text:
Вишні́вська сільська́ ра́да — колишній орган місцевого самоврядування в Балаклійському районі Харківської області. Адміністративний центр — село Вишнева.

Загальні відомості
 Вишнівська сільська рада утворена в 1922 році.
 Територія ради: 39,666 км²
 Населення ради: 689 осіб (станом на 2001 рік)

Населені пункти
Сільській раді були підпорядковані населені пункти:
 с. Вишнева
 с. Першотравневе

Колишні населені пункти
 с. Відродження
 с. Жуваківка

Склад ради
Рада складалася з 14 депутатів та голови.
 Голова ради: Чемерис Ніна Іванівна

Керівний склад попередніх скликань

Примітка: таблиця складена за даними сайту Верховної Ради України

Депутати
За результатами місцевих виборів 2010 року депутатами ради стали:

За суб'єктами висування

За округами

Примітки та джерела

Адміністративний устрій Балаклійського району

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
You have submitted your application successfully
Internship Application Form
Education Undergraduate Fresh graduate Masters' student PHD Postgraduate
Please specify the university you are enrolled in or your most recent education :
When do you want to do your internship?
Are you doing the internship for university credit?
What programs are you interested in?
Media and Communications Center of Excellence for Applied Epidemiology (Networking, Research and Policy, ICT) Human resources Project management. Polio and immunization Capacity building Disease Control Outreach & emergency team. Other
Please provide us with a letter of interest (One page telling us about yourself and what you hope to gain from the internship)
Please provide us with an updated copy of your resume
Evaluation Assesses Impact of harmonized Reproductive Health Registry Newly Established in Jordan
The harmonized Reproductive Health Registry (hRHR), a global initiative introduced by the WHO to improve maternal and child health (MCH) data across the world, is being implemented in the Mafraq governorate of Jordan as an intervention to improve the availability and accessibility of MCH data to assure a responsive health care system for mothers and their children.
With funding from the International Development Research Center- Canada (IDRC), the Ministry of Health is implementing the hRHR with support from GHD|EMPHNET. As an electronic registry, the hRHR serves as an effective tool for bridging the information gap between the different levels of care, thereby assuring an effective referral system that will positively improve health outcomes and quality of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services provided to women and children.
Preparations for the implementation started in 2017. The hRHR has been implemented and studied in seven health centers in Mafraq health directorate to automate non-computerized centers and ensure the capability of this electronic registry, while equipping the staff with needed on-the-job training and mentoring field visits.
To analyze the successfulness of the introduced electronic hRHR using tools/questionnaires to target stakeholders, service providers, and service users, the MoH and EMPHNET conducted the mid-point and end-point evaluation between June and November 2021. The evaluations were conducted with support from the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) in Jordan, which has experience in data collection and systems evaluation.
The evaluation's findings showed that the new hRHR has high level of acceptance among stakeholders, health providers, and women using MCH services. The evaluation also showed that the system improved documentation of data, decreased time and effort of data reporting and retrieval, and improved access to patient data.
The evaluation, as well as the continuous study of the hRHR intervention during its implementation, provides confirmatory evidence that different variables of the project such as acceptability, usefulness, adoptability, appropriateness, feasibility, efficiency, sustainability, and scalability, worked smoothly during the hRHR implementation in Mafraq setting. Given the striking similarity of the Mafraq to other governorates in terms of the use of the hRHR web-based system, the momentum and potential for scale-up of the intervention is great. In light of these findings, great potential to keep the existing momentum and not only expand the scope of the intervention (to include more indicators) but also scale it up to other governorates.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
SM-liiga 1995/1996 byla 21. sezonou Finské ligy ledního hokeje. Mistrem se stal tým Jokerit Helsinky.

Základní část

Play off

Čtvrtfinále
 Jokerit Helsinky - Ilves Tampere 3:0 (11:2, 7:2, 3:1)
 TPS Turku - Ässät Pori 3:0 (4:0, 4:2, 6:3)
 Lukko Rauma - IFK Helsinky 3:0 (2:1, 6:4, 4:1)
 Tappara Tampere - Hämeenlinnan Pallokerho 1:3 (1:3, 3:5, 7:2, 1:7)

Semifinále
 Jokerit Helsinky - Hämeenlinnan Pallokerho 3:1 (2:3, 3:0, 4:1, 6:0)
 TPS Turku - Lukko Rauma 3:1 (2:3, 3:1, 4:2, 4:2)

O 3. místo
 Lukko Rauma - Hämeenlinnan Pallokerho 2:1 (hráno na jeden zápas)

Finále
 Jokerit Helsinky - TPS Turku 3:1 (0:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1)
Titul z České republiky získali: Otakar Janecký

Finská hokejová liga
Lední hokej v roce 1995
Lední hokej v roce 1996
Sport ve Finsku v roce 1995
Sport ve Finsku v roce 1996


Try a SKU That's New To You!
When it comes to the products you need to get the job done, discover our own brands with over 60,000 products. Selection and great value in Westward industrial tools, Condor safety gear, Fabory fasteners, Tough Guy cleaning supplies and many more.
Rely on Westward industrial tools and tool storage to meet the rugged demands of professionals like you.
Keep your employees safe and productive with Condor personal protective gear.
Get the job done with hard-working quality Dayton motors, pumps, HVACR, power transmission and more.
Fabory fasteners mean quality, expanded product assortment and smaller pack sizes to meet your needs.
Light up your workplace with high-performing LumaPro lamps, ballasts and fixtures.
Trust Partner firefighting equipment to keep you safe on the job.
For day-to-day reliability under the most demanding conditions, rely on Speedaire for your compressed air needs.
Keep your facilities cleanand productive with professional Tough Guy cleaning chemicals and supplies.


We take pride in our reputation for quality and value. If for any reason you are dissatisfied with a purchase, we'll assist you with a prompt refund. CGEAR-SANDFREE returns will be accepted up to 30 days from purchase date. The item must be returned in original, unused condition, in original package, and with all paperwork, parts and accessories to ensure credit.
No returns can be made on FINAL SALE items. Items purchased at a retail store may not be returned to our online store.
If you wish to return an item, please e-mail to cs@mdreams.com provide sales invoice number and a return tracking number. You will get a Return Sales number by return.
Use your own shipping method: Repack the item(s) you wish to return securely in the original product packaging, if possible. Write Return Sales number on a piece of A4 paper and ship along with the goods. If you use a carrier of your choice, we recommend that returns be shipped by an insured and traceable method.
All return shipping charges must be prepaid. We do not accept C.O.D. deliveries. It is recommended that you use UPS or Insured Parcel Post for your return. Keep the Return Tracking Number for your return package to monitor delivery status.
If you receive a damaged or defective item, contact a Customer Service Representative within 30 days of delivery at cs@mdreams.com. Please supply the order number, item number, photo of defect products and return reason from your original confirmation email, as well as your email address and phone number. CGEAR-SANDFREE.COM will make every reasonable effort to assist you with your return. If there is extensive damage to the carton upon delivery, contact a Customer Service Representative immediately cs@mdreams.com. Please have your order number available when you send email.
Once we receive the goods, we will email you notification of your refund or exchange. We will process your request as fast as we can. Guaranteed!


text:
Q: Conditionally incude ansible role's variable files Ordinarily I would dump variables in roles/myrole/defaults/main.yml. I don't need to explicitly include them - that's done for me automatically.
But let's say I need to support Debian and CentOS and have identical variables with different values. The common advice is:
roles/myrole/defaults/main.yml       # common defaults
roles/myrole/vars/debian.yml         # debian overrides
roles/myrole/vars/centos.yml         # centos overrides

And then we're supposed to "conditionally include" the correct set of variables.
But where exactly? In the main task, or a "main" variables file, or somewhere else?

A:
Q: "But where exactly? In the main task, or a "main" variables file, or somewhere else?"

In the main task, I'd say. For example
- include_vars: "{{ item }}"
  with_first_found:
    - files:
        - "{{ ansible_distribution }}-{{ ansible_distribution_release }}.yml"
        - "{{ ansible_distribution }}.yml"
        - "{{ ansible_os_family }}.yml"
        - "default.yml"
        - "defaults.yml"
      paths: "vars"

A user can keep customized variables in vars. Put the defaults into the directory vars/defaults. This way the customized variables will survive potential updates of the role.
# Default variables
- include_vars: "{{ item }}"
  with_first_found:
    - files:
        - "{{ ansible_distribution }}-{{ ansible_distribution_release }}.yml"
        - "{{ ansible_distribution }}.yml"
        - "{{ ansible_os_family }}.yml"
        - "default.yml"
        - "defaults.yml"
      paths: "vars/defaults"

# Custom variables
- include_vars: "{{ item }}"
  with_first_found:
    - files:
        - "{{ ansible_distribution }}-{{ ansible_distribution_release }}.yml"
        - "{{ ansible_distribution }}.yml"
        - "{{ ansible_os_family }}.yml"
        - "default.yml"
        - "defaults.yml"
      paths: "vars"

available at GitHub

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Town of Wheatland Closures and New Operating Processes
In light of the current increase in COVID-19 cases, effective Monday, November 16 the TOWN OF WHEATLAND OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC.
Town Clerk's Office. The Town Clerk's Office staff will be working regular hours 8:00AM to 4:00PM Monday through Thursday, 6:00PM to 8:00PM Monday and 8:00AM to 1:00PM on Friday. Please call the Town Clerk's Office at (585) 889-1553 or send an email if you have a question or would like to make an appointment.
The Town of Wheatland now has a secure, permanent drop box located by the front door of the Municipal Building. This can be used for all Town Departments except for the Court Office and Village of Scottsville correspondence. Due to New York State regulations, Wheatland Court business must be hand delivered to the court office or through the US Postal Service.
Other Town Departments located in the Wheatland Municipal Building. The new working arrangement described above also applies to the Town Building Department and all other departments centralized at the 22 Main Street location, in accordance with department specific published work hours (available under the individual Department descriptions on the Town Website). Note that the Town Court offices operate under the directions of the Unified Court System Guidelines. The court office will operate by appointment only. Please be advised that all court appearances are case sensitive. If you are unsure of your scheduled date please call the court office to verify your date and time. You can reach the court office at (585) 889-3074 between the hours of 9:00AM to 2:00PM Monday through Friday.
Town Highway Department. THE TOWN OF WHEATLAND HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT IS EFFECTIVELY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. All residents and vendors are requested to NOT show up at the Highway Garage without a scheduled appointment. At the current time, the Highway Department will generally continue with their normal work as scheduled. The Highway department is managing staff safety by implementing COVID-19 safety guidelines. Please call the Highway Department at (585) 538-6535 to discuss a concern or make an appointment.
All Town Board meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams starting Thursday, November 19. The meeting information will be communicated as soon as possible.
Thank you in advance for your understanding,
Linda Dobson
Supervisor, Town of Wheatland


Updates include: Matthew Broderick to star in CBS comedy pilot; NBC pushes filming on "Girlfriend in a Coma"; and Erinn Hayes joins the Peacock's "Holding Patterns."
Thursday's Cable Ratings: TBS, History Top Charts with NCAA, "Swamp People"
Plus: numbers for HBO's "Fall to Grace," Comedy Central's "The Ben Show" and AMC's "Freakshow."
Donal Logue, Eamonn Walker, Lee Tergesen and Andrew Howard join the cast for the second season.
Peter Sarsgaard, Elias Koteas and Amy Seimetz will join returning cast members Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman.
Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer and Alexander Skarsgard will return for a new 10-episode season.
Vacations "To Die For" Featured in Investigation Discovery's New Series "Murder in Paradise"
The six-episode series premieres Saturday, April 13 at 9:00/8:00c on the cable channel.
Steve Carell, Melissa McCarthy, Zac Efron, Kerry Washington, Seth Rogen, Danny McBride, Amanda Seyfried, Chris Rock and Adam Sandler are among those on tap.
The free app includes recent video clips, a calendar of upcoming guests, classic show segments from the archive, digital exclusives and much more.
The Alphabet's "Grey's Anatomy" bests FOX's usual juggernaut among adults 18-49.
Plus: season four winner Carrie Underwood and season nine finalist Casey James to perform on next results show Thursday, April 4.
Plus: numbers for TLC's "Blade Runner: The Untold Story," Animal Planet's "Polar Bears: Edge of Existence" and MTV's "The Real World: Portland."
BET spins the numbers for Tuesday, March 26.
USA spins the numbers for Wednesday, March 27.
The new season will consist of 20 half-hour episodes and is produced by Authentic Entertainment.
Bobby Knight joins David Feherty for a candid conversation about his life, career and love of golf on the next episode.
The series "will feature the four KISS x Hello Kitty characters living their rock 'n' roll dreams and bringing pink anarchy to every situation they are in."
The new agreement allows for games to be presented on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and WatchESPN.
Overall, the networks will combine to cover 13 spring football games beginning with Texas' Orange-White scrimmage on Saturday, March 30.
Dan Shulman, John Kruk and Orel Hershiser will call the Rangers/Astros on Sunday, March 31 and the Giants/Dodgers on Monday, April 1.
NBC spins the late-night numbers for the week of March 18-22.
Said duo will be joined by the third season of "NY Ink" at 10:00/9:00c.
She'll be up on @smashleybell during the east coast broadcast of the show.
"Chasing Ice" will air Friday, April 19 at 8:00/7:00c on the cable channel.
Jewel, Frances Conroy, John Doe and Matt Ross star in the biopic of legendary country artist June Carter Cash.


text:
The Club at Ibis – Legend
8225 Ibis Boulevard West Palm Beach, USA
561-625-8500 · clubatibis.com
In 1991, Jack Nicklaus launched a perfect ceremonial first tee shot down the center of the No. 1 fairway… and a Legend was born. The Legend is a Jack Nicklaus design that's been described as his "masterpiece," and it's a favorite of the Ibis members, who enjoy playing on the same course that tested the pros as the site of The National Senior Club Professional Championship and the LPGA's Office Depot Tournament. Golfweek Magazine has named the Legend one of the country's "Most Distinctive Courses". But make no mistake; it's a challenge that you'll ultimately find satisfying. Just click the layout below to get an idea of how much of a "bear" this course can be. If you know Jack Nicklaus courses, you know he favors angled greens and those risk-reward hole designs that require smart golf. Yes, those bunkers are as big as they look on the graphics, but land your shot in the fairway and I promise you'll be hitting off turf that others only dream about.
Latest Course News
The Club at Ibis in south Florida celebrates grand opening of new clubhouse
Ibis Golf & CC – Legend – Scorecard


text:
Call for volunteers to help at hospitals in Northumberland and North Tyneside
The 30 areas of Northumberland with the highest Covid rates
Year of compassion and teamwork like no other
Teamwork, resilience and compassion – these words crop up time and again during any discussion of the NHS response during an unprecedented year in the teeth of Covid-19.
By Northumbria Healthcare
Thursday, 6th May 2021, 7:00 am
Updated Sunday, 16th May 2021, 4:35 pm
Sue Ewart, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's chief matron for medicine and emergency care. Picture taken before Covid-19.
And this is most certainly the case at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust which runs hospitals and community services in Northumberland and North Tyneside.
Sue Ewart is the Trust's chief matron for medicine and emergency care, with a wealth of experience, and she says that the past 12 months have been the most challenging of her career.
She previously worked as a critical care matron and had to cope with difficult periods such as swine flu, but 'nothing like this' as the pandemic has been so all-encompassing, affecting every aspect of healthcare.
Northumbria Healthcare's chief community matron, Jeanette Milne.
"The nursing teams have shown their 'can-do' attitude with their rapid response to changes, particularly early on when it was a fast-moving situation and we had to adapt to the shifting guidance on PPE and visiting switching to virtual methods," Sue said. "The inability for patients to have visitors was upsetting for both patients and relatives, but the nurses were also affected by this as they are very aware how integral this is to patients' recovery.
"The teams at Northumbria have demonstrated their ability to work flexibly and their attitude to change has been outstanding.
"That has been so important when we have had nurses redeploying into several areas including to critical care and the respiratory support unit at a time when they were worried about contracting Covid, joining a new team and refreshing their skills.
"The unknowns have been hard, as it's always easier when you can plan, but the teamwork has been brilliant to adapt to changing situations."
The health and wellbeing of staff is of the utmost importance, Sue explained, because they need to be well and supported in order to provide the high quality of care that patients deserve.
"Looking after staff in wards and departments has been a top priority and this includes the matron team, who are themselves supporting the teams on the wards.
"Staff have had to deal with incredible pressure at work, but they have also had the same personal pressures that so many of us have experienced.
"Plenty of initiatives to support staff health and wellbeing of staff have been put in place, but this must be ongoing as sometimes you only really process something once there is time to reflect and look back, after the adrenaline has worn off.
"The phase from November to February this year has been harder because everyone is tired from doing this for so long, but our staff have proved they have an amazing ability to bounce back."
Hospitals have not been the only front-line during the fight against Covid-19, with Northumbria Healthcare's community teams continuing to provide both planned and unplanned care for the most vulnerable – and often housebound – in our society.
Community nursing helps patients where they live, enabling safe medication administration for those that need it, wound care and supporting patients and families at the end of their life, as well as providing a supportive bridge upon hospital discharge, all services which have been just as, if not more, important during the pandemic.
Northumbria Healthcare's chief community matron, Jeanette Milne, said: "In more than 30 years as a nurse, I have witnessed kindness and compassion on many occasions, but over the last year have been humbled and inspired in equal measure by my nursing and allied health professional colleagues working in our communities.
"Everyone across community services has contributed, from healthcare assistants and carers that have facilitated safe and early discharge from hospitals to the occupational and physiotherapy colleagues that have been instrumental in patients' rehabilitation or our podiatry colleagues who supported the nursing teams during the first wave of the pandemic."
There has been extra demand on the community teams during the extended lockdown periods as their contribution to healthcare revolves around people at home. Nurses and other staff have supported the most vulnerable at a time when natural support networks have been affected by the restrictions on travel.
"Covid has had a lasting impact on us all," Jeanette said. "Be that a personal battle to overcome fear of contracting it, those staff who suffered and recovered from it or those staff who were highly clinically vulnerable and had to isolate, but continued to work from home supporting their colleagues as they cared for patients.
"There have been many challenges, beginning with the initial uncertainty, fear, anxiety, along with processing and cascading information to staff to ensure we quickly and safely adopted new working practices to ensure patients and staff remained safe."
Jeanette added: "For the whole team, there have been lows, not least due to mental and physical exhaustion, but the highs include being humbled by the endless reserve and contributions of staff, and the small things they have done for patients in their care and to support each other."
Northumbria Healthcare's chief executive, Sir James Mackey, said: "It can't be said often enough how grateful I am for the efforts of our staff during this past year, when they have really had to draw on their reserves to continue to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to our patients.
"I would also like to thank the public for their support and doing their best to protect our staff and services by following the rules and restrictions even when it has made their lives more difficult.
"There has inevitably been some disruption over the last 12 months, but our teams are working as hard as ever and we are doing our best to ensure that all patients get as timely access as possible to the treatment they need."
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustCovid-19
North East NHS Trust appoints new chief executive
British Veterinary Association issues advice to North East dog owners following a rise in a mystery vomiting bug
Another Covid-related death recorded in Northumberland as 621 new cases are confirmed
Northumberland dementia patients miss out on vital care reviews
The 11 areas of Northumberland with the highest Covid infection rates


text:
Mercedes unveils four-cylinder Vision C220 Bluetec
John Neff
Feb 26th 2007 at 2:27PM
click above image to view a pair of high-resolution images of the MB Vision C220 BLUETEC Concept
DaimlerChrysler is proud of its BLUETEC diesel technology, and rightly so. The automaker is really the first to see the new diesel standards in the U.S. as an opportunity and not an obstacle, unveiling the Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC last year. Three more models, the R-Class, M-Class and G-Class, are scheduled to get the 3.2L BLUETEC diesel engien by early 2008. The BLUETEC technology is so attractive that almost every German automaker selling cars in the U.S. has hopped on the BLUETEC bandwagon and will be selling the engines in the near future.
In an effort to keep the ball rolling, DCX today unveiled the Vision C220 BLUETEC concept, a version of the just-unveiled next-generation C-Class with a concept four-cylinder BLUETEC engine that produces 170 hp and 295 ft-lbs. of torque. In terms of fuel economy, it sips low-sulfur diesel at the rate of 5.5 liters for every 100 kilometers. In our wacky metrics, that equates to about 42.76 miles per gallon. Hybrid who? The engine uses all the latest diesel carbon and NOx reducing technology, including four valves per cylinder, a third-gen common rail direct injection system, a variable nozzle turbine turbo, exhaust gas recirculation. The BLUETEC bit adds an NOx storage catalytic converter with a patented onboard ammonia generation system that, ulike urea injection systems, requires no additives or regular check ups.
The Vision C220 BLUETEC is technically a concept, however, that will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show next week. While technically a production piece of hardware, we have to admit its numbers are very impressive.
[Source: DaimlerChrysler]
slide-1575402
Mercedes-Benz unveils Vision C 220 BLUETEC in Geneva - First four-cylinder BLUETEC model: well on the way to complying with the EURO 6 emission standard
Extremely low emissions thanks to innovative emission control
Fuel consumption reduced even further to just 5.5 l/100 km
New C-Class awarded Environment Certificate by German TÜV
Stuttgart, Feb 26, 2007
Mercedes-Benz is unveiling its highly environmentally-compatible BLUETEC emission-control technology in combination with a consumption-optimised four-cylinder engine for the first time at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. In terms of ensuring compliance with the even stricter EURO 6 emission standard, applicable to all new vehicles Europe-wide from 2015, the Vision C 220 BLUETEC shows the way ahead. Boasting an output of 125 kW (170 hp) and a peak torque of 400 Nm, the Vision C 220 BLUETEC now requires 5.5 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres, thanks largely to modified diesel engine technology and an intelligent system of energy management.
"The sophisticated four-cylinder diesel engine with BLUETEC emission control is a prime example of leading-edge, future-compatible technology," explains Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and Head of the Mercedes Car Group. "Our diesel strategy is an effective answer to the question of how to save fuel and, therefore, CO2, how to further reduce all exhaust emissions including NOx and yet still ensure effortlessly superior driving enjoyment. In this respect, we believe our state-of-the-art diesel concept is currently the best and most efficient solution available."
With the Vision C 220 BLUETEC, Mercedes-Benz is providing a taste of things to come as part of its BLUETEC initiative which was launched in the US last autumn. The initial impetus came from the market launch of the E 320 BLUETEC in North America in October 2006, which was timed to coincide with the introduction of low-sulphur diesel in that part of the world. A fuel consumption figure of 6.7 litres per hundred kilometres makes the E 320 BLUETEC one of the most economical vehicles in its class in the US.
With the first four-cylinder BLUETEC model, Mercedes-Benz illustrates just how versatile this innovative technology can be. Following the US launch, the company will also introduce BLUETEC in other markets. The technology is currently being adapted to European market requirements and further Mercedes Benz models, the aim being to also offer BLUETEC in passenger cars for European customers, starting in 2008.
BLUETEC – high-tech for the cleanest diesels in the world
BLUETEC is a DaimlerChrysler-developed technology designed to reduce diesel vehicle emissions, especially nitrogen oxides – the only exhaust-gas constituents that are still higher in today's diesel engines than they are in their petrol counterparts due to the principle involved. Mercedes-Benz is working intensively to optimise its engines and their combustion processes so as to minimise the nitrogen oxides before they are actually produced. In terms of "hardware", the sophisticated four-cylinder powerplant in the Vision C 220 BLUETEC, like the standard-production engines, includes four valves per cylinder, third-generation common-rail direct injection, a turbocharger with a variable nozzle turbine and exhaust gas recirculation. A highly sensitive electronic engine management unit reacts precisely to an extremely wide range of operating conditions and, in so doing, optimises the combustion processes.
The BLUETEC technology in the Vision C 220 BLUETEC still includes an oxidising catalytic converter, which reduces emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC), as well as a particulate filter. A modified NOx storage catalytic converter with a substantially extended service life, including patented on-board ammonia generation, is combined with an additional SCR catalytic converter to minimise nitrogen oxides. This process of exhaust-gas aftertreatment requires no additives.
Vision C 220 BLUETEC combines environmental awareness, driving enjoyment and comfort
The results are impressive whichever way you look at them: on the one hand, the concept car equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission consumes just 5.5 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres (NEDC); on the other hand, it delivers the same impressive output and torque figures whilst providing a unique combination of efficiency and driving enjoyment. The Vision C 220 BLUETEC is prepared for future emission standards, even the considerably more stringent limits imposed by EURO 6, which will apply to all new vehicles from September 1, 2015. For instance, particulate emissions must be reduced by a factor of five by the time the EURO 5 standard comes into force on January 1, 2011 whilst EURO 6 stipulates nitrogen oxide limits that are only around 30 percent of the current limits. All Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles with a particulate filter fitted as standard already undercut the particulate limits that will apply from 2011 onwards
For the US market, Mercedes-Benz will be offering three further V6 BLUETEC models – R Class, M-Class and GL-Class – with BIN-5 certification for all 50 states from as early as 2008. At the Detroit Auto Show in early January, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer demonstrated just how suitable the clean, economical, high torque engines are for large cars and SUVs: the V8 diesel engine in the Vision GL 420 BLUETEC that was on display at the show has an output of 216 kW/290 hp, a peak torque of 700 Nm and an expected fuel consumption of just 9.8 litres per hundred kilometres.
New C-Class: CO2 emissions already reduced by 15 percent
The standard-production version of the new C-Class, which celebrates its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, is testament to the successful work performed by Mercedes-Benz in its quest to consistently reduce both fuel consumption and emissions. A lifecycle assessment carried out on the new Saloon, certified by the German technical inspection authorities (TÜV), confirms that the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for what is now the fourth-generation C-Class have been reduced by 15 percent.
By way of example, the experts who performed the lifecycle assessment calculated that the total energy requirement of the new C-Class is 125 gigajoules lower than that of the previous model, equivalent to around 3800 litres of fuel. Since the year 2000, the carbon dioxide emissions have fallen by nine tonnes (15 percent) per vehicle.
The reduction in exhaust-gas emissions is equally impressive: compared to the previous model produced in the year 2000, the sophisticated technology at the heart of the new C-Class cuts nitrogen oxide emissions by around 20 percent and hydrocarbons by twelve percent, according to the lifecycle assessment. Mean-while, particulate emissions from the diesel models have fallen by over 90 percent thanks to the fitting of a maintenance-free particulate filter as standard.
The new C-Class is the only car in the world in this market segment to have been awarded the Environment Certificate, thus underlining the Saloon's environmentally compatible product development.
bluetec


Canmec offers design services in the manufacturing of mechanical components and equipment as well as in industrial construction. Over the years, it has acquired extensive experience in this field, putting the creativity of its engineers to work for you.
Canmec specializes in the manufacturing of welded products part of both small and large-scale projects. It has the necessary experience, qualifications and equipment to cut, mould, machine, weld and assemble products in order to deliver any manufacturing project according to your plans and specifications. Canmec has three mechanical welding workshops at its disposal.
Canmec offers mechanical installation services for all types of projects. The overall cost of a project, regardless of its level of complexity, is minimized by combining our installation services with the manufacturing services carried out in our mechanical welding workshops. This helps significantly lighten the client's management obligations.
Canmec carries out all types of repair and maintenance contracts. Whether they are performed in the workshop or directly on site at the client's facilities, our team can be on the job quickly and provide professional and efficient service.
Canmec takes pride in its great operational capacity and integrated, wide-ranging experience to guarantee reliability.
Canmec views occupational health and safety as a fundamental commitment. Canmec focuses on the continuous improvement of management strategies, procedures and work methods to offer a safe work environment. The adoption of this health and safety culture has one objective: to reach the "zero injury" mark.


text:
Q: Creating specific view for specific retrieval of data in chouchbase One of my teammates and I had a conversation about creating views in couchbase for retrieving data.
So my suggestion was to create views for specific retrieval of data this way it would be much faster and straight forward. For instance, we have two different admin:

*

*admin for specific group

*super admin
Admin retrieve data from their specific group and super admin gets data from all of the groups.
It would make sense to just limit admin for group to get those data that belongs to them rather than get all data then process them in the back-end and compare which ones are belong to a group.
For instance:
Create couchbase view that accept group id and query all of its data
On the other hand, she only create views if there are complicated stuff like computation and creating more views might be hard to maintain.
Because currently we only use one view that gets all of the data and once we have them we process them by getting specific data for the a particular group in the back-end using LINQ.
Document Structure:
{
   "fooReference": "",
   "groupId": 8,
   "fooName": "projectTest",
   "externalId": "PR572",
   "fooDescription": "OG QGpCst vXAuu",
   "property5": {
       "property1": "124",
       "code": "US",
       "value": 267206,
       "start": "2014-10-01T00:00:00Z",
       "end": "2017-09-30T00:00:00Z"
   },
   "property6": [
       "string1",
       "string2",
       "string14"
   ],
   "property7": [
   ],
   "property8": [
   ],
   "dateAdded": "2016-02-11T07:22:15.2483042Z",
   "ownerId": 72,
   "dateUpdated": "2016-02-11T07:22:15.2483042Z",
   "property9": [
       {
           "id": 72,
           "type": 0
       }
   ],
   "property10": false,
   "id": "345",
   "deleted": false,
   "type": "Foo",
   "subtype": "Foo"
}

Get All Query:
function (doc, meta) {
  if (doc.type == "Foo" && !doc.deleted) {
    emit(meta.id, null);
  }
}

This is the sample query I want to suggest:
If I want it to get by groupId, just pass the groupId in the emit
function(doc, meta) {
     if (doc.type == "Foo" && !doc.deleted) {
         emit(doc.groupId, doc);
     }
 }

If I want to get externalId I just have to pass the externalId to the emit
function(doc, meta) {
         if (doc.type == "Foo" && !doc.deleted) {
             emit(doc.externalId, doc);
         }
     }

This way we have different queries with different roles of getting documents, and we don't have to just get all of the document by its id and process them in the back-end using LINQ.
Example in process them in the backend:
Getting the groupId:
var foos = _fooRepository.GetAll();
foos = foos.Where(s => s.GroupId == group.Id).ToList();

Getting the externalId:
var foos = _fooRepository.GetAll();
foos = foos.Where(s => s.externalId == foo.externalId).ToList();

Note: Somehow performance is somewhat important to us specially when rendering pages that retrieve data for the users.
So my question is what is the best approach to this kind of scenario?

A: I haven't tested your proposal on a live system, but using a view for each of your query types looks like the textbook solution for the requirements you have. If you need queries to access your data via different criteria, define a view for each set of criteria.
Performance considerations:
Space: Your views will each generate an index containing, for each selected document, the emitted value and the document id. This should be no problem at all compared with your overall data volume. The only exception for this that I can image would be extremely limited hardware resources, e.g. if your app runs on an embedded hardware in a car where each cent counts.
Runtime: The total sum of operations on your database depends on the number of inserts and updates that change your index plus the number of queries on your data together with the count of records retrieved by each query. Now, if the count of relevant insert/update operations would exceed the count of queries, the index might increase the total count of operations. In most database applications, however, there are much more queries than modifying operations, so each operation to keep your index up-to-date will be more than compensated by the reduced effort to select the data you need. If still in doubt, you might make a rough estimation of the count of insert, update, and query operations pertaining your views.
From another perspective, if you have the requirement to select data according to some criteria, there are two ways to achieve this: In the database, using a view, or in your application. Doing it in your application comes with two performance issues: More data have to be transferred from your database to your application, and your application will need to include a selection algorithm that, most probably, won't be faster than the one provided by the database.
To sum up, unless your insert/update operations dramatically exceed your queries, defining views for your different ways to access your data are the way to go.


text:
Tag Archives: Pensions
Strong words from the SEC on Public Sector Pensions
As state and local governments begin to pull back the curtain on the true value of their pension liabilities with the implementation of GASB 68, Daniel Gallagher, Commissioner of the SEC issued an important statement last week, noting in plain terms that how governments measure their liabilities would have serious repercussions in the private sector. Here's part of the remarks worth considering:
…for years, state and local governments have used lax governmental accounting standards to hide the yawning chasm in their balance sheets…
The riskiness of a pension obligation depends on state law.[32] If pension obligations have the same preference as general obligation debt, then the municipality's own municipal bond yield (generally around 5%) would be the proper discount rate.[33] Or, if as we've seen from Detroit, pensions will be saved before all else, then we should use a default-free measure to discount the liability: specifically, the Treasury zero-coupon yield curve.[34] This would result in a discount rate in the low 3% range.
Obviously, the higher the discount rate, the lower the present value of the liability. The difference between a discount rate in the range of seven percent and one in the range of three percent is in large part responsible for the hidden $3 trillion in unfunded liabilities that are currently going unreported.
This lack of transparency can amount to a fraud on municipal bond investors, and it does a disservice to state and local government workers and retirees by saving elected officials from making the hard choices either to fully fund the pension promises that were made to public employees,[35] or not to make the promises in the first place.
In the private sector, the SEC would quickly bring fraud charges against any corporate issuer and its officers for playing such numbers games. And, we would also pursue and punish the so-called fiduciaries who recklessly seek yield to meet unrealistic accounting assumptions. We should not treat municipalities any differently."
GASB 68 asks that sponsors use a high- yield, tax exempt 20-year municipal GO bond only on the unfunded portion of the liability. This will reveal bigger funding gaps in public sector pension plans. But it does not reveal the full value of the liability since it allows sponsors to continue using the higher discount rates on the funded portion of the liability.
In addition to using the new GASB standards, Commissioner Gallagher advises that governments should also disclose their pension liabilities on a risk-free basis. This would have the effect of showing the value of these promises on a 'guaranteed-to-be-paid' basis. Commissioner Gallagher's suggestions are extremely sensible and a call to basic transparency in public sector liability reporting.
Ignoring the value of pension benefits is not going to make them cheaper to fund, and the longer a state waits to accurately measure the liabilities and payments, the worse it gets. Just ask New Jersey – which is struggling to balance its budget and meet a fraction of a fraction of the required annual pension contribution to its state pension system. The situation is so dire that it could trigger yet another downgrade for the Garden State.
This entry was posted in Balanced Budget, Debt, Pensions, Public Choice, Public Discourse, Tax and Budget and tagged budget, Commissioner Gallagher, Daniel Gallagher, David Gallagher, Garden State, GASB, GO, Jersey, local governments, make, New Jersey, pension, pension plans, Pensions, percent, Public, SEC, standards, tax on June 3, 2014 by Eileen Norcross.
Municipal pension news: Baltimore to offer DC plan
Earlier this month, Baltimore's city council approved a measure to give the city's workers a choice between a defined contribution or defined benefit plan plan. According to Pensions and Investments, new hires will contribute 5 percent of their salary to whichever plan they choose, a significant increase from the 1 percent that workers were required to begin contributing to the city's pension system last year. (Previously, workers had not contributed to their pension). As the article notes, the choice between a DB and a DC plan is a compromise. Mayor Rawlings-Blake preferred to move all newly hired employees to a DC plan, but this was not agreed upon by unions. In total, Baltimore two pension systems have an unfunded liability of $1.4 billion on a GASB-basis.
Baltimore's proposed reforms are a bit stronger than the plan currently considered by Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel, which is largely focused on filling in very daunting funding gaps in the city's multiple plans. The Wall Street Journal reports that the mayor's plan to raise property taxes by $250 million represents an increase of about $50 a year for the owner of a $250,000 home. And, it's not enough to cover the gap. The state will demand an additional $600 million in annual payments for the city's police and fire funds by 2016. In addition, Mayor Emanuel proposes benefit cuts, such as increased employee contributions and reduced COLAs. But structural reforms aren't being pushed too strongly, instead, the focus in Chicago appears to be a search for more revenues. Consider a proposal floated by The Chicago Teachers Union. They would like to see a per-transaction tax levied on futures, options, and stock trades processed on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and Chicago Board Options Exchange. Both the CME and Mayor Emanuel oppose the idea recognizing that it will simply drive the financial industry out of town.
This entry was posted in City Life, Pensions and tagged Chicago Board Options Exchange, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Chicago Teachers Union, CME, DB, GASB, Mayor Emanuel, Mayor Rawlings Blake, pension, Pensions, percent, Rahm Emanuel, tax, unions, Wall Street, wall street journal on May 12, 2014 by Eileen Norcross.
Governors' Priorities in 2013: Medicaid Funding, Pension Reform
As the month of March draws to a close, most governors have, by this point, taken to the podiums of their respective states and outlined their priorities for the next legislative year in their State of the State addresses. Mike Maciag at Governing magazine painstakingly reviewed the transcripts of all 49 State of the State addresses delivered so far (Louisiana, for some reason, takes a leisurely approach to this tradition) and tallied the most popular initiatives in a helpful summary. While there were some small state trends in addressing hot-button social issues like climate change (7 governors), gay rights (7 governors), and marijuana decriminalization (2 states), the biggest areas of overlap from state governors concerned Medicaid spending and state pension obligations.
Medicaid Spending
Judging from their addresses, the most common concern facing governors this year is the expansion of state Medicaid financing prompted by the Supreme Court's ruling on the Affordable Care Act last year. While the ACA originally required states to raise their eligibility standards to cover everyone below 138 percent of the federal poverty level, the Supreme Court overturned this requirement and left up to the states whether or not they wanted to participate in the expansion in exchange for federal funding or politely decline to partake. The governors of a whopping 30 states referenced the Medicaid issue at least once during their speech. Some of the governors, like Gov. Phil Bryant of Mississippi, brought up the issue to explain why they made the decision to become one of the 14 states that decided not to participate in the expansion. Others took to defending their decision to participate in the expansion, like Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, who outlined how his state's participation would benefit fellow Buckeyes suffering from mental illness and addiction.
Neither the considerable amount of concern nor the markedly divergent positions of the governors are especially shocking. A recent Mercatus Research paper conducted by senior fellow Charles Blahous addresses the nebulous options facing state governments in their decision on whether to participate in the expansion. This decision is not one to make lightly: in 2011, state Medicaid spending accounted for almost 24 percent of all state budget expenditures and these costs are expected to rise by upwards of 150 percent in the next decade. The answer to whether a given state should opt in or opt out of the expansion is not a straightforward one and depends on the unique financial situations of each state. Participating in the Medicaid expansion may indeed make sense for Ohioans while at the same time being a terrible deal for Mississippi. However, what is optimal for an individual state may not be good for the country as a whole. Ohio's decision to participate in the expansion may end up hurting residents of Mississippi and other states who forgo participating in the expansion because of the unintended effects of cost shifting among the federal and state governments. It is very difficult to project exactly who will be the winners or losers in the Medicaid expansion at this point in time, but is very likely that states will fall into one of either category.
Another pressing concern for state governors is the health (or lack thereof) of their state pension systems. The governors of 20 states, including the man who brought us "Squeezy the Pension Python" himself, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, tackled the issue during their State of the State addresses. Among these states are a few to which Eileen has given testimony on this very issue within the past year.
In Montana, for instance, Gov. Steve Bullock promised a "detailed plan that will shore up [his state's] retirement systems and do so without raising taxes." While I was unable to find this plan on the governor's website, two dueling reform proposals–one to amend the current defined benefit system, another to replace it with a defined contribution system–are currently duking it out in the Montana state legislature. While it is unclear which of the two proposals will make it onto the law books, let's hope that the Montana Joint Select Committee on Pensions heeds Eileen's suggestions from her testimony to them last month, and only makes changes to their pension system that are "based on an accurate accounting of the value of the benefits due to employees."
This entry was posted in Economic Policy and tagged ACA, Affordable Care Act, budget, Charles Blahous, charter schools, education, Illinois, Illinois Gov, Louisiana, make, Medicaid, Medicaid Spending, Medicaid Spending Judging, Mercatus Research, Mike Maciag, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, Pat Quinn, pension, Pensions, percent, Phil Bryant, reform, retirement, state budget, state government, state governments, Steve Bullock, Supreme Court, Tom Corbett on March 20, 2013 by Andrea Castillo.
Generational Unfairness in Pensions
California Governor Jerry Brown has led an effort to pass some changes to current state employee pension benefits that will affect new employees by raising their retirement age, capping their potential benefits, and requiring both new employees and some current workers to pay at least half of the cost of their pensions.
At Public Sector, Inc. Steve Greenhut explain that the savings from these changes won't be felt for years to come:
It's clear the reform would do little to touch current unfunded pension liabilities, estimated in California at as much as a half-trillion dollars, but will bring in reforms in decades after new hires start retiring.
The changes are projected to save state taxpayers between $40 billion and $60 billion. With these changes, California's pension fund will still be underfunded by about $450 billion, calculated using the risk-free discount rate (pdf). If policymakers refuse to make further changes to the system, this remaining debt will require greater sacrifices from new workers and future taxpayers.
This unfunded liability represents generational unfairness. Today's taxpayers are paying for current retirees who provided state services in the past. Likewise, the new reforms require sacrifices primarily from new workers. They will be receiving fewer benefits while paying into a system that benefits current workers and retirees.
States have unfunded pension liabilities due to management mistakes of the past. However, the costs of these mistakes are being felt today. Going forward policymakers should see the pain they impose on younger workers and make every effort not to repeat this pattern.
The longer that reforms are delayed, the greater inter-generational inequity grows. While California has the largest unfunded pension liability, it is not alone. Because Illinois has failed to take significant actions to address the state's debt and pension liabilities, S&P downgraded its bond rating to A-plus with a negative outlook. This makes it S&P's second-lowest-rated state above only California. Moody's ranks Illinois' bonds the lowest of all states. These ratings will be accompanied by higher bond yields on Illinois' debt for future taxpayers. This will saddle them with more of their tax dollars going to debt service rather than current state services.
Policymakers have every incentive to engage in policies that benefit current voters at the expense of future voters because they want to receive credit for providing services that exceed their cost in the present. The only way to correct this tendency is for voters to demand that lawmakers do not force the cost of current programs onto those who do not have a voice in today's elections.
This entry was posted in Debt, Pensions, Public Choice, Public Finance and tagged California, Illinois, make, pension, Pensions, policymakers, reform, retirement, Steve Greenhut, tax on August 30, 2012 by Emily Washington.
Pensions in Paradise
NPR's Caitlin Kenney reports:
Ruth Tighe is [a] former employee of the commonwealth's energy office. She says the law that allowed her to retire with so little government service should never have been passed.
She's referring to the pension plan of the Northern Mariana Islands. The small U.S. Commonwealth was once known for having the most-generous government pension plan in the country. You could work for the government for just 3 years and then retire with a pension at age 62.
When hard times hit in 2006 and 2007, the government stopped paying into the fund. Now the fund is trying to declare bankruptcy. Since states and territories are not allowed to declare bankruptcy, the legal question turns on whether the pension and the Commonwealth are one and the same or whether the pension can be considered a separate entity.
Pension managers on the mainland are closely following the case. So should pensioners. As Ms. Tighe's story indicates, unsustainable promises benefit no one, least of all those who come to depend on them.
This entry was posted in Pensions and tagged Caitlin Kenney, Northern Mariana Islands, pension, Pensions, Ruth Tighe on May 24, 2012 by Matt Mitchell.
New Jersey's Drop-Dead Date on Pensions
Actuary John Bury has produced a new analysis of when New Jersey's pension systems are slated to run dry. He estimates a drop-dead date of 2022. You can read how he arrived at the projection at his new blog: BuryPensions.
This entry was posted in State Policy and tagged New Jersey, Pensions on November 10, 2010 by Eileen Norcross.
Bill Gates Gets It
In the Wall Street Journal, John Fund reports on the Aspen Ideas Festival, a large gathering of innovators and creative policy thinkers. Discussing education reform, he points out that Bill Gates seems to agree with Eileen and Veronique on the problems of fiscal illusion.
Mr. Gates said a big part of the problem [with education spending] is "fraudulent" state budgeting systems, which fail accurately to account for the cost of pension promises. A legislator who "says 'yes' doesn't feel any pain at all," he said. Thus the "accounting fraud" that lets politicians treat generous teacher pensions as a free lunch rewards them for spending more on retired teachers than on current students.
As Eileen and co-author Andrew Biggs put it:
Given the costs and risks inherent in the defined benefit plan to taxpayers, as well as the political incentives for legislators to over promise benefits to public sector workers while shirking on the state's contributions, the state should close the current defined benefit plan to new workers and expand the existing defined contribution plans for all new state and local workers. Shifting employees to a defined contribution plan would ensure that New Jersey's pension system for its public sector workforce is sustainable in the long term and reward younger workers with a guaranteed employer contribution to their individual retirement.
As Mr. Gates is well aware, this problem isn't some Sopranos-state anomaly, it's common practice at all levels of American governance. If we want to move forward on fixing our institutions, we have to get an accurate picture of how badly they're being mismanaged, and eliminate those harmful practices. Students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers are all in this together.
This entry was posted in Pensions and tagged Andrew Biggs, Aspen Ideas Festival, Bill Gates, John Fund, New Jersey, pension, Pensions, public sector workers, reform, retirement, spending, wall street journal on July 15, 2010 by Aaron Merrill.


Great value Cabernet from Argentina! This is a well-regarded Malbec producer who also does a nice job with Cab at a bargain price.
Interestingly, this is the first wine I opened in the new year- and shortly after my friend declared 2009 "the year of frugality". I paid $8 for the wine- how appropriate! Raise a glass!
The 2006 I reviewed was equally surprising and an equally good value. Raise a glass!
Raise a glass to the WCB's fourth anniversary!


Libra constellation necklace by Thatch Jewelry. The Libra constellation necklace is available in silver and gold vermeil with a 1.5mm diamond in a gypsy setting, 18″ on a 14k gold fill chain.
Libra– under the tropical zodiac, the sun transits this area on average between September 23 and October 23.


After visiting the AA International Flagship Lounge I made my way over to my gate.
I recently took a Round-The-World trip to a dozen countries on 5 continents after graduation. If you haven't read my post highlighting my trip take a look here. My first international flight of the trip was Cathay Pacific First Class New York JFK to Hong Kong. The retail cost for this flight was over $18,000!!!!!!
Sure it's not as much as Casey Neistat's $21,000 flight in Emirates First Class, but besides the shower I think Cathay Pacific is better than Emirates in many ways. I'm not doing a comparison so I will just continue on into my review.
Currently the cheapest way to fly Cathay Pacific First/Business Class is using Alaska Airlines Miles. Planning my trip I knew I needed a ticket to the get me near the Middle East to visit my friends in Jordan and Palestine so I decided to fly Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong to Dubai, stay a couple days, then fly Royal Jordanian to Amman on a separate ticket.
Alaska charges 50,000 miles for business and 70,000 for first class to Asia. In order to fly to the Middle East with Cathay Pacific Alaska charges 62,500 miles for business, and 70,000 miles for first class (the same price to Asia). The only caveat is Cathay Pacific doesn't fly a first class product between Hong Kong and Dubai which is fine. That just means my flight from the US to Hong Kong is in first class, and the Hong Kong to Dubai flight is in business. Personally the 7,500 point premium is worth it to me for a segment in first class with access to all the lounges.
If I was just flying to Asia I might be more tempted to fly business versus first class since the difference is bigger.
In order to get enough miles to redeem I personally signed up for multiple Alaska Airlines Credit cards from Bank of America. The card has a $75 annual fee that is not waived the first year. I think they are personally super easy to get accepted for and you can have multiples cards at once. I recommend waiting 2-3 months between each application.
During the Alaska and Virgin merger I was also credited 10k miles unexpectedly, which was pretty awesome since according to my 70,000 mile redemption value, is worth almost $2,600!
Boarding began at 9:30am. I swear only asian carriers can load a B777 or A380 in half an hour. American carriers start 45mins-1 hour before.
I took my seat in 2A which is the more secluded side.
There was only 1 other first class passenger with me and he was seated on the other side so I did not interact with him the whole flight. Assuming there was a full cabin I would have only interacted with the seat in front of me.
But since there wasn't I had both to myself. 2A as my seat, and 1A as my lie-flat bed! Since there was also just one passenger that meant we each had our own bathrooms!
The Cabin looked really open since there are not overhead storage bins. I love the small touches Cathay puts into their cabin!
As I took my seat May, the senior purser, introduced herself, handed me a hot towel, and asked if she can get me a pre-departure beverage. I of course asked for a glass of Krug which Cathay gladly serves on the ground despite having to pay more expensive taxes than opening it in the air.
May quickly brought a glass of Krug along with a tray of hot nuts. May asked me if I'd like to take some photos of the bottle and gladly posed the Krug bottle so I can take a picture.
It has been less than 10 minutes in the cabin and I can tell this is an amazing crew. I told them it's my first time in first class and they made it an experience for me. They were happy to take photos for me as well.
I went to the bathroom to change into my pajamas before we pushed back. Cathay does offer free pajamas, but I am too large so I brought my own.
When I came back to my seat May had left me a amenity kit and plugged in the bose headphones for my convenience.
The amenity kit was rather small, but included everything one would need during a flight.
Eventually we pushed back right on time at 10am so I took some photos of the extensive menu on this 16 hour flight.
Soon after liftoff May came and asked me if I'd like anything else to drink and I requested a Sprite.
Purser Wallace came over to go over the menu and take my order. He referred to the "Maine Lobster" as "Marine Lobster" and I thought that was super cute.
The selection was massive and Cathay Pacific remains one of the top 5 IFEs in the sky.
Within the first 45 minutes the meal service started italian caviar followed by soup & salad along with a bread basket. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND GETTING THE GARLIC BREAD!
For the main I choose the beef fillet which was very tender and had a good sauce. It was followed by a cheese platter for dessert and then a box of chocolates.
Meal service took about 1.5 hours and at this time we were over Canada flying to the arctic.
The cabin lights were dimmed and the flight attendents got my bed ready in the seat infront of me. I cannot stress this enough. Not only is this seat already massive, but I have 2 to myself. One a bed and the other as a seat. The duvet, topper, and both pillows are the best in the sky. It was so easy to fall asleep.
A third into the flight I ordered from the on-demand menu. I choose pork potstickers and chocolate ice cream with a cathay delight to drink.
At this time I went to the bathroom. I want to emphasize again how awesome it is to have a large bathroom to yourself on a 16 hour flight.
I watched another movie and ordered a cheeseburger off the on-demand menu.
About 1-2 hours before landing the last meal service was started with a bread basket and a side of fruit followed by chicken and a Chocolate Blueberry cake.
30 minutes later we started to descend into HKG with beautiful views.
IT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!!! Way better than what I could ever expect. This first class flight spoiled me in so many ways. I can't go back to economy after this!? No no no...I'm too bougie for that.
In all seriousness though from the hard product (seat, bathroom, & IFE) to the soft product (service of flight attendants & food) I can understand why once people take their first flight in the front they don't want to go to the back. Unfortunately it's not always the reality for me, but I will do my best to make it possible either with deals or points/miles.
Cathay Pacific thank you for the best flight I have ever had. I can't wait to try you out again!
What did you think or the flight and my review? Do you want to fly Cathay First? Comment below!


text:
Today.Az » Sports » Azerbaijani para judokas shine at IBSA Judo World Championships
The Azerbaijani para judo team has secured a gold medal at 2022 IBSA Judo World Championships, Azernews reports.
At the same time, Namig Abbasli (73kg) won a bronze medal for Azerbaijan.
Earlier, Xanim Huseynova (70 kg) defeated a Japanese para judoka and finished the championship third.
Two-time Paralympic champion Ilham Zakiyev (over 90 kg) also finished the championship among the prize winners with a silver medal.
Shahana Hajiyeva (48 kg) and Namig Abbasli (73 kg) secured bronze medals for the national team.
Azerbaijani para judokas beat their opponent with a score of 4:2.
The 2022 IBSA Judo World Championships was held in Baku on November 8-10.
The competition brought together 250 para judokas from 41 countries.
The championships featured individual and team events.


Contact Sheffield Kitchen Centre to discuss your needs.
Why choose Sheffield Kitchen Centre ? You want choice, value and time spent on quality designs. You want to deal with a company you can trust..
We know that having work done in the home can be a trying time, but it shouldn't be. Here, we provide clarity around the whole process.


Also: Surviving Mars, Vampyr, our round up of the best prebuilt PCs and more!
This month, Tom marches on the Creative Assembly offices for an audience with Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia's creators. Which of the game's kings, who look resplendent on this week's cover, is the kingliest? Dive in to find out.
Elsewhere, Fraser Brown travels to Larian Studios to delve into the makings of Divinity: Original Sin 2, our 2017 game of the year, and find out about the history of the studio. Philippa sits down with Firewatch developer Campo Santo's co-founders to talk about their next game, In The Valley of Gods, while Phil Iwaniuk explains why crypto mining has doubled GPU prices.
Previews this month include Surviving Mars, Vampyr, and The Gardens Between, while we review Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Age of Empires: Definitive Edition, Rust, Subnautica and many more. Plus, keep an eye out for our group test of the best prebuilt PCs on the market.
The issue also comes with two free gifts worth £14 combined: an exclusive skin for Battalion 1944 and an adventurer's starter pack for MMORPG Neverwinter.
Tom goes hands-on with Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia.
Fraser Brown visits Larian Studios to learn about the making of Divinity: Original Sin 2.
Andy reviews Kingdom Come: Deliverance, and previews Surviving Mars.
We rate the best prebuilt PCs on the market.
Phil Iwaniuk delves into the details of the graphics cards price explosion.
Philippa talks to the Firewatch developers about their next game, In the Valley of Gods.
We review Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, Civilization VI: Rise and Fall, Lost Sphear, and more.
Read our guide to taking the perfect screenshot.


text:
FAVORITES +1
HI, {{userWelcomeMessage}}
VARIETY ACTS
Peoria comedians
Whether you're a fan of Jerry Seinfeld-style comedy or more of a Louis C.K. lover, we've got the right Comedian for your event. With GigMasters, you can search out of those in the Peoria County, IL area, choose your favorite, and request them right away!
Comedians /
Illinois /
Peoria County, IL Comedians
Please note these Comedians will also travel to Bellevue, Peoria Heights, Creve Coeur, East Peoria, Edwards, Mossville, Hanna City, Dunlap, Washington, Mapleton, Groveland, Pekin, Metamora, Brimfield, Glasford, Morton, Rome, Kingston Mine, Kingston Mines, Trivoli, Princeville, Chillicothe, South Pekin, Elmwood, Edelstein, Tremont, Deer Creek, Cazenovia, Lowpoint, Canton
Are you a comedian looking to book more events? Get more comedian events today.
Top Comedians Near Peoria County, IL
(321)({{searchCtrl.fullFilteredResults.length}}) REFINE
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
Browse through a variety of vendors in your area. See photos, videos and verified reviews from real clients.
REQUEST THE BEST
Select your favorites and share some details about the event. We'll send out your request to get the ball rolling.
COMPARE YOUR QUOTES
Review customized quotes and evaluate your options. Then talk with the vendors right here on GigMasters.
Choose who best fits your event and book with us to receive the money-back GigMasters Guarantee.
Jeremy Nunes: Our Best Comedian 4 Straight Years!
Verified Bookings
Booked 37 Days Ago!
Comedian from Springfield, IL (61 miles from Peoria County, IL)
Jeremy has a our highest rating, 5 stars, based on feedback from clients like you! We also granted him our "Best Comedian" award in 2015, 2016, and 2017! This clean comedian has appeared in "The Layover", "The Break-Up", "Last Comic Standing", "Final Witness," 2 PBS mini-series, Comcast on Demand, a National Geographic Special, and heard on ESPN Radio and Sirius XM Satellite Radio. He got his start by winning $200 in a local comedy competition. Soon after, the 6'6" comedian left the... (more)
Wayne Hill Sr.
Comedian from East Moline, IL (67 miles from Peoria County, IL)
Rev. Wayne Hill Sr. has demonstrated a talent for making people of all walks of life laugh under all circumstances. Yes! He was the class clown and on a first name basis with his Junior High School Administrators! His 2007 NBC's Last Comic Standing audition footage was televised during the final episode of the show. His 2008 audition was rated A by the reviewer. As a police officer he frequently used his humor to defuse tense situations. He has even had people he was issuing a ticket... (more)
BRETT WALKOW - Comedian & Auctioneer
Comedian from Chicago, IL (132 miles from Peoria County, IL)
*Winner Best of Gigmasters 2016, 2017, & 2018!* *Winner Midwest Is The Best Comedian 2018!* COMEDIAN: If it's on The Tonight Show, overseas for our troops, a party for 50, or a stadium of 5000, Brett has entertained worldwide for 25 years. He's worked with Jimmy Fallon, Melissa McCarthy, Seinfeld, & his appearances include: The Golden Globes, ABC, HBO, CBS, FOX, MTV, Comedy Central, Lollapalooza, Just for Laughs, Celebrity Cruises, & 7 million YouTube views! He has a hilarious high energy... (more)
STEVE MITTLEMAN ~ Blue-Chip Entertainment
BEST COMEDIAN OF 2012 & 2013. Over 120 EVENTS on Gigmasters nationwide! Happy clients of all kinds. Won The Big Laff-Off on SHOWTIME! On The Tonight Show with Carson & Leno. On Letterman, HBO, COMEDY CENTRAL. Headlines: Corporate events, family parties and more. Can also mc, keynote, customize a message and auctioneer. Worked With: Leno, Seinfeld, Ray Romano... Seinfeld: 'Mittleman is always funny!' Steve Martin: He's funny!' Appears at many local casinos, country clubs and... (more)
Clean Comedian from Chicago, IL (131 miles from Peoria County, IL)
I've been fortunate to find myself performing at corporate shows, colleges & universities, comedy clubs, festivals and benefit shows across the country. One of the accomplishments in my comedy that I am most proud of is being selected as a back-to-back finalist for the Great American Comedy Festival in Norfolk, NE. That festival is run in the hometown of Johnny Carson and is a clean comedy festival. Remind me later to tell you about the times I worked with SNL alums Chris Kattan and Tim... (more)
The Comedy Machine-Voted #1 Entertainment Group
The COMEDY MACHINE is an ENTERTAINMENT GROUP established in 2004. We have A-list talent we can bring to your event. The ADVANTAGE THAT WE HAVE over the REST is that we have a large ROSTER of comedians, magicians, and all sorts of entertainers that we can dial in to fit your needs. We probably have top rated talent in your immediate area. OUR TRACK record speaks for itself. MOST of our talent has been on network television or done cable specials. We have phenomenal artists all across the... (more)
Just for Laughs Veteran: DERICK LENGWENUS
Clean Comedian from Park Ridge, IL (127 miles from Peoria County, IL)
DERICK LENGWENUS BIO Derick Lengwenus is an international headliner known for his bold and intelligent style. The Just For Laughs festival describes his act as, "…clever comedy with a quick left turn into absurdity." Derick's credits include: Winner of Best Comedy in the Montreal Fringe Festival, Winner of the Audience Choice Award at the International Eat My Shorts festival, runner up at both the San Francisco and Midwest Comedy Competition, and four appearances in the Just For Laughs... (more)
Comedian from Dubuque, IA (137 miles from Peoria County, IL)
Comedian from Florissant, MO (137 miles from Peoria County, IL)
Indulge your group with a performer! David Graham is a clean comedian who hits those hard-to-reach areas of the comedic nervous system. From family discipline to a spell-binding Temptaions review with David doing all four-parts harmony acapella, it is the very definition of a "show". "I make a living from doing the thing I used to get beatings for." With appearances on "Comedy Central", NBC's "Last Comic Standing", cruise ships, and touring in 41 states, this 19 year stage... (more)
Don Tersigni
The can't miss NUMBER ONE MOST BOOKED CHICAGO COMEDIAN on Gigmasters. By hiring Don Tersigni, you get hassle free, top rate, non-offensive, crowd pleasing, 5 star humorous entertainment by one of America's Premier Comedy Impressionists!! Side splitting clean stand-up comedy, dead on celebrity voice impressions (Stallone, Arnold, Clint, Homer Simpson, etc) Vegas style song impersonations of Elvis, Dean Martin, Johnny Cash, Louie Armstrong among others. More than just a stand-up comic, he's a... (more)
Rick March
Comedian from Highland Park, IL (138 miles from Peoria County, IL)
Rick March was born and raised in Chicago he has been slinging barbs and wisecracks since he was born. His first words were to the doctor in the delivery room, 'Go bleep yourself, its cold out here!' A steady diet of donuts and self-loathing combined with a passion for making people laugh, Cranky Ricky has been described as 'Don Rickles on Steroids'. He has performed at clubs and parties across the country and has contributed to MAD Magazine. The founder of Best Comedy Roasts and its... (more)
Daryl Moon
"Outstanding! We simply can not say enough positive things about Daryl Moon." "Do not pass on Daryl! He is a great comedian and will make your party a blast!" "I have been to a lot of comedy shows and no one has made me lose 5lbs from laughing and crying so much." Hilarious, experienced, and (mildly) good-looking, Daryl Moon is the comedian you've been looking for! Growing up as an Army brat, Daryl's been around the world - from humble beginnings in a trailer park in Wisconsin all the... (more)
Melissa Richelle
Stand Up Comedian from Chicago, IL (131 miles from Peoria County, IL)
Melissa is a Chicago based stand up comic whose sets deal with relationships, trying to find one, feminism, race, and her ridiculous life having lots of pets and guy friends, most of which she is trying to date. She can work completely clean if you need or slightly blue. Her sprinkled in vulgarity is just enough to let you know although she is very sweet, she is also hella fun. Unless requested otherwise her act is usually PG-13, can do PG and can do R. She has opened for Loni Love,... (more)
Angela Riccio Comedian ~Brava Entertainment
Angela Riccio combines her quick wit with years of experience as a stand-up comedienne to create a variety of entertainment options, customized to your specific needs. Whether you're looking for a comedy roast, a party mingler, stage comedy, or a parody speech to enliven a business seminar, Angela will provide an unforgettably funny experience for you and your guests. She is skilled at adapting her comedy to her clients' particular situations and scenarios. The result: riotous fun when her... (more)
Jay lives in Chicago, and works full-time as a stand-up comedian, while moonlighting as a Financial Advisor. His dream is to work 9-5 at offices everywhere. He's worked with such comics as Billy Gardell, Andy Kindler, and Greg Giraldo over his 12 year career. He's also entertained various divisions of the Army, Marines, Navy, and Air National Guard. (more)
Steve Barcellona Comedy and Magic
Comedian from Saint Louis, MO (147 miles from Peoria County, IL)
Fun, Interactive Entertainment That Will Make Your Event Hilarious and Amazing!! Steve Barcellona puts clean comedy and magic, on the menu of corporate events nationwide. His interactive, high-energy style puts the exclamation point on all types of events. It's a clean, PG-13 comedy club style act. Much like what you'd see in a Las Vegas showroom or on board a luxury cruise ship! It is the kind of thing that will have everyone laughing together and talking about your event and... (more)
Improv Unlimited - Clean Corporate Comedy & Shows
Comedy Group from Chicago, IL (131 miles from Peoria County, IL)
Improv Unlimited is a professional comedy theatre organization based in Chicago. We are veterans of Chicago's, LA's and New York's improv and sketch theatre scene, dozens of films, television shows and national commercials. Our shows offer a variety of Improv, stand-up, and comedy musicians to find the perfect fit for your event and audience. Our Corporate Entertainment Packages Include: - Customized Shows highlighting your company or services. - Fill out a questionnaire before your... (more)
Rik Roberts :: Clean Comedy & Creative Keynotes!
Your group will love Rik's "easy to relate to" upbeat comedy. 100% funny with a money back guarantee. With 20 years experience, you can rest assured you and your event are in good hands. Rik can offer you multiple choices for your event including Stand-Up Comedy, a Creative Keynote Speech or an appearance as Barney Fife! Want to really stack the deck? He can provide all three or any combination of the programs to make your event a huge success. His stand-up routines were featured on... (more)
Corporate Comedian Magician... Mark Robinson
Clean Comedian from Saint Louis, MO (150 miles from Peoria County, IL)
BEST DEMO VIDEO YOU WILL SEE. Mark Robinson is one of the hottest comedy acts in the country. You've seen him in comedy clubs, Las Vegas, TV commercials, and NBA halftimes. His audience participation show has garnered rave reviews. Check out the video and see why Mark is the GUARANTEED HIT of your next event! (more)
BEST VIDEO DEMO YOU WILL SEE. Mark Robinson is one of the hottest comedy acts in the country. You've seen him in comedy clubs, Las Vegas, TV commercials, and NBA halftimes. His audience participation show has garnered rave reviews. Check out the video and see why Mark is the GUARANTEED HIT of your next event! (more)
The Amazing Arthur Fratelli - Mentalist | Comedian
Verified Booking
Mentalist, Comedian, and Speaker Arthur Fratelli is only concerned with ONE thing. Making your guests leave saying, "WOW!" This is not just a show, this is a MIND-BLOWING EXPERIENCE. It's why Arthur has been hired by countless Fortune 500 companies. 3M, AMC, Chevrolet, Verizon, and countless others. Psychological planting, an uncanny ability to read micro-expressions and body language, hypnosis, skill, quick wit and YEARS of performing have laid the foundation for this mind-blowing... (more)
2019 Comic of the Year - ADAM GRABOWSKI
"The Funniest One!" - SIMON COWELL | "Seriously Funny!" - HOWIE MANDEL club, college, corporate, private..... Adam Grabowski is your best bet for quality, creative entertainment. ADAM GRABOWSKI COMEDY CREDENTIALS - America's Got Talent (standing ovation) - 2X APCA Comic of the Year - Headlined in 48 States - Performed at 600 colleges - 4-time Nationally Rated #1 College Comedian - Campus Activities Magazine: Best Comedy Artist 2013 & 2015 - Performed with Bob... (more)
Professional Misbehaver Rick Lewis St. Louis
PROFESSIONAL MISBEHAVER RICK LEWIS is a 50 year old man who rides a 12 foot high unicycle, is the World's Funniest Waiter, and is the author of the book, "7 RULES YOU WERE BORN TO BREAK". If you're looking for an absolutely unique way to bring a group of people together with clean wholesome laughter and fun, and to inspire them to excellence as individuals or as a group, Rick Lewis is exactly what you need. Here is what the CEO of the Denny's Restaurant chain said about Rick after his... (more)
Dave Dugan - Comedy to fit every audience
Comedian from Carmel, IN (191 miles from Peoria County, IL)
Seen on HBO, COMEDY CENTRAL, FOX and a Regular on the nationally-syndicated BOB AND TOM SHOW ( with nearly 250 appearances), Dave's original and *clean humor* and observations have made him a highly-sought after comedian ( and emcee). An award-winning writer, he takes the time to customize humor for each performance to best fit each audience, group or corporation. Described by event planners as " smart, wickedly funny, and quick – with impeccable timing," Dave is the recipient of... (more)
Scott Long:Gigmasters Best Comic 2014-15-16-17-18!
Comedian from Indianapolis, IN (195 miles from Peoria County, IL)
Our Best of Gigmasters comedian the past 5 years!! Indiana based Scott Long's CLEAN COMEDY consistently gets 5 star reviews from small events to Fortune 500 companies like GE, John Deere, and State Farm. His non-profanity, but hilarious show works for all ages, which is why Scott has been chosen to perform at the Wisconsin State Fair and the Bass Fishing Championships. Scott's newest material about how the Midwest is better than LA and NY is called Tales from the Cornstalk Ghetto. It's... (more)
Scott Long: Hilariously Clean!
Comedian from Des Moines, IA (217 miles from Peoria County, IL)
Our Best of Gigmasters comedian for 2014 and 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018....Scott's Hilarious CLEAN COMEDY has been seen on NBC, FOX-TV, ESPN, and the Bob and Tom Show! Scott Long consistently gets 5 star reviews from small events to Fortune 500 companies like GE, John Deere, and State Farm. His NON-PROFANITY, but funny show works with any group, which is why Scott was chosen to perform at all-age shows at State Fairs, many Cruise Ships and even the Bass Fishing Championships. His comedic message... (more)
Josh Alton
A versatile comic who is perfect for any type of party or corporate event!! Josh Alton is a rarity in the world of stand-up comedy: He's an athlete-turned-comedian. After playing his final collegiate football game, Alton hung up his cleats and shoulder pads for a microphone and a note pad and began doing stand up comedy. He moved from Des Moines, Iowa to Chicago where he studied improv at the famous Second City Theater and continued doing stand up. Eventually Alton became a regular... (more)
VENDORS 1 - of 321 {{searchCtrl.fullFilteredResults.length}}
YOUR EVERY EVENT MARKETPLACE
GIGMASTERS GUARANTEE
VISIT OUR SISTER SITE: The Bash
Copyright © 2019 GigMasters, Inc. All rights reserved.
Use of this site constitutes acceptance of the user agreement.


We provide customised demo skills training for you and your team that can be delivered: on-site, as on-demand remote elearning or in open class format.
Thank you for your interest in our Training.
We provide customised sales engineer demo skills training for you and your team that can be delivered: on-site, as on-demand remote elearning or in open class format.
Please enter your name and email address or call us on: 1-800-421-5824 to ask a question, speak with a trainer or to receive a custom training proposal.
Please enter your phone number and a message, in addition to your name and email, if you would like us to contact you.
This 2-day instructor-led Adaptive Adviser Demo Skills Training Workshop provides students with the knowledge and skills to conduct effective product demos.
This workshop focuses on identifying each student's strengths and weaknesses and providing them with new tools to give more effective product/service demonstrations.
This Demo Skills Training workshop is designed for Sales Engineers, subject matter experts, and Technical People that have the responsibility to conduct customer- facing or web-based product or service demonstrations.
Demo Skills Training Class pre-work prior to class.
Using PIE, you only cover what is important, keeping you customer engaged and leaving more time for great sales dialogs that lead to a sale. PIE also helps with customer engagement, especially with remote (Web) demos.
The first day will focus on learning the Adaptive Adviser Demo concepts and skills. Students will participate in several exercises to help master the material.
On day two, each student will perform two live demos and will receive feedback and coaching. The first demo is focused on showing a mastery of the core demo structure and skills. The second demo will incorporate the feedback and coaching and also include interaction and engagement components.


text:
Q: how to make object to play an animation where it needs to play in unity? I want to animate an object A so that, when it's certain distance from object, B it gets on top of B and does it's animation. I recorded key frames but animation is always played at initial location (where it was recorded originally) in other words I want animation to be depended on player's position not worlds position.

So how can I make a location depended animation?

Thanks!

A: create an empty parent object for the game object you wish to animate and move the parent instead then the object will animate relative to the parent


text:
Martin Grubinger, Lionel Bringuier / Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich
Dorman / Stravinsky
Tonhalle Zurich, 2016-09-14
2016-09-24 — Original posting
Martin Grubinger (source: Tonhalle-Gesellschaft; © Patrick Hürlimann)
The Artist in Residence
Avner Dorman: Frozen in Time (2007)
The Composition
I. Indoafrica
II. Eurasia
III. The Americas
Igor Stravinsky: Le Sacre du printemps (1913)
The Structure of the Ballet
This was the opening concert (the first of two opening concerts, actually) for the season 2016/17 at the Tonhalle Zurich, so, there were a few extras, which were presented by the artistic director of the Tonhalle Society, Ilona Schmiel:
This concert serves to present the Artist in Residence for the coming season. For this season, the selection for this position was a rather unusual one: not a violinist, a cellist, or a pianist, but the percussionist Martin Grubinger. Of course, that artist plays a central role in this opening concert, see below.
In some ways, this concert also gives an idea on the repertoire for the coming season. It was the explicit wish of Lionel Bringuier, Chief Conductor of the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, to focus his third season with the orchestra on the Ballets russes, in particular Igor Stravinsky's ballets, such as The Firebird (1910), Petrushka (1911), and The Rite of Spring (1913, see below).
This concert also starts the last season in the Tonhalle as we all know and like it: starting in summer 2017, the building will be renovated from the ground up, the orchestra will spend an approximate three years in exile,. starting with the season 2017/18.
Finally, this concert also represents a turning point in Lionel Bringuier's career, or more accurately, his term with the Tonhalle orchestra, as this summer the Tonhalle Society announced that Bringuier's 4-year contract (starting in summer 2014, ending 2018) will not be extended. This not only will make his work with the orchestra more difficult, but it also will put the Tonhalle Society into a difficult position: they will be facing a change in the position of chief conductor while the orchestra is in the exile.
It feels as if the main idea behind the opening concert was that of a "big bang": Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" created a major scandal when it was performed in Paris for the first time (see below). This filled the second part of the concert. 100 years after that premiere, the "Rite of Spring" has lost its "bite", it has long become part of the standard concert repertoire. However, the first part featured a composition from 2007, "Frozen in Time", by Avner Dorman, for percussion and a large orchestra (see below). By its sheer nature, this certainly led to a kind of "big bang"—though not by creating a scandal or by upsetting people, but through its enthralling rhythmic nature.
For a (rather conservative) subscription audience, Dorman's composition may sound experimental, while Stravinsky appears to provide a "safe bet" for success. Starting the program with the experimental part, and ending with the popular, known piece may sound logical and avoids people leaving the venue after the intermission. In my view, it didn't quite turn out as intended…
The Austrian percussionist Martin Grubinger (*1983) is one of the "shooting stars" among the young generation of (classical, solo) percussionists. He is pursuing a very successful, international career. Not only has he performed with prominent orchestras (from the States to the Far East) and conductors, he also had numerous compositions written for him specifically. "Frozen in Time" (2007, featured in this concert) is just the first one of these. Grubinger studied at the Bruckner Conservatory in Linz and at the Salzburg Mozarteum.
Avner Dorman (*1975) is an Israeli composer and conductor. He received his first education at Tel Aviv University, studying music (with Josef Bardanashvili, *1948), musicology, and physics. Later, he studied with John Corigliano (*1938) at Juilliard School and obtained a doctorate in composition. Dorman is currently teaching theory and composition at the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College. At the same time, he is pursuing active careers both as a composer and as a conductor. His music is performed and supported by numerous, prominent conductors and artists. In 2013, Dorman was appointed to be music director of CityMusic Cleveland chamber orchestra. More information on the composer is found on Wikipedia.
Dorman's composition "Frozen in Time", written for Martin Grubinger, premiered 2007 in Hamburg, with the Hamburg Philharmonic under the baton of Simone Young, with Grubinger playing the solo part. It is a composition in three movements, for percussion and big orchestra. The theme of the composition: looking back onto the history of planet earth, by taking three (alleged) "snapshots" from the evolution of the continents, on a geological time scale. So, "frozen" does not refer to frozen matter, but to those three snapshots from the past (and the present time, as we will see). The titles of the movements refer to developing continents, in the first two parts states of continents long before the world looked as we know it now:
Indoafrica — this refers to a primordial continent, which later split up, and out of which later Africa and the Indian subcontinent evolved.
Eurasia — closer to the present: Europe and Asia at an early state
The Americas — a view onto the present state of the Americas.
The work, the concert, and hereby the season, starts with a big, loud splash by the soloist—the "big bang" that I was alluding to above. After this opening, the music temporarily retracts into retained rhythms. But this doesn't last long: soon, Grubinger develops a polyrhythmic firework. Eruptions periodically alternate with sections with soft, almost just hinted sounds from metallophones. In the eruptions, Martin Grubinger develops a fascinating, even mind-boggling multitude of rhythms, with acoustic forces that almost blinds one's senses. For lay people, it is impossible to follow the this intricate mix of rhythmic pattern in any detail—as ordinary listener, one is simply overwhelmed.
In this part / movement, the orchestra barely fills more than a secondary, a side role: certainly less than a typical accompaniment in classical concertos. Towards the end of the piece, there is a sequence that remotely reminded me of music by Arvo Pärt (*1935). Here, the solo cello shortly appeared as a partner to the percussionist. And in the final sequence, also the orchestra has the opportunity to play a momentarily essential role. Based on the theme for this movement, the percussion solo is inspired by African and Indian music, occasionally also alluding to Gamelan music.
Allegedly, this movement describes the cool / cold, nordic parts of this big continent. Gentle, almost whispered, ethereal are produced on the vibraphone, with subtle accompaniment by the strings. Sometimes, the percussion instruments sound like soft organ music, or like music from a glass harp. Then again, I meant to hear the soft sounds of nature, the silence of a night, a starry sky: a dreamy, almost cosmic atmosphere.
The melodic aspects in this movement are inspired by Mozart, possibly even borrowing melodies from Mozart's works. To me, these (alluded) melodies transpire so much warmth, an almost cosy atmosphere: it was hard for me to make a connection to a cold, Nordic climate. I'm excepting from the initial few bars, which again reminded me of music by Arvo Pärt.
The last movement finally explores the full spectrum of Martin Grubinger's percussion setup, and the full gamut of the artist's possibilities. And finally, also the orchestra fills a prominent role, often rhythmically very active. the music includes a large variety of rhythms and styles, from Jazz to Tango, from Afro-Cuban music to minimal art, etc. , and all this mixed with reminiscences from the first two movements. The result is an enthralling hodgepodge of sounds, of masses of people in a modern mega-city. Fascinating, altogether!
With his performance, Martin Grubinger totally enraptured the audience: the applause, also for the orchestra, was absolutely frenetic. Actually, the orchestra was equally enthused by Grubinger's playing and also strongly applauded the artist. Grubinger announced an improvised encore—not on his standard range of percussion instruments, though: he fetched a team of five percussionists, most or all from the Tonhalle Orchestra. Together, they formed a little half-circle at the right edge of the podium, playing five minutes of an enthralling, rabid improvisation on cajón, djembé, tarabuka, African bass drums and other, small percussion instruments, with Grubinger leading on the cajón. An excellent start for the season!
Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring, Весна священная) is a ballet that Igor Stravinsky (1882 – 1971) wrote in 1913, for the Ballets Russes company in Paris, directed by Sergei Diaghilev (1872 – 1929). The original choreography was by Vaslav Nijinsky (1889/90 – 1950). The first performance at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées (1913-05-29) caused a major riot. The fame of this incident has stuck with the music ever since, even though it is now believed that the main reason for the riot was in Nijinsky's choreography. The ballet only survived the original run and a short tour to London. Thereafter, it was not performed again until 1920. Thereafter, the ballet and the music have gained substantial popularity, and by now it is a part of the standard concert repertoire.
Stravinsky's music once was avant-garde in its experimental tonality, dissonance, and rhythm. The work proved to be an important, seminal work for numerous 20th century composers. Even now, it still strikes, enthralls with its strong rhythmic features. I don't want to dwell too much on the composition's internals—but here is the structure of the ballet, which is in two parts:
Part I: L'Adoration de la Terre (Adoration of the Earth)
Les Augures printaniers — Danses des adolescents / Augurs of Spring — Dance of the Young
Jeu du rapt / Ritual of Abduction
Rondes printanières / Spring Rounds
Jeux des cités rivales / Ritual of the Rival Tribes
Cortège du sage: Le Sage / Procession of the Sage: The Sage
Danse de la terre / Dance of the Earth
Part II: Le Sacrifice (The Sacrifice)
Cercles mystérieux des adolescentes / Mystic Circles of the Young Girls
Glorification de l'élue / Glorification of the Chosen One
Evocation des ancêtres / Evocation of the Ancestors
Action rituelle des ancêtres / Ritual Action of the Ancestors
Danse sacrale (L'Élue) / Sacrificial Dance of the Chosen One
The most important thing first: Lionel Bringuier and the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich presented a virtuosic, technically near-perfect performance of Stravinsky's rhythmically strong and complex work. The coordination and the precision in general were excellent. The orchestra was able to produce an astounding, almost oppressing volume, yet maintained good transparency and balance. I also liked the strong and homogeneous sound from the string section. As expected, the wind instruments gave a particularly strong performance—the bassoon plays an important role here. The same can be said about the percussionists. The first part felt a bit technical, though, lacking the "internal fire", and at times, the music seemed to lose its momentum.
In the second part, I liked the consistently clean intonation in the brass section, such as the muted trumpets. In the final sections in particular, strong rhythmic features dominate. Here, I noted Bringuier's preference for a fast tempo—too fast, maybe, or at least at the limit. I have encountered this in earlier concerts, too.
Overall, the performance of the orchestra was excellent, Lionel Bringuier's direction was clear and firm. But, as already mentioned, my overall impression was that of a "technical" performance. It was maybe technically perfect, but lacking fire, maybe emotionality in general. It could well be that the reason for this impression (partly) was Bringuier's somewhat rigid, technical style of direction. Was it all too controlled? Or was it all lacking some inspiration, enthusiasm?
I could barely point to any substantial, factual deficiencies in the performance of Stravinsky's "Sacre"—certainly not on the part of the orchestra. Yet, the final applause was rather moderate, almost lukewarm. I asked myself whether Stravinsky's composition is showing signs of age. Maybe it just can hardly compare / stand up to Avner Dorman's strongly rhythmical, enthralling composition?
Of course, Bringuier's departure from his position in summer 2018 is common knowledge now. This may have caused the musicians (conductor and orchestra) to lack enthusiasm, the absolute will and coherence that is needed for the ultimate performance level, for a convincing, compelling outcome. It could easily be that now, after the announcement, also the audience has become more skeptical, more meticulous, and harder to move emotionally?
Maybe, with a simple inversion of the sequence of the works (Stravinsky first, followed by Dorman / Grubinger), the result would have been better? Overall, the concert left me with somewhat mixed feelings. It left behind some unanswered questions.
For the same concert, I have also written a (much shorter) review in German for Bachtrack.com. This posting is not a translation of that German review, the rights of which remain with Bachtrack. I create the German review using a subset of the notes taken during this concert. I wanted to enable my non-German speaking readers to read about my concert experience as well. Therefore, I have taken my original notes as a loose basis for this separate posting. I'm including additional material that is not present in the Bachtrack review.
Categories concerts Tags Bringuier, Dorman, Grubinger, percussion, Stravinsky, Tonhalle Post navigation
Dudamel / OSSB: Messiaen, Turangalîla — KKL Lucerne, 2016-09-11
Brönnimann, Basel Sinfonietta / World Wide Music — Basel, 2016-09-24
1 thought on "Grubinger, Bringuier: Dorman, Stravinsky — Zurich, 2016-09-14"
Pingback: Fabian Ziegler, Raphael Christen — Lucerne, 2019-12-01 | Music Blog