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Category System Dynamics
Consumats
Cultural Evolution
ODE Model
Openabm
Social Insects
System Dynamics
Environmental responsibility and policy in a two country dynamic input-output model
Hoekstra, R. and M.A. Janssen
2006 Economic Systems Research 16(2): 572-583.
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Increased spatial dependency of economic activities, as well as spatial differentiation of production and consumption, has implications for environmental policy. One of the issues that has gained importance is the responsibility for the emissions from products that cross national boundaries during the environmental policy's lifetime. This paper discusses the different ethical views of environmental responsibility. Furthermore, the policy measures that are associated with the different viewpoints are analyzed in a novel dynamic two-country two-sector dynamic input–output model. A numerical example is modeled to assess taxing schemes that are based on these ethical viewpoints. The results show that a tax on the 'embodied' environmental pressure, which is generally viewed as ethically preferable, is less effective that the current policy of taxing consumers of products. Our discussion however shows that these results are very dependent on the model structure and initial parameters that are used. Nevertheless, the model illustrates that policies that are based on ethically superior standpoints may have detrimental distortionary effects in the dynamic setting.
Keywords: Dynamic input–output model, international trade, technological change, environmental responsibility.
Overexploitation of renewable resources by ancient societies and the role of sunk cost effects
Janssen, M.A. and M. Scheffer
2004 Ecology and Society 9(1): 6.
What makes social-ecological systems (SESs) robust? In this paper, we look at the institutional configurations that affect the interactions among resources, resource users, public infrastructure providers, and public infrastructures. We propose a framework that helps identify potential vulnerabilities of SESs to disturbances. All the links between components of this framework can fail and thereby reduce the robustness of the system. We posit that the link between resource users and public infrastructure providers is a key variable affecting the robustness of SESs that has frequently been ignored in the past. We illustrate the problems caused by a disruption in this link. We then briefly describe the design principles originally developed for robust common-pool resource institutions, because they appear to be a good starting point for the development of design principles for more general SESs and do include the link between resource users and public infrastructure providers.
Keywords: institutions, resilience, robustness, social-ecological systems.
Into the black box of environmental Kuznets curves: optimal growth and material resource use in two trading countries
Janssen, M.A. and J.C.J.M. van den Berg
2004 Annals of Regional Science 38(1): 93-112.
Most important environmental problems can be related to materials flows through the economy. Regional and national economies use materials that are either extracted domestically or imported from other regions. Therefore, an analysis of optimal patterns of combined economic development and materials use requires that both trade and environmental aspects are taken into account. A model is presented here that optimises long-term welfare for two regions that trade in virgin and recycled materials as well as consumer goods. The regions differ in one respect, namely with regard to domestic availability of a material resource. Analysis of the model shows, among other things, that the relationship between production and virgin material use can follow an Environmental Kuznets curves or an N-shaped curve. The latter points at "re-linking" of income growth and material resource use. Although trade of material resources and goods increases the carrying capacity of both regions, and in turn their levels of welfare, it can not prevent the re-linking phenomenon.
Economic valuation of the Leuser National Park on Sumatra, Indonesia
Van Beukering, P.J.M., H. Cesar and M.A. Janssen
2003 Ecological Economics 44(1): 43-62.
The Leuser Ecosystem in Northern Sumatra is officially protected by its status as an Indonesian national park. Nevertheless, it remains under severe threat of deforestation. Rainforest destruction has already caused a decline in ecological functions and services. Besides, it is affecting numerous economic activities in and around the Leuser National Park. The objectives of this study are twofold: firstly, to determine the total economic value (TEV) of the Leuser Ecosystem through a systems dynamic model. And secondly, to evaluate the economic consequences of deforestation versus conservation, disaggregating the economic value for the main stakeholders and regions involved. Using a dynamic simulation model, economic valuation is applied to evaluate the TEV of the Leuser National Park over the period 2000–2030. Three scenarios are considered: 'conservation', 'deforestation' and, 'selective use'. The results are presented in terms of (1) the type of benefits, (2) the allocation of these benefits among stakeholders, and (3) the regional distribution of benefits. The economic benefits considered include: water supply, fisheries, flood and drought prevention, agriculture and plantations, hydro-electricity, tourism, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, fire prevention, non-timber forest products, and timber. The stakeholders include: local community members, the local government, the logging and plantation industry, the national government, and the international community. The regions considered cover the 11 districts involved in the management of the Leuser Ecosystem. With a 4% discount rate, the accumulated TEV for the ecosystem over the 30-year period is: US $7.0 billion under the 'deforestation scenario', US $9.5 billion under the 'conservation scenario' and US $9.1 billion under the 'selective utilisation scenario'. The main contributors in the conservation and selective use scenarios are water supply, flood prevention, tourism and agriculture. Timber revenues play an important role in the deforestation scenario. Compared to deforestation, conservation of the Leuser Ecosystem benefits all categories of stakeholders, except for the elite logging and plantation industry.
Keywords: Natural resource valuation; Conservation; Deforestation; Indonesia
Valuation of the Leuser Ecosystem in Sumatra
Beukering, P.J.H. van, H.S.J. Cesar and M.A. Janssen
2002 Asean Biodiversity 2(2): 17-20.
Trade and recycling of used tyres in Western and Eastern Europe
van Beukering, P.J.M. and M.A. Janssen
2001 Resources, Conservation and Recycling 33(4): 235-265.
Truck tyres can cause significant environmental pressure through the life cycle. The main aim of this paper is investigate to what extent international policy measures on foreign trade, international recycling and harmonisation of legislation can contribute in effectively reducing environmental pressure caused in the truck tyre life cycle. A two-region simulation model, representing Western and Eastern Europe, is developed that integrates the complete life cycle, incorporates environmental impacts in its economic analysis, is technically dynamic by accounting for learning-by-doing effects, and allows for variations in trade of new and old truck tyres. In this study the economic, environmental and social effectiveness of harmonisation and trade measures in the European life cycle for truck tyre is tested. Several conclusions can be drawn from the model simulations. First, the environmental effects caused by the trade of used tyres from Western to Eastern Europe are of limited impact on the overall environmental damage caused by truck tyres. The consumption stage is by far the main contributor to environmental damage. Within the marginal analysis of trade, harmonisation of disposal fees illustrated to generate very limited positive results. The private and external costs in the solid waste management (SWM) stage are too limited to have a notable impact on the overall configuration of the European tyre life cycle. The introduction of strict laws on tread depth in Eastern Europe has a much stronger impact on material flows than the harmonisation scenario. This suggests that domestic policy measures should be the primarily focus on interventions in this stage of the life cycle, for instance, by improving the management of tyre pressure. Because trade of used tyres has little impact on the consumption stage, this issue should not get priority in European environmental programs.
Keywords: International trade; Recycling; Environmental policy; Tyres; Europe
A dynamic integrated analysis of truck tyres in Western Europe
van Beukering, P.J.H. and M.A. Janssen
2000 Journal of Industrial Ecology 4(2): 93-115.
By evaluating tires from a perspective of industrial metabolism, potential novel and practical ways to reduce their environmental impact can be found. This may be achieved by focusing on technological issues such as choosing materials, designing products, and recovering materials, or by looking at institutional and social barriers and incentives such as opening waste markets or changing consumer behavior. A model is presented for the life cycle of truck tires in Western Europe that is dynamic in nature and values both environmental and economic consequences. Various scenarios are simulated including longer tire lifetimes, better maintenance of tire pressure, increased use of less-expensive Asian tires, and increased use of fuel efficiency-enhancing tires ("eco-tires"). Tentative results indicate that, among other things, more than 95% of the overall environmental impact during the life of a tire occurs during the use of the tire, due to the impact of tires on automotive fuel efficiency. Better maintenance of tire pressure and use of eco-tires produce greater environmental and economics benefits than more-durable and/or less-expensive (Asian) tires. These results imply that the emphasis in environmental policies related to tires should shift from the production and the waste stages to the consumption stage. It also suggests that the focus on materials throughput and associated improvements through factor 4 or factor 10 advances in reduction in mass are less important than the quality of the tires and their management.
Climate change policy targets and the role of technological change
Janssen, M.A. and H.J.M. de Vries
2000 Climatic Change 46 (1/2): 1-28.
In this paper, we present results of simulationexperiments with the TIME-model on the issue ofmitigation strategies with regard to greenhouse gases.The TIME-model is an integrated system dynamics worldenergy model that takes into account the fact that the systemhas an inbuilt inertia and endogenouslearning-by-doing dynamics, besides the more commonelements of price-induced demand response and fuelsubstitution. First, we present four scenarios tohighlight the importance of assumptions on innovationsin energy technology in assessing the extent to whichCO2 emissions have to be reduced. The inertia ofthe energy system seems to make a rise ofCO2 emissions in the short term almostunavoidable. It is concluded that for the populationand economic growth assumptions of the IPCC IS92ascenario, only a combination of supply- anddemand-side oriented technological innovations incombination with policy measures can bring the targetof CO2-concentration stabilization at 550 ppmv bythe year 2100 within reach. This will probably beassociated with a temporary increase in the overallenergy expenditures in the world economy. Postponingthe policy measures will be more disadvantageous,and less innovation in energy technology will happen.
Perspectives on global energy futures: simulations with the TIME model
Vries, H.J.M. de, M.A. Janssen and A. Beusen
1999 Energy Policy 27(8): 477-494.
Many uncertainties and controversies surround the future of the global energy system. The Targets Image Energy (TIME) model of which a concise description is given, is used to explore the consequences of divergent assumptions about some uncertain and controversial issues. The IPCC-IS92a Conventional Wisdom scenario is used as a reference and, in combination with two other scenarios, discussed in the context of other recently published global energy scenarios.
Keywords: Global energy scenarios; Energy modelling; Climate change.
The Interactive Scenario Scanner (ISS): A Tool to Support the Dialogue between Science and Policy on Scenario Analysis
Berk, M and M.A. Janssen
1998 Change 42: 11-13.
Workers at the Dutch National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) have recently developed a new comput er tool called the Interactive Scenario Scanner (ISS). The tool enables users to interactively construct global greenhouse gas emission scenarios and evaluate their likely climate change impacts. In this way, the tool can be used to support a dialogue between scientists and policy makers on scenario development and help in selecting scenarios to be analysed with more sophisticated modelling tools, like RIVM's IMAGE 2 model.
Modeling human dimensions of global environmental change
Janssen, M.A.
2002 In Encyclopedia of Global Environmental Change, edited by T. Munn, Vol. 5: Social and economic dimensions of global environmental change, by P. Timmerman (ed.), pp. 394-408, John Wiley and Sons Ltd, London, UK.
Policy Case Studies: Netherlands – A life cycle analysis of tires in Western Europe
2001 In Environmental External Costs of Transport, edited by R. Friedrich and P. Bickel, pp. 274-277, Springer.
The TARGETS model
Rotmans, J., M.B.A. van Asselt, H.J.M. de Vries, A.H.W. Beusen, M.G.J. den Elzen, H.B.M. Hilderink, A.Y. Hoekstra, M.A. Janssen, H.W. Köster, L.W. Niessen and B.J. Strengers
1997 In Perspectives on Global Change: The TARGETS Approach, edited by Rotmans, J. en H.J.M. de Vries, pp. 33-35, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK..
When tackling a subject as complex as global change and sustainable development, it is essential to be able to frame the issues. This was one of the main reasons for developing the TARGETS model, an integrated model of the global system, consisting of metamodels of important subsystems. In this chapter, we introduce TARGETS. Building on the previous chapters, we elaborate on the possibilities and limitations of integrated assessment models. Some of the key issues discussed are aggregation, model calibration, and validation, and dealing with uncertainty.
The energy submodel: TIME
Vries, H.J.M. de and M.A. Janssen
1997 In Perspectives on Global Change: The TARGETS Approach, edited by Rotmans, J. en H.J.M. de Vries, pp. 83-106, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK..
This submodel simulates the supply and demand for fuels and electricity, given a certain level of economic activity. It is linked to other submodels, for example through investment flows, population sizes, and emissions. The energy model consists of five modules: Energy Demand, Electric Power Generation, and Solid, Liquid and Gaseous Fuel supply. Effects such as those of depletion, conservation, fuel substitution, technological innovation, and energy efficiency are incorporated in an integrated way, with prices as important signals. Renewable sources are included as a non-thermal electricity option and as commercial biofuels.
Energy systems in transition
Vries, H.J.M. de, A.H.W. Beusen and M.A. Janssen
1997 In Perspectives on Global Change: The TARGETS Approach, edited by Rotmans, J. en H.J.M. de Vries, pp. 263-290, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
In this chapter we present simulation experiments and outcomes of the energy submodel TIME. First, the major controversies and uncertainties are discussed. Next, the cultural perspectives are introduced with reference to world energy, after which we clarify the way in which these are linked to assumptions and model routes. Some results of sensitivity and uncertainty analyses are also given. We discuss a few energy dystopias which could emerge if, for a given population-economy scenario, the world view and the management style within the energy system are discordant. Some conclusions are presented about the plausibility of and risks related to the Utopian energy futures. The impacts of the emissions from fossil fuel combustion on water, land, and element cycles are discussed in the next three chapters.
Global change: fresh insights, no simple answers
Vries, H.J.M. de Vries, J. Rotmans, A.H.W. Beusen, M.G.J. den Elzen, H.B.M. Hilderink, A.Y. Hoekstra, M.A. Janssen, L.W. Niessen, B.J. Strengers and M.B.A. van Asselt
The Targets IMage Energy Regional (TIMER) Model, Technical Documentation
de Vries, H.J.M., D.P. van Vuuren, M.G.J. den Elzen and M.A. Janssen
2001 Report 461502024, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
The Targets IMage Energy Regional simulation model, TIMER, is described in detail. This model was developed and used in close connection with the Integrated Model to Assess the Global Environment (IMAGE) 2.2. The system-dynamics TIMER model simulates the global energy system at an intermediate level of aggregation. The model can be used on a stand-alone basis or integrated within the framework of the integrated assessment model IMAGE 2.2. The model simulates the world on the basis of 17 regions. The main objectives of TIMER are to analyze the long-term dynamics of energy conservation and the transition to non-fossil fuels within an integrated modeling framework and explore long-term trends for energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Important components of the various submodels are price-driven fuel and technology substitution processes, cost decrease as a consequence of accumulated production ('learning-by-doing'), resource depletion as a function of cumulated use (long-term supply cost curves), and price-driven fuel trade. The first chapter gives a brief overview of the model objective, set-up, and calibration method. In subsequent chapters, the various submodels are discussed, with the introduction of introduced concepts, equations, input assumptions, and calibration results. Chapter 3 deals with the Energy Demand submodel, Chapter 4 with the Electric Power Generation submodel, and Chapters 5 and 6 with the Fuel Supply submodels. Chapter 7 describes fuel trade and technology transfer modeling; Chapter 8, the Emissions submodel. In the last chapter, a few general concepts are discussed in some detail to improve the user's understanding of the model. The TIMER-model has played a role in the following: the Special Report on Emission Scenarios (SRES) for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the European AirClim-project, the construction of global mitigation scenarios, and the Policy Options for CO2 Emission Mitigation in China project.
SIMBIOSES-Modelling industrial metabolism in a regionalised economic system
Janssen, M.A. and J.C.J.M van den Bergh
1999 Tinbergen Institute discussion paper, TI 99-060/3.
A model framework, SIMBIOSES, is presented which describes economic activities and related material, substance, and energy flow in a multi-region and multi-sector economic system. The conceptual design of the framework is discussed in relation to current issues on "dematerialization" and "decoupling".
Three types of models to implement SIMBIOSES are discussed: a static equilibrium model, a dynamic optimization model, and a system dynamics model. The static model determines the static equilibrium of extraction, production, recycling, and energy recovery from waste. The dynamic model determines the long-term investment decision that optimizes the total discounted utility of consumption. The dynamic model incorporates technological change, allocation of resources, and damage costs due to the accumulation of substances in the environment. The system dynamic model generates endogenous economic growth and technology development and includes the bounded rationality of economic agents.
Keywords: dematerialization, mass balance, integrated models, Environmental Kuznets curve, equilibrium analysis, dynamic optimization, system dynamics.
The Interactive Scenario Scanner: a Tool to Support the Dialogue between Science and Policy on Scenario Development
Berk, M.M. and M.A. Janssen
1997 RIVM Report No. 481508005, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
In order to explore long-term policy options for controlling climate change, there is a need to develop and evaluate long-term emission scenarios. If these scenarios are to be policy-relevant, they should, account for differences between world regions with respect to their contribution to the problem, their stage of economic development, their vulnerability to climate change, and their ability to control emissions. The scenarios should also deal with the question of fair distribution of future emission budgets. Therefore it is important to involve policymakers in the development of these scenarios. On the basis of requests and comments from policymakers participating in the Delft Science Policy Dialogue workshops, a new software tool called the Interactive Scenario Scanner (ISS), has been constructed at RIVM. ISS is a computer model that assists in the interactive construction and evaluation of long-term emission scenarios using the parameters of the Kaya Identity to define scenarios and the climate indicators of the Safe Landing Approach to scan their likely consequences for global climate change and its impacts. This tool can be used to construct proto-scenarios, which can then be further elaborated and analyzed with such sophisticated energy and climate change models as IMAGE 2. Recent experiences with the application of ISS indicate that it indeed can be a useful tool to involve policymakers in the development of emission scenarios. Moreover, ISS has also been shown useful in educating policymakers on the complexity of the problem and enhancing communication between, and among, scientists and policymakers.
Keywords: Science/Policy Dialogue, Climate Change, Integrated Assessment Models, Scenario Development
`Global Energy Futures: An integrated perspective with the TIME-model'
Vries de, H.J.M. and M.A. Janssen
1996 GLOBO Report Series no. 18, RIVM, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
This report contains an integrated analysis of the Targets/IMage Energy (TIME) model. In a previous report (De Vries and Van den Wijngaart, 1995) the five submodels of the energy model were described in detail. Here, we describe a number of applications with the (stand-alone) TIME model.
After the introduction and a brief outline of the TIME framework in Chapter 2, Chapter 3 describes the calibration of the world version for the period 1900-1990. Given the exogenous drivers like population size and economic activities, the energy demand, fuel mix, fuel prices, energy investments- and C02 emissions are calculated and compared with observed values. We discuss what assumptions had to be made to derive a suitable fit with the observed values.
Chapter 4 present the methodology for scenario construction. Furthermore, we discuss uncertainties and assumptions on structural change, energy efficiency improvements, long-term supply cost curves of fossil fuel resources, and technology in energy supply options.
An application of the methodology of Chapter 4 is discussed in Chapter 5 where a reference scenario is constructed based on the IS92a scenario of the IPCC. In Chapter 6 some scenarios from other institutions are investigated by assessing their outcomes in terms of the underlying assumptions. In Chapter 7, we will discuss energy futures according to alternative perspectives or world views. Finally, in Chapter 8, we give some results of optimized mitigation strategies using the CYCLES module of TARGETS to assess the impacts of scenarios. We especially address the role of technological change in meeting climate change policy targets.
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Dusk brings its magical glow to the narrow streets of Istanbul. This is our favourite time of day – it's the best time to capture twinkling lights (hint for October's Local Mission!) when colours become more vibrant, the streets fill with homeward-bound locals, and of course, it means dinnertime is near! Evening is particularly special in Istanbul – the markets come alive and the Bosphorus waterfront by moonlight is one of the most mesmerizing nighttime cityscapes.
This week we've been exploring local sights and Turkish delights on The Local Takeover in Istanbul – so follow along on Instagram and be sure to comment your requests on where our local team should take us…preferably on that sweet blue Vespa!


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Aighton, Bailey and Chaigley è una parrocchia civile dell'Inghilterra, appartenente alla contea del Lancashire.

Altri progetti

Collegamenti esterni

Parrocchie civili del Lancashire

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


17 years ago I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), I was two and half years old. Four weeks later, after my first blast of intense chemotherapy, I went into remission.
I then spent three years going through chemotherapy until I had the final all-clear that the cancer cells had gone. I lost my hair within four weeks of starting treatment and pretty much spent the majority of my childhood in hospital.
Many people say to me 'I bet you can't remember it now', but sadly I do remember a lot of it. I still have to visit hospital once a year for check-ups and will have to continue this for the rest of my life.
I trialled a new type of treatment, so the doctors had no idea what my side-effects would be. Luckily I haven't had major side-effects, except from bad joint pain in my legs. I had to have a port-o-cath inserted which has left a scar on my right breast and at the bottom of my neck which are still visible today.
Sadly this experience has meant I developed a phobia of needles, so even just a simple blood test is a challenge for me and has seen many doctors get kicked in the face! My hair loss during chemo also scarred me mentally – for many years I wouldn't get my hair cut. For most of my childhood my hair was past my bottom, and basically I looked like Rapunzel! Most of the photos during my illness are of me with no hair or with very short hair.
This experience has given me a complete new outlook on life and has made me a fighter. The experience allowed me to meet many wonderful people. There are two cancer survivors (Louis and Caitlin) that I still keep in touch with today. We endured/shared the experiences together.
I also got the opportunity to visit Lapland where I was lucky to see the northern lights. I also had the chance to become a zoo keeper for the day at London Zoo. My illness also means I developed an amazingly strong and close relationship with my mum, who I must say is my inspiration in life!
This experience has given me a complete new outlook on life and has made me a fighter.
Sadly, some people aren't as lucky and lose the battle against cancer – it is the worst disease imaginable.
To help others I would really appreciate it if you could donate to cancer research as it truly is a great cause, and one day we will win this war against cancer. I hope my story has given you a little insight into what it is like to be a cancer survivor. Hopefully you have been inspired to really take life by its reins!
I am now studying a degree to become a professional dancer, and without the love and support that I got from my family and doctors, I wouldn't be here to live out my dreams today.
There are lots of ways that you can help children like Abigail in their fight against cancer.


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"They're always watching over you…" – Virat Kohli remembers his late dad on Father's Day
Posted On / June 21, 2020 / by Anirudh Singh
Virat Kohli writes a note Father's Day (CT Collage)
Virat Kohli has often spoken about the role his father played in helping him become the cricketer and the man he is today. The Indian skipper's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma had once revealed that it was Virat's father and brother who took him to his cricket academy years ago.
Unfortunately, Virat's dad Prem Kohli didn't see his son becoming one of India's most loved and famous cricketers.
Prem Kohli passed away in 2006 when Virat was in his teenage. And as it has been shared on numerous occasions that on that day Virat was playing a match for Delhi. He performed his father's last rites and came back to resume his innings the next day, helping his team. His coach and teammates lauded Virat for his determination and will power.
Well, the 31-year-old still misses his father and has said in interviews that he regrets not being able to give his father a great and comfortable life after retirement, due to his untimely demise.
Today, on Father's day, Virat shared an old photo of him along with his dad somewhere on vacation and posted it on his Twitter account with a heartfelt caption.
"This father's day, I urge you all to be grateful for the love of your father but always look for your own path to move forward in life. You'll never have to look behind because they're always watching over you whether they're physically there or not. Happy father's day," the caption read.
This father's day, I urge you all to be grateful for the love of your father but always look for your own path to move forward in life. You'll never have to look behind because they're always watching over you whether they're physically there or not. Happy father's day 😊💛 pic.twitter.com/u87hHWL03b
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 21, 2020
'Super Hero' father inspires Virat Kohli
Virat once revealed that it was his father's efforts that made it easier for him to pursue cricket as a career option and that he will always remain his favourite 'Super Hero'.
"Many people can inspire or motivate you, but when someone sets an example in front of you, the impact is different. Because of this, he has been my Super Hero. Due to his personality and decisions, my career path became simple that I had to move ahead only by working hard. If I succeed then it was written in my destiny, if it was not there, then I was not good enough… after that, I stopped making excuses. I think it happened because of him, as things happened in front of me and so he is my Super Hero," Kohli had said at a promotional event last year.
TAGS: Father's day, India, Virat Kohli
CATEGORY: India, News, Virat Kohli

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


When the authors of The Cluetrain Manifesto wrote their 95 Theses in 1999, they recognized that the Internet offered the opportunity to radically change the communication between businesses and customers. The use of traditional mass marketing would fade, they believed, in favor of human-to-human interactions. The authors may not have anticipated the degree to which social networking would be part of the equation, but that explosion has simply lent greater credibility to their decade-old claims. Today's customers are expanding their networks, knowledge, and influence.
Combined with the Internet's delivery to customers of an overwhelming selection of brands and products to choose from, it's easy to see that the very nature of the vendor-customer relationship is changing. Jeffrey Rayport, founder and chairman of advisory firm Marketspace, said as much in his keynote presentation at our CRM Evolution conference last year. Rayport, co-author of Best Face Forward: Why Companies Must Improve Their Service Interfaces with Customers, stated that "customer relationship management" might soon take a backseat to "customer-managed relationships"—what many (including the Cluetrain authors) call vendor relationship management, or VRM. Whatever the terminology, these emerging phrases connote customer control.
In Associate Editor Lauren McKay's feature "It's Not Your Relationship to Manage," Doc Searls, one of the Cluetrain quartet, takes the notion a step further, suggesting that the typical company is too focused on selling to customers and not enough on the customers doing the buying. "Customers are limited in how they interact with vendors," McKay writes, "be it through terms of service, payment requirements, and even product searches." Read this story to learn where we stand in the development of VRM tools, including suggestions from Searls and others pursuing the goal.
Whatever tools do emerge, the vendor will not be powerless. Nor should it let customers walk all over it. Just because a company cedes control of customer relationships doesn't mean it cedes influence.
So how can a vendor respond? By making it personal, argues Lior Arussy, president of Strativity Group, in his Customer Centricity column, "Putting the 'Self' in Self-Service 2.0." A one-size-fits-all, vanilla solution is likely no longer an appropriate way to do business, especially if you have the ability to help customers co-create their own personal experiences with your company or with its products or services. Turn to Arussy's column—and then to CRM's exclusive excerpt from his new book—to read about companies that are actively engaged in co-creating their customer value proposition, plus a great example of how banks can help customers co-create online experiences.
That customers are gaining control of their vendor relationships warrants some serious attention—in fact, we've dedicated this month's entire issue, which we're dubbing "The Customer Empowerment Issue," to the topic. There's no doubt that the Cluetrain has arrived. Is your organization on board?


04:50 DI3HARD139 I just found that if you invoke "/giveme air" that Unified Inventory says "Air (you hacker you!)"
10:25 arno_ I have just setup a server that I want to keep private. How do I ensure that only 2 user names are valid (and make all other logins invalid)?
10:40 arno_ should I put mods in /var/games/minetest-server/.minetest , or in /var/games/minetest-server/.minetest/worlds (or worlds/world)?
10:57 arno_ Thanks. I had figured it out.
13:45 Fixer Calinou: what is sys spec?
14:54 Fixer Calinou: what GPU do you want?
14:55 Fixer Calinou: what about backup HDD?
16:18 Preuk Calinou: and a logitech BB18 with that?
19:14 shangul wanna see my world map?
19:15 Krock is that lava?
19:17 shangul is there anything better than minetest-mapper?
19:20 shangul [23:54] <Out`Of`Control> http://mt.rbose.org/ leaftest => whats dis?
19:20 Out`Of`Control 2d map why?
19:25 shangul oh when 0.4.14 released?
19:33 shangul where i can search servers online?
21:45 mioszs how i can go to irc servers MT?
21:46 mioszs how i can go to MT serves channels?
21:46 mioszs are here someone?
21:47 shangul u r looking for a mt server?
21:47 mioszs how i can go to minetest servers channels?
21:47 mioszs i have to write join?
21:48 mioszs do u know how i can do minetets server?
21:49 shangul u want join a game on mt server?
21:50 shangul minetest irc servers?


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Japan economy grows more than expected in July-Sept
By Lisa Twaronite
Published: Nov 15, 2009 8:15 p.m. ET
LisaTwaronite
TOKYO (MarketWatch) -- Japan's economy grew more than expected in the July-September quarter, government data showed Monday, suggesting stimulus steps helped keep the nascent economic recovery on track in the period.
When adjusted for deflation, gross domestic product rose 1.2% in the quarter from the April-June period, or 4.8% on an annualized basis. Economists polled by Dow Jones Newswires had expected a 0.6% on-quarter increase and an annualized increase of 2.2% in the latest period.
External demand, or exports minus imports, contributed 0.4 percentage points to growth, the Cabinet Office data showed.
Corporate capital investment rose 1.6%, up for the first time in six quarters. Domestic demand added 0.8 percentage points to growth.
Economists raised questions about the sustainability of the improved pace of growth, as the new administration led by Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama hasn't yet implemented domestic-demand boosting measures.
"No need to pooh-pooh faster-than-expected growth. But structurally, the economy remains highly vulnerable to external demand swings. Capex and inventories almost certainly reflected continuing external demand recovery, the rate of which may not be sustainable," said Cantor Fitzgerald economist Uwe Parpart.
"We have yet to see any of the highly touted domestic-demand boosting measures of the new government. If growth deceleration is to be avoided, it's high time for them to begin to kick in," Parpart said in emailed comments.
After the data were released, Deputy Prime Minister Naoto Kan said the government intends to maintain its plan to spend 2.7 trillion ($29 billion) in a supplementary budget.
"We are not thinking about cutting the size (of the planned budget) based on the GDP results today," Kan was quoted as saying in a Dow Jones Newswires report.


text:
package org.apache.spark.deploy

import org.json4s.JsonAST.JObject
import org.json4s.JsonDSL._

import org.apache.spark.deploy.DeployMessages.{MasterStateResponse, WorkerStateResponse}
import org.apache.spark.deploy.master.{ApplicationInfo, DriverInfo, WorkerInfo}
import org.apache.spark.deploy.worker.ExecutorRunner

private[deploy] object JsonProtocol {
 def writeWorkerInfo(obj: WorkerInfo): JObject = {
   ("id" -> obj.id) ~
   ("host" -> obj.host) ~
   ("port" -> obj.port) ~
   ("webuiaddress" -> obj.webUiAddress) ~
   ("cores" -> obj.cores) ~
   ("coresused" -> obj.coresUsed) ~
   ("coresfree" -> obj.coresFree) ~
   ("memory" -> obj.memory) ~
   ("memoryused" -> obj.memoryUsed) ~
   ("memoryfree" -> obj.memoryFree) ~
   ("state" -> obj.state.toString) ~
   ("lastheartbeat" -> obj.lastHeartbeat)
 }

  def writeApplicationInfo(obj: ApplicationInfo): JObject = {
    ("starttime" -> obj.startTime) ~
    ("id" -> obj.id) ~
    ("name" -> obj.desc.name) ~
    ("cores" -> obj.desc.maxCores) ~
    ("user" -> obj.desc.user) ~
    ("memoryperslave" -> obj.desc.memoryPerExecutorMB) ~
    ("submitdate" -> obj.submitDate.toString) ~
    ("state" -> obj.state.toString) ~
    ("duration" -> obj.duration)
  }

  def writeApplicationDescription(obj: ApplicationDescription): JObject = {
    ("name" -> obj.name) ~
    ("cores" -> obj.maxCores) ~
    ("memoryperslave" -> obj.memoryPerExecutorMB) ~
    ("user" -> obj.user) ~
    ("command" -> obj.command.toString)
  }

  def writeExecutorRunner(obj: ExecutorRunner): JObject = {
    ("id" -> obj.execId) ~
    ("memory" -> obj.memory) ~
    ("appid" -> obj.appId) ~
    ("appdesc" -> writeApplicationDescription(obj.appDesc))
  }

  def writeDriverInfo(obj: DriverInfo): JObject = {
    ("id" -> obj.id) ~
    ("starttime" -> obj.startTime.toString) ~
    ("state" -> obj.state.toString) ~
    ("cores" -> obj.desc.cores) ~
    ("memory" -> obj.desc.mem)
  }

  def writeMasterState(obj: MasterStateResponse): JObject = {
    val aliveWorkers = obj.workers.filter(_.isAlive())
    ("url" -> obj.uri) ~
    ("workers" -> obj.workers.toList.map(writeWorkerInfo)) ~
    ("cores" -> aliveWorkers.map(_.cores).sum) ~
    ("coresused" -> aliveWorkers.map(_.coresUsed).sum) ~
    ("memory" -> aliveWorkers.map(_.memory).sum) ~
    ("memoryused" -> aliveWorkers.map(_.memoryUsed).sum) ~
    ("activeapps" -> obj.activeApps.toList.map(writeApplicationInfo)) ~
    ("completedapps" -> obj.completedApps.toList.map(writeApplicationInfo)) ~
    ("activedrivers" -> obj.activeDrivers.toList.map(writeDriverInfo)) ~
    ("status" -> obj.status.toString)
  }

  def writeWorkerState(obj: WorkerStateResponse): JObject = {
    ("id" -> obj.workerId) ~
    ("masterurl" -> obj.masterUrl) ~
    ("masterwebuiurl" -> obj.masterWebUiUrl) ~
    ("cores" -> obj.cores) ~
    ("coresused" -> obj.coresUsed) ~
    ("memory" -> obj.memory) ~
    ("memoryused" -> obj.memoryUsed) ~
    ("executors" -> obj.executors.toList.map(writeExecutorRunner)) ~
    ("finishedexecutors" -> obj.finishedExecutors.toList.map(writeExecutorRunner))
  }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Oil traded below $80 a barrel for a third day in New York amid concern that Europe's debt crisis will curb demand for fuels.
Natural Gas Game?" addresses both issues and more.
A cyclist charged with vehicular manslaughter in the death of an elderly pedestrian at a busy San Francisco intersection pleaded not guilty Wednesday. Software developer Chris Bucchere, 36, is accused of recklessly speeding downhill through a red light and into an intersection crowded with pedestrians in the city's Castro District on March 29. He struck Sutchi Hui, 71, who was crossing the street with his wife and died of his injuries four days later.
country's finance minister said on Saturday.
Thanks to climate change policies and expensive gasoline, electric cars — and especially hybrid electrics — have made some inroads in the U.S. vehicle market. Still, the internal combustion engine is not about to go the way of the dodo. Mainstream engine makers are continually pushing forward incremental improvements and a few companies are developing radically different technologies.
Boeing's launch customer for its 787 Dreamliner, Japan's All Nippon Airways says the plane's electronic dimmable windows are not dark enough for long haul flights and has asked the US aircraft maker to come up with a way to make the plane's cabin darker.
For all the talk about Australia's resource and energy riches and the country's economy riding the waves of a resource boom, one facet of the country's energy situation has largely been under the radar – the country's growing reliance on oil imports.


text:
Chapter 1081 - Do You Like Him?
Chapter 1081: Do You Like Him?
"Is that nice?" Xia Ling was a little concerned. "Won't he get angry?"
Xia Yu said tenderly, "Brother Pei will understand." She looked closely at her sister before asking suggestively, "Are you… too attached to him to move out?"
"Why would I be?" Xia Ling refuted the claim immediately and went quiet. She'd spent most of her time living in school over the past few years, and Pei Ziheng was caught up in his work matters as well, so the two of them spent fairly little time together. But each time she slept by his side—albeit with a screen in between them—she'd be overcome with a sense of security, almost as if nothing in the world could scare her.
But after what had happened, would she still be able to sleep by his side in peace?
Her body began warming up again as she struggled to wipe that memory clean, but the scenes in the bathroom continued to flash before her eyes. She trembled a little, possibly from the trauma.
Xia Yu's voice got deeper as she asked gently, "Sister, do you like him?"
"Like?" Xia Ling was a bit caught off guard.
"Yes," Xia Yu continued. "What sort of feelings do you have towards him? I heard that many guys are chasing you in the training camp, is this the sort of feeling you have for Brother Ziheng too?"
"Is that… love?" Xia Ling mumbled to herself in a daze. She'd never really thought about the question. From the day he brought her home, the feelings she had for him were of admiration, respect, reliance… and these feelings had only gotten deeper over the years. She didn't even know exactly what she was feeling for him now.
"Why would I fall for him?" Subconsciously, she began fiddling with the bangle on her left hand. It was an exquisite silver bangle, a gift he'd given her the year he brought her home. On the inside circle of the bangle were the words "Standing By You" engraved, and now it seemed somewhat like a lover's promise. On that thought, she blushed yet again.
Xia Yu clenched her jaw a little and hurriedly disrupted her train of thought. "That's right, how could you possibly fall for him? What you have towards him is gratitude, the love that you feel is just a false sense. Sister, Brother Ziheng is our benefactor, our guardian, it'd be wrong for you to be with him. Try out a relationship instead and forget about tonight, it was all just an accident."
Xia Ling hesitated before nodding her head.
Xia Yu was right, it was just an accident, she shouldn't be thinking too much.
But how was it possible not to think of it? She lay beside her sister on the soft and comfy bed, appreciating the freshness of the sheets. But the moment she closed her eyes, scenes from the bathroom filled her mind again. He was so fierce, he didn't even care if she was hurting. And at the same time, he was so gentle, draping a towel over her after she had fallen… his eyes, his lips, his deeply concealed desire…
She warmed up in her cheeks again. After a night of tossing and turning and attempts at counting sheep, she still didn't sleep a wink.
The following day, she got off the bed groggily and got ready to wash up.
Xia Yu grabbed her arm softly. "Sister, sleep in for a bit. Just rest well in my room today. I'll get breakfast for you from downstairs so you won't have to run the risk of bumping into Brother Ziheng and feeling awkward."
Xia Ling blushed again and bit her lower lip. "Alright."
Indeed, she really did not want to see him right now. She had no idea how to face him when there were conflicting voices in her head—one telling her to hate him, the other getting her to miss him…
She was so confused now. With a pillow over her head, she forced herself to sleep.
Xia Yu specially picked her best outfit and dressed up conscientiously before heading down.
At the buffet restaurant downstairs, Pei Ziheng was already seated alone at a table by the window. Xia Yu brought her tray of food over and sat opposite him with a smile. "Brother Ziheng."
Pei Ziheng glanced at her and appeared a little unhappy that she was taking that seat. But he remained silent.
"Brother Ziheng is up really early," Xia Yu said. "Are you very busy today too?"
Pei Ziheng asked, "Where's your sister?"
Xia Yu was slightly taken aback.
"She slept over in your room last night. Why are you down for breakfast without her?"
Xia Yu was even more stunned now. "You knew that she slept over in my room last night?"
Pei Ziheng did not respond. He had lost control last night and did it on her. He was worried about her when she left the room on her own and got Chu Chen to follow up on her situation. Only after Chu Chen confirmed that she had gone into Xia Yu's room did he feel relieved.
Xia Yu felt pressured by his stare and quietly said, "Umm, Sister did sleep over in my room last night. She cried a lot and didn't get a good night's sleep, so she's not awake yet."
"She cried?" Pei Ziheng frowned slightly.
"Yup," Xia Yu lowered her head and fiddled with the food on her plate. "I don't know what went on, and she refused to tell me. She just held me and sobbed. I've never seen her this upset before."
His eyes darkened.
So, she hated him this much? After taking her leave, she even sobbed so hard?
His mind was in a mess as he asked, "She really didn't say anything?"
Xia Yu shook her head and thought for a while before saying, "I wanted to help her back to her room. After all, it was more spacious and comfortable for resting, but she refused. She said something about being afraid and hating it, and feeling disgusted… I didn't quite get her—ah!"
Before she even finished what she had to say, Pei Ziheng had slammed his glass onto the table loudly.
Xia Yu went pale as she watched him leave, but a while later, a devious grin crept up at the corners of her lips. She took some snacks and pastries up to the room for Xia Ling and said, "Brother Ziheng still seems angry about last night. Sister, I think you'd better avoid him for a while."
Xia Ling was apprehensive. "Will he hate me?"
Xia Yu shook her head solemnly. "I'm not sure about that. When I was hospitalized, I heard some people saying that rich people like Brother Ziheng have so many girls going after them. They'd use means and ways, like luring them… ah, Sister, I didn't mean you…" Xia Yu looked at Xia Ling apologetically, like she had been too carried away by her thoughts. "Brother Ziheng and the rest have seen enough of such people, they're pretty averse towards them."
"I'm really not like that!" Xia Ling got anxious.
"I know, but Brother Ziheng doesn't." Xia Ling advised her kindly. "Which is why you have to prove your innocence to him. Over the next few days, keep your distance and boundary from Brother Ziheng and don't appear before him. Only then will he believe that it was all an accident."
A Star Reborn: The Queen's Return
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text:
The Pacific Top Team Story
What began in 2013 with a group of friends and training partners has now grown to an international organization with clubs across Western Canada.
History of Pacific Top Team
Pacific Top Team was started in 2013 by a group of friends and training partners that wanted to split from their long-term lineage team but wanted to remain together as training partners and teammates.
This group decided, rather than joining another existing team that they wanted to provide an environment for each owner to be able to run their own club as they best see fit while still maintaining a high level of instruction. This group convened, agreed upon a Code of Conduct to guide the member clubs and launched Pacific Top Team.
The Pacific Top Team Mission
Since then the original group of eight member clubs from British Columbia has grown to include clubs across Western Canada.
Pacific Top Team is dedicated to teaching a high quality of Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts for those simply interested in recreation and fitness to the competitive athlete.
Pacific Top Team is a growing Jiu Jitsu and Martial Arts training organization,
with locations across Western Canada.
Pacific Top Team is a leading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts training organization with locations throughout Western Canada.
info@pacifictopteam.com
www.pacifictopteam.com
PTT on Instagram
Copyright 2022 Pacific Top Team
Buzz Marketing and Media


text:
What does the NS prefix mean?
Modified 2 years, 1 month ago
Many classes in Cocoa/Cocoa Touch have the NS prefix. What does it mean?
cocoa-touch
hippietrail
asked Jan 23, 2009 at 17:22
Martin08Martin08
I prefer to believe it means "namespace" 😂
– Andy
The original code for the Cocoa frameworks came from the NeXTSTEP libraries Foundation and AppKit (those names are still used by Apple's Cocoa frameworks), and the NextStep engineers chose to prefix their symbols with NS.
Because Objective-C is an extension of C and thus doesn't have namespaces like in C++, symbols must be prefixed with a unique prefix so that they don't collide. This is particularly important for symbols defined in a framework.
If you are writing an application, such that your code is only likely ever to use your symbols, you don't have to worry about this. But if you're writing a framework or library for others' use, you should also prefix your symbols with a unique prefix. CocoaDev has a page where many developers in the Cocoa community have listed their "chosen" prefixes. You may also find this SO discussion helpful.
Barry WarkBarry Wark
It's from the NeXTSTEP heritage.
edited Oct 19, 2013 at 6:11
Basil Bourque
286k9595 gold badges809809 silver badges11051105 bronze badges
Olaf KockOlaf Kock
...or perhaps the NeXT/Sun heritage (Sun was a participant in the OpenStep consortium)
– Barry Wark
Yes, of course. It's all beautifully laid out in the other answers, that's why I didn't bother copying that information into mine. Sorry if that offends someone - I don't mind if the accepted answer changes to one of the others (if that's possible - never checked that).
– Olaf Kock
I would like to see more but the link to NeXTSTEP
– Bagrat Kirakosian
NeXTSTEP or NeXTSTEP/Sun depending on who you are asking.
Sun had a fairly large investment in OpenStep for a while. Before Sun entered the picture most things in the foundation, even though it wasn't known as the foundation back then, was prefixed NX, for NeXT, and sometime just before Sun entered the picture everything was renamed to NS. The S most likely did not stand for Sun then but after Sun stepped in the general consensus was that it stood for Sun to honor their involvement.
I actually had a reference for this but I can't find it right now. I will update the post if/when I find it again.
edited Jan 8, 2013 at 12:36
rjmunro
David HolmDavid Holm
I've heard the same story from a very reliable source; I'm pretty sure this is the most accurate answer here.
– Tyler
I found a reference: cocoabuilder.com/archive/cocoa/136618-what-does-ns-means.html
– Simon Woodside
@SimonWoodside Link is dead.
– Dinsdale
Mar 11, 2020 at 20:03
Internet Archive of Reference: web.archive.org/web/20151008121657/http://www.cocoabuilder.com/…
It is the NextStep (= NS) heritage. NeXT was the computer company that Steve Jobs formed after he quit Apple in 1985, and NextStep was it's operating system (UNIX based) together with the Obj-C language and runtime. Together with it's libraries and tools, NextStep was later renamed OpenStep (which was also the name on an API that NeXT developed together with Sun), which in turn later became Cocoa.
These different names are actually quite confusing (especially since some of the names differs only in which characters are upper or lower case..), try this for an explanation:
TheMerger OpenstepConfusion
NANNAV
GregorGregor
I could have sworn Apple fired him for various reasons.
– Nic
@Nic Jobs quit in Sept '85 after losing the power struggle with Sculley.
– dlchambers
From Apple's developer docs:
Historical Note: If you're wondering why so many of the classes you encounter have an NS prefix, it's because of the past history of Cocoa and Cocoa Touch. Cocoa began life as the collected frameworks used to build apps for the NeXTStep operating system. When Apple purchased NeXT back in 1996, much of NeXTStep was incorporated into OS X, including the existing class names. Cocoa Touch was introduced as the iOS equivalent of Cocoa; some classes are available in both Cocoa and Cocoa Touch, though there are also a large number of classes unique to each platform. Two-letter prefixes like NS and UI (for User Interface elements on iOS) are reserved for use by Apple.
Source: Programming with Objective-C
Jonathan LinJonathan Lin
Basically NS comes from NextSTEP, the original operating system that became Mac OS X when Apple acquired Next.
I want to explain something else and this is why exactly it's needed.
In C++ there are namespaces and almost anything goes in std
This is why you have std::string.
Namespaces are used so it's harder for you to make a mistake and you can write your own class string without conflicting with the system one.
Objective-C is superset of C, but it doesn't include namespaces and for the same reason above all system classes are prefixed with NS or some other strange prefix.
This thing is the same of how all DirectX classes are prefixed with D3D and how all OpenGL classes are prefixed with gl.
This means that you should not use NS to name your own classes and when you see NS, CA in Core Animation or CG in Core Graphics you understand that this is a call to a system framework.
Swift changes this convention, because Swift supports namespacing and it maps its core types like String to the NS equivalents.
marc_s
answered Jan 8, 2017 at 12:27
Daniel GeorgievDaniel Georgiev
From Cocoa_(API) Wikipedia:
Cocoa classes begin with the acronym "NS" (standing either for the NeXT-Sun creation of OpenStep, or for the original proprietary term for the OpenStep framework, NeXTSTEP): NSString, NSArray, etc.
Foundation Kit, or more commonly simply Foundation, first appeared in OpenStep. On Mac OS X, it is based on Core Foundation. Foundation is a generic object-oriented library providing string and value manipulation, containers and iteration, distributed computing, run loops, and other functions that are not directly tied to the graphical user interface. The "NS" prefix, used for all classes and constants in the framework, comes from Cocoa's OPENSTEP heritage, which was jointly developed by NeXT and Sun.
chownchown
Wikipedia is wrong here. Foundation Kit first appeared in Enterprise Objects Framework, which predates OpenStep. Incidentally the NeXT version of Foundation was supposedly based on a CoreFoundation-like C API, but that wasn't exposed as public interface until Mac OS X.
@user23743, I don't think you're correct. EOF predates the OPENSTEP operating system, but not the OpenStep API. The EOF documentation you linked to directly (references OpenStep)[cilinder.be/docs/next/NeXTStep/3.3/nd/Foundation/…, and they were both released in 1994.
– AriX
When NeXT were defining the NextStep API (as opposed to the NEXTSTEP operating system), they used the prefix NX, as in NXConstantString. When they were writing the OpenStep specification with Sun (not to be confused with the OPENSTEP operating system) they used the NS prefix, as in NSObject.
Bill Bumgarner aka @bbum, who should know, posted on the CocoaBuilder mailing list in 2005:
Sun entered the picture a bit after the NS prefix had come into play. The NS prefix came about in public APIs during the move from NeXTSTEP 3.0 to NeXTSTEP 4.0 (also known as OpenStep). Prior to 4.0, a handful of symbols used the NX prefix, but most classes provided by the system libraries were not prefixed at all -- List, Hashtable, View, etc...
It seems that everyone agrees that the prefix NX (for NeXT) was used until 1993/1994, and Apple's docs say:
The official OpenStep API, published in September of 1994, was the first to split the API between Foundation and Application Kit and the first to use the "NS" prefix.
answered Sep 5, 2015 at 4:04
Simon WoodsideSimon Woodside
Highly active question. Earn 10 reputation (not counting the association bonus) in order to answer this question. The reputation requirement helps protect this question from spam and non-answer activity.
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text:
Category Archives: Past Lab Members
Liya Rachal Chandy
Liya Rachal Chandy is a fourth semester student in the Master of Architecture program with a focus on Inclusive Design and Urban Design. She oversees global projects within the lab setting and thinks of food systems as a level for positive social change. Prior to working at the lab, she worked as an Architect in India and strongly believes in the power of place making as well as the power of good design. For the school, she acts as a liaison for International students and advances conversations on equity, inclusion and diversity. She also enjoys cooking, drawing, painting, gardening, and all things creative in her spare time!
An outstanding group of students have contributed to research in the Food Lab. Most, but not all, were students at the University at Buffalo when they trained with us. This alumni network continue to bring their talent and skill to new endeavors. We are proud of their hard work and accomplishments!
Nathan Attard, MUP, University at Buffalo
Sophia Bahati, BA Candidate, University at Buffalo
Solhyon Baek, PhD, Department of Geography '12, University at Buffalo
William Becker, MUP/MArch, University at Buffalo
Madelaine Britt, BAED '17, University at Buffalo; Awards: Truman Fellowship
Camile Brown, BAED '18, University at Buffalo
Samantha Bulkillvish, MUP '17, University at Buffalo
Cristina Delgado-Howard, MS Architecture '15, MUP '13, University at Buffalo; Awards in the MUP Program: Dean's Award
Bree-Ana Dukes, BA '13, University at Buffalo
Eliza Feero, BS, '18, Brown University, Providence, RI
Patrick Gooch, MUP, JD '13; Award in the MUP Program: Excellence in Studio; Current: Senior Planner, Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Economic Development, New York
Kelsey Gosch, BA/BS Candidate '18, Wellesley College
Enjoli Hall, MUP '17, University at Buffalo; Awards in the MUP Program: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Award for Professional Excellence, Award for Academic Excellence (Highest GPA)
Jessica Hall, MUP '13, University at Buffalo; Awards in the MUP Program: Chair's Award for Excellence; Best MUP Thesis Award Winner; Strategy Analyst, Harris Health System, Houston TX
David Harary, BA '15, University at Buffalo
Abdulrahman Ibrahim, BAED '17, University at Buffalo
Alexandra Judelsohn, MUP, Doctoral Student, University of Michigan
Maryam Khojasteh, MUP '14, Awards in the MUP Program: Chair's Award for Excellence; Doctoral Candidate, University of Pennsylvania
Bhakti Kulkarni, MUP '08, University at Buffalo
Elizabeth Machnica, MPH and MS '16, RD, University at Buffalo
Sarah Miller, BS '16, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Kelley Mosher, MUP '18, University at Buffalo
Aye Bay Na Sa, BA Candidate '19, University at Buffalo
Kailee Neuner, MUP '10, University at Buffalo; Planner at LaBella Associates, P.C.
Travis Norton, MUP '14, University at Buffalo; Awards in the MUP Program: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Award for Professional Excellence, Award for Academic Excellence (Highest GPA)
Grace O'Connor, BAED '18, University at Buffalo
Mara Pusateri, MPH MUP, '15, University at Buffalo
Joseph Quinn, BAED Candidate '18, University at Buffalo; Awards: UB Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Creativity
Subhashni Raj, PhD '18, Urban and Regional Planning, University at Buffalo
Alex Ruch, MPH '13, University at Buffalo
Jessica Kozlowski Russell, MUP '08, University at Buffalo
Sarah SanGiovanni, MUP '14, University at Buffalo; Awards in the MUP Program: Chair's Award for Academic Promise
Hailey Stern, MUP, University at Buffalo; Outreach Specialist and City Planner, Philadelphia Water Authority
Erin Sweeney, MUP '18, University at Buffalo; Awards: Fulbright Scholarship; AICP Excellence Award
Thaint Thu, Hutchinson Central Technical High School Student
Alex Brian Ticoalu, Doctoral Student, University at Buffalo
Danielle Vazquez, MBA/MPH Candidate '19, University at Buffalo
Kathryn (Katie) Veith, MUP, JD '08, University at Buffalo; Attorney, Greater Buffalo Area, NY
Jennifer (Jenny) Whittaker, MUP, '14; Awards: SUNY Chancellor's Award; Clinical Research Coordinator, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and PhD student at University of Pennsylvania
Annette Wong, BS 2014, University at Buffalo, Marketing Associate, CoachMePlus, Buffalo, NY
Pavan Yadav, MUP '08, University at Buffalo, Technical Lead, ESRI, Redlands, CA
Nirupama Stalin, MUP, '20, University of Buffalo
Domonique Griffin, MUP '19, University at Buffalo
Kristopher Walton, MUP '20, University of Buffalo
Archana Mohan, School of Management
Gabriella Hall, Communication, University at Buffalo
Avery Sirwatka, Urban and Public Policy; Sociology, University at Buffalo
David Goldberg, Environmental Studies & Political Science and minor in Spanish,'19 University at Buffalo
Sydney Jones, Public Health and Minor in Spanish '20, University at Buffalo
Samendy Brice, Master of Architecture, University at Buffalo
Daniela Leon, MUP '21, University at Buffalo
Micaela Lipman, Doctoral Student, University at Buffalo
Rosanna Valencia, BS in Architecture
Rachel Grandits, MS in Sustainability Leadership, University at Buffalo
Nathaniel Mich, MUP ' 22 ,Specialization in Community health and food systems, University at Buffalo
Rachel Grandits
Rachel Grandits is interested in food systems planning, especially in issues of equity, accessibility, and sustainability. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Sustainability Leadership at the University at Buffalo. Previously, Rachel obtained a Master's Degree in Social Work at UB, where she quickly realized that her passions lie in pursuing change at a broader, systemic level. Rachel has previously worked in mental health settings and continues to pursue interests in social and environmental sustainability. In the Food Lab, Rachel has been documenting the ways in which questions of equity inform urban agriculture policy. Rachel enjoys teamwork and uses her collaborative skills to coordinate projects in the Food Lab. In her spare time, Rachel loves to spend time in nature and with her cats, cook, play music, read, paint and laugh.
Nathaniel Mich
Nathaniel Mich's professional and research interests include urban agriculture, health equity in refugee communities, and land use policy. In the Food Lab, Nathaniel is coordinating a nine-county effort to make food systems information publicly accessible. He is also a second-year Master of Urban Planning Student and Arthur A. Schomburg Fellow, specializing in Food Systems and Community Health. Prior to joining the Food Lab, Nathaniel worked in non-profit community development and program management for nearly a decade, most recently as the Edible Education & Urban Agriculture Specialist for Foodlink, Inc. in Rochester, NY. He is involved in food systems advocacy in the Rochester region, and is a member of the Rochester Food Policy Council. Nathaniel holds a BA from Oberlin College in Anthropology, Archaeological Studies, and Geology. Outside of work, Nathaniel is an avid gardener, aspiring potter and lover of table-top role-playing games.
Yifan Wang
Yifan Wang is currently a Ph.D. student in the Department of Geography, University at Buffalo (UB). His research involves formal ontology, computational ontology, geospatial semantics in flood response, and artificial intelligence in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Yifan finished his M.S. in Geographic Information Science at UB, and he also holds a B.Eng. Degree in Electronic Engineering from the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. While pursuing his Ph.D. in Geography, Yifan also took courses in Philosophy and Computer Science. His philosophical thinking has motivated him to think of information systems from diverse perspectives, and has provided him insights into the development of GIS. During college, Yifan worked as a volunteer teacher in the farms of Phonsavang, Laos, and in Sukabumi, Indonesia, where he interacted with children and low income populations. Such experiences have motivated him to devote his expertise to help people and the community. Yifan worked as a Teaching Assistant and has taught various courses and labs, including Maps, Web-based GIS, Earth, Climate and Environment, and GIS. In his spare time, Yifan plays the trumpet in the UB symphony orchestra and also enjoys photography and playing soccer.
Nina Sayles
Nina Sayles is a joint Master of Urban Planning (environmental planning) and Master of Public Health Nutrition student at Harvard University. Her undergraduate program, a BA in Health: Science, Society, and Policy from Brandeis University, drew a clear connection between the built environment and community health and led her to combine urban planning and public health; practical experiences before graduate school, including market gardening, food retail, and food service, steered her focus to a specialization in food systems. Nina is interested in cultivating urban and rural synergies to improve regional food systems coordination. In her spare time, Nina trains as a competitive sabre fencer, and she enjoys gardening, cooking, and playing music.
Claire Finnerty
Claire Finnerty is a Master's of Public Health candidate in the Individualized program at the University at Buffalo, focusing on Food Systems and Nutrition. Her passions include reducing food insecurity in communities and exploring agriculture-nutrition linkages. Claire has previously worked in the emergency food world, coordinating food access for children at a food bank and working on a mobile produce market. In her spare time she enjoys crafting and being outdoors.
Saima Malik
Saima Malik is an aspiring PhD scholar from Kashmir Valley. She completed her Master's in English Literature from the University of Kashmir, and her Bachelor's in the same discipline. Previously, Miss Malik has interned as news editor with The Kashmiriyat, an online news portal. Currently she is working as a Research Investigator for a project run by Tata Institute of Social Sciences, dealing with a study of migrant workers in Kashmir. In the Food Lab, Saima is part of the "haakh project" team, supporting research with smallholder haakh growers. Saima is a voracious reader, and her research interests are in folk literature of Kashmir.
Rosanna Valencia
Rosanna Valencia is an undergraduate student in her last year of the B.S Architecture
program. She became interested in the field through her experiences living in NYC, and is particularly interested in urban anthropology and placemaking of migrant groups in cities. Through design she hopes to facilitate more public spaces of leisure, gathering, and outdoor recreation for disadvantaged communities. During this summer she was part of the LSAMP research program and focused on the role of environment and community in food systems. She worked with a local project that looked at the role of corner stores in food security and accessibility. She currently serves as the President of DoubleASAP (AASAP), a student-lead club catered to African American students and students of African descent within Architecture and Planning. For leisure, she enjoys music, photography, reading and painting.
Danielle Anderson
Danielle Anderson is a recent Master of Urban Planning graduate from the University at Buffalo, with specializations in economic development and community health and food systems. She received her Bachelor's degree in Economics from UB in 2015. Her interests include working to improve access to clean water sources in the global South, improving deteriorating water infrastructure, and freshwater conservation. During the past two years, she has gained knowledge in local and international planning techniques while developing skills in research, survey design, data collection, team coordination, and project management. She is also a University at Buffalo Kaufman Fellow for the 2020-2021 year. Danielle began working at the UB Food Lab in Summer 2020, following her work in Kerala, India on a food systems planning studio project. Outside the lab, Danielle enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, being with friends, and cooking.


If you have a petite or narrow face, you totally understand the struggle of finding glasses and sunglasses that don't make you look bug-eyed and lenses that won't cover half your face. Already that I don't have a nose bridge that keeps frames up, I also have to put up with those that just don't compliment my face.
I wear contact lenses most often because it's just more manageable when I workout and I don't have to constantly be adjusting glasses on my face. However, going from morning to evening with contacts and staring at a computer screen for 8+ hours, my eyes dry out and get irritated. I simply didn't feel confident wearing my glasses out in public but I knew I couldn't keep aggravating my eyes with contact lenses.
Bonlook is a Quebec company that I came across and I really love the fact that their frames are minimalist, simple yet trendy. After browsing their different collaborations and collections, I fell upon their Petite collection. I immediately knew I had to get a pair but struggled to narrow down my choices (too many colours and shapes to choose from!).
Although you can virtually try on the frames online, I went in-store to try on the different options to give me a better idea of what would suit my style. I hesitated between a transparent blush one and a tortoise and decided that the latter would be the better choice for me. For the shape, I went back and forth between Imagine and Myrtle, but I couldn't stop thinking of Sepia Kiss, which has rounder lenses and more of the look I was going for, so I settled on those. As a reference, the Imagine in petite frame measures about 5" from temple to temple.
You can order frames both online and in-store, but I decided to do it online. One thing to note if you're going to order frames from them is that you need to have a valid prescription from your optometrist, as they don't conduct eye exams. From selecting your frames to sending in your prescription, the process was super simple to follow. Post-order, you'll get an email letting you know at which stage they're at in processing your glasses, so you know when to expect them.
The frames are so affordable too, running at $145 for single vision. If you're in need of progressive lenses, they run at $299. You can also include a Blue Light Protection for an additional fee of $50. Anti-scratch and anti-glare coatings are included on all orders. There's a $50 fee to get thinner lenses that you could opt out of, so I did at first, thinking my prescription wasn't strong enough to result in thick lenses (I'm at -2.00 for both eyes), but I got an email a few days after placing the order informing me that I needed to get them thinner for the specific frames that I chose.
Once I got them, I went in-store to get them adjusted for free and I couldn't be happier with the result! They're so lightweight that I forget sometimes that I have them on! I absolutely love wearing them and have gotten so many compliments on them. I feel confident and don't hesitate to wear them out if I feel that my eyes need a little break from contact lenses.
Bonlook is a very active company, regularly coming out with new collections and different frames. They have promotions every now and again, offering dollars off or BOGO deals, so keep an eye out!


text:
Василий Васильевич Аксёнов () — советский хоккеист, нападающий.

Воспитанник стадиона Юных пионеров. Начинал играть в сезоне 1951/52 за вторую команду «Крыльев Советов». Два сезона отыграл за «Крылья Советов» / «Зенит». Выступал за команды «Динамо» Москва (1954/55 — 1956/57), «Химик» Воскресенск (1957/58 — 1958/59), «Молот» Пермь (1958/59 — 1960/61), «Даугава» Рига (1961/62), «Труд» Подольск (1962/63).

Бронзовый призёр чемпионата СССР (4): 1954—1957. Финалист Кубка СССР (1955).

Ссылки
 https://hcks.moscow/2021/11/25/vasilij-aksenov-10-04-33-00-01/
 https://dynamo-history.ru/person/players/cart/a/aksenov/
 https://hockey1946.ru/players/Aksenov_Vasily_Vasilyevich_10_04_1933

Хоккеисты СССР
Игроки ХК «Крылья Советов»
Игроки ХК «Динамо» Москва
Игроки ХК «Химик» Воскресенск
Игроки ХК «Молот-Прикамье»
Игроки ХК «Динамо» Рига (1946—1995)
Игроки ХК «Торпедо» Подольск


" You are TOO smart!"
Someone very dear to me said it once.
Before there's an outcry of 'what a conceited girl' against such a confession let me add that this wasn't a compliment but an admonishment. It was said as a part of a monologue, theorizing all my many faults starting with my stubborn nature to the cause of my apparent singlehood. When she was done, I wanted to assure her that I am not. Smart, that is. Then I wanted to know what her definition of 'smart' was. I also wanted to ask why she thought 'being smart' was such a bad thing. In the end, I said nothing. Sometimes I feel its easier to prove your stand to strangers you don't care about than to people you love and who claim to love you back.
I've never forgotten the scolding though mainly because it wasn't the first time I was on the receiving end of such an admonishment and hence never stopped analyzing it either.
Like most negative comments I think it arose from her own false belief that 'I didn't think she is smart', which is perhaps based on her definition of smart - i.e. getting good grades in school, a moderate knowledge of surroundings and ability to reason.
What makes it even more interesting is that, by her definition, she IS smart girl herself. Which brings me to my theory that ' everyone is smart- about something or other'.
Some about money, some arts, some in science, some about taking care of the needy (children, animals, elderly, sick) while some are smart about makeup that makes them look stunning every time no matter what they wear. Its undeniable that if you are smart about something you'll, perhaps, not be smart about other things. What adds the comparative adjective to 'smart' is, my belief, an attitude.
If you are well-read and know that write well yourself, you are smart.
If You are well-read and make the attempt at writing a book that makes even two people think that you write well, you are smarter (to your readers) than the person who knows that he/she writes well.
There is also the matter of 'choice' that plays into someone appearing smarter.
People, generally, choose to be smart about something and not about others.
Take the example of 'World issues'. Its out there- in print, on television, on the net. Some people choose to find out more while some choose the 'ignorance is bliss' attitude.
Just because someone isn't aware of the current ruling party of Palestine, doesn't mean they are not smart. Its their choice of not making themselves aware of the news that may appear to be 'not very smart'.
The flip side to all of this is the 'I know I am smarter than you because I belong to such and such profession' attitude which doesn't make anyone appear very smart. Yet we do it all the time.
"The not so smart ones pick Family medicine"
"How smart do you have to be to pour coffee?"
All such remarks seem to arise from the misguided notion that your way of making money is somehow an indicator of your smartness.
In my own community I find it incredible; the length Bengali people will go, to associate themselves to a 'profession' that they think is socially accepted as 'smart', sometimes compromising their intrigity (lying about their degrees) and personal happiness("my parents want me to become a so-and-so"). And such unfounded opinions about 'smart' professions exist that, it boggles the mind.
Unfortunately such egotistic views are still upheld by many current engineering students - its also one of the numerous qualities that make them such bad dates for non-engineers. But that's the topic for another post.
In the end, its not that I don't think that there aren't any 'smarter' people. There are.
Someone like Einstein perhaps- a good combo of left and right brain. A romantic scientist. Not smartest ofcourse, or he might have had the foresight to not to hand his theories to government of a country at war. But that's neither here nor there.
So where am I going with this longwinded rant?
Perhaps to find ways to prepare myself against any future accusations or even compliments beginning with " You are a smart one- convince my child to do this thing that I think is good for them". I want to refuse such pre-conceived generalizations.
Having said that, I rather die than appear dumb on purpose and stop learning something new just to get someone to like me.
"Oh my gawd! It DOES smell like clementines!" I exclaimed as I chowed down on my third piece of cake in the morning the other day.
"Er.. Its a Clementine Cake!", said the amused colleague of mine.
I wonder if it is time to confess my not so secret crush on people who can bake.
Seriously. I adore and worship them. Preferably behind a table while licking my fork.
Baking is a mystery to me. I'll never understand how one can throw some eggs , butter, sugar and some innocent looking flour (which, I must stress, bear no resemblance to the final product), mix it all smooth, put it in the oven and after some mysterious amount of time, get scrumptious cakes, pastries, pies, cookies etc. And don't even get me started on the science behind why the cake doesn't taste like pie or vice versa ! What goes on behind the closed oven door none shall tell me. They don't teach it in schools. Atleast not at schools that I've attended.
"Well give it a try. Look up some recipes and make a cake. They give you all the instructions. Just follow it", they say.
So I decided to make my favourite cake, 'Double Chocolate Fudge Cake', from scratch a few years back. It didn't actually turn out bad...because I did'nt make it alone. My very competent friend was making one with me using a similar recipe. Since I'm liable to forget all about the mechanisms behind the operation of a oven other than the fact it it'll 'TRING' me when its done playing with the heat wants me to take it out; she did most of the checking up on the cake-baking process. So I was encouraged with the result and not entirely disheartened that my friend's cake tasted so much better.
Then I decided to make one for my mother's birthday. By myself. And due to time shortage it was to be an 'out-of-the-box' cake. Chocolate ofcourse. I mixed all the right ingredients and pour it into a nice pan and waited while licking up some store bought icing. I'm positive that my oven played some trick on me because when I pulled it out of the oven and served to my tired-just-returned-from-work-mom, I believe her exact words were "What is it?". It was surely not a cake or a pie. Since then, I've made several other attempts at baking much more simpler things such as cutting up the frozen Pillsbury cookie dough, place on baking tray and bake into burned crisp chocolate chip cookies or whip up some egg white+sugar combo into slightly orange looking meringue cookies and finally gave up.
It has to be the 'not knowing what the oven is doing' part of baking as opposed to cooking that's blocking my path to turning into 'Best Cake Maker In the World'. Cooking on the stove I can manage- I know what's going in, what colour its turning, what the knobs are doing and if I hvn't wandered off to look at the TV, know when its burning- basically I can trace the steps.
Not the case while baking desserts.
I'll have you know, in my young years I was good cake maker- made all kinds of cakes infact - damp mud cakes with pink Hibiscus, dry mud cupcakes with orange peel, sand cakes that just melted in water....ah good old days when you had a birthday for yourself everyday!
b) I make the best Shrimp-Coconut Curry in the world and that has GOT to count for more than making strawberry short cake !!
Ooo.... there's talk of sugar pie arriving at the office in the next couple of days.
Yes I love people who bake.


Outdoor Furniture Wood Types : It's always nice to cut as many parts as possible before starting the assembly. That way, you can set aside the dust mask, safety glasses and hearing protection for longer periods of time, and the air isn't continually filled with sawdust. Cut everything except the lengths of the drawer components. In case things get a little out of whack during assembly, you'll be able to measure and fit the drawers to the actual openings.The free woodworking plans in this download will guide you through the process of building cabinet doors, from start to finish.The plan has step-by-step written instructions, a tools list, a materials list, a cut list, color photos, and extra tips.These plans walk you through every step of building a face frame cabinet. You'll learn to how make a beaded frame, how to build a cabinet box with solid wood and lots of other professional cabinet making tips.Built-ins. Built-in bookcase plans are different from stand-alone bookcase plans. You may know how to build a bookcase that sits next to a wall, but do you know how to integrate your bookcase with the wall? We teach you 3 secrets for how to build built-in bookcases: French cleats, fitting strips and scribe stiles.
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Ven. Thích Ân Giáo Roshi received ordination in the Soto Zen tradition in 1973 when he was ordained as a priest by Reverend Soyu Matsuoka Roshi at the Long Beach Zen Center in Long Beach, California. In 1979, he received transmission and full ordination as a Rinzai priest by the Most Venerable H.T. Thích Thiên Ân, the first Vietnamese Patriarch in America, at the International Buddhist Meditation Center in Los Angeles, California. Shortly after his ordination, Ven. Ân Giáo was given permission to teach and took his first monk disciple. In May of 1997, Ven. Ân Giáo was transmitted the Dharma Mind Seal by the Most Venerable H.T. Thích Man Giac, Supreme Abbot and Patriarch of the Vietnamese Buddhist Congregations in America, at Chua Viet Nam in Los Angeles, California. With the bestowing of the Mind Seal, Ven. Ân Giáo was given the title of Great Master or Roshi and became the first American, in the Vietnamese Zen tradition, to be recognized as a Great Master or Roshi. In his career as a monk, Ven. Ân Giáo Roshi has served as assistant to the Abbot, Treasurer, and Head Monk at the Long Beach Zen Center, Instructor of Meditation and Sutra Studies at the International Buddhist Meditation Center and Abbot of the Long Beach Zen Monastery. Ven. Ân Giáo Roshi works as a Professor to support the Temple and the Buddhadharma.
The Most Venerable H.T. Thích Thiên Ân was the first Patriarch of Vietnamese Buddhism in America and founded the first two Vietnamese temples in the United States, the International Buddhist Meditation Society and the College of Oriental Studies.
He was born in Hue, Vietnam in 1926 and at the age of 13 entered a Buddhist monastery becoming a fully ordained Bhiksu at age 20. He continued his Buddhist studies which culminated in a Ph.D. in the Literature of Oriental Studies received from a Japanese University in 1962. Returning to Vietnam in 1962, he became a co-founder of the Van Hanh University in Saigon. In 1966, he travelled to the United States to become a Visiting Professor of Languages and Philosophy at UCLA. His intention was to only visit for a year but he never returned to Vietnam. He was prevailed upon by his American students to stay and to teach Buddhism in America.
He was equally empty of self, leading grand ceremonies, working in his garden on a daily basis, sweeping the walk or leading meditation in the Zendo. Roshi remembers him "as the most normal human being I have ever met." Bhante Suhita says, "His greatness came from his selflessness and love for all beings." He left behind a wonderful book: Zen Philosophy, Zen Practice. He passed away in 1980 after too short a life. He is still deeply missed by those whose lives he touched.
The Very Venerable T.T. Thích Minh Nhat first found a spiritual home in Buddhism in 1983, when he took a course at the International Meditation Center in Los Angeles.
In 1985, he took refuge, receiving the name Nagacitta Karuna. In 1992, Rev. Nagacitta was ordained as a Sramanera and then, in 1994, was fully ordained in the Vietnamese Rinzai Lam Te Zen tradition and given the name of Thích Tâm Hue. He trained intensively under Ven. Ân Giáo Roshi, Abbot of the Desert Zen Center in Lucerne Valley CA, from whom he also received Soto Zen ordination in the lineage of Rev. Soyu Matsuoka Roshi. In July of 2010, Ven. Tâm Hue was transmitted the Dharma Mind Seal by the Most Venerable Thích Ân Giáo Roshi, and was given the title of Great Master under the name Thích Minh Nhat. Inspired by Thích Nhat Hanh and Roshi Glassman, he founded the Strawberry Dragon Zendo with a primary focus on chaplaincy to the incarcerated, working with Zen Center of Los Angeles's Angulimala Prison Project.
Bhante Suhitananda Dharma (Ven. Thích Ân Duc) was Most Venerable H.T. Thích Thiên Ân's first American monastic disciple. He is the most senior monk of our order and is Ven.
Thích Thiên Ân's Dharma heir. Bhante is presently living at Lankarama Temple and Hsi Lai University. He was awarded a fellowship at HLU to engage in research and prepare a paper on the use of Buddhist self transformation techniques, such as Mental Development and Self Empowerment based on Buddhist psychological insights found in the Abhidhamma and other Buddhist teachings. His visits on a regular basis and often participates in interfaith activities.
Bhante Suhita passed away on December 28, 2013. Bodhi Svaha!
Reverend Thích Tâm Hy originally taught himself to do Zazen meditation through the book, The Three Pillars of Zen. While searching centers in Southern California, he discovered the Desert Zen Center, right in his home town of Lucerne Valley.
There is an empty zafu in our Dharma Hall, where he sometimes visits, some of us believe. We miss him.
She took the eight precepts of a postulant in 2004 and was ordained as a Sramanerika in 2006. In 2008, she was given full ordination in the Lam Te Zen School and received the name Thích Tâm Hu'o'ng. In 2009, Su Co Tâm Hu'o'ng became the disciple of the Most Venerable Thích Ân Giáo Roshi – Abbot of Chùa Thiên Ân. Devoted to meditation and peacemaking, Su Co Tâm Hu'o'ng is a member of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship and Sakyadhita (Daughters of the Buddha): the International Association of Buddhist Women. She is currently on walkabout in Southern California and beyond.
Reverend Thích Tâm Hien was Ven. Ân Giáo Roshi's senior disciple having studied with him since 1981, when he took lay precepts.
In 1982, Rev. Tâm Hien entered the priesthood when he took the eight precepts of a postulant monk with Ven. Ân Giáo Roshi . In 1994, Rev. Tâm Hien, after many years as a postulant and novice, received the full ordination of a Zen monk and was transmitted the lineage of the Lam Te Zen School by Ven. Ân Giáo Roshi. In 2000, he was recognized by Ven. Ân Giáo Roshi as a Zen Master. He died of pancreatic cancer on October 7, 2002. Rev. Tâm Hien was the Vice Abbot of the Desert Zen Center.
Very Venerable Ni Su Thích Minh Chau (Fern Shin Getsu Myosen McGuire) and Thuong Toa Thích Minh Tri (Ken Hogaku Sho McGuire) died suddenly, within days of each other.
They were both recognized in a Transmission of the Light Ceremony, which welcomed them into the Vietnamese Lam Te Thien tradition in December 2010, by The Most Venerable Thích Ân Giáo Roshi.
Each and both: Great Masters, as well as great people.
Oh, how we miss them.


Nineteen years ago, "Scream" turned the slasher movie genre on its head by introducing a bunch of movie-savvy teen protagonists, in a self-aware, Metatextual commentary on the horror movies of the 80s to great effect. "The Final Girls" takes that post-modern ironic awareness to the next level by literally placing our cynical gang inside the very movie they're watching.
When Max (Taissa Farminga) is persuaded to attend an anniversary screening of her late mother's most infamous movie, the cult classic "Camp Bloodbath", she and her friends find themselves pulled into the movie itself. Max and her friends must team up with the characters of the movie and use their knowledge of the film's plots and the tropes of 1980s slasher movies to fight off the movie's machete wielding maniac and stay alive until the end credits.
Although it starts sluggishly, "The Final Girls" quickly ramps up into a fun, fast-paced comedy horror once they are transported into the movie within a movie and it benefits from a surprisingly emotional core thanks to the added wrinkle of Max reconnecting with her late mother (Malin Akerman) through the character she played in an old movie. The rest of the cast of characters can trace their lineage directly from Kevin Williamson's "Scream" template, right down to the horror movie super fan who knows the film's dialogue word for word.
It's an affectionate spoof of the slasher pictures of old, with some nifty realisations of what the world inside a movie would be like, including how on-screen credits would manifest. There's a surprising lack of real gore which could have made some of the funny/ scary moments really pop. Landing more on the comedy side of comedy/horror, it verges occasionally on the all-out spoof, especially thanks to some prime ham and cheese served up by a hit-and-miss adlibbing performance from Adam DeVine but it succeeds thanks to a likeable cast, a slick and knowing screenplay and a deep love of the genre it's subverting with.
Packed full of the same tongue-in-cheek reverence for its subject as "Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil", "The Final Girls" is a whole bundle of fun; a perfect midnight movie for a weekend slumber party.
Found it to be one of the more enjoyable surprises of the year.
Yeah – I came close to turning it off in the first few minutes because it seemed so dull and I couldn't see what all the fuss was about. So glad I stuck with it!
I went in blind to watching it, didn't release it was a Friday the 13th mashup with Last Action Hero premise until the cinema fire scene.
Yes yes yes! I agree with pretty much everything you said. Watched again on Sunday and my boyfriend didn't like it, but what does he know?