text:
[![Gem Version](https://badge.fury.io/rb/chefdk-julia.svg)](https://badge.fury.io/rb/chefdk-julia)
[![Build Status](https://travis-ci.org/Nordstrom/chefdk-julia.svg?branch=master)](https://travis-ci.org/Nordstrom/chefdk-julia)

<img src='https://cdn.rawgit.com/Nordstrom/chefdk-julia/master/julia-icon.svg' style='float:left'/>

An opinionated cookbook creator.

Julia makes it easy to generate full-featured starting cookbooks, recipes, templates, etc.
with testing already set up (e.g. ChefSpec).

## About
Julia is a special type of Chef cookbook that is designed to generate code (cookbooks, recipes, templates, etc.).

## How is it better than the basic ChefDK generator?

Generated Cookbooks will contain:

1. Rakefile with RuboCop, Foodcritic, and ChefSpec tasks.
2. RSpec spec_helper.rb file set up to disallow global monkey-patching and allow focusing single tests.
3. .rspec file which auto-requires spec_helper.rb in specs
4. .rubocop.yml file with line length set to 100.
5. [InSpec](https://docs.chef.io/compliance.html#audit-resources) set up for integration testing instead of ServerSpec

## Prerequisites
[ChefDK](https://downloads.chef.io/chef-dk/) version 0.10 or greater must already be installed.

## Installation

### Install the Gem:

```bash
> chef gem install chefdk-julia
```

### Configure Your `knife.rb`:
Add these lines to your `~/.chef/config.rb` or `~/.chef/knife.rb` configuration file:

```ruby
# Paste lines below into ~/.chef/config.rb or knife.rb
if defined?(ChefDK::CLI)
  require 'chefdk/julia'
  chefdk.generator_cookbook ChefDK::Julia.path
end
```

## Generating a cookbook
Once chefdk-julia is installed, you should be able to generate a cookbook with the `chef generate cookbook` command:

```bash
> chef generate cookbook the_art_of_french_cooking
```

where '*the_art_of_french_cooking*' is the name of the cookbook you want to create.

## License

chefdk-julia: A custom cookbook generator based on ChefDK's built-in generator.

### Authors
Orion Ifland, Doug Ireton

Copyright (c) 2015 Nordstrom, Inc.

Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
You may obtain a copy of the License at

    http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0

Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
limitations under the License.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Mississippi and West Virginia are the latest states to fast-track sports betting, with both hoping to accept wagers before the start of the football season.
Mississippi will take sports bets at casinos at the end of July after a unanimous decision by the state's gaming commission on Thursday.
Punters will be able to place bets on professional, college, and amateur sporting events. Casinos will pay 12% state and local taxes on all wagers minus payouts.
The Commission will requires casinos to report suspicious bets of more than $5,000 and gather information on those who win more than $10,000. Bets from coaches or athletes will be forbidden.
Mississippi's decision comes after the US Supreme Court in May repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Provision Act 1992 (PASPA). Deleware, New Jersey and Rhode Island have also moved quickly to accept bets.
In West Virginia, the Lottery Commission approved 20 pages of regulations in an emergency meeting on Thursday. The state hopes to offer sports betting in time for the football season, Lottery Commissioner Alan Larrick said.
Casinos can apply for a sports book licence for $100,000. West Virginia's tax rate is 10%. By the fifth year of operation, West Virginia hopes sports betting will generate $235 million in gross wagering revenues.
Although New York failed to pass a sports betting law before the legislative session ended, there is speculation that the state's four casinos could operate sports betting under a 2013 law, but that would require the approval of regulators.


text:
Udoma invites Japanese companies to invest in special zones
By Sanya Adejokun- Abuja	 On Mar 30, 2017
Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma
BUDGET and National Planning Minister, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma has invited Japanese companies to take advantage of the various business opportunities that will be presented by the Special Economic Zones being established in various parts of the country.
The zones which will serve as manufacturing hubs will have the necessary infrastructural facilities to support the country's industrialization drive.
Udoma told the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Sadanobu Kusaoke, who visited him in Abuja that the Federal Government will grant incentives to encourage investments in the priority sectors listed in the recently released Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the Federal Government.
According to a press release issued by Media Adviser to the Minister, Akpandem James, Udoma said the plan is focused on achieving macroeconomic stability, transforming agriculture, driving sufficiency in energy, improving transportation infrastructure and growing industrialization with attention on small and medium scale enterprises.
According to him, implementation is paramount in the realization of the Plan's objectives, therefore attention will be on prioritizing the identified strategies, establishing a clear system of accountability, allocating resources to prioritized interventions, creating an enabling policy and regulatory environment and developing an effective monitoring and evaluation system to track progress.
The Plan, he explained, is driven by some fundamental principles, including a focus on tackling constraints to growth; leveraging the power of the private sector and promoting national cohesion and social inclusion as well as allowing markets to function. "We believe in using the markets to drive the engine of the economy and allowing markets to work".
The Japanese Ambassador was told that already things are beginning to look up in the Nigerian economic space, pointing to the gradual reduction in the rate of inflation, the economy which has stopped contracting and the narrowing in the gap between the official and parallel market exchange rates.
The Minister said government is focused on transforming Nigeria from a consuming nation to a producing nation; and that requires working closely with development partners for necessary support, especially in the area of technology.
He expressed delight at the information that a delegation of Japanese businessmen will be in Abuja on May 4, to explore more areas of investments and partnerships.
He acknowledged the Ambassadors efforts in promoting Japanese interest in the country as well as his country's support in humanitarian assistance and other areas.
Responding, Kusaoke noted that Nigeria's economic trajectory has been trending upwards recently and disclosed Japanese companies' interest in investing in new areas and expanding existing ones in Nigeria's business sector, listing a number of companies that are already investing in Nigeria.
He gave assurance that Japan will continue to support Nigeria's economy, fund more development projects as well as providing humanitarian support and social stabilization in the North East and the Lake Chad region.
Japanese companyUdoma Udo Udoma
ASUU demands payment of N715 revitalisation fund to varsities

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


X2: The Threat seems to like nVIDIA cards a bit more, and here we see that the Albatron GeForceFX 5700 Ultra GDDR3 performs almost as fast as the Radeon 9700 Pro!
You probably wouldn't want to game at this resolution with anything else but the fastest of videocards - and that would be the FX5950 Ultra or FX5900 Ultra.
All cards are playable at 1024x768 in UT2003.
A resolution 1600x1200 might be pushing for the FX5700U3 it if you do not plan to overclock. Here, the ATI cards, and nvidia's 5900-series capture the spotlight.


text:
Moravské Lieskové (; ) is a village and municipality in Nové Mesto nad Váhom District in the Trenčín Region of western Slovakia.

History
In historical records the village was first mentioned in 1398.

Geography
The municipality lies at an altitude of 249 metres and covers an area of 36.421 km2. It has a population of about 2484 people.

References

External links

 Official page
http://www.statistics.sk/mosmis/eng/run.html

Villages and municipalities in Nové Mesto nad Váhom District

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
People are living in Ireland for the last 1500 years. Also known as Baile Átha Cliath ("Ford town of Hurdle"), the capital of Ireland, is located in Leinster province. Situated at Bay on the Irish Sea, Dublin serves as the country's main port, a center for economic power, as well as a cultural seat. It is also a comparative city, which maintains a complex relationship between monuments of political and economic conditions and symbols of modern life and prosperity.
DUBLIN; A WELCOMING CITY
Dublin is a warm and welcoming city, famous for its friendly people and also for its "cracks" - a combination of repartee, humor, ingenuity, and acerbic and descriptive insight that has attracted writers, scholars, and visitors for centuries. It has a subtle beauty and a well-dressed mind. One-quarter of the population of the Republic of Ireland lives in the vicinity of the Greater Dublin city, contributing to the turmoil. The core city is located northeast of the Liffey River, with O'Connell's Bridge connecting the two sections.
WELL-BUILT INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE CITY
Pubs (where public city life is held), cafes, and restaurants are common, and Irish music rarely allows for peace. On the north side, near the General Post Office, are the many remaining houses of Georgia, now adjoining glass and concrete offices and residences. Some of the magnificent buildings lay on the river bank to the north, as do the city's poorest areas, maintaining the distance between the political and economic downturns of the past - which were dignified and poor - and the reflection of today's thriving city. The Irish National Theater, Abbey, is located east of O'Connell Street, marked since 2002 by the Spire of Dublin, a 394 (120 m) stainless steel plate that announced the transformation of a pedestrian and boulevard plaza. With the advent of new high-rise buildings, radio has changed the character of the city and the north side. Although Dublin is modern, and some areas – for instance, the narrow streets and lanes of The Temple west of Trinity College - are always crowded, a strong sense of history and a century-old capital.
LOTS OF INTERESTING POINTS
interesting points are the 13th-century Dublin Castle, the Holy Trinity, and St Patrick's Cathedral. The Irish National Gallery has a huge assembly of Irish and European art.
ECONOMY OF DUBLIN
Dublin's economy has historically been based on cooking, among them the Guinness brewery (since 1759), but today many information and communication technology companies around the world are based in the city and on the outskirts. Amazon, eBay, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, PayPal, and Yahoo! have their operating bases in Dublin. Banks, finance, trade, and the tourism sector also adds up to the city's economy. Dublin has three major universities, the University of Dublin (with a college known as Trinity College), the National University of Ireland, and Dublin City University (DCU). The language spoken in Dublin is English. Road symbols and endorsed buildings are inscribed in English and Gaelic.
Instituted in 1592, Trinity is one of the oldest universities in Ireland. It contains the major gathering of books in Ireland, including Kells' First Book of the 9th century and Leinster of the 12th century, both of which are beautifully illustrated manuscripts. A local bank account will be an important part of your life here, so getting it early is a good idea. You should be 18 years of age, provide a valid photo ID and proof of address. This can be a challenge if you don't have a place to live. Some banks will accept proof of address from your country, or your university can help you with this.
If you are an international student, you will not be paid for free health care without campus so you will need to take out your private insurance - before you leave or when you arrive.
Ready to get started? Book a FREE appointment to discuss your study options in Ireland.


text:
Michael Vincent Keuler (born July 25, 1978) is an American former ski jumper who competed in the 1998 Winter Olympics. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

References

1978 births
Living people
American male ski jumpers
Olympic ski jumpers of the United States
Ski jumpers at the 1998 Winter Olympics
Skiers from Minneapolis


text:
Q87.0
Stickler syndrome can be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner or in an autosomal recessive manner depending on the gene that has a change (mutation or pathogenic variant).
When Stickler syndrome is caused by pathogenic variants in COL2A1, COL11A1, or COL11A2, it is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.[1] This means that only one copy of one of the genes causing Stickler syndrome has a pathogenic variant. We inherit one copy of every gene from our mother and the other from our father. When a person who has Stickler syndrome has children, for each child there is a:
50% chance that the child will inherit the gene with a pathogenic variant, meaning he or she will have Stickler syndrome
50% chance that the child will inherit the working copy of the gene, meaning he or she will not have Stickler syndrome
In some cases, people who have an autosomal dominant form of Stickler syndrome are the first people to be diagnosed in the family. This may be because they inherited the genetic change from a parent, but the parent has mild symptoms of the syndrome and was never diagnosed. Most people who have an autosomal dominant form of Stickler syndrome inherited the genetic change from a parent.[1] In other cases, the genetic change may be new in the person who was diagnosed with Stickler syndrome. Genetic changes that are new in a person are called de novo.[1]
Pathogenic variants in the other genes that cause Stickler syndrome (COL9A1, COL9A2, or COL9A3 are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.[1] This means that both copies of one of these genes must have a pathogenic variant for a person to have signs of Stickler syndrome. People who only have one changed copy of a gene that causes an autosomal recessive form of Stickler syndrome are known as carriers. Carriers do not have signs or symptoms of the syndrome. When two carriers of Stickler syndrome have children together, for each child there is a:
25% chance that the child will inherit both changed copies of the gene, so he or she has Stickler syndrome
50% chance that the child will inherit only one changed copy of the gene, so he or she is a carrier of the syndrome like each of the parents
25% chance that the child will inherit both working copies of the gene, so he or she does not have Stickler syndrome and is not a carrier of the syndrome
Stickler syndrome shows a characteristic known as variable expressivity. This means that people with Stickler syndrome can have different signs and symptoms of the syndrome, even among members of the same family. However, anyone with a pathogenic variant that causes Stickler syndrome is expected to have some symptoms of the syndrome. This is called full penetrance.[1]
Congenital and Genetic Diseases
Stickler syndrome is a group of hereditary connective tissue disorders characterized by distinctive facial features, eye abnormalities, hearing loss, and joint problems. The symptoms of Stickler syndrome may vary but include near-sightedness (myopia), retinal detachment, underdevelopment of the middle of the face, and the development of arthritis at a young age.[1]
Stickler syndrome is caused by genetic changes (mutations or pathogenic variants) in one of six genes: COL2A1, COL11A1, COL11A2, COL9A1, COL9A2, or COL9A3. The syndrome can be inherited in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive manner. Stickler syndrome can be diagnosed when a doctor observes many symptoms consistent with the syndrome. Genetic testing can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for Stickler syndrome may include surgeries, medications to reduce joint pain, and hearing aids.[1]
The signs and symptoms of Stickler syndrome may include distinctive facial features, eye abnormalities, hearing loss, and symptoms affecting the joints. Facial features common to people who have Stickler syndrome may include being born with a cleft palate, having a small chin (micrognathia), and having a tongue that is placed further back in the mouth (glossoptosis). These features together are known as Pierre-Robin sequence. In some cases, these facial features may make it difficult for babies with Stickler syndrome to breathe or eat. People with Stickler syndrome may also have underdevelopment of the middle of the face (midface hypoplasia).[2][3]
Eye abnormalities associated with Stickler syndrome may include extreme near-sightedness (myopia). This can cause an increased risk for retinal detachment or the development of clouding of the lens (cataracts).[1] These problems can lead to vision loss in some cases.[2] People with Stickler syndrome may also have some hearing loss.[1]
Stickler syndrome can cause people to have joint problems. Children with this syndrome may experience loose joints (joint laxity) or may be very flexible. Some people may develop arthritis at a young age, typically before 40-years-old. Other signs may include a curvature of the spine (scoliosis) or having flat vertebrae (platyspondyly). These features can cause back pain for some people.[1][2] People with Stickler syndrome may also have weakened bones (osteoporosis), which can cause an increased risk for bone fractures.[4][5]
Other signs of Stickler syndrome may include an increased risk for the valves in the heart to close improperly (mitral valve prolapse).[1]
Abnormal vitreous humor morphology
Abnormality of epiphysis morphology
Abnormal shape of end part of bone
Clouding of the lens of the eye
Cloudy lens
Depressed nasal bridge
Depressed bridge of nose
Flat bridge of nose
Flat nasal bridge
Flat, nasal bridge
Flattened nasal bridge
Low nasal bridge
Low nasal root
Epicanthus
Eye folds
Prominent eye folds
Hypoplasia of the maxilla
Decreased size of maxilla
Decreased size of upper jaw
Maxillary deficiency
Maxillary retrusion
Small maxilla
Small upper jaw
Small upper jaw bones
Upper jaw deficiency
Upper jaw retrusion
Long philtrum
Malar flattening
Zygomatic flattening
Midface retrusion
Decreased size of midface
Midface deficiency
Underdevelopment of midface
Close sighted
Near sighted
Near sightedness
Detached retina
Short nose
Decreased length of nose
Shortened nose
Skeletal dysplasia
Telecanthus
Corners of eye widely separated
Anteverted nares
Nasal tip, upturned
Upturned nasal tip
Upturned nose
Upturned nostrils
Arachnodactyly
Long slender fingers
Spider fingers
Abnormal heart rate
Heart rhythm disorders
Irregular heart beat
Abnormal curving of the cornea or lens of the eye
Bone pain
Chronic otitis media
Chronic infections of the middle ear
Cleft palate
Cleft roof of mouth
Cleft upper lip
Harelip
Depressed nasal ridge
Flat nose
Recessed nasal ridge
Disproportionate tall stature
Acid reflux disease
Genu valgum
Knock knees
Glossoptosis
Retraction of the tongue
Joint hyperflexibility
Joints move beyond expected range of motion
Round back
Macroglossia
Abnormally large tongue
Increased size of tongue
Large tongue
Micrognathia
Little lower jaw
Small jaw
Small lower jaw
Mitral valve prolapse
Muscular hypotonia
Low or weak muscle tone
Pigeon chest
Platyspondyly
Flattened vertebrae
Proptosis
Bulging eye
Eyeballs bulging out
Prominent eyes
Prominent globes
Protruding eyes
Recurrent respiratory infections
Frequent respiratory infections
Multiple respiratory infections
respiratory infections, recurrent
Susceptibility to respiratory infections
Sensorineural hearing impairment
Abnormality of dental enamel
Abnormal tooth enamel
Enamel abnormalities
Enamel abnormality
Advanced eruption of teeth
Early eruption of teeth
Conductive hearing impairment
Conductive deafness
Conductive hearing loss
Ectopia lentis
Feeding difficulties in infancy
Hemiplegia/hemiparesis
Paralysis or weakness of one side of body
Dislocated hips
Dislocation of hip
Stickler syndrome is caused by genetic changes (mutations or pathogenic variants) in one of six genes: COL2A1, COL11A1, COL11A2, COL9A1, COL9A2, or COL9A3. These genes are all responsible for providing instructions to the body to produce collagen. Collagen is involved in providing length and structure to tissues in the body known as connective tissues. Connective tissues are present in many parts of the body including the eyes, skin, and joints. When there are pathogenic variants in any of the genes associated with Stickler syndrome, it causes the collagen in the body to not be made or processed properly. This causes the signs and symptoms associated with Stickler syndrome.[2]
In some cases, people who have symptoms of Stickler syndrome have genetic testing that does not identify the pathogenic variant that is causing the syndrome. Therefore, researchers think that there might be other genes in which pathogenic variants cause Stickler syndrome, but these genes have not yet been identified.[1][2]
Stickler syndrome is suspected when a doctor observes signs or symptoms such as distinctive facial features, symptoms affecting the eyes, hearing loss, joint problems, and other people in the family with similar symptoms. The diagnosis can be confirmed by comparing the features seen in the person to the features seen in people who have Stickler syndrome. A set of criteria has been published to help doctors determine if a person should be diagnosed with Stickler syndrome based on his or her signs and symptoms.[1]
Some people with Stickler syndrome may decide to have genetic testing to confirm the diagnosis. This can allow other family members to have testing for Stickler syndrome. It can also provide information about the inheritance pattern so that the chances for future children to have Stickler syndrome can be better understood.[1]
After a person is diagnosed with Stickler syndrome, some evaluations may be recommended to determine if there are other signs of the syndrome that have not been previously noticed. These evaluations may include an eye exam, exam by a doctor who can check for facial differences such as cleft palate (craniofacial specialist), a hearing (audiometry) exam, and an evaluation for any possible heart problems.[1]
Treatment for Stickler syndrome is aimed at treating the specific symptoms each person has. For some, this may involve surgeries to correct cleft palate or retinal detachment. Other treatments may include hearing aids for hearing loss or medications for joint pain.[1]
Hypermobility Syndromes Association (HMSA)
49 Greek Street
London, WD1 4EG United Kingdom
E-mail: https://hypermobility.org/contact-us/
Website: https://hypermobility.org/
Stickler Involved People
15 Angelina
E-mail: sip@sticklers.org
Website: https://www.sticklers.org
Stickler Syndrome Support Group (SSSG)
Littlehampton West Sussex, BN16 9GB United Kingdom
E-mail: info@stickler.org.uk
Website: www.stickler.org.uk
The Marfan Foundation
22 Manhasset Avenue
Toll-free: 1-800-8-MARFAN (800-862-7326)
E-mail: https://www.marfan.org/secure/ask
Website: https://www.marfan.org/
American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (1504 East Franklin Street)
E-mail: info@cleftline.org
Website: https://acpa-cpf.org/
Genetics Home Reference (GHR) contains information on Stickler syndrome. This website is maintained by the National Library of Medicine.
GeneReviews provides current, expert-authored, peer-reviewed, full-text articles describing the application of genetic testing to the diagnosis, management, and genetic counseling of patients with specific inherited conditions.
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) lists the subtypes and associated genes for Stickler syndrome in a table called Phenotypic Series. Each entry in OMIM includes a summary of related medical articles. It is meant for health care professionals and researchers. OMIM is maintained by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Stickler syndrome. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.
Robin NH, Moran RT, and Ala-Kokko L. Stickler Syndrome. GeneReviews. March 16, 2017; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1302/.
Stickler syndrome. Genetics Home Reference. March 2016; https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/stickler-syndrome.
Le Merrer M. Stickler syndrome. Orphanet. November 2008; https://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?Lng=GB&Expert=828.
Vogiatzi MG, Li D, Tian L, Garifallou JP, Kim CE, Hakonarson H, and Levine MA. A novel dominant COL11A1 mutation in a child with Stickler syndrome type II is associated with recurrent fractures. Osteoporosis International. January 2018; 29(1):247-251. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28971234.
Insalaco P, Legrand E, Bouvard B, and Audran M. Osteoporosis in Stickler syndrome: A new family case with bone histology study. Morphologie. March 2017; 101(332):33-38. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28159459.


text:
Queensland calls on IT industry for science tech overhaul
Queensland looks to the local tech industry as it eyes an overhaul of the IT kit it uses for science-focused services
Julia Talevski (ARN) 27 September, 2017 14:25
Anyware Corporation
Arrow ECS ANZ
Auscomp Computers
Com1 International
Dicker Data
Ingram Micro Australia
Leader Computers
Mia Distribution
Multimedia Technology (MMT)
rhipe
XiT Distribution
The Queensland Government is calling on the local tech industry to pitch in on how it should go about overhauling the IT infrastructure it uses for science-focused operations and services.
The state's Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation (DSITI) issued a request for information (RFI) on 26 September, calling for information from the market to help it "understand potential solutions, innovations and futures".
The call for information comes as a result of the Department's Accelerating Science Delivery Innovation (ASDI) program, which got a funding shot in the arm earlier this year, as part of the state Government's $40 million funding set aside in its 2017-18 Budget for accelerating its government-wide digital transformation efforts.
This comes on the back of the Queensland Government's recently announced digital strategy for 2017 - 2021 called DIGITAL1ST: Advancing our digital future [PDF], which aims to increase collaboration with the local IT industry, potentially offering an easier road to engagement for suppliers vying for public sector work in the state.
Some of the proposals in the strategy also aim to make government services easier to access, improving digital services and using digital technology to make it easier to start a business in the state, among other lofty goals.
Through the ASDI program, and the resulting RFI, the Department has specifically outlined four key areas of focus: enabling data; smart systems; collaborative hub; and digital culture - in an effort to enhance the capabilities of its science division through providing integrated, coherent, accessible and reliable data, products and services.
The Government has signalled a particular interest in high performance computing (HPC) on-premises and in the cloud, and hybrid HPC/Cloud, cloud computing environments for modellers, data scientists, and software developers.
For 20 years, the Department has used High Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure for remote sensing research, climate modelling and broader science related activities.
Data processed by the HPC is regularly provided to other Government departments, scientific agencies, national natural resource management research and the public.
Read more Tech Mahindra and Pitney Bowes partner for digital push in A/NZ
One of the two Linux clusters currently in use was installed in 2009, with an additional eight-node cluster installed in 2014. The Linux clusters share a clustered file system and a multi-petabyte tape-based mass storage system.
Now, with the RFI, the Department is opening up the possibility of a refresh for its HPC infrastructure.
The Government IT kit now under the microscope also includes virtual high performance workstations for intensive simulation modelling and data processing and science data.
Indeed, the Department is seeking to explore new virtual offerings to provide a flexible and secure operating environment for specialised roles that supplements the existing corporate computing environment of either Microsoft Windows 7 or Windows 10, while also meeting agency requirements to manage cyber-security risks.
Read more Palmerston North Council aligns with Aussie partner for hybrid cloud play
Adequate connectivity to support high performance and data intensive applications, is also a key factor in the Department's RFI.
"Significant changes in available technology and ICT-enabled capabilities, together with Queensland Government's service delivery areas and policies that promote greater information access, provide an ideal opportunity to develop modernised and efficient solutions for scientific data, information and products that support better outcomes for Queensland," the tender documents stated.
The Department is also looking into how it can handle data challenges across multiple platforms, technologies and tools across many digital assets.
"Scientists and the broader research community are highly collaborative, and make use of highly specialised systems and sophisticated tools, there may be opportunities further equip DSITI staff and peers to more effectively engage both in the digital and physical worlds," the Government said.
Read more Skyfii posts net loss of $4.8M following UK acquisition
"DSITI also has growing opportunities to leverage citizen science based on the rapid growth and availability of sensors through the internet of things (IoT).
"Providing two way feedback and promoting the right type of data collection in order to be most effective, needs consideration."
Applications close on 26 October and all responses can be submitted through QLD QTenders portal.
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In pictures: Vocus Channel Roadshow comes to Sydney
During the Sydney leg of the Vocus Channel Roadshow tour, which swept across the country throughout November, the company met with partners to update them on the ongoing evolution of its channel strategy, which is seeing an increased focus on building out and fostering specialisation within its partner network.
ARN Exchange Sydney: Staying ahead of the game on cloud security
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We're in a race against time — to give birds a fighting chance in a changing world.
Your gift is a vital investment in a healthy future for birds and their habitats.
We must act now. While there's still time.
Audubon's mission is urgent. The open spaces and iconic landscapes that birds need to survive are disappearing at an alarming rate.
Birds and their habitats are under attack. We must act now to protect the species and places at risk.
With your help, we can fight back. We can protect birds and the places they call home — as long as we have people like you who will help.
Copyright 2018 National Audubon Society, Inc.


You can choose to register with us and provide your personal data either directly (over the phone, through the mail, via email, or by fax) or on our website.
When you show an interest in certain works of art, artists, styles, eras, etc., be this through your above-mentioned participation at registration, through your interest in selling, consignment for auction, or purchase, in each case accompanied by the voluntary provision of your personal data, this simultaneously allows us to notify you of services offered by our auction house and our company that are closely associated in the art marketplace with our auction house, to provide you with targeted marketing materials, and to send you promotional offers on the basis of your profile by phone, fax, mail, or e-mail. If there is a specific form of notification that you prefer, we will be happy to arrange to meet your needs once you inform us of these. On the basis of your aforementioned interests, including your participation in auctions, we will be continually reviewing in accordance with Article 6 (1) sentence 1 (f) of the GDPR whether we are permitted to advertise to you and, if so, what kind of advertising may be used for this purpose (for example: sending auction catalogs, providing information on special events, future or past auctions, etc.). You have the right to object to this contact with you at any time as stated in Art. 21 of the GDPR (see below: "Your Rights Relating to the Processing of Your Personal Data").
In so-called live auctions, one or more cameras or other audio and video recording devices are directed toward the auctioneer and the respective works of art being offered at auction. Generally, such data can be received simultaneously via the Internet by anyone using this medium. Ketterer Kunst takes the strongest precautions to ensure that no one in the room who has not been specifically designated by Ketterer Kunst to be on camera with their consent for the auction process is captured on camera. Nevertheless, Ketterer Kunst cannot assume any responsibility for whether individuals in the auction hall themselves actively enter the respective frame, for example by deliberately or unknowingly stepping partially or completely in front of the respective camera, or by moving through the scene. In such situation, through their participation in or attendance at the public auction, the respective individuals involved are agreeing to the processing of their personal data in the form of their personal image for the purposes of the live auction (transmission of the auction via audio and video).
To exercise the aforementioned rights, you can contact us directly using the contact information stated at the beginning, or contact our data protection officer. Furthermore, Directive 2002/58/EC notwithstanding, you are always free in connection with the use of information society services to exercise your right to object by means of automated processes for which technical specifications are applied.
If you believe that the processing of personal data concerning yourself by Ketterer Kunst GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Munich, is in violation of the GDPR, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the relevant office, e.g. in Bavaria with the Data Protection Authority of Bavaria (Bayerisches Landesamt für Datenschutzaufsicht, BayLDA), Promenade 27 (Schloss), D-91522 Ansbach. If you believe that the processing of personal data concerning yourself by Ketterer Kunst GmbH, headquartered in Hamburg, is in violation of the GDPR, the agency to report complaints to is the Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (Hamburgischer Beauftragte für Datenschutz und Informationsfreiheit, HmbBfDI), Klosterwall 6 (Block C), D-20095 Hamburg.


Based on GM-free plant ingredients and enzymes, this eco-friendly hypo-allergenic everyday Baby Laundry Soap from ECOS is a gentle, natural choice for all your baby's washing. Suitable for septic tanks.
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I wash all our clothes in it.
Although it is pleasant smelling, I feel I end up using more quantity because I use cloth diapers for the child. But other than that , I am so glad it has no chemicals and am guilt free now! I recommend this product!
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Liam Hemsworth >
Liam Hemsworth And Woody Harrelson Reuniting On The Big...
Liam Hemsworth And Woody Harrelson Reuniting On The Big Screen
By WENN in Movies / TV / Theatre on 03 July 2014
Follow Liam Hemsworth
Liam Hemsworth Woody Harrelson
Picture: Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence, Sam Claflin and Donald Sutherland - The 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival - 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay' - Photocall - CANNES,...
Actors Liam Hemsworth and Woody Harrelson are set to reunite on the big screen in western By Way Of Helena
Hemsworth has recently signed on to join his The Hunger Games co-star in the action thriller, which will centre on an 1880s Texas Ranger who is sent to investigate a series of murders in a western town, according to Deadline.com.
The 24 year old will play the lead, while Harrelson will star as a local preacher.
By Way of Helena will be directed by Australian filmmaker Kieran Darcy-Smith and is set to begin filming in September (14).
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This four-part franchise, based on the Suzanne Collins novels, turns very dark with this strikingly...
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Katniss Everdeen has survived the latest political disaster of Panem following the shocking 75th Hunger...


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//
//  PublicMacros.h
//  SJAnimations
//
//  Created by shejun.zhou on 16/1/16.
//  Copyright © 2016年 shejun.zhou. All rights reserved.
//

#ifndef PublicMacros_h
#define PublicMacros_h

/** @name version */
// @{
#define CurrentDevice        [UIDevice currentDevice]
#define CurrentSystemVersion [CurrentDevice systemVersion]
#define IOS_VERSION          [CurrentSystemVersion floatValue]
// @}end of version

/** @name 获取屏幕 宽度、高度 */
// @{
#define SCREEN_WIDTH  ([UIScreen mainScreen].bounds.size.width)
#define SCREEN_HEIGHT ([UIScreen mainScreen].bounds.size.height)
// @}end of 获取屏幕 宽度、高度

#endif /* PublicMacros_h */


This thesis presents a multi-stage linear stochastic mixed integer programming (SMIP) model for planning power generation in a pool-type day-ahead electricity market. The model integrates a reserve demand curve and shares most of the features of a stochastic unit commitment (UC) problem, which is known to be NP-hard. We capture the stochastic nature of the problem through scenarios, resulting in a large-scale mixed integer programming (MIP) problem that is computationally challenging to solve. Given that an independent system operator (ISO) has to solve such a problem within a time requirement of an hour or so, in order to release operating schedules for the next day real-time market, the problem has to be solved efficiently. For that purpose, we use some approximations to maintain the linearity of the model, parsimoniously select a subset of scenarios, and invoke realistic assumptions to keep the size of the problem reasonable. Even with these measures, realistic-size SMIP models with binary variables in each stage are still hard to solve with exact methods. We, therefore, propose a scenario-rolling heuristic to solve the SMIP problem. In each iteration, the heuristic solves a subset of the scenarios, and uses part of the obtained solution to solve another group in the subsequent iterations until all scenarios are solved. Two numerical examples are provided to test the performance of the scenario-rolling heuristic, and to highlight the difference between the operative schedules of a deterministic model and the SMIP model. Motivated by previous studies on pricing MIP problems and their applications to pricing electric power, we investigate pricing issues and compensation schemes using MIP formulations in the second part of the thesis. We show that some ideas from the literature can be applied to pricing energy/reserves for a relatively realistic model with binary variables, but some are found to be impractical in the real world. We propose two compensation schemes based on the SMIP that can be easily implemented in practice. We show that the compensation schemes with make-whole payments ensure that generators can have non-negative profits. We also prove that under some assumptions, one of the compensation schemes has the interesting theoretical property of minimizing the variance of the profit of generators to zero. Theoretical and numerical results of these compensation schemes are presented and discussed.


This is exactly the course you need if you want to learn HTML code to allow you to create your own websites, either for yourself or for work.
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Pitman Training's HTML training course is split into six simple lessons. It begins with HTML editors and designing a website, goes on to create an HTML file; head, title and body tags, continues with incorporating images and understanding hyperlinks before completing your learning programme with creating tables and adding borders followed by search engine awareness and publishing your site.
As you learn HTML, you'll create a workbook which is yours to keep as a handy reference guide. And you'll be entitled at the end of your training to add the prestigious Pitman Training name to your CV.
The aim of this course is to help enable you to be able to create your own web sites using HTML.
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Lesson 2: Creating an HTML File, The HTML Tag, The Head Tag, The Title Tag, The Body Tag, Heading Tags, The Paragraph Tag, Inserting Line Breaks, Lists, Formatting Text, Adding Comments.
Lesson 3: Adding a Horizontal Rule, Incorporating Images into Pages, Inserting an Image, Height and Width Attributes, Aligning Images with Text, File Formats and Downloading, Page Colours and Backgrounds.
Lesson 4: Understanding Hyperlinks, The Anchor Tag, Inserting a Link to another Web Page, Creating a Link to another Web Site, Creating a Link within a Document, Adding Navigational Links, Using an Image as a Link.
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This course will take around 10 to 12 hours to complete.
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The Origin and History of the Dollar Sign
The origins of how the dollar sign came to be is an uncertain one that has been explained in several different ways.
One of the most widely accepted explanations as to how the dollar sign came to be is that the dollar sign symbol had came to be in the 1770s.
The first time it was seen, was in some business documents of some English-Americans who had been doing some business with some Spanish-Americans and it was seen in some of their documents.
The dollar sign has been claimed to be a symbol of American currency and of America's economic freedom. Now, how exactly did America's famous dollar sign come to be? Well
Origin and history of the dollar sign
► The dollar sign became very popular early in the 1800s when the first official U.S. dollars were in use and being issued. Before this use, the dollar symbol was already in use in abbreviation form for the Spanish currency, the Spanish peso. While there were financial documents that were regarding pesos written, the abbreviation for the peso was used instead. For example 1 peso to 1 p.
The peso's plural form was written as pˢ. It was required to write pˢ a number of times in financial documentations, p was then merged along with the super scripted s as one symbol. The top ½ of this type of symbol then developed into something resembling a double vertical lined dollar sign symbol. Over the course of time, the English-American colonists started writing the p with just one downward stroke vertically slashing the s and then forming the $.
Around the same time when the U.S. was minting its first dollar coins, in the early 1800s, Spanish currency was circulated in the U.S. and around the world. As the Spanish currency became popular, the U.S. chose to duplicate the weight and material of the Spanish coins, and hence the value, to make the U.S. dollar coins. So, the same symbol was used to denote the U.S. dollar and the Spanish peso.
► It is widely believed that out of the four names there were for the Spanish dollar, the three of the names, i.e. pesos, piastres and pieces of eight start with p and pluralize with s, abbreviations such as p and ps came to be used. At times, ps was written as pˢ i.e. p with a superscript s. Gradually, the letters were joined together, the p was reduced to a single stroke, and the symbol $ was formed with double verticals and also with a single vertical stroke.
► The dollar sign being written sometimes with two vertical strokes can possibly be explained with another theory. This theory states that the peso coin had two pillars engraved on the reverse side to represent the Pillars of Hercules at Gibraltar with a banner curling between them, and the words, Plus Ultra on it. Some of the words indicate that beyond the Pillars of Hercules there were other lands. That coin was called the Pillar Dollar in the British colonies in North America, and the two pillars have possibly become the two strokes in the dollar sign.
► It is also believed that the dollar sign could have possibly come from a Roman coin that is called a sestertius, which had the alphabets HS as its currency sign. When the letters were superimposed, it formed the dollar sign with two vertical strokes.
► Some believe that the dollar sign might have originated from the German Thaler, a coin on in which there was a crucified Christ on one side and a serpent hanging from a cross on the other.
► Another theory maintained that the dollar sign may have come from Hermes, the Greek god of bankers, thieves, and pranksters. One of his symbols was called the caduceus, a rod from which there were ribbons or snakes dangled in a sinuous curve. Many also believe that the dollar sign is a version of the IHS, the Greek abbreviation of the name Jesus.
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Tag: taxes
Small town rules
In their book, Small Town Rules (Pearson Education Inc., USA, 2012), authors Barry Moltz and Becky McCray explain seven rules for businesses that use the model of a small town to offer advice on growing and maintaining a business n the "connected economy." And while most of their rules are aimed at businesses, I suggest some are equally applicable to small towns like Collingwood.
Don't get me wrong: a municipality is not a business and despite some common functions and shared accounting techniques, a municipality cannot be run in the same manner as a for-profit business. For a start, we have split roles between management (politicians and administration), and the political role – even of the head of council – is only part-time in the vast majority of Ontario municipalities. Plus no single member of council has more authority or power than any other (one vote per person), unlike a corporate president or CEO.
Municipalities, unlike corporations, cannot run deficits. And they are responsible for a large array of services that are not, nor ever will be profitable (parks, for example, but also social housing, public transit, sidewalks, garbage pickup, libraries, museums and so on). But all of these services contribute to the quality of life than makes living here so wonderful, and on which we have come to depend.
And more than depend: municipalities that have lesser service levels or lack services entirely don't have the economic advantages that those with those services have. That's important when trying to attract new businesses to your town, or to retain existing businesses. Those services help create the municipal brand that people come to associate with your community.
Corporations are responsible to their shareholders and pay dividends only them, where municipalities are responsible to the entire community, and serve the greater good (or should do so, this term notwithstanding).
Continue reading "Small town rules"
More costs pile onto the SVJI
It seems Saunderson's Vindictive Judicial Inquiry (SVJI) is eating up taxpayer money rapidly, with a little help from other town departments. It was originally estimated to cost taxpayers between $2 and $6 million – and now it seems that could be much more thanks to this latest farcical chapter.
Saunderson's Vindictive Judicial Inquiry needs space, not just your cash, to conduct its business. Lots of space, it seems. The SVJI crew had set up shop in town hall, and were occupying office real estate therein, but it wasn't enough: they needed room to expand. With space in the building already at a premium, they looked around town for some larger, commercial space to occupy. Space to spread out all that paperwork and put up posters of Saunderson's Most Wanted (aka the previous council).
And last month, the SVJI people found just the space they needed in the Sheffer Court building. The town sighed a quiet 'hooray' and promptly signed a lease for them. Everyone in town hall eagerly looked forward to the move so they could get their desks and copiers back. Until someone in the Saunderson cabal caught wind of the new address.
It seems that's the building once occupied by the Block's antichrist, Paul Bonwick. And even through he's long gone, the Block fear Bonwickism is a transmittable ailment that might lead to brotherly associations with the mayor – one of The Block's principal targets of their bile and hatred this term. Or maybe it's his Liberalism that could be catching. Heaven forbid: the SVJI members might start hanging pictures of Justin Trudeau or even Jean Chretien on the walls.
Either way, someone had a hissy fit over the closeness of the SVJI to the ghost of Bonwick past.
In full Blockish "sky-is-falling" mode they ran into town hall screaming hysterically, and demanded the move be stopped. Now! This instant! Cancel the deal! Cluck, cluck, the sky is falling!
But the landlord said, No way. We had a deal. You signed a lease; the offices are yours for the year. And he wouldn't let the town off the hook. So tenant or not, taxpayers still had to pay for the offices. And the SVJI still needed space.
The solution was worthy of the Marx Brothers : move the town's entire treasury department and staff out of town hall and into the offices instead. That's right: take all of the people, furniture, phones, computers, copiers, files, chairs, desks,filing cabinets, Rolodex cards and printers they needed to function and move them down the block. Then install security locks, new phone lines, and new internet and network cables both there and in town hall for the SVJI folk. And, of course, we taxpayers shoulder the moving and installation costs.
It's not Saunderson's money, so why should he care? After all, he and his minions have raised your taxes four times this term already – another four years of him will provide the opportunity for another four tax hikes to pay for their wild spending habits. And, of course, for their mandatory pay raises they vote themselves each time they raise your taxes.
Surely the treasury department is as vulnerable to the taint of Bonwickism as the SVJI staff, but the Block don't seem to have noticed that little inconsistency in their plan during their collective cluck, cluck, clucking.
Continue reading "More costs pile onto the SVJI"
Doherty's Magic Money Fairy
At 3:55:20 in the video of Monday's Collingwood Council meeting, Councillor Deb Doherty utters the self-congratulatory claim that she is "glad" the costs of the upcoming judicial inquiry to pursue the Block's maniacal conspiracy theories are not coming out of "taxpayer funds on an annual basis."
I can hear your head shaking. Where does she think money comes from? And since taxes are calculated yearly, is there any other sort of taxation aside from an "annual basis"? Well, read on…
This bit of financial wisdom comes from the same councillor who last year expressed bafflement over what dividends are and complained that the town wasn't getting one from the utility to which it had caused excessive operating costs. This from a person charged with helping manage the town's financial well-being. Maybe she has other talents.
The costs of this inquiry were estimated at $1.4-$1.6 million in a staff report presented to council April 30. That estimate was vague because it didn't include the costs of staff time to prepare reports, gather documents and appear at hearings, and possibly other expenses. A similar inquiry held in Mississauga was also estimated around $1.2 million ended up costing the municipality $6.2 million instead!
Doherty made her comment during a discussion on how to pay for the judicial inquiry that Deputy Mayor Saunderson demanded – without anyone (including him) bothering to figure out how to pay for it or even include it in the current year's budget (Saunderson himself wasn't at the meeting to answer questions, and my sources tell me he didn't bother to inform anyone he wouldn't be there!). So the costs get passed on to the next council (one that will, mercifully, be shorn of Blockheads).
Well, we all know finance has never been The Block's strong suit. Or ethics, responsibility, openness, public consultation, fairness – but they are huge in conspiracy theories. Yuge, as Trump would say.
So how will the town pay for the inquiry? By taking the money from reserves. And how does money get into reserves in the first place? Yes, you're going to tell me it gets funded from taxes which we, the taxpayer shell out every year. But clearly Councillor Doherty doesn't understand that rather basic concept. I suggest she likely believes a Magic Money Fairy flies by at night and with a touch of her wand refills the coffers The Block have depleted.
As soon as she had uttered these words, Councillor Edwards corrected her, noting that "any money we spend comes from the taxpayers' pocket." *
True, but that apparently escaped Deb, who retorted that it wasn't coming from taxpayers' funds "this year." So it seems no tax revenue went into reserves in 2018, at least in her mind. Need I tell you how utterly incorrect she is? Or that The Block initiated a fixed, extra 0.75% added to annual taxes to fund reserves? For which she voted? Which has been in the annual budget three times? For which she voted each time ? Okay, stop laughing.
It seems her Magic Money Fairy will simply fill up those reserves regularly so The Block can continue their spending-like-a-drunken-sailor-on-shore-leave-in-a-brothel tactic of financial management. While giving themselves a pay hike every year.
Continue reading "Doherty's Magic Money Fairy"
The report The Block don't want you to see
Late last year, BMA Management Consulting produced a hefty 517-page report called Municipal Study 2017* that examines a wide variety of socio-economic indicators in more than 100 Ontario municipalities: taxes, user fees, population, average home value, water/sewer, economic development programs and more. As Owen Sound notes on its website:
The study identifies both key quantifiable indicators and selective environmental factors that should be considered part of a comprehensive evaluation of a local municipality's financial condition. Use of the study over a number of years provides trends to allow decision-makers to monitor selected indicators over time. Trend analysis helps to provide interpretive context. In addition, context can be provided by comparing a municipality's own experience with the experience of other municipalities. In 2016, 105 Ontario municipalities participated in the Study.
Sudbury also notes on its website (with links to studies from 2011-17):
In 2017, 102 municipalities participated in the study which provides comparisons of financial information, select user fees, tax policies and rates, sewer and water services, and taxes as a percentage of income.
Collingwood data is listed among those 100+ participating municipalities (see pages 10 and 25 of the full report). But as far as I can tell, we were not presented with a copy – at least not for public consumption.
Did we even participate? If so, why hasn't the report been released to the public? Are The Block hiding it from us? (I know what you're going to say: because The Block encourages the culture of secrecy in town hall, they don't ever like to release ANYTHING). A search for it on the town's website turns up as much as you'd find in our Blockheads' grey matter: no results.
Or was the data merely lifted from an earlier study BMA did of the town? By my count, we have used BMA for at least four such reports (Jan. and Dec. 2014, Nov. 2015, and Nov. 2016). I cannot find any record that these were actually put out to tender, but given The Block's and the administration's eagerness to sole-source everything and hand out contracts like party favours, I doubt it.
Maybe the town declined to buy it because some folks in town hall didn't want it to be made public because it might reflect badly on their policies and practices.
Continue reading "The report The Block don't want you to see"
Brian suddenly realizes there's a budget process.
Over on BBFFWS (Brian's BFF's Web Site) is a sort-of-a story about Collingwood's 2018 budget. It's really just some comments about a document this council won't even get a peek at until sometime in late January, and won't get through the approval stage until late spring or even early summer. Even though all of our municipal neighbours, the county and indeed most of Ontario, have already approved their 2018 budgets, Collingwood continues to slog along, months behind the process curve. And nary a word of complaint from The Block. Well, to be fair, nary a word they even noticed was uttered.
But apparently the news that there is actually a process involved in budget approval surprised The Block, who had in the past three years merely raised their hands to hike taxes at staff's request (while, of course, granting themselves a pay hike at the same time). I suspect the idea that there may be something deeper, something more complex, something that involved reading, bemused them. Maybe even shocked them.
Who knew budgets could be so difficult? Well, everyone except our Blockheads.
This week the treasurer told council that there is already a surplus of $1.75 million. That over-taxation represents about a 6% tax increase. In other words, had anyone on The Block been paying attention, they could have held taxes at zero percent these past three years, or even (gasp) lowered them. But paying attention isn't their forte. Like actually reading the full budget isn't a practice they have adopted. Or ever will.
Of course, a lot of that surplus will be used in paying off the excessive costs the town shouldered when it broke the shared services agreement, created a new IT department, bought tons of new hardware, hired three new staff persons and then still had to contract out some of the services we got from Collus IT staff for a third the cost. Oh and then there's the pesky costs of the sole-sourced layers and consultants the administration hired to justify selling our publicly-owned electrical utility to a private for-profit corporation (without any public discussion, or course). Plus the costs of paying the former interim CAO a consultant's fee after he "retired." And hiring new staff in the treasury department (yet which department still can't produce the budget on time). Plus there are hundreds of thousands more in legal bills to come to go through the legal application process to sell our utility. And then there's the promised $700,000-plus savings from taking the water utility away from its partnership with the electrical utility – which instead seems to have become an expense to taxpayers, not a savings.
So will we really have a surplus for 2018? Not likely. If that were true why would the treasurer have asked council to approve an automatic 1.7% cost-of-living increase on our taxes this fall, months before the budget was even discussed? And that, by the way, was ON TOP of the automatic annual 0.75% levy The Block approved previously.
Continue reading "Brian suddenly realizes there's a budget process."
Taking credit for the work of others
A short while ago, I received an unsolicited email from the interim (and soon to be departing) CAO, John Brown, with the subject, "Ideas. Observations. Musings . Opinions . Facts ?" (yes, written just like that…). Although he says he never reads my blog, it inspired me to write this post.
He wrote (copied in its original form and punctuation):
I was wondering if you might be interested in the towns (sic) recent building permits statistics reflective of highly positive growth in the tax base during the recent past ? As you are aware from your time on council our financial position has not been robust in the past however you will be glad to hear that it is now showing clear signs of significant improvement .
Last year the total construction value was 115,560 999 dollars – the highest ever I believe . I am advised that this year is tracking , potentially , higher . A good news ' economic development ' story about the high level of investment in the town based on confidence in the local economy , based on facts , might be of interest ? You can let me know and I will have them forwarded to you.
(Yes, I too wince at his inability to communicate effectively in writing, but at least he seems to have learned how to use the shift key since his last emails to me, even if the apostrophe still eludes him. But proofreading and clarity are likely overrated… just assume it's all labelled 'sic'…)
Now, anyone who follows municipal politics at all knows that council has little if anything to do with private building or construction (unless you're voting for your brother-in-law's projects). It is the work of developers, it is not done overnight, but generally part of long-term planning and investment over several years, especially where subdivisions and large scale projects are concerned. So this council cannot take any credit for recent construction. Balmoral Village, just as a single example, was approved last term, although the fees are collected this term.
Plus the fact that none of The Block have ever advocated, championed or even suggested anything resembling the whisper of a ghost of a hint of an economic policy should be considered at any time this term. Not just growth-related: crafting ANY economic policy has so far escaped their attention and grasp. Not surprising, since the collective business and economic acumen of The Block is somewhat less than that of the average anteater.
So why try to pretend this growth is the result of anything The Block has accomplished? To date their greatest intellectual achievement is a bylaw that prohibits throwing birdseed on your driveway. Everything else they have done has been utterly negative, selfish and destructive.
What, then, was the interim CAO's motive to inspire me to write about this? Surely he knew I'd present a factual counterpoint to his spin.
Continue reading "Taking credit for the work of others"
Cicero, Seneca and Confucius June 7, 2019
Gilgamesh four thousand years later January 2, 2019
The dictionary of delight July 6, 2019
Natural selection simplified December 31, 2018
Someone's Paying Attention
Santorum's 'faith' attack incomprehensible
Banished: Sandbox Gaming at Its Best
How capitalism has failed us
Machiavelli and Xenophon
The hospital, the trolley and political ethics
I'm Baaaaack….
Undermining the Mayor, and Theft
SVJI costs continue to skyrocket
Little Dorrit: BBC Drama
Scepticism is the first step towards truth.
— Denis Diderot, Pensées Philosophiques , http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Skepticism


Tonight is a free screening of "Take Back Your Power: Investigating the 'Smart' Grid," about the health effects of smart utility meters. Sponsored by Social Action and Solidarity, this is at 7pm at 122 State Street, Room 200. Call 284-9082 for more info.
Today, the bi-monthly Radicals and Progressives Meet and Eat is at 5pm at the Jade Garden restaurant, 1109 South Park Street. They cover many current topics. More info at 284-9082.
Madison Parks hosts free monthly tours of Madison Conservation Parks, co-sponsored by the Madison Audubon Society. Tomorrow's tour is at 6:30pm at Edna Taylor Conservation Park, 802 Femrite Drive. Walk on a glacial drumlin with large open grown oaks with numerous linear mounds and one panther effigy mound. For more info, email rhefty@cityofmadison.com.


This is an assessment of a large series (81 feet and 71 patients), who underwent a medial cuneiform opening wedge osteotomy to counter both a valgus deformity and forefoot abduction.
This also addressed mobile first rays.
The procedure was combined with other operations in a percentage of cases, such as calcaneal osteotomies and tendon transfers.
Arthrodesis itself was used in five cases.
A very good radiological correction was obtained post-operatively and at two-year follow-up very little correction had been lost.
The procedure was a dorsal-based opening wedge of the medial cuneiform and bone block was inserted. Towards the end of the series no internal fixation was used. This was because internal fixation in the early cases had led to a high number of removals.
The patients were weight-bearing within two to four weeks and the results are really good.
This is a large series of patients and no joint arthrodesis is performed. It gives a good result and will now become the gold standard against which any other procedure to correct a flatfoot deformity has to be judged.
The authors report on a comparative study of 4 226 hips in a follow-up of 10 to 114 months. The three implants studied were Articular Surface Replacements, the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing and the Conserve plus. This paper represents the largest collection of clinical and biochemical results of hip resurfacing patients in the current literature.
The threecentre nature of the study, the experience of the surgeons involved and the use of three resurfacing designs represent a fair representation of the performance of modern hip resurfacing in the wider orthopaedic community.
The term ARMD is introduced meaning 'Adverse Reaction to Metal Debris' as a collective term to describe the types of pathology caused by wear particles leading to failure and implant loosening and femoral neck fracture.
It includes ALVAL which is an immune-type response demonstrating lymphocytic infiltration around blood vessels as seen in histological specimens, co-existent with abundant wear particles and histiocytes.
Pseudo tumours and metallosis as well as fluid from bursae are other presenting features of this disease. Certain design features of especially the ASR implant are blamed by the authors for leading to a higher failure rate, as well as any deviations in cup positioning, inclination or ante-version.
Significant soft tissue destruction, including muscle, is also described with high doses of metal debris. The authors provide a very good graphic representation of, among others, failure rates to show the ASR 9.8% failing at 5 years compared to less than 1% at 5 years for the Conserve plus and 1.5% at 10 years for the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing.
We have studied the phenomenon of early failure of metal-on-metal implants, both resurfacings and stemmed prostheses, in some detail together with an implant retrieval study with Prof Danie Burger from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Pretoria, and our retrieval study narrows the cause of failure down to a lubrication failure. Any number of factors like impingement or subluxation, malpositioning, design or mode of manufacture can lead to a breakdown of the lubricating film, increasing the coefficient of friction and heating up the implant.
Spot welding and rupture-type movement then takes place in the dry bearing, with resultant abrasion wear, fretting and third body wear from particles generated. This leads to an enormous increase of metal particles leading to ARMD effects necessitating revision surgery.
The British Orthopaedic Association in their recent Torquay meeting on 2-4 March 2011 advised very careful follow-up of metal-on-metal implants and quotes much higher failure rates than have been encountered up to now.
Data from the Hip Joint Registry from England and Wales, quote 'other' metal-on-metal bearings to have a failure rate of 12-15% in five years. The ASR from DePuy is quoted as having a 21% failure rate in four years and, if all patients with pain come to revision surgery, 35% will fail in five years and 49% in six years.
This has led to a recall by DePuy/Johnson and Johnson of this implant that involves 97 000 hips worldwide, the largest recall in orthopaedic history.
Surgeons are advised to follow up their metal-on-metal patients on a regular basis. Those patients with metal-on-metal articulations receiving a stemmed femoral component turned out to be an even higher risk. As a result of this spot weld and rupture type of movement that takes place in the dry bearing, increased mobility occurs at the Morse taper joining the femoral prosthesis to the femoral head. The hard chrome cobalt headpart of the taper grinds up the softer titanium femoral taper and releases additional particles.
A worrying feature of the whole metal-on-metal failures saga is that in some cases there is a rerevision rate quoted as high as 50%.
It is also local experience by myself and colleagues that an infection in a failed metal-on-metal joint is more difficult to eradicate than in other total hips probably because of difficult removal of metal particles and a recent case took four debridement and irrigation procedures to clear up the infection satisfactorily.
There is still much controversy surrounding the management of the adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD), more specifically regarding the stage II deformity (functionally torn posterior tibial tendon with a mobile flatfoot). This is an excellent article by Steven Haddad that starts with a summary of the pathology as well as the pros and cons of the different procedures. In the rest of the article, the other authors each discuss his favourite procedures and the rationale for doing those specific procedures. The procedures covered are the medial translational osteotomy of the calcaneus with an FDL transfer (Mark Myerson), medial column fusions (Alastair Younger), lateral column lengthening (Robert Anderson), arthroereisis (Hodge Davis) and the socalled 'all-American procedure' by Arthur Manoli.
Mark Myerson starts off discussing the medial translation osteotomy of the calcaneus with an FDL transfer, which is the workhorse. First he discusses a more detailed classification system than the simple 1-3 classification of Ken Johnson. He subdivides each of the stages and adds a stage 4 where the ankle is also involved. Displacing the calcaneal tuberosity medially increases the dynamic stability of the hindfoot by redirecting the pull of the Achilles tendon medially to the axis of rotation of the subtalar joint and it becomes a strong inverter and stabiliser of the hindfoot. The medial shift protects both the subtalar as well as the ankle joints in the long term. He also stresses the point that the medial translational osteotomy can already be used in stage I, combined with a tenosynovectomy of the posterior tibial tendon. The osteotomy can also be used in early stage IV deformities, combined with a triple arthrodesis, and will thus increase the contact pressure on the medial aspect of the tibiotalar joint if a valgus deformity of the ankle joint is already present. With internal fixation the tuberosity can be shifted at least 12 mm. He provides a good description of alternative fixation methods of the osteotomy and also post-operative care.
Alastair Younger then discusses medial column fusions. He stresses the point that the patient with the symptomatic adult flatfoot will have a combination of hindfoot valgus, external rotation of the forefoot in the transverse plane and forefoot varus of the hindfoot.
Forefoot varus on the hindfoot can be assessed by bringing the hindfoot to neutral and looking at the position of the forefoot with respect to the long axis of the tibia. A lateral column lengthening will correct the forefoot external rotation and hindfoot valgus. Correction of the hindfoot and forefoot in the transverse plane will increase the forefoot varus, which might lead to a poor outcome. Doing an opening wedge osteotomy of the medial cuneiform (Cotton), or first ray osteotomies will correct only the first ray and he feels strongly that complete correction of the medial column is best achieved by a naviculo-cuneiform fusion. This is frequently the point of collapse of the medial column on standing radiographs. He starts off by doing a lateral column lengthening to bring the forefoot into a neutral position in the transverse plane. The forefoot varus is then assessed. If it is more than 10º to 15º a naviculo-cuneiform fusion is needed. He uses mainly screw fixation and the technical details are described.
Robert Anderson discusses lateral column lengthening. He describes the importance of the sub-classification of stage II deformities into A and B, subtyped according to the amount of navicular coverage that exists around the head of the talus, with A less than 50% of the talar head being uncovered by the navicular and B where more than 50% of the head is exposed. They further add type C based on the presence of forefoot varus. Their standard procedure for the AAFD is a medial translation calcaneal osteotomy with FDL tendon transfer but a lateral column lengthening is reserved for the type B cases where there is still residual uncovering of the talar head after the medial translational calcaneal osteotomy. He also gives a historical perspective on the treatment of AAFD and stresses the point that a tendon transfer as an isolated procedure was ineffective, and that bony osteotomies were thus introduced to supplement the soft tissue procedures to help maintain long-term correction. In the presence of arthritis of the calcaneo-cuboid joint a lengthening should be performed through the joint, otherwise through the distal calcaneus typically 1.5 cm proximal to the joint itself. A gastrocnemius recession is usually also included. Uncertainty still surrounds how the lateral column lengthening works and he discusses the different theories. They sometimes add a peroneus brevis to longus transfer which might provide more power to the peroneus longus, thus increasing the plantar flexion advantage of the first ray, but it might also aid the mechanical advantage of the somewhat weak FDL tendon transfer.
Hodge Davis then describes the role of arthroereisis in the adult. It is important to remember that this implant is at best an adjunct and does not replace the need for traditional osteotomies and tendon transfers. He uses it in very select cases of grade I or grade II AAFD and always combines it with more traditional osteotomies and tendon transfers. His indications are: a grade II flatfoot with lateral sinus tarsi pain and a valgus knee; an asymmetric flatfoot with spring ligament repair, with displacement osteotomy that might need some more support; and finally a flatfoot with an accessory navicular requiring an advancement of the posterior tibialis muscle as well as an osteotomy of the calcaneus where the arthroereisis is added to protect the medial repair. It is important to remember that in a large percentage of adults there is persistent pain after an arthroereisis and that a large percentage of the prostheses need to be removed at a later stage.
Arthur Manoli describes the 'all-American procedure' which is an amalgamation of a number of paediatric procedures used for flatfoot in children. The procedure is actually a combination of all the above-mentioned procedures including excision of the posterior tibial tendon, FDL transfer, heel chord lengthening, distal calcaneal lengthening osteotomy combined with a medial displacement osteotomy and then occasionally distal procedures like an open wedge first metatarsal osteotomy. He also mentions that a tenotomy of peroneus brevis may be done if it is excessively tight or a peroneus brevis to longus transfer.
The main message of this excellent article is that each foot should be evaluated individually, and that one should not focus on just one specific procedure. Both the clinical evaluation and standing X-ray views and the different deformities that have developed are important and should all be identified and addressed during surgery.
The author gives a good and comprehensive overview of the surgical treatment of severe, symptomatic valgus feet. The clinical and radiological features pre- and post-operatively should be utilised in the routine assessment of any valgus foot. The assessment and management of additional problems (equinus, skew foot, external rotation of the tibia and ankle valgus) are stressed.
The technique is a modification of the calcaneal lengthening procedure described by Evans2 who postulated that in club foot the lateral border was too long (relative to the medial column) and shortened it with a calcaneo-cuboid fusion. In the valgus foot the opposite applies; the short lateral column requires lengthening.
The majority (24 of 31 feet) were neuromuscular, i.e. cerebral palsy and myelomeningocoele. The procedure can also be used in the overcorrected club foot and rarely in the older patient with persistent, severe flexible flatfoot, and Evans even used the procedure in the idiopathic peroneal spastic flatfoot (without coalition). The overall results were satisfactory, with preservation of subtalar motion, in all but two of the most severely deformed feet.
1. Philips GE. A review of elongation of os calcis for flat feet. J Bone Joint Surg(Br) 1983;65-B:1518.
2. Evans D. Calcaneovalgus deformity. J Bone Joint Surg(Br) 1975;57-B:27078.
The choice between operative versus non-operative treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures remains controversial.
Although the majority of studies support the operative route, this prospective randomised study highlights and favours the non-operative, accelerated functional rehabilitation treatment.
The article begins with a short historical background. Of interest are the published studies of animals and humans that demonstrate spontaneous healing of tendons without immobilisation and the benefit of functional stimulus to healing tendons. Furthermore, early weight-bearing with protected range of motion has shown favourable outcomes in studies specific to the Achilles tendon. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of the surgically repaired acute Achilles tendon ruptures and accelerated functional rehabilitation with the outcomes of similar patients who had been treated with accelerated functional rehabilitations alone.
The primary outcome that was assessed was the re-rupture rate and the secondary outcomes included isokinetic strength, Leppilahti score (a score of 100 is a disease-specific functional outcome measure that includes patient ratings of pain, stiffness, calf muscle weakness, footwear restrictions, range of motion and satisfaction as well as objective measures of strength), range of motion and calf circumference measured at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after injury.
The study included 144 patients (118 male and 26 female, mean age 40.4 years) between 2000 and 2005, in two Canadian centres. Randomisation was computer-generated.
The operative treatment was essentially routine except for the use of nonabsorbable suture which is in itself debatable for its use in a primary acute repair.
Meticulous closure of the skin was emphasised. The accelerated functional programme began at 2 weeks.
It permitted protected weight-bearing at 2 weeks that progressed to weight-bearing as tolerated at 4 weeks. Patients wore a functional boot for 8 weeks.
The results were statistically analysed.
Re-rupture occurred in two patients in the operative group at 1 and 3 months and in three patients in the non-operative group at 1, 2 and 3 months after injury.
Of interest is that four of the five patients who experienced a re-rupture were treated with surgical repair, and one was treated non-operatively at her own request.
Most of the other complications pertained to the surgery (9 of 72, of which one was a deep infection).
Of note is the deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus (total of three patients). Although the number is small, the question of prophylactic anticoagulation in foot and ankle surgery needs to be addressed. Was a risk assessment carried out prior to the surgery? Were high risk patients given prophylaxis? One pulmonary embolus leading to death is one too many!
Generally, no clinically important differences were found between operative and non-operative treatment for any of the measured parameters. The study was well conducted but on the authors' admission, it was too small a sample size to provide definitive conclusions about re-rupture rates.
The accelerated functional rehabilitation could have been discussed in more depth as this was a major contributor to both operative and non-operative treatment.
Nevertheless, the authors surmise that early weight-bearing and mobilisation may have resulted in a substantially reduced rate of re-rupture (∼ 4.6%) as compared to other studies in which patients were treated conservatively (13%).
This study has found all measured outcomes to be clinically similar between the two groups with the non-operative group avoiding serious complications related to surgical management.


It's that time of year again: time to examine what homeschool curriculum choices we have for fourth grade for 2016-2017. In our busy house, self-directed learning is paramount! With a fourth grader, a preschooler, and a soon-to-be toddling baby, it's sure to be an active year. Using various tools for self-directed learning is a key focus of our choices for the fourth grader.
My fourth grader, Raisin, has showed lots of initiative in working independently this year. I think it helps that we have dropped regular handwriting assignments from his schoolwork. Instead of asking him to handwrite answers, he is able to type and print them out, taping them into the notebook. This eliminated lots of the battles. He will do another year of Keyboarding without Tears. Already, at age 8, he is typing 14 wpm. Not too shabby!
I help Raisin with his English. We'll finish doing Logic of English Essentials (lessons 30-40) of version 1). He still struggles with some basic spelling rules, so those are the things we're focusing on in the lessons. We've also begun to do Geography-based Writing lessons from (IEW). I am really enjoying the IEW methods thus far. We are nearly done with the first of four books in the lesson plan (Paddle to the Sea).
For English, we're also working on G.U.M. Level 3 (Zaner-Bloser). I got this for last year, but we had too much. I think Raisin is at a better place for doing this workbook now anyway, so I'm kind of glad we waited a year. I'm glad we are doing this workbook so we can fill in the gaps of what he does not know.
Raisin is continuing to do Teaching Textbooks for math. He has about 25 more lessons in the level 4 book, and then we'll go on to the level 5. He loves that he can do all of his work on the computer. I too love that he can listen to the lecture and do the work on the computer! It's all graded for him immediately. He can see how it is done if he finds he does not understand the correct answer. This is perfect for the busy homeschooling mom! Raisin loves math.
My husband said he would do a subject with my son this year, so he'll be working with Raisin for science, which is the subject that often worries me. We have TOPS Science: Electricity and Magnetism that they may work through. Since Raisin loves his Snap Circuits, he's always been interested in electricity.
Ironically, despite the fact that I worry about science, I'm the one who will be teaching a STEM Challenge class at co-op for Raisin. The idea of this class is for the kids to learn to problem solve and keep a record of the various steps of solving an engineering, math, or science problem. We'll do all sorts of fun activities. Right now, I'm working on planning what things we'll do in the first few weeks of the class. I think we may start with the Lemonade Game and then build a miniature golf hole as we learn about angles.
For social studies, we will be reading books for the IEW writing program that also teach some basic American geography. We have Geography through Literature from Beautiful Feet Books that we'll be giving a try.
I also want to finish the second half of Story of the World 4: Modern Age. We did ten chapters last spring, but we did not finish the book. I think it is important to finish the general overview of history.
For Spanish, my son and I are reading Easy Spanish Reader a little bit each day. My son is becoming more and more confident in his answers to me as we review what we read each day. It is not the most exciting story thus far, but it is helping us with vocabulary and comprehension. Raisin will also keep playing the games on Visual Link Spanish and I will make games and activities as well.
We begin each day with scripture reading. Right now we are reading The Book of Mormon. My son also reads some independently. Raisin is taking an art class at co-op, and he has begun to learn to play the piano. He also is taking a basic logic class at the co-op.
For physical fitness, we have access to a local gym, which has a pool, so maybe we'll get swimming time each week there.
We have lots of other resources at our disposal. As I've mentioned, I find Boom Cards to be a good tool for steering my son to independent learning. We also have oodles of books on various subjects, and my son loves to consider a subject and research it himself. I hope to be able to nurture those interests. For that reasons, I am hoping that I can stay open minded about our curriculum choices and not expect them to dictate our entire year.
It's bound to be great, no matter what, because we'll all be together!
It's Back to Homeschool Month with the iHomeschool Network! Click the calendar to see other curriculum choices for the year! Check tomorrow for my Preschool at Home plan.


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Q: Laravel Multi-select the right way I'm having trouble getting a Form Request to find a multi select input with Laravel. My request input always appears to be NULL. Is there anything I'm missing or wrong with my Syntax?
I've seen some examples mention dot notation syntax for multi selects in Laravel?
e.g.
$name = $request->input('products.0.name');
$names = $request->input('products.*.name');

But I'm assuming this is for multi dimensional selects?
I'm passing my request through to a Repository for data action
<select id="team" name="team[]" class="team" multiple>
  @foreach ( $teams as $team )
      <option value="{{ $team->id }}">{{ $team->name }}</option>
  @endforeach
</select>

use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Input;

public function createUser( CreateUserRequest $request ){

        $array = DB::transaction(function($request) use ($request)
        {
                  $name = $request->input('name');
                  $email =$request->input('email');

                //  $team = $request->input('team[].*');
                  $s = $request->input('team');
                  $t =$request->get('team');

                  var_dump($s);//NULL
                  var_dump($t);//NULL
                  die();

A: Please check it may be working.
$name = $request->input('name');
 $email =$request->input('email');
// array field
$team = $request->input('team');
foreach($team as $key=>$value){
  $data->name = $name;
  $data->email = $email;
// array value
  $data->item = $value;
// save in datatabase
  $data->save();
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange