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Things I Did in 2016
Welcome back! Last week, we looked at some great fiction from a talented bunch of authors. This week, our year-in-review continues with Things I Did In 2016.
Every year on New Year's Day, I sit down with a piece of 8.5 x 11 paper and a Sharpie, and I write down my creative goals for the year. I ask myself, "When we get to December 31st, what do I want to have accomplished?"
Here was my list for 2016:
Let's go through these one by one.
Write first draft of Sing to the Bones
I did that in February. It was insane. In hindsight, I have mixed feelings about writing a novel that quickly, but I'm also not sure that I could do it any other way.
This was a novel that I had to let sit for a while (I also had to go to Ireland to really get it right in my head). I spent October editing it to a second draft, and sent it to readers again. I'm waiting on a few last notes to come back, and I intend to start agent-hunting in the New Year.
For a book set in a sun-blasted, rocky country, seeing Ireland really helped.
Finish scripts for Pod-Con
Man, we didn't even touch this. For those newcomers, this is a podcasted musical that Lauren Harris and I wanted to write. However, I'm moving away from audio fiction, so I'm not sure this is still in the cards. Honestly, I'd mentally removed it from the list.
Produce Folklore somehow
Folklore was an early code-name for Six Stories, Told at Night. Making this list in January, I knew grant decisions wouldn't go out until March. I figured if I didn't get the money, I'd throw it up on Audible or something. But as it happened, the Ontario Arts Council did give us the grant, and so this one-woman audio drama rolled out exactly as hoped…although the response was even warmer than I'd dared dream!
Huzzah for the OAC!
Write a play: Southern Ontario Gothic
That was November! It was slightly less insane than writing Sing to the Bones. This will get edited around the New Year, and hopefully I can haul some actors in to read it in late January/early February.
Write and submit short stories to pro markets
Really, I wanted to put, "Sell a short story to a pro market," but I can't control whether my stories get bought, so I didn't. But that was the real goal, deep in my heart of hearts.
And I did sell stories to pro markets! "La Corriveau" sold to Strange Horizons and "The Love it Bears Fair Maidens" just came out at Apex. "Wendigo" also won the Toronto Star Short Story Contest, which I will count as publication (hey, most government arts councils do).
One interpretation of wendigo. Art by Onki Dayan. Found here: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/401172279286144735/
Outline TEGG novels
I did that! Sort of. Enough that I can knock off the first novel of the trilogy in summer 2017.
So…I achieved my creative goals. But as is my wont, I felt like I could've done more, like I could've tried harder. Then I realized that I did more than what I'd put on the list. Looking at the year in its entirety, this is What I Did In 2016:
Me and Jim Kelly. One of my fav pictures from 2016.
Got my Masters' degree
Wrote the first draft of a novel
Edited three manuscripts for other people
Wrote eight short stories
Wrote the first draft of a full-length play
Wrote two pantomimes for the museum dayjob
Wrote, produced, and released a s***-tonne of videos for the museum dayjob
Got an Ontario Arts Council grant to produce Six Stories, Told at Night
Produced and released Six Stories, Told at Night
Produced and released the Heartstealer audiobook
"Don't Read This Story" came out at Daily Science Fiction
Sold "La Corriveau" to Strange Horizons
Sold "The Love it Bears Fair Maidens" to Apex
Won the Toronto Star Short Story Contest with "Wendigo"
Wrote/currently producing "On Thin Ice" for the final season of Tales From the Archives
Edited the first draft of a novel into the second draft
Was a guest at Can*Con
Became an Active Member in SFWA
Started a podcast with Lauren
Sold one more story, details to come.
…so do I still feel like I could have done more?
Absolutely. Much like Alexander Hamilton, I will never be satisfied. On the one hand, I think that's a good thing. Hunger goes a long way in this business. On the other hand, that perpetual ache is something I'm going to have to learn to live with.
But while I might not be completely satisfied, I am pleased. Very pleased. See, in 2015 one of my Stonecoast mentors told me that I was on the cusp, to be patient, and to just keep working as hard as I could. Some big breaks came my way in 2016. I don't think I've tipped over the cusp yet, but I feel a lot closer, and I'm excited to see what 2017 brings!
What I'm Listening to this Week
Y'all know I'm honest with this segment. Last week I saw my colleague Devon Hubka's one-woman show Everything I Need. It was a delightful exploration of her love of theatre and pursuit of acting. This song recurred as a motif throughout:
Not only is it ridiculously catchy, the lyrics speak to me, particularly in light of this week's post. No room for doubt—just shut up and dance.
Tags: creativity, fantasy, geek, KT Bryski, Lauren Harris, Podcasting, science fiction, steampunk, Stonecoast, writer, Writing, Writing life
Things I Read and Loved in 2016
We're getting into the last weeks of 2016, which means it's time for year-in-review posts! Next week, we'll get into What I Did in 2016. This week, I want to talk about what Other People Have Done. So, here are some things I Read and Loved in 2016. (I did read and love much more than this, but alas, I cannot fit them all.) Not all were published in 2016, but that's okay. In no particular order:
Every Mountain Made Low, by Alex White
The name "Alex White" should be familiar. He wrote the theme music for Six Stories, Told at Night! Alex is a ridiculously talented Renaissance Man, and I was excited to crack into his debut novel.
Ghosts have always been cruel to Loxley Fiddleback, especially the spirit of her only friend, alive only hours before. Loxley isn't equipped to solve a murder: she lives near the bottom of a cutthroat, strip-mined metropolis known as "The Hole," suffers from crippling anxiety and doesn't cotton to strangers. Worse still, she's haunted.
It's an evocative world, but for me, the novel's greatest strength is its protagonist: Loxley. She's neuro-atypical, difficult, flawed—and oh, so very real. Plus, there is a veritable arsenal of Chekhov's guns, which pleases me.
Mortal Love, by Elizabeth Hand
At Can*Con this year, I was asked, "Have you read any Elizabeth Hand? I think you'd like her."
"Oh!" I replied. "I love Liz!"
And I do—as former student and reader. I read the back cover copy of Mortal Love at my graduating residency and had to have it:
In the Victorian Age, a mysterious and irresistible woman becomes entwined in the lives of several artists, both as a muse and as the object of all-consuming obsession.
Liz writes everything from sci-fi to noir thrillers. The books I've read are beautifully-wrought, vibrantly-coloured fever dreams. Completely entrancing, even as the colours keep shifting, shifting….
The Six-Gun Tarot, by R.S. Belcher
This was a "Sure, I'll try it!" find from the library:
Nevada, 1869. Golgotha is a cattle town that hides more than its share of unnatural secrets. A haven for the blessed and the damned, Golgotha has known many strange events, but nothing like the darkness stirring in the abandoned mine overlooking the town…
1860s setting aside, I did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did. It's not so much a single, linear plot as immersion into a world. Nor is it a single genre: Weird West, epic fantasy, and Lovecraftian horror all come together. Some reviewers aren't convinced of the execution; I think it worked, but you have to play by the novel's terms, rather than your own expectations.
Tamsin, by Peter S. Beagle
Another library book: "I like Peter S. Beagle, so I will probably like this!"
Jennifer Gluckstein moves with her mother to a 300-year-old farm in Dorset, England, to live with her new stepfather and stepbrothers, Julian and Tony. Initially lonely, Jenny befriends Tamsin Willoughby, the ghost of the original farm's owner's daughter.
Peter S. Beagle writes beautiful fiction, okay? Beautiful, unassuming fiction that wallops you with emotion. While I loved the way history exerts its inexorable power over the plot, I adored the nuanced relationship between Jenny and Tamsin. But then, I am a sucker for strong friendships and (pseudo-) sibling relationships in my fiction.
Roses and Rot, by Kat Howard
I bought this the day it was released. Howard has a discomforting ability to punch my very specific emotional buttons. And we seem to have very similar tastes and interests. And styles. And we were clearly both taught by James Patrick Kelly. And it's a little uncanny, actually. Anyway—
Imogen and her sister Marin escape their cruel mother to attend a prestigious artists' retreat, but soon learn that living in a fairy tale requires sacrifices, whether it be art or love.
Sibling angst? Check. Musing on art and artistic obsession? Check. Faerie? Check.
Goddammit, Kat Howard. There's a little unevenness here and there, but I loved this, finishing in a tearstained rush on the bus.
Le Sang de Mirial, by Marie Bilodeau
Marie's a pal of mine from my Dragon Moon days – I was stoked to pick this up at Can*Con. It's a French translation of her novel Destiny's Blood.
Layela et Yoma Delamores – des jumelles – ont passé la majeure partie de leur vie dans la rue, survivant grâce à de multiples petits larcins. Maintenant dans la vingtaine, Layela a convaincu sa sœur de se ranger : avec l'argent amassé, il est temps d'ouvrir un commerce. Mais quelques jours après l'inauguration de leur boutique de fleuristes, Yoma disparaît…
(Tl;dr: Epic space opera: twins try to open a flower shop after a life of petty crime, but then one disappears…)
My French is okay. I can make myself understood (clumsily), and I mostly understand when I'm listening/reading. About 1/3 of the way through this novel, I felt like I stopped translating in my head and just started reading. As is typical for Marie's work, this is both surreally funny and bitterly dark. I was shipping two characters pretty hard, but I think my hope arose mostly from my spotty FSL skills.
Bonus Short Story: "Three Letters from the Queen of Elfland," by Sarah Monette.
Found in a collection of shorts from Lady Churchill's Rosebud Wristlet. I'm sensing a theme with what I like: Victorian things, Faerie, and unconventional relationships. This story has all three in spades, and the emotional undercurrent nearly melted even my icy heart.
So that's my 2016, reading-wise. What about you? What did you read and love?
Christmas music! John Gardner's arrangement of "Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day" is delightful! It really does need to move quickly: the sprightly organ is perfect. Especially when the descant hits in the last verse: it sounds like we're about to dance off the rails, but then we don't.
Tags: creativity, fantasy, geek, KT Bryski, reads, science fiction, steampunk, Victoriana, writer, Writing, Writing life
The Darker Months
I love Halloween. It's one of those holidays that I like even more as an adult. Sure, trick-or-treating is fun, but I've grown to appreciate the lengthening shadows and chill in the air even more.
"Autumn Evening," Eilif Peterssen (1878)
For me, this time of year is all about the rattle in the leaves, the orange streetlights pooling on the evening pavement. It's the wind stripping the branches bare; the shadow that wasn't there a moment ago; the frost coating roofs slick in the morning; the soil slowing and gathering itself for a long slumber until spring rolls around again. It's the seductiveness of twilight and shadows; the half-understood shiver that comes with incense and decaying leaves and words like All Hallows, and Wheel of the Year, and the dark months.
Halloween, of course, shares its roots between the Feast of All Hallows and Samhain: the Celtic (and modern pagan) New Year. I think the closing of autumn is as good a New Year as any. As discussed before, the shape of my year divides neatly into two halves: season and off-season; museum time and writing time; the warm, secure months and the colder, leaner ones. Halloween is the beginning of the end; the harbinger; the already, but not yet.
At the museum, you see, Christmas starts in mid-November: only two weeks away. Once Christmas starts, it's a quick, short slide to the end and the off-season. Halloween isn't the beginning of the dark months; it's the herald of it, much the way that Easter usually isn't springtime itself, but the promise that warmth and sunlight are returning.
So because we haven't actually gotten into the off-season yet, for me, it's a time of potential. You can taste winter on the wind—but it isn't here yet. And it's oddly appropriate to have potential beginning in the dark, isn't it? I think of the harvest gathered in, the seeds dormant in the ground—waiting. For me, Halloween is a time of baited breath. I'm planning my off-season writing. I'm gathering myself for one last push before the season ends. I'm sensing the winds grow colder; the last leaves falling; the knowledge that the warmth is well and truly gone, now.
And if that's all sounding a little Victorian—the winter is coming on fast—then yes, I suppose it is, a little. Now, don't get me wrong: I cherish and value and treasure my four months of full-time writing so very much. I'm very lucky to have the set-up that I do.
But in some ways, the winter is harder. While I'm very pleased with how my writing's supported me thus far, it's never a sure thing. Toronto gets cold: the whole city feels too hard, like you could bruise yourself on it. Without a daily commute, a Metropass becomes too expensive to justify, which means that I spend four months walking everywhere.
None of that is here yet. But it's coming. And Halloween is the first sign—the first shiver and held breath and remembrance of everything else that might be out there. (All those ghosties and ghoulies and long-legged beasties…)
No matter what you call today, or how you celebrate, all my best to you as we enter into the year's dark half. The winter gets cold, but the most exciting things usually start in the shadows. 😉
Well, it couldn't be anything else, could it?
Tags: fantasy, geek, KT Bryski, Plans, seasonal, steampunk, writer, Writing, Writing life
Parsing the Parsecs: Proposing a New Taxonomy of Podcast Fiction
So I assume we've all seen the WIRED article, right? This one: the one really excited that podcast fiction is "finally" a thing?
Evidently, they've overlooked that podcast fiction kicked off in 2005, and that 2007-2009 was arguably the Golden Age of the Podcast Novel. In fact, the origins and development of the genre were the topic of a massive essay I wrote at Stonecoast. I suspect others will be doing overviews of podcasts from 2005-2012, so… I'd like to share a different portion of my essay, one that proposes a new means by which to classify the genre.
Academia!
II. Parsing the Parsecs: Proposing a New Taxonomy of Podcast Fiction
Despite the genre's significant development over the past decade, few attempts have been made to rigorously classify podcast fiction. Nevertheless, there is a generally understood difference between "full cast podcasts" and "straight reads."[1] A "full cast podcast" generally refers to a fully scored and produced podcast novel featuring the use of numerous actors, as in the case of Morevi, Chasing the Bard, Murder at Avedon Hill, Metamor City, et al. By contrast, a "straight read" features a single reader and minimal production. Mur Lafferty's Heaven series is thus a "straight read," alongside numerous audio fiction magazines such as the Escape Artists' triumvirate—Escape Pod, PodCastle, and PseudoPod—and the Clarkesworld podcast.
However, the distinction between "straight read" and "full cast" is ultimately limiting, particularly within the field of "full cast" podcast fiction. "Full cast," as it appears in general usage, obscures the distinction between fully-produced, fully-casted podcast novels, and fully-produced, fully-casted audio dramas. Adhering strictly to a straight read/full cast binary, both Morevi and We're Alive could be considered full cast podcasts. However, Morevi was originally released as a print novel, and relies heavily on narration to tell the story. As such, it undertakes a fundamentally different approach to storytelling than does We're Alive, which instead lies primarily on dialogue, performance, and sound, with minimal narrative segments.
This difference between podcast novel and audio drama is recognized by the Parsec Awards for Excellence in Speculative Fiction Podcasting. There, the primary distinction amongst podcasts is not between straight read/full cast, but rather between "story" and "audio drama." According to the Parsecs' 2015 category descriptions, a story "…uses narration as its primary means to convey scene and action," whereas in an audio drama, "Storytelling is effected through the dialogue of its characters and sound effects/scenery presenting action and scene as it's [sic] primary mechanism."[2] While these categories differentiate between the two major approaches to storytelling within podcast fiction, they also have certain limitations. Specifically, there is perhaps insufficient nuance in the "story" category.
For example, the 2014 category "Best Speculative Fiction Story: Small Cast (Short Form)," included both the stories "Why the Sea is Boiling Hot," (author Michael Spence, podcasted on Tales from the Archives) and "Growth Spurt," (author Paul Lorello, podcasted on Pseudopod).[3] However, while both "Why the Sea is Boiling Hot" and "Growth Spurt" are indeed small cast, short stories, they function very differently. Despite being small cast, "Why the Sea is Boiling Hot" adopts the production values associated with "full cast" podcasts: music and complex sound effects to denote an aethergate are particularly noticeable.[4] Conversely, "Growth Spurt" has a single reader, no music, and no sound effects. [5] Despite being in the same category, "Why the Sea is Boiling Hot" is essentially a "full cast" podcast with a very small cast, whereas "Growth Spurt" is a straight read.
Thus, neither a full cast/straight read nor audio drama/story dichotomy is sufficient to classify podcast fiction. The full cast/straight read binary obscures the artistic differences between audio book and audio drama (though again, this difference is understood in general parlance[6]), while focusing on that distinction to the exclusion of all else overlooks the many variances in production amongst podcast stories.
As such, this paper proposes a new taxonomy for podcast fiction. Examining the genre broadly, it is evident that some podcasts (PodCastle, Clarkesworld, Jim Kelly's Free Reads, Heaven) use audio primarily as a means of distribution, whereas for others (Hidden Harbour Mysteries, The Antithesis Progression, We're Alive, The Leviathan Chronicles), sound is integral to the story itself—whether the podcast in question is an audio book or audio drama. Therefore, this paper proposes classifying podcasts not by "full cast/straight read," or by "audio drama/story," but rather, by "read fiction" and "performed fiction." "Performed fiction" relies on the use of dramatic techniques to tell the story—that is, music, sound effects, and acting— while "read fiction" does not. The category of "performed fiction" can then be subdivided into "audio drama" and "audio story," under the same criteria utilized by the Parsecs. This classification, therefore, combines both the commonly-understood distinction between straight read and full cast, along with the Parsecs' observance of stories and dramas as separate genres.
However, this means of classifying podcasts is not intended as a strict binary. Rather, conceiving of podcast fiction as a spectrum more accurately reflects the vast array of podcasts that have been produced. At one extreme are those stories which are read by a single narrator, without music, acting, or sound effects. Indeed, such stories might not have originally been intended for audio distribution at all. In its submissions guidelines, Pseudopod states, "We do not discriminate between previously published and unpublished works…we encourage new authors to send their work to other markets first, and then send it to us for audio rights after the story has appeared."[7] Thus, the stories it solicits are not necessarily written with podcasting in mind, unlike We're Alive or Hidden Harbor [ETA: Or Six Stories, Told At Night]. As such, the performance is not an integral part of those stories—they lose very little when experienced as pure text.
The shift from read to performed podcast fiction occurs as a result of the use of dramatic techniques. Music, sound effects, and voice acting are used to communicate setting, atmosphere, and character in addition to what is already suggested by the text. Thus, reading and listening to performed narratives are ultimately very different experiences. The key distinction between read and performed narratives therefore lies not in the amount of dramatic techniques used, but rather, in their importance to the story. For instance, it is fairly common to have musical interludes introduce and finish segments of audiobooks; however, they have little impact on the storytelling. By contrast, the now-removed podcast Weather Child had relatively light scoring and sound effects, and a cast of two. As these elements were integral, Weather Child was nevertheless performed. This is particularly evident when considering its use of voice acting to portray character.
The use of voice acting is the most telling characteristic of performed fiction. Acting necessarily denotes performance. However, it is misleading to deem a read narrative "performance" when the reader has simply used different voices to distinguish characters. Here, this paper draws a distinction between "reading with voices" and "voice acting." While reading, the reader speaks like the character. While performing, the actor speaks as the character. Admittedly, this distinction contains a certain amount of subjectivity, but it is generally useful.
For example, the podcast novels Weaver's Web (Philippa Ballantine) and Ancestor (Scott Sigler) are both read by a single voice. However, Ballantine offers performances of her characters—this is particularly evident in her portrayal of the Weavers.[8] Sigler can affect accents and emotions effectively—as in the case of troubled geneticist Lu Jian Dan[9]—but ultimately, the difference is one of kind rather than degree. While some allowance should be made for a reader/actor's particular skill, the difference between reading and acting is ultimately one of intention rather than talent.
Having determined the importance of voice acting in distinguishing podcast works as performed fiction, it is now necessary to examine the distinctions between performed narrative and audio drama. As the name suggests, performed narratives are primarily told through narration, whereas audio dramas are told through sound. This paper agrees with the general definitions put forth by the Parsec Awards. [10] However, this paper maintains that performed narratives fall along a spectrum. Weaver's Web lies at one extreme: it is a performance due to its use of voice acting, but relies almost entirely on narration. Conversely, Hidden Harbor Mysteries is explicitly presented as a 1930s radio play.[11] Therefore, it is unquestionably a drama. Not only is there minimal narration, but the narrator himself is another character. Yet between these two extremes fall podcasts such as The Guild of the Cowry Catchers, Metamor City: Making the Cut, and The Antithesis Progression. Sound is more integral to the storytelling than would be the case in a strict narrative, yet there is more narration than would be incorporated into a drama.
Thus, using these distinctions and taxonomy, one might say that We're Alive is a large-cast audio drama, Weaver's Web is a solo performed narrative, and "England Under the White Witch," by Theodora Goss, as read by Kate Baker on Clarkesworld, is a read short story.
[1] Bryan Lincoln, Episode 73: Straight Read vs. Full Cast, accessed March 26, 2015.
[2] "2015 Category Descriptions," Parsec Awards, accessed March 26, 2015. <http://www.parsecawards.com/2015-parsec-awards/category-descriptions/>
[3] "2014 Parsec Award Winners and Finalists," Parsec Awards, accessed March 26, 2015.
<http://www.parsecawards.com/past-awards/2014-parsec-awards-winners-finalists/>
[4] Michael Spence, Why the Sea is Boiling Hot, podcast audio, Tales from the Archives Vol. III, edited Philippa Ballantine and Tee Morris, MP3, 24:30-32:30, accessed March 24, 2015. <http://www.ministryofpeculiaroccurrences.com/2014/03/25/tales-from-the-archives-iii-three/>
[5]Paul Lorello, Growth Spurt, podcast audio, Pseudopod, edited Shaun M. Garrett, MP3, accessed March 24, 2015. <http://pseudopod.org/2013/10/25/pseudopod-357-growth-spurt/>
[6] Lincoln, Episode 73: Straight Read vs. Full Cast, 35:06.
[7] Shaun M. Garrett, "Submission Guidelines," Pseudopod, accessed March 28, 2015, <http://pseudopod.org/guidelines/>
[8] Philippa Ballantine, Episode 13, podcast audio, Weaver's Web, MP3, 15:07, accessed March 20, 2015. <http://podiobooks.com/title/weavers-web/>
[9] Scott Sigler, Episode 5, podcast audio, Ancestor, MP3, 11:50, accessed March 30, 2014. <http://podiobooks.com/title/ancestor/>
[10] "2015 Category Descriptions," Parsec Awards, accessed March 26, 2015. <http://www.parsecawards.com/2015-parsec-awards/category-descriptions/>
[11] Jay Smith and Bryan Lincoln. "Welcome to Hidden Harbor," Hidden Harbor Mysteries, accessed March 30, 2015. <http://zebrapix.wix.com/hiddenharbor>
So I'm still not entirely sure where Six Stories, Told at Night falls…but since it's performed, and uses a lot of narrative – a solo performed piece?
Also, Tee Morris and I made this awesome infographic detailing other fiction podcasts pre-dating Welcome to Night Vale's 2012 launch. Check it out, and discover some other cool listens!
Sometimes, there's a song that I don't even remember stumbling across. Amy MacDonald's "This is the Life," for instance. I heard this first back in high school, and it's popped up again. Not my usual style, but quite enjoyable!
Tags: awesome, fantasy, geek, Interpretive rants, KT Bryski, Podcasting, Podcasts, science fiction, steampunk, stories, writer, Writing, Writing life
Cover Reveal and Podcast Announcement!
Cover reveal and podcast announcement! Huzzah!
Our new audio drama, Six Stories, Told at Night releases soon—Episode 1 should drop on Sunday, August 14th. There will be links aplenty once that happens, rest assured.
Six Stories, Told at Night has been generously funded by the Ontario Arts Council. What does this mean? It means that, after years of podcasting on a shoestring, I could finally afford to do things properly. Custom music, pro rates for voice talent (an actor AND a singer, oh my), and a gorgeous cover image.
Would you like to see this gorgeous cover image?
Of course you would.
It's designed by Starla Huchton, after all.
I am so incredibly grateful to the Ontario Arts Council. Someone, please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I'm the first fantasy podcaster to receive government funding? While that's neat for my ego, it's also highly encouraging.
You guys, the government funded an independent podcast. Not only that, the government funded an independent fantasy podcast.
Ten years ago, not many people knew what a podcast was. Not many people outside the community took them all that seriously. While podcasts have since grown more mainstream, this feels incredibly validating. It reaffirms that yes, podcast fiction is legitimate art. It shows that podcasts have changed the way we tell stories—maybe not quite the way we all imagined ten years back, but nevertheless.
And it reaffirms the legitimacy of speculative fiction outside its community. For those keeping score at home—earlier this year, a straight-up fantasy story about cannibal ice monsters won the largest short story contest in Canada. Now Six Stories and its fairy tales contribute to the arts in Ontario. It makes me feel very honoured, very blessed, and very humbled.
It's been a wild ride. Blythe sounds phenomenal, of course—I think this may be my favourite vocal performance from her. I can't wait to show you what we've been working on. See you next Sunday!
So here's how I do this: I literally just find whatever song has been most played on my iPod over the past week. That's it.
More Hamilton.
Sorry. Not sorry.
This song has acquired a very special poignancy for me. Music starts at 1:04.
Tags: Blythe Haynes, Canada, creativity, fantasy, KT Bryski, OAC, Podcasting, Podcasts, science fiction, steampunk, writer, Writing, Writing life
Being a Spy: Research on the Road
I'm typing this somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, on my way home after a week in Ireland as visiting choir at St. Patrick's Cathedral (I wasn't the entire visiting choir, don't worry—there were close to 40 of us singing). Conveniently, Ireland was next on my "Want-To-Visit" list after New Zealand, so things worked out quite well.
After all, I have a lot of upcoming fiction that either draws from Irish history/mythology, or straight-out takes place in Ireland. So while the choir was there to sing, I used this as a research trip alongside.
Mostly, this research consisted of walking around and looking at things. Getting a feel for Dublin and its qualities of light; how the air lies against the skin; the smells and shadows and tastes. My pal Erin and I took some day trips as well, so I did the same heading north to the Giants' Causeway, and then cutting across the country to the Cliffs of Moher.
I have some upcoming works set partially in Dublin…
Nothing like having a character breathe, "This is it – this is where I was born. I played on the stones."
It's a funny thing. When you're in this research-mode, you're always hanging back a little. You take notes, mentally or otherwise. My phone is full of things like, "Horn spoons can't be sharpened," and "Mugshot mirrors," and "Body-snatching cemetery near Kilmainham: jail visible." It's kind of like being a spy: silently gathering information as you move through the world.
Of course, you still enjoy yourself. It's true: there's something about the Cliffs of Moher that take the talking away from you. At the same time, it's like having double-vision: gasping at the Cliffs of Moher because they're really quite shockingly beautiful, while also saying, "Right…this is the contrast of grey-lilac cloud and bright green. This is how it looks."
I think that writers are simultaneously hyper-engaged with the world, and standing apart from it. Constantly stroking the limestone (smooth, warm, grainy under the fingers), really paying attention to the salt on the wind (it gets on the lips), studying our bus tour group (that passive-aggressive woman insinuating that maybe the driver can stop at her hotel, not the official bus drop-off). You're right there, but always saying, "So that's how it is, I can use that."
Really, though, you don't need to travel to conduct this sort of research. Watch the people on the subway—the power dynamics over shared seats. Pay attention walking down the street—ears open, eyes wide, breathing deep.
It's tiring. I don't think anyone can do it all of the time. Sometimes, you can't be standing apart, taking notes. But I do think I made the most of my time in Ireland. I understand it better; we've gotten to know each other a bit.
Now, of course, even more fun and hard work: taking those impressions and scraps and synthesizing them into good stories. 🙂
Ah, it's been "The Wind that Shakes the Barley" (no, I've not seen the movie; yes, I want to). There was a lot of Irish history on this trip. There's a wonderful crescendo about midway through this piece that cuts to a lot of grief—it's given insight into a certain character.
I understand him better; we've gotten to know each other a bit.
Posted in Travel, Writing
Tags: creativity, fantasy, geek, KT Bryski, science fiction, steampunk, stories, Travel, writer, Writing, Writing life
Voices at my Desk: Words to Steer By
Like many writers I know, I keep quotations at my desk. As with most people, they represent an eclectic mix of memories, aspirations, and feelings. Now, I like seeing what words other writers use for compasses. Here, then, are mine:
There's a reason this picture has shown up a few times. It's one of the most important of the bunch. Shortly after I graduated, Elizabeth Hand and I had a long, lovely conversation. This is how she finished it. At any stage of a career, it all comes down to this, doesn't it?
From Doctor Who (the beautiful Vincent Van Gogh episode, more specifically). My writing goes dark, more often than not. While it's all very well – easy – to hit the reader that way, there has to be more to a story than emotional button-pushing and personal catharsis.
Another contribution from Liz: this is from a poem by Theodore Roethke. She put this on the easel during our first workshop, and it's stayed with me since. The voice of the story is always there. Often, we simply need to centre ourselves, breathe, and listen to it.
From another friend: Dave Robison. During my first Smoky Mountain Writers' retreat, I joined a renegade critique group that met to offer criticism after cocktail hour. I read a story about undead French-Canadian steampunk cyborgs (of course). After the silence that followed, this is what Dave said.
This probably deserves its own blog post, but I have to believe it. I have to. Words aren't coming? You're going to win a Hugo one day. Rejection letter? You're going to win a Hugo one day. Feeling frightened, alone, and talentless? Dust yourself off and keep going, because you're going to win a Hugo one day.
Of course, it seems terribly arrogant to presume that, but I think a weird mix of arrogance and humility is part and parcel of the writing mindset. In any case, it's proven a lifeline, a beacon, something to drive my ship towards. Can't ask for more than that, can you?
Okay, so this is probably the most idiosyncratic of the bunch. Earlier this year, I read The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars, by Steven Brust. It was part of Terri Windling's series of fairy tale retellings. It's about a painter and it's about a Hungarian fairy tale. It's mostly about art and creation. Throughout, the narrator asks, "Bones?" He explains that in traditional Hungarian fairy tales, it's a way of asking if the listener is still awake, if they want more.
"Bones?"
"Tiles."
And then the story continues.
When I'm beaten, and exhausted, and battling a three-day migraine (I was doing so well with migraines, for a while), I look just past my monitor. There, on one of many whiteboards, the question waits.
And inevitably, my tired brain mumbles, "Tiles."
Can't ask for more than that, can you?
We're finally going to Dublin! The choir flies out at the end of this week, so naturally, when it's not tour music, I've been listening to all sorts of Irish music. I've heard other versions of "Óró Sé do Bheatha Bhaile," but none like this. Loosely translated, it runs something like, "Oh-ro, welcome home, Oh-ro, welcome home, now that summer's coming!"
It's a rebel song, and it's the intensity of the vocalists that gets me here. It's sparking something in the back of my mind: possibly a way to fix the novel I drafted earlier this year (Dublin will be part choir tour, part research trip….)
Tags: Community, creativity, fantasy, geek, Inspiration, KT Bryski, steampunk, Stonecoast, Travel, writer, Writing, Writing life
Birthday Post: Twenty-Five!
It's my birthday tomorrow! Granted, this does happen every year. But tomorrow is rather a milestone. I'm turning twenty-five, you see.
It feels like a big number.
I'm sure I'll look back on that sentence in ten years and laugh.
Regardless, the idea of twenty-five seems to be settling quite well. It feels like I am exactly where I'm meant to be at this point in time. And a slow realization has been dawning on me…
I'm really, overall, very happy.
There was a time that I didn't think that would be possible. Frankly, there was a time when I thought I'd be lucky to make it to twenty-five. That period leaves an overwhelming impression of greyness and cold. I was living by my fingernails, and I would've been miserable, but everything inside was too frozen for that.
Going into this twenty-fifth year, it's green-gold and light, all the way through. Honestly, when I think about how happiness looks to me, it's the same image over and over: those golden summer mornings at the village, early, before the public arrives. When the day's heat is banked and the air's shimmering and full of dew, and the dust lies quiet on the road.
Of course, there have been bumps in between Then and Now. There was also an impressive derailment. But overall…
I've worked really, really hard to create a life that makes me happy. I've learned stuff, too.
It is always, always better to talk things out.
Unexpressed emotions fester. They turn septic, poisoning you from the inside out. It is always better to get them out in the open.
I can't drink beer and be productive on the same night.
Not at 20, definitely not at 25.
The prevailing narrative isn't the only valid one.
Grow up, meet significant other, marry, buy house, have 2.1 children, work, retire, etc.
This is the narrative we all receive as children. It's a fine narrative; there's nothing wrong with it at all. But it isn't the only one. Over the last year especially, I've learned that my life narrative is NOT going to look like this. And at first, that was really hard to accept—because damn, isn't something wrong, if you stray from the Approved Story?
But you get to write your story. You can change the ending. Throw in a plot twist. Whatever narrative you end up living is no less valid than the one with the most cultural currency.
The arts really is a matter of taste.
I recently read an award-winning story (from a few years back), and said, "Eh." Nothing wrong with it. Just not for me. And then I realized, OMG this is what editors do too!!!
See also: my experiences with modern art.
Modern art is cool; I just don't speak the language well.
Success is a numbers game.
If you are lucky, talented, and persistent, you will eventually make it.
I'm talented. My Canadian soul quakes to say it, but it's disingenuous not to. I'm lucky.
So: persistence.
Liz Hand's advice: always applicable.
The minimum amount of sleep I need to be reasonably functional is 4 hours.
This has been extensively tested. 3 hours is not pretty.
There's always a line in the sand.
Whenever I go into tailspins, there's always some line in the sand—something that I am not willing to lose—that pulls me upright again. It's an impetus to start clawing my way back to the light.
Everyone has their price. It's a matter of sorting it out, before it's too late.
My family/friendships are my centre.
I like Being Alone. I like staying up until 4:00 am writing. I like bopping around museums and galleries by myself. I like having my art play a prominent role in my life.
But without you—you, my families; you, my friends; you, my Tribe—there's nothing.
So that's twenty-five years. They've been good ones, on the whole, made much better by a whole host of wonderful people.
Here's to a whole bunch more!
More Hamilton, #sorrynotsorry. The musical just works for me, okay? It's incredibly well-crafted, and the music does hugely interesting things. That's why I have to keep listening – because you can't quite get it all, the first time around.
So: the Reynolds Pamphlet. My inner history geek loves this because they quote the actual primary source document. My ear loves the deep-voiced, "Daaaaaamn." My plotting self loves that this is the moment at which Hamilton's world crumbles – plotwise, this is pivotal. And my character loving self adores Angelica's rage and Jefferson's unrestrained glee.
Quite a lot, for a two-minute song!
Tags: Community, creativity, fantasy, geek, KT Bryski, Podcasting, steampunk, writer, Writing, Writing life
Heartstealer Audiobook is OUT!
Good news, everyone! The audiobook version of HEARTSTEALER is now available from Audible.com! If you recall, I spent a good chunk of this off-season editing this thing, so it's delightful to have it out in the wild, ready to be purchased.
Blythe does a fantastic job narrating. Naturally, she was my first choice. Both for sheer talent, and also, becomes this book comes from such a specific period of my life.
"Grief hadn't made me weak. It had made me stronger than I'd ever known I could be."
It was such a strange, full-circle feeling, hearing her speak those words. Because it's true. I figured that out about grief a long time ago: I believed it then, I believed it when I wrote it, and I believe it now.
The thing with spending 130 hours listening to someone read your words aloud is that you hear more in them. Yes, HEARTSTEALER came from a place of great grief…but also from a place of great love. Love for a place, and love for the people I found there.
So, thank you. Thank you to everyone who's had a hand along the way…and thank you most especially to Blythe. I know it was not an easy project—luckily, I also knew your talent would be more than a match for it!
Now before we get too maudlin, here's some fun statistics:
FUN STATISTICS
Total word count: 105,000
Total running time: 12 hours, 9 minutes.
Total editing time: 130 hours (best guess)
Total time between first handshake and audiobook release: Seven months.
Distinct speaking characters: 61
Distinct voices: 65
Distinct voice actors: 1
Buildings gleefully borrowed: I count 10, but probably more.
Voice talent cursed: Lost count.
Voice talent praised: Also lost count, but it was more.
So—check it out, tell your friends, and most importantly:
If you enjoy it—either the story, the performance, or both—please, for the love of Cthulhu, leave a review. It honestly helps so very, very much. And in this case, it helps both me and Blythe. So hey, boosting two artists for the price of one. Sounds like a deal I could get behind.
Or very craftily and deliberately orchestrate. You know. Either way.
Cheers, everyone. Thanks again, and enjoy the ride to this remote northern village, full of old hurts, older magic, and things that stalk the night…
MOAR VERDI AND TRAVIATA!
La Traviata is still my favourite opera. When I hear the prelude, I'm fifteen again. Because I was a really, really cool fifteen-year-old, obviously. Anyway, the prelude pretty much encapsulates the entire opera in three minutes. The first minute or so is super moody, delicate strings with a wilting-flower melody (spoiler: La Traviata does not end well).
Alfredo is our main romantic man here. His theme starts around 1:20. Hear how earnest he sounds? Only then—scary minor chords at 1:53. This is the operatic equivalent of going DUN DUN DUN. Our lady Violetta herself follows at 2:10 or so: a lovely, flippant little tune. You can practically see her bare shoulders and flipping hair. Listen to the contrast between the two…
The opera in a nutshell. 🙂
Tags: audiobook, Black Creek, Community, creativity, fantasy, KT Bryski, new release, Personal, Podcasting, steampunk, Victoriana, writer, Writing, Writing life
Beta Readers are Awesome
Beta readers are awesome people.
Every single one of my novels has gone through a few rounds of betas. I honestly don't know what I would do without them. They're like that friend who runs lines with you before performances, or asks questions for mock interviews. They love you and they have your back, and they'll call you on things.
Like I said: awesome people.
My novel just went out to betas. As I compiled my list, I had to smile. Over the years, I've collected a lot of wonderful beta readers. They come from all spheres of my life: the museum, my writing pals, my church/choir, my family, my former schoolmates…
Yay friends/peers/colleagues!
For me, there's no particular formula for finding good beta readers. Mostly, it's about keeping your eyes and ears open: paying attention to the people around you. And making sure they actually have time. But looking closely at my Beta Super Team, some patterns emerge.
First and foremost: they're readers. They love books; they love stories; they love words. Most are well-versed in fantasy—they know tropes; they can sense when a story's out of joint. And those with diverging tastes are still lovers of story. They offer new insights, fresh takes, all while keeping the story's interests uppermost in mind.
They're conscientious and thoughtful. Some have read absolutely everything I've ever written ever (Hi, Cara!). This round, a few haven't read anything of mine before. Either way, I've spent enough time with all of them to know: they're smart people. Their judgement is sound; I know they won't just fling random thoughts at me willy-nilly.
Reference image: downtown Sydney, ca. 1890. (Courtesy: The City of Sydney Archives)
And they have insights both brilliant and varied. I like having a fairly large Beta Super Team. (Novel's currently out to 11, and I have a few more people to approach.) Partly, this is to try and get some consensus in response. A note from one person may or may not indicate a problem; the same note from a dozen probably does.
But also—remember how my Beta Super Team comes from many, many different parts of my life? They have vastly different backgrounds, experiences, and areas of knowledge/skill.
I love using actors as beta readers because they're trained to look at texts and analyze characters. I love using my healthcare-type pal because she's flipping brilliant with story logic and prose-level technical issues. I love using history types who can call me on worldbuilding; fantasy lovers who can feel if the story hits right; writers who can delve into issues of art and craft.
It's like how you need a Pokemon team that can handle anything. Here was mine, the last time I played Leaf Green. No psychic types, but psychics are mostly useful against poison/fighting, and I've got Sandslash and Pidgeot for those. Cover your bases, that's all I'm saying.
All that's great. But you know why beta readers are really awesome?
They're doing this for love. Love for you; love for the story; love for the process. It means so much to me when someone agrees to beta read. They're giving up their free time to help me. Everyone has their own lives and projects; it's no small thing.
And it's a special thing, this relationship between beta reader and author. Like falling in love – when it clicks, you know. Everyone's working towards the same goal:
The most kickass story possible.
So, to my Beta Super Team: thank you thank you thank you. I hope you enjoy the novel, and I am stoked to hear your thoughts!
What I'm Listening To This Week:
I actually can't listen to this piece too much, because it makes me cry, and I'm scared that repeated exposure will dull the effect. This rendition of "Calon Lân" is a beautifully-sung traditional Welsh hymn, but it's the choir that makes it here. There's something in these young men's eyes—passion, spirit—that gets me every single time.
This is how choirs should sing, always. Music starts at 2:10.
Tags: awesome, Community, creativity, editing, fantasy, KT Bryski, steampunk, stories, Victoriana, writer, Writing, Writing life


text:
James Harden's long-anticipated restaurant finally opens in Midtown
Mar 8, 2021 | 3:20 pm
Thirteen has opened to the public.
Photo by Touché Studio
The wait for James Harden's restaurant has come to an end. Originally scheduled to open in January, Thirteen began service last weekend, the restaurant announced.
Located in the former Mr. Peeples space at 1911 Bagby St., the 15,000-square-foot space offers a 75-seat dining room, an outdoor patio, a hookah bar, and a private dining room. Harden selected many of the design elements and literally left his mark on the establishment in the former of a light fixture shaped like his signature.
"We are so excited to officially be opening for business," general manager Rosea Grady said in a statement. "James has put so much effort into every detail of this restaurant. It's been a true labor of love for him, and we can't wait to share the food, the atmosphere, and the experience of this amazing place with the Houston community."
To create the food, Harden turned to chef Tobias Dorzon. A former professional football player, Dorzon started his culinary career as a private chef for athletes and served as Harden's personnel chef during last summer's NBA bubble. With almost 100,000 followers on Instagram, Dorzon may not be as famous as his boss (11.4 million followers), but successful appearances on Guy's Grocery Games and other reality TV shows give him a legitimate profile.
The chef has crafted a menu that mixes steakhouse and comfort food elements. Think shrimp and lobster mac and cheese egg rolls with crawfish cream sauce; four layer, deep-fried lasagna; mac and cheese topped with a deep fried lobster tail; and a 32-ounce tomahawk ribeye with Hawaiian marinade and shallot-pineapple compound butter. Brunch items include blueberry pie, deep-fried French toast, oxtails and grits, and avocado toast.
In the run up to its open, Thirteen engaged in charitable activities such as preparing 3,000 meals for people who suffered during Winter Storm Uri. On March 5, the restaurant gave away $100,000 worth of Adidas clothing to both children and adults.
After Harden forced a trade to the Brooklyn Nets, Rockets fans flooded sites like Google and Yelp with negative reviews that have since been deleted. A sold-out opening weekend suggests Houstonians are ready to give Thirteen a chance. After all, if Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta can forgive Harden and retire his jersey number, surely fans can see what Dorzon and Grady have in store for them.
Thirteen is open for dinner Tuesday-Sunday and brunch on Sunday. Reservations available via OpenTable.
news-you-can-eatopenings
fins and all
Towering downtown skyscraper and former headquarters for oil giant set for new high-rise apartment conversion
An empty downtown skyscraper harking to Houston's energy capital brand may soon reignite the high-rise living trend in downtown.
The tower formerly known as the Humble Oil headquarters and now the Exxon building (800 Bell St.) has been sold to an out-of-state developer with plans to convert the structure to residential units. Ralph Bivins, a former CultureMap scribe, was first to break the news on Realty News Report.
Bivins reports that the 1.2 million-square-foot building was sold to a New York investment group affiliated with CMI Developers. Notably, the group boasts experience in historic redevelopment and apartment conversions. Bivins adds that the age of the Exxon building (it was completed in 1962) and its high local profile might yield available historic preservation tax credits for the developers.
As downtowners may recall, the former Exxon HQ at 800 Bell for around eight years when the company relocated to its modern new campus.
Culturally, the building has been significant as a towering symbol of Houston's energy powerhouse status. At the time of its opening, Bivins notes, the building was considered the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Its famed Petroleum Club atop the building was the site of myriad power deals, and later, special events.
Looking forward, the building presents numerous opportunities for adaptive reuse. The first floors of the building, once open to neighbors who utilized the Exxon cafeteria, can be an ideal mixed-use locale for restaurants and even retail. One hopes the building's signature "fins," crafted to block the hot Houston sun, remain a design feature.
A close-up shot of the building's fins.Photo via CALpix; copyright 2023
The large scale of the Exxon tower raises the opportunity for placing a significant amount of retail or restaurants in the lower levels of the building, located between Milam and Travis. The old Exxon parking garage, located nearby, comes with the deal, Bivins point out — always a boon for parking-scarce downtown areas.
Given the green-light status of the hotly contested I-45 expansion project and plans to redevelop Midtown and areas near the Pierce Elevated, the high-rise residential could be an epicenter of new downtown growth.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


' Tractatus de Fractiira Calve sive Craiiei a Carpo Editus, 1518.
Acetonitrilo, ;^.90 nignls., i. e., 0.20 higm. per gnl. nloiise. Survived.
traction, so that the direction of the force is always outwards.
tion to which more than 10 per cent of normal rabbit serum is added.
In * 345089 Ponte, Oldradus de. Consilia. B.L. Lugd. 1543.
chamber = 1 to 2 c.c, and in the fourth ventricle = 0'5 to 1 c.c.


text:
title: Customizing Lock
description: This tutorial demonstrates how to customize Lock.
budicon: 285
---

<%= include('../../_includes/_package', {
  org: 'auth0-samples',
  repo: 'auth0-jquery-samples',
  path: '10-Customizing-Lock',
  requirements: [
    'jQuery 3.1.0'
  ]
}) %>

Using Lock is easy, but you may want to customize your login UI. For that, there are several [customization options](/libraries/lock/v10/customization) available.

## Lock Options

Some UI customization can be done via the `options` parameter when creating a `Lock` instance.

### Theme Options

You can set custom theme properties, such as a different logo or primary color, by adding a `theme` property with custom values:

```javascript
// app.js

var lock = new Auth0Lock('${account.clientId}', '${account.namespace}', {
  theme: {
    logo: "test-icon.png",
    primaryColor: "#b81b1c"
  }
});
```
For more information, see the [theming options](/libraries/lock/v10/ui-customization) documenation.

### Language Dictionary Specification

You can also customize the text that `Lock` will display with the `languageDictionary` option parameter:

```javascript
// app.js

var lock = new Auth0Lock('${account.clientId}', '${account.namespace}', {
  languageDictionary: {
    title: "My Company"
  }
});
```

For more information, see the [language dictionary specification](/libraries/lock/v10/i18n) documenation.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Iger could remain Disney CEO after Fox deal closes
Disney chief Bob Iger might not be done just yet.
Reports claim Iger might re-up in his role as CEO of The Walt Disney Company after closure of an agreement for various 21st Century Fox assets.
The development came shortly after news that Fox chief James Murdoch could become CEO of the merged entity, with his father, Rupert Murdoch, also taking a senior role at the House of Mouse.
According to CNBC sources, Iger's contract would be extended should a deal be finalised. Comcast remains interested in a deal, but Disney appears to be well out in front as a suitor.
Iger has been leading Disney as CEO and chairman since 2005, but recently confirmed a plan to step down in 2019. He had told Vanity Fair "this time I mean it" after previous plans to step down changed.
However, things have since changed, with Disney believed to be close to a deal worth between US$60 billion and US$70 billion for the entertainment assets of Fox, minus the broadcast, news and sports networks.
Among the assets Disney would acquire in the Fox deal include cable networks National Geographic and FX, Fox Networks Group and its international divisions (excluding the Fox broadcast channel), an extra 30% stake in Hulu, 50% of Endemol Shine Group, a 39% stake in Sky and control of Indian pay TV service Star TV.
Tags: 21st Century Fox, Bob Iger, Endemol Shine Group, FX, James Murdoch, M&A, National Geographic, Sky, Star TV, The Walt Disney Company
FX boss Landgraf: Netflix isn't telling "whole story" around viewership
FX boss John Landgraf has lashed out at Netflix, criticizing the streaming giant's viewership claims. The exec, who was speaking at the Television Critics Association's winter press tour in Pasadena, California, on Monday (4 February), said the business is not telling audiences "the whole story" as it does not follow widely accepted viewership metrics that […]
Endemol Shine sale back on the table
Banijay Group has pulled back from plans to buy Endemol Shine Group, TBI understands. It is believed that the two parties, which have been in discussions around a potential deal since last fall, have hit pause on those talks after failing to agree a price point. Endemol Shine is once again open to other buyers, […]
BBC box sets head to Sky, Now TV
Sky and BBC Studios have struck a deal to bring a list of BBC comedy and drama box sets to Sky and Now TV. From April, Sky subscribers will be able to binge on "hundreds of hours" of BBC content including classic series such as The Vicar of Dibley, Only Fools and Horses, The Royale […]
Disney, Fox merger set to close March 20
The Walt Disney Company has set a March 20 date to finalise its $71.3bn acquisition of 21st Century Fox. The company announced the news after receiving the final sign-off from Mexican regulators on Tuesday (12 March). Mexico wanted reassurance that Disney would sell off Fox's regional sports networks (RSN's) to approve the merger. The RSNs […]
TBI Weekly: 'Chernobyl' is astonishing, but what's next for HBO? (Column)
Fox posts offer note for Sky deal
Apollo, Disney hang on to Endemol Shine as sale suspended
Sky & ABC Australia pair for scripted comedy Frayed
Writer's Room: Richie Mehta. Turning timeline into takes for 'Delhi Crime'


text:
package com.digits.sdk.android;

import android.annotation.TargetApi;
import android.app.Activity;
import android.content.Intent;
import android.os.Build;
import android.os.Bundle;
import android.os.CountDownTimer;
import android.os.ResultReceiver;
import android.widget.TextView;

import com.twitter.sdk.android.core.TwitterApiErrorConstants;
import com.twitter.sdk.android.core.TwitterException;

import org.mockito.ArgumentCaptor;

import java.util.Locale;

import static org.mockito.Mockito.atMost;
import static org.mockito.Mockito.mock;
import static org.mockito.Mockito.verify;
import static org.mockito.Mockito.verifyZeroInteractions;
import static org.mockito.Mockito.when;

public abstract class DigitsControllerTests<T extends DigitsControllerImpl> extends
        DigitsAndroidTestCase {
    static final String COUNTRY = "US";
    static final CountryInfo COUNTRY_INFO = new CountryInfo(new Locale("", COUNTRY), 123);
    static final String PHONE = "123456789";
    static final String PHONE_WITH_COUNTRY_CODE = "+" + COUNTRY_INFO.countryCode + "123456789";
    static final String CODE = "123456";
    static final String EMPTY_CODE = "";
    static final long USER_ID = 1234567;
    static final String REQUEST_ID = "881984";

    T controller;
    SpacedEditText phoneEditText;
    StateButton sendButton;
    InvertedStateButton resendButton, callMeButton;
    DigitsClient digitsClient;
    ArgumentCaptor<Intent> intentCaptor;
    ArgumentCaptor<DigitsCallback> callbackCaptor;
    ArgumentCaptor<Bundle> bundleCaptor;
    ResultReceiver resultReceiver;
    ErrorCodes errors;
    DummySessionManager sessionManager;
    Activity context;
    DigitsEventCollector digitsEventCollector;
    CountDownTimer countDownTimer;
    TextView timerTextView;
    DigitsEventDetailsBuilder digitsEventDetailsBuilder;
    ArgumentCaptor<DigitsEventDetails> digitsEventDetailsArgumentCaptor;

    @Override
    public void setUp() throws Exception {
        super.setUp();
        bundleCaptor = ArgumentCaptor.forClass(Bundle.class);
        callbackCaptor = ArgumentCaptor.forClass(DigitsCallback.class);
        intentCaptor = ArgumentCaptor.forClass(Intent.class);
        phoneEditText = mock(SpacedEditText.class);
        sendButton = mock(StateButton.class);
        resendButton = mock(InvertedStateButton.class);
        callMeButton = mock(InvertedStateButton.class);
        digitsClient = mock(DigitsClient.class);
        context = mock(Activity.class);
        resultReceiver = mock(ResultReceiver.class);
        sessionManager = new DummySessionManager(mock(DigitsSession.class));
        errors = mock(ErrorCodes.class);
        digitsEventCollector = mock(DummyDigitsEventCollector.class);
        countDownTimer = mock(CountDownTimer.class);
        timerTextView = mock(TextView.class);
        digitsEventDetailsArgumentCaptor = ArgumentCaptor.forClass(DigitsEventDetails.class);

        when(context.getPackageName()).thenReturn(getClass().getPackage().toString());
        when(context.getResources()).thenReturn(getContext().getResources());
    }

    public void testHandleError() throws Exception {
        controller.handleError(context, EXCEPTION);
        verifyControllerError(EXCEPTION, 1);
        verify(phoneEditText).setError(ERROR_MESSAGE);
        verify(sendButton).showError();
        verifyNoInteractions(digitsEventCollector);
        verifyZeroInteractions(context);
    }

    @TargetApi(Build.VERSION_CODES.JELLY_BEAN)
    public void testShowError_fiveTimesStartFallback() throws Exception {
        controller.handleError(context, EXCEPTION);
        controller.handleError(context, EXCEPTION);
        controller.handleError(context, EXCEPTION);
        controller.handleError(context, EXCEPTION);
        controller.handleError(context, EXCEPTION);
        verifyControllerError(EXCEPTION, 5);
        verifyControllerFailure(1);
        verify(phoneEditText, atMost(4)).setError(ERROR_MESSAGE);
        verify(sendButton, atMost(4)).showError();
        verify(context).startActivity(intentCaptor.capture());
        final Intent intent = intentCaptor.getValue();
        assertEquals(FailureActivity.class.getName(), intent.getComponent().getClassName());
        assertEquals(resultReceiver, intent.getExtras().get(DigitsClient.EXTRA_RESULT_RECEIVER));

        final DigitsEventDetailsBuilder details = intent.getExtras()
                .getParcelable(DigitsClient.EXTRA_EVENT_DETAILS_BUILDER);
        assertNotNull(details.country);
        assertNotNull(details.language);
        assertNotNull(details.authStartTime);

        verify(context).finish();
    }

    public void testHandleError_unrecoverableExceptionStartFallback() throws Exception {
        controller.handleError(context, new UnrecoverableException(ERROR_MESSAGE));
        verifyUnrecoverableException();
    }

    void verifyUnrecoverableException() {
        verifyControllerFailure(1);
        verifyNoInteractions(sendButton, phoneEditText);
        verify(context).startActivity(intentCaptor.capture());
        final Intent intent = intentCaptor.getValue();
        assertEquals(FailureActivity.class.getName(), intent.getComponent().getClassName());
        assertEquals(resultReceiver, intent.getExtras().get(DigitsClient.EXTRA_RESULT_RECEIVER));
        verify(context).finish();
    }

    public void testStartFallback() throws Exception {
        controller.startFallback(context, resultReceiver, new DigitsException("",
                TwitterApiErrorConstants.USER_IS_NOT_SDK_USER, new AuthConfig()));
        verify(context).startActivity(intentCaptor.capture());
        final Intent intent = intentCaptor.getValue();
        assertEquals(FailureActivity.class.getName(), intent.getComponent().getClassName());
        assertEquals(resultReceiver, intent.getExtras().get(DigitsClient.EXTRA_RESULT_RECEIVER));

        final DigitsException reason = (DigitsException) intent.getExtras().get(DigitsClient
                .EXTRA_FALLBACK_REASON);
        assertEquals(TwitterApiErrorConstants.USER_IS_NOT_SDK_USER, reason.getErrorCode());
    }

    public void testOnResume() throws Exception {
        controller.onResume();
        verify(sendButton).showStart();
    }

    public void testClearError() throws Exception {
        controller.clearError();
        verify(phoneEditText).setError(null);
        verifyNoInteractions(sendButton, digitsClient);
    }

    public void testAfterTextChanged() throws Exception {
        controller.onTextChanged(null, 0, 0, 0);
        verify(phoneEditText).setError(null);
        verifyNoInteractions(sendButton);
    }

    public void testExecuteRequest_failure() throws Exception {
        when(errors.getDefaultMessage()).thenReturn(ERROR_MESSAGE);
        final DigitsCallback callback = executeRequest();
        callback.failure(new TwitterException(ERROR_MESSAGE));
        verify(phoneEditText).setError(ERROR_MESSAGE);
        verify(sendButton).showError();
    }

    public void testExecuteRequest_noInput() throws Exception {
        executeRequest();
        verifyNoInteractions(digitsClient);
    }

    abstract DigitsCallback executeRequest();

    public void testValidateInput_null() throws Exception {
        assertFalse(controller.validateInput(null));
    }

    public void testValidateInput_empty() throws Exception {
        assertFalse(controller.validateInput(EMPTY_CODE));
    }

    public abstract void verifyControllerFailure(int times);

    public abstract void verifyControllerError(DigitsException e, int times);

}


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On Tuesday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a series of new rules for next year's Oscars (the 91st) — most notably, a new regulation that could potentially expand the number of documentary features eligible for awards consideration going forward.
Under the new rules, which were approved by the group's 54-member board of governors at its most recent meeting, documentaries that have won a qualifying award at a competitive film festival will now be eligible for consideration "regardless of any prior exhibition or distribution by nontheatrical means." The academy will release its list of qualifying festivals later this spring.
While it remains to be seen how great an effect this tweak will have, easing the pressure on certain films to secure a theatrical release could potentially enable more international documentaries to be included in the process and perhaps benefit platforms like HBO, Netflix and PBS that produce and acquire significant numbers of documentaries and sometimes forgo theatrical releases.
Previously, all documentary features needed to complete a seven-day run in at least one theater in both New York and Los Angeles to be eligible for Oscar consideration — a requirement that will still hold for documentaries that don't win any qualifying awards.
As the academy continues to grapple with the ever-blurrier line between film and television, the change follows a rule enacted last year in the documentary feature category that bars multi-part or limited series from consideration. That rule, had it been enacted earlier, would have rendered 2017's documentary feature winner, "O.J.: Made in America," ineligible and will disqualify such critically acclaimed recent multi-part documentaries as "Wild Wild Country" and "Wormwood" from consideration.
In an additional tweak to its documentary rules, the critic review eligibility requirement has been expanded so that, in addition to the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, a film can be reviewed in Time Out New York, the Village Voice or LA Weekly. Such reviews must be written by movie critics, however, not television critics.
The other rules announced by the academy were largely procedural. Among other things, screeners for eligible films will now have to be sent through an academy-approved mailing house, which will be provided with an official list of members who have opted in to receive them.


text:
Ghanaian appointed UN Coordinator in Cameroon
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Ghana-born Matthias Z. Naab as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cameroon.
A UN statement said Mr Naab holds dual citizenship as he was born in Ghana but grew up in the United States and his appointment has the approval of the Cameroonian government.
The statement adds that Mr Naab has more than 20 years of experience in international development, acquired within the United Nations and externally.
"At the United Nations, he most recently served as United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Comoros after holding several senior positions at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He was UNDP Country Director in Mozambique, Governance Specialist in the United Republic of Tanzania, and Governance Adviser in Rwanda.
"Prior to joining the United Nations, Mr Naab was the Resident Country Director in Liberia and Nigeria for the International Republican Institute, a non-profit organization, where he managed the implementation of governance programmes in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
"Mr Naab holds a doctorate degree in international affairs and public policy from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh in the United States, where he also obtained a master's degree in public and international affairs".
Source: Graphic.com
‹ Tennis: Serena, Azarenka eye US Open final › Southern Cameroons Crisis: Civilians escaping the renewed fighting


I obtained the ICF-Global Accredited Coach Training Program from the Teleos Leadership Institute.
Rob specializes in supporting individuals achieve leadership renewal and transformation resulting in a new awareness to achieve their goals. Rob's philosophy on Leadership Development focuses upon change management, organizational learning, business development, and emotional intelligence. He brings an extensive business acumen, with a 35-year professional history that includes organizational development, human resources, crisis management, branding, and strategic planning.


Red rice is full of fiber and other nutrients and has a hint of nutty flavor. Try serving this rice as a side dish or incorporate it into risotto and other mixed rice dishes. Combine red and jasmine rice for an especially delicious side dish.
Red Rice. **Repacked in a facility that also processes products containing: peanut, tree nuts, soybeans, milk, egg, fish, crustaceans shellfish and wheat ingredients.


text:
Photo Credit Emily Merritt
The 200 Medley Relay: (left to right) Quintin Cooper, Jacob Haight, Slater Sabel, Brody Ottoson.
Satellite Swim and Dive Dominates at Districts
Taylor Rohleen, Editor-in-Chief
The Satellite Swimming and Diving Team competed at the 2A District 5 Championship, scoring 3rd place overall for both girls and boys teams.
Senior and Women's Team Captain Cassidy McKinnon opines, "I think, as a team, we performed better than predicted, which gives us a lot confidence going into Regionals." The team had many strong seniors that graduated last season, so the team was expected to be significantly weaker this season. Despite these concerns, the Women's Team only dropped from first to third place at Districts and the Men's Team improved from fourth to third place.
Both teams began on a high note with the 200 Medley Relay: Consisting of Mckinnon, Brooke Boddy, Anisha Menashi, and Gabby Gillespie, the girls placed 4th; the boys placed 6th with the lineup of Slater Sabel, Quintin Cooper, Brody Ottoson, and Jacob Haight. The other relays performed equally well: Both 200 Freestyle Relays placed 5th. For the 400 Freestyle Relay, the girls placed 5th and the boys placed 4th.
Another strong race was the 200 Freestyle: McKinnon placed 6th, Eric Davidson placed 6th, and Jacob Haight placed 7th. For the 200 IM, Ashley Buxton came in 5th with a time of 2:28.40, with Gillespie following shortly after, placing 7th with a time of 2:31.32. The boys also swept this race. Ottoson raced a personal record of 2:21.80, scoring 6th; Cooper scored 8th with a time of 2:26.92; Justin Scheverak scored 9th with a time of 2:28.44. Ottoson is proud of his performance, as he "dropped 10 seconds from [his] previous best time."
Following the 200 yard races were the 50 Freestyle, at which Colton Jones placed 4th and Rylan Andrews placed 8th, with times of 24.03 and 24.41, respectively. Satellite continued to wipe the competition in the 100 Butterfly: Menashi placed 5th, Buxton placed 7th, and Allison Gornto placed 8th. The lady power continued with Caitlin Bailey placing 5th in the 100 Freestyle. Thereafter, the longest of all the races began—the 500 Freestyle. Swimming the event in 6:11.15, Gornto placed 7th. This was a personal record for her, and she "can't wait" to swim it at Regionals. The Satellite boys also conquered the competition, with Davidson placing 2nd, Sabel placing 4th, and Haight placing 7th.
The team's depth carried through the meet as the individual freestyle events came to a close. McKinnon, Menashi, and Gillespie dominated the 100 Backstroke, scoring 2nd, 4th, and 8th. Sabel pulled the boys in this event, placing 4th with a time of 59.30. With the close of individual events came the 100 Breaststroke, with Boddy placing 6th and Cooper placing 10th.
Off the blocks, the Diving Team had a successful day: Freshmen Blake Rohleen and Tyler Jones are advancing to Regionals. Rohleen is seeded 13th and Jones is seeded 14th for the competition. Both boys are thrilled for the next meet and hope to perform as well as they did this time. At Cape Coast Conference, Rohleen had one failed dive, but he was able to avoid this at Districts. He is hoping "to have all successful dives at Regionals" and "is looking forward to the experience."
For those advancing to Regionals, and those who are not, "Districts consisted of lots of fun and lots of personal records," in the eyes of Lina Frohberg, Women's Team Captain. Advancing to Regionals is the goal, but the most important person they raced were themselves: Swimming is about the improvement of oneself, and racing at Districts was the culmination of each person's efforts and perseverance during the daily practices and weekly meets. Frohberg remarks, "I couldn't think of a better way to end swim season."
The Scorps are now preparing for Regionals at the Rosen YMCA Aquatic Center, which will take place on Friday, November 9th. Key components to preparing for Regionals are shaving and tech suits: It helps them to shave off time, literally. Gillespie "[loves] the feeling of being shaved and suited up. It gives [her] so much confidence heading into [her] races," as the steps aid her in feeling prepared. Ottoson concurs, stating that "smooth legs make for a smooth time."
These swimmers and divers are bound for smooth sailing at Regionals. Their intense practices all season have prepared them for the competition, and now it's time to race.
What is your favorite stroke?


Catherine Dorsey, Thomas W. Davis and Lou Occhionero received equal opportunity awards recently from the equal opportunities committee of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors.
In addition, Gregory Allen, a Realtor with S. Lee Martin & Company, was presented with a "minority broker scholarship" during the board's annual meeting at the Baltimore convention center.
A salesperson with Roland O. Campbell & Associates Realty, Ms. Dorsey won a second EOA for "continued dedication to equal housing opportunities in Baltimore City." Last year, she renovated two houses and paid the closing costs so that two low-income families could purchase the properties.
Ms. Dorsey also has donated a parcel of land to be used as a community park. She is active with the Boy Scouts and teaches classes on real estate careers at city high schools.
Mr. Davis was cited for his work as a volunteer with Baltimore Neighborhoods Inc. where he served as a tester for 10 years and was a member of the board of directors for many years. He served on many committees "lending his keen intelligence, broad commitment to the principles of fair housing and unique knowledge and understanding of housing problems in the Baltimore metropolitan area."
Mr. Occhionero is manager of the Charles Street office of Coldwell Banker Grempler. He was selected for "his commitment to increasing the professional development of minorities in real estate." His recruiting and training efforts have resulted in a 700 percent increase in the number of minority men and women choosing to work in his office.
The "minority broker scholarship" is a partial scholarship awarded to minority applicants who have at least three years experience as a full-time licensed real estate agent or five years working part time.
The 1995-1996 Women's Council of Realtors Executive Board was recently installed during the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors' annual meeting. The WCR executive board includes President Judy Morris, O'Conor, Piper & Flynn; President-elect Terry Stafford, Residential Title & Escrow Co.; Corresponding Secretary Margaret Rome, O'Conor, Piper & Flynn; Recording Secretary Pat Orsino, Columbia National; and Treasurer Vonzetta Stokes, of Coldwell Banker/Grempler Realty.
Prudential Preferred Properties offices in the greater Baltimore area are selling the Entertainment '96 Book to raise funds for the Sunshine Kids, a national foundation that sponsors activities for children hospitalized with cancer.
Each year, the Sunshine Kids takes young cancer patients free of charge to events in California, Colorado and Texas.
Prudential offices in Annapolis, Arnold, Baltimore, Crofton, Linthicum, Odenton, Pasadena, Severna Park, Towson and Harford County are selling the book of discount coupons for $35. The average person can save almost $600 using the "half-off coupons," according to sponsors.
For more information, call (410) 1700.
Transformation Builders Inc. of Laurel said it has been accepted for membership in the Residential Warranty Corporation program, which provides extended insured 10-year written warranty protection on new homes nationwide. To qualify for RWC membership, a builder must have a successful track record in customer service and quality construction.
Bovis Inc. has named Luther P. Cochrane president of the New York-based firm, effective January 1. Currently chairman of McDevitt Street Bovis in Charlotte, Mr. Cochrane succeeds Peter M. Lehrer, who is retiring. Locally, McDevitt Treet Bovis' recent projects include the Clinical Center Complex Essential Maintenance and Safety Program at the National Institutes of Health; the 914,000-square-foot headquarters building for the Healthcare Financing Administration in Baltimore; Loudoun Hospital Center in Leesburg, Va.; and renovations to the Darnall Hall residences at Georgetown University.
Gilbert D. Marsiglia & Co. Inc. said Michael J. Bagliani has joined the Lutherville firm as a salesperson. A graduate of Loyola College, Mr. Bagliani is a member of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors, the Maryland Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.
The Prudential Preferred Properties, headquartered in Severna Park, named Donald Kyle vice president of technology, training and career development. Mr. Kyle was most recently director of the Anne Arundel County Multiple Listing Service, where he developed and supervised the implementation of the software program currently in use there.


text:
Intruder removed from I'm a Celeb castle after security breach
An intruder has been removed from the set of I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! after the show suffered a security breach at the castle.
According to ITV, the intruder appeared earlier in the week, before the weather conditions forced the series to pre-record Friday night's episode as Storm Arwen hits Ireland and the UK.
A statement from the programme said: "A security breach was identified and an intruder was removed from the location with immediate effect.
"The safety of both our celebrities and our production crew remains our primary concern."
The first week in the castle has been eventful, to say the least, with one celebrity already being forced to quit the show.
Richard Madeley was forced to quit I'm A Celebrity after he broke the show's Covid bubble while being taken to hospital.
The TV presenter was rushed to A&E in the early hours of the morning after falling ill overnight on Thursday.
Revealing on Instagram that he will not be able to return to the Welsh castle as he has now been in contact with others outside of the series, he told his followers that he needs to step back from the show.
I'm A Celeb bosses 'fear mass walkout' as three stars have medical treatment, report says
He wrote: "Hello all! Richard here - firstly just to say that I'm absolutely FINE. I started to feel briefly unwell in the small hours of the morning and was taken to hospital as a precaution.
"By leaving the camp, I had consequently broken the Covid 'bubble' and as such I've had to leave the castle and all the wonderful celebs that remain in the camp."
The crew are now allegedly concerned about 78-year-old Arlene Phillips, as she is reportedly on painkillers. DJ Naughty Boy, 36, is also on the lookout as he has sought counselling over his mum's health, who suffers from dementia.
I'm A Celeb,
I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here,
I'm a Celebrity,
intruder.
What did the I'm A Celeb campmates do when the show was off-air during the storm?
Richard Madeley forced to quit I'm a Celeb after breaking Covid bubble
Two soap icons are about to enter the I'm A Celeb castle
I'm A Celeb fans were not able for Snoochie's "uterus" request during trial
I'm a Celeb trials set to be different this year, producers say
I'm A Celebrity... will take place in Wales for second year running


text:
Bundoora Primary School
'Oh Len I have no words! …wait, yes I do…loads!!!!!
Prep to grade 6….they absolutely LOVE them and look forward to playing them every week! It has been particularly amazing due to the fact that the poor kids have been learning online for so long, and now, not only do they get to be back at school with friends, teachers and in classes they love, but they have the special 'treat' in the music room! All the students are so respectful and thankful of our new marimbas! We rotate in groups of 6 through marimbas, boom whackers, djembes and xylophones! The upper school have been playing an arrangement of 'Memories' (Pachelbels Canon) and 'Blinding Lights'- The Weekend. The junior school are playing the beat, rhythm and melody of simple songs. They all feel so special when it's their turn on the marimba and it's quite hard to move them on to the next class! So many come back at recess and lunchtime to have an extra play on them!
Once again, thankyou, we will cherish them always.
Nerida Newell & Bundoora Primary School'
How sweet is that!!! Enjoy the instruments you lovely people!
Elwood Primary School
From Kaz K Sieger
'I am thrilled that I have a Mega Bass! It's sound and construction are fantastic. My primary school music classes have really benefitted from the playing, hearing and learning that it provides. I think that comes down to the level of effort that's gone into it's construction, the refinements in the frame and resonating tubes. Also, it's fun to play. Thank you Len'
Thanks Kaz. Awesome school, now with a great BIG marimba to play (Mega Bass).
Len Clark.
Teacher, creator, maker, inventor.
Lives in Devonport, Tasmania, Australia.


Meowstic (Japanese: ニャオニクス Nyaonix) is a Psychic-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VI.
It evolves from Espurr starting at level 25.
Meowstic's appearance differs drastically between genders, but in either form, it is a bipedal feline Pokémon with a humanlike posture, digitless appendages, and two tails. The male's fur is predominantly dark blue with accentuations of white, while the female's color scheme is reversed. The male's ears are mostly blue with some accents of white, and the tips are pointed straight; the female's ears are entirely white, and the tips are curled. The tuft of fur between the male's ears is white and in a straight, diagonal style; the female's tuft is blue and curled. The collar of fur around the male's neck is white and in a pointy style, while the female's collar is blue with a curl rising up to its face. The male's eyes are spring green with darker green pupils, while the female's eyes are yellow with red pupils. The male's tails each have a white stripe just before ending in white, while the tails themselves end in a point; the female's tails are blue at the base and end in white fluffy curls. The male's arms end in white, and its legs are white at foot level; the female's arms end in blue, and its legs are mostly blue in a fashion resembling stockings.
The organs hidden in Meowstic's ears emit psychic energy powerful enough to obliterate a 10-ton truck. It usually keeps its ears tightly shut in order to keep its otherwise uncontrollable power in check, but it will unleash this power if threatened. It usually keeps a stoic, virtually emotionless face; some Trainers adore its unsociable demeanor. The moves it naturally learns depend on its gender; the male's learnset includes mostly supportive and disruptive moves, while the female's focuses on all-out offense.
A female Meowstic appeared in Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction, under the ownership of Astrid. She battled Ash and Froakie and defeated Froakie with Charge Beam.
Both a male Meowstic and a female Meowstic appeared in Splitting Heirs!. The male was under the ownership of Blake, while the female was under the ownership of Heath.
Both male and female Meowstic appeared in A Showcase Debut!, under the ownership of Blanche. They were seen participating in the Coumarine City Pokémon Showcase. Blanche's female Meowstic reappeared in A Performance Pop Quiz! and Party Dancecapades!.
A male Meowstic appeared in Performing with Fiery Charm!, under the ownership of Miette. He was used in the Dendemille Town Showcase, where he helped Miette make Poké Puffs with his Psychic.
Both male and female Meowstic appeared in Cloudy Fate, Bright Future!, under the ownership of Olympia. They both reappeared in All Eyes on the Future! during Ash's Gym battle with Olympia; they battled Talonflame and Frogadier but were eventually defeated. Both Meowstic reappeared again in Rocking Kalos Defenses! and Forming a More Perfect Union!, where they participated in the fight against the Giant Rock.
Both male and female Meowstic appeared during a flashback in The Legend of X, Y, and Z!. They were under the ownership of Olympica and were always seen by her side.
Multiple Meowstic debuted in Kalos, Where Dreams and Adventures Begin!.
A female Meowstic made cameo appearances in Lumiose City Pursuit!, A Jolting Switcheroo!, and Coming Back into the Cold!.
A Trainer's female Meowstic appeared in A Battle by Any Other Name!, where she was seen participating in the Poké Puff Contest.
A male Meowstic debuted in The Bonds of Evolution!.
A female Meowstic appeared in A Fashionable Battle!, under the ownership of a Furisode Girl.
Both male and female Meowstic appeared in Performing with Fiery Charm!, including some that belonged to Trainers.
A Trainer's female Meowstic appeared in Adventures in Running Errands!.
A male Meowstic appeared in Cloudy Fate, Bright Future!, under the ownership of a Psychic.
A male Meowstic appeared in Party Dancecapades!, under the ownership of a Pokémon Performer participating in Monsieur Pierre's dance party.
XY045 Meowstic Serena's Pokédex Meowstic, the Constraint Pokémon. When faced with trouble, Meowstic will raise its ears and create enough Psychic power to demolish a ten-ton truck. Its appearance varies, depending on gender.
A female Meowstic debuted in Quilladin Stands, under the ownership of Olympia. She accompanied Olympia to visit an injured Korrina at a Laverre City hospital. Later she along with Valerie's Mr. Mime protected the Gym Leaders and Y's group from the Ultimate weapon's blast with the use of barriers.
A male Meowstic appeared with his Trainer in a flashback in Pinsir Glares.
When in danger, it raises its ears and releases enough psychic power to grind a 10-ton truck to dust.
Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Meowstic in that game.
For other sprites and images, please see Meowstic images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
Meowstic is the only Pokémon with a base stat total of 466.
Meowstic is the only Pokémon to have separate movesets for each gender.
During Google's April Fools' Day 2014 event, Meowstic's genders had separate Dex numbers in Google's regional Dex. The male was #139, while the female was #140.
Meowstic may be based on the domesticated variety of nekomata, a cat yōkai that comes from a domesticated cat who lives many years until its tail splits and it gains supernatural powers, much like how Meowstic evolves from Espurr. Nekomata were often depicted as standing on two legs like a human, and in at least one account shown to be wearing handkerchiefs on their heads, similar to Meowstic.
It could also be based on the very similar bakeneko. In addition, its folded ears are similar to the Scottish Fold breed of cat.
Meowstic is a combination of meow and mystic. It may also derive from stoic, referring to its generally emotionless facial expression.
Nyaonix may be a combination of ニャー nyā or ニャーオ nyāo (meow) and onyx or ὄνυξ ónyx (Greek for claw), psionics, or the Greek goddess Nyx (goddess of the night, associated with magic).


in the market for feet donors. Will accept size 8 and above.
What you see are a once-worn but almost brand new pair of Zamberlan boots. Purchased them from a great store called Up & Under in Cardiff. Great service and they know a thing or two about boots!
Anyways, after much deliberation, several pairs of boots and one very patient employee, I was fully confident that I had found the boots for me.
All sounds great. However, during the testing of the boots I had a bit of an anatomical revelation. The patient employee took the measurements of my feet and duly informed the group that my left foot was longer than my right, and in keeping with Murphy's Law that seems to apply to every thing we have done recently, my right foot is broader than my left.
After following the advice that was given, I wore the boots for an evening around the house to search for those niggling problems that can only become apparent after the foot becomes warmer. I then made the next step knowing that any outdoor use and I would be unable to return these very expensive boots. I took them onto a long, uphill street and strode very carefully to the top. Again no problems.
I was still able to take these boots back but at that point, had no reason to. It was then I put the boots on and tackled my favourite mountain, Pen y Fan, to continue my training. The terrain on the route I take is uneven which I though would be perfect for putting the boots through the final paces.
Almost to the top, and after the boots taking some very minor, aesthetic scuffs to the front I felt the rubbing. Of course, no prizes for guessing how I felt... besides from the sore heel. I quickly turned back and got down the mountain, which is when I felt the minor pressure on my right foot.
Uphills - The left (longer) foot presses into the heel of the boot causing a painful rub.
Downhills - The right (broader) foot is pushed forward and creates too much pressure on the inside edge of the ball of the foot, which isn't particularly painful at the moment but can imagine will become more so after prolonged pressure.
THE QUESTION: Understandably the main problem is anatomical. The financial problems are less of a worry cause I can always sell the boots at a slight loss (which isn't great considering at the moment we are funding ourselves but isn't a disaster either).
Do I sell the boots and hunt for a new pair? Bearing in mind that the anatomical problem may always be there and the time and effort spent in this endeavor may be wasted.
or Do I try to customise the boots? If so, how?
So this is our dilemma at the moment. Any help would be appreciated and if the humorous yet quite serious story has missed anything, I'll be on hand to fill in the blanks.


Reservation terms : not less than 1 weeks before tour / excursion/ service starting on the basis of advanced prepayment.
- translation of all kinds of official documents : passports, certificates of birth, marriage certificates, diplomas, customs papers, invoices etc.
- translation of articles, business and technological papers, letters, advertisements etc.
- high qualification of the stuff.
In cases of emergency, we settle the price issue with customers individually.


Sangri (Sagri). Sagri is located 10 kilometers (6 mi) southeast of Naxos town on the lovely Greek island of Naxos. Actually there are two villages; Kato and Ano Sagri with a total of about 200 permanent residents. Here you immediately recognize the Venetian influences such as the many Venetian towers. The atmosphere is somewhat medieval due to the many Byzantine churches. This area is also accented by many windmills. One of the main attractions is the temple of Dimitra from the year 530 BC. The temple of Dimitra is at Gyroulas.
Many call Sagri "small Mystras" because of the many Byzantine churches. In the village, the monastery of Aghios Eleftherios now houses the ethnographic museum. Summer festivities here include exhibitions and cultural activities.
Beautiful beaches near Sangri are Mikri Vigla, Kastraki and Glyfada.
Naxos: Where on the map is Sangri located?


text:
Helly Hansen's Offshore Survival Suit Is Reimagined As A Layer-Based System
Few brands can match the exploratory lineage of Helly Hansen, and with timeless staples like the E-352 Offshore Survival Suit in its portfolio, it's no surprise that the company has continued to garner fans focused on the unison of modern tech and vintage garments. That being said, the Offshore Survival Suit also sits at the heart of its expeditionary Fall/Winter 2020 capsule, garnering a handful of updates catered toward the world's colder climates.
As a formidable selection of parkas and jackets that were originally devised for fishermen in the 1990s, the E-352 collection set the standard for the brand's utilitarian garments. To update it for a modern audience, the outfit has worked hand-in-hand with the Denmark-based brand, Storm, to bring its three-layer shell technology, 3M reflective detailing, and ultrasonic taped seams to the forefront for interested buyers, offering performance-focused textiles, PET insulation, and versatile, layer-based systems that can be utilized on their own in different environments. Head to Storm's website to pick up your favorite piece from the co-opted collection, dubbed "HH-118389225," for $625 and up.
Purchase: $625+
Bell Is Producing Limited Edition Replicas Of Steve McQueen's Helmet From the 1964 ISDT


Special Issue "Polymeric Porous Membranes"
Separation using polymer membranes is one of the most promising, cost-effective, and energy-efficient ways, e.g., for seawater desalination, surface water purification and recycling homogenous catalysts in chemical synthesis. Polymer membranes have been used in gas, as well as in liquid, separation fields for many years, and recent tremendous developments have led to significant achievements in both fields. Tailor-made polymer membranes with sharp molecular weight cut-offs and high fluxes based on their structure, are essential for almost all types of separation processes. This development needs to continue, as this is the only way to assist membrane research to deal with present critical problems of our society, such as, water pollution, shortages in drinking water, or retrieving solvents or catalysts from the chemical and pharmaceutical industry.
This Special Issue aims to deliver new insights and report on recent progress in the field of porous polymer membranes for separation processes, and we also aim to present new ideas and achievements. It provides not only solutions for current problems, but also the necessary inspiration for future generations. An important aspect of this Special Issue will be switchable stimuli-responsive membranes, based on synthesis, post-functionalization, etc., leading to as one example, a reduced fouling behaviour.
Authors are welcome to submit their latest results in the form of original full articles, communications or reviews of this wide topic.
The "black box" model defines the enhancement, E the polarization modulus, C∗/Co and the intrinsic enhancement, Eo without knowing the transport mechanism in the membrane. This study expresses the above-mentioned characteristic parameters, simultaneously taking into account the mass [...] Read more.
In this work we present a method to manufacture flat sheet membranes with a thin isoporous block copolymer (BCP) layer (thickness <3 µm) by profile roller coating (breadth: 30 cm) on top of a porous support membrane. Highly diluted BCP-solutions were used for [...] Read more.
Hollow fiber membranes (HFM) are fabricated from blend solutions of a polyethersulfone (PESU) with a sulfonated PESU (sPESU) or a sulfonated polyphenylenesulfone (sPPSU). The influence of different additives in the dope solution and different bore fluids on the HFM are studied. The addition [...] Read more.


2012 Walking Dead McFarlane Bloody Zombie (3) Three Pack - Series (2) Two - Scarce!!! Hot!!!
Robert Kirkman's hit comic, The Walking Dead brought to life on screen and in action figure form! Based off of fan-favorite characters in the AMC TV series! Interchangeable accessories and multiple points of articulation! Based off the AMC TV version of The Walking Dead, comes this Series 2 case of 12 individually packaged figures (subject to change): 3x Shane Walsh 3x Rick Grimes 2 2x Bicycle Girl Zombie 2x Well Zombie 2x RV Zombie The small-town sheriff's turned-hero and leader of the survivors during the zombie apocalypse, Rick continues to struggle with his moral convictions in season two. Rick is depicted in a brand-new sculpt in his civilian attire, prevalent in season two. Figure features interchangeable hands to hold multiple weapons, along with 14 points of articulation. Additional accessories include removable revolver, rifle with strap, and animal control stick for zombie catching. Rick's partner and 'loyal' friend, Shane was clearly the antagonist of season 2. Shane is featured in tactical attire with a shaved head and features a gun raising play-action, ready to pick off zombies with his single-barrel shotgun. The maimed zombie girl shown crawling next to her bicycle in a park turned out to be one of the most iconic zombies from season one. She is also the first zombie Deputy Rick Grimes encountered in the season one opener. Figure features an eerie reaching motion play-action while lying on her base. Accessories include a damaged cell phone and jeans, as seen in webisodes. A rotten, bloated zombie surprise resting at the bottom of Hershel's water well that the survivors eventually attempt to hoist out by using Glen as bait. This is, by far, one of the sickest looking zombies seen yet on the series, and our figure is one dead on, stomach-churning replica. Figure includes 9 points of articulation with a pull-apart play-action that reveals his soft gooey guts inside!