldn't apologize for it, according to science.
http://ift.tt/2wf9FH7
We've all been there: You'd rather sit at home in your underwear watching the early seasons of Game of Thrones than grab drinks with your buddies. You skip out on lunch plans with your colleague to get out of the office early. You dodge your neighbor's not-so-subtle hints to go out for drinks. What do they all have in common? That weak, unapologetic 'Sorry' bringing up the rear.
Even if you are truly sorry, you might want to skip it.
That well-intended apology actually has the potential to make the person who's being rejected feel even worse, according to a new study from Dartmouth College.
In the study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, researchers found rejection with an added apology only adds insult to injury. It made people feel obligated to say they forgive the rejector, even though they didn't want to.
It seems normal and harmless to throw an apology in with a rejection, and there are certain benefits to it, according to the study. For example, it's been shown to make the rejector look better, and it can make the person being rejected feel less angry or aggressive. But if you're trying not to hurt someone's feelings, apologizing may backfire.
"Our research finds that despite their good intentions, people are going about it the wrong way," lead study author Dr. Gili Freedman said in a press release.
Because social rejection is complicated and every situation is different, researchers don't have any exact recommendations for what to say when you have to reject someone. But one thing's for sure: Think about what you're going to say beforehand, and maybe offer another date or plan to make it up to him/her.
September 8, 2017 at 04:06PM


Great teamwork! :) Love the added sparkle! Thank you for sharing with us at Card Crafter's Circle!
Such a sweet sentiment. Dry embossing adds such pizzazz. It is wonderful to see your art this week. The layout and colors are just beautiful.
So cute. Love all the glitter.
Thanks for going on our teddy bear picnic at Creative Card Crew.
Love the image! Thanks for linking your card up with us at the Sister Act Card Challenge.
Cute card! Thanks for sharing it with us at Card Mania Challenge.
Love this sweet image. :) It's so much fun! Thanks for joining us at The Squirrel and The Fox.
Cute card and I love your coloring. Great texture for the snow. Thanks for joining us this week at Creative Corner.
This is a super cute card. The image is really darling. I like how you embossed you final background, plain card stock wouldn't have done the card justice.
Fab card, super fun image! Thanks for joining us this week at Created With Love Challenges for our Christmas Red/Green Challenge!
Hi Bunny! What a super sweet card. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your talents with us, and please know how very grateful I am to have you play along with us.
P.S. Please stop by my blog - I have BLOG CANDY!
Perfect embossing folder for this fun image! Thanks so much for sharing with us at CWLC....good luck.
Adorable card, so very cute!! Thanks for sharing with us at Word Art Wednesday!!
Great card. Lovely image and the touch of glitters makes a perfect finish.
Thank you for sharing with us at Bearly Mine Challenge.
Love your sweet card! Those bears are darlin' :) Thanks for joining in the fun at the Sparkle N Sprinkle challenge this month!
Lovely colouring! Great card.Thankyou for joining us this month at Crafty Bloggers Network.


text:
require 'test_helper'

def current_user
  nil
end

class LogsHelperTest < ActionView::TestCase
  setup do
    dump_database
    collection_fixtures 'users', 'records'
    @current_user = User.where({email: 'admin@test.com'}).first
    @logging_config = APP_CONFIG['log_to_database']
  end

  teardown do
    @current_user = User.where({email: 'admin@test.com'}).first
    APP_CONFIG['log_to_database'] = @logging_config
  end

  test "should be able to add the time to the rest of the params" do
    existing_params = {:page => 4}
    params[:log_start_date] = 'tomorrow'
    time_range_params_plus(existing_params)
    assert_equal 4, existing_params[:page]
    assert_equal 'tomorrow', existing_params[:log_start_date]
  end

  test "should log controller" do
    assert_difference('Log.count') do
      log_controller_call LogAction::ADD, "Controller Test"
    end
    log = Log.asc("_id").last
    assert_equal "Controller - Controller Test Parameters: {}", log.description
  end

  test "should log API" do
    assert_difference('Log.count') do
      log_api_call LogAction::ADD, "API Test"
    end
    log = Log.asc("_id").last
    assert_equal "API - API Test Parameters: {}", log.description
  end

  test "should log admin API" do
    assert_difference('Log.count') do
      log_admin_api_call LogAction::ADD, "Admin API Test"
    end
    log = Log.asc("_id").last
    assert_equal "Admin API - Admin API Test Parameters: {}", log.description
  end

  test "should log admin controller" do
    assert_difference('Log.count') do
      log_admin_controller_call LogAction::ADD, "Admin Controller Test"
    end
    log = Log.asc("_id").last
    assert_equal "Admin Controller - Admin Controller Test Parameters: {}", log.description
  end

  test "should not write a log if there is no log config" do
    APP_CONFIG['log_to_database'] = nil
    assert_no_difference('Log.count') do
      log_call LogAction::ADD, "Test", "Test details", true, true, true, true
    end
  end

  test "should log MRN when patient is available" do
    @patient = Record.where({"medical_record_number":{"$exists" => true}}).first
    assert_difference('Log.count') do
      log_call LogAction::ADD, "Test", "Test details", true, true, true, true
    end
    log = Log.asc("_id").last
    assert_equal @patient.medical_record_number, log.medical_record_number
  end

  test "should log parameters when available" do
    def params
      # Note that controller should be filtered out
      { :controller => "test", :id => "23" }
    end

    assert_difference('Log.count') do
      log_call LogAction::ADD, "Test", "Test details", true, true, true, true
    end
    log = Log.asc("_id").last
    assert_equal "Test details Parameters: {:id=>\"23\"}", log.description

    params = nil
  end

  test "should log affected username when it is available" do
    @user = User.asc("_id").last
    assert_difference('Log.count') do
      log_call LogAction::ADD, "Test", "Test details", true, true, true, true
    end
    log = Log.asc("_id").last
    assert_equal @user.username, log.affected_user
  end

  # This block handles when logging should take place, based on the configuration
  # parameters.
  test "should write a log if controller logging is enabled" do
    APP_CONFIG['log_to_database']['controller'] = true
    assert_difference('Log.count') do
      log_call LogAction::ADD, "Test", "Test details", true, false, false, false
    end
  end

  test "should not write a log if controller logging is disabled" do
    APP_CONFIG['log_to_database']['controller'] = false
    assert_no_difference('Log.count') do
      log_call LogAction::ADD, "Test", "Test details", true, false, false, false
    end
  end

  test "should write a log if admin logging is enabled" do
    APP_CONFIG['log_to_database']['admin'] = true
    assert_difference('Log.count') do
      log_call LogAction::ADD, "Test", "Test details", false, true, false, false
    end
  end

  test "should not write a log if admin logging is disabled" do
    APP_CONFIG['log_to_database']['admin'] = false
    assert_no_difference('Log.count') do
      log_call LogAction::ADD, "Test", "Test details", false, true, false, false
    end
  end

  test "should write a log if API logging is enabled" do
    APP_CONFIG['log_to_database']['api'] = true
    assert_difference('Log.count') do
      log_call LogAction::ADD, "Test", "Test details", false, false, true, false
    end
  end

  test "should not write a log if API logging is disabled" do
    APP_CONFIG['log_to_database']['api'] = false
    assert_no_difference('Log.count') do
      log_call LogAction::ADD, "Test", "Test details", false, false, true, false
    end
  end

  test "should write a log if sensitive logging is enabled" do
    APP_CONFIG['log_to_database']['is_sensitive'] = true
    assert_difference('Log.count') do
      log_call LogAction::ADD, "Test", "Test details", false, false, false, true
    end
  end

  test "should not write a log if sensitive logging is disabled" do
    APP_CONFIG['log_to_database']['is_sensitive'] = false
    assert_no_difference('Log.count') do
      log_call LogAction::ADD, "Test", "Test details", false, false, false, true
    end
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Premium Cabinets of Houston offers the highest quality wood kitchen cabinets in the Houston area. Our trained expert kitchen designers will help build your perfect dream kitchen.
We are committed to unparalleled service for our customers and pride ourselves on our ability to help plan out beautiful home kitchens.
Premium Cabinets of Houston offer a full line of wood kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. We price our cabinets competitively, always getting the best value to our customers for the highest quality of work. Our competitors cannot match the value and features Premium Cabinets of Houston offers on all of our products. Premium Cabinets of Houston only uses all-wood construction on all of our cabinet boxes and doors. Our boxes are made with premium grade birch plywood for their backs and sides and beautiful maple for the front faces. We never use MDF (multi-density fiberboard) or particle board in any of our cabinets. Our cabinet drawers are built using dovetail construction, this ensures a stronger, more durable joint that can hold more weight. Our drawers also come standard as full extension drawers, maximizing the full space. Our cabinet doors are also soft closing, meaning no more banging or wear on the hinges or wood. Premium Cabinets can help bring your dream home alive with our cabinetry. We'll help with complete renovations, new homes, and kitchen and bathroom remodels.
Our convenient showroom in Houston is open by appointments so customers can have a relaxed, unique, and customized experience at Premium Cabinets of Houston.


Every member has a publicly viewable profile page, which includes information provided by the member, either during the registration process or later on via the User Control Panel.
There are a number of ways to view a member's profile. Whenever you see a member's name, clicking on it will produce a drop-down menu where you can then choose "View Profile."
When logged in, you can also view your own public profile by clicking on your username shown in the upper right corner of the page.
The public profile lists information about the member, such as the number of posts they have made, reputations points, votes submitted, comments posted, and registration date.


text:
Q: Bigcommerce create order error api in PHP I want to add order in my bigcommerce store have you idea of that I want use the code of:
$billing_array = array(array("first_name"=> "MG",
                            "last_name"=> "Shah",
                            "company"=> "",
                            "street_1"=> "12345 W Anderson Ln",
                            "street_2"=> "",
                            "city"=> "Austin",
                            "state"=> "Texas",
                            "zip"=> "78757",
                            "country"=> "United States",
                            "country_iso2"=> "US",
                            "phone"=> "",
                            "email"=> "a@example.com"),);
    $shipping_array = array(
                           array( "first_name"=> "MG",
                            "last_name"=> "Shah",
                            "company"=> "",
                            "street_1"=> "12345 W Anderson Ln",
                            "street_2"=> "",
                            "city"=> "Austin",
                            "state"=> "Texas",
                            "zip"=> "78757",
                            "country"=> "United States",
                            "country_iso2"=> "US",
                            "phone"=> "",
                            "email"=> "a@example.com"
                        )
                         ,);
    $products_array= array();
                for($i=0;$i<sizeof($products);$i++)
                {
                    $products_array[] = array(array('product_id' => $products[$i]['products_id'],
                                        'quantity'  => $products[$i]['products_qty']),);
                }
    $createFields= array(
                        "customer_id" => 0,
                        "status_id"=> 10,
                        "billing_address"=> $billing_array,
                        "shipping_addresses"=>$shipping_array,
                        "products"=>$products_array,
                        "external_source"=> "POS"
                    );
    $data_array_jason = json_encode($createFields);
    $products_passed = Bigcommerce::createOrder($data_array_jason);

I got error bool(false), I seen this error when request with POST method can you have any answer for this question please guide me of this.

A: Please replace you'r array with below array
$billing_array = array(
    "first_name"=> "MG",
    "last_name"=> "Shah",
    "company"=> "",
    "street_1"=> "12345 W Anderson Ln",
    "street_2"=> "",
    "city"=> "Austin",
    "state"=> "Texas",
    "zip"=> "78757",
    "country"=> "United States",
    "country_iso2"=> "US",
    "phone"=> "",
    "email"=> "a@example.com"
);

$shipping_array = array(
    array( "first_name"=> "MG",
    "last_name"=> "Shah",
    "company"=> "",
    "street_1"=> "12345 W Anderson Ln",
    "street_2"=> "",
    "city"=> "Austin",
    "state"=> "Texas",
    "zip"=> "78757",
    "country"=> "United States",
    "country_iso2"=> "US",
    "phone"=> "",
    "email"=> "a@example.com"
    )
    ,);

$products_array= array();

for($i=0;$i<sizeof($products);$i++){

$products_array[] = array( 'product_id' => $products[$i]['products_id'],
                            'quantity'  => $products[$i]['products_qty']
);

}

$createFields= array(
                        "customer_id" => 0,
                        "status_id"=> 10,
                        "billing_address"=> $billing_array,
                        "shipping_addresses"=>$shipping_array,
                        "products"=>$products_array,
                        "external_source"=> "POS"
                    );
    $data_array_jason = json_encode($createFields);
    $products_passed = Bigcommerce::createOrder($data_array_jason);

and then check now it's work correctly.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
name: 'Feature request: Request a new feature for freeCodeCamp.org''s platforms'
about: Suggest an idea for freeCodeCamp.org's News, Community Forum, Code Radio or
  Coding platforms
title: ''
labels: 'type: feature request'
assignees: ''

---

**Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.**
A clear and concise description of what the problem is. Ex. I'm always frustrated when [...]

**Describe the solution you'd like**
A clear and concise description of what you want to happen.

**Describe alternatives you've considered**
A clear and concise description of any alternative solutions or features you've considered.

**Additional context**
Add any other context or screenshots about the feature request here.


Kristofer Wåhlander grew up in Löddeköpinge, in the south of Sweden and dreamt as a teenager to become a conductor. As 18-year-old, he moved to England to study music. After completing his bachelor studies with honours at the Royal Northern College of Music, he headed to S:t Petersburg to study conducting at the Saint Petersburg State Conservatoire.
Once in Russia, he founded the Saint Petersburg Festival Orchestra, which consisted of a 70 young professional musicians. The Orchestra gained a good reputation and was invited to the finest scenes – such as the big Grand Philharmonic Hall and the Saint Petersburg State Capella. Kristofer also founded the festival Nordic Music which purpose was to spread Nordic classical music in one of the world's cultural capitals. Kristofer gained reputation and was invited to conduct the leading symphony orchestras such as the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra, St Petersburg Camerata etc..
One of his toughest assignments was to conduct the St. Petersburg Philharmonic in a performance of Mozart's Requiem, dedicated to the victims of the terrible terror massacre at a school in Beslan. He also conducted a number of charity concerts to the benefit the Hospice movement in Russia.
Kristofer's work in St. Petersburg also received attention in other countries and in 2006 Swedish television documented his work in the one-hour movie Music - a matter of life and death. The same year he moved to Barsebäckshamn in Scania and up until 2009 he was commuting to his job in Russia and his guest appearances in the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland.
And finally, in 2010 the Lundaland Philharmonic Orchestra was born and now it occupies a large part of Kristofer's time. The orchestra consists of the Öresund region's top professional musicians, and it is not uncommon to see up to 200 people on stage when the Lundaland Philharmonic Orchestra appears. Kristofer's work to spread classical music to ordinary people continues and if you want to follow him in his quest, you can visit this page regularly or "like" his official Facebook page by clicking the link further down on this page.
Kristofer Wåhlander is one of Sweden's most successful conductors, and he has worked with symphony orchestras throughout Europe. He also works as a lecturer in leadership, motivation and performance and in 2010 he was nominated to the Grand speaker's prize in Sweden.
© 2015 Kristofer Wåhlander. All rights reserved.


Here's my second review for the Miss Beauty nail polish range exclusive to Poundworld. Yes that's right Poundworld so you guessed it, it only costs £1. This shade is aptly named 'Copper', a gorgeously frosted orangy brown. Applied like a dream, very well pigmented, nice enough brush and and decent size 12ml bottle. Seriously for £1 it would put high end expensive polishes to shame! If you're on a budget or just don't want to pay over the top prices for nail polish I highly recommend this brand from the 2 polishes I've tried and I've got more to come. Next time you're in Poundworld check out the Miss Beauty cosmetics stand and be prepared to drool over the generous nail polish range.
Rich copper shimmer and great for stamping too!
Poundworld is on Facebook, Twitter and they have their own Blog.


text:
title: "CoreMark Benchmark"
---

## Running CoreMark

To build and run CoreMark on the CW310:

```sh
bazel test --test_tag_filters=cw310 \
//third_party/coremark/top_earlgrey:coremark_test
```

To build and run CoreMark on Verilator:

```sh
bazel test --test_tag_filters=verilator \
//third_party/coremark/top_earlgrey:coremark_test
```

## CoreMark Options

The BUILD file is hardcoded to give a PERFORMANCE_RUN with
TOTAL_DATA_SIZE=2000. These settings are required for reportable CoreMark
figures. If you wish to use other options, please modify
`third_party/coremark/top_earlgrey/BUILD` appropriately. See the CoreMark
[README](https://github.com/eembc/coremark/blob/main/README.md) for
further information on the possibilities.


Wow clients with eye-catching binders, impressing with the quality and design as much as the content inside. Presentation binders, also known as view binders, include a clear vinyl cover and spine for you to insert your own title sheets. A presentation binder can have either a round ring or a d-ring that grants more capacity. Ring sizes range from a half-inch all the way to 5" or 6" binders.


The Federal Reserve is ready to lower interest rates again to brace the wobbly economy even as zooming oil prices spread inflation, Chairman Ben S. Bernanke signaled to Congress yesterday.
He is fighting to keep the economy afloat after mighty blows from the housing and credit crises, while trying to contain inflation.
For now, the priority is shoring up the economy, Bernanke suggested in an appearance before the House Financial Services Committee. He pledged anew to slice a key interest rate and help the economy, which many fear is on the verge of a recession, if not already in one.
�The economic situation has become distinctly less favorable� since the summer, the Fed chief told lawmakers.
Since then, the housing slump has worsened, credit problems have intensified and the job market has deteriorated. Bernanke said that combination of bad news has made people and businesses more cautious about spending and investing, further weakening the economy.
The country should prepare for �sluggish economic activity in the near term,� Bernanke said. Concern is growing about the possible return of stagflation, when stagnant growth is combined with rising inflation, for the first time since the 1970s.
Were energy prices to continue to rise at a sharp clip � something the Fed does not anticipate � it would �create a very difficult problem� for the economy, Bernanke said. Inflation would spread and growth would be further restrained, he said. If that happened, it would be a �very tough situation,� he added.
The Fed is prepared to lower rates again to bolster economic growth, Bernanke said. The Fed �will act in a timely manner as needed to support growth and to provide adequate insurance against downside risks,� he said, sticking closely to assurances he offered earlier this month.
The central bank started lowering a key interest rate in September. Over just eight days in January, the Fed shaved 1.25 percentage points, the biggest one-month reduction in a quarter-century. Economists and Wall Street investors predict the Fed will cut rates again at its next meeting, March 18. Some analysts believe rates will drop again in April.
On Wall Street, the Dow Jones industrials edged up 9.36 points.
He was hopeful that previous rate reductions and the $168 billion economic aid plan of tax rebates for people and business would energize the economy in the second half of 2008.
As the Fed chief began his first day of back-to-back appearances on Capitol Hill to discuss the economy, there was more bad news on the housing and manufacturing fronts. Sales of new homes fell in January for a third straight month. Orders to factories for big-ticket manufactured goods dropped in January by the largest amount in five months.
Bernanke has come under some criticism for not acting sooner in cutting rates. But Alabama Rep. Spencer T. Bachus, the committee�s top Republican, expressed sympathy. �There is perhaps no other public figure in America who has been subjected to as much Monday morning quarterbacking as you have� over the past months, Bachus said.
The committee chairman, Rep. Barney Frank, D-Newton, suggested the economy is not suffering through a garden-variety slowdown.
Many of those woes are linked to the housing meltdown. Bernanke was asked when he thought the housing market might stabilize. It�s possible, he said, that by �later this year it will stop being such a big drag directly� on the economy. But home prices probably will decline into next year, he added.
�It is very difficult to know, and we�ve been wrong before,� Bernanke said.
Even as the Fed tries to bolster the economy, it must remain mindful of inflationary pressures, Bernanke said.
�Should high rates of overall inflation persist,� Bernanke said, �the possibility also exists that inflation expectations could become less well-anchored.� If people think inflation is escalating, they will act in ways that could make things even worse.


Two Guys on Mobile – Episode 26: Mobile's 4-year war and is Microsoft back to stay?
Is Apple's success and RIM's decline just part of a 4-year technology cycle? Jeff posits that over the last 12-years of the mobile industry we have seen a leadership shift every 4 years as a result of user demands – where the dominant company has focused on their core business (i.e. enjoy their current success) without thinking about what is coming next. If so, what is next and who will be on top of that shift?
Microsoft. How is this scrappy upstart hanging in with the big boys? Written off as dead, your "dad's" technology, languishing in luddite land, they have retraced their steps to what made them successful and are now about to carve new territory. Too late? Too little? Are they the only company thinking down the road?
Pontiflex AppLeads powers a new category of mobile advertising called signup ads. So you've taken some of the advice that has come from UNTETHER.tv guests, built an app and now you are turning your attention to generating some hard earned revenue. Then you should be looking at Pontiflex AppLeads. Some of your peers who are using AppLeads are earning CPMs 100X the industry average. You can run signup ads from top brands and it won't take your precious users out of your app.


text:
Q: RxJava2 concat() runs only the first Observable I have 3 methods which return Observable(String). I need to perform this methods one by one. For each method neccessary approximately 2 or 3 minutes. I am using the next code:
Observable.concat(one(),two(),three())
          .subscribeWith(new DisposableObserver<String>() {
                    @Override
                    public void onNext(String s) {
                        LOG.debug(s);
                    }

                    @Override
                    public void onError(Throwable e) {
                        LOG.error(e.toString());
                    }

                    @Override
                    public void onComplete() {

                    }
                });

Only the first method is performed. The second and the third method are ignored. I can't understand what is the problem? I am using RxJava2 version 2.1.6

A: Apparently, one() is an Observable which does not emit onComplete() event, which means, that it has not yet finished, whereas concat() operator will wait until observable emits a terminal event and only then will start with the next observable.
If you do not possess the creation logics of first observable, you convert the observable into a Single using Single.fromObservable() API.
Observable.concat(Single.fromObservable(one()), two(), three())

If you do have access to the creation logics of first observable, then emit a terminal event (i.e. emitter.onComplete()).

As outlined by David Karnok in the comments sections:

Single.fromObservable() also requires a completing source so it can error you if that source happens to have no items.

A: Is your first observable completing or is only emitting an item? According to the docs it won't emit items from two or three until after one completes.


"The fear in our minds is so much worse than actual reality," says Sarah Robb O'Hagan, author of Extreme You.
Have you ever felt like you were destined for greatness? Is there a little voice in your head that whispers, and sometimes screams, that you are more than just average? Do you find yourself reaching out for success, only to fail on an epic scale? If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, then you are going to love Sarah Robb O'Hagan. Although she's been in your shoes more than once, she ultimately found the way to come out on top, and now she wants to show you how to do it too in her new book, Extreme You.


The new Calvin Klein store will offer a full range of men's and women's better apparel, jeanswear, underwear and accessories, including bags and small leather goods, eyewear and fragrance.
Calvin Klein, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PVH Corp., one of the world's largest apparel companies, owns and markets the iconic Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger brands worldwide.
It is the world's largest shirt and neckwear company and markets a variety of goods under its own brands, Van Heusen, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, IZOD, ARROW, and its licensed brands, including Geoffrey Beene, Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Sean John, Chaps, Donald J. Trump Signature Collection, JOE Joseph Abboud, DKNY, Ike Behar and John Varvatos. For more information, please visit pvh.com.
Responsible for the overall performance of the store, generating sales performance, recruiting and developing staff, maintaining store appearance, controlling expenses and shortages.


At the core of our Three Year Old program are well-planned learning centers that allow for child choice and self-directed play, small groups, and supportive teaching that prepares children for academic excellence.
The development of language, mathematical reasoning, and scientific thought is emphasized throughout all the centers. Changes to the learning environment, activities, and projects reflect emerging interests and individual goals.
Learning centers offer guided experiences that encompass all the skills and understanding necessary for optimum development and success in school.
Our Three Year Old Program focuses on the whole child including social and emotional development, as well as cognitive development. We use many ways to do this including planned lessons and those learning moments that we can not plan for but always present themselves.
Our three year old class uses Beyond Centers and Circle Time Curriculum in conjunction with other resources for each weekly theme.
In addition to our weekly theme based curriculum, we implemented a new character building curriculum in 2012. For our 3 year old class this curriculum focuses on 6 Pillars of Character, a daily promise and our I CARE Rules.
Today I will be a good friend, show respect to others & have self control.
When I love myself and others that's the best I can do.


text:
What amending the DRRM law means for Filipino youth
May 20, 2015 3:27 PM PHT
Mara Cepeda
If RA 10121 is amended, a youth representative will be appointed in every local, regional, and barangay disaster council nationwide
MANILA, Philippines – There is much the Filipino youth can offer when it comes to disaster preparedness and management.
According to Jose Sixto "Dingdong" Dantes III, commissioner-at-large of the National Youth Commission (NYC), young people have been doing the following to help in the country's disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts over the years:
Use social media and technology to monitor critical information during disasters
Spread information useful to affected communities and rescue groups
Mobilize volunteers, collect donations, and organize relief operations
Participate in efforts to protect the environment
However, they are also one of the most vulnerable to calamities globally, with 4-5 out of 10 disaster victims coming from the youth sector.
Thus, the NYC is currently leading a campaign to amend Republic Act No. 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Law.
The amendment will consolidate House Bill (HB) Nos. 5637, 5640, and 5758, which are all seeking for the official representation of the youth in the country's disaster risk reduction and management councils (DRRMCs).
But what exactly will it mean for young Filipinos once the law has been amended?
At the grassroots level
It means they will be able to serve the country in an official capacity during times of disasters. (READ: NYC: More involvement for young Pinoys in disaster planning)
HBs 5637, 5640, and 5758 – authored by representatives Irwin Tieng, Seth Jalosjos, and Alfredo Vargas III, respectively – will mainstream DRRM efforts tailored for young people even at the grassroots level.
A youth representative in every local, regional, and barangay disaster councils nationwide will be appointed.
The NYC chairperson will also be delegated as an official member of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
The NDRRMC will be mandated to officially mobilize youth organizations for disaster monitoring and the implementation of response and rehabilitation programs in the local and national levels.
The amendment will also allocate 5% of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) to support youth-oriented pre and post-disaster activities related to Filipino youth development plans and programs, which may include tree-planting, training, information dissemination, and climate change adaptation initiatives.
P100 million ($2.28 million) will also be allocated from the country's fiscal year budget in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for the NYC to support such efforts.
The three HBs are currently pending in the Committee on National Defense.
On May 18, House Speaker Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte Jr. and representatives Jalosjos, Tieng, Vargas, Dakila Cua, and Terry Ridon signed a manifesto recognizing the urgency of amending RA 10121.
Below are the full texts of the HBs:
{source}{/source}
{source}{/source}
A Senate version has also been filed by Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino. – Rappler.com
What do you think of the proposed amendments? Is there anything you want to tell your representative about the bills? Join the conversation and send us a tweet @MovePH!
*$1 = P43.9
NYC is a partner of Project Agos, which is operated by Rappler's civic engagement arm MovePH. Project Agos is an online collaborative platform that combines technology, journalism, social media, and crowdsourcing in helping build communities that are resilient to disasters and the impact of climate change.
@maracepeda
Mara Cepeda specializes in stories about politics and local governance. She covers the Office of the Vice President, the Senate, and the Philippine opposition. She is a 2021 fellow of the Asia Journalism Fellowship and the Reham al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship of the UN. Got tips? Email her at mara.cepeda@rappler.com or tweet @maracepeda.
More from Mara Cepeda