text:
Big Project ME
Construction Machinery ME
ME Consultant
Truck&Fleet ME
Best Practice For Fleets Looking To Lower Costs And Improve Productivity – Panel Discussion
The Trends That Are Shaping The Truck And Fleet Industry – Panel Discussion | T&F Conference 2019
Fleet Finances And Renewal – Presentation | Truck & Fleet Conference 2019
Telematics With Location Solutions – Presentation | Truck & Fleet Conference 2019
Momentum Logistics – A Decade Of Excellence – On Stage Interview | Truck & Fleet Conference 2019
Trojan Holding's Eng Hamad Al Ameri on its expansion – Interview
By Gavin Davids
Trojan Holding's Eng Hamad Al Ameri onhow he is guiding the burgeoning construction group towards an exciting future
In September this year, a survey conducted by Ventures Middle East Research Division, in association with Ventures ONSITE Project Intelligence Platform, found that suppliers, contractors and consultants in the UAE construction industry share a "generally positive" outlook for the next six months.
Using a specially created Construction Confidence Index (CCI) to examine the general sentiment of the construction sector in the UAE, the survey found that its respondents rated the CCI in the UAE as positive, with 65 points out of 100. Based on a sample of 300 respondents – 70% of which belong to senior management in suppliers, contractors and consultants – the report showed a generally positive sentiment about market conditions.
The overall positive UAE CCI is supported by data which shows that the value of projects awarded to contractors in the first half of 2018 stands at more than $31bn, slightly higher than during the same period in 2017. Furthermore, the improving oil price, and the recent announcements made by the Abu Dhabi and Dubai governments to help the business and real estate sectors, are expected to impact the economy, as well as the construction industry, in a positive manner, it said.
While the results of this survey may come as a bit of a surprise to some, given how the construction industry has struggled in recent years, they are as per the expectations of Eng Hamad Al Ameri, managing director of Trojan Holding.
Having long been a vocal advocate of the stability of the UAE's construction market, he says that he is unsurprised by the shifting sentiments and asserts that cyclical ups and downs are to be expected and should be planned for.
"There are always going to be ups and downs, and we know that there's a shorter period for our business cycles. Usually, in other markets, it's seven to eight years, but here it's maybe four years before the cycle starts to go up or down," he says, speaking during an interview at his offices in Trojan Holding's headquarters in the Al Mafraq Industrial Area of Abu Dhabi.
"I think when an opportunity closes, it offers the perfect opening to start over. I compare it to being on a treadmill, sometimes we have to run and sometimes we have to slow down and catch our breath. These cycles will never end, but our leaders in the UAE are always able to inject energy into the country and make it more attractive to investors and visitors, whether that's the introduction of new laws, new rules and regulations, or new events."
While he expresses satisfaction with how Trojan Holding has performed over the last year, with the company growing at a current rate of 8% year-on-year, Al Ameri asserts that there is plenty more work to be done by the construction group. This includes focusing on and developing the new branches and divisions recently opened to take advantage of gaps in the market.
"We know our market and we know what we have to do with regard to efficiency, expansion or even downsizing a little bit, and where to go and what opportunities are open to us when business goes down a little bit," he says.
"We have opened a number of new branches and divisions. One such division is taking us into real estate development, while our other infrastructure divisions see us concentrating more closely on our water division and electrical division. We are also working diligently to explore hospitality projects further; so, yes, we are adapting and being flexible in response to market demands."
This diversified approach is paying off for the construction group, with Al Ameri pointing out that several projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been delivered this year. Furthermore, he reveals that there is a pipeline of projects worth $816m in place in Abu Dhabi, including contracts with major developers like Nakheel, Emaar and Aldar Real Estate.
"These project wins are part of my strategy, my five-year plan for Trojan Holding. We are very flexible in our strategy, so that we can move if there's increased demand in the market – we have to be," he asserts.
"We're looking at other regions to work in as well. We've just opened in Belarus, there are a few projects there. We're also targeting KSA as well – there's a booming real estate sector over there. We're trying to approach new regions for more expansion."
Given the opportunities available in the Saudi Arabian market, the immediate focus for the group will be there and he expects to be physically in the market and handling jobs within a year or two.
"If we want to make a meaningful impact in the Saudi market, then we need to start where our strengths lie – that is residential and commercial construction. Only after a successful move into a new market will we look at diversifying into other sectors; KSA is of a size that we will have time to approach new opportunities in due course."
For now, however, the UAE remains the primary market, and Al Ameri has welcomed recent changes to residential laws by the country's leaders. In September 2018, the UAE Cabinet announced that it would be introducing a new law that will allow non-Emiratis to retire for five years in the UAE, if they meet a series of requirements. These include having properties worth at least $554,514, savings of at least $272,257, or an active income of more than $5,445 per month.
Furthermore, similar changes were announced earlier in the year which will allow investors and key workers, such as doctors or engineers, access to a long-term residency visa.
With approximately eight million expatriates living and working in the UAE, including a growing number approaching retirement age, Al Ameri feels these changes will only benefit the UAE's real estate and construction market.
"It is my belief that these changes will have a far-reaching positive impact. In the end, there is demand from the market, and it is clear that our leaders hear these demands and have taken steps to make investing in the UAE real estate market more attainable for expatriates.
"People who live and work here in the UAE, they'd love to stay on in the UAE. By giving them the opportunity to stay and own their own businesses, and expand their residence here, that's going to create more business opportunities for them, which in turn is going to create more demand for the construction industry overall."
Another avenue for growth and development is in the UAE's ambitions of adopting smart technologies and systems. With the government backing companies that are investing in technology, he insists that firms operating in the construction industry must be at the vanguard of change.
"The industry has to focus on becoming more efficient and to deepen its investment in technology. To compete, you have to adopt new technology, it is the most effective way to remain in the game. You have to entrust a new generation to run the sector, and at times even the business itself. Traditional companies, especially here in our region, have to learn to adapt or they will quickly run out of opportunities.
"In other regions, the private sector is always trying to guide all those around them. However, in our region, I think it's the government that is guiding everybody to jump onboard with new technology and smart communication. I think they're at a very advanced stage, and we're trying to catch up with them and to get prepared for the future, just as they're prepared for it."
To that end, he says Trojan has been very active in the technology sector. He reveals that the group has invested in developing its own project management and business model software that works at management level. In other sectors of the business, the company is using robotics, such as in its aluminium and woodwork factories, he adds.
"Any new technology that has proven effectiveness within the business will be considered. BIM is already 100% implemented within our company, and across our group. Now we are moving towards looking at what other technologies we can implement, other than what has already been adopted. By putting technology as a platform for our communication, it will ensure frugal spending and make processes faster and more accurate. Cumulatively, this will help us become leaner and more efficient."
Two years ago, speaking to Big Project ME, Al Ameri spoke eloquently about the need to give young Emirati engineers the opportunity to gain on-the-job experience, if the industry was serious about Emiratisation and using local talent. Having launched an initiative that would see local universities recommend a select group of engineering students to spend time with Trojan's team of in-house engineers and understand how a construction company works, he now reveals that the initiative has seen great success, with several Emirati engineers now working with the company across all its different divisions.
"We have a lot of success stories, we have a number of Emirati engineers working with us on-site, on the technical teams, in the procurement division and on the management team. I think it [the initiative] is going well. There's a lot of acceptance from young Emiratis who work in the private sector, and they're working very hard to try and compete with others.
"I think the locals here are being educated by very good universities and schools. When they graduate, they already are familiar with the latest technology in the market. I have a few engineers here, they've already studied Revit and BIM in their schools and universities. They are ready to adopt the latest technology, but you have to put them on the right track to continue – they are ready, prepared and within the standard. I think there's a huge opportunity for them, the market needs a lot of hires," he asserts.
With the local industry gearing up for Expo 2020, and several policies and plans in play across the region, Al Ameri reiterates that it is crucial for companies in the industry to continuously look to improve themselves if they are to survive in a rapidly evolving market.
"When business slows, I look to maximise efficiency and how that could improve our situation. When we experience periods of increased business, I encourage the team to continue to explore new sectors and different business opportunities. We are aware that our market is volatile at times, numerous jobs have disappeared recently, and this trend will continue in the future. The same is true for business, it will disappear in the future, so we have to look at where the new opportunities will come from, what is yet to come and what is the future of the industry," he concludes.
Related Items:BIM, contractors, Emiratisation, Expo 2020 Dubai, featurednews, Revit, Trojan Holding, uae
W Motors begins construction of $100m facility in Dubai…
$270bn invested into UAE airport infrastructure projects, GCAA director-general…
UAE nationals targeted for Etihad Rail recruitment drive
RTA opens Al Qudra-Lehbab Roads Interchange project
'Expo 2020 Dubai could result in increased sales activity in Dubai real estate sector' – JLL expert
RTA opens new roads leading to Expo 2020 Dubai site
Topcon launches GTL-1000 scanning robotic total station to accelerate…
Are you hosting an upcoming event? Manlift has you…
Opinion: How 'smart' can an airport be?
RTA launches pilot project with Philips Lighting
RAK announces $100 mn LFG-energy project at Wetex
Virgin Hyperloop One says Middle East system can be powered completely off-grid
Opinion: How we can attract and retain talent within the UAE's construction market
Hilton to operate three hotels at Meraas' Al Seef in Dubai
W Motors begins construction of $100m facility in Dubai Silicon Oasis
Adnoc signs MoU with Indonesian firms for gas and petrochemical deals
ADDC to supply recycled water to Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island
Exclusive: James Baker says graphene can disrupt different industries
Ethiopian Airlines to build $5bn airport city
Saudi Arabia issues RFQ for Round Three of National Renewable Energy Program
Bee'ah partners with Tabreed to develop district cooling plants in Sharjah
MEConstructionNews.com is the central website of leading construction magazines - Big Project Middle East, Construction Machinery Middle East, Middle East Consultant and Truck & Fleet Middle East.
A one stop shop updated daily with industry news, interviews, analysis, expert opinion, videos and more.
Clean energy system in line with UAE's Federal Energy Strategy 2050
Anouar Bourakkadi Idrissi, COO, Edenred UAE on the construction industry's challenge of staff retention
Originally opened in 2018, the three hotels are located at Al Seef, a waterfront...
Project will be tackled in phases with Phase One due for completion later in...
MoU signed to explore the potential development of a crude-to-petrochemicals complex in Balongan, Indonesia
featurednews featuredpost dubai saudi arabia constructions United Arab Emirates the big picture PROJECTS MACHINERY abu dhabi infrastructure construction uae qatar Oman Property development real estate sustainability magazines TENDERS Bahrain network Egypt development middle east
© 2019 CPI Trade Media. All rights reserved New Template
Subscribe now and receive your free digital copy today!


text:
KilloZapit's Magical Fairyland
Mo' Money Mo' Problems: The Future of Finance?
A blog by Kayzee
Entry posted by Kayzee · October 30, 2016
I think it's becoming increasingly clear to anyone who has actually been paying attention that almost everyone is pretty much screwed at this point when it comes to money. Or maybe that's just the impression I get from what I have read. The banking system has more or less rotten from the inside, the government is increasingly revealed as corrupt, more and more rich people are putting more and more money into offshore tax havens, the gap between the wealthy 1% and the rest of the population is getting larger and larger, and yet at the same time the money that the 1% has is becoming increasingly worthless.
The current banking system cannot hold, and fortunately an alternative seems to have presented it's self from nowhere to save all the world's money, at least theoretically. Cyrptocurrency. It's actually pretty amazing that an unknown hacker came in from nowhere and introduced this whole new idea of money and pretty much vanished. Right now a single Bitcoin for example is worth about $700 and more and more individuals and companies are trading it and using it. Even traditional banks are increasingly interested in the idea of using the 'blockchain' for their own distributed ledgers.
But I am not going to sit here and say their aren't problems that need to be fixed. Cyrptocurrency is still to volatile, there are concerns of new quantum computers ruining the encryption scheme it relies on, it often can be used to make tracing the flow of money difficult and possibly could make tax avoidance even worse, regulation could crack down on it, 'forking' and other community disagreements could split the base too much... And yet it seems this underground economy is becoming more and more mainstream and I have heard some people say it may take the place of traditional government controlled fiat currency someday.
Overblown hype? Maybe. Maybe not. The idea that cash would one day totally be replaced by credit sticks was a really common trope in sci-fi and futurist ponderings and that never really ended up being true. This isn't quite the same thing though. Cyrptocurrency isn't simply an account being managed by a bank or central service somewhere, it's a system of distributed encrypted ledgers where everyone is always double checking everyone else's copy. It's harder to trace and some of the new Cyrptocurrencies offer complete anonymity to make it nearly impossible. It's probably perfectly possible to even print out paper versions of bitcoins with unique keys that can serve the same function as cash.
Could this really replace old forms of money? Maybe. But if it does we will have to think about what that means and how that would change things. If we remove the government's control of currency, do we also remove their ability to collect taxes? If not, how will they be calculated and collected? If so, is there a better way to fund public projects then taxation? If banks are either gone or decentralized to the point of not mattering much anymore, how will lones such be done? Could 'smart contracts' help any of these problems?
If you hear
, then the world is going to be changing very so to something very different. The old institutions will fall and so on and so forth. I can't help but be more then a little skeptical. I think it's more likely that it will continue as a sort of small part of a larger economy which is more centralized. But I do want to see what happens next and if I had extra money I might try seeing if I can get into it.
Chaximel reacted to this
Report Entry
Previous entry Stuck in the Controversy Bog: Thoughts on Politics.
Next entry Mo' Money Mo' Problems: Credit and Debt.
Shiggy 630
Could you explain me the relation between wealth distribution and forms of currency? (no sarcasm)
I don't see how you went from one to the other
Kayzee 3,092
Well, the basic idea here is basically that banks can pretty much print as much money as they want for loans with the government's blessing and as soon as it looks like they are going to fail like in 2008, they get he government to bail them out. The people on top manipulate the government and run the banks so they don't have any real accountability. The way wall street works is related, since it's all tight into these huge financial institutions that can basically do whatever they want and get bailed out.
Cyrptocurrency isn't going to magically redistribute wealth or anything, but due to the way it's designed the idea is no one bank or goverment can just endlessly print money and inflate the market, thus banks are forced to lone responsibly. Well there is 'mining' but that's a very limited resource and requires tuns and tons of computing power the more it's done. Plus, unlike a real scarce commodity like gold or silver, if there is consensus about updating how the currency works it's entirely possible to adjust it's cap or other implementation details.
Tarq 741
So your solution to banks fabricating currency with little accountability is for random people to fabricate currency with zero accountability?
Thing is, Bitcoins are still tied to, and entirely dependent upon, the existing economy; like you say, bitcoins are worth x. They function much like a specific country's currency. Sure, you could theoretically trade independently with bitcoins but bitcoins are valueless independently so why would you? It would be a barter system where one side gets a determined something and the other gets something that is valueless to very many because it has no standard and consequently will be difficult to reuse later. Even some sort of dark ages bartering system is better than that because at least the first party gets some carrots for giving the second party their cabbage.
People doing this willy-nilly is, frankly, super dangerous. So much so that at one point the Nazis literally dropped counterfeit money instead of bombs to screw with the British economy. The whole point of money is that there is a defined standard so that everything is worth something. Banks devaluing that standard through printing more money is the issue, your solution exacerbates that.
One of the whole points behind Bitcoins is that there IS accountability. Everyone in the system basically has to agree with everyone else in order to actually get anything done. You can't just fabricate a Cyrptocurrency out of nowhere, that's not how it works. You have to provide a 'proof-of-work' and there is a hard cap on the number of bitcoins that can even exist. It's all protected by layers of security to prevent anyone from getting away with pumping up the currency. It's not perfect of course (notably it has a problem with hackers stealing it from exchanges, but that may be more a problem with the exchanges), but it works.
And if you are worried about how it seems 'valueless', the thing is, nothing really has any 'value' anyway. It's all really arbitrary made up numbers that don't have any real world meaning. The idea of money in the modern world is entirely reliant on that idea, and I don't think that's going to go away. There are plenty of problems with, say, going back to the gold standard. There is nothing wrong with investing in gold and other precious metals though or keeping most of your wealth in that form. But gold is just as valueless as anything else.
Theoretically I rather the idea of 'money' not be needed at all, but I don't see a good way of doing that.
No. Everything was valueless. Then we defined value. And now nearly everything has varying scales of value in varying contexts; the principle context being the global economy. You can choose not to value stuff, sure, but you won't get far without food, water, a roof, etc. Money exists as a means universality; Pre-currency, If you grew cabbages and wanted to trade with someone who didn't like cabbage, too bad... Boo money, which can be used to facilitate both sides of a trade.
And your argument for Bitcoin works fine within Bitcoin; not within the wider economy. Better known as 99.99% of the economy. In the wider economy Bitcoin adds to inflation because more money just appeared from nowhere. There is now more buying power but actual resources have remained the same.
Valueless in the sense that it can't be meaningfully assigned to an abstract absolute value that everyone will always agree on I mean. I am not saying money isn't important, just that it's an arbitrary system that everyone sort of agreed was necessary. I am simply pointing out that any particular arbitrary system of value is pretty much equivalent to any other. Assigning value to gold is the same as doing so to printed bank notes or bits of data in a computer as far as any of them having 'real value'.
That's how Cyrptocurrency, or any currency really, works. It doesn't have value because it exists, it has value because people use it, trade it, exchange it. I mean you might as well say any new gold that is mined adds to inflation too. Or any time someone does anything that they sell. Heck what about all those people that sell virtual stuff they get in MMORPGs? Everything that people will pay money for technically could be seen as storing that value. Does all that "add to inflation" of the wider economy? Maybe in a way.
But you aren't just creating value out of nowhere. The exact system we use may be arbitrary, but the basic idea of being able to store some sort of virtual value in something that can be used to get that value out later is still useful enough that people have hung on to it. Right now people are trusting the banks and the government form giving us a currency we can trust to do that and hoarding gold is impractical for most people. This is why people are interested in cyrptocurrency. It may not work out, or it might change the world someday. I am not saying it will, I am just saying there are a bunch of people who are slowly having much more faith in it then traditional financial institutions and governments. We will see.
Also side note: From what I have seen there is lots of evidence that having a universal thing that can be used for barter is a lot less important in the development of money then having a easily tallied system of credit. The difference may be semantic, but if you look at most moneyless societies, they don't usually directly trade that much within there own group. It's much easier, for example, for people to ask for help on a farm in exchange for a promise to give them some food when it's grown then to have to give them the food they haven't grown yet. Or to get other people to help in exchange for other favors. Though this really doesn't fundamentally change the dynamics of exchange much, it point to some interesting conclusions about what money really means.
Kirimash 272
It depends where you live.
Doesn't everything? But economics tend to be more globalized nowadays so...
Sky (Default)
Sky (Night)
RPG Maker Central Powered by Invision Community

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Based on two song lyrics used as titles, and a quote about his tempestuous relationship with the saxophone, "David Bowie" is currently the third most searched term on this site. For someone whose work speaks to everyone, even a little of it goes a very long way.
I switched on to Bowie very late – I don't remember his albums in my parents' record collection; my choice of listening when growing up in the 1990s was eclectic, but not yet wide enough; and when studying later, I buried myself in books on philosophy, psychology, art and postmodernism, along with William Burroughs and the other Beat Generation writers.
However, when I did come around, mostly through Jonathan Ross rationing himself to one track per week on his old BBC Radio 2 show, I was primed to pick up on what Bowie wrote into his songs. Far from singing about more than just love, I was listening to an artist making sense of his world, his place in it, and ours, with one eye fixed firmly on what was coming over the horizon.
Since Bowie's passing in January, my personal tribute became buying his albums – with each one, I have kicked myself that I hadn't done so before, as "best of" compilations lose the context in which many songs were intended.
Having now heard hundreds of songs, with no day going by without hearing at least one, I fully understand now why the power of Bowie's art, and the man himself, is adored to the point of worship: in exploring so many styles, so many ideas, and so many identities, especially sexualities and genders, it makes your world bigger, brighter, and so much more open to discovery.
So, why is 1976's "Station to Station" my current favourite David Bowie album? The one recorded at reportedly the lowest point in Bowie's life, and didn't remember much about recording? The album of the "Thin White Duke," a character that was "ice masquerading as fire," singing songs of love while unable to feel it himself? The album of six perfectly crafted tracks, where the title track starts as a black, foreboding drone, placing the singer in a position of power, before exploding into a joyous, driving rock song about someone deluding themselves about what love is?
Getting to hear "Golden Years" afterwards makes you feel even better, before you realise the Thin White Duke implores his subject to "run for the shadows" for his own benefit. "Word on a Wing" features a fragment of a dream taking over the Duke's "scheme of things," before being able to shape them again. "TVC15" features a girlfriend crawling into a television, now misinterpreted in a world of relationships that only take place online.
Before the album closes with the cover of Johnny Mathis' "Wild Is the Wind," the chorus of the penultimate track does "Stay" with you: "Stay – that's what I meant to say or do something… you can never really tell / when somebody wants something you want too." The Thin White Duke is supposed to be deluding himself, but here, he sounds like all of us, at one time or another, whether we wish to recognise it or not.
I cannot say any more than just tell people to get a copy of "Station to Station." After that, keep exploring David Bowie's albums – there is no bigger favour you can give yourself.


text:
Europark is een grensoverschrijdend bedrijventerrein dat zowel in de Nederlandse provincie Drenthe als de Duitse Landkreis Grafschaft Bentheim ligt. Het Nederlandse deel behoort tot de gemeente Coevorden, het Duitse deel tot Emlichheim. Met de ontwikkeling werd aangevangen in 1997.

Nabij Europark ligt de micronatie Eurostaete.

Bedrijven
Op Europark zijn onder meer de volgende bedrijven gevestigd:
Euroterminal Coevorden
Nijhof-Wassink
Coevorden Ingredient Care (veevoer)
Müllverbrennungsanlage Emlichheim (afvalverwerking)

Transport
Europark is zowel over de weg, per spoorlijn als over het water bereikbaar en biedt hierdoor mogelijkheden voor multimodaal goederenvervoer. Het bedrijventerrein beschikt over de containerterminal Euroterminal Coevorden, die door Bentheimer Eisenbahn AG bediend wordt. Viermaal per week rijdt er een treinshuttle tussen Rotterdam en Europark, en eenmaal per week tussen Amsterdam en Europark. In 2017 werd de Spoorboog Coevorden opgeleverd, die de spoorlijn Zwolle - Stadskanaal en de spoorlijn Gronau - Coevorden verbindt.

Ook is er een binnenhaven die in verbinding staat met het Coevorden-Vechtkanaal.

Vrachtverkeer vanaf het Europark kan gebruikmaken van Rijksweg 36, Provinciale weg 34, Rijksweg 37 en Bundesstraße 403.

Coevorden
Bedrijventerrein in Nederland
Bedrijventerrein in Duitsland
Economie in Nedersaksen

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


When Ashley Tisdale invited Debby Ryan to musically collaborate with her on her original YouTube series, "Music Sessions," the two Disney stars were the ultimate BFF goals.
Fangirling aside, how did they still manage to beautifully cover a classic Destiny's Child song?! Also keep in mind that this is their very first collab ever.
Let's just *hope* that this is not the last.


text:
Use Arrow Keys ← → for Next/Previous Page
Gadgets, Gizmos, and Games for Geeks
Amoled, the Next Portable Display Technology?
At the 2006 International Meeting on Information Display in South Korea, Samsung demonstrated prototype portable screens using AMOLED display technology. AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) claims to have a much greater contrast ratio, lower power consumption, better viewing angle, wider color gamut and faster refresh rate than similar TFT LCD screens.
2D/3D LCD Screen in the Works
LG is working on a 42-inch LCD monitor capable of displaying images in either 2D or 3D without glasses, by simply toggline a switch. At this time, there are no other details on the technology or when a release is expected.
Patent Application Could be Trouble for Zune
While Microsoft is touting the wonders of the music sharing features of the new Zune media player, I'm quite familiar with a project in which a team from the MIT Media lab developed a similar wireless music sharing capability a couple of years ago.
Microsoft Zune is Really a Toshiba
Crunchgear has broken the news that the initial Microsoft Zune media player will be manufactured by Toshiba, not Microsoft. The device has been registered with the FCC as the Toshiba 1089. It's been confirmed that the player features a 30GB hard drive, a 3″ LCD, USB 2.0
Aol Cancellation Call Recording…
I don't know how I missed this video when it came out back in June… This guy recorded his call with the AOL anti-cancellation nazis. It would be really funny if it weren't so sad. Actually, it is really funny…
World's Smallest DVD Player With Built in Screen
This Audiovox D1420 portable DVD player is just about an inch more in diameter than the DVD itself. The tiny player features a built-in 4.2″ 16:9 LCD widescreen and battery life is quoted at 2.5 hours, so you should be able to watch most full-length movies on a single charge. Measuring just 5 3/8″ H x 6 1/2″ W x 2 1/4″ D, and weighing just over 1 lb.,
Is That a Swiss Army Knife in Your Pocket?
..or are you just glad to see me? The folks at Wenger thought it would be a good idea to create the ultimate in Swiss army knives by including every tool they make (85 in all) in a single form-factor.
Massive Panoramic Computer Display
"Virtual" desktops are for wusses. The new Powerscape Ultra HD from Zenview is the ultimate in desktop monitor rigs. The system features a huge 30″ diagonal widescreen LCD at 2560×1600 resolution, flanked by four 20.1″ "surround" monitors in portrait mode at 1200×1600 resolution each, for a total screen resolution of 7360×1600. The entire system is over 73″ wide and 25″ deep, so you'll need a very large desk for this one.
Ds Lite Good and Plenty Colors Coming
Not to be left out of the pack, the Nintendo DS Lite is jumping on the multi-color bandwagon this fall with the release of two new colors, "Onyx" and "Coral Pink." These are expected to ship in the US on September 13th.
Are Wii Too Lazy?
If you ask Lionhead Studios founder and game designer of legend, Peter Molyneux, the answer is 'yes.' In a speech he made at this week's Leipzig Games Convention, he was quoted as saying: I've realised I'm an incredibly lazy person when I play games, and actually slouching back on the sofa, playing on my beer belly, is my most comfortable position.
Get Your Geek on With These Badass Lightsabers
ThinkGeek is now offering these totally over the top Star Wars Force FX Lightsabers. They're far more substantial and effect-laden than the cheapo toy lightsabers out there. Each lightsaber features a variety of cool effects, including: glowing blades with sliding power-up/down effect sound effects digitally recorded from the movie motion sensor controlled sound effects, Power-up, idle hum, clash, and power-down a heavy-duty metal hilt to looks and feels like a "real" lightsaber The come in 5 varieties, including: Darth Maul – DUAL Red Blade – $199.99
Apple to Pay $100 Million to Creative
Apple and Creative Technology, Ltd. today announced a broad settlement ending all legal disputes between the two companies. Apple will pay $100 million to license Creative's patent in all Apple products. Apple can recoup a portion of its payment if Creative is successful in licensing this patent to others.
New Sony Vaio Combines Tv and Pc
Sony's latest attempt to combine a flat panel LCD with a PC has resulted in the svelte new VAIO LS1 TV/PC. The new system combines a reasonably powerful computer into the back of a flat-panel 19-inch WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050) LCD display. The computer features an Intel Core Duo processor, 2GB of RAM and a 250GB Hard Drive.
Samsung Announces Massive 70″ LCD Tv
Samsung Electronics has developed the first consumer 70″ LCD HDTV panel, besting Sharp's 65″ panel introduced late last year. The set will feature a full 1080p resolution and a 180 degree viewing angle. In addition, the refresh rate is 120Hz vs 60Hz, which should result in less visible blurring and flicker.
High Definition Media Streaming Box
The Ziovia CS510 Media Streamer differentiates itself from the crowd by offering the ability to stream high definition content from your computer to your HDTV via an HDMI or component connection, and also features optical and coax digital audio outputs.
Playstation 3 Menu System Direct Video Feed
IGN has posted this video showing a direct feed of the Sony Playstation 3's "dashboard" user interface. At this point, it looks strikingly similar to the PSP's interface: No real surprises here… The ability to pull up system menus while playing a game is really the only "new" thing for Sony, and this has already been done on the Xbox 360.
Deals in The Technabob Shop
|« 1‹ Prev1,6081,6091,6101,6111,6121,6131,6141,6151,6161,6171,6181,619Next ›1,621 »|
Use Arrow Keys ← → for Faster Navigation Click to DisableClick to Enable


I'm so glad for all of you.
Rosa - thank you - I am quite honored - it's not easy being a special ed teacher. Then again, it's one of the most rewarding even on the toughest of days. I am so glad that your IEP meeting ended with LoML's best interest in mind. I look forward to hearing more about it soon!


text:
Remove, Impeach, Convict
By Michael R. Strain
About Michael R. Strain
Follow Michael R. Strain on Twitter
President Donald Trump speaks about early results from the presidential election in the East Room of the White House, November 4, 2020.	 (Carlos Barria/Reuters)
History will remember that the transition of power following the 2020 election was not peaceful. Yesterday's violent insurrection at the Capitol saw to that.
I was stunned, enraged, and heartbroken watching the images. A Confederate flag was flying outside the Senate chamber. American flags were taken down and replaced with Trump flags. I received a text late last night from a friend who works in Congress. He barricaded himself in his office by pushing furniture up against those old wooden doors, hiding silently as the violent mob banged on his office door for hours. A woman tragically lost her life at the Capitol, and many were injured.
Knowing my family and I live in Washington, friends and family from cities across the U.S. and the U.K. called and texted to make sure we were safe. That itself is a testament to the damage done to our nation yesterday.
President Trump incited a mob to storm the Capitol to prevent Congress from carrying out its constitutional function of certifying the vote of the Electoral College. This, following months of the president and his surrogates peddling lies about the integrity of the election. And that, following years of lies, shattering norms, weakening institutions, fueling hate, suspicion, and fear, dividing the nation.
For that alone, Vice President Pence and the Cabinet should remove Trump from office today under the 25th Amendment, and Congress should set to work today on impeaching him, this time with a vote to convict.
There are three more reasons to remove the president at this late date. He is still the president, with the full powers of his office. How will he use them in the next two weeks? I'd rather not find out. Second, I get a knot in my stomach thinking of the calculations our nation's enemies were making yesterday as they saw the chaos in Washington. I'll get to the third reason in a moment.
The reckless and irresponsible behavior of some elected Republicans has been appalling. In his speech yesterday night after the violence had been quelled, Senator Hawley took to the floor and announced his intention to continue challenging the election results, essentially arguing that his duty as a senator was to follow the angry mob, not to lead it.
Senator Romney, in stunning contrast, argued that members of Congress have a responsibility to lead, to tell their constituents the truth. "That's the burden — that's the duty — of leadership," Romney said. Romney is an adult. Romney is a statesman, a morally serious leader.
I am an economist, not a political analyst or commentator. I veered into politics in 2016 because I felt Trump would do great damage as the Republican nominee and as president, and that an all-hands-on-deck effort to stop that was needed. But after the 2016 election, I returned to my lane. Some people might care what I think about economics and public policy, but who outside my friends and family care about my political views? I might be able to affect the debates on economics and policy, but I don't have much standing as a political analyst.
This is another all-hands-on-deck moment.
And you don't need to be an accomplished political analyst to see the fourth reason to get Trump out of the Oval Office this very day: If Congress impeaches and convicts, it can bar him from holding office again.
Every member of the Senate — including those who supported challenging the election results last night even as offices were left ransacked, American flags on the floor, members and staff traumatized, and with the violent mob gloating in the streets of the Capitol — will be very happy if Donald J. Trump's name could never appear on a ballot again.
return-icon Return to The Corner
Michael R. Strain — Michael R. Strain is the director of economic-policy studies and the Arthur F. Burns Scholar in Political Economy at the American Enterprise Institute. @MichaelRStrain


In Clinton we currently have one public library. EveryLibrary.com includes information on the following public libraries in Clinton, Mississippi. Choose a library in Clinton for more information on the resources available including books, digital media, movies, computer resources, budget information and directions.
This library is a Central Library serving a population of 362 offering 4,056 books to 1,248 annual patrons.
This library is a Central Library serving a population of 2,445 offering 12,071 books to 3,744 annual patrons.
This library is a Central Library serving a population of 33,585 offering 77,061 books to 112,985 annual patrons.
This library is a Central Library serving a population of 13,091 offering 31,648 books to 152,250 annual patrons.


text:
The CE-Marking states that the product complies with one or more EU safety regulations and is attached to entire products or devices. Our products are electronic components, so-called basic components, which are not subject to the CE marking requirement. The relevant guidelines in detail:
Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
The Low Voltage Directive applies, according to its Article 1, to the safety of "electrical operating equipment "provided that the operating voltage is within the limits of the Low Voltage Directive. The Commission's Guide to the Directive states in its § 7 that basic components are not electrical equipment and therefore they are not covered by the Directive. Accordingly, the Low Voltage Directive does not apply to basic components "whose safety can only be correctly assessed when installed and for which a risk assessment can not be performed".
Against this background, a CE-Marking of electronic components according to the Low Voltage Directive is not possible.
EMC Directive 2014/30/EU
According to article 1, the EMC Directive regulates the electromagnetic compatibility of "equipment". According to Article 3, these are "devices" or "installations". Conformity assessment and CE-Marking of individual electronic components in this sense is therefore not possible according to the EMC Directive.
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
The Machinery Directive regulates the safety of complete machines. In two exceptions it also contains provisions for machinery components: "partly completed machinery" and "safety components". Incomplete machines, referred to in Article 2, point (g), are known as "an assembly that almost constitutes a machine". In principle, this does not apply to an electronic component.
Safety components can in principle also be electronic components. The prerequisite for falling within the scope of the Machinery Directive is, however, that the components are given an express purpose by the manufacturer for fulfilling a safety function in accordance with the Machinery Directive.
Otherwise, a conformity assessment and a CE-Marking of individual electronic components according to the Machinery Directive is not possible.
RoHS Directive 2011/65 / EC
The scope of application of this directive initially extends only to "devices" but not directly to their components. Irrespective of this, the RoHS Directive directly regulates not only end devices but also their "accessories" and "spare parts". Under special circumstances, electronic components could fall into these two categories. However, the RoHS Directive does not provide a CE-Marking for accessories and spare parts, but only the obligation to comply with the substance bans.
Electronic components can therefore not be labeled with the CE-Mark in accordance with the RoHS Directive.
None of the above legislation covers basic components.
A CE-Marking or declaration of conformity is not intended thereafter and would be inadmissible.


Why did I start my own company, taking women to exotic destinations? Because I have led a full life and I wanted to encourage others to do the same. I wanted to give all those hard-working mothers, wives and women in general the chance to feel the freedom of travel. Nothing is more liberating than travel – it allows you to be yourself. And what can be better than that?
And travel makes us all a little more compassionate, understanding, cooperative, and smart. Keep rockin', lady.


You take pride in your property, and Acklands-Grainger realizes that you want to keep it looking fantastic. Whether you're looking to keep your garden tidy or you need to outfit a landscaping crew with cutting and pruning tools, Grainger carries all the outdoor equipment needed to help you manage a beautiful property. Choose from a wide range of chainsaws and accessories from top brands like Makita, MKT and Greenlee, or from a vast array of pruners, trimmers, shears and more, to make your job easier.


text:
Q: Python Cost Function Machine Learning I'm doing the Boston Price Prediction Project. The problem is that when I try to calculate the cost_function I receive an error:
Data must be 1-dimensional

Code:
class Predictor():

def __init__(self):
    np.random.seed(1)
    self.w = 2 * np.random.rand(2,455) -1
    self.b = 2 * np.random.rand(1, 1) - 1

def forward_pass (self, X, w, b):
    Y_pred = np.dot(X, self.w) + self.b
    return Y_pred

def cost_function(self, Z_train, Y_train):
    **J = (1/455)*np.sum(np.square(Z_train - Y_train))**
    print(J)
    return J

def back_prop(self, X, Y, Z_train):
    dz = (2/455)*(Y - Z_train)
    dw = np.dot(dz, X.T)
    db = np.sum(dz)
    return dw, db

def gradient_descent (self, w, b, dw, db):
    self.w = self.w - 0.5*dw
    self.b = self.b - 0.5*db
    return w, b

def linear_regression_model(self, X_train, Y_train, epochs):
    w = self.w
    b = self.b

    costs_train = []

    for i in range (epochs):
        Z_train = self.forward_pass(X_train, w, b)
        cost_train = self.cost_function(Z_train, Y_train)
        print(cost_train)
        dw, db = self.back_prop(X_train, Y_train, Z_train)
        w, b = self.gradient_descent(w,b,dw,db)

        if i %10==0:
            costs_train.append(cost_train)

if __name__ == "__main__":

   predictor = Predictor()

   print ("W Aleatoria: ")
   print (predictor.w)

   print ("B Aleatoria: ")
   print (predictor.b)

   predictor.linear_regression_model(X_train, Y_train, 10000)

   print ("W Ajustada: ")
   print (predictor.w)
   print ("B Ajustada: ")
   print (predictor.b)

Error
ile "C:\Users\Alberto\Desktop\Oscar\UNIVERSIDAD\TFG\PROYECTOS\PRECIO CASAS BOSTON\prediction.py", line 129, in <module>
    predictor.linear_regression_model(X_train, Y_train, 10000)

  File "C:\Users\Alberto\Desktop\Oscar\UNIVERSIDAD\TFG\PROYECTOS\PRECIO CASAS BOSTON\prediction.py", line 110, in linear_regression_model
    cost_train = self.cost_function(Z_train, Y_train)

  File "C:\Users\Alberto\Desktop\Oscar\UNIVERSIDAD\TFG\PROYECTOS\PRECIO CASAS BOSTON\prediction.py", line 87, in cost_function
    J = (1/455)*np.sum(np.square(Z_train - Y_train))

  File "C:\Users\Alberto\anaconda3\lib\site-packages\pandas\core\series.py", line 635, in __array_ufunc__
    result = ops.maybe_dispatch_ufunc_to_dunder_op(

  File "pandas\_libs\ops_dispatch.pyx", line 91, in pandas._libs.ops_dispatch.maybe_dispatch_ufunc_to_dunder_op

  File "C:\Users\Alberto\anaconda3\lib\site-packages\pandas\core\ops\common.py", line 64, in new_method
    return method(self, other)

  File "C:\Users\Alberto\anaconda3\lib\site-packages\pandas\core\ops\__init__.py", line 505, in wrapper
    return _construct_result(left, result, index=left.index, name=res_name)

  File "C:\Users\Alberto\anaconda3\lib\site-packages\pandas\core\ops\__init__.py", line 478, in _construct_result
    out = left._constructor(result, index=index)

  File "C:\Users\Alberto\anaconda3\lib\site-packages\pandas\core\series.py", line 305, in __init__
    data = sanitize_array(data, index, dtype, copy, raise_cast_failure=True)

  File "C:\Users\Alberto\anaconda3\lib\site-packages\pandas\core\construction.py", line 482, in sanitize_array
    raise Exception("Data must be 1-dimensional")

**Exception: Data must be 1-dimensional)**

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


An ADA-accessible bus is equipped with amenities that would make it easier for people with disabilities to get on, ride and get off a bus. Our ADA accessible buses are equipped with a lift that would help people in wheelchairs get on the bus.
Are you looking for wheelchair accessible buses in Atlanta, Rome or Cartersville? We now offer wheelchair buses and handicap vans that offer easy access with a wheelchair lift compartment. Our buses are configured to accommodate 12 passengers + 2 wheelchair seating capacities.


The Negley Fire Department held its annual Easter egg hunt Saturday at the Rogers fire station. Above, the 4- to 8-year-olds take off with a go and begin collecting their share of the 1,261 candy-filled eggs and others that contained special prizes. Shown is are 4-year-old Kain Korber of Negley, who thought the silver egg he found contained a special prize (alas, it did not).


text:
You are here: Home / Hall of Fame Members / Class of 1992 / Jimmy Slattery
Jimmy Slattery
Boxing Champion
The late Buffalo native Jimmy Slattery, a two-time light heavyweight boxing champion, turned professional in 1921 at the tender age of seventeen.
Slattery lost his first bid for the world title four short years later, by an 11-round knockout to Paul Berlenbach. Two years later, however, Slattery would bounce back to win his first light heavyweight title, defeating Maxie Rosenbloom in ten rounds on August 30, 1927 at Hartford, Connecticut.
Slattery lost his title just 104 days later to Tommy Loughran of Philadelphia in a grueling 15-round decision in New York's Madison Square Garden.
Two years and five title defenses later, Loughran moved up to the heavyweight division, creating a vacancy in the light heavyweight division.
As a result, Slattery would get another chance at the title in a 1930 bout with fellow Buffalonian Lou Scozza, before a packed house at Broadway Auditorium. Bragging rights in the Queen City were Slattery's via his grueling 15-round decision, narrowly escaping a 13-round knockout for the victory.
This time the title was Slattery's for 135 days before he lost to Rosenbloom in a 15-round decision at Bison Stadium on Michigan Avenue and East Ferry Street. Slattery would get one more shot at the title in 1931, losing to Rosenbloom in yet another 15-round decision, this time in Brooklyn.
In 1935, Slattery retired from professional boxing with an overall record of 109-14-5 with 45 knockouts. Only the second Buffalonian to win a world title in boxing, Slattery died August 30, 1960 at the age of 56, exactly 33 years after winning his first title.
In 1992, he was enshrined forever in the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame legends category.


text:
shelter-in-place
Michael Ruscoe
My Brain vs. a Computer: The 2021 MLB Predictions
Spoiler Alert: In a shocking move, I pick the Mets
I can't count how many movies feature super-computers destroying mankind. Why in God's name would we let them predict our baseball divisional races?
In one corner, you have the Major League Baseball PECOTA Projections, a complex algorithm that looks at the depth charts of all 30 teams, projects the playing time and statistics for each player, and then simulates the season and comes up with the win totals and the projected standings for each division.
And in the other corner, you have…my brain.
Listen, I live with my brain every day, and I'm telling you right now to go with the algorithm. But, for the sake of argument (and let's face it, major league baseball has survived for 152 years on the backs of good arguments), here's what my brain has to say about the PECOTA Projections and which team might be standing atop each division when the regular season ends on October 3:
AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST:
PECOTA Projection: New York Yankees, 97-55 (81% odds to win the division)
MY BRAIN: Probably the Yankees, but don't sleep on the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Yankees are loaded (and in other news, water is wet). You don't need the PECOTA algorithm or my brain to tell you that. But it's not just my healthy, all-American hatred of the Yankees that gives me pause in awarding them the division crown in March. It's their pitching staff. Besides Gerrit Cole, it seems to be relying on too many high-upside question marks to award it 97 wins before the season even starts. (Corey Kluber is a long hike from his glory days, and Jameson Taillon could be a stud…or not.)
The Blue Jays, on the other hand, have just as many questions in their rotation to go with their hungry young superstars-in-the-making, many of whom I have a soft spot for, having watched them come up through Double-A ball. (Remind me to tell you sometime about the Vladdy Guererro Jr. foul ball that landed in my son's vanilla chai and blasted it to smithereens on a freezing cold Opening Day.) Yeah, the Yankees will probably take the division (and in other news, the sky is blue). But the team that will push them—and possibly overtake them—is Toronto. (Sorry, Tampa Bay. You'll have to settle for the NFL and NHL titles.)
AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL:
PECOTA Projection: Minnesota Twins, 91-71 (61% odds to win the division)
MY BRAIN: Chicago White Sox
I personally don't have a dog in this division's fight, but I always find something romantic about the White Sox. They're the red-headed (or in this case, white-headed?) stepchild of a city's more famous team (I can relate), they've had some of the handsomest and some of the funkiest uniforms in baseball history, and they had a riot on their field after blowing up a bunch of disco records back in the '70s. Unless you're a Cubs fan, how do you not just admire the White Sox in some deep recess of your brain?
Where were you during the Great Disco Demolition Night Riots of 1979?
And this year, there's a lot more to like about the team. With Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, and Lance Lynn fronting a rotation backed up with a bullpen headed by Liam Hendriks and a lineup featuring Jose Abreu, Tim Anderson, Yoán Moncada, Elroy Jiménez, and Yasmani Grandal (all led by returning manager and Hall of Famer Tony Larussa), this is going to be a fun team to watch. PECOTA may pick the Twins, but my gut thinks that the Southsiders won't be singing the blues come October. (Because...you know...they have a lot of blues on the south side of Chicago? Oh, never mind.)
AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST:
PECOTA Projection: Houston Astros, 93-69 (72% odds to win the division)
MY BRAIN: Yeah, probably. Dammit.
One of the many things that the 2020 pandemic took away from me was the opportunity to boo the Astros in person for their role in the cheating scandal that exploded the year before (and this is coming from someone who's spent many years rooting for the New England Patriots, so you know the Astros scandal was bad). Still, I have to admit, this is a pretty good team, even when they're not banging on garbage cans to tip off pitches to their hitters, and the rest of the division is regrettably weak. We can cross our fingers for the Angels to pull off some sort of heavenly miracle, but unless it happens, look for the Astros to finish atop the division once more.
NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST:
PECOTA Projection: New York Mets, 96-66 (77% odds to win the division)
MY BRAIN: Yup.
Full disclosure: I'm a Mets fan. A BIG Mets fan. I pick them to win the division every year, the same way I pick Santa Claus to come down my chimney every Christmas Eve: on faith alone. (I should mention that I live in an apartment, and I don't even have a chimney.)
But this year, I'm picking the Mets, and I'm serious about it. They actually have a team this year. A REALLY good team, led by a great starting rotation that is itself fronted by the best pitcher on the planet in Jacob deGrom—and by June, that rotation will see the return of Carlos Carrasco and Noah Syndergaard. Those arms, backed up with potent offense from Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Michael Conforto, et. al., will carry the Amazin's to the division title and deliver me a nice, shiny, early Christmas present come October.
Behold the greatness that is Jacob deGrom.
NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL:
PECOTA Projection: Milwaukee Brewers, 89-73 (55% odds to win the division)
MY BRAIN: Honestly, who cares?
Not that I don't like any of these teams. The Cubs and the Cardinals are as awesome a rivalry as there is in sports, and the Brewers…well, the Brewers have racing sausages. Who doesn't love sausages? But let's face it, in 2021, the NL Central is baseball's most lackluster division. Sure, once the post-season begins, anything can happen, but until then, I'm not really interested.
"And in the categories of Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress...nobody gives a damn." One of the all-time great SNL memes.
NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST
PECOTA Projection: Los Angeles Dodgers, 101-59, (78% odds to win the division)
MY BRAIN: San Diego Padres (because why not?)
OK, now we get to the meat of it. If I were a baseball fan living in Southern California, I'd be looking forward to a REALLY fun summer. How much does PECOTA love the Dodgers and the Padres right now? According to the almighty algorithm, the ex-Bums have a 78 percent chance of taking the division, while the Padres have a 21 percent chance. The Diamondbacks, Giants, and Rockies each have…zero percent. If the game were played on paper, they don't even need to suit up. Sorry, dudes.
The defending champion Dodgers are the Cadillac of baseball right now, a truly great team, and for that reason, I'm going to pick . . . the Padres, as delightfully obnoxious and ridiculously talented a group of ballplayers as has been assembled for the 2021 campaign. (Give 'em Dwight Gooden in his prime, and they could be the '86 Mets.) I'm an east-coaster, but if it didn't mean giving up my own team, I would surrender my collection of autographed baseballs to live, say, in Laguna Beach for the summer (roughly halfway between LA and SD) and really take a deep dive into both of these clubs. The Dodgers and the Padres each seem to have more superstars than there are grains of sand on the beach, not to mention enough attitude to fill the Pacific Ocean. How can you not love watching them play—particularly against each other—as they fight for the division crown? Honestly, pick either one of them and it's a solid bet. In fact, the Dodgers are the Vegas favorites to win the World Series (while the Colorado Rockies are anywhere from 100- to 150-1 longshots if you want to throw away your money).
The greatest head-to-head rivalry in sports is currently located on the I-5 in Southern California. Please enjoy.
Of course, in the end, both PECOTA's and my predictions mean absolutely nothing—it's the games that actually count. And there's never been a time to be more grateful for the return of what should be a full season of baseball, the greatest, most beautiful, most divine sport ever devised by humankind. So, enjoy your summer. Wash your hands (no spitballs), social distance (no high fives), wear your masks (even if you're not the ump), and let's PLAY BALL!
All photos and videos are copyright their original owners.
A League for Us All
I GOT THE CAT. Meet Doc.
No olive branch for Trump supporters


text:
A Few Thoughts on the Oscars
In general, I found the ceremony (and Billy Crystal's much-ballyhooed return to the hosting gig) generally affable. It's wasn't bad, nor was it terribly good. It was safe, and after last year's debacle, that's probably exactly what the Academy and ABC wanted. So even if the show wasn't as entertaining, in its own way, as watching last year's train wreck or when the host, the show, and the nominees combine to make for a genuinely good show, it wasn't as awful as some on the internet would suggest. And for good or bad, it delivered exactly what it promised. Which is an achievement all its own.
I did like the overall premise of the show's design, hearkening back to classic movie theaters, and thought the various stage designs rolled out throughout the evening (as well as the title cards that appeared on screen when nominees were read) did a nice job of "celebrating the movies" without being too garish or attention getting. It tied in nicely with the fact that many of this year's best picture nominees were also about the history of or a celebration of movies.
Humor is subjective, so as with all hosts, some people will probably like Crystal's gags more or less than others. Again, it felt very safe to me, with Crystal recycling the Oscar bits he's most well known for (inserting himself into the year's movies, a song-and-dance number about the best pictures, that whole "I know what they're thinking schtick"). Some of it was funny, some of it most definitely wasn't (and it seemed, on TV, like a lot of his actual jokes were falling flat in the theater), but that's the nature of the game (of all his various jokes, the ones that worked the best for me were the repeated digs at the now-bankrupt Kodak pulling their name from the theater in which the ceremony was held).
In terms of non-humorous hosting duties, Crystal did a fine job of moving the show along (always a concern for many people), never taking up too much time after his opening bit without feeling like he disappeared entirely later in the evening.
My biggest complaint about the show (aside from getting skunked in the Oscar pool by Mr. Shabadoo again) was the awful, awful sound quality, that led to a consistent ting of metallic feedback whenever Crystal was on stage (as well as many other presenters). At first, when it wasn't going away, I thought it might be my TV, because I figured a show as professional as the Oscars would have fixed the problem already. But Twitter quickly made it clear that plenty of other people were hearing the same thing, and for some reason, it never really went away.
Every year it seems like the producers of the show shuffle the order of awards, and this year, they loaded up the front of the show with a lot of the technical awards, which was a bit surprising. Usually, they like to toss out the Best Supporting Actor or Actress early on, to hook those people who think the technical awards are crap and shouldn't waste precious air time.
The funniest (scripted) part of the night came when Billy Crystal presented an old film of a focus group discussing The Wizard of Oz, featuring a bevy of Christopher Guest players and Fred Willard repeatedly expressing his love of the flying monkeys and Catherine O'Hara insisting that Dorothy was the worst character in the film. Great stuff.
Emma Stone's banter with Ben Stiller while presenting the Best Visual Effects award was also very funny (my Oscar party was convinced she was high or drunk or something when she first came out, before it became clear it was a bit), and a nice example of how to do that faux-impromtu presenter banter (the opposite of the Robert Downey Jr./Gwyneth Paltrow bit).
Christophe Plummer's acceptance speech was the best of the night, and while it can sometimes seem insincere, going into these things knowing you have a good shot of winning allows you to craft a decent speech. His was personal, appreciative, funny and heartfelt, all the things a good speech should be (in fact, most of the speeches were pretty decent, with very few rushed "OMG I have to thank everyone including my lawyer and accountant" list speeches on hand).
For a while, I thought the funniest moment of the night would be Zach Galifinakis intentionally mispronouncing his name, but then Jim Rash took the stage to accept the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar and immediately struck a pose mimicking presenter Angelina Jolie's ridiculous "stick out my bare leg in an attempt to look seductive" stance.
Not that it was at all a surprise, but I was pleased to see Bret Mackenzie win an Oscar (for "Man or Muppet"). Backstage, he reportedly said he's looking forward to writing songs with Jermaine again so he can hold the Oscar card over him. Ha! (and it's been said a hundred time already, but seriously Academy, either cut the Original Song award or treat it like a real award).
The awkward "who drew the biggest applause during the In Memoriam segment" bit didn't occur this year, as the Death Reel was shown sans applause. Apparently, an announcement was made in the theater before it started asking everyone to hold their applause.
They really need to cut this new tradition of having the Best Actor/Actress presenters speak personally to each of the nominees. It's awkward, painfully scripted, and only works when the presenter has a personal connection to one of the nominees. No one, including, I'd bet, the nominees, wants to hear it.
Awards-wise, the biggest shock of the night was Meryl Streep winning Best Actress over frontrunner Viola Davis, but it was a shock that was only kinda shocking, as Streep was generally considered the only person who could upset Davis (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo winning Best Film Editing was also a pretty big upset).
Posted by Austin Gorton at 10:00 AM
Labels: 84th Oscars, A Few..., Movies, Oscars
Sarah Ahiers February 27, 2012 at 5:17 PM
we only caught like 5 min, best score and best song, though the will ferrel zac galifinakis bit was entertaining.
But even in those 5 min that metallic tinging was annoying as hell
i liked best song award guy cracking jokes about kermit
but seriously- how can a category only have 2 nominees?
Teebore February 28, 2012 at 9:54 AM
@Sarah: But even in those 5 min that metallic tinging was annoying as hell
It still boggles my mind that it went on as long as it did.
@Anne: i liked best song award guy cracking jokes about kermit
That was Bret Mackenzie, of Flight of the Conchords fame. If you're unfamiliar with them, you should check them out; I think both you and Sarah would love them. Their show is probably available on Netflix.
Those were the only songs that received enough votes from the music branch to be nominated. Which is lame.
There's been a lot of discussion this season about the music branch's disdain from the category. They changed the eligibility rules this year such that only 39 songs were eligible for nomination, and then managed to only nominate two (and you have to wonder: if one Muppet song is good enough, why aren't more?).
So some are wondering if the music branch of the Academy is trying to get the category tossed out.
Dr. Bitz February 28, 2012 at 3:06 PM
You know, people complain about how bad this year's Oscars were. I found it on par with every other Academy Awards I've seen (which is to say, boring).
But it's what I've come to expect so I have no reason to complain. I know what I'm in for.
(Although, this year was a little worse since I've seen so few of the movies nominated for...anything.)
Anne and i were talking about how it's kind of like a roast - either not funny enough, or too funny in a bad way (at least for our MN sensibilities). I just don't understand why it's so hard, year after year, to make it super awesome and entertaining? I mean, movies are entertaining, right? So a show about how great movies are, with all the people THAT MAKE MOVIES involved, should be amazing! And yet...
Teebore February 28, 2012 at 4:08 PM
@Dr. Bitz: But it's what I've come to expect so I have no reason to complain. I know what I'm in for.
Yeah, I definitely get annoyed by people who complain that this year's show wasn't edgy or biting enough, when it was clear that wasn't what they were going for the moment Billy Crystal was picked to host. You can argue they SHOULD try to be edgy or biting, but you can't ding them for not doing so when that wasn't the intent.
(As opposed to last year, when they tried to be young and hip and failed miserably. This year they tried to safe and funny in a way that would amuse your grandpa, and they succeeded. One may not like it, but they achieved their goal).
I would definitely have enjoyed the show a lot less if I hadn't seen any of the movies, which is one of the reasons I always make an effort to see at least a majority of the best picture noms.
@Sarah: I just don't understand why it's so hard, year after year, to make it super awesome and entertaining? I mean, movies are entertaining, right? So a show about how great movies are, with all the people THAT MAKE MOVIES involved, should be amazing! And yet...
Again, it comes back to intent. The producers don't really want to push things too far, and the show itself is, first and foremost, designed to entertain the people in the theater, NOT the people watching at home (that's also why you get weird stuff like the Cirque du Solei performance, which was ok, albeit random and odd, on TV but was more appealing to the audience in the theater).
So you get situations like when Chris Rock hosted, and most people found him hilarious (and his stint is routinely cited as one of the better shows), but his schtick fell flat with everyone in the room, because he dared to mock those sainted celebrities whose asses the Oscars are all about kissing. So he's never been asked back to host.
He presented the Best Animation Feature award this year, and did a bit about how A. Voiceover work is easy B. Black people get marginalized, even in voiceover work. It was very funny (and has been cited by some critics as one of the show's funnier moments). But it's unlikely to win him another hosting gig, because his humor once again came at the expense of those sacred actors and their industry. The producers could get away with it for one presenter, but not for a whole show.
The best hosts are the ones who can be funny and poke fun at the actors without taking it so far it upsets the actors, like Ellen, Steve Martin (who is enough of a Hollywood insider that he can get away with a lot) or, in his way, Billy Crystal.
And the best shows are the ones with a funny host (and one who is allowed to be funny) that manages to celebrate movies without getting too stuffy about it and still move things along briskly (because no one seems to like an overlong show). That's a tough trifecta to achieve consistently.
(And there's the issue of the movies themselves and whether popular favorites are in the running or if the best picture race is tight or if some behemoth has a chance of racking up so many awards as to break a record; it's no coincidence that the two highest rated Oscar telecasts were the years Titantic and Return of the King won, two popular movies that racked up a ton of awards. But the producers have no control over that).
X-aminations in March
And the Oscar Goes To...
Last Week in TV #21
Dr. Bitz Ranks Every Television Series Ever...Sort...
What's Your Favorite Episode of The Simpsons?
X-amining Spider-Woman #37-38
Retro Review: New Kid on the Block


For the first time entrepreneurs and established businesses alike, the internet has opened infinite opportunities to get their names, products and services literally 'out to the world'. Starting a website is now quick and easy and end users need only point and click to personalize their site to their exact specifications.
1. What Function Will the Site Serve?
Some sites will be simple blogs, others will be much more complex with multiple pages, offering a variety of services, perhaps with videos and e-commerce availability. The website owner should think about their intended use of the site as they evaluate host options. Many hosts offer expansion options for businesses that grow beyond their original expectations.
Website owners can decide the amount they want to pay and choose from providers who offer sites at that rate. Or, they can identify the services and supports they want and then compare rates among the providers who offer those options. Naturally, a higher monthly rate offers more features. Considering the expanded clientele the site might attract, spending a little extra up front might prove to be the best option.
3. Is it a Shared Host or a Dedicated Server?
'Shared host' sites host typically smaller websites, and have their end users all access a single server (or bank of servers). This can limit website speed, ease of access, and cause 'over-usage' complaints (see below). 'Virtual Private Servers' or 'Dedicated server' options create server space for one end user only, so there is no competition for server resources. There are many low cost VPS options available.
4. Is Their Control Panel Is Easy to Navigate?
This is where end users put in a lot of time as they input their preferences. Understanding and using the hosting tools should be simple and accomplish the set goal. There should be adequate support available when problems arise.
5. What Services Are Included With the Hosting Fee?
Depending on what is needed, host sites can provide email, e-commerce, time keeping, extra security, or even energy saving options.
6. Is There a Required Contract Period?
Many hosts require two year contracts; some require longer terms. In general, it's not recommended to sign on for more than two years because of the fast pace of internet development.
7. How Many Domain Names Are Offered?
Many hosts offer a number of domains within one account, giving website owners a greater opportunity to diversify their online presence.
8. Can The End User Control Back-up Function?
Businesses rely on technology to save and maintain their data. Server crashes can be disastrous, so know the servers' back-up policies before signing on.
9. How Reliable is Their Hardware?
Internet servers are now found all across the globe. There is no standard of care for the hard components, and some hosts cut costs by using inferior server hardware.
10. Can the Host Terminate the Contract?
This is usually a problem for small, individual website owners who may exceed their expected server capacity, and it happens even on sites that advertise 'unlimited' usage. The hosts' right to terminate the contract should be spelled out in the Terms of Service document, so be sure to read that thoroughly.
Making these decisions before signing a contract should give owners of hosted websites years of trouble-free internet opportunities.


text:
package org.linqs.psl.evaluation.statistics;

import org.junit.Test;

public class ContinuousEvaluatorTest extends EvaluatorTest<ContinuousEvaluator> {
    @Override
    protected ContinuousEvaluator getEvaluator() {
        return new ContinuousEvaluator();
    }

    @Test
    public void testMAE() {
        ContinuousEvaluator computer = new ContinuousEvaluator();
        computer.compute(trainingMap, predicate);
        assertEquals(0.40, computer.mae());
    }

    @Test
    public void testMSE() {
        ContinuousEvaluator computer = new ContinuousEvaluator();
        computer.compute(trainingMap, predicate);
        assertEquals(0.24, computer.mse());
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Northrop Grumman has been awarded a modified contract from the U.S. Navy for Joint Counter-Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare systems.
The deal, announced Wednesday by the Department of Defense, is a $23.1 million firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract.
Joint Counter-Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare, or JCREW, systems are meant to block the signals between the improvised explosive device and the initiation method for a remote-detonated improvised explosive device.
In Iraq and Afghanistan, car alarms, doorbells, cell phones and two-way radios have been commonly used as initiation methods by enemy forces to detonate improvised explosive devices. JCREW systems can be mounted on a vehicle or carried by an individual soldier while on a dismounted patrol to provide continual signal jamming if remote-detonated improvised explosive devices are in the area.
The contract between the U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman supports the Increment 1 Block 1 systems, which is full-rate production in support of the Expeditionary Warfare Program Office that provides services to both the Navy and Marine Corps.
Nearly all of the work on the contract will be performed in San Diego, Calif., with some done in Sierra Vista, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by August 2022.


The PRESIDENT - May I ask what item the honorable senator is discussing?
Senator Col NEILD - I am seeking to point out that the great dairying industry of Australia exists to-day without the adventitious advantage of bounties.
Senator Best - That is certainly not correct so far as the industry in Victoria is concerned.
Senator Col NEILD - I can carry on a conversation with one honorable senator, but not with three or four. A large sum is set down for the curing of fish, but that industry has been established in Western Australia for many years, and in New South Wales, too, many tons of fish have been successfully cured without even the encouragementas the ugly clap-trap phrase goes - of Customs duties. Now that we have a fairly stiff series of protective duties, it is proposed to give bounties, in addition, to induce persons to embark in various industries. The Bill, I understand, is to be altered materially by the substitution of a new schedule for that now contained in it, and pea-nuts is to be an important item in it. Then £14,000 is to be set aside for the encouragement of " miscellaneous " industries. That will afford excuse for expenditure in respect to any industry, no matter how unsuitable or paltry - even the breeding of polar bears or the propagating of tomatoes. It is playing with Parliament to put such a proposition before us. The Ministry should specify the productions for the encouragement of which they desire to grant bounties; but the largest item in the annual vote of £75,600 is £14,000 for miscellaneous industries.
Senator Guthrie - Including rubber and kapok.
Senator Col NEILD - No sum is set down for the encouragement of rubber and kapok. The amount is to be prescribed by regulation.
Senator Best - Parliament can refuse to sanction the regulations.
Senator Col NEILD - It would be a simpler plan to leave out the item. Kapok is the product of a particular part of the world and nowhere else, and it is silly to think- that we can successfully transfer the kapok industry from the Malay Archipelago to Australia. Rubber, too, is practically a natural product in New Guinea, a territory which is connected with the Commonwealth in some form, though, seeing that the officials there, whose salaries we vote, have been held not to be responsible to this Government in regard to certain recent occurrences, it is difficult to say what the nature of the connexion is. If £10,000 will be. sufficient to encourage the production of cotton and coffee, £14,000 cannot be required for the production of rubber and kapok. What little game is it proposed to carry on without the knowledge of Parliament in respect to this item? Clearly there is something more in it than meets the eye, unless a lump sum has been put down merely to make up the £75,000 a year. Is it not paltering with Parliament, and with the decorum which should attach to legislative proceedings, to ask a miserable £3,000 for a bounty for the encouragement of a great industry like rice growing, and to demand £14,000 to enable cheap bedding to be made here? The Minister of Defence can defend many things, but I do not think he can defend this proposal. Probably he will tell us, as he .told us the other day in regard to another matter, " I am Mowed if I know what it means." There is something to be said for the proposal to encourage coffee growing, though there is already a very successful plantation at Kuranda, in Queensland, about which, no doubt, Senator Givens could give us a good deal of information. I very much question the wisdom of the proposed bounty for cotton, however, because we have excluded all coloured labour from our shores, and I do not think that, in the parts of the country where cotton can be successfully cultivated there is a sufficiency of child labour - that is what it really means - to make the enterprise a success. Take the next item of fibres. It is a perfect farce to talk about giving a bounty upon the production of New Zealand flax. It grows in every Chinaman's garden. It will grow like a weed if it is given a chance. Therefore, it is not necessary to offer a bounty to encourage its production. What powdered milk exactly consists of I do not know.
Senator Best - It might become a splendid industry.
Senator Col NEILD - That is all right. I am not acquainted with the article. It is difficult enough to find decent milk in a liquid state, let alone powdered. I do not think that there is any justification for offering so large a sum as is proposed to encourage the production of oils. It seems to me that, when we will not allow cotton seed to come in without paying a duty, the Bill represents very largely an attempt to grease the fatted "sow, because not only has it been the will of Parliament to offer heavy protective duties, but now that those duties have notoriously failed to produce the promised effects, we are asked to find some other weight for the consumer's back in the form of bounties. If the imposition of the duties had succeeded in creating profitable industries, as we were promised it would do, we should not have been asked, to pass this Bill. It is a proof of the failure of the attempt of a few years ago to bring industries into existence by financial coddling. As the coddling has failed in one instance, it is to be duplicated in order that industries which cannot be established under heavy protective duties may also be fostered by means of bounties. Under the circumstance, as I understand, that there is a majority in favour of the second reading of the Bill, I shall say no more.
Senator Dobson - I intend to call for a division on my amendment.
Senator Col NEILD - I shall vote for the amendment, not because I am not willing to give any reasonable support to an industry which it is thought can be established, but because I take exception to the singling out of certain industries for special coddling,, after it has been shown that they cannot" be brought into existence under the adventitious aid of heavy Customs duties. If ever there was a Bill brought into a Parliament that proved the absolute failure of Customs duties to induce enterprise it is this Bill.


text:
Cebu logs 96 new cases on May 28
On Friday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of May 28, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 96 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 116 new recoveries, and 3 new deaths. This brings Cebu's total confirmed cases to 52,872, while the active cases decreased to 1,291 (from 1,324).
– Total confirmed: 24,291 (+45 new)
– Total recoveries: 22,917 (+11 new)
– Active cases: 510
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 52,872 (+96 new)
Butse Kik: The Song That Angered the Cebuano Chinese Community
Escape from Reality at Cliff Cabanas in Catmon


text:
Dorothy "Dottie" Thamm Obituary
Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home & Cemetery
17W201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Dorothy "Dottie" Thamm
January 2, 1930 – April 13, 2019
Dorothy Louise Thamm, 'Dottie' age 89, passed away on April 13, 2019.
Dottie is survived by her children Pam, Brenda & (Dick) and Duane Jr; Grandmother to Taryn & (Jeff) and Todd & (Kristi); Great-Grandmother to Amelie, Bravery, Christian, Kenzi and Becker. Dorothy had an older brother, Tom and a younger sister, Nancy. During her growing up years, her family lived in Chicago. At age 8, Dorothy's Dad passed away. It was a very sad and difficult time for her family.
At age 16, Dorothy met the love of her life, Duane Thamm Sr. Duane was a musician working in a band at a hotel next to an ice cream shop. Dottie worked at the shop and served him delicious ice cream sodas each time he came in. Two years later Duane and Dottie were married on February 7, 1948. Their love grew each year and they were able to celebrate 67 wonderful anniversaries together.
Dottie and Duane were so excited when their first daughter, Pam was born on January 6, 1949 and their second daughter Brenda on January 31, 1951. Eleven years later on March 2, 1962, their son Duane Thamm Jr. was born.
Dottie was a devoted Mom throughout her years and participated in PTA school activities and Girl Scout Leadership activities. When the girls were little, Dottie took them to dance lessons and roller skating lessons. As the girls and Duane Jr. grew, they had many wonderful birthday parties with their friends. Dottie made sure the parties had good food and fun games. The children started piano lessons in grade school and percussion lessons from their father, Duane Sr. who was a percussion musician himself.
Duane Jr. developed into a musician at an early age and played piano and percussion instruments, so Dottie, Duane Sr. and Duane Jr. started a family musical act. Dottie became a professional clown, named Candy. She made balloon animals for all children during the musical act. Candy the Clown made many children very happy.
Dottie was also a wonderful cook. She always made delicious homemade dinners for her family and friends. Dottie prepared many memorable and delicious holiday family dinners in her home.
Dottie and Duane became Grandparents during the 1970's and were absolutely elated. They enjoyed watching Taryn and Todd grow into wonderful individuals. Besides being a Mom and Grandmother, Dottie started a Shaklee business helping many people nutritionally with the Shaklee products. Dottie also became active in her town's Neighborhood Watch Program and became a Block Captain for her area..
Dottie spent a lot of time with her husband Duane Sr. during their married years. She attended many of his concerts and musical events and had exciting vacations together. When the Great-Grandchildren were born, Dottie and Duane were so excited. They enjoyed seeing Amelie, Bravery, Christian, Kenzi and Becker grow. They enjoyed all family visits and pictures.
Dottie was also a great dog Mom and dog Grandmom. Spot, a sweet and gentle 85 lb. Pit Bull, lived with Dottie for her last three years. Dottie loved Spot and Spot loved Dottie.
Dottie will be remembered for the many gifts she has given to family and friends.
Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home
In Memory Of Dorothy "Dottie" Thamm
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/oakbrook-terrace-il/dorothy-thamm-8760907


text:
How To Make Miscellaneous
How to Attach Hobby Horse Head to Stick
By Karen Weisman ; Updated September 18, 2017
Learn tips for attaching head to stick when making a hobby horse in this free crafts video from our kids toys expert and homemade toy authority.
Karen Weisman graduated from Boston University with a degree in Hotel and Food Management. Since then, she has helped a national grocery store chain develop and launch a gourmet food division, worked as a manager at a large catering company, and owned & operated her own her restaurant. She currently lives in Israel with her husband and six children, where she teaches cooking, baking, cake decorating, and various crafts such as mosaics and sewing.
How to Make Yarn Mane for Hobby Horse
How to Make Ears for Hobby Horse
How to Attach Fabric Mane for Hobby Horse
How to Make a Hobby Horse
How To Do The Yo-Yo Sleeper Trick
How To Do The Eiffel Tower Yo-Yo Trick
How to Breathe When Singing


Nokia today announced a new version of its Lifeblog software. Nokia Lifeblog is a mobile phone and PC application that keeps an organized multimedia diary of the items collected with your mobile phone. The major update is the addition of blogging features powered by Six Apart. Lifeblog is compatible with the Nokia 7610, Nokia 6670, Nokia 6630 or Nokia 6260. Download the software here.