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By David Snowball
I'm intrigued by the number of times that really experienced managers have made one of two rueful observations to me:
"I make all my money in bear markets, I just don't know it at the time"
"I add most of my value when the market's in panic."
With the market down 6.2% in May, Morningstar's surrogate for high-quality domestic companies down by nearly 9% and only one equity sector posting a gain (utilities were up by 0.1%), presumably a lot of investment managers are gleefully earning much of the $10 billion in fees that the industry will collect this year.
Long-Short Funds and the Long, Hot Summer
The investment industry seems to think you need a long-short fund, given the number of long-short equity funds that they've rolled-out in recent years. They are now 70 long-short funds (a category distinct from market neutral and bear market funds, and from funds that occasionally short as a hedging strategy). With impeccable timing, 36 were launched after we passed the last bear market bottom in March 2009.
Long-short fund launches, by year
2011 – 12 13 funds
2010 16 funds
2009 7 funds
Pre-2009 34 funds
The idea of a long-short fund is unambiguously appealing and is actually modeled after the very first hedge fund, A. W. Jones's 1949 hedged fund. Much is made of the fact that hedge funds have lost both their final "d" and their original rationale. Mr. Jones reasoned that we could not reliably predict short-term market movements, but we could position ourselves to take advantage of them (or at least to minimize their damage). He called for investing in net-long in the stock market, since it was our most reliable engine of "real" returns, but of hedging that exposure by betting against the least rational slices of the market. If the market rose, your fund rose because it was net-long and invested in unusually attractive firms. If the market wandered sideways, your fund might drift upward as individual instances of irrational pricing (the folks you shorted) corrected. And if the market fell, ideally the stocks you shorted would fall the most and would offer a disproportionately large cushion. A 30% short exposure in really mispriced stocks might, hypothetically, buffer 50% of a market slide.
Unfortunately, most long-short funds aren't able to clear even the simplest performance hurdle, the returns of a conservative short-term bond index fund. Here are the numbers:
Number that outperformed a short-term bond index fund (up 3%) in 2011
Number that outperformed a short-term bond index fund from May 2011 – May 2012
Number that outperformed a short-term bond index over three years, May 2010 – May 2012
Number that outperformed a short-term bond index over five years, May 2008 – May 2012
Number in the red over the past five years
Number that outperformed a short-term bond index fund in 2008
In general, over the past five years, you'd have been much better off buying the Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index (VBISX), pocketing your 4.6% and going to bed rather than surrendering to the seductive logic and the industry's most-sophisticated strategies.
Indeed, there is only one long-short fund that's unambiguously worth owning: Robeco Long/Short Equity (BPLSX). But it had a $100,000 investment minimum. And it closed to new investors in July, 2010.
Nonetheless, the idea behind long/short investing makes sense. In consequence of that, the Observer has begun a summer-long series of profiles of long-short funds that hold promise, some few that have substantial track records as mutual funds and rather more with short fund records but longer pedigrees as separate accounts or hedge funds. Our hope is to identify one or two interesting options for you that might help you weather the turbulence that's inevitably ahead for us all.
This month we begin by renewing the 2009 profile of a distinguished fund, Wasatch Long/ Short (FMLSX) and bringing a really promising newcomer, Aston / River Road Long- Short (ARLSX) onto your radar.
Our plans for the months ahead include profiles of Aston/MD Sass Enhanced Equity (AMBEX), RiverPark Long/Short Opportunity (RLSFX), RiverPark/Gargoyle Hedged Value (RGHVX), James Long-Short (JAZZX), and Paladin Long Short (PALFX). If we've missed someone that you think of a crazy-great, drop me a line. I'm open to new ideas.
FBR reaps what it sowed
FBR & Co. filed an interesting Regulation FD Disclosure with the SEC on May 30, 2012. Here's the text of the filing:
FBR & Co. (the "Company") disclosed today that it has been working with outside advisors who are assisting the Company in its evaluation of strategic alternatives for its asset management business, including the sale of all or a portion of the business.
There can be no assurance that this process will result in any specific action or transaction. The Company does not intend to further publicly comment on this initiative unless the Company executes definitive deal documentation providing for a specific transaction approved by its Board of Directors.
FBR has been financially troubled for years, a fact highlighted by their decision in 2009 to squeeze out their most successful portfolio manager, Chuck Akre and his team. In 1997, Mr. Akre became of founding manager of FBR Small Cap Growth – Value fund, which became FBR Small Cap Value, the FBR Small Cap, and finally FBR Focus (FBRVX). Merely saying that he was "brilliant" underestimates his stewardship of the fund. Under his watch (December 1996 – August 2009), Mr. Akre turned $10,000 invested in the fund at inception to $44,000. His average peer would have yielded $18,000. Put another way: he added $34,000 to the value of your opening portfolio while the average midcap manager added $8,000. Uhh: he added four times as much?
In recognition of which, FBR through the Board of Trustees whose sole responsibility is safeguarding the interests of the fund's shareholders, offered to renew his management contract in 2009 – as long as he accepted a 50% pay cut. Mr. Akre predictably left with his analyst team and launched his own fund, Akre Focus (AKREX). In a singularly classy move, FBR waited until Mr. Akre was out of town on a research trip and made his analysts an offer they couldn't refuse. Akre got a phone call from his analysts, letting him know that they'd resigned so that they could return to run FBR Focus.
Why? At base, FBR was in financial trouble and almost all of their funds were running at a loss. The question became how to maximize the revenue produced by their most viable asset, FBR Focus and the associated separate accounts which accounted for more than a billion of assets under management. FBR seems to have made a calculated bet that by slashing the portion of fund fees going to Mr. Akre's firm would increase their own revenues dramatically. Even if a few hundred million followed Mr. Akre out the door, they'd still make money on the deal.
Why, exactly, the Board of Trustees found this in the best interests of the Focus shareholders (as opposed to FBR's corporate interests) has never been explained.
How did FBR's bet play out? Here's your clue: they're trying to sell their mutual fund unit (see above). FBR Focus's assets have dropped by a hundred million or so, while Akre Focus has drawn nearly a billion in new assets. FBR & Co's first quarter revenues were $39 million in 2012, down from $50 million in 2011. Ironically, FBR's 10 funds – in particular, David Ellison's duo – are uniformly solid performers which have simply not caught investors' attention. (Credit Bryan Switzky of the Washington Business Journal for first writing about the FD filing, "FBR & Co. exploring sale of its asset management business," and MFWire for highlighting his story.)
Speaking of Fund Trustees
An entirely unremarkable little fund, Autopilot Managed Growth Fund (AUTOX), gave up the ghost in May. Why? Same as always:
The Board of Trustees of the Autopilot Managed Growth Fund (the "Fund"), a separate series of the Northern Lights Fund Trust, has concluded that it is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders that the Fund cease operations. The Board has determined to close the Fund, and redeem all outstanding shares, on June 15, 2012.
Wow. That's a solemn responsibility, weighing the fate of an entire enterprise and acting selflessly to protect your fellow shareholders.
Sure would be nice if Trustees actually did all that stuff, but the evidence suggests that it's damned unlikely. Here's the profile for Autopilot's Board, from the fund's most recent Statement of Additional Information.
Name of Trustee (names in the original, just initials here) Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee Total Compensation Paid to Directors Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies
A footnote adds that each Trustee oversees between two and 14 other funds.
How is it that Autopilot became 1% of a Trustee's responsibilities? Simple: funds buy access to prepackaged Boards of Trustees as part of the same arrangement that provides the rest of their "back office" services. The ability of a fund to bundle all of those services can dramatically reduce the cost of operation and dramatically increase the feasibility of launching an interesting new product.
So, "LMB" is overseeing the interests of the shareholders in 109 mutual funds, for which he's paid $65,000. Frankly, for LMB and his brethren, as with the FBR Board of Trustees (see above), this is a well-paid, part-time job. His commitment to the funds and their shareholders might be reflected by the fact that he's willing to pretend to have time to understand 100 funds or by the fact that not one of those hundred has received a dollar of his own money.
It is, in either case, evidence of a broken system.
Trust But Verify . . .
Over and over again.
Large databases are tricky creatures, and few are larger or trickier than Morningstar's. I've been wondering, lately, whether there are better choices than Leuthold Global (GLBLX) for part of my non-retirement portfolio. Leuthold's fees tend to be high, Mr. Leuthold is stepping away from active management and the fund might be a bit stock-heavy for my purposes. I set up a watchlist of plausible alternatives through Morningstar to see what I might find.
What I expected to find was the same data on each page, as was the case with Leuthold Global itself.
What I found was that Morningstar inconsistently reports the expense ratios for five of seven funds, with different parts of the site offering different expenses for the same fund. Below is the comparison of the expense ratio reported on a fund's profile page at Morningstar and at Morningstar's Fund Spy page.
Profiled e.r.
Fund Spy e.r.
Leuthold Global
PIMCO All Asset, A
PIMCO All Asset, D
Northern Global Tact Alloc
Vanguard STAR
FPA Crescent
Price Spectrum Income
I called and asked about the discrepancy. The best explanation that Morningstar's rep had was that Fund Spy updated monthly and the profile daily. When I asked how that might explain a 50% discrepancy in expenses, which don't vary month-to-month, the answer was an honest: "I don't know."
The same problem appeared when I began looking at portfolio turnover data, occasioned by the question "does any SCV fund have a lower turnover than Huber Small Cap?" Morningstar's database reported 15 such funds, but when I clicked on the linked profile for each fund, I noticed errors in almost half of the reports.
Profiled turnover
Fund Screener turnover
Allianz NFJ Small Cap Value (PCVAX)
Consulting Group SCV (TSVUX)
Hotchkis and Wiley SCV (HWSIX)
JHFunds 2 SCV (JSCNX)
Northern Small Cap Value (NOSGX)
Queens Road Small Cal (QRSVX)
Robeco SCV I (BPSCX)
Bridgeway Omni SCV (BOSVX)
Registers as <12%
Just to be clear: these sorts of errors, while annoying, might well be entirely unavoidable. Morningstar's database is enormous – they track 375,000 investment products each day – and incredibly complex. Even if they get 99.99% accuracy, they're going to create thousands of errors.
One responsibility lies with Morningstar to clear up, as soon as is practical, the errors that they've learned of. A greater responsibility lies with data users to double-check the accuracy of the data upon which they're basing their decisions or forming their judgments. It's a hassle but until data providers become perfectly reliable, it's an essential discipline.
A mid-month update:
The folks at Morningstar looked into these problems quite quickly. The short version is this: fund filings often contain multiple versions of what's apparently the same data point. There are, for example, a couple different turnover ratios and up to four expense ratios. Different functions, developed by different folks at different times, might inadvertently choose to pull stats from different places. Both stats are correct but also inconsistent. If they aren't flagged so that readers can understand the differences, they can also be misleading.
Morningstar is interested in providing consistent, system-wide data. Once they recognized the inconsistency, they moved quickly to reconcile it. As of June 19, the data had been reconciled. Thanks to the Wizards on West Wacker for their quick work. We'll have a slightly more complete update in our July issue.
Proof that Time Travel is Possible: The SEC's Current Filings
Each day, the Securities and Exchange Commission posts all of their current filings on their website. For example, when a fund company files a new prospectus or a quarterly portfolio list, it appears at the SEC. Each filing contains a date. In theory, the page for May 22 will contain filings all of which are dated May 22.
How hard could that be?
Here's a clue: of 187 entries for May 22, 25 were actually documents filed on May 22nd. That's 13.3%. What are the other 86.7% of postings? 137 of them are filings originally made on other days or in other years. 25 of them are duplicate filings that are dated May 22.
I've regularly noted the agency's whimsical programming. This month I filed two written inquiries with them, asking why this happens. The first query provoked no response for about 10 days, so I filed the second. That provoked a voicemail message from an SEC attorney. The essence of her answer:
Other parts of the agency aren't returning our phone calls
But maybe they'll contact you?
Uhh … no, not so far. Which leads me to the only possible conclusion: time vortex centered on the SEC headquarters. To those of us outside the SEC, it was May 22, 2012. To those inside the agency, all the dates in recent history had actually converged and so it was possible that all 15 dates recorded on the May 22 page were occurring simultaneously.
And now a word from Chip, MFO's technical director: "dear God, guys, hire a programmer. It's not that blinkin' hard."
Launch Alert 1: Rocky Peak Small Cap Value
On April 2, Rocky Peak Capital Management launched Rocky Peak Small Cap Value (RPCSX). Rocky Peak was founded in 2011 by Tom Kerr, a Partner at Reed Conner Birdwell and long-time co-manager of CNI Charter RCB Small Cap Value fund. He did well enough with that fund that Litman Gregory selected him as one of the managers of their Masters Smaller Companies fund (MSSFX).
While RPCSX doesn't have enough of a track record to yet warrant a full profile, the manager's experience and track record warrant adding it to a watch-list. His plan is to hold 35-40 small cap stocks, many that pay dividends, and to keep risk-management in the forefront of his discipline. Among the more interesting notes that came out of our hour-long conversation was (1) his interest in monitoring the quality of the boards of directors which should be reflected in both capital allocation and management compensation decisions and (2) his contention that there are three distinct sub-sets of the small cap universe which require different valuation strategies. "Quality value" companies often have decades of profitable operating history and would be attractive at a modest discount to fair value. "Contrarian value" companies, which he describes as "Third Avenue-type companies" are often great companies undergoing "corporate events" and might require a considerably greater discount. "Smaller unknown value" stocks are microcap stocks with no more than one analyst covering them, but also really good companies (e.g. Federated Investors or Duff & Phelps). I'll follow it for a bit.
The fund has a $10,000 investment minimum and 1.50% expense ratio, after waivers.
Launch Alert 2: T. Rowe Price Emerging-Markets Corporate Bond Fund
On May 24, T. Rowe Price launched Emerging Markets Corporate Bond (TRECX), which will be managed by Michael Conelius, who also manages T. Rowe Price Emerging Markets Bond (PREMX). PREMX has a substantial EM corporate bond stake, so it's not a new area for him. The argument is that, in a low-yield world, these bonds offer a relatively low-risk way to gain exposure to financially sound, quickly growing firms. The manager will mostly invest in dollar-denominated bonds as a way to hedge currency risks and will pursue theme-based investing ("rise of the Brazilian middle class") in the same way many e.m. stock funds do. The fund has a $2500 investment minimum, reduced to $1000 for IRAs and will charge a 1.15% expense ratio, after waivers. That's just above the emerging-markets bond category average of 1.11%, which is a great deal on a fund with no assets yet.
Launch Alert 3: PIMCO Short Asset Investment Fund
On May 31, PIMCO launched this fund has an alternative to a money-market fund. PIMCO presents the fund as "a choice for conservative investors" which will offer "higher income potential than traditional cash investments." Here's their argument:
Yields remain compressed, making it difficult for investors to obtain high-quality income without taking on excess risk. PIMCO Short Asset Investment Fund offers higher income potential than traditional cash investments by drawing on multiple high-quality fixed income opportunity sets and PIMCO's expertise.
The manager, Jerome Schneider, has access to a variety of higher-quality fixed-income products as well as limited access to derivatives. He's "head of [their] short-term funding desk and is responsible for supervising all of PIMCO's short-term investment strategies." The "D" class shares trade under the symbol PAIUX, have a $1000 minimum, and expenses of 0.59% after waivers. "D" shares are generally available no-load/NTF at a variety of brokerages.
Four Funds and Why They're Really Worth Your While
Each month, the Observer profiles between two and four mutual funds that you likely have not heard about, but really should have. Our "Most intriguing new funds: good ideas, great managers" do not yet have a long track record, but which have other virtues which warrant your attention. They might come from a great boutique or be offered by a top-tier manager who has struck out on his own. The "most intriguing new funds" aren't all worthy of your "gotta buy" list, but all of them are going to be fundamentally intriguing possibilities that warrant some thought. Two intriguing newer funds are:
Aston / River Road Long-Short (ARLSX). There are few successful, time-tested long-short funds available to retail investors. Among the crop of newer offerings, few are more sensibly-constructed, less expensive or more carefully managed that ARLSX seems to be. It deserves attention.
Osterweis Strategic Investment (OSTVX). For folks who remain anxious about the prospects of a static allocation in a dynamic world, OSTVX combines the virtues of two highly-flexible Osterweis funds in a single package. The fund remains a very credible choice along with stalwarts such as PIMCO All-Asset (PASDX) and FPA Crescent (FPACX). This is an update to our May 2011 profile. We've changed styles in presenting our updates. We've placed the new commentary in a text box but we've also preserved all of the original commentary, which often provides a fuller discussion of strategies and the fund's competitive universe. Feel free to weigh-in on whether this style works for you.
The "stars in the shadows" are all time-tested funds, many of which have everything except shareholders.
Huber Small Cap Value (HUSIX). Huber Small Cap is not only the best small-cap value fund of the past three years, it's the extension of a long-practice, intensive and successful discipline with a documented public record. For investors who understand that even great funds have scary stretches and are able to tolerate "being early" as a condition of long-term outperformance, HUSIX justifies as close a look as any fund launched in the past several years.
Wasatch Long Short (FMLSX). For folks interested in access to a volatility-controlled equity fund, the case for FMLSX was – and is – remarkably compelling. There's only one demonstrably better fund in its class (BPLSX) and you can't get into it. FMLSX is near the top of the "A" list for those you can consider. This is an update to our 2009 profile.
The Best of the Web: Retirement Income Calculators
Our fourth "Best of the Web" feature focuses on retirement income calculators. These are software programs, some quite primitive and a couple that are really smooth, that help answer two questions that most of us have been afraid to ask:
How much income will a continuation of my current efforts generate?
Will it be enough?
The ugly reality is that for most Americans, the answers are "not much" and "no." Tom Ashbrook, host of NPR's On Point, describes most of us as "flying naked" toward retirement. His May 29 program entitled "Is the 401(k) Working?" featured Teresa Ghilarducci, an economics professor at The New School of Social Research, nationally-recognized expert in retirement security and author of When I'm Sixty-Four: The Plot against Pensions and the Plan to Save Them (Princeton UP, 2008). Based on her analysis of the most recent data, it "doesn't look good at all" with "a lot of middle-class working Americans [becoming] 'poor' or 'near-poor' at retirement."
Her data looks at the investments of folks from 50-64 and finds that most, 52%, have nothing (as in: zero, zip, zilch, nada, the piggy bank is empty). In the top quarter of wage earners, folks with incomes above $75,000, one quarter of those in their 50s and 60s have no retirement savings. Among the bottom quarter, 77% have nothing and the average account value for those who have been saving is $10,000.
The best strategy is neither playing the lottery nor pretending that it won't happen. The best strategy is a realistic assessment now, when you still have the opportunity to change your habits or your plans. The challenge is finding a guide that you can rely upon. Certainly a good fee-only financial planner would be an excellent choice but many folks would prefer to turn to the web answers. And so this month we trying to ferret out the best free, freely-available retirement income calculators on the web.
MFO at MIC
I'm pleased to report that I'll be attending The Morningstar Investment Conference on behalf of the Observer. This will be my first time in attendance. I've got a couple meetings already scheduled and am looking forward to meeting some of the folks who I've only known through years of phone conversations and emails.
I'm hopeful of meeting Joan Rivers – I presume she'll be doing commentary on the arrival of fashionistas Steve Romick, Will Danoff & Brian Rogers – and am very much looking forward to hearing from Jeremy Grantham in Friday's keynote. If folks have other suggestions for really good uses of my time, I'd like to hear from you. Too, if you'd like to talk with me about the Observer and potential story leads, I'd be pleased to spend the time with you.
There's a cheerful internal debate here about what I should wear. Junior favors an old-school image for me: gray fedora with a press card in the hatband, flash camera and spiral notebook. (Imagine a sort of balding Clark Kent.) Chip, whose PhotoShop skills are so refined that she once made George W. look downright studious, just smiles and assures me that it doesn't matter what I wear. (Why does a smile and the phrase "Wear what you like and I'll take care of everything" make me so apprehensive? Hmmm…)
Perhaps the better course is just to drop me a quick note if you're going to be around and would like to chat.
Briefly noted . . .
Dreyfus has added Vulcan Value Partners as a sixth subadvisor for Dreyfus Select Managers Small Cap Value (DMVAX). Good move! Our profile described Vulcan Value Partners Small Cap fund as "a solid, sensible, profitable vehicle." Manager C.T. Fitzpatrick spent 17 years managing with Longleaf Partners before founding the Vulcan Value Partners.
First Eagle has launched First Eagle Global Income Builder (FEBAX) in hopes that it will provide "a meaningful but sustainable income stream across all market environments." Like me, they're hopeful of avoiding "permanent impairment of capital." The management team overlaps their four-star High Yield Fund team. The fund had $11 million on opening day and charges 1.3%, after waivers, for its "A" shares.
Vanguard Gets Busy
In the past four weeks, Vanguard:
Closed Vanguard High-Yield Corporate (VWEHX), closed to new investors. The fund, subadvised by Wellington, sucked in $1.5 billion in new assets this year. T. Rowe Price closed its High Yield (PRHYX) fund in April after a similar in-rush.
Eliminated the redemption fee on 33 mutual funds
Cut the expense ratios for 15 fixed-income, diversified-equity, and sector funds and ETFs.
Invented a calorie-free chocolate fudge brownie.
Osterweis, too
Osterweis Strategic Income (OSTIX) has added another fee breakpoint. The fund will charge 0.65% on assets over $2.5 billion. Given that the fund is a $2.3 billion, that's worthwhile. It's a distinctly untraditional bond fund and well-managed. Because its portfolio is so distinctive (lots of short-term, higher-yielding debt), its peer rankings are largely irrelevant.
At Least They're Not in Jail
Former Seligman Communications and Information comanager Reema Shah pled guilty to securities fraud and is barred from the securities industry for life. She traded inside information with a Yahoo executive, which netted a few hundred thousand for her fund.
Authorities in Hong Kong have declined to pursue prosecution of George Stairs, former Fidelity International Value (FIVLX) manager. Even Fido agrees that Mr. Stairs "did knowingly trade on non-public sensitive information." Stairs ran the fund, largely into the ground, from 2006-11.
Henry Berghoef, long-time co-manager of Oakmark Select (OAKLX), plans to retire at the end of July.
Andrew Engel, who helped manage Leuthold's flagship Core Investment(LCORX) and Asset Allocation(LAALX) funds, died on May 9, at the age of 52. He left behind a wife, four children and many friends.
David Williams, who managed Columbia Value & Restructuring (EVRAX, which started life as Excelsior Value & Restructuring), has retired after 20 years at the helm. The fund was one of the first to look beyond simple "value" and "growth" categories and into other structural elements in constructing its portfolio.
Delaware Select Growth (DVEAX) will close to new investors at the beginning of June, 2012.
Franklin Double Tax-Free Income (FPRTX) will soft-close in mid-June then hard-close at the beginning of August.
Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value (GCMAX) will close to new investors at the end of July. Over the past five years the fund has been solidly . .. uh, "okay." You could do worse. It doesn't suck often. Not clear why, exactly, that justifies $8 billion in assets.
Old Wine, New Bottles
Artisan Growth Opportunities (ARTRX) is being renamed Artisan Global Opportunities. The fund is also pretty global and the management team is talented and remaining, so it's mostly a branding issue.
BlackRock Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio (BMSAX) becomes BlackRock Secured Credit Portfolio in June. It also gets a new mandate (investing in "secured" instruments such as bank loans) and a new management team. Presumably BlackRock is annoyed that the fund isn't drawing enough assets (just $55 million after two years). Its performance has been solid and it's relatively new, so the problem mostly comes down to avarice.
Likewise BlackRock Mid-Cap Value Equity (BMCAX) will be revamped into BlackRock Flexible Equity at the end of July. After its rebirth, the fund will become all-cap, able to invest across the valuation spectrum and able to invest large chunks into bonds, commodities and cash. The current version of the fund has been consistently bad at everything except gathering assets, so it makes sense to change managers. The eclectic new portfolio may reflect its new manager's background in the hedge fund world.
Buffalo Science & Technology (BUFTX) will be renamed Buffalo Discovery, effective June 29, 2012.
Goldman Sachs Ultra-Short Duration Government (GSARX) is about to become Goldman Sachs High Quality Floating Rate and its mandate has been rewritten to focus on foreign and domestic floating-rate government debt.
Invesco Small Companies (ATIAX) will be renamed Invesco Select Companies at the beginning of August.
Nuveen is reorganizing Nuveen Large Cap Value (FASKX) into Dividend Value (FFEIX), pending shareholder approval of course, next autumn. The recently-despatched management team managed to parlay high risk and low returns into a consistently dismal record so shareholders are apt to agree.
Perritt Emerging Opportunities (PREOX) has been renamed Perritt Ultra MicroCap. The fund's greatest distinction is that it invests in smaller stocks, on whole, than any other fund and their original name didn't capture that reality. The fund is a poster child for "erratic," finishing either in the top 10% or the bottom 10% of small cap funds almost every year. Its performance roughly parallels that of Bridgeway's two "ultra-small company" funds.
Nuveen Tradewinds Global All-Cap (NWGAX) and Nuveen Tradewinds Value Opportunities (NVOAX) have reopened to new investors after the fund's manager and a third of assets left.
Off to the Dustbin of History
AllianceBernstein Greater China '97 (GCHAX) will be liquidated in early June. It's the old story: high expenses, low returns, no assets.
Leuthold Hedged Equity will liquidate in June 2012, just short of its third anniversary. The fund drew $4.7 million between two share clases and the Board of Trustees determined it was in the best interests of shareholders to liquidate. Given the fund's consistent losses – it turned $10,000 into $7900 – and high expenses, they're likely right. The most interesting feature of the fund is that the Institutional share class investors were asked to pony up $1 million to get in, and were then charged higher fees than were retail class investors.
Lord Abbett Large Cap (LALAX) mergers into Lord Abbett Fundamental Equity (LDFVX) on June 15.
Oppenheimer plans to merge Oppenheimer Champion Income (OPCHX) and Oppenheimer Fixed Income Active Allocation (OAFAX) funds will merge into Oppenheimer Global Strategic Income (OPSIX) later this year. That's the final chapter in the saga of two funds that imploded (think: down 80%) in 2008, then saw their management teams canned in 2009. The decision still seems odd: OPCHX has a half-billion in assets and OAFAX is a small, entirely solid fund-of-funds.
In closing . . .
Thanks to all the folks who've provided financial support for the Observer this month. In addition to a handful of friends who provided cash contributions, either via PayPal or by check, readers purchased almost 210 items through the Observer's Amazon link. Thanks! If you have questions about how to use or share the link, or if you're just not sure that you're doing it right, drop me a line.
It's been a tough month, but it could be worse. You could have made a leveraged bet on the rise of Latin American markets (down 25% in May). For folks looking for sanity and stability, though, we'll continue in July our summer-long series of long-short funds, but we'll also update the profiles of RiverPark Short-Term High Yield (RPHYX), a fund in which both Chip and I invest, and ING Corporate Leaders (LEXCX), the ghost ship of the fund world. It's a fund whose motto is "No manager? No problem!" We're hoping to have a first profile of Seafarer Overseas Growth & Income (SFGIX) and Conestoga Small Cap (CCASX).
Until then, take care and keep cool!
This entry was posted in Mutual Fund Commentary on June 1, 2012 by David Snowball.
About David Snowball
David Snowball, PhD (Massachusetts). Cofounder, lead writer. David is a Professor of Communication Studies at Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, a nationally-recognized college of the liberal arts and sciences, founded in 1860. For a quarter century, David competed in academic debate and coached college debate teams to over 1500 individual victories and 50 tournament championships. When he retired from that research-intensive endeavor, his interest turned to researching fund investing and fund communication strategies. He served as the closing moderator of Brill's Mutual Funds Interactive (a Forbes "Best of the Web" site), was the Senior Fund Analyst at FundAlarm and author of over 120 fund profiles. David lives in Davenport, Iowa, and spends an amazing amount of time ferrying his son, Will, to baseball tryouts, baseball lessons, baseball practices, baseball games … and social gatherings with young ladies who seem unnervingly interested in him.
View all posts by David Snowball →
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Companies that send employees on international assignments are failing to make the most of this investment and losing talented staff because they have inadequate arrangements for repatriation and professional development, according to a new report.
A study of more than 3,000 expats by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Cranfield School of Management found that, on average, 15 per cent of international assignees (often an organisation's top performers) resigned within 12 months of completing their posting.
As the trend for international assignments increases, organisations were placing more emphasis on this at selection, it also found.
An average of 32 per cent of new expatriates were in the top performance category as assessed by their company.
There was also no correlation between higher pay for expatriates and improved performance.
In fact, the higher the pay, the longer assignments tended to last, with some employees happy to prolong an enhanced financial existence abroad, with little incentive to return.
International postings were actively sought by many employees and in these cases financial reward equal to colleagues in the destination county – or "destination pay" – should be sufficient incentive, argued the report.
Some five per cent of UK managers currently had international experience, it calculated, rising to 20 per cent for senior managers and 25 per cent at board or executive level.
Home country managers needed to retain a stake in performance assessment, clear finish dates should be set at the beginning of the assignment and more time should be spent on planning for the employee's return, it recommended.
Each international assignment cost companies an average of $311,000 per year.
International assignees were supported by twice as many HR professionals (one to 37) than other staff (one to 70), with one participating organisation admitting to one HR professional to every 15 expatriate workers.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP partner George Yeandle, said: "One of the worst pieces of news a HR manager can get is that a high performing, newly returned employee is leaving, but this is worryingly common.
"Companies need to plan assignments, be clear about objectives and timescales and remain involved in performance management as much as possible, not just hand it over wholesale to the host country," he said.
It was the reintegration of employees that remained the weakest link, he suggested. "People who have spent two years working in a different ways across varied markets and cultures are not always happy to return to the same desk and the same prospects.
"In this vacuum of direction, many have a career 'wobble' then leave via a recruitment market in which their experience is seen as increasingly valuable.
"By taking steps to plan the repatriation phase, companies will be able to halt the exodus, retain talent and benefit from the substantial investment they have made," he said.


The objective of the National Consultation has been to bring together the Government of Ukraine from both national and regional/local levels, civil society organizations, and development partners to draw up a Road Map towards building sustainability and enhancing strategic investments into the national HIV response through both HIV and broader programs.
Ukrainian Youth United Against AIDS: Do not Give AIDS a Chance!
In Kiev, the unique All-Ukrainian Youth Forum "Don't Give AIDS Chance!", which was dedicated the World AIDS Day, and for the first time brought together nearly five hundred young people from different parts of Ukraine to discuss the problems of HIV prevention, human rights and tolerant attitude towards people living with HIV in our society, has ended.
Kyiv, 16 June 2012 – The Regional Youth Red Ribbon Team is the latest UNAIDS initiative aimed at promoting HIV prevention, tolerance towards people living with and affected by HIV, and youth activism in the society. It was introduced by the UNAIDS Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and in partnership with the UNAIDS Country Office in Ukraine in the context of Euro2012 Championship in Kyiv.
The 'Give AIDS the red card' campaign, an initiative that uses the power of football to eliminate stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, kicked off on Sunday 27 October in Ukraine. Organized by the Government of Ukraine, the new campaign was launched within the framework of the European Football Championship 2012 to be co-hosted by Ukraine and Poland in summer 2012.


Megadeth leader Dave Mustaine is bringing back his Gigantour this summer, and like years past, he's tapped a ton of metal talent to fill out the package tour.
As can be expected, Megadeth will headline the trip, but a press release confirms that this year's Gigantour also features Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society, Disturbed singer David Draiman's new project Device, Hellyeah, Newsted and Death Division.
The trek starts up July 3 in Gilford, NH, but there are a number of dates scheduled in Canada. The trip also brings the bands to year's Heavy MTL. You can see the details down below.
"This year's power-packed lineup is probably the best Gigantour yet, and we've had some pretty massive Gigantours over the years," Mustaine said in a statement. "Gigantour 2013 brings four of my favorite bands, each centered around a superstar. With Zakk (Wylde, BLA), David (Draiman), Vinnie (Paul, Hellyeah), and Jason (Newsted) there are going to be fans from Ozzy to Disturbed to Pantera to Metallica and everything that's metal in-between! Don't miss the metal festival of the summer!"


Among the members of the working group meeting at the SOS Wednesday were Loren Furman, the chief lobbyist for the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, and Mike Feeley, an attorney and lobbyist with Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber and Schreck.
The working group grew out of an earlier meeting between Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams and Ian Silverii, executive director of the liberal group ProgressNow Colorado. Silverii has logged into the SOS lobbying system for more than a decade in his various careers, including administrator for a lobbying firm, campaign director and chief of staff to the House speaker.
Silverii told the working group he tried to figure out how much money had been spent to lobby Senate Bill 267, known as the "Hospital Provider Fee," that passed in 2017. He said he found it impossible because the data can't be downloaded.
In response, the Secretary of State's lobbyist program manager, Angela Lawson, asked Silverii if he had ever heard of the "Colorado Information Marketplace," which is updated weekly and includes information about lobbying. Silverii had not. After it was shown to him, he suggested the Colorado Marketplace link, "Get lobbyist data," be highlighted instead of buried on the "Lobbyist" website.
But after going through the Colorado Information Marketplace, Silverii and others said the system still needs to be improved so the public can learn who is being paid to influence public policy. Amid discussion, Silverii compared the current lobbying reporting system to the Secretary of State's campaign finance reporting system, TRACER. A self- acclaimed "TRACER evangelist" he mentioned TRACER's user-friendly nature and convenient features, including the ability to download bulk data.
Others present included Angie Binder, executive director of the Colorado Petroleum Association; Mike Beasley, president of 5280 Strategies; Megan Wagner with Brandeberry McKenna Public Affairs; and Sandra Fish, a data journalist who regularly pores through SOS data.
Wagner described the challenges of inputting data the way it is required by the Secretary of State's office, and others agreed. But although faults were identified with the current system, those present agreed that Colorado is ahead of other states, where the information is still submitted manually.
I'd like to be a member of this group or be notified when the group is meeting. We put this data on the Colorado Capitol Watch website so have an interest in making it available in a suitable way and improving how lobbyists enter the data. We've met with your office several times on this and related issues.


The fall sports season continued on many fronts, with SMUS teams beginning league play and competing in various invitational tournaments or jamborees. October promises to be a big month, as the Blue Jags manoeuvre for playoff positions.
In the space of a week, the Junior boys soccer team, led by Callum Colgate and Julian Fitzgibbon, took two of three league games, defeating St. Andrew's and Glenlyon Norfolk School before falling to Dover Bay.
At the ISAs, played in Mill Bay, strong performances by captain Adam Roberts, Ben Shaw and Andres Vega Perez propelled the team to pool wins against Shawnigan Lake School and Collingwood. A 0-0 draw was then enough for the Blue Jags to reach the tournament final versus Brentwood. However, the hosts scored three times in the opening half to claim the trophy.
The U13 boys soccer team enjoyed its first action, showcasing some dynamic offensive talent against Arbutus and Monterey middle schools. An upcoming exhibition versus GNS will be a further opportunity to fine-tune tactics ahead of the annual CAIS Tournament, to be played this year in Victoria.
The Grade 7-8 boys group took part in its first jamboree, taking on two different Glanford teams. Alejandro C. and goalie Axel O. played particularly well. A second jamboree is set for Monday, Oct. 16.
The competitive Grade 6-7 girls side dropped its league opener to Monterey, but, behind the leadership of Makena A. and Eva C., then beat a strong Gordon Head team 3-0. The recreational squad took part in a city-wide jamboree, with Marlene D., Anika D., Jenna R. and Ellie M. all playing particularly well.
The Grade 8 girls, with a mixture of returnees and new players, beat Cedar Hill and Colquitz Middle Schools before coming from behind to draw 2-2 against Lansdowne. Emma C. led the way in defence, while Cassidy C.'s speed and agility made her a constant threat up front.
The Senior girls, thanks to a Chloe Fitzgibbon strike in the last minute, secured an important 1-0 away victory against GNS last week. Suzie Stone, Lizzy Bass and goalie Jessie Cheng continued their fine play.
While SMUS then lost 2-0 to Mount Douglas, the game was notable for the solid efforts of younger players Cheng, Elle Nelson and Julia McDermott, along with Grade 12s Judy Kim and Kalsang Dolker.
October 4 sees another key league game versus GNS. The team then competes at UVic in the prestigious Bridgman Cup over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Check out more photos of the Senior girls field hockey team at the SMUS Photo Gallery.
Our rowing team made its initial foray into the local high school athletic scene, with the annual Crabfest Regatta taking place Oct. 1 at Elk Lake. Most SMUS athletes were racing for the first time ever, with a great deal learned by all the Grade 9 and 10 newcomers.
In the 500m sprints, both the Junior Novice Girls 8+ and Junior Novice Boys 8+ placed second, while a Junior Novice mixed 8+ crew won its event.
Next up, in two weeks, are the October Sprints, held again at Elk Lake.
The Grade 8 rugby squad enjoyed a home and away series versus Shawnigan. Both games were well contested, with the home side coming out on top each time. SMUS players who caught the eye included Rocky P., Louis C., Dave D., Eric X., Hemmesh P. and Alejandro C. All look forward to the next match, scheduled for lunchtime on Oct. 5.
A deep Middle School team was fielded for the opening race at Lambrick Park. The many solid performances augur well for the remainder of the season.


text:
Orientozeuzera caudata is a moth in the family Cossidae. It was described by James John Joicey and George Talbot in 1916. It is found in New Guinea. There are also records for Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Solomon Islands, but these refer to Orientozeuzera rhabdota. The habitat consists of lowland areas.

References

Natural History Museum Lepidoptera generic names catalog

Zeuzerinae
Moths described in 1916

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


It is time for a showdown with the zombie. Bring all the firepower you have. Bring those horde of undead to their knee. Click and drag your character from incoming waves, weapons are fired automatically from innovative A.I., which mean all you need to do is think of about your next move.
You are now playing Zombie Showdown, one of many high quality Zombie Games on KBH Games for you to play online. Have a great time playing Zombie Showdown online right now. We have total of 16421 free games indexed on the website for you to enjoy. Zombie Showdown is listed as part of our Action Games, Shooting Games, Upgrades Games, and Zombie Games categories of games. Zombie Showdown is liked by 12 vistors that played. We have a large collection of fun games for the entire family to enjoy. Explore the website and see what great games you'll discover today. We also offer fast server speed, easy to use website, and an easy solution to play all your favorite games. We hope that any of these games can brighten your day just a little bit.


Realm Vs Realm (RvR) combat is one of the primary ways that a Warhammer Online player earns experience and items. In addition, it is the only way to earn Renown points that contribute to your Renown level. You level up Renown with Renown XP just like normal XP levels up your character.
More on the Renown System in Warhammer Online.
In RvR, especially scenarios and keep sieges, the Bright Wizard is one of the most feared opponents. Their long range, fast attacks, and AoE (area of effect) and DoT (damage over time) abilities can quickly spell doom for a target under their fire. Bright Wizards have been known to kill a large group of enemies in a matter of seconds because they happened to be standing too close together. There are several abilities that Bright Wizards have in their Mastery trees that make them incredibly dominant in RvR.
Playing With Fire: 5 Points, Path of Immolation – Causes all healing used on target to become 50% less effective. Every time a healer uses a direct* heal on them, flames lash out dealing damage to the healer. *This effect does not occur with heal-over-time spells.
This ability is a fantastic way to bring about the death of a player carrying a scenario objective, such as the Mourkain Artifact or the Tor Anroc Bauble. It is also good if you are focus-firing down a player that is receiving constant healing.
Withering Heat: 9 Points, Path of Immolation – Deals damage and snares your target, reducing run-speed by 40%.
This is a great way to slow down an enemy that is at low health and retreating from you. Combo it with a hex like Boiling Blood and a Pyroclastic Surge and he will not be long for this world.
Spreading Flames: 9 Points, Path of Conflagration – Applies a DoT to your target. Each time the DoT ticks, it applies a 3-second DoT to all other enemies within 20 feet of your target.
Use this in combination with abilities like Detonate and Fiery Blast to deal large amounts of damage to a group of enemy players.
The Burning Head: 15 Point Morale, Path of Incineration – Deals a large about of damage to your target and additional splash damage to all other enemies within 30 feet of your target. Each enemy hit by this ability looses 600 morale points.
This is a rank 4 morale ability, meaning at most you can use it every one minute. Regardless, it is incredibly powerful, dealing massive amounts of damage to a group of players as well as limiting their ability to recover and to fight back by taking away their morale.


text:
Woody Allen Movie To Be Rebooted
By Lew Irwin on 18 August 2011
Follow Sony
Picture: Alexandra Knight attends a screening of Sony Classics 'Made in Dagenham' at Tribeca Grand Hotel New York City, USA - 14.11.10
Sony Pictures Classics, which had to compete with summer blockbusters to line up theater screens for Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris , plans to "re-expand" the movie into around 1,000 theaters on August 26. (It is currently still playing in about 250 theaters.) The film, which has grossed about $50 million domestically, received much critical praise and solid word of mouth to help make it Allen's highest-grossing film ever. SPC co-president Tom Bernard explained to the Los Angeles Times why the studio was bringing the movie back to theaters that had given it short shrift earlier "We felt it would be a great way to go out at the end of the summer with a campaign that says, 'It's your last chance. See the movie for a second time and bring a friend to Paris.'" Bernard also indicated that the relaunch may be part of the studio's campaign to push the movie for Oscar nominations. "We have an awards plan in the works for a lot of the categories, including best picture," he said.
Sony Cancels The Release Of 'The Interview' Amid Hacking Threats
'Powers' To Be PlayStation 4's First Original TV Series
Sony Entertainment Announce Huge Cuts Of $100 Million To Begin Immediately
Angry Birds Movie Set For 2016, 'Despicable Me' Producer On-Board
Weekend Box Office Nov. 9-11
In Its Third Week, Argo Rises To The Top
Tatanic , Facebook, And Times Square Unite
Sony Planning Jumanji Reboot
Sony And Samsung In Bid To Prop Up Prices Of Tv Sets
Lg To Unveil New Tv's With Spectacular Clarity
Netflix's U.k. Plans Undermined By Amazon Deal
Japan Disasters Could Hit Consumer Electronics Hard
Entity Index: 0 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: Upload an image to AWS S3 from a Mobile app Im learning about AWS and Flutter to develop a mobile app (Android) like Instagram for a subject in the university.
My question is if there is a way to send an image from the app directly to a S3 Bucket and just store the URL related to that image in DynamoDB.
I'm using Flutter for the frontend (it doesn't use AWS SDK) and to develop the backend AWS Api Gateway (Api REST), Lambda and DynamoDB.
I read that the image can be passed in the request body if it is converted to base64 but I'm worried about if it is the optimal way to do it. I'm thinking that if I pass the image in that way the AWS free tier of Api Gateway and Lambda will be consumed because of the size of the request body that is passed and processed to be saved in a S3 Bucket considering that I will upload several images.
The dimensions of the image will be 1080x1350px so I think the size will be around 500KB and I'm planning to upload videos too.
I will be grateful for any kind of guidance because I am new to AWS.

A: You may use S3 presigned url as it will provide scalable solution which will overcome limits imposed by API Gateway.  Because video file - particularly HD files, will introduce issues on limit w.r.t API Gateway later on if you pass file directly to API Gateway.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


The Footsie rose 0.52% alongside major European indices as Chinese Manufacturing data improved risk on trading. In the UK, parliament's second round of indicative votes proved once again to be ineffective, leaving a no-deal scenario increasingly likely as unanimity amongst UK law makers seems far-fetched. Brexit uncertainty continues to undermine confidence in global markets and may limit gains on the FTSE without further clarity. In today's data front, UK publishes construction PMI data expected to remain in contraction territory.
The Footsie Index extended gains to reach the resistance at 7350 before ending at 7317 on Monday. Breaking through the resistance zone of 7350/7370 will determine whether bullish price action persists to target higher levels at 7400 and 7450. Alternately trading below support at 7290 will target 7260 from which the index could turn lower should price trade through that level.


text:
Violet Evergarden Wikia
CH Postal Company
Benedict Blue
Cattleya Baudelaire
Claudia Hodgins
Iris Cannary
Lux Sibyl
Gilbert Bougainvillea
Dietfried Bougainvillea
Luculia Marlborough
Charlotte Abelfreyja Drossel
Leon Stephanotis
Oscar Webster
Anne Magnolia
Aidan Field
Auto Memories Doll
Kazaly
Enciel
Violet Evergarden's Relationships
Violet Evergarden the Movie
Undella
ZeHaffen
Contact Wikia Staff
Characters, Male
Notice: This character's design differs between the light novel and the anime. The information shown in the infobox matches the descriptions found in the light novels and is correct, even if the image of the character does not match. Changes to this character's appearance made for the anime can be found in the Trivia section.
レオン・ステファノティス Reon Sutefanotisu
Blue Almonds
Unnamed Father
Unnamed Mother
Expediter
Astronomer (former)
Shaher Astronomical Headquarters (former)
Yuuto Uemura Micah Solusod
Volume 1, Chapter 4 Episode 6
" Can we watch the stars together if we cross paths again? "
—Leon, to Violet Evergarden.
Leon Stephanotis (レオン・ステファノティス, Reon Sutefanotisu?) is a character in the Violet Evergarden series and the protagonist of the fourth chapter of the first volume of the light novel. He is a misogynistic teenager, but after meeting Violet, who is tasked with helping make copies of rare books for his company, his view of women starts to change. He initially worked as an astronomer at the Shaher Astronomical Headquarters.
5.1 Mother
5.2 Violet Evergarden
5.3 Kyle Zoenig
Leon is a young man who is short compared to his co-workers. He wears thin-framed glasses that he has over his fussy-looking almond eyes. His long hair is a rare sea-green color and his skin, which is the same shade as it was when he was born and not a result of being burned by the sun, is brown.[1]
Leon is a cynical, grumpy, and cold young man. This is because he was treated as an outcast at the Observatory due to being an orphan. He is rather blunt and is not very good with words or respect, especially when it comes to women. He was highly misogynistic due to an event from his past, but his attitude changed after meeting Violet, the first girl he has ever fallen for. His view of women also starts to change after meeting different women who work as an Auto Memories Doll. Meeting them made him realize that they weren't girls who were only after rich men, but women who were serious about their jobs and to convey people's feelings. He knows he's bad with women and initially disliked them, but he doesn't hate all of them and believes that there are good women in the world, such as Violet. He also has a bad habit of associating his mother who abandoned him with anything.
Although Leon has a rude way of speaking, he is actually a very caring, kind and helpful, albeit awkward, boy. As he doesn't want to admit having a soft side, he comes off as dishonest and does not want to admit his true feelings.
He is very passionate when it comes to astronomy, having been interested in it since childhood. As time went on, Leon began thinking about his own future and happiness, as he decided that instead of waiting at the observatory for his parents to return, he'd travel the world like Violet.[1]
Leon's mother was a nomad, someone who visits many places and gives performances like dancing, singing, and crafting, thus promoting their own works. Leon describes those women as those who hook up with men wherever they go, and those who fall head-over-heels and chase after just one. They're normally one of these two types. Leon's mother was no exception; she fell in love with a man from the city and gave birth to Leon.
Leon was raised in the arms of Mount Eustitia; he had always watched the night sky, leading a life of ever been addicted to astronomy. His time was dedicated to the stars, with no openings in his routine for outsiders to sneak into.
Leon with his family.
Leon believed that he lived a happy life with his family as a child. Although his mother loved him deeply, the object of his mother's affection was primarily his father, and Leon was nothing more than the outcome of it. When he was still a child, Leon's father, who was working at Shaher's manuscript acquisition department and traveled across the continent collecting rare books, disappeared. Everyone, including Leon and his mother, lost complete contact with him. Leon's father did not return, and the search was called off after two years. It was then Leon's mother decided to try finding him. She had to choose between two decisions; stay with her son or search after her husband. Leon claims that it was an easy decision for her, and although she was saddened by her final decision, she chose to search after her husband. Before leaving, she promised Leon she would come back with Leon's father. When she didn't, Leon had been sad for being abandoned by his mother. From there on, Leon developed a hatred towards women, since he claimed they lived and died for love, describing them as extremely selfish. His mother's actions left a permanent scar on him.[1]
Leon joined the Shaher Astronomical Headquarter's Manuscript Division at a young age. However, what he really wanted was to work in the acquisition department like his father. He felt that his mother, along with his father, would return to him if he waited there for them. Despite being disliked by his peers due to being a young orphan, as well as his attitude, Leon grew up in and stayed at the Observatory. He believed that it was possible for him to fulfill his dreams at the Observatory until he met Violet, who changed his mind.[2]
Violet, along with a number of other Dolls, arrive at the Shaher Observatory in order to help the scholars make copies of a number of rare books. Violet is paired with the scholar Leon, who initially dislikes her and Dolls in general. However, he is impressed with how quickly she works, and together, they finish a three-days worth work in a day. Eventually, he begins to soften up to Violet. He also invites her to view Alley's Comet with him, which only appears once every two hundred years, and she accepts. While the two stargaze, Leon explains that his father was also a scholar at the observatory but disappeared on an expedition. His mother then left home to search for him and never returned either, causing Leon to resent them and the concept of love. Violet, in turn, tells Leon about her devotion towards Gilbert, to which Leon realizes Violet is in love with Gilbert. The next morning, Violet is preparing to leave now that her job is complete. Leon sees her off and tells her that instead of waiting at the observatory for his parents to return, he'll start traveling the world like Violet to go look for them. As Violet leaves, Leon wonders if he'll ever encounter her again.[2]
Sometime after that, Leon began traveling around the world just like he had promised.[3] At one point, he met Violet again under the moonlight in a desolate land he did not even know the name of. When he asked her if she had memorized the name of at least a few stars, Violet nodded. Leon then thinks what an amazing day it is for a reunion, and asks Violet to spend some time watching the stars with him.[1]
For his young self, his mother was his entire world. Were she not already there from the start, she was his outright guardian from the moment he had been born until he had become aware of the things around him. She would find him whenever he ran off crying and praise him whenever he did something good. Whenever he would reach out his hand, she would embrace him. Leon's mother had told him about how green was an extremely rare hair color, which is why he was so special and precious. All of these statements are why Leon would never have thought that she would be gone one day. After his mother abandoned him, Leon was very sad and hated himself for wanting to be keeping watch on that door where she left him. His mother's action made him hate women and love in general, this left a scar on him, resulting in him becoming cold.[1] Despite that, Violet notes that Leon presumably still considers his mother very dear to him.[2]
He is partnered with Violet when his employer pairs researchers and Auto Memories Dolls together for a collection of research pieces. Although he is cold and blunt to her in the beginning, he is impressed with how quickly she works and begins to soften when he sees that she doesn't care about his background or upbringing as an orphan. Because of how similar they are, it makes it easy for them to sympathize with each other. Due to this reason, Leon starts to develop feelings for Violet (his feelings are implied in the anime), which is emphasized by the fact that he seen to be amazed by her beauty, starts acting very nervous and flustered in her presence, and longing to see her.[2] Before Violet's departure, Leon musters up his courage and confesses his feelings towards Violet. However, since Violet doesn't understand love very well and already has someone else very dear to her, she couldn't accept his confession. Despite this, she is seen to be happy by his confession, to which Leon accepts and is content with.[1] He then tells Violet that instead of waiting for his parents to come home, he will expedite around the world like her. And he wants her to, if they would ever meet again, to watch the stars with him, to which Violet gives him her word. After that, Leon was sure that he would not hesitate any more, because she had given him the courage to move forward. He was also sure he would no longer despise anyone for closing a door with their back turned to him, such was the result of making a promise to Violet.[2] When they meet again, Leon is aware that he is still in love with Violet and that his feelings towards her would not budge, but he decides to put that fact aside and ask her to watch the stars with him instead.[1]
Kyle Zoenig
Leon's roommate and close friend at the Shaher Observatory. Since Kyle is Leon's friendly older colleague, he is quick to sense his changes in expression and worries, but ends up watching over him from their distanced seats as if having fun. Kyle constantly babbles to Leon about his life, which Leon considers to be a hassle sometimes. Despite that, the two care for and support each other.[1][2]
Leon in the light novel, as seen from behind.
Leon as a child, pleading for his mother to not leave him.
Leon meeting Violet for the first time.
Leon working with Violet.
Leon blushing.
Leon reading.
Leon bids farewell to Violet.
Leon in episode 9
Leon traveling around the world.
Leon's green hair color is the result of a mutation caused by the abrupt genetic mixture of multiple races.[1]
Leon's physical features differ heavily between the anime and light novels. In the anime:
He has longer black hair and royal blue eyes.
He doesn't wear glasses.
He has pale skin.
In the anime, Leon is not shown to hate women despite not trusting them fully and is shown to dislike Dolls in general. He also doesn't confess to Violet.
↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Volume 1, Chapter 4
↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Episode 6
↑ Episode 9
v • e Characters in "Violet Evergarden" Universe
CH Postal Company Violet Evergarden • Benedict Blue • Cattleya Baudelaire • Claudia Hodgins • Erica Brown • Iris Cannary • Lux Sibyl
Gilbert Bougainvillea • Aidan Field • Alberta • Amy Bartlett • Anne Magnolia • Charlotte Abelfreyja Drossel • Clara Magnolia • Damian Baldur Flugel • Dietfried Bougainvillea • Edward Jones • Leon Stephanotis • Luculia Marlborough • Olivia Webster • Oscar Webster • Rhodanthe • Spencer Marlborough • Taylor Bartlett • Tiffany Evergarden
Retrieved from "https://violet-evergarden.fandom.com/wiki/Leon_Stephanotis?oldid=6472"
More Violet Evergarden Wikia
0 Violet Evergarden
1 Gilbert Bougainvillea
2 Violet Evergarden Wikia
Violet Evergarden Wikia is a FANDOM Anime Community.


The Stealth 30L rucksack from Gelert is part of their 2011 Beyond range, and is positioned as a lightweight, technical bag, geared up for walking and scrambling. At 0.85k that sounds great, but how will it do in our tests?
As this rucksack is tailored towards scrambling, we decided to test it out scrambling in Snowdonia.
When you put this rucksack on it becomes obvious that the aim of the bag is to be tight to the body to help with scrambling, but not enough to restrict movement.
Similarly to the other bag we have tested in the range, the shoulder straps feel comfortable and wide enough to spread the load, but not too wide that they rub or make you feel like you are strapped in with no escape. Once fully done up this rucksack feels very comfortable and I hardly noticed I was wearing it, even whilst scrambling over the rocks and with the odd gust! Having a hydration system in the middle of the rucksack also helps balance the pack out nicely on your shoulders.
The weather on test day looked changeable so I packed the rucksack to full capacity with warm layers and waterproofs, and even at full capacity it felt secure when strapped up. The two shoulder straps and waist straps feel like they mould to your body and do flex somewhat allowing them to fit over or around clothing you already have on. With a small strap across the chest from both the shoulder straps its easy to adjust the tightness too. This rucksac also has two additional straps which tighten the bag down to minimise any empty space inside where things can move about. Making the bag as small as it can be on the day could help you squeeze through gaps and avoid hooking it on rocks or bushes. Whilst scrambling, the rucksack felt like it was hugging my back well, but didn't restrict me very much at all. It didn't feel like I was off balance at any point and whilst bending over it didn't feel like it wanted to pull you over in any direction. It basically felt secure.
Lightweight 'Polyester baby ripstop' materials are used where possible in this rucksack and this material feels light and thin but also tough. The stitching in the rucksac looks sound and even looks double stitched in places.
The buckles used to secure the top of the rucksac on the back are lightweight but look well made, and there are an additional two for tightening up. They do work well, although they are relatively small and I found them a little more tricky to do up when I had gloves on. Some of the straps are partially covered by rubber which also helps stop things catching on them.
There is no waterproof cover on this bag, instead relying on the Nylon Ripstop/Plain Nylon material being water resistant. We had a full afternoon of showers as we headed across one peak and got a complete soaking. I noticed the rain was beading of the rucksack nicely and on returning back to the car I was pretty amazed to retrieve a dry map from the top of my bag that I had forgotten was in there. The material had done its job, which is more than can be said for my waterproof trousers!
The rucksack has a hybrid vent system which is basically an EVA foam layer full of small holes, which has been split in to three parts, one resting against your lower back and two resting on each shoulder blade, leaving a T shaped gap for air to circulate. This seemed to work well, but will really be tested in the hight of summer!
There are a number of handy pockets, the handiest for me being a zip-pocket at the top of the bag. There is plenty of space here for stashing away stuff you need faster access to, like sunglasses, snacks and gloves. There is a flat pocket on the front of the bag with a zip running down the length of the bag. There is enough space to pop an OS map and pair of gloves in here and the pocket is also easily accessible. There are two stretched nylon side pockets for spare clothing or water bottles and these both have an elasticated top to hold things in better. There are also two expandable zipped pockets on the hip belt which are excellent places for snacks, compass or small things.
There are secure walking pole attachment points on the back of the rucksack, and although small and simple, were effective and easy to use.
This rucksack has a pocket sewn in to the inside of the bag for stowing your hydration pack and a handy velcro strap for attaching it and holding it in place. Your water tube will then fit through a purpose built hole in the middle of the bag around the neck line which has an elasticated entrance to stop the weather getting in. I had no problems using this and when the nozzle was positioned on the shoulder strap I hardly noticed it.
This rucksack has a RRP of £49.99 and like all Gelert rucksacs in this range seems reasonably priced.
Overall I think that if you are looking for a rucksack that is affordable, comfortable and lightweight this is a good choice. You often trade off lightweight for durability, although I think this bag has struck a good balance of the two. This rucksack really doesn't feel like its getting in your way when your scrambling and after the soaking we had on one of the days, I was amazed to pull my map out dry! When your scrambling you need to be confident with the kit your using, and I really didn't have to think about the rucksack too much on the day, just about where my hands and feet were going. I'm optimistic this rucksack would do well in the warmer months when the Hybrid Vent will be more important. Watch this space!


text:
Body Matters
Remember #FindDancingMan? It's started a body-acceptance dance revolution
Elizabeth King
Body-shamers beware, there's a new self-loving force to be reckoned with: The Dance Free Movement. The glorious movement is pretty self explanatory: Dance(!) and feel no shame in the process. The amazing women behind the movement describe their mission on their site as, "encouraging the world to join us by dancing in public, without fear of shame. By dancing in solidarity with the movement, our hope is to empower everyone to be comfortable in their own bodies."
The movement was created somewhat spontaneously in response to a story of online bullying that went totally viral. In early March, anonymous 4chan users posted a photo of a man who was dancing solo at a party. They followed that up with another photo of his forlorn expression after he heard them mocking him because of his size. After hearing their laughter, he stopped dancing. It was cruel and utterly heartbreaking, and fortunately many good people on the Internet wanted to do nothing more than to help this man and show those body-shamers that cruelty cannot keep people down. Thus the #FindDancingMan hashtag was born, and Internet users searched high and low for the man pictured below.
Several amazing body-positive women based in LA were able to track down the man using Twitter and #FindDancingMan, and invited him out to California to have a dance party together. And thus the wonderful Dance Free Movement was born.
Many of us can relate to those feelings of shame and embarrassment that made this awesome man stop dancing, and Dance Free wants to do away with those feelings forever by encouraging everyone (regardless of size or weight) to shake their groove thing. They are also doing their part to raise money for anti-bullying organizations, and have so far gathered over $40,000.
The first official Dance Free dance party, the #IAmDancingMan party will be held in Hollywood, California, on May 23. All are invited and, yes, the man who inspired this movement will be there. We cannot wait (and, details in the vid). If you're not in Hollywood, we encourage you to host your own dance party on that day.
The movement has ambition that goes well beyond dancing freely — they are out to change the world. In their mission statement they describe a culture of love and acceptance that they plan to build in partnership with established non-profits: "Our dream is a world with a strong infrastructure of acceptance within each other and ourselves. If we can help to inspire a stronger sense of self-worth, we can all dance with a little more joy in our step, and will do so by partnering with established non-profit organizations that are in alignment with our vision." The organizations they work with range from the Trevor Project to the Cybersmile Foundation.
Groups like Dance Free are showing us that there is a clear need to end bullying among adults as well as young people, both online, and during in-person interactions. We've seen so many people step up to the plate to encourage others not to let bullies get them down, and to encourage people to claim their deserved confidence in their own bodies. Thanks to the support, encouragement, and outspokenness of pro self-love groups and individuals, we are getting closer and closer to replacing shame and hate with celebrations of love.
So, dance party anyone?
[Image via]
By Elizabeth King
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Elected in November 2008 to her tenth term in the House of Representatives with an overwhelming 80 percent of the votes in the 35th District of California, Congresswoman Maxine Waters represents a large part of South Central Los Angeles, the communities of Westchester and Playa Del Rey as well as the diverse cities of Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood and Lawndale.
She continues to be a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and the Chairwoman of its Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity. She also serves on the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, and the Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology.
She also continues to serve on the Committee on the Judiciary and its Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security and its Subcommittee on Immigration.


I think if I had read this book first before I watched the Netflix show I might've had a glowing opinion of it but alas, I saw the Netflix show first and so I kept comparing it to the show. I also read the book after hearing Piper Kerman talk at my alma mater, Denison University, so I already had some pre-conceived notions of Kerman. The TV show and listening to her speak inspired me to pick up and read the book one weekend.
The book is a full frontal look at what it's like in a low level security prison and a critique of the American prison and justice system.
I appreciated how reflective and honest Kerman was. She wasn't afraid to admit the things she did or admit that she's flawed too. In that sense, it's not so much an autobiography but rather a re-telling of this important time in her life.
My main problem with the book was sometimes I felt the book did a lot of telling and not showing. It felt like someone was telling me about prison and I wasn't there in prison with her. That was disappointing to me because I wanted to be in the moment with Kerman.
For fans of the tv show, like me, the book is so different. Some of the events in the book show up in the tv show but in new ways or out of order. Also, the names of the characters are different.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the last chapter where Kerman shares resources and non-profits that are working on changing America's prison system.
I admire that Kerman now volunteers at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville. She's inspired me to apply to volunteer at that same prison. I completed all the paperwork and now I'm waiting to attend volunteer orientation.
Overall, despite my criticism, I'd read the book again and recommend it to someone wanting an informative and enlightening read.


text:
Q: ERROR MESSAGES DOES NOT DISPLAY i have a php file that process my registration form however it does not display the error messages if the form has discrepancies (blank fields, etc.). Also, the captcha validation is not working.
This is the php code that process the form.
<?php
//Start session
session_start();

//Include database connection details
require_once('connect.php');

//Array to store validation errors
$errmsg_arr = array();

//Validation error flag
$errflag = false;

//Connect to mysql server
$link = mysql_connect(DB_HOST, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD);
if(!$link) {
    die('Failed to connect to server: ' . mysql_error());
}

//Select database
$db = mysql_select_db(DB_DATABASE);
if(!$db) {
    die("Unable to select database");
}

//Function to sanitize values received from the form. Prevents SQL injection
function clean($str) {
    $str = @trim($str);
    if(get_magic_quotes_gpc()) {
        $str = stripslashes($str);
    }
    return mysql_real_escape_string($str);
}

//Sanitize the POST values
$username = clean($_POST['username']);
$password = clean($_POST['password']);
$cpassword = clean($_POST['cpassword']);
$nickname = clean($_POST['nickname']);
$email = clean($_POST['email']);
$code = clean($_POST['code']);

//Input Validations
if($username == '') {
    $errmsg_arr[] = 'Username missing';
    $errflag = true;
}
if($password == '') {
    $errmsg_arr[] = 'Password missing';
    $errflag = true;
}
if($cpassword == '') {
    $errmsg_arr[] = 'Confirm Password missing';
    $errflag = true;
}
if($nickname == '') {
    $errmsg_arr[] = 'nickname missing';
    $errflag = true;
}
if($email == '') {
    $errmsg_arr[] = 'Email Address missing';
    $errflag = true;
}
if( strcmp($password, $cpassword) != 0 ) {
    echo "Password Do not match";
    $errmsg_arr[] = 'Passwords do not match';
    $errflag = true;
}

  include("../captcha/securimage.php");
  $img = new Securimage();
  $valid = $img->check($_POST['code']);

  if($valid == true) {
  echo "Thanks, you entered the correct code.";
  } else {
  echo "Sorry, the code you entered was invalid.";
  }

//Check for duplicate login ID
if($login != '') {
    $qry = "SELECT * FROM employee_login WHERE username='$username'";
    $result = mysql_query($qry);
    if($result) {
        if(mysql_num_rows($result) > 0) {
            $errmsg_arr[] = 'Username already in use';
            $errflag = true;
        }
        @mysql_free_result($result);
    }
    else {
        die("Query failed");
    }
}

//If there are input validations, redirect back to the registration form
if($errflag) {
    $_SESSION['ERRMSG_ARR'] = $errmsg_arr;
    session_write_close();
    header("location: ../register.php");
    exit();
}

//Create INSERT query
$qry = "INSERT INTO employee_login(username, password, email, nickname) VALUES('$username','".md5($_POST['password'])."','$email','$nickname')";
$result = @mysql_query($qry);

//Check whether the query was successful or not
if($result) {
    header("location: ../registergood.php");
    exit();
}else {
    die("Query failed");
}
?>

What might be wrong?

A: Well, it's not displaying your error messages because at no point in the code you've provided do you output those messages to the user. You store them in an array and later a session variable, but that's it.


Word provides a way that you can create standardized documents rather easily, allowing users to enter only the information that changes from one document to the next. These are called forms and they consist of a protected document template that has special fields inserted within the template.
The following articles are available for the 'Forms' topic. Click the article''s title (shown in bold) to see the associated article.
When entering information into protected form fields, Word doesn't apply the formatting inherent in the AutoFormat As You Type feature. This tip explains how why this is so and discusses one possible workaround.
One of the controls you can add to a Word form is a drop-down form field. This field is similar to drop-down lists used in various dialog boxes. If you have many, many items you want in the drop-down list, then you may need to consider different options, described in this tip, for getting the type of form you want.
When adding form fields to a document, you may want some of the fields to be automatically calculated from other fields. If you don't understand how Word handles the fields, it is easy to get the wrong result. Here is a quick overview and resolution for one common trap.
Word doesn't require you to protect entire documents. Instead, you can protect different sections within a document, as described in this tip.
Using both Word and Windows, there are a variety of ways you can mark a file as read-only so that it cannot be changed. This tip discusses the different techniques you can use.
In order to use a form in Word, it must be protected. This means that you cannot make any changes to the form, even if you need to. If you unlock the form to make changes, then when you relock it, the data in the form is wiped out. This tip provides a solution you can use to safely relock your forms without losing data.
After you have created your custom form, you will need to save it so that you can use it as often as needed. Word makes this easy and here's how.
Use Word to create a form, and you can easily collect standardized data from a large number of users. When it comes time to get that data into a different program (such as a database program), then you'll need the info in this tip.
Word may be used to create protected forms that limit where the user may input data. Normally spell checking is disabled in protected documents. This tip shows how to enable spell checking in protected forms.
If you have ever created several documents that contain the same basic information with only a few minor differences, then you need to know how to use the forms feature in Word. It's easy to enter only the information that changes on standard documents. Here's how to set that up.
When you create a form you need to use special form fields. If you want to limit what users can enter in a form field, you'll need to understand the ideas presented in this tip.
You know you want to use form fields in your document (they are essential in creating forms, after all) but you need to specify what can be entered in the fields. This tip explains how to customize your form fields.


text:
Q: This Constructer does not take arguments In Python I have been trying out classes for the first time. When I use this code I get the error 'This constructed does not take arguments' on line 15. Can someone please tell me what the problem is?
class Triangle:
    def _init_(self,h,b):
        self.h = h
        self.b = b
    author = 'No one has claimed this rectangle yet'
    description = 'None'
    def area(self):
        return (self.h * self.b)/2
    def description(self,text):
        self.description = text
    def author(self,text):
        self.author = text

fred = Triangle(4,5)
print fred.area()

A: You should use double underscores __ to denote __init__:
def __init__(self, h, b):

A: You have defined your constructor as _init_ when it should be defined as __init__ (note the double underscore). Python is not seeing your __init__ (as it is misnamed), and is just assuming a default constructor (which does not take arguments).

A: Your error is in the init function. It is supposed to have two underscores before and after like this __init__().
Here is the correct code:
class Triangle:
    def __init__(self,h,b):
        self.h = h
        self.b = b
    author = 'No one has claimed this rectangle yet'
    description = 'None'
    def area(self):
        return (self.h * self.b)/2
    def description(self,text):
        self.description = text
    def author(self,text):
        self.author = text

fred = Triangle(4,5)
print fred.area()


text:
Ein Rechtsakt ist eine Rechtshandlung, die auf die Erzeugung einer Rechtsfolge abzielt. Gegensatz ist der Realakt.

Allgemeines
Menschliches Handeln kann danach unterteilt werden, ob ein allgemeines Handeln (wie das Schließen einer Wohnungstür) oder ein rechtlich erhebliches Handeln (wie das Schließen einer Ladentür bei Ladenschluss) vorliegt, im letzteren Fall heißt es Rechtshandlung. Der Mensch als Rechtssubjekt wird mit dem Recht konfrontiert, indem er sich kraft seines Willens durch rechtlich relevantes Handeln seinen Rechtsfolgen unterwirft. Auch im römischen Recht gab es allgemein die Handlungen (), zu denen der Rechtsakt (), das Rechtsgeschäft () und die unerlaubte Handlung () gehörten. Die Reine Rechtslehre definiert Hans Kelsen zufolge den Rechtsakt als "einen Akt, mit dem eine Rechtsnorm gesetzt (bildlich gesprochen erzeugt) oder angewendet wird".

Der Inhalt der Rechtsfolge kann abstrakt (Allgemeinverfügung oder Rechtsnorm) oder konkret auf einen Einzelfall bezogen sein (Einzelverfügung, Einzelfallentscheidung). Der Rechtsakt kann schriftlich, mündlich oder konkludent (durch schlüssiges Verhalten) ergehen.

Arten
Allgemein unterscheidet man zwischen hoheitlichen (Hoheitsakt), behördlichen und privatrechtlichen Rechtsakten.
 hoheitliche Rechtsakte: völkerrechtliche Verträge (wie Staatsverträge), Rechtsnormen (etwa Gesetze, Verordnungen, Satzungen, Statuten), öffentlich-rechtliche Verträge (wie Verwaltungsverträge).
 behördliche Rechtsakte: alle Handlungsformen der Verwaltung (Verwaltungsakte, Erlasse, Weisungen), Gerichtsentscheidungen (z. B. Urteile).
 privatrechtliche Rechtsakte sind alle Willenserklärungen nichtöffentlicher Rechtssubjekte, die auf Rechtsgeschäfte (insbesondere Verträge) abzielen.
Nicht jeder Rechtsakt aufgrund des öffentlichen Rechts ist ein Hoheitsakt, sondern nur der von einer staatlichen Behörde ausgehende. Die Ernennung ist ein Rechtsakt, der darauf gerichtet ist, Art oder Inhalt des Beamtenverhältnisses festzulegen.

Rechtswirkungen
Rechtsakte mit Rechtskraft entfalten Rechtswirkungen für die Allgemeinheit (Gesetze) oder nur zwischen Beteiligten (Vertragspartner), denen sich die Betroffenen zu unterwerfen haben. Rechtsnormen können nur auf dem Weg über präzise definierte Rechtsakte (wie Gesetze, Satzungen oder Urteile) entstehen. Sofern ein Rechtsakt mittelbar Rechtswirkungen über Rechtsprinzipien erzeugt, bleibt er jedoch selbst unverbindlich und stellt deshalb keinen Rechtsetzungsakt dar. Ein Rechtsakt ist unwirksam, wenn er zunächst zwar wirksam war, jedoch aufgrund späterer Ereignisse unwirksam wird und seine Heilung nicht möglich ist.

International

Das Unionsrecht besteht aus dem Primärrecht (Vertrag über die Europäische Union), Sekundärrecht (Rechtsakte der EU) und völkerrechtlichen Abkommen der EU mit anderen Staaten/Organisationen. Rechtsakte des Sekundärrechts werden im Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union (Reihen L und C) veröffentlicht. Im Europarecht wird eine Rechtshandlung der EU als Rechtsakt () bezeichnet. Gemäß  AEUV gibt es verbindliche Rechtsakte (EU-Verordnungen, EU-Richtlinien, EU-Beschlüsse) und unverbindliche Rechtsakte (Empfehlungen, Stellungnahmen). Der verbindliche Rechtsakt ist ein "Rechtsakt mit Verordnungscharakter" (vgl.  Abs. 4 AEUV). Der Begriff "Rechtsakt mit Verordnungscharakter" nach  Abs. 4 AEUV ist dahin zu verstehen, "dass er mit Ausnahme der Gesetzgebungsakte jede Handlung von allgemeiner Geltung erfasst". Maßgeblich für den EU-Rechtsakt ist allein, dass eine rechtlich relevante Handlung vorliegt.

Einzelnachweise

Juristische Methodenlehre
Gesetzgebungslehre
Rechtsquellenlehre

ru:Правовой акт


And her name sounds suspiciously familiar.
Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are among the most private of celebrity couples. The last time they reproduced, they tried to keep it under wraps. Probably because they knew how the world would freak out upon learning that Ryan Gosling, the Internet's collective boyfriend—he of Feminist Ryan Gosling, Hey Girl, and the face that launched a thousand more memes—was going to be a father. And now, they've done it again! They've welcomed another daughter into the world, and on the same stealth terms as the first time.
Mendes and Gosling were able to keep their first pregnancy quiet for almost seven months. If they had it their way, they probably would have kept the entire thing secret pretty much forever, until their daughter had graduated from college and taken up crocheting on a remote island in Canada (because doesn't that sound like a career Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes's daughter would have?).
The couple welcomed their first daughter (the imagined future crocheter), Esmeralda Amada, in September of 2014. Her arrival was kept extremely quiet, save for TMZ obtaining a copy of Esmeralda's birth certificate. In November 2014, Mendes told Violet Grey that "Amada was my grandmother's name. It means 'beloved' in Spanish.'" We hope you're paying attention, because this is going to come up again shortly.
Just last month, hot off the heels that the other handsome Canadian named Ryan (as in Reynolds) had impregnated his lady for the second time, we got word that Gosling and Mendes were also expecting their second child—and that its arrival was imminent. These two have reached Jason Bourne levels of stealth when it comes to procreating and keeping it out of the public eye.
Now, less than one month after we found out that there was to be a second Baby Goose in the world, she's reportedly arrived. The super sleuths slash hospital-record stalkers at TMZ have obtained a copy of a birth certificate for what appears to be the second Gosling-Mendes daughter. We've reached out to both actors' reps for comment or confirmation and will update this story when we hear back.
According to the birth certificate TMZ posted, Amada—see, there's that name again—Lee Gosling was born on April 29, 2016, at 8:03 A.M., in Santa Monica. Her father is listed as Ryan Thomas Gosling of Canada, born on November 12, 1980 (which checks out as Gosling's birthday). Her mother is Eva De La Caridad Mendez, which is Eva Mendes's real name, born on March 5, 1974 (Mendes's correct birthday). All of the details line up.
So, let us rejoice, as there is [allegedly] another baby Gosling in the world. We like to imagine Ryan walking into the house after a hard day on the press-junket circuit for The Nice Guys. He takes off his fancy junket clothes and puts on an old band T-shirt and ripped jeans. He looks around, sighs contentedly, and says, "Hey, girls," a happy smile on his lips.
What's on Eva Mendes's Vanity Table?
Favorite Day Cream (top): Dr. Perricone Face Finishing Moisturizer. Favorite Night Cream (bottom): Dr. Perricone Cold Plasma.
Favorite Eye Shadow: Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in, from top, Ballet, Terracotta, and Lagoon.
Favorite Foundation: Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer.
Favorite Nail Polish: Essie in Mucho Dinero.
Favorite Candle: Diptyque in Baies.
Favorite Eye Cream: La Mer Eye Balm Intense.
Favorite Mascara: Stila Forever Your Curl.
Favorite Eyeliner: Le Metier de Beaute Precision Liquid Eyeliner.
Favorite Lipstick: Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color in, from top, Casablanca, Spanish Pink, and Coco Ravish (new colors available in October).
Favorite Fragrance: Thierry Mugler Angel Eau de Toilette.
Favorite Body Moisturizer: Mario Badescu Super Rich Olive Body Lotion.
Favorite Sunblock: Dr. Perricone No Foundation Foundation S.P.F. 30.
Favorite Shampoo and Conditioner: Pantene Pro-V Medium-Thick Breakage to Strength.


Taking an in depth look at Clerics within the d20 system, this sourcebook is dedicated to players interested in running Cleric-classed characters. Written by Sam Witt (Chaos Magic), this sourcebook gives a wealth of new skills, feats and prestige classes but The Quintessential Cleric sets itself apart by introducing many new character options any Cleric may attempt. As well as introducing many new tricks of the trade, players will also be able to access the deepest secrets of congregations, building temples and drawing upon the raw power of faith. The Quintessential Cleric is a toolkit for every player wishing to exploit the full capabilities of his or her character.


Harvard Neurosurgeon: "I Have Proof of an Afterlife"
Dr. James Bernat says he found life after death, and he's not the only one.
Most people believe in a religious or spiritual afterlife, which we can't prove exists. But what about an afterlife where one is physically present?
Dr. Eben Alexander, a neurosurgeon, recently claimed that he experienced life after clinically dying.
In 2008, Dr. Alexander was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and was in a coma for 7 days. Doctors considered him brain dead. Dr. Alexander's cortex was completely shut off, meaning that it was medically impossible for him to have the smallest bit of consciousness. But when Dr. Alexander was unconscious, he said he saw birds, clouds and vivid colors, and received positive messages from an angelic figure.
"While the neurons of my cortex were stunned to complete inactivity by the bacteria that had attacked them, my brain-free consciousness journeyed to another, larger dimension of the universe," he said. Dr. Alexander documented this out-of-body experience in his book "Proof of Heaven," which was named a New York Times "Best Seller" in 2012.
Alexander is just one of a number of people who have reportedly experienced visions after being pronounced clinically dead. Doctors report patients as "clinically dead" after they lose function in one of the vital organs – either the brain or the heart.
Dr. James Bernat, a neurologist at Dartmouth explained that clinical death is an ambiguous term. For example, you can be brain dead if you lose function in every part of your brain. But this doesn't mean the rest of your body is dead—all other organs could very well be functioning simultaneously.
Then you have death as a result of the loss of heartbeat. However, if CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), the medical process known as "mouth to mouth" is performed, the heart can stop and restart again. Patients who've undergone cardiac arrest have also had experiences like Dr. Alexander's, and researchers at the University of Southampton spent four years studying this.
Though more and more cases of awareness and "life after death" are being reported, the number of affected individuals is still low, according to a study published this year in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.
Only about 10 percent of patients survive after experiencing cardiac arrest and receiving CPR, which means that the a small number of people can experience consciousness while "dead." Not to mention, in the Southampton study, only 2 percent of participants reported experiencing full-on visual awareness.
Nevertheless, out-of-body experiences remain a conversation-starter, and those who have been in these situations want others to believe in the phenomenon.
Dr. Alexander, who was stunned by his experience, wants other disbelievers to believe in life after death. "I intend to spend the rest of my life investigating the true nature of consciousness and making the fact that we are more, much more, than our physical brains as clear as I can, both to my fellow scientists and to people at large," he said.