text:
require 'chef/knife/cloud/server/create_command'
require 'chef/knife/oraclepaas_helpers'
require 'chef/knife/cloud/oraclepaas_server_create_options'
require 'chef/knife/cloud/oraclepaas_java_service'
require 'chef/knife/cloud/oraclepaas_service_options'
require 'chef/knife/cloud/exceptions'
require 'resolv'

class Chef
  class Knife
    class Cloud
      class OraclepaasJavaCreate < ServerCreateCommand
        include OraclepaasHelpers
        include OraclepaasServerCreateOptions
        include OraclepaasServiceOptions

        banner "knife oraclepaas java create (options)"

        option :service_name,
               long:        '--service_name SERVICE_NAME',
               description: 'Name of the instance to be created'
        option :description,
               long:        '--description DESCRIPTION',
               description: 'optional; Free-form text that provides additional information about the service instance'
        option :level,
               long:        '--level [PAAS|BASIC]',
               description: 'optional; Service level'
        option :provision_otd,
               long:        '--provision_otd',
               description: 'Flag that specifies whether to enable the load balancer'
        option :sample_app,
               long:        '--sample_app',
               description: 'Flag that specifies whether to automatically deploy and start the sample application'
        option :subscription_type,
               long:        '--subscription_type [HOURLY|MONTHLY]',
               description: 'Billing unit'
        option :cloud_storage_container,
               long:        '--cloud_storage_container CONTAINER',
               description: 'Name of the Oracle Storage Cloud Service container used to provide storage for your service instance backups'
        option :weblogic_version,
               long:        '--weblogic_version [12.1.3.0.5|10.3.6.0.12]',
               description: 'Oracle WebLogic Server software version'
        option :weblogic_edition,
               long:        '--weblogic_edition [SE|EE|SUITE]',
               description: 'Software edition for WebLogic Server'
        option :server_count,
               long:        '--server_count [1|2|4|8]',
               description: 'Number of Managed Servers in the domain'
        option :domain_name,
               long:        '--domain_name DOMAIN',
               description: 'Name of the WebLogic domain'
        option :shape,
               long:        '--shape [oc3|oc4|oc5|oc6|oc1m|oc2m|oc3m|oc4m]',
               description: 'Desired compute shape'
        option :domain_volume_size,
               long:        '--domain_volume_size SIZE',
               description: 'Size of the domain volume for the service'
        option :backup_volume_size,
               long:        '--backup_volume_size SIZE',
               description: 'Size of the backup volume for the service'
        option :db_service_name,
               long:        '--db_service_name NAME',
               description: 'Name of the Oracle Database Cloud - Database as a Service instance'
        option :dba_name,
               long:        '--dba_name NAME',
               description: 'Username for the Oracle Database Cloud - Database as a Service instance administrator'
        option :dba_password,
               long:        '--dba_password PASSWORD',
               description: 'Password for the Oracle Database Cloud - Database as a Service instance administrator'

        def create_service_instance
          JavaService.new
        end

        def before_exec_command
          super
          identity_domain = Chef::Config[:knife][:oraclepaas_domain]
          server_def = {
            service_name: locate_config_value(:service_name),
            cloudStorageContainer: "Storage-#{identity_domain}/#{locate_config_value(:cloud_storage_container)}",
            cloudStorageUser: locate_config_value(:oraclepaas_username),
            cloudStoragePassword: locate_config_value(:oraclepaas_password),
            description: locate_config_value(:description),
            level: locate_config_value(:level) || 'PAAS',
            subscriptionType: locate_config_value(:subscription_type) || 'HOURLY',
            provisionOTD: locate_config_value(:provision_otd) || false,
            version: locate_config_value(:weblogic_version),
            edition: locate_config_value(:weblogic_edition),
            managedServerCount: locate_config_value(:server_count) || '1',
            domainName: locate_config_value(:domain_name),
            admin_username: locate_config_value(:weblogic_admin_name) || 'weblogic',
            admin_password: locate_config_value(:weblogic_admin_password) || "#{locate_config_value(:service_name)[0,8]}\#1",
            shape: locate_config_value(:shape),
            domainVolumeSize: locate_config_value(:domain_volume_size),
            backupVolumeSize: locate_config_value(:backup_volume_size),
            ssh_key: locate_config_value(:oraclepaas_vm_public_key),
            db_service_name: locate_config_value(:db_service_name),
            dba_name: locate_config_value(:dba_name),
            dba_password: locate_config_value(:dba_password)
          }
          server_def.delete_if { |k, v| v.nil? }
          @create_options = {
            server_create_timeout: 7200,
            server_def: server_def
          }
        end

        # Setup the floating ip after server creation.
        def after_exec_command
          # Open default networking ports
          compute_service = ComputeService.new
          container = "/Compute-#{locate_config_value(:oraclepaas_domain)}/#{locate_config_value(:oraclepaas_username)}"
          service_name = locate_config_value(:service_name)
          # First create a security application for the managed ports
          secapps = [{"port" => 8001, "name" => "HTTP"},{"port" => 8002,"name" => "HTTPS"}]
          secapps.each do |app|
            begin
              compute_service.create_security_application({
                name: "#{container}/#{service_name}-MS-#{app['name']}",
                protocol: 'tcp',
                dport: app['port'],
                description: "#{app['name']} port for managed servers"
              })
            rescue CloudExceptions::ServerCreateError => e
              # Most likely the secapp already exists. Warn and move on
              puts "#{e}\n"
            end
          end
          # Then create a security rule with this security application for the managed servers
          secrules = ["HTTP","HTTPS"]
          secrules.each do |name|
            begin
              compute_service.create_security_rule({
                name: "#{container}/#{service_name}-Public-MS-#{name}",
                src_list: 'seciplist:/oracle/public/public-internet',
                dst_list: "seclist:#{container}/jaas/#{locate_config_value(:service_name)}/wls/ora_ms",
                application: "#{container}/#{service_name}-MS-#{name}",
                action: 'PERMIT',
                description: "Enable access to #{name}"
              })
             rescue CloudExceptions::ServerCreateError => e
              # Most likely the secrule already exists. Warn and move on
              puts "#{e}\n"
            end
          end

          # Bootstrap each of the managed servers in this instance
          server.servers.each do |server|
            Chef::Log.info("Bootstrapping Managed Server #{server.name} (#{server.ip_addr})")
            if server.ip_addr.blank?
              error_message = "No IP address for #{server.name}"
              ui.error(error_message)
              next
            end
            if server.ip_addr !~ Resolv::IPv4::Regex
              error_message = "Invalid IP address returned for #{server.name}. This is probably due to non-admin servers in the Java Cloud Service not getting public ips. Until this script can get a valid IP address and configure the network you will not be able to bootstrap this machine."
              ui.error(error_message)
              next
            end
            config[:bootstrap_ip_address] = server.ip_addr
            config[:chef_node_name] = 'JCS_' + locate_config_value(:service_name) + '_' + server.name
            config[:first_boot_attributes] = {
              "oracle" => {
                service_name: locate_config_value(:service_name),
                db_service_name: locate_config_value(:db_service_name),
                dba_name: locate_config_value(:dba_name),
                dba_password: locate_config_value(:dba_password),
                identity_domain: locate_config_value(:oraclepaas_domain),
                weblogic_password: locate_config_value(:weblogic_admin_password) || "#{locate_config_value(:service_name)}\#1"
              }
            }
            begin
              # bootstrap the server
              bootstrap
            rescue CloudExceptions::BootstrapError => e
              ui.fatal(e.message)
              cleanup_on_failure
              raise e
            rescue => e
              error_message = "Check if --bootstrap-protocol and --image-os-type is correct. #{e.message}"
              ui.fatal(error_message)
              cleanup_on_failure
              raise e, error_message
            end
          end
        end

        def validate_params!
          super
          errors = check_for_missing_config_values!(:service_name, :cloud_storage_container, :oraclepaas_username, :oraclepaas_password, :oraclepaas_vm_public_key, :weblogic_edition, :weblogic_version, :shape, :db_service_name, :dba_name, :dba_password)
          if errors.any?
            error_message = "The following required parameters are missing: #{errors.join(', ')}"
            ui.error(error_message)
            raise CloudExceptions::ValidationError, error_message
          end
        end

        def post_connection_validations
          errors = []

          # TODO - Add validations that need to be done after connection to the cloud provider
          # Eg -
          # errors << "You have not provided a valid image ID. " if !is_image_valid?
          error_message = ""
          raise CloudExceptions::ValidationError, error_message if errors.each{|e| ui.error(e); error_message = "#{error_message} #{e}."}.any?
        end

      end
    end
  end
end


text:
Quad Cities Business News
Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, & Dewey/Humboldt
You are here: Home / Business / Empowering Tribes with Clean Energy
Empowering Tribes with Clean Energy
January 6, 2020 By quadcities Leave a Comment
Arizona is blessed with an abundance of sun and the resulting solar power it can generate if properly harnessed.
Perhaps nowhere is this more true than on the open landscapes of the Hopi Reservation and the Navajo Nation.
Suzanne Singer, a member of the Navajo tribe who grew up in Flagstaff, has a background in mechanical engineering and energy analysis and is uniquely qualified to lead an effort to develop energy independence in tribal communities in Northern Arizona and across the nation.
"Earning a Ph.D. has provided me with the skills to do research, the resiliency to succeed in a long-term challenging commitment, and the ability to manage my projects," she said. "My engineering background provides the problem-solving experience and baseline knowledge critical to understanding the technical aspects of solar photovoltaics."
Co-founder of Native Renewables, a non-profit organization started in 2016 to solve energy access challenges for Native families living without electricity, Singer was recently recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as the winner of the 2019 Entrepreneurship award for the U.S. Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) Initiative.
Designed to close the gender gap in clean energy careers and to increase participation, leadership and success of women in clean energy fields, awards were presented on Nov. 14 to women in eight additional categories: advocacy, business, education, government, international, law and finance, and research, as well as lifetime achievement.
Singer and the other award recipients were honored as part of the 8th Annual U.S. Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) Women in Clean Energy Symposium.
She traveled with her mother to College Station, Texas, to receive the award.
"It was an honor to be nominated and awarded," Singer said. "The conference was empowering, and it was amazing to feel supported by a phenomenal group of accomplished professionals in energy. I was happy to share my experiences as a Diné woman and my unique career path that led to the work I do today."
There was a financial portion of the award that Singer said will be used to support her work with Native Renewables.
Since 2012, the DOE has spearheaded the U.S. C3E Initiative, in collaboration with the Texas A&M Energy Institute, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Energy Institute and Stanford Energy.
"It is an honor to recognize these accomplished women for their gifts of innovation to the United States," said Deputy Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette in a Nov. 13 press release. "There is nothing we cannot accomplish when we have great minds like these women working on our toughest energy and scientific challenges."
Secretary of Energy Rick Perry also commented on the event: "Congratulations to the winners of the 2019 U.S. C3E awards for the recognition of your dedication and rising leadership in this sector. May your work pave the way for more women to pursue careers in clean energy innovation."
The Entrepreneurial award recognizes innovative clean energy technologies or business models that have the potential to drive market transformation toward clean energy.
Singer started the non-profit at the end of 2016 with co-founder Wahleah Johns, who is also Navajo and serves as the executive director of Native Renewables.
Before starting Native Renewables, Singer was a staff engineer and post-doc at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Johns worked with the Black Mesa Water Coalition and Navajo Green Economy Coalition.
The two women met in 2014 when the Navajo Nation had an energy summit in Flagstaff.
"I was having dinner with some of my colleagues, and happened to meet Wahleah Johns," Singer recalled. "She recognized me from an article, and we realized that we both lived in Oakland, one neighborhood away from each other. For two to three years after meeting, we talked about the lack of electricity in homes within Native communities, and the need for sustainable infrastructure to power 15,000 homes without electricity. The inspiration to create Native Renewables came from these discussions and the desire to tackle energy access issues."
From its inception, Singer and Johns, working with a small staff and a handful of subcontractors and volunteers, have focused on three main programs.
"The largest one is the Navajo Clean Energy Program, which consists of designing a financing program that makes it affordable for families to make monthly payments, and building an economy where Native people do the installations and maintenance," Singer said. "We have an off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) workforce training program to provide the skills needed to sustain a solar energy program."
A second program, Outreach and Education, focuses on growing the knowledge of families so they are better equipped to keep their off-grid PV system operational for more than 20 years.
"One of our goals is to have people of all ages understand that PV systems have limitations and may not be designed to power everything they want. The better you operate the system as intended, the longer the batteries will last."
Native Renewables offers one-day workshops, in partnership with local Navajo chapters.
"We participate in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) events as much as we can afford to," Singer continued. "We have started working with families to help them understand their electrical load [amount of electricity used] and that the size of their system will dictate how much they can use their system."
Education materials are provided in both English and Navajo.
"We want to build sustainable programs. One way to do that is to grow the technical knowledge of families. Part of the education effort is helping people of all ages understand that photovoltaic (PV) systems have limitations. Not all systems will last 20 years or more if you plug in anything you want to power."
A third program, called Triage, was started to support families whose systems do not work anymore.
"Currently, we try to understand the issues and offer potential solutions," said Singer. "The challenge for families can be to replace batteries due to the high cost."
The average cost to connect a Navajo family to grid-tied power is about $40,000. "Affordability is a challenge to providing energy access to homes in rural regions," she said. "Off-grid solar PV systems can provide a cheaper option for providing power to Navajo homes; however, the total upfront costs for a PV system can still be too high for families. Our goal is to create financing to offer families alternative affordable options."
Another big challenge in providing clean energy efficiently to the Navajo Nation is its sheer size.
"It can get costly both with time and expenses to travel throughout a region more than 27,000 square miles [the size of West Virginia]," she said. "Our site visits can take up to four hours of travel time one-way, so our goal is to streamline visits while still providing energy analysis services specific for each family."
Programs offered by Native Renewables have been well received among tribal communities.
"For families we have worked with and followed, the feedback has been positive," Singer said. "Some of the benefits of off-grid power are having lights in the event of a blackout, having enough electricity to power a refrigerator, even in winter, and the reduced use of gasoline generators."
Working closely with tribal governance has been critical in the success of programs.
"We understand there is a need for relationship and trust building in communities," she said. "So it has been awesome being able to partner with the chapters for our education events and training."
Singer said the accomplishment she is most proud of is hosting the first off-grid solar PV workforce-training program.
"It is a seven-to-eight-week program that provides hands-on and classroom training for 10 Native participants with the goal of growing an economy and workforce that also provides electricity and support to Native communities. Planning and implementing the program is a lot of work, but is also incredibly rewarding. It has been fun to see the participants learn and get excited."
Growing up in Flagstaff, Singer still has a lot of family nearby.
"My family is in the Western Agency of Navajo not far from Flagstaff. While I am more familiar with the area my family is from, I eventually want to be able to help all Native communities." QCBN
By Betsey Bruner, QCBN
Filed Under: Business Tagged With: Business Woman of the Month, Suzanne Singer, Women In Business
Get QCBN Email
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COPYRIGHT © 2020 | QUAD CITIES BUSINESS NEWS | Powered by DRCMedia LLC

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Speed Darlington seems to have moved on from DJ Cuppy to Tiwa Savage, as he took to Instagram to tell the Mavin First Lady why she should date him.
@tiwasavage you need to date me before 2030 because we are not here for long. I will love you and your son and that's my word. But that's before wrinkles take over your face if I can't have it now I don't want it later. Surulere boy will be ok.


text:
Some extra titles to enjoy
missmaheeslibraryofreads	bullying, Contemporary Fiction, family, friendship, Relationships, Tween book	 Aug 22, 2019 Jul 23, 2019 5 Minutes
Hi everyone, I hope you found The Best Man as fascinating as I did. For this extra post I've included a few similar stories I had read and collected into my notebooks. These all feature young tweens who identify as either gay or transgender, not just a familiar adult or teacher. As my reading these days expand into different genres I can't help but notice that there is a rise in LGBTIQ representation within tween and teen fiction. I know some people might find it difficult, but to me these stories are exceptionally well written. So, why not have a go and see what you can learn with these first few titles.
An engaging read!
Title: Star Crossed
Author: Barbara Dee
Publication details: Aladdin; NY, 2017
What this book is about: Twelve-year-old Mattie is thrilled when she learns the 8th grade play will be Romeo and Juliet. In particular, she's excited to share the stage with Gemma Braithwaite, who has been cast as Juliet. Gemma is brilliant and pretty, and Mattie starts to see her more than just a friend even though Mattie has also had an off-and-on crush on her classmate Elijah since, well, forever. Is it possible to have a crush on both boys and girls? If that wasn't enough to deal with, things offstage were beginning to resemble their own Shakespearean drama: the cast is fighting, and the boy playing Romeo may not be up to the challenge of the role. And due to a last-minute emergency, Mattie is asked to step in as Romeo – opposite Gemma's Juliet – just as Mattie's secret crush starts to become not so secret in her group of friends. In this funny, sweet, and clever look at the complicated nature of middle school romance, Mattie learns how to become a lead player in her own life.
My review: What a delightful story this was!! Filled with middle grade drama and humour, this story will not disappoint. This was one of my first few books I had read that had descriptions of a young girl's crush on another girl. Barbara Dee crafted the story quite elegantly and her narrative and story line expertly weaved these strong issues into the all-too typical dramas that ensues with Shakespeare! I think breaching these topics with tween readers gets them talking about it and parents are then able to help them understand emotions and the complexity of these different relationships with not just friends but family as well!! This was to me a great read!!
My rating: 4 ½ ⭐
Additional notes: This title was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Middle Grade and Children's in 2017.
Title: George
Author: Alex Ginio
Publication details: Scholastic Press; NY, 2015
What this book is about: When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl. George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part… because she's a boy. With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte – but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.
My review: Truth be told, I had an inkling this would be about coming out as transgender. There must be others out there who have similar fears and insecurities about both their sexuality and body image. I think my heart wept for little George each time she tried to talk to her mother about it. The characters felt so real to me. Each chapter, each scene was expertly executed with so much emotion in each sentence. There were some very funny moments, some hurtful scenes of bullying but what I loved the most was how the family relationships were portrayed. Especially with the older brother, Connor. I loved her friend Kelly, I sort of wished I could have been her friend too. A really well-written first novel about a transgender child. This story captivated me from start to finish
Additional information: After some in depth digging on the internet I found out that the author is also transgender. This title has won the Stonewall Book Award for Children's in 2016, the California Book Award for Juvenile (Gold) in 2015, and was nominated for the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award in 2017 along with some others.
An engaging read!!
Title: Lily and Dunkin
Author: Donna Gephart
Publication details: Delacorte Press; NY, 2016
What this book is about: Sometimes our hearts see things our eyes can't. Lily Jo McGrother, born Timothy McGrother, is a girl. But being a girl is not so easy when you were born in a boy's body. Especially when you're in the 8th grade. Dunkin Dorfman, birth name Norbert Dorfman, is dealing with bipolar disorder and has just moved from the New Jersey town he's called home for the past 13 years. This would be hard enough, but the fact that he is also hiding from a painful secret makes it even worse. One summer morning, Lily Jo McGrother meets Dunkin Dorfman, and their lives change forever. Award-winning author Donna Gephart crafts a compelling dual narrative about remarkable young people. Lily and Dunkin's powerful story will shred your heart, then stitch it back together with kindness, humour, bravery, and love.
My review: OMG, that's exactly what happened to me!! After finishing it, I dried the tears pouring down, blew my nose (I was nursing a cold!) and felt my exploded heart heal thanks to the power of empathy and tolerance. Every single character is memorable, even the close-minded bully Vasquez!! I love the fact that the two separate narratives give a perspective of two very different personalities. Lily's amazing bravery and kindness, Dunkin's loyalty and friendship, plus the many family relationships that weave superbly together give you the reader what life is like for transgender kids and those with mental illness. Donna Gephart has produced an amazing book that moved me beyond words and opened my eyes and world view on these very important issues that young people face today. I applaud her for bringing about the characters of Lily, and how she deals with life as a transgender youth. Even growing up cisgender, I myself had to deal with bullying but I didn't have half the courage Lily has!! An awesome and powerful read!!
Additional notes: This title was nominated for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award in 2019 and the Goodreads Choice Award for Middle Grade & Children'
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text:
"""
This program is based on code submitted by Miroslaw Horbal to the Kaggle
forums, which was itself based on an earlier submission from Paul Doan.
My thanks to both.

Author: Benjamin Solecki <bensolucky@gmail.com>
"""

from numpy import array, hstack
from sklearn import metrics, cross_validation, linear_model
from sklearn import naive_bayes
from sklearn import preprocessing
from scipy import sparse
from itertools import combinations

from sets import Set
import numpy as np
import pandas as pd
import sys

#SEED = 55
SEED = int(sys.argv[2])

def group_data(data, degree=3, hash=hash):
    """
    numpy.array -> numpy.array

    Groups all columns of data into all combinations of triples
    """
    new_data = []
    m,n = data.shape
    for indicies in combinations(range(n), degree):
	if 5 in indicies and 7 in indicies:
	    print "feature Xd"
	elif 2 in indicies and 3 in indicies:
	    print "feature Xd"
	else:
            new_data.append([hash(tuple(v)) for v in data[:,indicies]])
    return array(new_data).T

def OneHotEncoder(data, keymap=None):
     """
     OneHotEncoder takes data matrix with categorical columns and
     converts it to a sparse binary matrix.

     Returns sparse binary matrix and keymap mapping categories to indicies.
     If a keymap is supplied on input it will be used instead of creating one
     and any categories appearing in the data that are not in the keymap are
     ignored
     """
     if keymap is None:
          keymap = []
          for col in data.T:
               uniques = set(list(col))
               keymap.append(dict((key, i) for i, key in enumerate(uniques)))
     total_pts = data.shape[0]
     outdat = []
     for i, col in enumerate(data.T):
          km = keymap[i]
          num_labels = len(km)
          spmat = sparse.lil_matrix((total_pts, num_labels))
          for j, val in enumerate(col):
               if val in km:
                    spmat[j, km[val]] = 1
          outdat.append(spmat)
     outdat = sparse.hstack(outdat).tocsr()
     return outdat, keymap

def create_test_submission(filename, prediction):
    content = ['id,ACTION']
    for i, p in enumerate(prediction):
        content.append('%i,%f' %(i+1,p))
    f = open(filename, 'w')
    f.write('\n'.join(content))
    f.close()
    print 'Saved'

# This loop essentially from Paul's starter code
# I (Ben) increased the size of train at the expense of test, because
# when train is small many features will not be found in train.
def cv_loop(X, y, model, N):
    mean_auc = 0.
    for i in range(N):
        X_train, X_cv, y_train, y_cv = cross_validation.train_test_split(
                                       X, y, test_size=1.0/float(N),
                                       random_state = i*SEED)
        model.fit(X_train, y_train)
        preds = model.predict_proba(X_cv)[:,1]
        auc = metrics.auc_score(y_cv, preds)
        #print "AUC (fold %d/%d): %f" % (i + 1, N, auc)
        mean_auc += auc
    return mean_auc/N

learner = sys.argv[1]
print "Reading dataset..."
train_data = pd.read_csv('train.csv')
test_data = pd.read_csv('test.csv')
submit=learner + str(SEED) + '.csv'
all_data = np.vstack((train_data.ix[:,1:-1], test_data.ix[:,1:-1]))
num_train = np.shape(train_data)[0]

# Transform data
print "Transforming data..."
# Relabel the variable values to smallest possible so that I can use bincount
# on them later.
relabler = preprocessing.LabelEncoder()
for col in range(len(all_data[0,:])):
    relabler.fit(all_data[:, col])
    all_data[:, col] = relabler.transform(all_data[:, col])
########################## 2nd order features ################################
dp = group_data(all_data, degree=2)
for col in range(len(dp[0,:])):
    relabler.fit(dp[:, col])
    dp[:, col] = relabler.transform(dp[:, col])
    uniques = len(set(dp[:,col]))
    maximum = max(dp[:,col])
    print col
    if maximum < 65534:
        count_map = np.bincount((dp[:, col]).astype('uint16'))
        for n,i in enumerate(dp[:, col]):
            if count_map[i] <= 1:
                dp[n, col] = uniques
            elif count_map[i] == 2:
                dp[n, col] = uniques+1
    else:
        for n,i in enumerate(dp[:, col]):
            if (dp[:, col] == i).sum() <= 1:
                dp[n, col] = uniques
            elif (dp[:, col] == i).sum() == 2:
                dp[n, col] = uniques+1
    print uniques # unique values
    uniques = len(set(dp[:,col]))
    print uniques
    relabler.fit(dp[:, col])
    dp[:, col] = relabler.transform(dp[:, col])
########################## 3rd order features ################################
dt = group_data(all_data, degree=3)
for col in range(len(dt[0,:])):
    relabler.fit(dt[:, col])
    dt[:, col] = relabler.transform(dt[:, col])
    uniques = len(set(dt[:,col]))
    maximum = max(dt[:,col])
    print col
    if maximum < 65534:
        count_map = np.bincount((dt[:, col]).astype('uint16'))
        for n,i in enumerate(dt[:, col]):
            if count_map[i] <= 1:
                dt[n, col] = uniques
            elif count_map[i] == 2:
                dt[n, col] = uniques+1
    else:
        for n,i in enumerate(dt[:, col]):
            if (dt[:, col] == i).sum() <= 1:
                dt[n, col] = uniques
            elif (dt[:, col] == i).sum() == 2:
                dt[n, col] = uniques+1
    print uniques
    uniques = len(set(dt[:,col]))
    print uniques
    relabler.fit(dt[:, col])
    dt[:, col] = relabler.transform(dt[:, col])
########################## 1st order features ################################
for col in range(len(all_data[0,:])):
    relabler.fit(all_data[:, col])
    all_data[:, col] = relabler.transform(all_data[:, col])
    uniques = len(set(all_data[:,col]))
    maximum = max(all_data[:,col])
    print col
    if maximum < 65534:
        count_map = np.bincount((all_data[:, col]).astype('uint16'))
        for n,i in enumerate(all_data[:, col]):
            if count_map[i] <= 1:
                all_data[n, col] = uniques
            elif count_map[i] == 2:
                all_data[n, col] = uniques+1
    else:
        for n,i in enumerate(all_data[:, col]):
            if (all_data[:, col] == i).sum() <= 1:
                all_data[n, col] = uniques
            elif (all_data[:, col] == i).sum() == 2:
                all_data[n, col] = uniques+1
    print uniques
    uniques = len(set(all_data[:,col]))
    print uniques
    relabler.fit(all_data[:, col])
    all_data[:, col] = relabler.transform(all_data[:, col])

# Collect the training features together
y = array(train_data.ACTION)
X = all_data[:num_train]
X_2 = dp[:num_train]
X_3 = dt[:num_train]

# Collect the testing features together
X_test = all_data[num_train:]
X_test_2 = dp[num_train:]
X_test_3 = dt[num_train:]

X_train_all = np.hstack((X, X_2, X_3))
X_test_all = np.hstack((X_test, X_test_2, X_test_3))
num_features = X_train_all.shape[1]

if learner == 'NB':
    model = naive_bayes.BernoulliNB(alpha=0.03)
else:
    model = linear_model.LogisticRegression(class_weight='auto', penalty='l2')

# Xts holds one hot encodings for each individual feature in memory
# speeding up feature selection
Xts = [OneHotEncoder(X_train_all[:,[i]])[0] for i in range(num_features)]

print "Performing greedy feature selection..."
score_hist = []
N = 10
good_features = set([])
# Greedy feature selection loop
while len(score_hist) < 2 or score_hist[-1][0] > score_hist[-2][0]:
    scores = []
    for f in range(len(Xts)):
        if f not in good_features:
            feats = list(good_features) + [f]
            Xt = sparse.hstack([Xts[j] for j in feats]).tocsr()
            score = cv_loop(Xt, y, model, N)
            scores.append((score, f))
            print "Feature: %i Mean AUC: %f" % (f, score)
    good_features.add(sorted(scores)[-1][1])
    score_hist.append(sorted(scores)[-1])
    print "Current features: %s" % sorted(list(good_features))

# Remove last added feature from good_features
good_features.remove(score_hist[-1][1])
good_features = sorted(list(good_features))
print "Selected features %s" % good_features
gf = open("feats" + submit, 'w')
print >>gf, good_features
gf.close()
print len(good_features), " features"

print "Performing hyperparameter selection..."
# Hyperparameter selection loop
score_hist = []
Xt = sparse.hstack([Xts[j] for j in good_features]).tocsr()
if learner == 'NB':
    Cvals = [0.001, 0.003, 0.006, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.1]
else:
    Cvals = np.logspace(-4, 4, 15, base=2)  # for logistic
for C in Cvals:
    if learner == 'NB':
        model.alpha = C
    else:
        model.C = C
    score = cv_loop(Xt, y, model, N)
    score_hist.append((score,C))
    print "C: %f Mean AUC: %f" %(C, score)
bestC = sorted(score_hist)[-1][1]
print "Best C value: %f" % (bestC)

print "Performing One Hot Encoding on entire dataset..."
Xt = np.vstack((X_train_all[:,good_features], X_test_all[:,good_features]))
Xt, keymap = OneHotEncoder(Xt)
X_train = Xt[:num_train]
X_test = Xt[num_train:]

if learner == 'NB':
    model.alpha = bestC
else:
    model.C = bestC

print "Training full model..."
print "Making prediction and saving results..."
model.fit(X_train, y)
preds = model.predict_proba(X_test)[:,1]
create_test_submission(submit, preds)
preds = model.predict_proba(X_train)[:,1]
create_test_submission('Train'+submit, preds)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Exciting mystery and adventure type of game that requires to use your brain when trying to overcome a variety of challenges.
From the first moments of The Cave, every player will be fascinated by great video graphics and precise sound effects reflecting to every action made. Whole game scenario quite unusual, because you'll need to choose 3 of 7 characters. Every each of them has their own unusual powers and abilities. Selected heroes will go in to speaking cave where lot's of various challenges will be waiting.
We recommend that you carefully listen to all the speakings of the cave and stories of the characters you meet. Most of the stories are short and has their own meaning as a hidden clue, which helps to find the right solution in different situations. Whole gameplay leads funny expressions and phrases from the cave, usually making you smile.
We must say that controls is not so precise and simple to use, but after a while you just get used to it.
All in all The Cave is really fun and engaging game. We recommend to test your intelligence trying to reveal the full story of mystical cave.
The Cave usually costs from 2.66 to 4.55€, but we give it for free!
1. Download The Cave app to PC or straight to mobile device.
3. After download, extract file package and place it in Android/obb folder.
4. Launch the app and install The Cave.


text:
Jennings Aske
New York-Presbyterian
Jigar Kadakia
Michael Panico
Content by Hannah Walker
Hannah Walker
Senior Director, Technology & Nutrition Policy, Food Marketing Institute
Walker is the Senior Director, Technology and Nutrition Policy at the Food Marketing Institute. She handles banking, SNAP, WIC Payment Data Security, and other payments issues for FMI. Prior to joining FMI in 2012, Hannah spent three years as Legislative Director for then House Agriculture Committee member Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL). Hannah handled the Congressman's Agriculture, Judiciary, Energy and Environment portfolio. Hannah joined Rooney after working for the State of Florida and former Congressman Mark Foley for several years, where she also handled Agriculture and Energy issues. Hannah started her political career at the National Republican Senatorial Committee in 2001 and then moved to the National Republican Congressional Committee for the 2004 cycle. Hannah is a native Tennessean; she received her Bachelor's degree from Middle Tennessee State University and Law Degree from the University of Memphis and is a member of the Tennessee Bar.
The Evolution of EMV: The Rollout and Deployment Challenges
Presented by Liz Garner , Hannah Walker • June 28, 2016
The rollout of EMV technology has changed the face of fraud for merchants and retailers. In this session, we'll discuss an overview of the EMV rollout from the merchant perspective, as well as an update on merchant adoption and the specific deployment challenges. Join us as we discuss: An assessment of the...
Keep Your Cybersecurity Team Happy, Engaged and Employed (By You!)


text:
Marc Hauser is a professional Swiss skydiver, artist and entrepreneur. He is the founder of speed tracking and holds the world record for the fastest horizontal free fall. Hauser is also the founder of Erfolgswelle AG, a communications agency.

Career

Speed tracking
Hauser is the founder of speed tracking, a form of skydiving. The goal of the discipline is to achieve the fastest forward speed possible in free fall relative to the ground.

Hauser gained his first experience skydiving at the age of 18. At the age of 35 he received specialized training from Thomas Naef and Rolf Kuratle, two members of the Babylon Freefall Skydiving team, in Skydive Empuriabrava (Empuriabrava, Spain).

He completed his first speed tracking attempt in 2009. In October 2012, Hauser set the world record for the fastest horizontal free fall in Empuriabrava, Spain. Hauser did not use specialized equipment to accelerate his speed.

Chasing the Jet Stream - Guinness World Record
Marc Hauser is also the first human ever to perform a free fall jump into the jet stream near Forbes, New South Wales, Australia, on 30 June 2018.

As skydiving suit he was wearing a thermal protection jumpsuit without wings (no wingsuit).

The exit altitude of the jump was at 7,400 m / 24,000 ft above sea level, the temperature at -40° Celsius / -40 °F. At exit altitude the jet stream speed was 137 km/h (85 mph). The groundspeed / horizontal speed of Marc performing this free fall skydive was at 270 km/h (167 mph). During his free fall Hauser covered a horizontal distance of 5.9 km / 3.66 miles in total. Hauser opened his parachute at 2,000 m / 6,500 ft altitude above ground.

The BBC World News documentary Chasing the Jet Stream  covers the free fall jump into the jet stream in three parts, which aired on 2, 8 and 15 December 2018. The documentary highlights both Marc Hauser's goal to raise awareness for cleantech-pioneering enterprises using airborne wind energy systems, as well as the execution of the preparations that eventually lead to the free fall jump into the jet stream.

In 2019, the Guinness World Records honored the parachute jump as the world's first skydive into the jet stream.

Other projects
He created a watch collection with Formex Watch SA, a Swiss watch manufacturer, in October 2013.

Marc Hauser also owns a naming agency erfolgswelle® AG Namensagentur and inspires larger audiences as a motivational and keynote speaker.

Personal life
Marc Hauser lives in Bern, Switzerland with his two daughters.

See also
 Tracking (freeflying)
Skydive Empuriabrava
Jet Stream
High-altitude wind power
Airborne wind turbine

References

External links
 Speed Tracking - Flying in the Jet Stream
 BBC World News Documentary Chasing The Jet Stream

1971 births
Living people
Swiss skydivers

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Mittelland Canal (near Minden), after 8th Air Force attack on 26th Ocotober 1944. Five barges were washed through the 80-feet breach in embankment cut by 851-ton load. Canal and adjected aqueduct were both drained. More barges are seen stranded on canal bottom.


Today, Hubby and I picked one of our favorite spots for lunch, and the food did not disappoint. It was difficult to enjoy the meal or focus on the conversation, however, as the booth behind us included a coterie of squealing, jumping children and, unfortunately, two adults oblivious to the disruption. From there, we walked into two retail stores, but not before navigating through the cigarette smoke haze emanating from the man puffing away right by the front door. Once inside, I encountered four dogs, all with different owners, walking around. Who knew dogs shopped at Crate & Barrel?
I was raised to understand that part of good manners is respecting others' comfort. That means you conduct yourself at appropriate volume levels in public spaces, like restaurants. You don't wear noxious scents or smoke where your bad habit or bad taste congests others. And, perhaps most of all, you don't bring your animal into a retail store, unless it is a pet store.
I'm glad that folks go to a restaurant and have a great time. I'm also glad that folks take their small children and older kids out. Young families have every bit the right to enjoy public spaces as much as I do. That does not mean, however, that you have a license to disrespect others' presence. If your child or children are being loud, you correct them. You stop it, or you leave the restaurant. It's really that simple. Yes, children are loud, and no one expects a parent to have the ability to mute young children. However, when your children are becoming a repeated nuisance, you are the adult. It is your job to require good manners. If you cannot achieve that, for whatever reason, you leave. There are no exceptions.
Similarly, just because you smoke doesn't mean everyone smokes. I have no problem with smokers, as long as they keep the carcinogens to themselves. I'm a little baffled by those who smoke around others. You must know you are doing something that bothers others, yet you continue to do it. This is also known as a definition of rudeness.
Finally, we come to the dogs. I will own the fact that I am no fan of dogs. I understand I am in the minority, or at least it feels like that. I know and love people who love their dogs, and I say good for them. Dogs can be wonderful companions, and I'm glad they bring joy to so many. But, as cute and fun and dedicated and playful as they are, dogs do not belong in retail stores. Sure, a service animal is an obvious exception, but the reason they are exceptions is that most of us realize that the hygiene issues, the conduct and safety issues, and the respect for others' comfort trump your shopping with Fido. I know you think it's cute; it's not. It's entitled.
As much fun as it is to complain about others (and we must acknowledge the conscious or subconscious claim to moral superiority when doing so), we well-mannered are part of the problem. We suffer in silence. We don't speak up, we don't point out the boorish behavior. And, honestly, that's probably for the best. It's doubtful the ensuing conflict will help matters. More likely, you'll be cursed at and seen as a prig. Even more importantly, those that allow their children to run wild in restaurants, that smoke in doorways, and that feel entitled to make a public space their private dog run probably won't change. They'll get defensive, they'll rationalize. Few people want to acknowledge to themselves they're being rude.
It's tempting to think that, in this selfie-obsessed, social media culture where every idiot blogs about how right he is, selfish, rude, entitled behavior is on the rise. It's hard to say; maybe I'm just getting older and grumpier. Perhaps technology just shines a light on a problem that has always been around, and always will be. That's a deflating thought, but it underscores the ultimate truth about rude people: you really can't change them. Manners are self-regulating, an agreed upon code of conduct, and, when folks decide not to play the game, well, all you can really do is ask to change tables, hold your breath, or leave the store. And, hey, if it makes you feel better about the inconvenience, hold your head a little higher, confident of your good breeding.
It's little consolation in the moment, but, in the long run, living your life in a way that respects and considers others is its own reward. Say "please" and "thank you." Hold doors open. Be courteous and respectful, even to those who don't deserve it. Treat others as you would want to be treated. And, last but not least, don't bring Fido into the store. Trust me, his wardrobe is set, and he doesn't need that ottoman on clearance.


It was a cute movie. (Sidebar: it was directed by David Schwimmer). And it was a very sweet story.
I think more people will enjoy this movie because it's more mainstream and nowhere near as violent.
Dennis: Oh, I watched it on the tele... well... the last hour... I sleep in on Sundays.
Dennis: They were for yesterday!
Gordon: Oh so NOW you don't want them?
Dennis: Why would I want them?
Gordon: You could... sell them on e-bay.
Dennis: Who would buy tickets for an event which happened yesterday?
Gordon: The only serious relationship I've been in ended in a broken collarbone and a dead meerkat.
Dennis: Isn't there some kind of like... special technique?
Gordon: Well... yeah... you put one leg in front of the other over and over again really really fast.
DH wants to go and see this....I haven't seen previews on TV or anything.
I saw this and thought it was actually pretty entertaining, even though the reviews have been less than glowing.
I do have to say, I couldn't watch the "blister" scene. Yucky!
I can't wait to see this movie. I love Simon Pegg also! Loved him in Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead!!
My husband and I saw this movie this past weekend and thought it was pretty funny. It wasn't nearly as funny as Hot Fuzz, but I still didn't walk out of the theater disappointed. His landlord was pretty funny, training Dennis with the spatula.
Can't wait to see Simon Pegg as Scotty in the Star Trek movie.


text:
Tierney/Fotolia
25 Cute Halloween Quotes For Instagram, Because Ghoul, You Have A Ton Of Costume Changes
Sorry to all of the other holidays out there: I'm not afraid to admit that Halloween is my favorite. I love the excuse to dress up in anything I want, and party the weekend away with friends. If you're in the same boat as me, you may have the most awesome costume picked out for Oct. 31, and can't wait to debut it on your Instagram feed. You already did a couple of fashion shows in it at home, because you're just that excited. That's why when the big day finally rolls around, you'll want some cute Halloween quotes for Instagram captions.
You like to keep it cute, because to you, Halloween is all about looking boo-tiful and having fun. Maybe you have multiple costumes planned out for the weekend before Halloween. (FYI: That's when all of the big parties are happening.) You and your friends may even be planning a group costume, which obviously deserves a #SquadGhouls pic. Perhaps you and bae have something clever up your sleeves to show off at a costume contest. You might even have an adorable twinning look with your fur baby set to slay.
No matter how many outfit changes you have planned this year, you can't wait to show them all off. So, since every Halloween costume requires a spooktacular selfie for the 'Gram, you'll want to keep these 25 cute Halloween quotes around so you can post with ease.
1. "Trick or treat, bags of sweets, ghosts are walking down the street." — Unknown
2. "You've heard of the fury of a woman scorned, haven't you? Well, that's nothing compared to the fury of a woman who has been cheated out of tricks-or-treats." — Linus, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
3. "On Halloween you get to become anything that you want to be." — Ava Dellaira, Love Letters to the Dead
4. "Just because I cannot see it, doesn't mean I can't believe it." — Jack Skellington, The Nightmare Before Christmas
5. "I put a spell on you, because you're mine." — Screamin' Jay Hawkins, "I Put A Spell On You"
6. "Halloween is cool." — Marnie, Halloweentown
7. "There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly-lit front porch." — Robert Brault
8. "There is magic in the night when pumpkins glow by moonlight." — Unknown
9. "This witch can be bribed with chocolate." — Unknown
10. "When black cat's prowl and pumpkins gleam, m ay luck be yours on Halloween." — Unknown
11. "Hello gourdgeous!" — Unknown
12. "Trick or treat yourself." — Unknown
13. "You say 'witch' like it's a bad thing." — Unknown
14. "There are three things I've learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin." — Linus, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
15. "Demons are a ghoul's best friend." — Unknown
16. "Halloween is huge in my house and we really get into the 'spirits' of things." — Dee Snider
17. "Just creeping it real this Halloween." — Unknown
18. "If one door closes, and another one opens, your house is probably haunted." — Someecards
19. "A candy a day keeps the monsters away." — Unknown
20. "The only thing getting lit this Halloween are my fall-scented candles." — Unknown
21. "Where my best ghouls at?" — Unknown
22. "Ghoul, you look boo-tiful." — Unknown
23. "If you can't fly with the big girls, stay off the broom." — Unknown
24. "Witch better have my candy." — Unknown
25. "Too cute to spook." — Unknown


My knee failed within 10 months due to doctor error. Finally now at almost exactly 3 years another surgeon is going to give me a knee revision. Take out all Meades faulty work and put in a new functioning knee. Stay clear seems to be operating a knee factory...he prides himself with the quickness he can get them done and how many he does a year....I thought he truly cared about my quality of life...found out the hard way ...it was all about my money.
My experience with my partial knee replacement was a good one. Great care, just need patience to follow the rehab plan they provide. One year today and I am running again!
I had a total knee replacement on November 26th 2018. I am currently at 7 weeks post-op, and golfing, biking,swimming and walking 2miles. Dr. Meade and his team were very professional and compassionate. I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Meade for knee replacement.
I had my second appointment with dr Meade . Dr Meade is phenomenal. He is very kind, caring, professional and has a very sweet demeanor . He spent a lot of time with me and answered all my questions in a very kind manner. We are very lucky to have him in our area . He listens and cares !! Thank you Dr Meade Also thank you to Jitza , his scheduler , in Allentown . She is very kind and sweet to talk to . It's nice to hear a sweet and helpful voice at the other end. You are so appreciated .
5 years ago Dr. Meade performed knee replacement to my right knee. My recovery went well. I live over 1 hour away from his office and chose to travel there for my surgery and follow up care in Hazelton. Both Dr. Meade and his associates have been thorough in answering questions and concerns, adjusting appointments as needed. I recommend his practice to all who ask.
Every step of my patient/doctor relationship with Dr. Meade was of great benefit to me. His ability to allay my concerns prior to surgery, the comprehensively healthful pre-surgical protocol, and the ease of my recovery following his capable, innovative procedure have assured a quality of life I very much am enjoying. Kudos to Dr. Meade and the doctors, physical therapists, and staff of Coordinated Health.
we think very highly of Dr. Meade and his staff they are very helpful and and very caring of their patients needs . Dr. Meade is such a great man AND a perfect gentleman and more importantly he is the best surgeon. When he talks to you you can understand all that he is saying cause he is very much down to earth.
i am so pleased with the care and consideration i have received from Dr. Meade and his entire staff. They are very considerate and caring. I am so pleased with the care I have received before, during and after my knee replacement surgery and I am anxious to have Dr. Meade and his staff assist me with having my other knee done as well!!!
See more group practices in Hazle Township.


text:
Uganda: Gorillas & Beyond
Marco Polo Journeys
Uganda: Gorillas & Beyond 2021-22
Included With Every Marco Polo Journey
English-Speaking Resident Tour Director® and Local Guides
Hand-Selected Luxury Accommodations (Where Available)
Travelling Bell Boy® Luggage Handling
Breakfast in Bed on Select Days
Full Breakfast Daily; Select Lunches and Dinners
Traveller's Valet® Laundry Service
Internet Access (Where Available)
Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
Guaranteed Departures with Just Two Guests
Explore the "Pearl of Africa," from the banks of the Nile to the deepest reaches of the rainforest, blazing a trail through the mists of Uganda's waterfalls and evergreen rainforests, tracking chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions and endangered mountain gorillas along the way.
Encounter mountain gorillas under the biodiverse canopy of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, ranging through mist-covered hillsides to observe these greatest of the apes in their natural surroundings, sensing the deep connection between their species and our own
Cruise up the Nile River to the misty base of Murchison Falls, spotting wildlife, such as water birds, including the rare shoebill stork; wallowing hippos; elephants that come down to the river bank to drink; and the fearsome Nile crocodile basking in the sun
Trek the lush, tropical trails of Kibale National Park in search of chimpanzees, sociable primates that forage food and utter distinctive vocalizations that reverberate through the forest
Set out on two full days of game drives in the wilds of Queen Elizabeth National Park, keeping watch for tree-climbing lions as well as elephants, Cape buffalo, Ugandan kobs — a type of antelope — and the ever-elusive leopard
Arrive Entebbe, Uganda
Murchison Falls National Park | The Nile's Jewel
Murchison Falls National Park | Nile Safari
Kibale National Park | Bunyaruguru Crater Walk
Kibale National Park | Forest of Chimpanzees
Queen Elizabeth National Park | Nature Anew
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Mist-Shrouded Mountains
DAYS 9-10
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Gorilla Encounters in the Wild
Depart Entebbe
Small Group Journeys 2021
Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda, a nation of stunning greenery, deep lakes, soaring mountains and rich biodiversity. Transfer to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Protea Hotel Entebbe
Depart Entebbe and fly to Murchison Falls National Park, one of the most scenic spots along the Nile and the location of the classic Humphrey Bogart film, The African Queen. After settling into your thatched cottage on the banks of the Victoria Nile, join your guide for a visit to Murchison Falls, where invigorating spray — the collective force of the majestic Nile — pours down on a narrow ravine.
Baker's Lodge
Today, a game drive takes you along the northern banks of the Nile in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park. You may see giraffes, buffalo, elephants, warthogs, leopards, lions and antelope. This afternoon, embark on a boat cruise the base of the falls, watching for hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birds along the river's banks.
After breakfast, board a flight to Kibale and transfer to your lodge. Later, you may take an optional nature walk along the top of Bunyaruguru Crater.
Kyaninga Lodge
Kibale Forest is home to 11 species of primates, including chimpanzees and mangabeys, as well as 300 species of birds and an array of butterflies. Rise early this morning for the start of your chimpanzee trek. Barks of baboons occasionally pierce the forest's silence as you make your way along the trail. This afternoon, you may go on a guided primate walk in the Bigodi Forest swamp.
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to elephants, lions, hippos, buffalo and baboons. Participate in game drives this afternoon and the next day. While exploring, watch above for tree-climbing lions, a sight rarely seen anywhere else in Africa. You may also sight some of Uganda's largest elephant herds.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Camp View
Permanent Tent
Set out for a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. Make your way out of the Rift Valley through the Kigezi Highlands and on to the mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later today, tour the Uganda Nursing School Bwindi, an A&K Philanthropy-supported project, meeting the teachers who are empowering the next generation of this remote region's health care workers.
Spend two days tracking endangered mountain gorillas, spending up to an hour among them each day. See mothers keeping infants close as they knucklewalk on three limbs. Watch scampering toddlers reined in by an attentive father, whose job is to protect his family. When you encounter a mountain gorilla in the wild, there is no mistaking the bond that exists between primate and man — and no escaping the poignant fact these creatures lie on the brink of extinction.
Fly to Entebbe and return to your hotel, where a dayroom awaits until your international flight home.
Protea Hotel Entebbe (dayroom)
Dayroom
Contemporary resort gracing the glistening shores of Lake Victoria.
Intimate safari-style lodge perched on the bank of the mighty Nile River.
Lovely lodge set amid Lake Kyaninga and the Mountains of the Moon.
Exclusive, idyllic camp fronting the Ntugwe River.
Remote, atmospheric camp, tucked amid jungle-like vegetation in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Entebbe/Murchison Falls/Kibale; Bwindi/Entebbe
Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are priced from an additional $1,600.
Minimum age is 15 years.
First group event: welcome briefing at 10:00 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: hotel transfer at 11:30 a.m. on Day 11.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
Program Note: This journey entails active elements such as hiking through isolated jungle regions.
Departures & Prices Guaranteed
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests, and if the price goes down after you book, we'll refund the difference.
Deposit Per Person at Time of Booking: $1,000 (full-payment if within 90 days of departure)
Gorilla Tracking Permit Surcharge: $1,350 (non-refundable)
Final Payment Due: 90 days prior to departure
Cancellation Fees Per Person – Main Group Journeys and related Group Pre/Post Tour Extensions
91 days prior to departure or more: $500


Does "A Man And A Woman" sound bad on your harmonica? Nail your technique with easy video lessons ->click here.
they'll stay to-geth-er so much in love.
we can build a new dream for you and me.
that on-ly lov-ing can give the heart.
together so much in love.
to the mus-ic of ro-mance, of a new ro-mance.
Take a chance, take a chance.


text:
We sometimes have to pinch ourselves when coming to the realization it's not common for a community our size to have so many good things happening almost all the time. Yet, if you call St. Augustine your home, you can spend virtually all of your free time in pursuit of places to go and things to do.
The swimming pool at the Galimore Community Center opened a week ago at which time it was announced the Jaguars Foundation would underwrite general swimming entrance fees for the entire summer. We learned from research conducted by students at Flagler College that the pool is popular with all segments of the community. And, for the rest of the summer, admission is free. How good is that.
El Galeón, the full-scale replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon that's currently berthed at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, will be available for public tours through June 9. St. Augustine is the fourth and final city on its tour and the ship's captain has been quoted as saying this has been his favorite stop. He said St. Augustine reminded him of a small city in Spain and its people have been very welcoming. Tours are scheduled daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for children 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and younger.
If you're partial to dance, there are at least three different events coming up that should prove satisfying to everyone's tastes. The St. Augustine Dance Conservatory is bringing a new production called "Burning Love," an original musical ballet set in the 1950s, to the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College on June 1 and 3.
The Dance Company is celebrating its 20th anniversary with dance concerts at Lewis Auditorium on June 9. The non-profit dance studio has grown to nearly 300 students.
Finally, the St. Augustine Ballet will bring its production of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to Lewis Auditorium on June 15. The ballet, a musical comedy, will feature brand new choreography, scores of local dancers, and Ballet Fleming of Philadelphia guest performers.
You can enjoy the fabulous weather typical of this time of year by taking a boat ride from the Camachee Cove Marina in Vilano Beach to the St. Augustine Municipal Marina. There will be several daily departures of a water taxi beginning June 1, with the service then scheduled to run from Thursday through Sunday. The fare is $6 (each way) for adults and $4 for children, 10 and younger.
If arts and crafts is your cup of tea, the 15th Annual Every Woman's Arts and Crafts Festival will be held at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier pavilion June 2. The show features a variety of fine art and handcrafted items.
The list goes on and we could fill up this page and more with the many entertainment, cultural and educational activities on tap in our community in the days and weeks ahead. And we do just that every week in Compass magazine, included in today's paper. But we think it's also worthwhile to occasionally remind readers on this page, that our community provides a wealth of free-time options for them.
So consider yourself reminded. Now, go out and have some fun.


text:
© 2018 Liane Lang
MONUMENTAL MISCONCEPTIONS – ARTIST LIANE LANG
On a November afternoon in 2012, Dan Motrescu climbed up onto a statue of Prince George, 2nd Duke of Cambridge, in Whitehall and took off all his clothes. For close to three hours, the surrounding area was cordoned off by police, who alongside hordes of onlookers waited for the 29 year old man to eventually descend...from a perch on the top of the duke's head.
Motrescu succeeded in snapping off the Field Marshall's baton, and caused an alleged £10,000 of damages to the statue. But beyond material violation to the monument, the most notable outcome has to be publicity. Not for the perpetrator (he was left unnamed in much of the press), but for the monument itself.
The Public Monuments and Sculpture Association has over 9,300 entries for public sculptures across the UK. There are more than 400 public artworks in the City of Westminster alone. Some are world- famous; but most are made better known by the 'press-worthy' events surrounding them. A naked man always helps.
London-based artist Liane Lang has spent many years preoccupied by the notions surrounding monuments, particularly iconoclasm, and her ongoing project Monumental Misconceptions spans subjects across the UK and Europe.
The works, both sculptural and photographic, address the role of scale in our perception of art. In the case of monumental sculpture the sense of subjective appreciation or interpretation is determinedly overridden by the artist – the work has a distinct purpose and employs tried-and-tested mechanisms in its approach to materials and scale to achieve its function – to depict the subject as heroic; all-powerful; permanent. By tweaking one of these vital mechanisms – scale – Lang creates space for a much broader range of interpretations. In her sculptural interpretation of the Prince George monument, for example, the statuesque, grandiose subject is belittled in its reduction to a sculptural miniature, highlighting the absurdity of the heroic pose – made famous in this instance by the naked figure she has cast on the head of the duke (no longer the protagonist). Leaving Prince George bereft of baton, Liane Lang gives further life to the grand monument – but contentiously through the symbolic act over a century after its making.
Lang's work in Europe – crossing various media – is also powerful in bringing such reality to stark light. The artist's ongoing project Monumental Misconceptions includes photographic works made during her residency at the Memento Sculpture Park in Budapest, the resting place of discarded and exiled monumental sculptural works from the socialist era in Hungary. The series also includes a new series of sculptures taking as their subject defaced and destroyed monuments to dictators and deposed leaders – the sculptures themselves derive from documentation of these acts of symbolic violence: from the black and white footage of the Czar's statue being torn down by horse-power in Eisenstein's 1928 film October, to contemporary footage of a different kind of horsepower at work on the iconic statue of Saddam Hussein in 2003. The subtext? These monumental statues of feudalism – the Prussian emperor on horseback, the mighty tsar on his throne, the eminent statue of Bismarck – were all deposed and melted down by Socialists. Their bronze may well have gone into the production of Lenin, Stalin and Dherzhinsky in the following years.
Demonstrating this ongoing cycle, the latest toppling of a Lenin statue just a few days ago in Ukraine – in Kramatorsk, not far from the front lines – is now seen an assertion of "de-communization." Who can say as what, or who, Lenin might now be recast?
"I am interested in the idea of the sculptural object that has forfeited its role to be treated and seen as an artwork. The sculpted figure can lose its status as artwork in many ways, ideological, political or aesthetic. It may do so through excessive life-likeness, ranging from the marble carving down to the tawdry side-show reputation of the wax work. The Socialist statues, many made with great skill by important sculptors of the time, became culpable by association and lost their status as artwork in this way.
"Central to this series is the notion of iconoclasm, a theme, which emerges in much of my work. Here, the statue becomes the object of bodily punishment, being treated as a symbolic site for physical humiliation, injury and execution in lieu of the real body. The symbolic act of deposition is often more powerful and long lasting than the fate of the person portrayed." Liane Lang
The seeming permanence of the bronze statue is belied by its precarious existence, as historically only a small number survive this form of ideological recycling. Throughout Lang's work there persists a fascination with the contextual and historical influence on the way we perceive the figure in sculpture.
A brand new series of works, "Prussians and other Villains", comprises a host of bronze moustaches, miniature versions of those from previously destroyed monuments of infamous historic leaders, and will soon be exhibited as part of the Museum Zitadelle Spandau's major exhibition Revealed, Berlin and its Monuments. Of the 60+ moustaches in total (and counting), the first made by the artist was the recreation of the Stalin Statue moustache in the original size, about 50cm long, rumoured (alongside the ear) to have been the only part to survive the destruction of the monument after Stalin's death.
"The moustache on its own was an intriguing object, like a furry animal, a strange remnant, both expressive and truncated, evocative and slightly ridiculous. The majority of political portraits are eventually lost, melted down, recycled or otherwise destroyed. It brought to mind the idea of an army of moustached men of history. Imagine all that was kept of each of them was that little ferrety piece of facial hair, as a symbol of truncated power and inadequately remembered lives." LL
Beginning with Stalin, the collection initially included only Prussians, but soon – out of an obsessive intrigue - branched across fields and countries, connecting people variously connected or divided by politics, wars, blood relation or philosophical ideas, reduced to the object nature of their facial hair. The artist claims not to have a favourite (while naming Friedrich Engels and Friedrich Nietzsche as some of the more particularly enjoyable to make), and yet derives a distinct pleasure in the hilarity of the physicality of what, really, comes down to a small, strange 'thing':
"The early Brandenburg rulers often had beautifully effete little moustaches and fascistic tendencies across the world appear to require particularly small and stingy upper lip growth." LL
Just as the statuesque subjects of her works may be variously belittled, they may also be – as in the moustaches – revealed as grotesquely absurd. The resulting original works thus retain the echo of the appropriated sculpture's polemic message, but create room around them for humour and a strange and haunting beauty, born of empathy – for the mighty (however tyrannical) brought low, and for the very human condition of impermanence.
Liane Lang's Monumental Misconceptions, an infinite project as I see it, is a fascinating look at our perceptions of history, being, as it is, only truly fathomable in the Now – whether in its Present writing or reading, or its remaining Present memory of the Then. Such interventions as we see in her photographs and sculptures are not necessarily about politics, but they are discussions of iconoclasm, and in some cases – not all – the two may collide. The natural manifestation of history in objects, coincidental or intentional (often political or ideological, but not always), can often be a more enduring 're-writing' of a past than in manners less tangible. But then re-writings may always be written again – edited, censored, burned, melted down and remade.
Of course, "The symbolic act of deposition is often more powerful and long lasting than the fate of the person portrayed." LL
Liane Lang was born in Germany and lives and works in London. She studied at NCAD in Dublin and completed a BA in Fine Art at Goldsmiths College followed by a Postgraduate Diploma at the Royal Academy, where she graduated in 2006.
Liane Lang combines sculpture, film and photography to create works that re-imagine monuments and
historic houses through small interventions and lateral storytelling. Lang has recently created sculpture and film installations at Leighton House Museum, at Casa Guidi, the house of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning, at Memento Sculpture Park in Budapest and is currently completing an artist residency at Eton College where she is creating a sculptural and film installation created at the school. Lang's work involves extensive research into the history of places and objects, often touching on themes of political and social upheaval, iconoclasm and the aesthetics of decay and repurposing. She works in large-scale photography, animation and in a variety of sculptural materials including bronze. Her work has been exhibited widely both in the UK and abroad and has been acquired by MoMA and the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2014.


text:
Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Volcanology Project Update
Creating Career Paths for African-American Students in Geosciences
A new initiative teaches marketable skills, engages students in research projects at Brookhaven National Laboratory, and fosters professional career tracks of underrepresented minorities.
Melissa Sims from Stony Brook University (right) introducing Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz (left) at the dedication of the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) II facility in February 2015 with NSLS director Steve Dierker (far right) looking on. Credit: Brookhaven National Laboratory
By Robert Liebermann, Lars Ehm, and Gabriel Gwanmesia 12 May 2016
On the morning of 6 February 2015, Melissa Sims walked the short path to the podium in the lecture hall of the newly constructed National Synchrotron Light Source II facility, a building of Brookhaven National Laboratories. This was no ordinary lecture: At age 28, Sims was a graduate student studying how feldspar minerals compress during meteorite impacts. In the audience sat Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, who she was tasked to introduce at the new facility's dedication.
"How did I end up here? In 2 years, I went from an unemployment office to a stage with someone appointed by the president."
It's not every day that a graduate student gets to open for a cabinet member. Rarer still is Sims, an African-American woman geoscientist in a field dominated by white men. As she sat on stage, Sims remembers thinking, "How did I end up here? In 2 years, I went from an unemployment office to a stage with someone appointed by the president."
Sims is the product of a new initiative at Stony Brook University called "A Career Path for African-American Students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities to National Laboratories." The initiative teaches marketable skills, places students in internships, and fosters the professional career tracks of underrepresented minorities. We offer this initiative as a proof of concept example of how and what institutions can do to address the shortage of African-Americans in the geosciences.
The Scope of Underrepresentation
The geosciences have the lowest African-American representation of all the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines [Huntoon et al., 2015].
A report from the American Institute of Physics, entitled "Untapped Talent: The African-American Presence in Physics and the Geosciences" [Czujko et al., 2008], gives some background on the root causes of this underrepresentation.
Although many African-American students have the necessary high school backgrounds to succeed in physics, they are more likely to choose math or sciences other than physics and geoscience in college.
The report emphasizes that although many African-American students have the necessary high school backgrounds to succeed in physics, "these students are more likely to choose math or sciences other than physics and geoscience in college." In fact, "compared to other scientific disciplines, physics and the geosciences consistently come out near the bottom in terms of their ability to attract and retain African-Americans," the report notes [Czujko et al., 2008]. For example, in 2004, 4% of African-Americans earned a bachelor's degree in physics and only 2% in the geosciences (compared with 9% for all sciences, which is still below the 13% of African-Americans in the U.S. population).
Czujko et al. [2008] also examine the state of African-Americans within the larger context of the U.S. educational system and social structure, including geography and economics. Most African-American students go to college near their homes; more than 70% of U.S. universities and colleges awarded no bachelor's degrees in the geosciences to African-Americans in the 5-year period of 2000–2004.
The dearth of degrees awarded to African-Americans is even more pronounced at the master's level, despite the fact that more than 500,000 such degrees are awarded each year in the United States. As the report notes, "The geosciences have the unenviable distinction of having the poorest representation of African-Americans (1%) among master's degree recipients" [Czujko et al., 2008].
Framework for Training and Employment
To address this poor record, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Geosciences established in 2006 a program called Opportunities for Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences (OEDG). Stony Brook's new initiative is a product of OEDG.
The initiative has a few key steps. First, project leaders seek to recruit undergraduate science and engineering students from underrepresented groups into the graduate program in the Department of Geosciences at Stony Brook University. For expediency, efforts are focused on historically black colleges and universities, such as Delaware State University and the University of South Carolina.
Next, the recruited students take courses and develop research projects toward an M.S. in geosciences instrumentation—a degree provided by Stony Brook. Thus far, project leaders have chosen to focus on instrumentation so that students could develop marketable skill sets in an emerging field between science and technology.
Students receive training that prepares them for employment as science associates in national user facilities of the U.S. Department of Energy.
Finally, students receive training that prepares them for employment as science associates in national user facilities of the U.S. Department of Energy. All graduates of the program have conducted their research projects at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) of the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL).
Building on Existing Foundations
The new program has taken advantage of the long-standing relationship between professors from historically black colleges and universities and BNL. An important element of this relationship is the Interdisciplinary Consortium for Research and Educational Access in Science and Engineering (INCREASE), an organization that supports access to research facilities not typically available to faculty at historically black colleges and universities. To enhance its ability to attract African-American undergraduates, Stony Brook University has capitalized on its connection with colleagues in INCREASE institutions to help identify and recruit students.
In addition to INCREASE and NSLS at BNL, partners in this new initiative include the Center for Inclusive Education and the Graduate School of Stony Brook University. All of these organizations have provided matching funds to complement the National Science Foundation support.
The M.S. in geosciences instrumentation program includes both formal courses and hands-on research projects at the NSLS. The projects typically involve the study of the physical and chemical properties of minerals under high-pressure conditions, which is the major focus of the Consortium for Materials Properties for Research in Earth Sciences, which operates synchrotron beamlines for high-pressure research in the United States.
Program Successes
(from left to right) Melissa Sims, Adairé Heady, and Ashley Thompson examining one of NSLS's beamlines. Beamlines are paths of accelerated particles, used in this case to study properties of crystal structures. Credit: Lars Ehm
To date, the initiative has graduated three M.S. students: Ashley Thompson from Delaware State University, Melissa Sims from the University of South Carolina, and Adairé Heady from Delaware State University. All graduated from Stony Brook within a 2-year period.
Thompson is now in a Ph.D. program in mechanical engineering at Stony Brook; Sims, who was awarded a prestigious graduate fellowship from Stony Brook, is studying for her doctorate in geosciences at the university; and Heady is seeking employment at a national laboratory such as BNL.
In September 2014, Brandon Rhymer from the University of the Virgin Islands enrolled in Stony Brook's initiative. He will graduate with his M.S. degree in May 2016 and will return to his home institution to teach for a year before deciding whether to pursue further graduate study.
Brandon Rhymer with the 2000-ton uniaxial split sphere apparatus in the Stony Brook High Pressure Laboratory. The apparatus helps scientists simulate the high pressures of Earth's deep interior. Credit: Gabriel Gwanmesia
Stony Brook's program shows how science-minded students, through mentoring and research opportunities, can change their expectations to embrace geoscience research. For example, Sims was an undergraduate in exploration geophysics and headed toward a career in the oil industry. But when she learned about Stony Brook's program, she shifted her ambitions to a more academic direction. Similarly, Rhymer initially was considering opportunities in engineering, but changed his focus to study geophysics after spending two summers at BNL in the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship program.
The NSF Directorate for Geosciences has approved a no-cost extension of Stony Brook's grant, which allows the program's time period to run to 2016. Unfortunately, NSF has temporarily suspended funding for the OEDG program, so Stony Brook is seeking new funding to extend the program beyond 2016. However, both Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Graduate School at Stony Brook have extended their funding for another 2 years.
For tips on how to implement such a program in your institution, contact Robert Liebermann.
Czujko, R., R. Ivie, and J. H. Stith (2008), Untapped talent: The African American presence in physics and the geosciences, Publ. R-444, 22 pp., Am. Inst. of Phys., College Park, Md.
Huntoon, J. E., C. Tanenbaum, and J. Hodges (2015), Increasing diversity in the geosciences, Eos, 96, doi:10.1029/2015EO025897.
Robert Liebermann, Department of Geosciences and Mineral Physics Institute, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, N.Y.; email: [email protected]; Lars Ehm, Mineral Physics Institute, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, N.Y., and Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, N.Y.; and Gabriel Gwanmesia, Department of Physics and Engineering, Delaware State University, Dover
Citation: Liebermann, R., L. Ehm, and G. Gwanmesia (2016), Creating career paths for African-American students in geosciences, Eos, 97, doi:10.1029/2016EO052099. Published on 12 May 2016.
Text © 2016. The authors. CC BY-NC 3.0
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Break out the hats & horns, April is National Poetry Month! To celebrate, please join me in the Big Poetry Giveaway, an annual event in which dozens of writer-bloggers offer you chances to win their favorite poetry books. It's fun, easy & spreads good cheer.
I'm giving away the following two books. To enter the drawing, leave your name in the comment section of this post.
A book of my poems and black-and-white photos. Published in 2013, this is my first solo collection.
"She is the poet laureate of vulnerability!"
"This collection confesses a vulnerability that has fostered a proud strength and authentic voice of empathy in its author. Thin Skin exposes the reader to life's harsh elements, but also shows the way to refuge."
I can't get enough of this book. In fact, I keep giving it away and buying back-up copies. Olena's poems are sharp, piercing and true. I've highlighted, underlined and analyzed the pages to pieces — but don't worry, you'll get a fresh, new copy.
Five years ago poet Kelli Russell Agodon created the Big Poetry Giveaway. In doing so, she fostered enthusiasm for poetry while also weaving together a community of kind and generous poets. In that spirit, let me introduce myself.
I'm a writer, editor and poet — who likes reading, writing letters, and people with quick smiles. When not writing, I encourage others to write. I live on the Oregon Coast, and maintain two blogs: Off the Page, sharing Thankful Thursdays and writing-based topics; and 3 Good Books, a feature at Push Pull Books in which I invite writers and artists to share their favorite books on a given topic.
To enter the drawing, please leave your name and email address in the comment section of this post by midnight (Pacific Standard Time) on April 30, 2014. A winner will be randomly chosen from all entries. Books will be mailed (to anywhere on the planet, at no charge) in May.
It's a poetry extravaganza! Fifty writers are giving away over 100 books. View the list of participants here.
Good luck. Thanks for playing!


UPGRADED: an original science fiction anthology for the cyborg age. Edited by a cyborg. Stronger. Better. Faster. We will rebuild you.
496 backers pledged $16,094 to help bring this project to life.
Hi. My name is Neil Clarke and I'm the editor of Clarkesworld Magazine and a current Hugo Nominee for Best Editor Short Form. Last July, I suffered a "widow-maker" heart attack that nearly killed me. The damage to my heart was very significant and that led to my doctors installing a defibrillator in my chest. That day, I became a cyborg.
I've been working on Clarkesworld for almost seven years, but I've never edited an anthology that wasn't Clarkesworld-related. I just didn't come across anything that inspired me. Trust almost dying to provide you with inspiration.
As I began looking into the possibility of a cyborg anthology, I quickly noticed that the cyborgs most people think of are villains (Cybermen, Darth Vader, the Borg, etc.). My people make excellent villains, but that only represents the tip of the iceberg. The more I thought about it, the more certain I became that this was the anthology project I had been looking for... a cyborg-edited cyborg anthology. I don't think that's been done before. Besides, cyborgs are cool.
It seems only appropriate that this campaign will end on the first anniversary of my heart attack.
Clarkesworld is a two-time winner of the Hugo Award for Best Semiprozine and our fiction has been nominated for or won the Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, Sturgeon, Locus, Shirley Jackson, Ditmar, WSFA Small Press and Stoker Awards.
I'll be utilizing the connections I developed through my work at Clarkesworld to solicit original stories for this anthology. In addition, there will also be an open reading period for at least a quarter of the stories because I believe that it is important for magazines and anthologies to provide opportunities for new voices to be heard.
Current Hugo Award for best artist (and Clarkesworld regular), Julie Dillon, has agreed to create an original piece for the cover of this anthology.
Ebook editions will be provided in both EPUB and MOBI/KINDLE formats.
All trade paperback rewards will be accompanied by the ebook editions.
Shipping is included unless otherwise noted. International supporters: Please note the extra fees. Sorry. International shipping is expensive.
The ebook and trade paperback editions will contain the same stories.
When a book is listed as signed, it means signed by Neil Clarke unless otherwise noted.
The four Clarkesworld anthologies offered in this campaign are Realms 1: The First Year of Clarkesworld Magazine, Realms 2: The Second Year of Clarkesworld Magazine, Clarkesworld: Year Three and Clarkesworld: Year Four (coming July 15th).
At present, we are planning to have the book available stores in May 2014. Having managed previous book projects, I know that this should give us ample room to deal with potential complications. It is always possible that an author will be late or have to drop out of the project. In such a situation, I'll be calling on my connections and years of experience at Clarkesworld to come up with an appropriate and timely solution.
Cyborg Sympathizer 1.0: You will be spared during the Cyborg Uprising.
Cyborg Sympathizer 2.0: You will receive the ebook edition (all formats) of UPGRADED.
Cyborg Sympathizer 3.0: You will receive the ebook edition (all formats) of UPGRADED and your choice of three ebook issues of Clarkesworld Magazine.
Cyborg Enthusiast 1.0: UPGRADED trade paperback & ebook, Acknowledged as Cyborg in book.
Cyborg Enthusiast 2.0: UPGRADED ebook and all of the 2012 Clarkesworld Magazine ebook issues. Acknowledged as Cyborg in book.
Cyborg Enthusiast 3.0: UPGRADED trade paperback & ebook and your choice of two Clarkesworld anthology ebooks. Acknowledged as Cyborg in book.
Cyborg Enthusiast 3.5: UPGRADED trade paperback & ebook and your choice of one Clarkesworld anthology trade paperback. Acknowledged as Cyborg in book.
Cyborg Citizen 1.0: UPGRADED trade paperback (signed) & ebook and your choice of two Clarkesworld anthology trade paperbacks. Acknowledged as Cyborg in book.
Cyborg Citizen 1.5: UPGRADED ebook & all four Clarkesworld anthology ebooks, Acknowledged as Cyborg in book.
Cyborg Citizen 2.0: UPGRADED trade paperback (signed) & ebook and your choice of three Clarkesworld anthology trade paperbacks. Acknowledged as Cyborg in book.
Cyborg Citizen 3.0: UPGRADED trade paperback (signed) & ebook and all four Clarkesworld anthology trade paperbacks. Acknowledged as Cyborg in book.
Cyborg Leader 1.0: UPGRADED trade paperback (signed) & ebook, choice of two Clarkesworld anthology trade paperbacks, 25 ebook issues of Clarkesworld Magazine. Acknowledged as Cyborg in book.
Cyborg Leader 2.0: UPGRADED trade paperback (signed) & ebook, choice of two Clarkesworld anthology trade paperbacks, 50 ebook issues of Clarkesworld Magazine. Acknowledged as Cyborg in book.
Cyborg Leader 3.0: UPGRADED ebook, all four Clarkesworld anthology trade paperbacks, 50 ebook issues of Clarkesworld Magazine. Acknowledged as Cyborg in book.
Cyborg Leader 4.0: UPGRADED trade paperback (signed) & ebook, all four Clarkesworld anthology trade paperbacks, 50 ebook issues of Clarkesworld Magazine. Acknowledged as Cyborg in book.
Cyborg Delegator 1.0: Clarkesworld's Podcast Director, Kate Baker, will narrate your story and provide a finished MP3 file. (up to 7k words).
Cyborg Delegator 1.5: Neil will convert your book or story into an ebook (ePub and Mobi/Kindle formats). You must provide cover and interior (in Word, RTF or InDesign).
Cyborg Cavia Porcellus 1.0: Early access to the book and stories (electronic files). Signed trade paperback of UPGRADED. Acknowledged as Cyborg in book.
Cyborg Infiltrator 1.0: We will advertise your book/company in the top right ad slot at Clarkesworld Magazine for one month. (Subject to standard approval process.) Signed trade paperback of UPGRADED. Acknowledged as Cyborg in book.
Cyborg Infiltrator 2.0: Tuckerized. A cyborg in one of the stories will be named after you. You will be sent a copy of the story in advance of publication, but you have no control over your namesake's fate. Trade paperback of UPGRADED signed by story's author and Neil Clarke.
Cyborg Infiltrator 2.0: Get yourself to the 2013 Worldcon (Lone Star Con 3) and join Neil as his guest at the Hugo Award reception, ceremony and parties. Best seats in the house! (Travel, hotel, Worldcon Membership, etc. NOT included.) Signed trade paperback. Acknowledged as Cyborg in book.
Cyborg Infiltrator 3.0: Your name appears on the dedication page of UPGRADED. Barring unforeseen events, your trade paperback will be signed by each author. This task will take extra time to complete, so an unsigned reading copy of the book will also be sent to you.


text:
Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh
Sector-32, Chandigarh, India
The Government Medical College, Chandigarh was started during the year 1991 in Prayaas building, Sector 38 as an attempt to establish a center of undergraduate excellence to support the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research. The foundation stone was laid by erstwhile Prime Minister of India, Chandra Shekhar on 20 January, 1991 in on land allotted by the Chandigarh Administration. Construction for this College and Hospital started in 1991 itself.
dpgmch-chd@gmch.gov.in


The mannequins developed by Historic Royal Palaces for living British royalty, are an apt prototype for the QSMT conservation team to replicate for the display of Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand's couture dresses. Through cross trainings between the two royal museums, the QSMT has experimented and sourced local materials in order to create a more bespoke approach to its mannequins. The multiple steps to create a viable conservation-grade invisible form will be reviewed and discussed.
The ideal Perspex (Plexiglas) UK form, is not feasible in Bangkok. The plexi crafters are unable to replicate the British forms in a highgrade plexi, or work on a one-to-one basis with the museum. The papier-mache prototype, while doable, is time consuming, and the material is difficult to fully dry in tropical climate. Similar difficulties are encountered with bukram, where the starch component has a tendency to mildew in high humidity.
The final solution is a fiber glass dress form, in the required size, and professionally cut down by the manufacturer. After sealing the raw edges with a paper coating, and off-gassing, the forms are buffered with imported or local materials. Then the visible interior cavity and outer surface can be customized and tailored.
The result is that fiberglass suits the needs and capacity of the QSMT best; it is more light weight than plexi or papier mache; it is strong enough to support heavy gowns; it is a readily available local product; cost effective; and the local manufacturers can modify the forms and collaborate on a form-by-form basis.


Memo comes in handy in sensory therapy for people with Alzheimer's disease.
The set includes a speaker, a fragrance diffuser, instruments, a mobile application and a shelf. Instruments (grater and three rattles) and a loudspeaker (very intuitive to use, with a limited number of buttons) are used in music therapy. Fragrance diffuser sprays essential oils, and the smell of a given function, e.g. an appetite stimulant or a sedative, is released at a specific time. The mobile application includes a set of memory exercises, it also allows you to add photos that bring back memories. Thanks to the application, the carer sets waking, sleeping and meal hours, which are synchronized with the operation of the diffuser and loudspeaker, emitting aromas and music adequate to the time of day and planned activities. The shelf allows wireless charging of devices.
I graduated from Design Faculty of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, Poland. I am co-founder and designer at Lotne Studio - small multidisciplinary design studio based in Warsaw. I also work as UI Designer at Demant Technology Center, where I create interfaces for medical software. I am a laureate of design contests, I presented my work at exhibitions in Poland and abroad.
In my work I like to face existing social challenges and meet the real human needs. For some time now I am interested in working for medical industry and designing for seniors. I believe that this is the field where I truly can have positive impact.
I graduated from Design Faculty of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, Poland. I am co-founder and designer at Lotne Studio – small multidisciplinary design studio based in Warsaw. I also work as UI Designer at Demant Technology Center, where I create interfaces for medical software. I am a laureate of design contests, I presented my work at exhibitions in Poland and abroad. In my work I like to face existing social challenges and meet the real human needs. For some time now I am interested in working for medical industry and designing for seniors. I believe that this is the field where I truly can have positive impact.


Gavin McEwan, Partner and Head of Charities is presently the Chair of Live Music Now Scotland and member of the Charity Law Reform Committee of the Law Society of Scotland: he will discuss OSCR's interim safeguarding guidance against the backdrop of significant and notifiable incidents.
Financial Statements – what do they say?
Marion Hopper, Partner, Hardie Caldwell leads its Charities Focus Group responsible for all services provided to Hardie Caldwell's charity and not for profit clients. Marion will give a brief overview aimed at assisting chief executives and trustees in understanding and interpreting financial statements including the consideration of restricted funds, going concern, reserve policies and dates throughout the year for management purposes.
Please note that places are limited and, therefore, restricted to a maximum of two places per charity – these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.


During preparation for the wedding, the creation of the bride's image takes a lot of time. And this is understandable, because every young lady tries to do everything in order to look stunning on the main day of her life. When planning her wedding image, the young lady herself decides what exactly this should be. Some prefer classics, so they buy a long puffy dress and veil, others want to show own beautiful figure, so they choose godet or straight silhouettes, and for the third ones comfort is above all, so they buy short dresses. But whatever outfit has been chosen, it will certainly need accessories, one of which is wedding gloves. This exquisite accessory is chosen not only for aesthetic reasons but also because wedding satin gloves have a long romantic history. A couple of centuries ago, a knight expressed his feelings giving a glove to the lady of his heart, and when she put them on, the young man could count upon her favor.
As for modern brides, they can pick this noble accessory in your boutiques, and you can buy wedding gloves in Ukraine for boutiques in our online store. Long wedding gloves can turn any dress into elegant wedding outfit.
How to correctly choose gloves?
Short wedding gloves will look great with fitted dresses with sleeves up to the elbow. It is also necessary to order wedding gloves with length above wrist, because they can be recommended to any outfit. Buy wedding gloves with length above elbow as it will not be superfluous for you, because this accessory can provide an image with nobility and greatness.
Our wedding gloves, the price for which will please you, shall be available among accessories of your boutique, because many brides use them when creating their image. Moreover, designers of FataBogdana constantly work on improvement of models, experiment with fabrics and decor, which allows us to regularly offer you new items.