November 2018 - American Limousines, Inc.
Owned by the Sultan of Brunei, the most expensive limousine in the world cost $14 million and is 24 karat gold plated. Of course, there are plenty of affordable limos and limo rental services available, and you don't have to shell out millions to enjoy the luxurious experience that comes with any limo ride. 'Why rent a limo,' you're wondering? There are countless reasons — weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and more. But before researching limo rental companies, you should be aware of some mistakes that could serve as potential setbacks along the way. With that in mind, here are just a few common and costly mistakes to avoid when renting a limo.
As is the case with any considerable investment or rental, it's important to make sure you're aware of what you're getting before signing any agreements or contracts. Ask the limo rental companies you're interested in to tour the insides of each of the different models they have available based on your party size and needs. Make sure you also know whether or not the vehicle you saw is the same one you'll be renting for your event.
It should also come as no surprise that waiting too long to look at rental companies and rates can lead to disappointment. Limo services often get booked long in advance, especially during the busy seasons, like prom season, the summer wedding season, and the holiday season. You can never be too early when it comes to researching prices, availability, and features.
In addition to comparing features, it helps to answer preliminary questions the rental company may ask to better understand your needs. These questions may include things like, 'why rent a limo?' or 'how many people do you need accommodation for?' It helps to have these details ready to get a more accurate price estimate.
There are more than 130,000 limousines currently in service around the country, and the majority provide nothing but professional and luxurious service. Still, avoiding these mistakes can save you money and time during the search process. For more information about limo or party bus rentals, contact American Limo.
If you're planning to rent a limo for an upcoming special event, it's essential to do your research. You might be inclined to book with a company based on mere name recognition or proximity alone, but that won't always tell you everything you need to know to have a great limousine rental experience. More than likely, the company you choose for limo services will be well-regarded. But any company that exhibits the following signs isn't a business you should work with.
When you reserve a limo rental, you should obtain peace of mind that you will arrive to your destination safely. Your limo service should, at bare minimum, be able to provide proof of insurance and licensing for their drivers. Many customers assume that any limo business will have these automatically. But the sad truth is that there are some unscrupulous people out there who would rather try to cut corners and deceive than go through the required processes. You'll need to make sure for yourself that you'll be protected during your trip. Any limo company worth its salt will be happy to provide proof of their certifications right away.
Every limo rental company operates a bit differently, so not every service can be considered ubiquitous. But one thing you should always have is the freedom of choice. As long as you're booking with more than enough time to spare, you should at least be able to control the time of your pick-up and the type of vehicle. A limo company that's totally unwilling to meet your needs from the start may end up being even more difficult to work with in the long run. Renting a limo is a treat, so you shouldn't be made to feel like you have no say in your experience.
Not every company is going to have 20 or more cars for you to choose from — but all of their vehicles should be in excellent shape. Approximately 60% of limousine service companies have fewer than five vehicles in their fleet. You'll want to make sure that all of them are in great condition. Outdated vehicles can indicate a lack of overall care and could even present safety hazards for passengers. Believe us, you won't want to deal with car troubles on your wedding day or have your experience tainted by strange rattling noises in your supposed luxury car. Go check out the vehicle fleet in person before you sign a contract to make certain everything is in order.
Simply put, your limo driver should be a consummate pro. You shouldn't be worried about their appearance or their behavior. You also shouldn't have to be concerned about whether they know the correct way to navigate to a given location. A limo driver that makes a wrong turn and ends up in a traffic jam could end up costing you more in the end. And while just about everyone relies on their phone's GPS app these days, it'd be preferable for your driver to already be familiar with the route; that way, your conversations wouldn't be interrupted by a robotic voiceover indicating where to turn. While you may not know who your driver is ahead of time, you can certainly inquire with your limo rental service about their hiring processes, how long their drivers have been with the company, and their general policies pertaining to professionalism beforehand.
With any type of business, it's important to consider their level of customer service before hiring. If they've exhibited poor communication skills (e.g., unanswered emails or voicemails, disrespect towards customers, vague answers to questions), you should probably look elsewhere. When your inquiries are ignored early on in the process, it's never a good sign. Reputable limo rental companies understand how important stellar customer service is. Don't waste your time on a business that doesn't. If you observe these red flags, don't sign on the dotted line; instead, walk away and find a company that will actually serve your needs. To learn more about our services and how we can make your next occasion even more special, contact us today.
Kids: they grow up so fast, don't they? You might vividly remember bringing your daughter home from the hospital, and it seems like only yesterday that she was headed off to her very first day of school. But time has flown by and now she's nearly 16 years old. In many circles, it's traditional to celebrate this milestone birthday with a bang.
While there are some parents who are willing to spend thousands on their little girl's sweet 16 party, most families have more realistic expectations. You'll want to make this day extra special for her — without going into debt yourself. As long as you cover the basics and make sure her party celebrates everything about your daughter, you'll be able to throw her a party she'll never forget. Here are the must-haves for any truly sweet 16.
Pick an awesome venue: You don't necessarily have to book the Plaza to make a great impression. The venue of your choosing can be a local hotel, a movie theater, a favorite restaurant, a local park, or even a nice community center. Wherever you decide to throw the party, make sure you book the venue well in advance. Aim for at least six to eight months ahead of time. That will ensure you won't have to scramble or settle for your last choice.
Finalize the guest list: The reason you decide on a venue first is to ensure the entire guest list can fit inside. If there's a strict seating capacity, you and your daughter may need to make some tough decisions about who to invite. And even if the venue can comfortably hold hundreds, you'll probably want to encourage your kiddo to narrow down her choices. She might feel a lot of pressure to invite everyone in her class, but it's usually best to keep the guest list limited to those who genuinely get along and who won't cause any drama.
Decide on food and entertainment: Food choices (and quantity!) will prove important for teens. That said, you don't have to go all-out like you would with a wedding. Food choices can be fairly simple and universally appealing. Lessen the potential mess by ensuring most items can be eaten standing up, without utensils. Hamburger sliders or food served on sticks can work well, as can chips and dip, pizza, veggies, fruit skewers, or other small appetizers. For a fun twist, you can serve mocktails or have a sundae bar. You'll also want to make sure the guests are entertained. You might consider hiring a DJ or even a live band. Many parents will plan to have a sweet 16 at a bowling alley or at a skating rink to ensure the activities are built-in and that no one will be bored.
Reserve your limo services: No matter what, you'll want your daughter to arrive at her sweet 16 party in style. There's no better way to accomplish that than by renting a limo or securing a party bus rental. If you opt for a party bus, you may be able to offer all attendees a ride. But while limo drivers make approximately 105 trips every week, the seating capacity of these vehicles is typically less. Renting a limo or party bus can add a sense of occasion and excitement. Even if you're only traveling 10 minutes away from home, being picked up in a limousine will definitely make your daughter and her closest friends feel truly special. As an added bonus, renting a limo can also provide peace of mind for parents.
Interested in renting a limo for your teen's birthday party? We'll pull out all the stops to celebrate. For more information, contact us today!
November is here, which means it's time to start thinking about setting the table, cooking the turkey, and entertaining your nearest and dearest on Thanksgiving. While you're probably eager to make plans about what you'll serve and where your guests will stay, you might be inclined to forget to think about how you'll all get around. It may seem obvious — take your own car or their rental vehicle! — but is that actually the best choice? At a time when the streets are congested and everyone is busy celebrating, accidents are more likely to happen. If you want to stay safe and sane during the Thanksgiving holiday, you might want to consider a limo rental instead. Why rent a limo during this time of year? Here are three good reasons.
You'll be free to party before the holiday: As you may be aware, the night before Thanksgiving is a popular time to head out to your local bar and celebrate with friends from both near and far. The last thing you want to worry about is making sure you have a designated driver who can avoid all of the potential hazards (as well as the increased police presence) on the road. When you opt for limo services, you'll have peace of mind that everyone will get home safe and sound at the end of the night. Plus, with more than more than 130,000 limousines currently in service around the country, securing this transportation ahead of time will allow you to avoid price hikes and vehicle shortages from ride hailing companies.
You can shop 'til your drop: The day after Thanksgiving is also notorious for a specific kind of chaos. We're talking about Black Friday, of course. If you plan to head out to the shops and spend like there's no tomorrow, you shouldn't have to experience more anxiety than necessary. Even finding a place to park or avoiding a fender-bender can be a real challenge with so many people looking for the best deals. Why rent a limo? You'll be able to avoid dealing with other motorists yourself and can easily go from one store to another without the headache. While your limo driver can't control the crowds inside, they'll at least be able to provide a smooth ride outside. And as a bonus, you'll have plenty of room for all of your shopping scores in your spacious vehicle.
You can secure airport transportation: When you're hosting Thanksgiving at your home, you'll have to coordinate travel schedules for all of your relatives. Although you couldn't be more thrilled that your family members are coming together to celebrate, having to juggle all the cooking with airport and train pickups can be a real challenge. But if you rent a limo, you'll be able to check that task off your list. No one wants to navigate the holiday traffic, especially in a new place. Save your relatives the stress of driving themselves and opt for limo services for transport, instead. It's the perfect way to welcome your loved ones and make sure they arrive in plenty of time for the festivities — or to send them on their way in style and make certain they make their return flight.
Why rent a limo this Thanksgiving? In short, it'll provide both you and your guests with valuable peace of mind (and a bit of extra excitement, too!). To find out more about renting a limo during the holiday season, please contact us today.


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Is Apple Going Straight to the Compost?
Larry Jia, Staff Writer
Filed under Finance
Photo courtesy of Yahoo Finance.
The stock prices of Apple Inc. (AAPL) from the past year.
Lately, Apple Inc. (AAPL) has hit some turbulence regarding market share, stock price, and innovation. Apparently, updating a processor on the new iPhone or making a laptop gold is just not cutting it for consumers anymore. There are various reasons why Apple, formerly the "Most Valuable Company on Earth," is no longer the reigning electronics superpower. Mostly stemming from the death of its heralded leader Steve Jobs in 2011, Apple has lost market share in key regions, such as Asia, to cheaper, native smartphone-makers such as Xiaomi, Huawei, and Oneplus. Furthermore, the lack of innovation is both disturbing for the company's valuation as well as the stock price, as it has dipped approximately 28% in the past year. Key issues may allow investors to realize the cold, hard fact that Apple may not be as fresh as it once was.
The competition Apple is facing in both domestic and international markets has served to decrease the sphere of influence that the company once had. For example, in 2011 Apple controlled approximately 27% of the total US market share, with other leading producers, such as Blackberry, Android OS devices, and Windows phones trailing distantly. But within the last five years, the domination within the domestic market has dropped to approximately 15%. For all intents and purposes, comparing smartphone sales in the international market is sobering. In China, where nationalistic pride in rising high-tech industries, Chinese electronic makers such as Xiomi have enjoyed jumpstarted success. In addition, as China is ranked #82 in GDP per capita, PPP, cheaper and more accessible models greatly appeal to a wider market within China. Net electronics sales have decreased 3% in the 2015 fiscal year, the only negative year in modern Apple history. These troubling figures point to a larger issue: the lack of innovation that fails to capture the imagination of consumers.
In the past, Apple has had a way of captivating the customer like no other company could. Whether it is the gleaming edges, or seamless software integration, each Apple model was revolutionary in some aspect, relating to hardware or software. But, in recent years, trends have developed that Apple has fallen trap to: the lack of sporadic revolutions. Specifically, on average, Apple manages to completely change an entire market every five years, according to Forbes magazine's November 14, 2015 issue. For example, the iPod forever changed the way we listen to music, the iPhone forever changed the way we communicate, the iPad forever changed the way we worked. But, within the past five years, the most revolutionary device has been the Apple Watch, a misguided concept idea that undoubtedly was meant to be a game-changer. However, it has failed to fulfill promises of rampant sales, as production in China toned down, and sales nearly halved. Thus, innovation, which has been infused in Apple's DNA since its founding day, is beginning to slow.
Apple Values Privacy
An article about Apple in February 2016 must also include the ongoing examination with the FBI. Days after the San Bernardino attack, the FBI concluded that the two terrorists, who killed fourteen civilians, used customized and encrypted iPhones to communicate. Thus, even when discussing the financials of such a large corporation, domestic affairs concerning privacy vs. security must also be addressed. With the release of iOS 9, Apple further allowed third-party developers to permeate the App Store with applications meant for encryptions, especially after the NSA branding. However, it is simple: in such a connected world, it is nearly impossible to maintain both security and privacy. It is time for the American people to choose between the continuation of early 21st century NSA data collection programs, or the inevitable horrors that this technology may be used for. So, in the words of FBI director, James Comey, "We have awesome new technology that creates a serious tension between two values we all treasure: privacy and safety. That tension should not be resolved by corporations that sell stuff for a living."
Relying only on branding, this article was not meant to be a factual, in-depth examination of Apple's financials, or initiate overly-complicated statistical tests on stock price, but simply a heads-up to both Apple and consumers of the dangers the corporation faces. So, as the apple that once gleamed so brightly on the grocery store display table failed to maintain the status quo it set, the appeal has begun to fade. Maybe it could be speculation, or maybe Apple is destined for the compost pile anyways.
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Senior Signing Day Ceremony
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One Acts Festival 2019: Incredible Student Productions
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Stress Less Week

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


You're planning to start an employee advocacy program but you're not sure how to pitch your project to your executive team? We've gathered in this blog post key insights and metrics that will help you to build a business case for employee advocacy.
Employee advocacy is gaining traction: one of Altimeter's studies highlights that 90% of brands surveyed have already launched or are planning to start an employee advocacy program, and you may be considering implementing a similar project at your workplace.
You have researched the benefits for the company and for the employees, you know how employee advocacy works and you may have already planned your onboarding process. However, you still need to get the executive team's approval before rolling out your program!
If you want your employees to engage with your content and share it with their own networks, you have to make it easy for them to find it. That's why you'll need to use a proper tool such as an internal content hub to launch and scale up your employee advocacy program.
Your employees shouldn't be spending time looking for company or industry-related content they can share on social media. Think about it: the typical knowledge worker spends 2.5 hours, or roughly 30% of their time a day searching for information, either because they don't know where to find the information they need or simply because they don't have access to it.
In parallel, employees spend a total of 17 hours a week reading and sending work emails and 30 percent of these emails are neither urgent nor important. In organizations where remote work is common and teams are geographically dispersed, it is highly challenging for employees to catch up with the company news. With an internal content hub, you can easily gather in one place all the company news, key insights, and any third-party content that your employees may be interested in. That way you save your employees' time as they don't need to search for information and content they need.
By using an internal content hub, not only can you manage your employee advocacy program in an effective way by filtering content based on employees' roles in the company and their language and topic preferences, but you also improve internal communications and employee productivity by making sure that the right content finds the right employee at the right time.
Whether your marketing objectives are improving brand awareness, increasing website traffic, building brand trust or generating inbound leads, your employees can help you to get a higher ROI!
When your employees share your content with their own networks, they can reach a higher audience than you could reach by posting your content through your brand's social media channels. That's because employees' collective networks are on average 10 times larger than the company's they're working at. Hence, posts shared by employees earn 561 percent more reach than when they are shared through the brand's social media channels!
In parallel, by sharing company-related content through their own accounts, your employees help you to outsmart algorithm changes that lower brand's organic reach on social media platforms. For example, Facebook is developing new algorithms that prioritize interactions between friends and relatives and these updated algorithms affect business pages' organic reach.
However, marketing is not only about improving brand awareness and website traffic, it's also building an authentic brand. When your employees share engaging content such as videos, customer testimonials, blog posts or any company news with their own words, they drive engagement all while adding a human touch to your brand. And let's face it: people trust more your employees' opinions than your brand messaging!
61% of companies engaged in social selling report a positive impact on their revenue growth. Social selling tactics are more effective than traditional sales techniques such as cold calling, but these tactics are quite demanding: they require sales representative to constantly find and share interesting content with their sales leads. And that's because content is critical when it comes to having engaging conversations with leads: salespeople have to share unique content that their leads haven't come across earlier to stay ahead of the competition.
By launching an employee advocacy program, you help your sales representatives to find value-added content they can share with their leads all while supporting their personal branding efforts.
Sales professionals who are engaged in an employee advocacy program select the content they're going to share with their leads and they also personalize their posts rather than posting random company-related content. That way they stand up from the crowd by positioning themselves as industry experts.
Posting job ads to your own website or job boards is definitely not enough to build a talent pool and even less to attract the right talent to your organization!
Job seekers research companies online before submitting their application. 86 percent of younger job seekers who are in the first 10 years of their careers use social media in their job search. They are not that much interested in marketing materials. Instead, they usually search for company reviews, comments from customers but also from employees working at the companies they're planning to send their application to. You may then want to encourage your employees to build their footprint on social media!
In parallel, your employees can help you to broadcast your company culture on social media. According to Gallup, high-quality job candidates are attracted to companies that match who they are and what they believe in. By posting posts related to their onboarding experience, pictures taken during team building activities, or any content related to key events taking place at the company, employees show what it's like to work at your company. That way, they help you to attract the right culture fit for your company and to avoid the hidden costs of employee turnover!
Once you get your executive team's approval for launching an employee advocacy program at your workplace, you'll need to communicate to your colleagues how employee advocacy can benefit them in terms of productivity, personal branding and professional growth to make sure that everyone is on board!
Feeling inspired? Feel free to download our eBook "Communicating the ROI of Employee Advocacy" to get more insights and stats to confidently communicate the value of employee advocacy to your executive team!


You can only claim a tax deduction for gifts or donations to organisations that have the status of deductible gift recipients (DGRs). Most large charities would be eligible.
Home equipment such as computers, lamps, printers and telephones.
Purchased tools and equipment's for work related reasons. Most tools and equipment would be tax deductible.


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Top and bottom should look the same.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


SpaceBanter.com > Astronomy and Astrophysics > CCD Imaging > Why are digital images taken by Mars explorers so low quality and why don't they use a camcorder??
View Full Version : Why are digital images taken by Mars explorers so low quality and why don't they use a camcorder??
Also why were images from the moon (1st landing) so low quality?
> Also why were images from the moon (1st landing) so low quality?
Talk about your nattering nabob of negativism!
they should have sent an Eisenstadt?
>Also why were images from the moon (1st landing) so low quality?
wonderful back then, either. The film images certainly weren't low quality!
moon to earth, as good as we can do these days.
Just plain a result of the technology of the time.
as any of today (IMO).
The situation with Sprit is a bit more complex.
this is crowding the initial flow from the rover.
gain is only on par with a 12K modem.
That, and (of course) ... they need Mr. Crisp!!
Awesome stuff you do Richard.
Ok, thanks. And it looks like an well-informed answer to me.
kodak looks wonderful at 150-200k (a 3 minute download at 1k/s).
>Ok, thanks. And it looks like an well-informed answer to me.
>kodak looks wonderful at 150-200k (a 3 minute download at 1k/s).
times. It would take it around half an hour to send your image back.
original images. I'm sure it isn't a high priority at this point.
limited bandwidth, the images are great.
> Ok, thanks. And it looks like an well-informed answer to me.
> kodak looks wonderful at 150-200k (a 3 minute download at 1k/s).
three hours per day, by power (and heat) limitations.
the amount that each craft can send.
the entire transmission time for a couple of days!.
Because it takes a human time, to tidy up such joints.
This is a much better answer than I managed to provide.
> > Ok, thanks. And it looks like an well-informed answer to me.
> > kodak looks wonderful at 150-200k (a 3 minute download at 1k/s).
> three hours per day, by power (and heat) limitations.
> the amount that each craft can send.
> the entire transmission time for a couple of days!.
> Because it takes a human time, to tidy up such joints.
> > with a response.
now or after procecessing or whenever.
does not look like 12MB clarity.
it had never seen like that before.
The cameras are fix-focused on infinity, so close stuff is fuzzy.
ability (in addition to moving the arm that carries it).
they both can shoot through one particular (infrared?) "color").
noticible, other than in the sky.
engineering data and other instruments like spectrometers.


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Q: How to enforce window aspect ratio for a SwiftUI app on macOS? Adding an aspectRatio modifier seems no effect on the window.
WindowGroup {
    ContentView()
        .frame(minWidth: windowSize().minWidth, minHeight: windowSize().minHeight)
        .frame(maxWidth: windowSize().maxWidth, maxHeight: windowSize().maxHeight)
        .aspectRatio(2/1, contentMode: .fill)
}

The definition for the windowSize struct used in the code snippet above
struct windowSize {
    let minWidth : CGFloat = 200
    let minHeight : CGFloat = 100
    let maxWidth : CGFloat = 600
    let maxHeight : CGFloat = 300
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Q: How to select X consecutive numbers of rows meeting a condition I the following table:
 ID          TIMESLOT_ID   SLOTS_AVAILABLE
 1               1               10
 2               3               2
 3               8               3
 4               9               10
 5               2               10
 6               6               10
 7               4               10

I want to perform a query where I can get all rows where SLOTS_AVAILABLE is equal or greater than (user_input_1) AND the next (user_input_2) consecutive rows following to that one meet the same condition (SLOTS_AVAILABLE is equal or greater than (user_input_1))
So if (user_input_1) is 3 and (user_input_2) is 3 the result would be:
 ID          TIMESLOT_ID   SLOTS_AVAILABLE
 3               8               3
 4               9               10

A: Hmmm . . . If I understand correctly, you want window functions:
select t.*
from (select t.*,
             sum(case when slots_available >= :user_input_1 then 1 else 0 end) over
                 (order by id
                  rows between current row and :user_input_2 following
                 ) as cnt
      from t
     ) t
where cnt = :user_input_2 + 1;

This requires MySQL 8+.
Here is a db<>fiddle.


This workshop is now SOLD OUT! More workshops coming soon – keep an eye out for news from us here or on our Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Book your spot now! On Sunday 30 November there will be a Guild Dyeing Workshop run by Guild Committee Member and director of the Dublin Dye Company, Yvonne McSwiney. 40e for non-members, 25e for members. Only ten spots available so email hello@weavespindye.ie to book your place now. Payment is via Paypal and your space is not secure until you have paid in full. All materials provided! This workshop will take place in the Studio above the Constant Knitter on Francis St in Dublin 8.
Previous Equipment Rental Scheme Now Live!
Did you see I'm teaching a dye class for the Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers? It should be lots of fun!
I'm so excited! This is what I'm doing tomorrow. I wanted to do a dyeing workshop forever and finally I found a class I can escape to for couple of hours.


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HomeBusinessZimbabwe Power Utility in Talks With Afreximbank on Debt Plan
Zimbabwe Power Utility in Talks With Afreximbank on Debt Plan
January 13, 2020 Staff Reporter Business 0
Pylon towers carry electrical power lines across open land in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. is building new electricity stations to end the power cuts that were imposed for about 100 days last year, curbing growth in Africa\'s most-industrialized nation. Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg , Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg
HARARE (Bloomberg) — Zimbabwe's state electricity utility is in talks with the African Export–Import Bank Ltd. to help clear $70 million of arrears it owes power producers in neighboring South Africa and Mozambique.
Zesa Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. needs to repay the debt to avoid having supplies shut off. Zimbabwe relies on imports because dilapidated plants and a drought-induced hyrdopower shortage have left the country unable to produce enough energy to meet requirements.
The company owes money to South Africa's state-owned Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. and Mozambique's Electricidade de Mocambique and Hidroelectrica de Cahora Bassa.
"We are in the process of finalizing a financing arrangement," Zesa Chief Executive Officer Patrick Chivaura said in an interview in the capital, Harare. "We have made great progress in settling our regional suppliers but we still owe them about $70 million."
Afreximbank Regional Chief Operating Officer Humphrey Nwugo didn't immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
Zesa is honoring an agreement made in August to pay Eskom $4 million a month, Chivaura said. That allowed Zesa to draw as much as 400 megawatts of power from Eskom in terms of a non-binding contract, he said.
"The other plan which we have put into motion is to firm up our imports from the region," he said. Zesa expects Eskom to respond by the end of January to its request for a binding commitment to supply power, Chivaura said.
Eskom is struggling to keep the lights on in its home market. The state-owned company that provides about 95% of South Africa's electricity is struggling with more than 450 billion rand ($31 billion) of debt, declining revenue and aging plants.
Zimbabwe's own ability to generate power has been crippled by lengthy upgrades and repairs at its main Hwange thermal plant and a drought that's reduced output at its 1,050-megawatt capacity Kariba hydropower facility to just 190 megawatts. Even with imports of power from South Africa and Mozambique, Zesa can only provide electricity for six hours a day.
Unless it rains, Kariba likely won't be able to generate power beyond March, Chivaura said. Meteorological agencies in southern Africa have warned that a second consecutive drought in that period is a strong possibility.


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Q: Ruby hash error: undefined method [] when attempting to set deeply nested keys I have a piece of code like this:
my_hash = {}
first_key = 1
second_key = 2
third_key = 3
my_hash[first_key][second_key][third_key] = 100

and the ruby interpreter gave me an error says that:

undefined method `[]' for nil:NilClass (NoMethodError)

So does it mean I cannot use hash like that? or do you think this error might because of something else?

A: The way you are using hash is not valid in Ruby, because every single value has to be assigned to a hash first before going to nested hash(I suppose you were from PHP?), but you can use vivified hash:
my_hash = Hash.new{|h,k| h[k]=Hash.new(&h.default_proc)}
first_key = 1
second_key = 2
third_key = 3
my_hash[first_key][second_key][third_key] = 100
p my_hash

#output: {1=>{2=>{3=>100}}}

This is the way you might be comfortable with.

A: You can't use hashes like that; my_hash[first_key] is just nil, and then the next indexing operation fails. It's possible to make a hash object that behaves in the way you're looking for -- see http://t-a-w.blogspot.co.uk/2006/07/autovivification-in-ruby.html -- but it's not clear that this is good style.

A: Hashes aren't nested by default. As my_hash[first_key] is not set to anything, it is nil. And nil is not a hash, so trying to access one of its elements fails.
So:
my_hash = {}
first_key = 1
second_key = 2
third_key = 3

my_hash[first_key] # nil
my_hash[first_key][second_key]
# undefined method `[]' for nil:NilClass (NoMethodError)

my_hash[first_key] = {}
my_hash[first_key][second_key] # nil

my_hash[first_key][second_key] = {}

my_hash[first_key][second_key][third_key] = 100
my_hash[first_key][second_key][third_key] # 100

A: You can do something like
class NilClass

  def [] key
    nil
  end

end

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25 Years of Outlook
Potrait
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My Friend, Ngodup
Patrick French remembers the man who brought Tibet back into international headlines
Patrick French	ON Thupten Ngodup
Patrick French	May 18, 1998 00:00 IST My Friend, Ngodup
I first went to Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh in 1986, a few weeks after my 20th birthday. I liked the village of McLeod Ganj in particular—the tranquil atmosphere, the Tibetan tea-shops, the monks in their maroon robes, the simplicity of village life with the mountains rising in the distance. I resolved to go and live there during my summer vacation from university the following year.
I took a room in a hillside monastery called Tse Chok Ling, just below McLeod Ganj, and remained there for several months. Each day I would attend Buddhist teachings for a couple of hours, and then read and write in the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives for the rest of the day. I was at that time especially interested in Tibetan history and culture, and the way in which it was being eradicated by the Chinese. So, apart from writing a desultory novel, I spent most of my time reading books and talking with Tibetan refugees.
At Tse Chok Ling there were perhaps a hundred monks. Some were grizzled old veterans who had escaped over the Himalayas following...
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Sales is the stepchild of business. That's why it's the "S" lumped in with "G&A" on so many financial reporting structures.
Given the obvious importance of sales, why is this? It's simple, really. Businesses are generally conceived of as static entities that make products at ever-decreasing costs due to economies of scale — businesses for which the cost of the nth widget is slightly less than the n–1 widget. Given that economies of scale are reliable, and consumer tastes and needs have historically been slow-moving compared to the cycle time of making another widget, it made sense for companies to consider themselves at the center of their own solar system, a sun radiating products that must be distributed like light to the surface of the planets (aka consumers and customers) surrounding them.
Hence, corporate strategy mostly consists of buying companies like oneself that confer some imagined advantage. Perhaps they serve a geography you don't serve very well or at all. Or maybe they have moved ahead of you in incorporating an important new technology in their products, but you have more money to sell their cool newness to your bigger market. Or maybe they are valued at a lower multiple of profit, or revenue (for the fast-growing), and you can wrap their financial results in your valuation cloak to make money from, well, nothing. Or maybe you're tired of competing with them and would rather have a little more pricing authority (which can get dicey with the authorities, but only occasionally, and usually late in the game).
In all these cases and more, the strategic moves that define the evolution of most companies look a lot like buying other companies. And given that entrepreneurs have a strange compulsion to make new companies, and venture capitalists have no choice but to fund some of them (quaintly called "putting money to work"), the game appears to be able to go on forever.
And (here's the important part for this discussion) sales doesn't play a role in any of this.
Let's add one more fact. Almost every acquisition fails to achieve its goals as laid out at the time someone decided it was a great idea. Now, the cost-cutting "synergies" almost always work out. The integration of operating systems usual does too, often in some weird and bastardized Rube Goldbergian way that reflects the reality of systems, where the description rarely matches the mathematical reality. But the successful generation of all those wonderful, new revenue dollars from selling B's products through A's sales channels into all those ripe markets? Not so much.
It's not for the reason cited on the ground: that the best sales reps from the acquired company left. (Yes, they did, but everyone should have known and planned for that.) It's not that B's products don't have value for A's existing markets. Or even vice versa. It's not that A's sales reps are stubborn and retrograde, refusing by their very nature to adapt to change regardless of how much money is spent on change management, including changing how they are paid.
What is needed after an acquisition is the ability to direct sales in a very specific way: B's products need to be sold at significantly lower cost of sales to A's current customers. And, for full effect for the most ambitious acquirers, A's products need to be sold into B's presumably smaller market — without displacing B's products, else nothing is really gained beyond some homogenization and small economies of scale.
What generally happens is A's salespeople find that B's products don't sell to their current customers quite as easily as expected — and, anyway, it's hard work. So, they keep selling what sells and, therefore, what maximized income for the sales rep. All manner of things are tried: special incentives, overlays, territorial realignment, redundant sales teams, and (all too often) quietly giving up. B's possibly superior product gets "grandfathered" into its own customer base, and (like so many grandparents in modern society) eventually becomes an orphan to be quietly ignored as it slowly starves to death.
The dreams of product synergy — obvious and powerful though they are on paper and as slideware — evaporate, becoming clouds of unprofitable, well-intentioned activity that dissolves into a thin mist of good intentions. And then nothing.
Can this sad story play out differently? Can sales synergy ever be achieved? To find out, check back for Parts 2 and 3 of this blog series.
Link to Part 2 and Part 3 of this three-part blog series.


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Malcolm Fraser and the Lowy Institute
Sam Roggeveen
Published 20 Mar 2015 12:19 0 Comments
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With the passing of Malcolm Fraser, herewith some highlights of his recent appearances and interactions with the Lowy Institute. More coverage to come of Mr Fraser's legacy for Australian foreign policy.
In July last year, Fraser appeared with Lowy Institute Executive Director to talk about his book Dangerous Allies. I also interviewed Mr Fraser by phone about his book:
Fraser had a longstanding commitment to nuclear non-proliferation, and in 2009 he delivered the annual John Gee lecture, sponsored by the Lowy Institute and the Australian National University:
We have perhaps the best opportunity ever to abolish nuclear weapons. The current crises in disarmament, non-proliferation, the rule of law and risks of use of nuclear weapons have spawned a widespread realisation that nuclear business as usual is in fact an inexorable slide towards nuclear anarchy and eventual disaster, and that nuclear weapons undermine the security of all.
Fraser also spoke at the Lowy Institute in 2010 to mark the launch of his memoirs. You can listen to the speech here, and I recorded an interview with him after his speech.
Fraser's memoir also led to an exchange on The Interpreter with Margaret Simons, who co-authored the book. I questioned an anecdote in the book relating to Fraser's role in convincing the Reagan Administration to back the Thatcher Government in the lead-up to the Falklands War, and Simons responded in detail.
Fraser was an Interpreter reader, and he wrote to us in response to a piece highlighting the tough anti-China comments of a senior US Navy intelligence official.
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Razer disputes claims that Zephyr mask uses 'N95-grade' filters
Razer has deleted any of its references Zephyr and recently announced Zephyr Pro Smart eye masks combined with "N95-grade" filters on its page and other advertising tools. "Clothing alone is not a medical or legal device like the N95 mask," a Razer spokesman told Engadget. "To avoid any confusion, we are in the process of removing the 'N95 Grade Filter' statement from our advertisements."
The company's website now states that "Razer Zephyr is not a legal N95 mask, medical device, respirator, surgical or protective protective device (PPE) and should not be used in medical or clinical settings." Following this change, Razer claims that Zephyr's filters are 95 percent effective in filtering microbes and 99 percent effective against bacteria. The company told Engadget to also notify Zephyr's owners of the tweak.
The change comes after YouTuber Naomi Wu wrote a Twitter ulusi of weekend wear and publications such as PCMag showed interest in Razer's writings. In November, Wu posted a great comment and the downfall of Razer Zephyr in which he said the company's advertising of the smart mask was "deceptive." Wu reiterated the company's announcement of Zephyr's new "Pro" at CES 2022.
As Wu points out in the video, "N95" is a valid license issued by a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) respirators that filter at least 95 percent of carbon dioxide. It is a name that affects the entire mask, not just the part, and describes all the necessary and filtered. No Zephyr or Zephyr Pro were listed on the board website as a NIOSH-approved respite.
According to Wu, Razer changed this following pressure from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and NIOSH, which the company opposes. "This information is from Razer only and not from an outside group," the company told Engadget.
A turning point is coming as health officials in the US and other countries have urged people to wear surgery, N95 and KN95 masks, as opposed to a simple mask, to protect themselves from the infectious species of omicron. A new coronavirus virus has sent cases of COVID-19 to the rest of the world, adding to the pressure on hospitals that are on the verge of extinction.
All sales supported by Engadget are selected by our writing team, independent of our parent company. Some of our articles include links to links. When you purchase something through one of these links, we may be able to find a partner.
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Carnival Sunrise Departs On Inaugural Voyage
Following an extensive $200 million renovation that added a variety of food, beverage and entertainment innovations as well as stateroom upgrades, Carnival Sunrise made her debut Monday at Norfolk's Decker Half Moone Cruise Center.
Carnival Sunrise is kicking off an inaugural season of four- to 14-day voyages that visit destinations in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, the Panama Canal, New England and Canada with the first four cruises from Norfolk.
Part of a fleetwide $2 billion ship enhancement program, Carnival Sunrise (formerly Carnival Triumph) now includes popular features, such as:
Casual F&B options: Poolside venues like Guy's Burger Joint and Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, in collaboration with Food Network star and longtime partner Guy Fieri, BlueIguana Cantina & Tequila Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, as well as upgrades to the Lido Marketplace, an expanded ice cream station, the Java Blue coffee bar and 24-hour Pizzeria del Capitano.
Specialty dining: The Chef's Table fine dining experience, the cocktail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar, as well as Italian, sushi and seafood options.
Shopping and Personal Care: A Cherry on Top sweet shop, Pixels photo gallery, expanded retail outlets and renovated fitness and spa facilities.
Outdoor Decks and Attractions: A new water park with slides and a kiddie splash zone, a Serenity adults-only retreat, and a SportSquare recreation area with ropes course and mini golf.
Youth & Family Entertainment: Dedicated Camp Ocean, Circle "C" and Club O2 facilities hosting supervised children's programming for kids 2-17, as well as an arcade.
Theater & Live Entertainment: The Punchliner Comedy Club in the new Limelight Lounge, Playlist Productions shows in the Liquid Lounge, live entertainment, deck parties, onboard programming and the popular sing-along piano bar.
Two redesigned Captain's Suites and updates to all staterooms.
Carnival Sunrise's Inaugural Season
Beginning May 23, Carnival Sunrise will set sail from New York through mid-October on a series of four- to 14-day voyages. An invitation-only naming ceremony will be held on board prior to the May 23 departure with Kelly Arison, daughter of Carnival Corporation Chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine, serving as the ship's godmother.
Carnival Sunrise will return to Norfolk in October for two six-day cruises then reposition to Fort Lauderdale for four- and five-day cruises beginning Oct. 28.
Author Dave BeersPosted on April 29, 2019 April 29, 2019 Categories Press Releases
Royal Caribbean Welcomes Spectrum Of The Seas To The Fleet
Royal Caribbean International officially took delivery of the 26th ship in its fleet, Spectrum of the Seas, in a ceremony held yesterday in Bremerhaven, Germany. The first in the Quantum Ultra class of ships, Spectrum will homeport from Shanghai starting June 2019.
Spectrum's highlights include:
Royal Caribbean's first exclusive suites-only area, which will feature the Golden and Silver suite accommodations in a private enclave at the forward end of the ship on decks 13 through 16. Vacationers booked in these luxury suites will have special keycard access, a private elevator and a dedicated restaurant and lounge. In addition to a range of exclusive amenities, guests will have access to The Balcony – a private outdoor space for sunbathing and relaxing – that offers the best views on board; and The Boutique, a shopping area where travelers can book private shopping experiences.
The two-level, 2,809-square-foot Ultimate Family Suite accommodating up to 11 guests. The three-bedroom suite includes a master bedroom and two additional bedrooms for grandparents and other family members. Kids have their own kid-friendly space on the upper level, complete with an in-suite slide that will transport them to the living area below. Everyone in the family can enjoy time together in the recreation room, featuring surround-sound equipment for a night of karaoke, movies and video games.
Innovative dining concepts Sichuan Red– with authentic cuisine from the Sichuan province of China, Wonderland's Dadong – a new outpost of Chinese chef Dong Zhenxiang, renowned for his much-coveted roast duck; and the Leaf and Bean traditional tea room and café parlor offering a range of authentic Chinese teas, classic coffee drinks as well as freshly baked Chinese and western desserts and pastries.
Debuting on Spectrum, a new karaoke venue, Star Moment, where family and friends can belt out and sing like stars (well, in their own minds).
An enhanced SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea, where families can enjoy bumper cars, roller skating, basketball, and new augmented reality walls and floors, providing guests with high-tech interactive experiences.
The Sky Pad, a virtual reality bungee trampoline experience located on the aft of the ship, as well as Quantum Class favorites: the North Star, a glass capsule that takes guests more than 300 feet above the ocean for incomparable panoramic views; RipCord by iFly, a heart-pounding skydiving simulator experience; and the FlowRider surfing simulator.
Other venues, such as Two70 with its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking 270-degree views of the ocean. Two70 features its signature Vistarama technology, which transforms the panoramic windows into a projection surface more than 100 feet wide and over 20 feet tall to showcase spectacular digital shows. Six agile Roboscreens, measuring over 7 feet tall and controlled by powerful, yet nimble robotic arms, create scenes as they soar and twist solo or as one. Two70 will also feature new room-scale augmented reality experiences that transport vacationers to new worlds of adventure.
Accommodating 4,246 guests at double occupancy and 1,551 international crew members, Spectrum will be the largest and most expensive ship in Asia when she arrives to her new home in Shanghai on June 3, 2019. Before Spectrum arrives to her new home this summer, she will sail a 46-night Global Odyssey from Barcelona, Spain to Shanghai, taking guests to an array of ports, including Aqaba, Jordan; Dubai, UAE; Muscat, Oman; Cochin, India and Georgetown, Malaysia. In winter 2019, the ship will reposition to Hong Kong to offer special holiday cruises.
Author Dave BeersPosted on April 12, 2019 Categories Press Releases
Royal Caribbean Adds Map Of 'Perfect Day At Coco Cay' Private Island
We've all been anticipating the transformation of Royal Caribbean's Coco Cay private island in The Bahamas, as it becomes Perfect Day At Coco Cay after a $200 million dollar remodeling. Royal Caribbean has released a map of the new layout and it is going to be spectacular.
The remake includes installing a pier so the days of tender rides, and quite often a cancellation of the port due to sea conditions, will be history.
The island has the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, a hot air balloon ride, water slides, a wave pool, but also quiet beach areas that carry on the original look of the resort.
Author Dave BeersPosted on April 10, 2019 Categories Cruise NewsTags private island
MSC Cruises To Build Multi-Ship Terminal At PortMiami
MSC Cruises announced today details of a new highly-innovative cruise terminal at PortMiami that will support its expanding presence in North America and in the Caribbean in particular.
As per the terms of the agreement, which has today received approval from the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, MSC Cruises will design, construct, operate and maintain a large building that hosts two cruise terminals (AA and AAA) as well as two berths. Designed by the award-winning global architecture firm Arquitectonica, MSC Cruises' exclusive new PortMiami terminals will be capable of hosting two mega cruise ships at the same time, allowing the Company to conduct two turnaround operations simultaneously, handling up to 28,000 passenger movements per day.
MSC Cruises currently operates four vessels out of PortMiami: MSC Seaside and MSC Armonia year-round; MSC Divina seasonally; and MSC Meraviglia, which will join the ships sailing from Miami this fall, seasonally. With the new cruise facilities, MSC Cruises will bring a total 1 million guests through PortMiami each year.
Work on the new terminals is due to commence in early 2020. MSC Cruises currently estimates that the work will be completed by late 2022, at which time the Company will transfer all its PortMiami operations to the new Terminal.
Windstar Cruises' Reveals Details of $250 Million Star Plus Initiative
Windstar Cruises revealed big news today about the award-winning line's $250 Million Star Plus Initiative at Seatrade Cruise Global, the cruise industry's most celebrated worldwide event.
At a press conference today, the Seattle-based cruise line's President John Delaney, revealed 360-degree "views" and vibrant renderings of what guests will experience on the line's three renovated vessels, Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride. Delaney was joined by Giorgio Rizzo and Lawrence Zammit, respectively Fincantieri Services Executive Vice President and Vice President Merchant Market Strategies and Sales for partnered shipbuilder and ship conversions specialists Fincantieri. Zammit shared technical details and video on the complex project in the wake of last week's "Steel Cutting Ceremony" that began creation of the first new section of ship, proving the project is moving from renderings to reality at Fincantieri's Shipyards in Trieste and later in Palermo, Italy.
The Star Plus Initiative is the most complex and comprehensive small ship lengthening, engine replacement, and renovation project in cruising. You can see a video here.
Windstar will take half of its fleet – Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride – and renovate each ship in succession. Work on the ships begins in October 2019 and ends in November 2020. The total capacity of the expanded ships will be 312 guests, with additional staff hired to maintain the line's impressive 1.5 to 1 guest-to-staff ratio. The ships' new engines will meet and exceed new global International Maritime Organization (IMO) limits – one of the requirements being the engines produce no more than .5 percent sulphur content. In addition, the new engines are designed to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, supporting the company's goals of traveling with a softer environmental footprint.
An inviting new infinity pool was also revealed, along with a reimagined Veranda restaurant with all new layout and more seating. More news and reveals will be announced in the coming months, including two highly anticipated new dining spaces and new dining concepts on board, a world-class spa and fitness center, and enhanced "living room-esque" deck space, where guests will no doubt congregate.
The just-released renderings and 360-degree views are available to the public and travel advisors by visiting Windstar's updated webpage at https://www.windstarcruises.com/starplus/.
The renovated ships will chart courses to some of the most popular, aspirational, and legendary destinations in the world including Iceland, Northern Europe, the British Isles, Ireland, Greece, Turkey, Crete, Israel, Egypt, Malta, the Cote D'Azur, Alaska, the Panama Canal, Mexico, Baja, the West Coast of the U.S., and the Caribbean. Itineraries will continue to feature transits of the famous Corinth Canal – a feat only small ships can fathom – along with a plethora of other "small ship only" experiences.
FAMILY FEUD LIVE™ Coming To The Mardi Gras
Let's play Family Feud Live!™ Carnival Cruise Line today announced it will debut the seagoing version of the iconic TV game show Family Feud™ as part of the entertainment lineup on the highly anticipated Mardi Gras, when it enters service in 2020.
An exclusive partnership with Fremantle, Family Feud Live aboard Mardi Gras will feature the same format and signature set as the TV show. Two five-person teams will battle it out in rounds including Face Off and Fast Money by naming the most popular answers to survey questions for a chance to win a host of prizes in a high-energy gameplay.
The onboard version of Family Feud Live on Mardi Gras will be hosted by the ship's cruise director. Several variations of the show will be played and designed to be both family-friendly and adult-oriented. Family Feud Live will be just one of the many all-ages entertainment offerings presented in Mardi Gras' Grand Central zone and other new venues.
Author Dave BeersPosted on April 9, 2019 Categories Press Releases
'Carnival Excel' Premium Suites Coming To Carnival's New Mardi Gras
(Tons of news is being unveiled this week at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami. I'll start with this item)
Carnival Cruise Line today unveiled more details on the numerous accommodation choices guests will have on its highly-anticipated new ship, Mardi Gras, which will feature more than 180 suites across 11 styles, including the new premium category Carnival Excel suites with select amenities and access to a new resort-style, open-air enclave called Loft 19. Link to a video of the suites can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/KdQWBKZJNBg
New Premium Level Carnival Excel Suites
Presidential Suite Balcony
The new premium suite level on Mardi Gras includes 32 suites in four categories:
Carnival Excel Presidential Suite –Two Presidential Suites – the largest in the fleet – located on Deck 17 that feature spacious living, dining and sleeping areas along with the fleet's most expansive balconies with vast sea views, large sunbed and lounging areas, as well as a private outdoor hot tub and shower. These suites also include access to the spa's thermal suite and the Havana pool area.
Carnival Excel Aft Suite – Twelve suites overlooking Summer Landing and boasting separate living rooms and bedrooms with large wraparound balconies offering impressive ocean views, as well as a private outdoor hot tub and areas for al fresco dining and relaxing.
Carnival Excel Corner Suite – Twelve suites on the port and starboard sides of the ship featuring separate sleeping and lounging areas, a wet bar and wraparound balconies with lounging and dining areas.
Carnival Excel Suite – Six suites on Decks 10, 11 and 12 with sleeping, dining and relaxing areas. The spacious balconies include loungers and a dining area.
Aft Suite Balcony
Exclusive New Suite-Level Amenities
Corner Suite
All suites onboard Mardi Gras will include an amenities package that includes priority boarding and debarkation, priority main dining room seating, plush bathrobes and bottled water upon arrival.
Guests in the 32 Carnival Excel suites will enjoy standard suite amenities plus the following:
Unlimited access to Loft 19
Dedicated concierge phone line
Guaranteed specialty dining times (with the exception of Bonsai Teppanyaki and the Chef's Table)
Complimentary Bottomless Bubbles soda package, room service and laundry
Sparkling wine and fresh fruit basket upon arrival
Upgraded bathroom amenities
All New 'Loft 19'
Located on the ship's highest deck, Loft 19 is a brand new concept for Carnival Cruise Line – a secluded retreat modeled after the world's finest resorts with full bar service, a private pool surrounded by sun loungers and spacious cabanas, available for rent. Cabanas are fully stocked with beverages, plush robes and chilled towels, fresh fruit, lunch delivery and dedicated concierge service. Carnival Excel suite guests will receive priority when reserving Loft 19 cabanas.
Loft 19 Cabanas
Additional Suite Options
In addition to the Carnival Excel class suites, Mardi Gras will also feature:
Ocean Suites –separate sleeping and lounging areas with ergonomically-friendly design.
Tropics-inspired Havana Suites – private patios with a swing chair and direct access to The Lanai.
Extra-roomy Family Harbor Suites – nautical décor, large-scale windows and toddler benches.
Cloud 9 Spa Suites – with special spa privileges such as two fitness classes, access to the ship's Thermal Suite and a scrub kit.
Innovative and Spacious Stateroom Design
The new suite options are in addition to the wide ranging Mardi Gras accommodations previously announced, which are distinguished by turquoise hues and enhanced by design touches like floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors; new sofas that "flip" into beds; more 110V power outlets and USB connections than on any other ship; flexible bedside reading lamps; a larger, more customizable wardrobe with extensive storage options; and spacious bathrooms with glass shower doors, a first for the line, along with an in-shower shaving bar.
Itinerary Information and Reservations
Currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Mardi Gras is slated to enter service in Europe Aug. 31, 2020, before repositioning to New York for a series of voyages then shift to Port Canaveral for year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning in Oct. 2020.
Holland America Line Introduces New Craft Cocktail Menu Created by Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff
Holland America Line is introducing an exclusive craft cocktail menu developed by Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff — known as King Cocktail, author of two bestselling cocktail books and founding president of The Museum of the American Cocktail.
Since 2016 DeGroff has directed Holland America Line's cocktail program to introduce new, innovative libations in the bars on board. Holland America Line ships currently feature a contemporary menu of artfully prepared signature cocktails, as well as some unique originals developed by the 2015 James Beard Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America inductee.
Foggy Boulevardier
The new craft cocktail menu includes:
Foggy Boulevardier: As impressive as it is delicious, this eclectic drink has a mysterious vibe thanks to its smoky presentation. This twist on a Boulevardier will be served in the Ocean Bar and feature Ratafia, a wine-based cherry liquor from Italy.
Alliance: An original drink by DeGroff and Tony Abou-Ganim, an industry veteran and author of The Modern Mixologist: Contemporary Classic Cocktails. The Alliance was created for the Trade Board of Peru to feature the unique Peruvian brandy, pisco.
Flor de Jerez: Created by Joaquin Simó at the famous Death & Co. craft cocktail bar in New York City.
Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Phil Ward is an alumnus of both Death & Co. and Pegu Club, bars that defined the recent craft cocktail movement in New York City. He created this classic Old Fashioned variation that features agave spirits in place of whiskey.
Penicillin: This is one of the rare, successful cocktails based on malt scotch whisky. Australian bartender Sam Ross paired an Islay whisky and a blended scotch with honey, lemon and ginger and created a modern classic.
Red Hook: Enzo Enrico began as a barback at Milk & Honey in London and then moved to bartending at Milk & Honey, New York City. This is Enrico's tribute to New York's Red Hook neighborhood made famous by the 1954 classic movie On the Waterfront.
Strange Brew: This unusual combination of a hoppy IPA brew, gin and pineapple was created by bartender Thomas Waugh at Death & Co in New York. Waugh is also director of bar operations at Major Food Group.
Author Dave BeersPosted on April 1, 2019 Categories Cruise NewsTags cocktails


Maintaining Home & Facility Health Since 1945.
American Mechanical Group is your one-stop shop for superior quality HVAC, Refrigeration, Commercial Kitchen, Plumbing, Electrical and Emergency services - serving Columbus and Dayton. Founded in 1945, AMG is one of Ohio's oldest and most trusted family-owned service companies.
Service and repair for all makes and models of cooking equipment, ovens, fryers, grills, retarders and proofers.
Service and repair for all makes and models of HVAC, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, rooftops and hot water tanks.
Service and repair for all makes and models of refrigeration, ice machines, coolers and freezers.
Service and repair for all residential and commercial applications.
AMG was recently featured on Good Day Marketplace and Good Day Columbus, interviewed by Cameron Fontana.
The end of the year brings no greater joy than wishing you season's greetings and good wishes. May your holidays and New Year be filled with joy. Happy Holidays from American Mechanical Group, Inc!
We will be closing early on Friday Dec. 22nd & closed on Monday Dec. 25th for Christmas.
We will also be closing early on Friday Dec. 29th & closed on Monday Jan. 1st for New Year's.
It's that time now where we dust off our furnace and expect to be warm and comfy indoors for the winter. But if your furnace isn't working, it becomes an instant issue.
American Mechanical Group is Thankful for you, our valued customer! We will be closed on Thursday Nov. 23rd for Thanksgiving. Our family wishes your family a happy holiday. We will be open normal hours Friday the 24th for your service needs.
Our mission at AMG is to provide the utmost level of service available in our industry, by exceeding expectations through our highly-trained staff, with honesty, integrity and respect. AMG strives for 100% Customer Satisfaction, and utilizes a Customer Response program to maintain our high standards.
To ensure that each of our clients receive the best service possible, AMG requires that our mechanical engineers and HVAC technicians are employing the most current state of the art mechanical methods of technology while meeting all regulations of E.P.A. guidelines. We require our engineers and technicians to maintain 144 hours per year of related field training and must continue to re-certify in both NATE and RSES certifications. AMG employs a professional engineer in order to continually educate our staff in the most current technical advances.
When you enter into a service relationship with AMG, we make a commitment to your entire system. A service agreement with AMG is more than a series of service calls. We believe in long-term relationships, combining the best of "high-tech" and "high-touch". Our service professionals are highly skilled in system assessments. AMG technicians have accurate, leading edge tools that can help evaluate and identify opportunities for improvement and cost savings.
While your building may have no overt problems, chances are it's not operating at peak efficiency, costing you unnecessary energy dollars every month. There could also be undetected problems that will eventually lead to costly repairs and unexpected downtime. AMG can help you make strategic decisions that will breathe new life into your equipment, bringing it to peak efficiency, reducing energy costs and extending the life of your system.
Our Quality Assurance Department will gladly perform daytime inspections of your workplace and equipment at your convenience. An AMG service Specialist can help you analyze, evaluate and act to create a high-performance building that keeps occupants comfortable. This practice helps maintain AMG's high standards and encourages feedback from our customers.
Grumpy Cooks? Uncomfortable Dining Room? High Bills? Let AMG balance your kitchen exhaust.
→ Save $50.00 Today on Service!
Our growth, the fastest in our field, results from the individual attention we provide to each and every one of our 5,000+ customers.
AMG provides solutions for Industrial complexes, medical facilities, banks, department stores, corporate headquarters and restaurants for such companies as Nationwide Arena, Huntington Ball Park, Columbus Fish Market, The Andersons General Store and St.Brendan Church.
Whether you're a private office, like Realty Executive and Continental Builders or an entire office complex like AEP and Nationwide Insurance, AMG can provide your business with "Comfort Solutions" to keep your utilities affordable and within budget.
AMG practices the most state of the art mechanical methods of technology which enables our highly trained professional and certified technicians to provide service and solutions for such Industries relying on Medical Imaging Process Chillers & Boilers and Cryogenic Equipment.
AMG provides Home Comfort Solutions for all makes and models of HVAC, boilers and hot water tanks, as well as electrical and plumbing.
Manufacturers recommend that your HVAC system be maintained no less than twice a year.
Your mechanical systems are the breath and life of your facility and your home. An AMG Program can help you extend the life of your equipment, giving you the greatest return on your investment.
You can't always know when your systems will go down. AMG is here to help you at any time in any emergency. We're just a call away, so don't hesitate. Call or email us today!
Keeping air filters clean can lower your unit's electricity use by 5-15%. Change your filter every 60-90 days.
AMG has proudly served Ohio since 1945, with an impeccable reputation for excellent service. The City of Columbus has taken notice, electing to partner with AMG to extend our help and our hearts to residential areas and families in the Columbus community.
Thank you, Columbus! Whether your needs are commercial or residential, we're here for YOU with the right solution and professional service... not just once in a while or at the right time, but every time.


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Construction cranes in hurricane's path cause unique concerns for Miami
Calendar Icon Sep 08, 2017 Person Bust Icon By Karl Vogel RSS Submit a Story
Terri Norton, associate professor of construction engineering.
As Hurricane Irma barrels closer to a likely landfall in South Florida, officials are bracing for the potential of unique structural damage in downtown Miami where two dozen large construction cranes are currently helping to build high-rise buildings.
Terri Norton, associate professor of construction engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, whose research includes disaster debris management and structural dynamics and control, said the dangers posed by these construction sites is unique.
"It's not something you commonly see in a natural disaster," Norton said. "Not only do you have to deal with the storm surge, but also the wind and the vulnerability of the structures because of the construction cranes."
Most of the cranes are positioned either atop or alongside buildings. Their long arms are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds of up to 145 miles per hour and spin like the rotors of a helicopter.
As of early Friday, Sept. 8, Irma had been downgraded to a Category 4 hurricane moving westward along the north coast of Cuba with measured wind speeds of slightly more than 150 miles per hour.
Forecast models used by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) late Friday morning projected Irma to begin a northward track Saturday night (Sept. 9)with a landfall in South Florida by mid-morning Sunday (Sept. 10). Those models still project Irma's winds to range from 130 to 155 miles per hour.
Even if the winds from the hurricane don't cause significant damage, there is still the potential of tornadoes being spun off from the storm.
For Norton, whose research has included studying the debris zones following the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in 2011, the biggest danger the cranes pose would be the 30,000-pound counterbalances falling and damaging adjacent buildings.
Norton said there is also the potential threat of the storm surge turning a collapsed crane or its components into wind-borne or water-borne debris that will cause it to behave like a missile to surrounding structures. Similar incidents happened both during both the tsunami in Japan and Hurricane Andrew, a less massive but stronger (Category 5) storm that devastated South Florida in 1992.
"For the winds to be higher than the rated wind speed for the cranes, in addition to them being elevated, if they were to fall they would not only cause direct damage to the buildings that they're on, but significant damage to other structures and whatever they will land on," Norton said.
Taking down the giant cranes before Irma hits would seem to be a logical solution to the problem, but construction experts have said it can take up to two weeks to safely disassemble and remove a crane.
Norton also said there is another potential concern – structural failure caused by the combination of Category 4 wind speeds with the load of a heavy crane atop a building.
"Because it has a super-mass on the top, that also affects how the building itself will behave as a structural system," Norton said. "When we think of vibrations and you have a larger load on the top, that becomes detrimental in terms of how the building itself performs."
Norton has been keeping a watchful eye on the recent spate of natural disasters that have struck the Caribbean and North America – not only Irma, but Hurricane Harvey hitting the east coast of Texas two weeks ago, the 8.1 earthquake in Mexico on Friday and Hurricane Jose strengthening to a Category 4 and hitting some of the islands that Irma struck early this week.
"I've been following them, but I am especially interested in Irma because I have some cousins and friends who live in Miami and my parents live in Tampa," Norton said. "My parents are just outside the evacuation zone and they say they're going to stay. They have everything they need from fuel to water.
"When this is all done, I may be down there doing work and checking in on my family and friends."
Miami Herald article on cranes collapsing in hurricane
New York Times article on cranes collapsing in hurricane
About two dozen construction cranes can be seen in downtown Miami. The potential for the cranes to collapse when Hurricane Irma makes landfall this weekend is a unique concern, said Terri Norton, associate professor of construction engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Terri Norton, associate professor of construction engineering, studied the debris fields created by the 2001 tsunami and earthquake in Japan. Norton, whose research includes natural hazard mitigation and management and disaster debris management, is keeping an eye on the debris caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.


A big tree with beautiful yellow leaves in autumn. Only some yellow leaves is on the tree yet. Autumn wallpaper is good season wallpaper. The size of this "A Tree with yellow leaves" wallpaper is 1920x1080 pixels. It's possible to crop this picture with our cropping tool. This picture is shown several times. "A Tree with yellow leaves" hi resolution picture is embedded in these categories: Autumn (69), Trees (87).


Marius, Scholai Armsmaster Says: Certain spells like Chill Touch and clerics with the Turn Undead feat can cause undead to cower. If a creature has the Panicked condition but has nowhere to run, they start Cowering. Since a cowering creature cannot take actions, it cannot take opportunity actions. That means that you can perform combat maneuvers like trips, disarms, grapples, and dirty tricks to your heart's content. This can be particularly important if the cowering effect has a short duration.


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Q: Boundedness of multivariable polynomials How can we prove multivariable polynomials are bounded on a closed set? the boundedness theorem is for single variable functions. Does an extension theorem exist?
Thank you.

A: They aren't in general! If the closed set in question is $\mathbb R^n$, then they are unbounded.
If the set is bounded, you can prove it in the same way for a single variable.
Assume $f$ is not bounded on your closed, bounded (i.e. compact) set $A$. Then for every $n \in \mathbb N$, there is $x_n \in A$ such that $f(x_n) > n$. Then $x_n$ is a bounded sequence, and so it must have a subsequential limit in $A$. Use continuity of $f$ to get a contradiction.


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Fightin' Joe Morrissey (Photo by Alexa Welch Edlund/Richmond Times Dispatch)
Once again Joe Morrissey is in trouble with the law
written by Jeanine Martin December 4, 2020
There is no politician in Richmond as colorful as Democrat Joe Morrissey. Nor has any Virginia politician had as many legal charges brought against them. Now he's in trouble again. He has been charged with three misdemeanors for campaigning inside a polling place during the 2019 election. The 63 year old was arraigned on Thursday.
Morrissey thinks it's much ado about nothing, referring to the incident and charges as donutgate. He claims he was simply delivering Krispy Kreme donuts to the poll workers and posing for some photos with them and voters, at their request. Morrissey was running in Richmond as the comeback kid for the state senate. He won.
From the Washington Post:
A spokeswoman for the Virginia State Police said the investigation was opened at the request of Richmond's commonwealth's attorney and involved Morrissey's "presence and actions at a polling location" in the city on Nov. 5, 2019, as he was seeking his state Senate seat.
A video posted to social media showed Morrissey visiting with poll workers, delivering doughnuts and posing for pictures.
Morrissey served in the House of Delegates from 2008 to 2014. During that time he was charged with having sex with a minor and sentenced to jail. He was released daily when the House of Delegates was in session to serve in the House. The minor, Myrna Pride, worked in his law office. He later married her and they have three children. He has three or four other children from previous relationships. Photos of his wedding here. More on Morrissey here.
In addition to his numerous arrests, Morrissey has lost his law license twice (or is it three times?) and is currently unable to practice law in Virginia. Morrissey's comments on this latest arrest for campaigning in a polling place:
Morrissey went on to blame the matter on state Attorney General Mark R. Herring (D), who authorized the state police to conduct the investigation. State law requires the governor, the attorney general or a grand jury to sign off before an elected official can be investigated, according to Herring spokeswoman Charlotte Gomer.
I'm shocked but not surprised" by Herring's decision, Morrissey said, who suggested that it came after Morrissey had endorsed Del. Jerrauld C. "Jay" Jones (D-Norfolk) over Herring in next year's race for attorney general.
Use our search engine at the top of the page for many articles at TBE about the colorful Senator Morrissey.
More on his current charges here.
Once again Joe Morrissey is in trouble with the law was last modified: December 5th, 2020 by Jeanine Martin
'Vengeance,' not unity or civility, rules the day – The Bull Elephant January 22, 2021 at 2:52 pm
[…] Joe Morrissey and Louise Lucas have done violative stuff, too. Morrisey faces charges for campaigning inside a voting precinct Lucas was charged with interfering with police trying to quell a riot over a Confederate […]


I know this is a chill kinda week for most people but let's take a minute to inspire each other going into the new year! Got a favorite photo on flickr, a post on your New Year's Resolutions, Winter Decorating, New Years Eve Party!!!??? Link it up!
And Amanda from House Revivals showed off these cute paper boxes…these would be darling any time of the year!
Today link up all your New Year inspiration. Parties, Recipes, Winter Decorating, Resolutions…also, have you been looking back at 2010? I'd love to see your favorite photo or favorite blog-post! How about your favorite posts or projects or DIY's from 2010! We've got some of those links coming in that are just stellar!!!
Your photo is just beautiful ~ and we need to keep holding tight to that hand!
You've featured some beautiful projects here. Thanks for hosting!
Hi Robin, I love your photos. It has been a chill week and I'm definitely going to devote some of my chill out time to explore your blog. So far I love it!
What a beautiful blog you have! Thanks for hosting. I linked to my New Year's Pineapple Cheese Ball which is easy and yummy. Happy New Year!
Thanks so much for hosting this fantastic party!!


The Parkland school shooting clearly revealed that not every officer in this nation is prepared to "ride to the sound of the guns" when arriving at an in-progress active shooter event. This performance will undoubtedly be repeated unless strides are taken to override the tendency for any lone officer arriving at a "shots fired" call to wait for back-up.
This contradicts being told their entire career by trainers, supervisors, field training officers and partners to "wait for back-up" in much less serious circumstances. Clearly an active shooter in the process of killing innocents is a special circumstance. Therefore, if we want to ensure immediate engagement by officers who arrive first and alone, we must train them extensively to override the "wait for back-up" conditioning.
Perform specifically designated "solo officer active shooter" drills for repetition.
e. Communicating on the move.
Take focused shots with both hand guns and long guns on realistic immediate threat targets on the range without prior verbalization.
Perform force-on-force solo officer active shooter scenarios.
Specifically address the possibility that officers might become involved in an active shooter situation off-duty and practice while on-duty with their off-duty gear.
Add to your policy indicating that if an off-duty officer engages an active shooter off-duty, they will be considered immediately on-duty and fully covered.
Large group exercises for active shooter training are wonderful and should continue, but by specifically training for the lone officer response to the active shooter, you can override the "wait for back-up" pre-conditioning.
There are some among us who wear a uniform and badge and carry a gun that, if they are ever put into a must-shoot situation, won't be able to do it even to save their own lives. This historical phenomenon has been well documented in Col. David Grossman's book "On Killing." It is very difficult to predict "won't do," because these officers may excel in firearms; however, if they are called upon to practically apply their skill on the street, they just "won't do" it.
Some officers courageously leave law enforcement before letting someone down after admitting they could never shoot another human being under any circumstance.
However some "won't do" officers transfer into a specialization where they believe they can avoid being placed in a shooting circumstance. Since it is difficult to predict a "won't do officer," train all of your people in making good force decisions under stress so often that you create an almost automatic, "My training kicked in…" response when the moment of truth arrives.
Ready access to the equipment an officer needs to respond to an active shooter event is essential, because as that first officer arrives, people are dying. The bare minimum off-duty equipment an officer should carry is a concealed firearm, a high-quality holster, spare magazine, police identification, tactical light and flex-cuffs.
Additional gear for on-duty officers is designed to either stop the threat, or stop the bleeding.
The faster the first honorable gunfighter effectively engages the threat, the fewer the casualties. An officer should have his long gun at the ready as he/she exits the squad and already be wearing a ballistic vest.
Some agencies also furnish their officers with distractive devices, Kevlar helmets and shields.
In an active shooter situation, the first responding officer's primary responsibility is to stop the threat. Once the threat has been addressed, the concern needs to transition to stopping the bleeding. One thing active shooters and arterial bleeding have in common is, if not stopped, they will both cause death.
This section of the go bag can be used on many occasions, not only to help general public, but also friends, family, the suspect and, yes, even on you. If you choose to customize your own go bag, the act of doing so is a powerful pre-incident mental preparation taking place as you build the kit.
One last "stop the bleed" item every initial responding officer should have available to them is a rifle-rated vest – or at least inserts – that will not stop the bleeding, but prevent the bleeding: your own.
When a moment of calm is turned into sheer chaos by the sounds of gunfire and the panicked masses desperately scatter in an attempt to survive, you will be able to use the panic of the crowd as the perfect diversion, while you move calmly to stop the threat because you have prepared to prevail.


June 4, 2005. East 106 Street from Park to Third Avenue was transformed into one big art gallery. With artist featuring and selling their wares to all who attended this marvelous event. The event was laid out on wooden walls which spelled out "106" across two city streets. Which were spaced out enough not to crowd. Artist always have a good sense of space, and this event was not different. There was plenty of room and plenty of time to walk around and look.
There were new artist like Linda Alicea (see photo at left) and well established artists like Olga Ayala and Yasmin Hernandez. Fernando Salicrup was present with his computer generated art.
Other's sold fold like Abuelita's Pique. Erisbelia Garriga was selling her new book, "Homestyle Puerto Rican Cooking". From the way it was selling, it's a hit with many who wish to recreate those yummy dishes which are parents cooked up so easily.
There was music to listen too while browsing the art and eating food. There were lots of old friends there too. It was a nice sunny day which ended with native Mexicans paying homage to the harvest with dance.
Galeria 106 gets bigger and better every year. Can't wait to see what next year's event.
To see photos of this event, please go to this web site's photo gallery, look under Events.


This bag's incredible. It's like the Mary Poppins bag!
African travel has a reputation for its very specific luggage requirements. As a general rule, we recommend soft, squashable, strong safari holdalls (you can read our full safari luggage packing advice here). One of the most exciting bags for versatility and convenience on safari is the Mara&Meru™ Safari Voyager.
BUILD YOUR OWN SAFARI BAG. The Mara&Meru™ Safari Voyager Bag comprises a core bag with zip-off side pockets. What makes it special is that the side pockets are smaller standalone bags themselves. When you buy a Voyager, it comes with two side pockets which are also satchels, but the Voyager is entirely customisable and convertible. You can build the safari bag you like with the range of attachments.
UPGRADE YOUR SAFARI BAG WITH THE 3-IN-1 ATTACHMENT. The Mara&Meru™ 3-in-1 Bag zips on to the ends of the Voyager Core Bag and has hidden backpack straps and a shoulder strap, giving you the added option of a canvas and leather safari backpack or satchel.
CREATE SPACE IN YOUR SAFARI SUITCASE WITH THE 4-IN-1 ATTACHMENT. The Mara&Meru™ 4-in-1 Bag is the safari camera bag, satchel, daypack, pocket bag which offers space and adjustable Velcro compartments for the serious safari-goer and photographer. This bag also has hidden, clip-off backpack straps and a shoulder strap so you can choose how to wear it.
PICK THE SAFARI SUIT BAG. The Mara&Meru™ Safari Voyager Suit Bag has an additional suit bag built-into the bag for your safari shirts – functionality you will use on your next business trip too.
It is soft, squashable, and strong but this luxury holdall is also stylish – giving you a canvas and leather luggage collection you will happily use every day.
It is built for African travel. The design and features of this bag and its attachments are exactly what you need for long-haul flights, charter planes, and transfers to the lodge on safari.
It is customisable. You choose the add-on safari bags and mix and match to suit your needs. Simply zip off your satchel or backpack for game drives, walking safaris, and outings on all of your travels.
Get your Mara&Meru™ Safari Voyager now.