REPENTANCE is the key to eternal life. Without REPENTANCE towards God, there is no SALVATION. REPENTANCE is the key to the kingdom of God. When Jesus began his ministry, he declared that the kingdom of God was at hand and the need for REPENTANCE. Jesus said 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: REPENT ye, and BELIEVE THE GOSPEL' Mk1:15. REPENTANCE is believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ regarding sin, forgiveness, and holiness. NO REPENTANCE, NO SALVATION, NO ETERNAL LIFE!
Jesus went everywhere in Judea telling people to REPENT of their sins Mt9:13. He said 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to REPENTANCE' Lk5:32. Jesus said '.. EXCEPT ye REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH' Lk13:3, and '.. EXCEPT a man be BORN AGAIN, he cannot see the kingdom of God' Jn3:3. Thus, without REPENTANCE and being BORN AGAIN, one cannot be saved and go to heaven, but would PERISH in HELL! The apostle Paul said 'For godly sorrow worketh REPENTANCE to SALVATION not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death' 2Co7:10. REPENTANCE is the key to heaven and to eternal life!
What is Repentance? Why Repent?
REPENTANCE means to turn away from our sins, seek forgiveness from God, and accepting Jesus Christ as Saviour. The need for REPENTANCE began in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve gave in to the temptation of the Serpent to eat of the forbidden fruit, and fell into sin and corruption. The apostle Paul wrote 'Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned' Ro5:12. Sin and death were passed on to every man, woman, and child that subsequently came into this world. The Bible declared 'For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God' Ro3:23, and '.. the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord' Ro6:23.
Thus, there is a death penalty on every person born into this world that only faith in Jesus Christ can pardon. This death is not just physical death, but spiritual death where a person would spend eternity in hell and damnation. Only through REPENTANCE can one be forgiven of his sins and be restored unto God. Forgiveness was made possible by Jesus Christ dying on the cross for our sins Mt1:21. The apostle John wrote 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness' 1Jn1:9. REPENTANCE is to seek God's Forgiveness of our sins, and thus be cleansed from all unrighteousness.
John the Baptist, was a REPENTANCE preacher chosen by God to declare the coming of Jesus Christ. John was a coarse person clothed in 'camel's hair, and a leather girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey' Mt3:4; 'John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of REPENTANCE for the remission of sins' Mk1:4. John's tenure was very short, but his message was very powerful. John was 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness, PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD, make his paths straight.. all flesh shall see the SALVATION of God' Is40:3,Lk3:3,6. 'The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD, which taketh away the sin of the world' Jn1:29. Jesus was the SACRIFICIAL LAMB to atone for all our sins so we can be reconciled to God!
Multitudes came out to see John the Baptist from '.. Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the PHARISEES and SADDUCEES come to his baptism, he said unto them, O GENERATION of VIPERS, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for REPENTANCE' Mt3:5-8. Due to his outspokenness against sin, John literally 'lost his head' when King Herod ordered his execution because his unlawful wife Herodias requested John's head on a platter Mt14:1-12. John said 'He must increase, but I must decrease' Jn3:30, which Jesus did upon John's death. John the Baptist served as forerunner to Jesus Christ, who took the need for REPENTANCE and SALVATION message to all of us Jn3:16,17.
The PHARISEES and SADDUCEES, the religious leaders then, were pleased to see John killed as he was a great irritant and threat to their power over the people. They were not much different from today when ministers feel threatened by criticism for not preaching against sin and calling people to REPENTANCE. But the religious leaders then did not know that they would have to contend with someone else much greater and much more outspoken than John. Jesus began His ministry after his baptism by John when '.. the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased' Lk3:23.
Jesus, the Word of God, laid aside His heavenly splendor and took upon himself the form of a servant to die for our sins. As a man, he did not seek fame or fortune, but humbled himself even unto the death of the CROSS– a human sacrifice at Calvary to shed His blood for our sins Php2:5-8. His time on earth was short, only 33 years. His divine mission was to seek and save the lost Lk19:10 by calling us to REPENTANCE; that by believing in Him, we should not PERISH' but have everlasting life Jn3:16. Jesus was motivated by love to save us. He was a loner, a man of sorrow, grief, and agony, who suffered a very brutal death. Though innocent, he was abused, despised, rejected, and crucified by the religious leaders and by his own people.
Regarding Jesus, Isaiah prophesied: 'Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.. and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin..' Is53:4-6,10. God laid upon Jesus all the sins of the world. Jesus came to bring us SALVATION. But only through REPENTANCE toward God can there be SALVATION through Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about REPENTANCE and the turning to God. Jesus said '.. except ye REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH' Lk13:3,5. Without REPENTANCE, everyone would PERISH. Many people know Jn3:16 which states 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not PERISH, but have everlasting life'. But few know who said this, and to whom it was spoken to. Here Jesus was speaking in the 3rd person of Himself to Nicodemus, a Pharisee ruler of the Jews, who came to Jesus at night Jn3:1,2. Jesus said 'For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved' Jn3:17.
Jesus also warned 'Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it' Mt7:13,14. According to Jesus many will go down the broad road to damnation, but only a few will find the narrow way to be saved. Like today, people then did not want to hear anyone telling them of their sins or to stop sinning, and that they needed to REPENT or they would PERISH in HELL.
The need to be spiritually 'BORN AGAIN' in order to attain everlasting life was new to everyone including Nicodemus. Jesus said 'Except a man be BORN AGAIN, he cannot see the kingdom of God.. Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God' Jn3:3,5. Nicodemus asked Jesus 'How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?' Jn3:4. Jesus meant a person needs to be spiritually renewed by repenting of his sins, and thus be BORN AGAIN by the Word of God and by the Spirit of God. Paul wrote we are sanctified and cleansed '..with the washing of the water by the Word' Ep5:26. Only by REPENTANCE can we be BORN AGAIN. It is the only way we will be able to see and enter into the kingdom of God, and to go to heaven. Jesus said 'Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be BORN AGAIN' Jn3:7. NO REPENTANCE, NO SALVATION, NO ETERNAL LIFE!
On the day of Pentecost, when 120 people were first baptized with the Holy Ghost Ac1:5, Peter gave a very anointed message before the multitudes regarding the recent past events of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. He said 'Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it … Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same JESUS, whom ye have crucified, both LORD and CHRIST' Ac2:22-24,36.
The people were pierced in their hearts and asked what they should do to be forgiven and to be saved. Peter replied '..REPENT, and be baptized every one of you in the name of JESUS CHRIST for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost' Ac2:38. On that day, about 3000 people REPENTED, were baptized and saved, and became followers of Jesus Christ Ac2:41. The key here to SALVATION was REPENTANCE first.
Shortly after, when Peter and John went to the temple to pray, they met a man over 40 years old lame from birth who begged for alms daily Ac3:2,4:22. Peter said 'Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth rise up and walk' Ac3:6. The man was healed instantly; he went 'walking, and leaping, and praising God' Ac3:8. The people marveled at this and Peter replied that it was not him, but the name of Jesus and through faith in His name that healed this man Ac3:12,16. Then Peter told them 'REPENT ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out..' Ac3:19. Peter later said 'The Lord is not slack concerning his promise.. but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should PERISH, but that all should come to REPENTANCE' 2Pe3:9. Here again, we see the importance of REPENTANCE towards God for the forgiveness of sins. Without REPENTANCE towards God, there is no SALVATION!
While John the Baptist was chosen to announce the coming of Jesus Christ to the Jews, God chose the apostle Paul to further the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST to the rest of the world. Paul wrote 'For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith.. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men..' Ro1:16-18. He said 'I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified' 1Co2:2. Paul said 'For godly sorrow worketh REPENTANCE to SALVATION not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death' 2Co7:10; 'For the preaching of the CROSS is to them that PERISH foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the POWER OF GOD' 1Co1:18.
During his arrest by the Romans, Paul testified before King Agrippa saying 'I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them ..throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should REPENT and turn to God, and do works meet for REPENTANCE' Ac26:19,20. Paul was chosen by Jesus to preach REPENTANCE to the people: 'To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me' Ac26:18. REPENTANCE is a must for SALVATION, and preaching the CROSS is essential for REPENTANCE and ETERNAL LIFE. NO REPENTANCE, NO SALVATION, NO ETERNAL LIFE!
The churches' first and last order of business should be to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Anything short of this is false, a deception, and a total failure. If one goes to church but loses his soul, the church has failed him, and he will PERISH in HELL. In church, we are supposed to learn about GOD, JESUS, and ETERNAL LIFE- how to be saved, and how we should live our lives! If the churches are not preaching REPENTANCE and HOLINESS, they miss the whole point about being a church.
In the book of Revelation, Jesus told the church of Ephesus 'Remember therefore from whence thou art FALLEN, and REPENT, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou REPENT' Re2:5. Even churches need to REPENT or they will be removed and have no part in God's kingdom. Unfortunately, many pastors, ministers, and denominations today do not believe in the BORN AGAIN experience or the need to be BORN AGAIN. They themselves are NOT BORN AGAIN and NOT SAVED and will PERISH in HELL one day. They just don't believe what Jesus said it takes to be SAVED: 'Except a man be BORN AGAIN, he cannot see the kingdom of God' Jn3:3. They don't believe REPENTANCE and HOLINESS are necessary for SALVATION, and thus they don't take heed to the words of Jesus. Without REPENTANCE towards God, there is no SALVATION!
Many apostate churches today are very soft on sin and on HOLINESS. They have the trappings of doing church- rituals and programs, entertainment, and a social gospel, but lack the POWER to bring anyone to conviction and a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote 'Having a FORM of godliness, but denying the POWER thereof: from such turn away' 2Ti3:5. They don't talk much about sin, the need for REPENTANCE and for HOLINESS, and to live for God. They also don't warn about about deception, false prophets, Satan, damnation, hell, salvation, the lateness of the hour, the wrath of God to come, the Great Tribulation, Bible prophecy, and what is happening in the world today and what Jesus said about the signs of His coming. They don't talk about how to be ready for Jesus' coming and to be ready for the Rapture.
Many churches don't make altar calls for people to seek God for forgiveness of their sins and to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour or to recommit their lives to the Him. This is the old-fashion Gospel, and not politically correct. They don't want members to feel uncomfortable, threatened, or offended, because they may just not return. Church youths are especially ignorant of what is happening, and are not warned to refrain from youthful lusts and sexual sins. Paul said 'Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart' 2Ti2:22. Thus, many people go to church as unsaved sinners, and leave church still unsaved. So sadly, many people will not REPENT of their sins, will miss the Rapture and be Left Behind in a world that is literally falling apart, and may eventually end up in HELL.
Jesus said .. except ye REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH' Lk13:3. PERISH is a very harsh word! What does it mean to PERISH, as also mentioned in Jn3:16? To PERISH is to be destroyed, to spend eternity in hell and in the lake of fire in suffering, torment, and torture. Jesus said 'whosoever was not found written in the (Lamb's) book of life was cast into the lake of fire' Re20:15,21:27. While we are yet alive, this is our only opportunity to humble ourselves, to REPENT, to be forgiven of our sins, and to accept Jesus Christ as Saviour. Jesus said 'For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?' Mk8:36. The choice is yours to make. This is the Call To REPENTANCE! NO REPENTANCE, NO SALVATION, NO ETERNAL LIFE!


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13 Photos Of Keisha & Omar Epps Looking Very Much In Love To Celebrate Their 13th Wedding Anniversary
Source: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images / Getty
This week, actor Omar Epps and his stunning wife, former Total singer Keisha Epps (formerly Spivey), are celebrating 13 years of marriage. The couple married in 2006 and have two children together (Omar also has a daughter from a previous relationship). The pair, who have been an item since 1999, have made many memories together and built a very special bond. They celebrated their anniversary publicly by posting about how important they are to one another on Instagram. The actor, who called his wife his "anchor," said their marriage has "been a wonderfully fulfilling journey, and I pray that we continue on together fearlessly, and unapologetically":
Lucky 13… My anchor, my angel, my beautiful wife @lovekeishaepps! Thank you for all that you are, all that you give, and all that you stand for. Though life has thrown its twists, and turns at us, that's when we ride out like "look, no hands."  Words can't really describe that feeling of US. It's been a wonderfully fulfilling journey, and I pray that we continue on together fearlessly, and unapologetically. I salute you, I stand by you, and I LOVE you endlessly! ❤❤❤❤❤ #MyQueen #MyAngel #TheMatriarchOfATribeCalledEpps
A post shared by Omar Epps (@omarepps) on Feb 11, 2019 at 3:05pm PST
Keisha, who shared the same photo of the two together, called Omar her "blessing" and said, "I'm saying 'I do' again and again and again."
"There's no LOVE like the LOVE we share.The LOVE we know baby….the ups, the downs, the challenges, the push, the growth, the joy," she wrote. "We've seen every corner of LOVE. There is no one I'd choose to do this life with my LOVE. You are my blessing❤ Now..next chapter…Hope you're ready."
One of the keys to making their marriage work for more than a decade, according to the actor, is agreeing that no matter what happens or how they might squabble, there is no quitting.
"We took breaking up off the table from the beginning," he told Angie Martinez in 2018. "It's something we did through conversation. That's not an option. It just changes the way you function in a relationship. Because when you get to the turbulent parts, it changes how you deal with one another. Because a lot of times, we're in relationships, you going off all crazy and it's just like, 'Whatever! Whatever!' But if you take that option off the table, it changes [things]. A lot situations that might have been an argument are a conversation. You're hearing one another out. You're trying to understand where you're coming from. 'Oh ok, I get it.' And then you just keep pushing."
To celebrate the love of one of our favorite couples, hit the flip and check out 13 photos of the pair together spanning their 13 years as husband and wife.
Source: Frazer Harrison / Getty
Source: Jason Merritt / Getty
Source: Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank / Getty
Source: Jason Kempin / Getty
Source: Andreas Branch/Patrick McMullan / Getty
Source: Giulio Marcocchi / Getty
Source: J.Sciulli / Getty
Source: John Shearer / Getty
Source: Gregg DeGuire / Getty
Source: David Buchan / Getty
Source: David Livingston / Getty

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Countless of apps spring up daily like mushrooms after the rain, but not all developers have what it takes to make their apps great. By following these steps, you will learn or remember that details make the difference and can make or break an app.
New app aims to help you capture and organise your ideas.


I Need To Forewarn You That There Is Something Funny About The Show Tonight Other Than Me. Which Means It Might Actually Be Funny Ha Ha Instead Of Funny Strange This Time Around! Special Guest: David Owen, Co-Founder Of San Francisco SketchFest. And We Celebrate The Ninth Anniversary Of This Radio Show!
Set #1 In Honor Of Tonight's Special Guest, For Once I'm Going To Let The Music Be Funny, Except For The Fact That These Songs Aren't Really Very Happy. Music's Funny That Way!
Set #2 Special Guest: David Owen, Co-Founder Of San Francisco Sketchfest!
Set #3 Well After All That Kidding Around We Better Get Soulful Or The Friday Night Session Won't Be Willing To Go On The Air After This, And Fact Is While I've Got All Night, Even Though I Love Being On The Radio, I Have Other Things I Want To Do So If Can't Hang On Much Longer I'll Get Crabby!
Set #4 This Last Set Is Designed To Make You Nostalgic And If It Doesn't Succeed, Then You Can Listen To It Again From The Beginning. Yes, That Was A Trick Intro!


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Q: boost::serialization: is it possible to avoid template functions? I have a struct from external library for which I wrote some non-intrusive serialization methods. Also there's my wrapper for this struct, and I'm trying to keep all dependencies from external struct to this wrapper. The problem is, all serialization methods are template, so they are defined in header files and propagate dependency from the external library to everyone serializing the wrapper, which I'm trying to avoid. Is it possible to solve this problem?
UPD: Initially I had something like this:
// serialization.h

#include <external_library.h>

template <typename Archive>

void serialize(Archive& archive, ExternalStruct& external_struct, const unsigned int version) {
    // ...
}

Then I tried to make the serialization function non-template for the specific type of archive:
// serialization.h

#include <boost/archive/binary_iarchive.hpp>
#include <boost/archive/binary_oarchive.hpp>

struct ExternalStruct;

void serialize(boost::archive::binary_iarchive& archive, ExternalStruct& external_struct, const unsigned int version);
void serialize(boost::archive::binary_oarchive& archive, ExternalStruct& external_struct, const unsigned int version);

// serialization.cpp

#include <external_library.h>
#include "serialization.h"

void serialize(boost::archive::binary_iarchive& archive, ExternalStruct& external_struct, const unsigned int version) {
    // ...
}

void serialize(boost::archive::binary_oarchive& archive, ExternalStruct& external_struct, const unsigned int version) {
    // ...
}

But then I get many compile errors:
no type named 'type' in 'struct boost::mpl::greater<boost::serialization::tracking_level<ExternalStruct>, mpl_::int_<0> >'
     BOOST_STATIC_WARNING(typex::value);

A: I think you will get nicer code if you keep template  declaration  in you header file
// serialization.h

#include <external_library.h>

struct ExternalStruct;
template <typename Archive>
void serialize(Archive& archive, ExternalStruct& external_struct, const unsigned int version);

You then put template implementation into your source file which hiding the details:
// serialization.cpp
#include "serialization.h"

#include <external_library.h>

template <typename Archive>
void serialize(Archive& archive, ExternalStruct& external_struct, const unsigned int version)
{
    // ... details here
}

Finally you put "explicit instantiation" for specific archive types you plan to use. This code goes into the same source file as above.
// serialization.cpp continued
#include <boost/archive/binary_iarchive.hpp>
#include <boost/archive/binary_oarchive.hpp>

template void serialize(boost::archive::binary_iarchive& archive,
     ExternalStruct& external_struct, const unsigned int version); // explicit instantiation.
template void serialize(boost::archive::binary_oarchive& archive,
     ExternalStruct& external_struct, const unsigned int version); // explicit instantiation.

A: Of course this is possible.
You could write a own function for each method you would like to use.
It's pretty ugly, to maintain, but a way you can use without any need of templates.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


WHY RENT WHEN YOU CAN OWN A SINGLE FAMILY HOME ON A HUGE LOT WITH A DETACHED GARAGE FOR LESS!!. Welcome to this bungalow located on a quiet street in Mayfield with just under 1000 sqft of living space and 2 great sized bedrooms (formally a 3 bedroom&could be easily converted back). This well loved home features open concept feel between kitchen and living room, newer kitchen with shaker style maple cabinets, counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Kitchen overlooks sunny south facing backyard and dining area features walk in pantry/storage/laundry room and sliding patio doors open to large deck. Full bathroom offers newer plumbing, deep soaker tub, dual flush toilet and glass vessel sink. Oak hardwood floors throughout with ceramic tiled bathroom and laundry room. Oversized master with sitting area and walk in closet. Upgrades include newer high energy efficient furnace, newer shingles (2011), newer deck, firepit, fully fenced large private backyard, and insulated garage doors. Just 10 mins from DT!!


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Stream or buy on:
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Chicago Soul Folk Jazz Singer/Songwriter Progressive Folk Soul
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Terry Callier
AllMusic Review by Thom Jurek
Occasional Rain, originally released in 1972, is the first of three albums, Chicago singer/songwriter Terry Callier cut for Cadet in the 1970s with producer Charles Stepney. Eight years earlier Callier, then a soulful blues and folk singer, cut an album of covers (as was par for the course in 1964 at the end of the folk revival, Bob Dylan was just getting his momentum) for Prestige, but it was shelved until 1968 and went nowhere. Callier spent the intervening time touring coffeehouses and small clubs around the country until he signed with Cadet. While the voice is most certainly the same, the nearly alchemical transformation of his sound via his own songwriting -- and the way those songs were treated by Stepney -- is still mind-boggling. Occasional Rain is recorded as a suite; not quite a concept album, there are segues, all titled "Go Head On," fading in and out that introduce various stages in the recording. Stepney put together a band led by Callier's excellent acoustic guitar playing, his own harpsichord and organ, pianist Leonard Pirani, bassist Sydney Simms, and drummer Bob Crowder -- it's the leanest production job in their collaboration. The beautiful touch, though, is Stepney adding a backing chorus with sopranos Minnie Riperton and Kitty Haywood, and contralto Shirley Wahls! The nearly baroque soul sound is heard almost immediately on the classic "Ordinary Joe." The organ and harpsichord momentarily offer the false impression of horns in a pulsing 4/4 before Callier lays out the poetic truth of his protagonist: "For my openin' line/I might try to indicate my state of mind/Or turn you on-or tell you that I'm laughin'/Just to keep from cryin'...Now I've seen a sparrow get high/And waste his time in the sky/He thinks it's easy to fly/he's just a little bit freer than me..." The jumbled images are met with the swell of a taut, killer band; they give him more room out there on the ledge to let his freely associated snapshots articulate into a whole that expresses a transition from heartbreak to resistance to determination, to a holistic spirituality and ultimately to hope as he transfers it from his own view to the woman he is addressing. Whew. These cats could have recorded for Buddah backing the Lemon Pipers, but Stepney keeps it from any saccharine sweetness, and makes it all flow into the direct expression of deep emotion.
"Golden Circle" follows, with that choir in the backdrop flowing in and out of a very scaled back mix where acoustic piano and Callier's acoustic guitar lead the flow of this deep expression of love as vulnerability. The grain in Callier's voice is very masculine, but its tenderness is total, his words poetic; sophisticated yet very direct. The added cello on "Trance on Sedgwick Street," by Earl Madison, makes for the startling juxtaposition of hard, street-tough truth and a critical examination of spirituality. Callier's guitar and that multi-tracked cello are devastatingly effective. The folk and blues roots in Callier's writing and singing just pour from this tune, but Stepney understands that these are soul tunes, so he creates bridges from one tradition to the next, making it a seamless whole.
The other classic tune from this session is the title cut. This beautiful and startling psychedelic soul tune is unlike anything else in Callier's catalog. Stepney adds multi-channel sound effects, tiny little organ tones that float through each channel beginning at the end of certain lines seemingly randomly. As an acoustic guitar plays atop a church organ which swells in the middle eight to fill out a shelf underneath Callier's voice, it feels like an entire universe floating between one channel and the next (especially on headphones!). It can even be startling, as those sounds, even though they are expected, are kind of a shock -- you'll need to listen through it a couple of times to get the full meaning of the Callier's gorgeous songwriting. In reference to the "Go Ahead On": they are the only direct reference to the blues roots in the songwriter's past and are very effective at both establishing that musical continuum and highlighting this wonderful new direction. This record is tight in a way the other Callier titles are sprawling. Here he holds the songs in check, and Stepney supports that while expanding the sonic palette that frames them. Certainly "Blues for Marcus," touches on those blues roots, to be sure, but the cellos and the decorative acoustic guitar turn it into a soul tune. That's what happens in the hands of two masters who know how to work together. Callier probably had no idea he was so inspired until he and Stepney began to tease the genius out of the songs on tape and illustrate them in such an organic yet wildly expansive way. The final cut "Lean on Me" (not to be confused with the Bill Withers tune of the same name) sends the set out on the highest of high notes: Callier's voice is so firm and determined, but his gentleness is not to be underestimated. The empathic dedication in his singing -- and its encouragement by that chorus of women makes the track -- and the album -- transcendent.


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A biospleen is born
Posted on November 17, 2014 March 22, 2017 by Tom Ulrich
Posted in Devices, Innovation, People
More On: biospleen, organ-on-a-chip, sepsis, Wyss Institute
The Wyss Institute's biospleen. (Photos courtesy Wyss Institute)
On a Friday morning a few years ago, a childhood friend of mine walked into his doctor's office, saying his hip hurt. The pain was pretty severe, and had been getting worse for several days.
By Saturday morning, he was in intensive care, fighting for his life against an overwhelming case of sepsis. He survived, but at a cost: he's now a quadruple amputee.
It's people like him—and the other million-plus Americans who develop sepsis every year—that Donald Ingber, MD, PhD, and his team had in mind while developing the biospleen, a device that filters sepsis-causing pathogens from the blood. Announced to the world in September, the biospleen grew out of the organs-on-chips technology that Ingber's team at the Wyss Institute for Biomedically Inspired Engineering launched commercially this past summer.
Chipping away at sepsis
Nearly 20 years ago, Ingber—founding director of the Wyss Institute, Judah Folkman Professor of Vascular Biology at Harvard Medical School and a senior researcher in Boston Children's Hospital's Vascular Biology Program (VBP)—was collaborating with Harvard University chemistry professor George Whitesides, PhD, on technologies for microfluidic chips.
The Whitesides lab had worked out a way to create networks of microscopic channels filled with fluids, using methods first developed to make computer chips. But those microchannels, Ingber notes, had an interesting effect on fluid flow, one he thought could be useful for making a therapeutic device.
Donald Ingber, MD, PhD
"At that small-size scale, you essentially have laminar flow," he explains, referring to a phenomenon in fluid dynamics where two fluids flow side by side without mixing. "There's no turbulence, no mixing. So if you engineer two inlets [into a chip] that join together into one larger vessel with two outlets, and put two different color dyes in, they don't mix."
Ingber's lab thought they could harness that effect to develop a simple concept for cleansing inflammation-triggering pathogens and toxins from the blood of patients with sepsis. The idea was to mix the blood with magnetic nanoparticles coated with materials that would bind to the pathogens, and then pump the blood through a dialysis-like device alongside a neighboring flow of saline. Magnets would pull the pathogen-bound beads out of blood and into the saline, and the device would then return the cleansed blood to the patient.
In a 2009 Lab on a Chip paper, his lab reported proof-of-concept success, pulling more than 80 percent of Candida albicans fungi (a major sepsis pathogen) out of spiked, flowing human blood. He called the device a "spleen-on-a-chip," because it mimicked the spleen's ability to remove pathogens from blood.
A magnetic dust cloth for pathogens
The trick, though, was making the blood filter universal, so that it could remove any kind of pathogen. "When a patient comes to the intensive care unit with sepsis, you don't know what the pathogen is," Ingber says. "In fact, more than 50 percent of patients with fulminant sepsis have negative blood cultures; you never know what the pathogen is. You're treating blindly."
When he brought the technology over to the Wyss, Ingber found a solution: a protein we produce in our blood called mannose-binding lectin (MBL). Part of our innate immune system, MBL is a protein that latches on to a wide variety of sepsis-causing agents. "MBL can bind to more than 90 different gram-negative and -positive bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites and different toxins like endotoxin," Ingber explains.
MBL-coated beads (gray spheres) swarm over E. coli (blue) and staphylococcus (orange), two sepsis-causing bacteria. (Images courtesy of the Wyss Institute)
In our bodies, MBL grabs hold of pathogens and guides them to the spleen for removal. To mimic this effect ex vivo, Ingber and Wyss scientists Joo Kang, PhD, and Michael Super, PhD, coated magnetic beads with a genetically modified form of MBL and combined them with an improved microfluidic device that more closely mimicked the spleen's structure.
"When blood reaches the spleen, the flow slows down to a trickle in what are called sinusoids," Ingber explains. "That's where pathogens bind to MBL and macrophages pull bound MBL out of the circulation. The blood then returns to the venous system. So we developed a device with larger channels and sinusoid-like connections between channels."
When the team tested the resulting biospleen against multiple pathogens in human blood and in a rat model of sepsis, the results were impressive. As they reported in Nature Medicine, after five hours of filtering, the biospleen removed 90 percent of pathogens and toxins from both spiked human blood and the rats' bloodstreams. Survival among the treated animals was 90 percent, compared to 14 percent in controls.
To get the whole story, watch this video by Ingber and his team at the Wyss:
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Bone marrow transplant: A procedure in which bone marrow that is diseased or damaged is replaced with healthy bone marrow. The bone marrow to be replaced may be deliberately destroyed by high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
The replacement marrow may be the patient's own marrow or it may come from another person. If the marrow comes from the patient. it is called an autologous bone marrow transplant. If the marrow is from an identical twin, it is termed a syngeneic transplant. And if the marrow is from a donor who is not an identical twin, the procedure is an allogeneic bone marrow transplant. Most bone marrow transplants today are allogeneic.
Bone marrow transplant is abbreviated BMT.


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Intelligence and National Security
2016-09-20T18:05:14-04:00https://images.c-span.org/Files/fd8/20160920181702003_hd.jpgDirector of National Intelligence James Clapper talked about intelligence gathering and national security threats. He discussed with David Ignatius efforts to combat ISIL*, saying the military strategy was working in Iraq and Syria, but the U.S. would be in the business of suppressing extremist movements for some time. In addition, Director Clapper talked about the Edward Snowden revelations saying he would not offer him a pardon or agree to a negotiated settlement. Other topics addressed included North Korea's nuclear program, cyber attacks on the U.S. political system and Russian aggression.
This was the third program in the series "Securing Tomorrow with David Ignatius" at The Washington Post Live Center. Raytheon was the presenting sponsor.
*The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), or the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS or DAISH/DAESH in Arabic), is a militant group that has called itself the Islamic State.
Director of National Intelligence James Clapper talked about intelligence gathering and national security threats. He discussed with David Ignatius efforts… read more
Director of National Intelligence James Clapper talked about intelligence gathering and national security threats. He discussed with David Ignatius efforts to combat ISIL*, saying the military strategy was working in Iraq and Syria, but the U.S. would be in the business of suppressing extremist movements for some time. In addition, Director Clapper talked about the Edward Snowden revelations saying he would not offer him a pardon or agree to a negotiated settlement. Other topics addressed included North Korea's nuclear program, cyber attacks on the U.S. political system and Russian aggression.
*The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), or the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS or DAISH/DAESH in Arabic), is a militant group that has called itself the Islamic State. close
Filter by Speaker All Speakers James R. Clapper Richard "Rick" W. Hunt David Ignatius Frederick J. Ryan
James R. Clapper Director Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Richard "Rick" W. Hunt Vice President Raytheon Co->U.S. Business Development
David Ignatius Columnist Washington Post
Frederick J. Ryan Publisher Washington Post
[Washington Post][Washington Post]
Sep 20, 2016 | 6:05pm EDT | C-SPAN 3
Sep 20, 2016 | 6:00pm EDT | C-SPAN RADIO
Sep 21, 2016 | 2:08am EDT | C-SPAN 1
See all on National Security Intelligence Terrorism
President Obama Statement on Weekend Terrorist Attacks
President Obama delivered a statement from New York City on the bombing in Manhattan, attempted attack in New Jersey,…
James Clapper on National Security and Intelligence
Director of National Intelligence James Clapper discussed the role of the intelligence community during presidential transitions. After his opening…
Director of National Intelligence James Clapper talked about the mission and work of the intelligence community. He…
Homeland Security Policy
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson was interviewed by Washington Post columnist David Ignatius about a variety of…
Intelligence Gathering and Civil Liberties
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THE MITHANJOR FISH
APPEARANCE - SPECIAL ABILITIES - TERRITORY
HABITAT/BEHAVIOUR - DIET - MATING - USAGES - MYTH/LORE
The Mithanjor is a small, prolific silver fish found in ponds and lakes throughout Southern Sarvonia. It is most commonly found in the mountainous cavern pools of Een Puvtyr, supplying the Thrumgolz dwarven clan with food, but also inhabits the Aerelian Lakes, the Ancythrian Sea, and the Silvermarshes. Its name comes from the Thergerim Taal, or dwarven tongue, "mith" (mith) being "metal" or "metallic", and "anjor" (anjor) meaning simply "fish".
Appearance. Though the Mithanjor vary in length, they average one to two handspans outside of Een Puvtyr,. However, within the mineral-laden, algae-rich pools of this underground city, these little fish thrive, and can grow to be a fore or more. Dwarves boast that a 2-fore Mithanjor has been caught here! Even granting that the dwarven fore is somewhat shorter than the human equivalent, that would be an exceptional size for this minnow-fish to attain.
The Mithanjor is silver in color, usually with darker scales on the sides of its body and lighter scales on the top and bottom. It has one dorsal fin in the middle of its back and two ventral fins: one in the center of its belly and another slightly set back towards the tail of the fish. It also has small side fins to push it through the water. These fins are far more animated than the inert dorsal and ventral ones. Most have eyes usually ranging from silver to yellow-silver in color, although a few in the deepest underground pools are completely blind. The Mithanjor's snout is short and rounded, and it has a semi-circle of tiny barbed teeth set in cartilaginous lips, which it uses to tear the algae from the rocks and stones in its habitat.
Special Abilities. These small fish are very adaptable and there are a variety of subspecies within the Mithanjor. Some are able to live in low-light conditions and have even mutated to survive in complete darkness, while others, unusually, have adapted to salt water as well as freshwater.
Territory. The Mithanjor live in freshwater lakes throughout Southern Sarvonia, primarily in the pools of Een Puvtyr. The pools, usually shallow and small enough that the algae they feed on is easy to find, seem to be the optimum habitat for these fish and because of it, they are often seen healthier and quite a bit larger in Een Puvtyr, than any other place in Santharia. They are also found in the Aerelian Lakes near the city of Salsair, as well as in the Ancythrian Sea as a meal for the vicious Ancythrian Shark. Although they can become salt-tolerant, they do not thrive in deep water, so it is rare to find them in coastal regions. Ephirn's Lake has a number of the littlest species, usually only a finger's length, while the Silvermarshes in Nyermersys are probably the best location outside of Een Puvtyr for the Mithanjor to flourish.
There are a few places where man-made lakes have been made for these fish as fish-farms where they are bred as bait, but they do not live healthily in these environments as they lack many of the natural processes that take place in their former habitats. For this reason, many usually die within the year.
Habitat/Behaviour. The Mithanjor flourish in the caverns of Een Puvtyr. Some believe it to be the darkness of the pools while others believe it is the trace minerals that seep into the underground water. Most agree, however, that the lack of predators, save the dwarves that cultivate these delicious silver fish, are what have caused it to become so successful in these pools.
The Mithanjor tends to travel in scuals of 10 to 40 in Een Puvtyr, depending on the size of the individual fish as well as the size of the pool they reside in. Why they do this is still unknown, but sage researchers think it is simply instinct that causes this behavior. In the Aerelian Lakes and especially in the Ancythrian Sea, these little minnows travel in scuals of close to 1,000, primarily for defense against predators. Inability to pinpoint a single fish in a large scual allows them more protection against the sharks and other creatures out to feast upon them.
Diet. The Mithanjor primarily feed on the algae growing on the rocks and the sea floor of their environment. The algae grow in great quantities on the walls of the pools in Een Puvtyr. These silver fish have sometimes been known to eat bugs and insects that fall on the surface of the pools and lakes in which they live. Feylien larvae, for example, are fair game in swampy areas. They will also commonly eat bread if it is given to them, and can be easily "tamed" by this method. In particular the rockbread made by the Thrumgolz clan, with beer to help it rise, is ravenously eaten up by these little fish. It is said that the dwarven children of Een Puvtyr will cluster around the pools to handfeed their Mithanjor, and at such times the water's surface becomes a shimmering mass of liquid, bubbling silver as the fish greedily rise for their food.
Mating. In spring or early summer, hundreds of fish will swarm through the pools in Een Puvtyr or swarm to a certain location in the lake or sea that they live in to mate. The mating grounds they collect at tend to be shallow or near the shore. For many non-dwarves it is an occasion to see these beautiful fish closely. There are so many some years that the pools seem to turn from plain water into molten mithril. The mating process itself is quick. They touch at the base of the other fishes' tail to deliver the milt from the male to the eggs of the female.
A female will only mate with one other male, but she usually has little or no preference as to which one. As for the males, they will mate with any available female. The strongest and the fastest will obviously get to more available females than the weak, slow one. Thus the natural cycle is maintained. The eggs, or roe, of these fish will hang in the water, often near the top, connected to air bubbles to keep them afloat on the water's surface. The roe however, aren't apparent for a few weeks, after which the individual spheres grow large enough to be seen by the naked eye. The roe is black in colour, with a silvery sheen to the surface. Some males may devour the roe which has been fertilized by other males, to ensure that their own kind carries on to the next generation, and also to help maintain the population.
In the third or fourth weeks, when the roe has matured but the young inside have not developed, the roe can be collected and eaten, usually as a topping to some other dish, though some prefer the roe plain. The dwarves of Een Puvtyr have made it part of their culture to harvest roe sensitively, so that the population of Mithanjor becomes neither too high nor endangered.
This season of eating Mithanjor roe doesn't last very long, though, for after the two months following their engendering, the spheres break open and emit tiny, two-nailsbreadths hatchlings. They stay on the mating grounds, in shallow waters, before they grow large enough to swim away.
Usages. The Mithanjor is eaten in great quantities in Een Puvtyr as a dinner dish: sometimes as the main course and other times as small side dish depending on the size. They can be dried and reconstituted in soups and chowders, and are a good traveling food for dwarves going from one cavern to the next. The smallest dried fish (hatchling size) are sometimes sprinkled over vegetable dishes or eaten as is, for a salty snack. The roe is also a popular delicacy.
Outside of Een Puvtyr, however, where the fish don't grow so large, the Mithanjor are commonly used as bait to catch larger fish. They are caught in large nets, often in great quantities, and kept alive in man-made ponds for a few weeks. Only a few human rangers, fishermen, or fortunate dwarf-friends are familiar with the delicate taste of fresh-fried Mithanjor or the salty, rich roe. If city nobles ever discovered what they were missing, we should soon see merchants beating a path to the dwarven trade caverns!
Myth/Lore. By humans these little fish are regarded only as bait, or entertainment for children playing in the shallows, so there is little in the way of myth or story about them. A purported children's song is given below, but its hackneyed form and sentimental qualities suggests that it was written by an amateur poet for children's consumption.
"Darling little Mithanjor,
Among the water bright,
How you flit and how you flee,
Like a streak of light.
Little scales on silver sides,
Little wav'ring fin,
Here's my net, oh Mithanjor,
Will you swim right in?"
However, among the dwarves they are seen as a gift of Trum-Baroll (Urtengor) and their ability to live in low-light or complete darkness a unique sign of his love for his people. The Mithanjor are harvested under supervision, and their roe gathered at the appropriate times with equal care. When eating Mithanjor the dwarves never fail to say a quick line of prayer in specific thanks to Trum-Baroll, which is recorded here in both the original Thergerim Taal and in transliteration.
!TrumBarol Korim Se MithAnjor UrtUup Theh Wyr Uhn!
(Lord Trum-Barol, for Mithanjor, good food, we thank you!)
In practice, from much usage this is often rendered as "Trumbarim Smith'njr Urpthey Wirn…" (Trumbarim Smith'njr Urpthey Wirn…), quickly mumbled so that the food does not cool, but never neglected for all their haste!
Information provided by Rayne Avalotus and Bard Judith


Do more with less is one of the principles in the design process of this clothing rack. This original Dutch Design product is made of steel and finished with a black, white or colored powder coating, combined with a wooden hanging rail. The Yaco Rack is completely collapsible, which makes it easy to bring to fair trades, fashion shows or pop-up stores.
The Yaco Rack is usable for both consumers, fashion labels as well as retailers. The clothing rack is easy to disassemble to take them to fashion fairs, presentations or for temporary pop-up shops. Retailers can use the Yaco Rack as eye catcher in the store interior or window. For consumers the clothing rack can be used as a coat rack or clothing rack in the bedroom to show your most beautiful items.


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Cormac McCarthy Says Blood Meridian Could Have an Extraordinary Payoff on Film
Posted on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 by Russ Fischer
Author Cormac McCarthy gives very few interviews. So when he does sit down and talk with someone, the result is usually worth a look. Now, as the film version of his novel The Road is rolling out, McCarthy and director John Hillcoat have done a few brief talks. It's really McCarthy's show, as Hillcoat just interjects a question or observation here and there. After the break, check out what the reclusive author has to say about the film version of All the Pretty Horses, the potential movie of Blood Meridian, and the end of the world.
The Wall St. Journal talked to McCarthy about his life, his work and outlook on existence. But let's do the strictly film-related stuff first. There is a possible film adaptation of the violent and grim Blood Meridian in the offing, once with Ridley Scott directing, now with Todd Field writing and directing. That is, if a screenplay can be assembled from the novel's collection of odd characters and incidents. With respect to Blood Meridian being an impossible adaptation, McCarthy is dismissive:
That's all crap. The fact that's it's a bleak and bloody story has nothing to do with whether or not you can put it on the screen. That's not the issue. The issue is it would be very difficult to do and would require someone with a bountiful imagination and a lot of balls. But the payoff could be extraordinary.
He also doesn't pull punches when talking about previous adaptations of his work. Not that he seems to actively dislike Billy Bob Thornton's adaptation of All the Pretty Horses, but he's not in love with it, either.
It could've been better. As it stands today it could be cut and made into a pretty good movie. The director had the notion that he could put the entire book up on the screen. Well, you can't do that. You have to pick out the story that you want to tell and put that on the screen. And so he made this four-hour film and then he found that if he was actually going to get it released, he would have to cut it down to two hours.
There's a lot more in the interview, and I recommend the whole thing. In an age of would-be celebrities that fawn at the media and spew rote positive bullshit just so they don't accidentally make anyone mad, McCarthy feels like an amazing breath of fresh air. You've got to love a guy who creates stories for a living who is this pessimistic about where the glut of media is taking us:
Just the appalling volume of artifacts [like movies, etc.] will erase all meaning that they could ever possibly have. But we probably won't get that far anyway.
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'Child of God' Teaser: James Franco Does Cormac McCarthy
/Uncategorized, All the Pretty Horses, Blood-Meridian, Cormac McCarthy


Add a cozy touch to your kitchen with this Set Of 2 Kitchen Appliance Handle Covers W/ Grape Design. Each cover is made from soft felt and features grape appliques along the front with gingham trim on both ends. The set includes two covers, with a longer 15.75 inch cover designed for oven handles and a shorter 10 inch cover that can be used on either refrigerators or microwaves. All the covers secure with a simple hook and loop closure along the back, making it easy to put on and take off the covers whenever you want.


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Landmark Hilton Glasgow Grosvenor hotel in city's West End reopens under new branding
Scottish Government accused of selling off lucrative seabed 'for a pittance' as offshore wind farm projects announced
£250m Aberdeen city deal hailed as '˜catalyst for economic growth'
ABERDEEN has been given a 'strong vote of confidence' with the formal agreement of a £250 million programme to improve infrastructure, business and jobs over the next decade.
Tuesday, 22nd November 2016, 10:25 am
Updated Tuesday, 22nd November 2016, 12:09 pm
Aberdeen is set for a major economic boost. Picture: Andy Buchanan/PA Wire
It is hoped the City Deal agreed by the UK and Scottish governments will lead to further investment from private companies and act as a "catalyst for economic growth and diversification" in the region.
The funds will support the new Oil and Gas Technology Centre in Aberdeen, the proposed expansion of Aberdeen Harbour, hubs for digital infrastructure, agricultural innovation and transport.
Details of the deal were first announced last year and the agreement was formally signed by Scotland's Economy Secretary Keith Brown and Scotland Office minister Lord Dunlop at a ceremony in Aberdeen on Monday.
Gloomy forecast for Scotland's economy after oil price slump
Both the UK and Scottish governments are contributing £125 million to the scheme, which follows a similar deal for Glasgow signed in 2014.
Ministers believe the investment will create around 3,300 new jobs over the next decade and could also generate more tax revenues.
The Scottish Government is also investing a separate £254 million in the area to support transport and housing.
Mr Brown and Lord Dunlop were joined by Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing and oil industry leader Sir Ian Wood, chairman of Opportunity North East, to sign the City Deal.
Mr Brown said: "The signing of the Aberdeen City Region Deal sends an unequivocal message that the Scottish Government is committed to boosting the north-east economy, and cementing Aberdeen's reputation as one of the world's leading cities for business and industry.
"This multimillion-pound deal will support Aberdeen's position as a global oil and gas hub, and it's fantastic to see the first tangible results of our investment through funding for the Oil and Gas Technology Centre which will help companies develop new products and processes that can reduce costs in the sector."
Lord Dunlop said: "The £250 million Aberdeen City Region Deal will make a huge difference to the region's economy, helping to boost jobs and prosperity. It is great news that we are signing the deal today, meaning we can get on with driving growth in the economy of north-east Scotland.
"A key part of the deal is to support innovation and diversification in the oil and gas industry, which is why the technology centre is so crucial. I am very pleased this week that the UK and Scottish governments have been able to release the first £4 million of funding, which will enable the Oil and Gas Technology Centre to begin its important work."
Sir Ian described the agreement as a " strong vote of confidence from Westminster and Holyrood in the dynamism, resilience, innovation and growth potential of our key industries".
He added: " Transitioning Aberdeen from a centre of operations in offshore oil and gas to a globally-recognised leader in mature basin technology via the Oil and Gas Technology Centre will anchor at least some of our supply chain post the North Sea."
North Sea operator Hurricane Energy bullish despite pressure... Business


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Second wave strikes Europe: Spain reintroduces lockdown, Greece sees a worrying rise in cases
5th August, 2020 3:21 PM adminLeave a Comment on Second wave strikes Europe: Spain reintroduces lockdown, Greece sees a worrying rise in cases
A second wave of coronavirus has struck Europe as Spain reimposes lockdowns, cases spike in Greece and French officials warn they could lose control at any moment.
The head of Germany's doctors' union has said that the country is already in the midst of its second wave because people had flouted social distancing rules.
France's top scientific committee has warned that while the virus is under control at the moment, it 'could at any moment tip into a scenario that is less under control.'
And holiday destinations such as Spain, Greece and Italy, which have bravely welcomed the tourists so vital to their economies, are also fearing resurgences as the global death toll today soared over 700,000.
Scroll down for video.
Biweekly change in confirmed COVID-19 cases. The biweekly growth rate on any given date measures the percentage change in the number of new confirmed cases over the last 14 days relative to the number in the previous 14 days. (source: Our World in Data, European CDC)
People wearing protective face masks walk at the Trocadero square near the Eiffel Tower in Paris as France reinforces mask-wearing as part of efforts to curb a resurgence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across the country, August 3, 2020
A woman asks a health worker about the voluntary testing for covid-19 that is taking place in Ripollet, Barcelona, Spain, 05 August 2020
Greece recorded 121 new cases on Tuesday, which is the highest daily tally since April 22, and the prime minister urged the country to maintain social distancing.
Italy – once the sickman of Europe – has managed to avoid an uptick, but two cruise ships are now quarantined in the Civitavecchia port in Rome.
Spain saw 8,500 new cases over the weekend; an all-inclusive resort in Majorca was shutdown and two towns north of Madrid have been put under strict lockdown.
In France, the Health Ministry published a worrying report from the country's scientific committee after more than 7,000 new infections were recorded in the last week
It said that the situation was 'under control, but precarious. We could at any moment tip into a scenario that is less under control.'
The warning came as authorities grapple with a sharp increase in fresh cases which has seen more than 7,000 new infections within the last week as well as a rise in the number of people being treated for the disease in intensive care.
The scientific committee said: 'The short term future of the pandemic mainly lies in the hands of the population. It is highly likely that we will experience a second epidemic wave this autumn or winter.'
The statement added that the virus 'has recently been circulating more actively, with an increased loss of distancing and barrier measures' since France emerged from its strict two-month lockdown in May.
'The balance is fragile and we can change course at any time to a less controlled scenario like in Spain for example,' it said.
The warning came as authorities grapple with a sharp increase in fresh cases which has seen more than 7,000 new infections within the last week (graphic showing growing number of daily coronavirus cases in France)
The country also reported 29 new coronavirus-related deaths which takes the confirmed total to 30,265 since the pandemic began – one of Europe's highest death tolls (graphic showing growing number of daily coronavirus deaths in France)
Several French cities have now toughened their face mask rules and made it mandatory to wear outdoors in busy areas of cities such as Lille, Nice and Biarritz (pictured)
In Germany, Susanne Johna, head of the doctors' union, told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper on Tuesday: 'We are already in a second, shallow upswing.'
She said there was a danger that a longing to return to normality and a suppression of containment measures would fritter away the success Germany had achieved so far, urging people to stick to social distancing and hygiene rules and wear masks.
Europe's biggest economy has so far withstood the pandemic with far fewer deaths than some large neighbours like France and Italy, owing to widespread testing, a well-equipped healthcare system and good adherence to social distancing.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 879 to 211,281, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Tuesday. The reported death toll rose by eight to 9,156, the tally showed.
Johna said hospitals were prepared and would make intensive care beds available to COVID-19 patients on a staggered basis, while at the same time gradually reducing the number of planned admissions to normal wards.
According to the DIVI intensive care register there are almost 21,000 intensive care beds in Germany, of which some 12,200 are currently free. As of Monday, there were 270 COVID-19 patients in intensive care, of whom 130 were being ventilated.
A survey of 3,600 people carried out by Mannheim University found that pandemic fatigue was beginning to take hold, and roughly 50 per cent of those involved now socialise several times a week, in comparison with 30 per cent in May and just 10 per cent in late March.
On Saturday, just under 20,000 people gathered in Berlin to protest against Germany's coronavirus regulations.
Many flouted guidance on wearing masks and physical distancing during the demonstration dubbed 'Day of Freedom'.
On Saturday, just under 20,000 people gathered in Berlin to protest against Germany's coronavirus regulations
The number of daily confirmed coronavirus cases has ticked up steadily in recent weeks
In Spain, a hotel in Majorca on Sunday became the first on the holiday island to close after an outbreak of coronavirus saw ten staff fall sick.
The Club Cala Barca is not accepting any new bookings and closed its doors for disinfection over the weekend after the last guests left.
The outbreak was first detected last week when a worker fell ill, and 192 more tests uncovered another nine infections among staff and four more among their relatives.
Bosses say no guests are showing symptoms and they do not have any plans to test visitors, since all staff are required to socially distance.
It comes as Spain announced 8,500 new coronavirus cases across the country at the weekend – its largest jump in three months – bringing its total to 297,054.
Spain is the worst-hit, with many of its neighbours including Italy, Germany and the UK, recommending against travelling there.
Elsewhere in Spain, two towns are back in lockdown after a coronavirus outbreak at a poultry farm left 49 workers infected.
Around 10,000 people living in Iscar and Pedrajas, 80 miles north of Madrid, were told to remain in their homes for all-but essential business, starting this week.
The Club Cala Barca hotel, in Mallorca, has been forced to close after an outbreak of the virus saw 10 staff infected along with four of their relatives
Extra police and a helicopter have been drafted in to stop people leaving their homes for non-essential business.
Rule-breakers will face on-the-spot fines as mayors of both towns accused people of not taking advice seriously, including failing to wear masks and socially distance.
The outbreak started after a worker at a local slaughterhouse fell ill and was tested positive.
Trackers traced numerous contacts, including other workers who had travelled in the same car, family members and friends and other people with whom they had mixed.
So far, 22 of the 49 positives work at the slaughterhouse.
The new lockdown will remain in place for 14 days, during which time nobody will be allowed to leave the towns but will be allowed to travel between them.
Meanwhile in Lleida, 80 miles west of Barcelona, a business has been forcibly closed after inspectors discovered 19 staff were still working despite having the virus.
Owners of the business had initially refused to comply with regulations meaning staff had to be tested.
They eventually agreed, but insisted that only staff who volunteered for the tests should have them. Ninety people took the tests, and 38 tested positive.
When inspectors returned for a follow-up six days later, they found that 19 people were still at work, despite the positive test result.
Officials did not name the affected business, or say what work the staff were doing.
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Nicolas Cage says he left his own body shooting iconic 'Face/Off' scene
It goes without saying that John Woo's action classic Face/Off is a masterclass in overacting, with stars Nicolas Cage and John Travolta not just chewing on the scenery, but completely inhaling it.
The two A-listers go for broke with their respective dual performances, with Cage as Cage playing Castor Troy one of the most deliriously unhinged turns you're ever likely to see in a big budget studio blockbuster. As it turns out, the Academy Award winner is of the belief that he came close to full-blown astral projection during the prison sequence.
Alessandro Nivola recently revealed that his onscreen brother improvised most of his most quotable lines spouted from within the confines of Erehwon, and Cage described his process like only he can in an interview with Variety's Awards Circuit podcast.
"That movie was an interesting example of independent attitude and big-studio filmmaking. The fact that it worked, that it landed, and the public loved it, I was like, 'Okay, see, this is why we gotta make both. We can't give up on the independent movie'. That was the scene in the jail cell where — god, it's such a trippy movie — where Sean Archer is pretending he's Castor Troy and so it was so … cubist. And I remember I was like, 'I'm Castor Troy!' And it went on and on, almost like a riot. There was a moment in there where I think I actually left my body. I got scared, am I acting or is this real? I can see it if I look at the movie, that one moment, it's in my eyes."
You don't get Nicolas Cage to play a career criminal and psychopath who literally steals somebody's face and expect him to dial it down, so it's unclear what producer Steven Reuther was hoping to accomplish when he asked the manic Method man to tone it down and be more concise.
We're glad that he didn't listen, though, because Castor's demented rant during his incarceration remains one of the most memorable moments in a movie that's absolutely packed to the brim with them.


Location: Monte Cristo hotel is located in the center of Blagoevgrad, only 1 hour by car from Sofia, 1 hour from Greece and just 25 minutes from the Macedonian border.
The hotel arises as a result of reconstruction and renovation of the Public Mineral Bath which is still functioning and welcomes visitors next door.
The hotel has an exquisite design, impeccable service and great amenities.
Accommodation: The hotel features 44 standard rooms, 6 deluxe rooms and 4 one-bedroom apartments.
Standard room - 25 sq.m, Deluxe room - 35 sq.m, One-bedroom apartment /42 sq. m, bedroom with king size bed, Living room with sofas).
The rooms are equipped with Double bed /possibility of separation/, 32 inch TV, Mini bar, Individually controlled air condition / Central air conditioning, Wireless internet connection, Direct telephone line, Bathroom with shower and hairdryer, Safe box. Non Smoking rooms.


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VYZULTA: New Drug Trials Snapshot Posted
A new DRUG TRIALS SNAPSHOT is now available.
VYZULTA is a drug for reducing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) when the pressure inside the eye is too high.
One drop of VYZULTA is applied once daily, in the evening, in the affected eye.
See more Drug Trials Snapshots or contact us with questions at Snapshots@fda.hhs.gov.
Drug Trials Snapshots: Vyzulta
HOW TO USE THIS SNAPSHOT
The information provided in Snapshots highlights who participated in the clinical trials that supported the FDA approval of this drug, and whether there were differences among sex, race and age groups. The "MORE INFO" bar shows more detailed, technical content for each section. The Snapshot is intended as one tool for consumers to use when discussing the risks and benefits of the drugs.
LIMITATIONS OF THIS SNAPSHOT:
Do not rely on Snapshots to make decisions regarding medical care. Always speak to your health provider about the risks and benefits of a drug. Refer to the VYZULTA Prescribing Information for complete information.
VYZULTA (latanoprostene bunod)
(vye-ZUL-tuh)
Bausch & Lomb Inc.
Approval date: November 2, 2017
DRUG TRIALS SNAPSHOT SUMMARY:
What is the drug for?
How is this drug used?
What are the benefits of this drug?
VYZULTA lowers the intraocular pressure.
Were there any differences in how well the drug worked in clinical trials among sex, race and age?
Sex: VYZULTA worked similarly in men and women.
Race: VYZULTA worked similarly in White and Black or African American participants. The number of participants in other races was limited, therefore differences in response could not be determined.
Age: VYZULTA worked similarly in participants above and below age 65.
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects are conjunctival (eye) redness, eye irritation and eye discomfort (pain).
VYZULTA may cause the iris (colored part of the eye) to become darker in color.
Were there any differences in side effects among sex, race and age?
Sex: The occurrence of side effects was similar in men and women.
Race: The occurrence of side effects was similar in White and Black or African American participants. The number of participants in other races was limited, therefore differences in side effects among other races could not be determined.
Age: The occurrence of side effects was similar in participants above and below age 65.
WHO WAS IN THE CLINICAL TRIALS?
Who participated in the clinical trials?
The FDA approved VYZULTA based on evidence from two clinical trials that enrolled 840 participants with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The trials were conducted in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Japan.
Figure 1 summarizes how many men and women were enrolled in the clinical trials.
Figure 1. Baseline Demographics by Sex
Figure 2 summarizes the percentage of participants by race in the clinical trials.
Figure 2. Baseline Demographics by Race
Table 1. Baseline Demographics by Race
White 623 74%
Black or African American 204 24%
Asian 8 1%
All Other 3 less than 1%
Figure 3 summarizes the percentage of participants by age that were enrolled in the clinical trials
Figure 3 Baseline Demographics by Age
How were the trials designed?
There were two trials that evaluated the benefits and side effects of VYZULTA.
In each trial, participants were randomly assigned to receive either VYZULTA or an approved drug timolol (ophthalmic solution) every day for 3 months. Neither the participants nor the health care providers knew which treatment was being given until after the trials were completed.
The benefit of VYZULTA was measured by decrease in IOP in comparison to timolol after 3 months of treatment.
The side effects were evaluated both during the same three months' period when the benefits were being evaluated and afterward at which point all the participants (VYZULTA treated and timolol treated) were moved to VYZULTA treatment only for an additional 3 to 9 months. This way, the side effects of VYZULTA could be evaluated in larger number of participants and for longer period.
CLINICAL TRIAL: Voluntary research studies conducted in people and designed to answer specific questions about the safety or effectiveness of drugs, vaccines, other therapies, or new ways of using existing treatments.
COMPARATOR: A previously available treatment or placebo used in clinical trials that is compared to the actual drug being tested.
EFFICACY: How well the drug achieves the desired response when it is taken as described in a controlled clinical setting, such as during a clinical trial.
PLACEBO: An inactive substance or "sugar pill" that looks the same as, and is given the same way as, an active drug or treatment being tested. The effects of the active drug or treatment are compared to the effects of the placebo.
SUBGROUP: A subset of the population studied in a clinical trial. Demographic subsets include sex, race, and age groups.
VYZULTA Prescribing Information


Stratton's Upper School's History department has been working on a centenary memorial for the one-hundred year anniversary of Armistice Day.
Fourteen silhouette figures have been created to represent individuals from Biggleswade who gave their lives during the First World War 1914- 1918. These men had once held residence in Biggleswade and the silhouette figures have been placed near their former home.
A guide to the memorial has been created with a map and trail that can be used to locate them around Biggleswade.
Of course, one hundred years ago Biggleswade was a much smaller town, and therefore most of the residences of these soldiers can be found close to the town centre.
One silhouette figure will be placed outside of Stratton Upper School to commemorate the relative of Garry Sampford, whom made a massive contribution to creating this memorial.
Both Mr MacWhinnie and Mr McIntosh have been collaborating with various groups to make this possible including the Technology Department, Garry Sampford, Daisy Guildford, Class 9Y2, Biggleswade Town Council, and Central Beds Council.