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Interview with Michael Foskett and Nika Vlasenko
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Dodane w piątek, 04 lip 2014, 23:20 przez admin
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We talked to the winners of Under21 Ballroom at 2014 Blackpool Dance Festival Michael Foskett and Nika Vlasenko who represent England. They are both very young dancers and Nika is only seventeen years old.
I would love to see more people of all levels of Ballroom to be encouraged to express in Ballroom their passion for it
Let me start with congratulations. Well done yesterday! You will now be forever listed in the Blackpool programme as winners.
[Michael] Yes
I would like to ask each of you how and when you started dancing.
[Nika] I have been dancing only for 4.5 years.
And how old are you now?
[Nika] I am seventeen years old. I started in Kyiv, Ukraine in a club called "Shans" and my coaches were Roman Myrkin and Natalia Byednyagina. They were World Champions in 10 Dance. They still support us, believe in us and help us in every way. One year ago my life changed totally, I moved to UK and I still cannot believe I am here.
So you started dancing from the age of twelve. Was it competitive dancing?
[Nika] Yes. I had only two dance partners before Michael.
Did you start with 10 Dance?
[Nika] Yes
And now are you concentrating on Ballroom?
[Nika] No, no, we dance both styles.
OK. And what about you Michael?
[Michael] In England we have this medal system and the organisation called ISTD. I went through the medal system in my parents dance school in Dorking, which is south of London in Surrey. So I did this between age five and ten. My parents, the former Professionals, knew the competitive system very well but I did not. When I was ten years old I told them I wanted to start competing. So I started with my first partner and within one year, with my Dad as our main coach, we became Juvenile number one in England. The same story was repeated next year in Junior. We worked our way up with the same partner. It was great, we represented England at the World Championships. Then I changed partner and went to Youth. It was very successful at the time and really amazing. I've always been 10 dancer, I really love doing both. I may have a slight bias towards Ballroom.
Especially after yesterday
[Michael] (laughing) Only just! I feel I am a 10 dancer and this is what I have always been.
How did you meet?
[Michael] I split with my partner a year and a half ago. My main coaches are in the Surrey Hills Dance Centre which is my parents John and Linda dance school. But we also are close with Karen and Marcus Hilton. I think I was there for a lesson and they asked me if I was going to look for a partner nationally or also internationally. And they told me they knew of Roman and Natalia, Nika's teachers, and they had quite a large dance school in Kyiv and potentially could have a partner for me. So they got in touch and Natalia got back saying there is potentially a girl who can dance with me. I flew to Kyiv to meet this girl and her family, who I never met before, at the airport. Because it was such a short notice my parents could not come with me. As they were my main coaches it was quite crucial for me they could see us as well. So I was there for one day and it had to be just my judgement how they try-out went.
And how was it?
[Nika] It was great but I did not expect it at all. I had a call from Natalia saying I can have a try-out with this one boy, very talented, who I have never seen before. And he will come tomorrow to Kyiv and wants a try-out with me. What??!! I really danced medium level, I was not that good. I knew of Michael and his level of dancing. For me it was totally unexpected. I was very, very worried. I had to meet him at the airport and then have a try-out but my English was very bad. It ended up being brilliant. I did not expect this at all and it just happened suddenly and changed everything for me.
[Michael] All I can say that the try-out for me, at that moment, did not come together amazingly well. But when we danced together, particularly Ballroom, it felt there was a lot of potential. It felt that if we both put our minds together and worked hard together we could do anything. It was strange, I've never had this before, but it felt all the key ingredients were there. When I went home I shown the video to my parents and they loved the look. So we said "yes" on Facebook or something (laughing).
[Nika] I think it was within one week
[Michael] Of course Nika needs a visa to come here so it was a long process. I had to go to Ukraine and, being in a full time education here, had to take time out of University. So the start of this partnership was difficult. In my free time I went there for two weeks at the time just to start getting some routines started.
When was this?
[Michael] We had the try-out in December
[Nika] In 2012
[Michael] And we kind of decided to dance together late January, or early February. I went back to Ukraine in early March. We worked quite sporadically as much as possible.
Had Nika moved to England then?
[Michael] No. at this point she hadn't. We did not really know how to plan the future logistically. I was going to Ukraine for a week to two at the time and we were trying to get some routines together for our first competition in Blackpool.
So your first competition was Blackpool?
[Michael] Yes, last year.
Ambitious start!
[Michael] We did a little piece in Dance News saying that this will be our first competition and a big stepping stone! We felt very positive about our dancing. There was nothing to lose for us as we have not been top finalists in competitions before. So we had nothing to lose. We felt very good about it and it was the right time of the year.
[Nika] It was very difficult for me to come here because my visa has been refused in March or April. I could not have come here at all and it was tough with lessons and practice. Afterwards we sent the application again and finally I got a visa.
[Michael] Student visa, no, sorry, visitor visa. So Nika could come for this one competition. It was nice for my parents, who are my coaches as well, to finally meet Nika in person and also teach us. We had our first lesson with them then. And the result at Blackpool, our first competition, was unbelievable, in the Ballroom we came 7th and we were two marks away from making the final last year. It was mind blowing! We kept saying we would love to make 48, when we made that we were saying it would be amazing to make 24. We made that and so on. When we made the semi-final we were just unbelievably happy to make it. And when we went back to the hotel and checked the results we found we were just two marks away from making the final. I guess it was a huge shock but shown us that when we work very hard we could get so high. And this first competition we very inspirational for us.
Nika, did you manage to get a more permanent visa?
[Nika] Yes, I got the student visa. I am studying now in Box Hill School in Dorking. I am studying for A-level and I've done 5 exams so far. There are 2 more to go next week.
What subjects did you chose?
[Nika] Psychology, Business and Maths
[Michael] It is helpful because I am doing the Maths degree.
[Nika] He is very clever.
What university?
[Michael] The University of Surrey. The idea is that we can both live at my family house and we have studio nearby. We can both maximise the time to have both dance practice and education. Education is still important to us at this age. So I am at the university every day and drive back and forth.
And your subject is Maths?
[Michael] Yes, and I just upgraded to do the Masters course as well. Maybe in the future I would like to do the PhD. We will see. Since doing dancing competitively, at age of ten, I have been focused at certain targets and worked towards them rather than, kind of, being a "jack of all trades". I started really enjoy the maths and science when I was going through my secondary education and at the same time competing as a Junior. And it kind of became two of my goals: to be the best in both fields, to be a dancer and to do maths.
How do your friends at the university react to the fact that you are dancing?
[Michael] They react generally very well.
Aren't they surprised?
[Michael] That's the first reaction! People are surprised when I first say that I do Maths and I am a dancer. It is not a logical combination. But they are very supportive. My director of undergraduate studies is really amazing. She lets me have all the time off I need for it and is very supportive. They always email me how I am doing if I have taken the time out. So they are really helpful to make it possible for me to combine the two. So we both have to divide the time as best as possible between our dancing and our studies. During the day Nika is at school, in the evening we come together to practise.
Do you have any plans for the next couple of months?
[Michael] At the moment, for both of us, is the exam period. Nika has two more A-levels to go and I start my second year university exams. And I have 4 of those. When we finish Blackpool we will focus on that. Then we have all summer free. We can try to take it to the next level with dancing as well.
Nika, what are your future plans after you've done your A-levels?
[Nika] I am not sure yet. I will apply to English universities or American ones and we will see (laughing). I am not sure because life changes all the time. Last year I did not expect to be here and dance with such a great partner. And to live with his family.
And win the Blackpool...
[Nika] Yes! Sometimes I am asking myself how this was possible. And who knows what will happen next year.
[Michael] I think, as it was last year and this year for us, it is very diverse and complicated. We kind of take the live as it goes. Obviously for dancing we have to plan with regards to competitions, booking lessons and so on. But we try to take it all as best as possible day by day with very simple goals to be as best dancers as possible, both individually and as a couple. And spend any free time we have getting the best education as we can. They are very simple goals and we are enjoying what we doing.
Tell me what you qualities you like in your partner?
[Michael] Nika, you go first (laughing)
[Nika] OK, first of all, he is absolutely clever. I have no idea how he knows Maths at this level. He helps me in everything both in school and in dancing. I don't have such a great experience in Ballroom. I used to dance more Latin and used to prefer Latin. Not now. Of course Michael has more experience and more knowledge and he improves our couple all the time. I believe that every day, at practice, with his help we grow and grow. Secondly, he helps me a lot with my education. Especially with maths.
[Michael] Not true
Michael, you are turning red now (laughing)!
[Nika] (laughing) It is true. But with his help I am getting better and better and I understand more. When I came here I struggled with English language and I worried all the time how I am going to speak to people. It was my first time in England as well. I've never been here before so it was all new for me, new people, new country, new language. But with his help and his support I survived (laughing) and now I really enjoy being here! But it was hard when I came here for the first time as I was without family and especially without my Mum. We were very close to each other and still are but it is harder with the distance. Michael gave me all the support and I am happy now.
Michael, it is now your turn, what do you like most about Nika?
[Michael] Of course she is beautiful, the most beautiful girl in the ballroom. Nika comes from an amazingly talented family. Her Dad is very passionate about everything he does. Her Mum, her Dad, her brother and Nika herself are so driven and energetic with life. It has been an amazing experience for me to go to Ukraine and share aspects of their lives. They are all amazingly musical, that's the first thing. Her brother plays the drums at exceptional level. Her parents both play the piano exceptionally well. The also compete at sailing competitions. They are very clever and very well educated.
It sounds like you've fallen in love with Nika's family (laughing)!
[Michael] I have! Nika is also unbelievably talented in so many ways.
Nika, it is now your turn to blush!
[Nika] Yes (laughing)
[Michael] Her musicality, dancing, all round education, sailing, and she is a beautiful girl. All these things! What I really admire as well is that all last year we have turned her life upside down and she's coped with it amazingly well. I cannot put myself in her position and say I would have dealt with it half as well! To be able to go to another country with a language I don't speak well, to put myself in this new environment, with new people, away from family... and she is two and a half years younger than me anyway... I admire her for being able to do all this. To have a courage to say yes to come to England in the first place, and then the perseverance and coping with it all. And the change in one year is unbelievable, in her English, in her dancing, in her attitude to life, everything. I could not imagine dancing with anyone else really now. Unfortunately my Ukrainian is still in infancy (laughing)
[Nika] Getting better every day!
Are you a couple in private life?
[Michael] No, we are not
OK, so not a problem to answer my next question: what don't you like in your partner?
[Michael] I should have prepared for that! What can I say after all I just said about her (laughing)
OK, let's start with an easy one: what are your faults?
[Michael] I can be very focused about one or two things. And as much as it can be very good, I can get very, perhaps, stubborn. Even blind-sighted from a broader view of things. I can get very fixated upon one thing. It could be dancing, it could be one thing we are trying to do I just get very stuck on it because I want that thing to be perfect rather than to look at general picture to keep everything balanced. It is something Nika can help me with. Sometimes it would be good to take a step back, breathe, and look at it from a different angle.
[Nika] I think the main problem with me is my mood changes. They can happen very quickly, especially in practice. I can arrive happy but in two minutes everything changes and I don't know how! And then it influences everything. I can also change from bad mood to happy!
OK Michael, why didn't you mention that?
[Michael] Because I am a nice guy! (laughing). Well, it could be good or bad, depends on how you look at it. What Nika just said is true and there is a downside, sometimes at practice it happens quite quickly. But in terms of competition, or to put up a show for the audience, that comes across as true emotions. It shows why we love doing what we do, it is not a fairy tale, there are ups and downs. We are both emotional people, we wear our hearts on our sleeves, you see what we feel and I think this is something nice to have on the floor. So I think of it as a good thing.
Who of you is more artistic?
[Michael] It depends. In general terms, it is Nika. No doubts. Like I said earlier, it is for so many reasons: the music, and she is so diverse and she is artistic in many ways. I like to think I am artistic when it comes to dancing. And perhaps maths as it can be considered artistic as well.
Nika's choice of subjects for A-level doesn't look very artistic!
[Michael] True! Nika, you need to offer an explanation.
[Nika] Why did I chose these subjects and not Arts? I am not good in Arts and painting. I tried to do it and I couldn't. I chose Maths because it is the basics. I think everybody should know maths, and for A-level it is basic maths.
[Michael] If I try to help her I start taking it to the much complicated level (laughing)
[Nika] Business – because my Dad is in business and he can help me. He explains everything to me and I would like to study Business at the university. Psychology... hmmm.... I did not have much choice. It was Physics or Psychology. Of course I decided on Psychology (laughing). It is an interesting subject but when it comes to exams it is very tough. You have to know everything in details!
I understand that you are trying to learn how to manipulate your partner! (laughing)
[Michael] That's what I am worried about! Anyway, I think her choices of A-level subjects are very mature. She is very artistic naturally and doesn't have to have it in the curriculum.
You are dancing all 10 dances. Tell me the differences between Latin and Ballroom for you.
[Michael] OK, I will start. For me there are as many parallels between Latin and Ballroom as there are differences.
OK, if so, can you group the similar ones in pairs?
[Michael] I like to think of each of them as very unique. Fundamentals in posture or how we move are identical and when I was younger I felt Ballroom and Latin should be taken together. For long time I used to see these parallels but now I started to see the differences as well. For me Ballroom was more natural. But it depends on my mood. There are days when I want to dance only Latin. We might be at a Ballroom competition and see Amateurs dancing and I feel I would love to do Samba now (laughing). I love it all. I love the contrast! On different days, different times, depending on the amazing music that we hear, my mood changes and my preferences change. It comes and goes, I don't have a particular favourite and, with emotions, it sways.
[Nika] Same for me. However, Ballroom is more elegant, more beautiful. All these dresses, the atmosphere, the music... but as Michael said, it depends on the mood. Some days I really want to dance Latin. But most of the time I think I prefer Ballroom.
[Michael] Many people see Latin as a style you can have more interpretation in. Because it is much more open. I would love to see more people of all levels of Ballroom to be encouraged to express in Ballroom their passion for it. I feel like Ballroom is treated as the one that you stay in frame and that's what you've got to hold and you don't have the opportunity to dance your own. People should be encouraged to show their passion at all levels. Whatever we've achieved I don't try to consider myself a top level but we try to make our dance as much technically better, and show as much artistry in it as we can. I would like to see that from everyone. I think in Latin people do, people feel freer in Latin at all levels. I don't see that in Ballroom. It would be beneficial for people to learn how to express Ballroom.
Do you think that Medal system put too much emphasis on technique?
[Michael] Perhaps. For me Ballroom, just as much if not more so, has the ability to be expressive.
Nika, you mentioned your mood changes, does it also happen at the competitions?
[Nika] No, I don't think so. Because I am so focused on all the other things I don't have time to think of my moods at all (laughing)!
[Michael] It is easy here at Blackpool, as whatever music the Empress Orchestra is playing you are in a mood to dance (laughing). We are very lucky that I have my parents as my main coaches so they are with me the entire time so we never really leave that focused zone. Before the competition we know what we want to work on, what we want to achieve and then round by round and dance by dance, as things develop, we have my parents to feed back. We stay very much focused during the competition.
Nika, how does your school react to your dancing?
[Nika] They are very supportive. If I need to practise or go to competitions I can take days off and work afterwards.
Are you in a boarding school?
[Michael] She had to be in a boarding school to get a visa. She cannot go to our comprehensive system.
How do you manage financially?
[Michael] Our parents are helping 100%. As we are both in full time education is entirely down to our parents. We owe everything to them. My parents are also our coaches. I always say that every success I ever had I can entirely give to them.
Nika, I guess your parents are also helping?
[Nika] Yes. It is quite costly to send me here from Ukraine but they realise it for a better future for me and they are trying to do their best to help.
[Michael] I suppose that in some few years we will be able to take this weight off their shoulders.
What kind of music you like for dancing?
[Michael] For Ballroom I like completely old school stuff, really old music, classic. Occasionally we do shows to some more modern music if we want but I like the traditional stuff. I think because I've been brought up in a dancing family we had lots of videos of previous Blackpools I always relate to that. I relate to 2003 Blackpool video which I spent my childhood watching. All of the music the Empress Orchestra play now they played ten years ago as well. That does it for me. I relate to the images and emotions I saw of my idols. But for Latin I am less so. Nika I think prefers more traditional Latin music. I like really modern, heavy bass kind of music (laughing).
It is interesting you said 2003 is old school! (laughing)
[Michael] I meant that the music they played then was from old school (laughing), from years and years ago.
Can you imagine dancing to Lady Gaga then?
[Michael] Yes, there is this this Cha Cha, "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich". I really like that.
[Nika] For me it changes all the time. With my moods. I cannot say what I prefer because it changes all the time. Today I like this song and tomorrow I say, no, no, don't like this song.
But generally, traditional or modern?
[Nika] Ballroom – traditional, Latin – mixed.
Favourite dances? And don't tell me it depends on your mood! (laughing)
[Michael] In Ballroom it is Waltz or Foxtrot. And it depends which one I feel is going the best. If it goes the best and I feel that I am happy. In Latin Samba or Jive. No, hold on, Paso... Paso Doble then.
[Nika] In Ballroom it is the Waltz, in Latin it is the Rumba. Maybe Cha Cha sometimes.
Elegant lady who is also sexy (laughing). One last question, what are you doing in your free time?
[Michael] Dancing or Maths... (laughing)
Apart from that!
[Michael] Reading Maths or Physics books
Come on, you sound like a geek
[Michael] I am what can I say! I like having weird traits like learning to solve Rubik cube fast or magic tricks. Stuff like that.
What kind of magic tricks?
[Michael] Card tricks. I had a friend at school who was in the magic circles and he taught me that. I like all these kind of things.
[Nika] It depends where I am. In Ukraine I like to spend time with my family because I miss that. Especially my brother. He is younger, he is only thirteen years old, but he is amazing, very talented drummer.
[Michael] Unbelievable!
[Nika] Hopefully in the nearest future he will be the best in the world! He is the best in Ukraine now. In England I like watching films, spend time with Michael, watching videos about science or maths with him.
[Michael] I am educating her (laughing)
[Nika] About everything like geography, history.
[Michael] We have big conversations often, don't we? When we have some free time in the evening we start talking and it leads to some physics or global warming or some sort of other topic like that.
How would you solve the global warning?
[Michael] Don't have an answer to that. But it would be nice if all the high powered people realised it. The massive oil and fossil fuel companies control it so you cannot change them. They are key, aren't they? Anyway, these are the things I like to do in my free time. My favourite book I am currently reading is called Chaos by James Gleick. It is about chaos, and how people started to study chaos in the sixties and what it leads to.
All very interesting! Great to meet you and all he best for the future!
All photos by Peter Suba
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Q: Office365: Load email from an external account without the need to refresh We would like to create an integration with our customer's Office 365 email account (not our account) so we can load emails coming from a certain sender and display them in our site. One solutions is basically to ask the customer for their username and password and then just login using EWS but this is horribly insecure and basic auth is about to be deprecated in EWS.
The other solution is using oAuth2 and OIDC however the access and refresh token will expire and we will constantly have to ask the user to re-sync with an admin account.
Is there a way to sync mail for a user without requiring them to re-sync when their token expires without using basic authentication?
I was thinking there might be a graph api subscription however I didn't see how to do this on external accounts and seems that it also need to be refreshed. The other solution might be an Office 365 plugin but I haven't found any tutorial on how to do this.

A: You could use the client credentials flow in oAuth https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/develop/v2-oauth2-client-creds-grant-flow so instead of a username and password you would have a client secret or certificate to use for logon. You can then scope the access down to one mailbox https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/graph/auth-limit-mailbox-access so you don't have access to all mailboxes in the tenant.
If its is a new application then I would suggest you use the Graph instead of EWS as its now really a legacy API and the Graph will be fine for what your trying to do and has the advantage of requiring less permissions (eg you can just give access to email while EWS get access to the whole mailbox) and more supportability in the future.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


If you've ever admired Hugh Jackman's muscular physique as Wolverine in the various movies of the X-Men franchise, then you'll be happy to hear that F45 Training, one of the training regimens he used to get into shape for that role, has launched in Beijing. Originally hailing from Australia, this functional training franchise has spread rapidly around the world and now boasts around 760 studios worldwide. They have chosen Beijing for their first studio in mainland China, specifically Shangdu Soho near Dongdaqiao, making it a good choice for Guomao office workers looking for fitness options in the area.
The name F45 comes from the word "functional" and the fact that the classes are 45 minutes long. The classes combine three popular training styles, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, and functional training, for a fast-paced, sweaty workout. They have taken movements from the above free training styles and created 27 different workouts, some of which are more cardio-heavy, some of which include more resistance exercises, and some of which focus on a particular area of the body. The Beijing studio currently offers the Flamingo: Athletica, Romans: Resistance, and Hollywood: Circuit workouts, but will introduce more workouts as time goes by.
Classes in Beijing are currently led by indefatigable head coach Adriana Tantau, who has helped open studios in Australia, Thailand, and India. I tried out the Athletica class and while it was certainly a tough workout it wasn't as intimidating as the "train like Wolverine" branding they have been using on their WeChat makes out. Adriana gives options for each exercise so you can take things at your own pace. Fans of heavy weights and lots of reps might not love it but it will be good for anyone who wants to both tone and burn calories through cardio but lacks the motivation to do so by themselves in the gym.
Classes are currently priced at RMB 99 for one class, RMB 1,499 for 15 classes or RMB 2,499 for 30 classes. Monthly, six-monthly, and annual memberships are also available. Purchase and book your classes through their WeChat account: F45TRAINING. People who follow their WeChat can also redeem a free one-week trial.


Several property owners have experienced the destruction that fire or water damages can inflict on their home. We all know too well how catastrophic and devastating an overflowing toilet or even a flooded basement can be.
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This is a replacement battery for Shoprider Sunrunner (777-3/4) lawn mower with 12V 12AH. High quality and lowest price guaranteed. Our lawn mower replacement batteries will meet or exceed your expectations.


On the first Sunday of each month (March – December 10am – 3pm) our amazing, creative, quirky little town shuts down to traffic and turns itself into 'The Frome Independent'. The streets become jam packed with people and stalls, full of fantastic talent and beautiful things to buy and eat! As well as bands and a kids area. It has ALOT more than your average arts or craft market.
Catherines Hill is home to the 'SUITCASE SALE' section of the market which is basically people selling their wares from their own home made pitch..suitcases, prams, small tables. Anything goes really.
'MAKER' (crafty), 'FOOD' (really diverse range of farmer's market/delicatessen style stalls and street food) and 'FLEA' (really good vintage clothes and homeware).
There is also always a kids area that changes with the theme each month. This month the theme was 'Frome on Sea' so there was a beach made out of real sand in the carpark, shark mask making for a quid and donkey rides from outside the library with the sound track provided by resident DJ's Vintage Mobile disco. http://vintagemobiledisco.com.
There is way too much stuff I could tell you about so I am just going to write briefly about the things I thought where particularly cool and a bit different from the usual pheasant on a tea towel.
That moves me nicely on one 'Salvation for hands' A lovely, lovely lady who has created a British oat oil and British beeswax skin remedy that comes as a sort of hard balm in a handy tin that can fit in your pocket when out and about and rub on dry skin when needed. What Sarah was also selling, which really interested me was pure British oat oil, which, if you suffer from eczema or dry skin you might already know how good oats are for soothing skin.. if you don't, check it out! http://www.salvationforhands.co.uk.
We are now down at the bottom of the hill and entering the 'MAKER' section and these are stalls that grabbed my attention..
I didn't have my kids with me this time but my friend said they where at the beach bit for hours, the kids happy building sandcastles and making masks and parents managed to get 3 pints in. Winner!
One thing to bear in mind.. the market does get really busy at points so not really suitable for big off road buggies. I think you will have a much better time if you have babies in a sling or carrier or if you don't have one, a smaller stroller.
If you have 2 toddlers like me I would probably not advise going there alone on your own with them if you want to do actually have a look around. It makes life a lot easier if you can go with another person and tag team it. One person can chill out, with a nice cold drink, listening to some tunes by the kids area while the little ones are amused. The other can pop off for a browse and then swap. I find most things are so much easier with another persons help when you have two little ones going in different directions and down at the busy market this is especially so.
Fantastic informative post. Loved it. Don't forget Frome's amazing record shop 'Raves from the Grave' opens on each Sunday when the market is on. A must for all vinyl record collectors as they stock both old stuff and new releases.
Thanks yes it was a lovely day and on every month. We are lucky!
Thank you for your kind mention of Salvation for Hands – e-commerce website finally done and dusted. Trying to get a grip on social media – not an expert! Frome is always full of such enterprising and skilled people!
Yes I loved it. Oat oil. I want to buy some? How can I do this?


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Share this Story: EDITORIAL: Julie Payette speech oversteps her role
EDITORIAL: Julie Payette speech oversteps her role
Postmedia News
Gov.-Gen. Julie Payette takes part in her first official ceremony as she presents Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case, at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, in Ottawa on Oct. 19, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand
Canada's Governor General fulfills an important role in our country's parliamentary democracy.
The GG is the Queen's representative, whose duties include giving Royal Assent to bills passed by Parliament and in special circumstances exercising authority to appoint a prime minister or dissolve Parliament.
EDITORIAL: Julie Payette speech oversteps her role Back to video
But the role is also largely ceremonial and as the Queen's representative the GG should exercise the same caution as her boss when it comes to speaking on controversial matters.
Our new GG, Julie Payette, needs to be reminded of this.
On Wednesday, Payette suggested in comments to a science conference in Ottawa that "divine intervention" played no role in the creation of life on Earth, and waded hip deep into the climate change debate.
"Can you believe that still today in learned society, in houses of government, unfortunately, we're still debating and still questioning whether humans have a role in the Earth warming up or whether even the Earth is warming up, period," Payette suggested.
"And we are still debating and still questioning whether life was a divine intervention or whether it was coming out of a natural process let alone, oh my goodness, a random process," she said.
The problem with such views isn't their validity or merit.
It's that the referee shouldn't stick their nose into the game.
Canadians hold a diversity of views on religion and climate change and the GG, who on behalf of the Queen represents all Canadians, has effectively suggested those who disagree with her views are ignorant.
It's difficult to imagine her Majesty making such pronouncements.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau supported Payette's statements and applauded "the firmness with which she stands in support of science and the truth."
He's entitled to do so but seemed oblivious to the impropriety.
Meanwhile, Conservative leader Andrew Scheer put his finger on the problematic nature of Payette's statements in a Facebook post .
"It is extremely disappointing that the prime minister will not support Indigenous peoples, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Christians and other faith groups who believe there is truth in their religion," Scheer said.
The world's full of nitwits with Twitter accounts who think they have licence to lecture those they disagree with.
Our Governor General shouldn't be one of them.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


A recently refurbished two bedroom detached bungalow, situated in the corner of a cul-de-sac within close proximity of local amenities, road and rail links.
The property provides entrance hall, recently fitted kitchen/breakfast room with oven, hob, fridge/freezer and door to side. Separate utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer. Lounge with doors to garden, rear hallway leading to two double bedrooms (one with fitted wardrobes) and refitted bathroom with pumped shower over the bath. Outside there is parking to the front of the property and an enclosed wrap around garden with lawn and patio areas.
(We are obliged to advise all potential tenants that the owner of this property is an employee of McCarthy Holden).
To be let unfurnished and available Now.
Security deposit - £1,494.00, Tenancy set up fee - £390 inc VAT per property (non-refundable should Tenant fail referencing or withdraw their application), Guarantor fee - £90 inc VAT (if applicable), Check-in fee - £150 inc VAT. Further fees may apply, please phone the agent or go to www.mccarthyholden.co.uk/letting for more details.


Most internal commands (like COPY, DIR, etc.) work on a file or a group of files. You can use several shorthand forms for naming or selecting files and the applications associated with them, or for accessing files on remote systems.
Most of the features explained in this section apply to TCC commands only, and generally cannot be used to pass file names to external programs (unless those programs were specifically written to support these features).


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Meet LA's Latest Obsession, Alicia Olivas
Alicia Olivas is a model to watch. This vegas-born, brown-eyed beauty just began her modeling career a few months ago, but has since booked every major campaign you could dream of (like Nordstrom, Target, and of course Good American, to name a few). It's no secret Alicia is a natural in front of the camera, but her genuine spirit and quiet strength are what completely captivated us on set. We sat down with her and talked all things from beauty routine to body image; keep reading to get inspired by this young talent with an old soul.
Describe yourself in a sentence.
"She has been through things that only made her stronger and independent, which fills herself and others with love and kindness."
What do you wish more people knew about you?
I wish more people knew where I used to be. I was someone who never really fit in. When I was younger, I was overweight, not quite the prettiest girl. I am the middle child of four girls. All of my sisters were thin, beautiful, and fun. Everyone wanted to be around them. The case was not the same for me. Kids can be harsh. I built up this exterior to protect myself from people making fun of me (which often happened). I never felt good enough. I struggled a lot with accepting myself and most importantly loving who I was. Going through the struggle of growing up helped me more than it hurt me. I am so happy I can say that now, because when I was hurting it felt like I couldn't see the light, but now I know I am the light! I radiate from within. What I find so incredible is how much I've come to accept and love myself. I know what it is like to not feel accepted, desired or loved so I like to help the ones who are in that position right now. I am no better than anyone. We are all trying to make it in this world. Self-love and self-worth is where everything stems.
Describe your role models in 5 words:
Dedicated, independent, aspiring, kind, ambitious.
What past experience in your life taught you the most?
I would definitely have to say getting my heart broken. I feel in those kinds of situations you are given a chance to take the pain and turn it into something so much greater. I feel that is what I did and continue to do. I feel I matured greatly and my character developed more. Do not get me wrong I fully went through the stages of isolation along with the normal emotions that follow a breakup, but I picked myself up and put myself back together. I chose myself. I decided to focus and work on myself completely.
What's one (or a couple) mantras you live by/repeat to yourself regularly?
Live, laugh, love.
Career advice you'd give your younger self?
Do not stay in your comfort zone for the sake of convenience. You only live once. Make the most of your time. Put yourself out there. Ask and you shall receive. Right down your short and long term goals. Go after and work hard for what you desire.
Favorite beauty look?
Since I have been signed I found that less is more when it comes to my beauty look. I have come to find that BB Cream or a very thin dewy consistency foundation works best for me. Brow gel is also another great makeup product, blush as well I've come to love. A cream highlight leaves a soft glow. I basically go for a more natural glow beauty look. But I would never say no to a beat face!
I feel most confident when I am busy doing what I love; such as modeling. When I am booked and busy. Getting myself to castings, submitting casting videos, collaborating with other artists and photographers, doing test shoots, etc.. I feel like I am desired in the best way possible. I also feel most confident when I am dressed up in heels or just high platforms. I love putting myself together. A bit of makeup and a sophisticated outfit goes a long way.
Who do you look to for fashion inspiration?
Bella Hadid has been my most recent fashion inspiration. Her sense of fashion is very sophisticated yet sexy to me. Fashion has always been huge for me. Since I was a little girl I remember laying my outfits out for the next day. Looking my best makes me feel the best.
Follow Alicia on Instagram.


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Smartphone app to change the status quo in point-of-care diagnostics
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 20/02/2014 - 12:00
Automated colorimetric test reader could help to fight disease in the developing world
Ali Yetisen and Leo Martinez have tested a smartphone app that validates its use as a scientific instrument. Users will be able to collect quantitative data from point-of-care diagnostics and submit to clinicians for immediate review.
Decentralisation of healthcare through low-cost and highly portable point-of-care diagnostics has the potential to revolutionise current limitations in patient screening. Diagnosis can be hindered by inadequate infrastructure and shortages in skilled healthcare workers, particularly in the developing world. Overcoming such challenges by developing accessible diagnostics could reduce the large burden of disease.
Point-of-care tests strips are widely used to quantify the concentration, or to detect the presence of medically-relevant compounds. Such tests are used for urinalysis, immunoassays, veterinary screening, food safety, environmental monitoring, biothreat detection and drug abuse. Their formats are ubiquitous because of the portability, compactness, ease-of-use and equipment-free approach they provide.
Colorimetric tests are typically read by comparing the colour of the reaction zones with a reference chart. However, subjective interpretation may result in erroneous diagnosis. Benchtop equipment such as spectrophotometers or test-specific readers can be used to automate the readouts with high sensitivity, however they are costly and bulky.
To reduce costs and improve portability, the researchers have developed and tested an app, which can quantify colorimetric tests for both Android and iOS. The app was used to read commercial tests for pH, protein and glucose in urinalysis. Their studies were published in Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical journal.
The app allows analytical collection of data with improved accuracy when compared to semi-quantitative visual readouts. The strips used in the study are widely used in clinical practice for monitoring renal, urinary, hepatic and metabolic disorders.
"This smartphone app has the potential to help to combat HIV, tuberculosis and malaria in the developing world," states Ali Yetisen.
The app enables transmission of medical data in real time, which may allow timely mitigation of endemics and pandemics. This app may bring the concept of telemedicine to reality by transmitting personal clinical data for immediate review by health professionals.
"Point-of-care diagnostic tests sometimes give false positive or negative results unless they are analytically quantified. Our app solves this problem by providing a semi-quantitative evaluation," says Dr. Leo Martinez.
The team is planning to use the app for clinical testing of kidney function and infections in Addenbrooke's Hospital. This work was a multidisciplinary effort bringing together researchers from Professor Christopher R. Lowe's laboratory and the Department of Engineering (Dr. Angel Garcia). Updates of the app can be found at www.colorimetrix.com.


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SMA is First Manufacturer to Achieve UL 1741 SA Certification for Smart Solar Inverters
August 19, 2016 Anand Gupta 0
August 19, 2016 Anand Gupta
SMA is the first inverter manufacturer to complete functional and safety testing with UL according to the UL 1741 SA (Supplement A) draft standard, which identifies inverter functions required for optimal grid stability. To achieve that, SMA enhanced the smart-inverter capabilities of its popular Sunny Boy TL-US series of inverters with Secure Power Supply to help maintain voltage, frequency and general grid health. While the new grid support functionality is optional as defined in the UL 1741 SA, it will become mandatory for all new California interactive inverter installations 12 months after the publication of UL 1741 SA.
These capabilities were developed to meet the critical grid support needs of the Arizona Public Service (APS) Solar Partner Program, a rooftop solar initiative designed to generate up to 10 MW of PV-generated power. APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electric company, will own, operate and receive energy from 1,500 PV systems, installed and maintained free of charge to their customers. APS needed to be able to collect data that will help the company better understand and manage the energy flowing into neighborhoods across the state in order to achieve a more reliable and sustainable grid, while providing for greater customer technology choice. The smart-inverter technology developed by SMA will allow the utility to operate the solar installations as they would a power plant, ramping up or curtailing power and other control features based on the real-time needs of the grid. APS is the first utility in the nation to deploy and control this advanced technology remotely.
"Brownouts or blackouts have demonstrated the far-reaching impacts of utility grid instabilities," said Jeff Smidt, vice president and general manager, UL Energy and Power Technologies division. "We are pleased to see manufacturers like SMA America proactively meeting the needs of a modern utility grid by developing grid-supported, utility-interactive inverters. SMA America's Sunny Boy TL-US series of inverters not only meets the safety requirements of UL 1741, but also complies with the draft specifications of UL 1741 SA for Grid Support Utility Interactive Inverters that support a more stable utility grid for the future. While Supplement A is still being finalized, by taking the lead and certifying to UL 1741 SA now, SMA America can accelerate their products to market."
In addition to the features that were tested by UL, SMA also developed a special process for making real-time firmware and parameter changes over cellular networks, enabling APS greater control over the systems in its Solar Partner Program.
"SMA believes achieving compliance with the expected revisions to UL 1741 demonstrates our eagerness to work with industry stakeholders to ensure solar power can continue to grow responsibly on the grid," said Marko Wittich, SMA executive vice president of sales for the Americas region. "This new technology will allow other utilities in the U.S. to develop similar utility-directed or utility-owned residential solar programs, with an inverter that is already customer-tested and UL-validated."
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Ingeteam exceeds 2 GW of solar power supplied to Australia
January 7, 2021 Anand Gupta 0
Solar Inverter Market Reached Record Highs in 2019
Best Power Equipments Installs more than 25 UPS of 3 KVA at reputed Hospitals in Delhi
March 30, 2020 Anand Gupta 0


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High School SportsHigh School Volleyball
Helena High ready for tough task of Helena Capital
Helena High hosts Helena Capital on Sept. 28
By: Sam Hoyle
HELENA -- In 2018 the Helena High Bengals were the only team in the Western AA to defeat the Helena Capital Bruins.
Now sporting a roster that only slightly resembles the Bengals of 2018, they know they have their work cut out for them ahead of Saturday's crosstown matchup.
"They've got a great offense and a great defense also," said Aubrie Christman. "When they get a ball, they execute it very well."
That doesn't mean the Bengals think they can't win. Riding the momentum of a 3-1 victory over the Missoula Sentinel Spartans, the Bengals feel that they're ready to take on the Bruins.
"Crosstown is such a big game, such a big rivalry. I think momentum-wise, from Homecoming, from Sentinel, we all just have this built-up energy," said Caroline Bullock. "I think we're all just ready to play and see our friends over across town and finally show off what we can do."
In Helena any and every crosstown matchup is well-attended by both students and parents. Whether it's volleyball, basketball, or football, it gets loud and it gets rowdy. The Bengals know they'll have to keep their wits about them Saturday if they want to walk away with a win
"One thing that we do before the game is we pick out where the hitters are and where the great defense is and if the setter is front row or back row, and that helps us get channeled into the next play," said Christman.
"If they just try to focus in and key in on what we have going on on the court and try to put all those extra things aside, and they do a really good job about that," said head coach Lindsey Day.
While the atmosphere is something that can be a hindrance, whether it's impeding communication or the jeering from the student section, some players expect to feed off the energy the crowd is producing.
"Our student section has done a really good job of just getting rowdy and stuff like that," said Bullock. "I think the energy and the rowdiness will feed onto our court, so I think it will just add onto our momentum instead of distracting us."
The Bengals will host the Bruins for Round 1 of the crosstown series on Sept. 28 at 1 p.m.


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REACTION: Dale Gorman says team will only improve
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Dan Branowsky
StevenageFC
Video & Quotes from Dale Gorman...
On the game in general...
"It is hard to take. All the lads are gutted in there and rightly so. We have conceded two set pieces, which shouldn't happen really. We will get to work tomorow morning and try to set it right.
"We need to get it out of our heads now and focus on Tuesday."
On his penalty...
"He was trying to play mind games with me but i just put my head down and my foot through it and thankfully it went in.
"You just got to pick you spot, stay focused, go there and hope it comes good.
On Demetriou's stunning strike...
"The lads hit it right into the top corner - Joe can't do nothing about it but it is the phase of play up to that.
"We have to take responsibility, things like that shouldn't happen but to be fair to the lad, he stuck it right inot the top corner. There is not much you can do about that."
Subscribe to iFollow for only £4.49 a month & gain full access to all official interviews.
To find out more about our brand new video service, please click here.
Heard about our groundbreaking Mini-Bond scheme? Supporters are investing their money into the club as a way of helping fund the new North Stand. Find out much more below.
Stevenage vs Newport County on 05 Aug 17


7" 1024x600 HDMI Raspberry PI TFT LCD with Resistive Touchscreen.
This 7 inch TFT LCD was designed specifically for integration with a Raspberry PI. It uses the RPI's HDMI port, PINS and USB connection for the touchscreen.
It offers a high resolution for a 7" screen, This is an IPS transmissive screen with a white LED backlight making it easily viewable in all lighting conditions and any viewing direction. It also boasts a resistive touchscreen making it perfect for handheld devices.
We have found that this displays power requirements are a bit high for the Raspberry Pi when using the Pi's power source to supply the LCD display, so we've used this additional power supply for powering the backlight when controlling it via a Raspberry Pi.


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Newswire: 'Couldn't possibly be silent': These women are carrying a torch for Breonna Taylor
Rep. Attica Scott in Louisville, KY. With photo of Breonna Taylor
By Chloe Atkins, NBC News LOUISVILLE, Ky. — One year ago, Breonna Taylor, 26, an emergency room technician, was shot and killed in her home by Louisville Metro Police officers who were serving a "no-knock" search warrant. The shooting provoked a national outcry. No charges were brought in direct connection with Taylor's death; still, she has become one of the few Black women whose deaths have been flashpoints in the racial justice movement. In Louisville, Black women stepped up to lead the fight, organizing rallies, applying pressure to officials and drafting legislation. But above all, they emphasized the message that Black women are not an afterthought. "It has given a lot of women a voice who didn't realize they had one or didn't know how to use it," said Tamika Palmer, Taylor's mother. "To see so many women become part of something and stand up and not feel ashamed or powerless because they're women — that's a blessing, and Breonna would've loved to see it." As demonstrations erupted across Louisville in late May, state Rep. Attica Scott, a Democrat and one of just two Black women in the Legislature, joined her constituents and marched through the streets demanding answers in Taylor's death and an end to aggressive policing. "I have a responsibility to the people that I represent. … I certainly will not leave my constituents without any elected official walking alongside them in this movement," Scott said. Since May, she said, she has attended over 100 marches and rallies related to racial justice and Taylor. In September, Scott and her daughter Ashanti Scott were arrested while protesting the grand jury's decision. Scott initially was charged with felony rioting, failure to disperse and unlawful assembly; the charges were dropped later. She said the arrest was traumatic, but she continued to show up at demonstrations to seek justice for Taylor. Since last year, Scott has been pushing a statewide version of Breonna's Law, which, she said, is an effort to "answer the protesters' calls for police reform." "I'm a mom of Black children, and I didn't want any other mother to experience the pain Tamika Palmer is feeling," Scott said. "I couldn't possibly be silent and let down my own children and community." The bill would ban no-knock search warrants statewide and require officers to activate their body cameras when serving warrants. Police officers would also have to undergo mandatory drug and alcohol testing if they were involved in deadly incidents or discharged their firearms. The Legislature is moving forward with a Republican-sponsored bill to limit no-knock search warrants to potentially violent cases, not Scott's version. Scott said she is working with her Republican colleagues to help "prevent a similar tragedy from ever happening again." "Kentucky still has a lot to reckon with" when it comes to the treatment of Black women, Scott said, adding that the state "needs to ask itself what are you doing for the lives of Black women to make sure they are safe." Keturah Herron, 40, a policy strategist for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky, said she felt hopeless after she learned that Taylor was shot to death. While activists gathered to organize protests, Herron decided to take on the tool that allowed police to enter Taylor's apartment: no-knock search warrants. Louisville police Lt. Ted Eidem said officers knocked several times and "announced their presence as police who were there with a search warrant." After they entered the premises, they were met by gunfire, Eidem said. However, Kenneth Walker, Taylor's boyfriend, has said he did not hear police identify themselves and feared that someone was breaking in. He called 911, grabbed a gun and fired, striking an officer in the leg. He had a license to carry and kept firearms in the home. Taylor was unarmed. Herron helped draft Louisville's Breonna's Law ordinance, and in June, the City Council unanimously passed a ban on no-knock search warrants. Shortly afterward, Mayor Greg Fischer signed the measure, which immediately took effect. "It was the right thing for me to do, and it was the only thing for me to do," Herron said. "I am proud of this legislation, but I also feel sad that it had to be on the back of a Black woman that we were able to accomplish something." Breonna's Law has inspired legislation and policy changes throughout the country. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., introduced a bill in June to end no-knock search warrants. In July, police departments in Indianapolis and Orlando, Florida, announced that they would ban such practices. In December, Breonna's Law was passed in Virginia, making it the first state to pass it since Taylor died. "We as a society need to recognize and understand that women's voices are needed, and we must listen to women, specifically Black women," Herron said.
This entry was posted in Community, Education, General News, history, Newswire and tagged Breonna Taylor, Kenneth Walker, Keturah Herron, Mayor Greg Fischer, Rep. Attica Scott, Sen. Rand Paul. Bookmark the permalink.
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Maria-Saroja Ponnambalam, Canada, 2014, 60 min, in English Pandi, an Indian filmmaker moved to Canada to forge a career in film, his greatest passion. The film combines narration, video footage that Pandi shot, animated scenes from his script and intimate interviews with his family members to illustrate the mysteries behind his life.
Where Are You Going Habibi?


Much of the excursion centres around Royal Leamington Spa – given the Royal status by a young Queen Victoria in 1838. There is a statue of her there. Thousands come to "take the waters" in this fashionable town with its stunning Regency architecture, wide boulevards and award-winning gardens.
However, we do take a cheeky stop at Hatton Shopping Centre on the way to find a bargain in the shopping village!
Let's start there first. Hatton shopping centre is home to a myriad of independent shops full of the sort of gorgeous gifts you'll never find on the High Street. Homemade fudge, handmade candles, crafted jewellery – all made on site.
It really is a special place to shop and eat. We'll then get you to Royal Leamington Spa before lunch. There are plenty of lunch venues to choose from.
Royal Leamington Spa is a beautiful and prosperous town located in the heart of Warwickshire.
Purchase the 50p guide 'A Walk Around Royal Leamington Spa' by The Leamington Society, and head off for an afternoon's stroll filled with interesting facts about the town's heritage.
The guide is available from the Visitor Information Centre.
Why not browse around one of the fabulous exhibitions at the Royal Pump Rooms Art Gallery and Museum.
Discover why Leamington truly is the home of the spa and select a pamper package from one of the many salons in town.
Or just enjoy the myriad of interesting shops and boutiques in our beautiful Regency town!
We think this excursion is a great mix of visiting one of the best shopping villages around, combined with an historic Royal Spa town.


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Axios Sports
+ More Issues
By Kendall Baker
👋 Good morning! Let's sports.
Today's word count: 1,338 words (5 minutes)
1 big thing: ⚾ The Nationals' League
Photo: Will Newton/Getty Images
The Nationals beat the Cardinals, 7-4, last night, concluding an NLCS sweep that bucked every team narrative and sends the franchise to its first ever World Series.
After 4 heartbreaking first-round exits in 6 years, Washington dominated St. Louis so thoroughly that it was almost boring. At no point during the NLCS did they trail, and they had the lead for all but 5 of the 36 innings.
How they got here: After a rough first month of the season, the Nationals adopted the motto "Stay in the fight," and that's exactly what they've done.
They stayed in the wild-card race, fought back from 2 runs down in the 8th inning of their wild-card game against the Brewers and won 2 elimination games against the Dodgers in the NLDS.
"They have found themselves in fight after fight after fight, and each time, they have found a way to keep going," writes The Ringer's Claire McNear. "For this, they will be treated to one more."
The Nationals are the 4th team in MLB history to reach the World Series after being at least 12 games below .500 during the regular season.
Washington's 4 aces — Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Patrick Corbin and Anibal Sanchez — are 8-2 with a 2.04 ERA and 88 strikeouts in 61.2 innings as starters this postseason.
What they're saying: "Sometimes, bumpy roads lead to beautiful places," skipper Davey Martinez told a crowd that didn't want to leave. "And this is a beautiful place."
The big picture: The last time a Washington team went to a World Series was in 1933, when the Washington Senators fell to the New York Giants. How different was the sports world then? Well…
There was no NBA.
There was no Heisman Trophy.
There was no NCAA basketball tournament.
There were no major league sports franchises west of St. Louis.
The front page of the Washington Post sports section on Sept. 22, 1933, the last time a D.C. team clinched the pennant...
Courtesy: WashPost
2. ⚾ Cole, Astros take 2-1 ALCS lead
Photo: Mike Stobe/Getty Images
Gerrit Cole tossed 7 scoreless innings in Game 3 of the ALCS last night, helping the Astros beat the Yankees, 4-1, and take a 2-1 series lead.
Cole's October: In 3 starts (all Astros wins), he's surrendered a single run across 22.2 innings (0.40 ERA) and has 32 strikeouts.
Let's talk about the balls: Didi Gregorius nearly hit a 3-run HR in the 5th to give New York the lead, but it died at the warning track. Normally this wouldn't be a story, but MLB appears to have de-juiced the balls for the playoffs, so it is.
My take: The fact that we're talking about juiced (and now de-juiced) baseballs so freely without MLB ever having admitted to anything is wild. The World Series is about to start and it's unclear if the sport's main piece of equipment (the ball) has been altered. Absolutely insane.
What's next: As of last night, there was a 100% chance of rain in the Bronx today, which could delay Game 4 until tomorrow.
3. 🏈 Ramsey gets his wish, heads west to L.A.
Screenshot @jalenramsey (Twitter)
A month after his trade request, Jaguars CB Jalen Ramsey got his wish and was sent to the Rams yesterday in exchange for two 1st-round picks (and a 4th-rounder).
In a separate move, the Rams traded CB Marcus Peters to the Ravens for LB Kenny Young and an undisclosed 2020 pick.
Why it matters: In addition to shaking up the current NFL season, this trade may have also "ushered in a new era of how NFL superstars view and wield their power," writes WashPost's Adam Kilgore.
"In the NFL, ownership has forever held the cards in player movement. … But this season, culminating with the Ramsey trade, has shown players hold more sway than ever."
Yes, but: While other players might replicate Ramsey's strategy going forward and essentially force a trade by making their displeasure public, it won't work for everyone. You need to be a full-fledged superstar to take that leap.
"Great players can dictate. Good players like Melvin Gordon [who tried to hold out for a new contract and failed] can't dictate."
— Anonymous NFL agent, per WashPost
Bonus: 🏈 Week 7 NFL rankings
Table: Axios Visuals
📈 Biggest risers: Texans, Steelers, Vikings, Broncos
📉 Biggest fallers: Cowboys, Titans, Rams, Eagles
Coming up: Sunday's best games include Saints at Bears, Texans at Colts, Ravens at Seahawks, Vikings at Lions and Eagles at Cowboys (SNF)
4. ⚽ Soccer: By the numbers
Photo: Found Image Holdings/Corbis via Getty Images
29th franchise
Sacramento is expected to be announced as Major League Soccer's 29th franchise next week, the Sacramento Bee reports.
The U.S. men's national team suffered a Trinidad and Tobago-esque loss yesterday, falling 2-0 to Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League — their first loss to Canada in 34 years.
317 goals
Chloe DeLyser, a senior at Marion (N.Y.) High School scored her 317th career goal last night, breaking the national record for most career goals by a high school girls soccer player.
5. 🥊 1st trans pro boxer is new face of Everlast
Courtesy: Everlast
Last December, Patricio Manuel became the world's first transgender boxer to compete in a pro fight (which he won). And now, he's the new face of Everlast, one of the preeminent and oldest brands in boxing.
The journey: Manuel, 34, won 5 national amateur championships as a female competitor before transitioning in 2013 — a decision that cost him his coach, his gym and some friends, but allowed him to finally live his truth.
What he's saying:
"Before I found boxing, I didn't have the words or the language to describe what was going on with me. There were so many parts of my identity that I didn't have access to until I put on those gloves."
"I don't know who I would be if I had never gotten into the ring. It was the first place where I really felt like I was a winner and it's given me an immense sense of pride and camaraderie that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life."
— Patricio Manuel tells Axios
6. Oct. 15, 2003: ⚾ Aaron Boone's iconic walk-off
Photo: Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images
16 years ago today, Aaron Boone hit an 11th-inning walk-off HR in Game 7 against the Red Sox to send the Yankees to the World Series and prolong the "Curse of the Bambino."
Fast forward: Boone is now the Yankees' manager and will be hoping for similar heroics in this year's ALCS.
Go deeper: "[T]he 2003 ALCS was much more than one at bat; Game 3 alone gave us a matchup of Cy Young winners, and one of them ended up Bald Bulling Don Zimmer. It's a classic series that deserves to be revisited like an old film." Revisit it.
7. ⚾ MLB trivia
The last team to win the World Series in their first appearance was the 2002 Anaheim Angels.
Question: Who did they beat?
Hint: West coast.
Answer at the bottom.
8. The Ocho: 🇫🇷 2020 Tour de France route unveiled
The 2020 Tour de France route presentation. Photo: Luc Claessen/Getty Images
The 2020 Tour de France route was unveiled in Paris yesterday. Initial reaction: "unconventional and mountainous," per Cycling News.
Go deeper: Aerial view (YouTube)
9. 📚 Good reads
🏀 The reboot: Inside Harden and Westbrook's reunion (Rob Mahoney, SI)
"They cut their teeth in Oklahoma City and always dreamed of playing together again. After a summer blockbuster, Russell Westbrook and James Harden got their wish."
🏈 NFL's failure to understand L.A. is hurting Rams and Chargers fans (Arash Markazi, LA Times)
"From 1995 to 2015, the NFL staged 31 preseason and regular-season games around the globe. ... Do you know how many games the league held in Los Angeles to cultivate interest in the country's second-biggest market? Zero."
⚽ Where's the glory gone, Manchester United? (Brian Phillips, The Ringer)
"The Premier League giants are in crisis mode ahead of Sunday's clash against their archrivals, Liverpool. What does their legendary former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, think of their current state? We're glad you asked."
10. 🎧 Podcast Club: The Sterling Affairs, Ep. 3
This week, we're listening to "The Sterling Affairs," a 5-part podcast about basketball in Los Angeles, a ruthless real estate empire and the scandal that rocked the NBA.
How it works: We listen to one episode per day and briefly recap it the following morning before proceeding to the next one.
⏪ Yesterday's episode: "Showtime" — Throughout the 80s and 90s, the Clippers were horrible and Sterling was known as the worst owner in sports. But he wasn't the joke we all thought he was.
"Sounds like Sterling was just another greedy businessman that made it big and thought he was untouchable. Problem is, he made people dislike him so much that everyone wants to tell the story of how terrible he is."
— Axios Sports reader Reed Myers (Sandy Springs, Ga.)
▶ Today's episode: "Property" — Donald and Shelly Sterling escaped poverty, reinvented themselves, and became the biggest residential landlords in L.A. But in housing and basketball, they never had to face the consequences of their actions.
🎧 Listen: Ep. 3: "Property" (51 minutes)
💬 Comment: Thoughts after listening? Leave them here and I'll share the best tomorrow.
Talk tomorrow,
Kendall "Hump Dayyyyy" Baker
Trivia answer: San Francisco Giants


84% of the ads for Vivaro have pictures. The average number of pictures per advert for Opel Vivaro is 8.533.
The average mileage of Vivaro on Mitula is 62,100.309, whilst the most common years of registration for Opel Vivaro for sale are 2017, 2016 and 2019.
The average price for Vivaro in Ireland is €15,911.45 with a variation of €24,075.


Looking for a subcompact car that's efficient, practical, and above all: spacious? Look no further with the newest 2018 Honda Jazz VX!
Looking for the best gifts for travelers? Here's a gift guide packed with ideas that's sure to make the traveler in your life happy!
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Look no further: these Aide de Camp camera bags are an ultimate must-have travel essential that is not only functional and practical, BUT also stylish!
Light, compact and practical, a smartphone is your best companion for travel; plus, with these tips, you can take your photography skills to the next level!


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Shoestring Warriors June 27, 2018 June 27, 2018
Meet Shoestring Warrior and Contracting Wildlife Biologist Julie Webber
Have you ever seen a science documentary that shows biologists out in the field studying animals in their natural habitat? Ever wondered what life as a biologist is like? Well, wonder no more! Meet Shoestring Warrior and contracting wildlife biologist Julie Webber. With a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife and Fisheries and a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration with a focus on environmental policy and land use planning, Julie has found a way to spend her days outdoors with the animals she loves (primarily birds).
The nuts and bolts of it vary wildly depending on the specific project, but field work for me usually involves waking up obscenely early so that I can be at a specific spot in the field to start doing whatever (capturing, surveying, doing a nest observation) at dawn. Many birds, especially songbirds, are most active and vocal shortly after dawn, so if you're studying them you need to work on their schedule.
As a contractor, Julie is able to travel and take on a variety of projects. Did you know that the U.S. military has natural resources offices scattered across the country? Ever wondered what life at a research station in Antarctica is like? Keep reading to learn more about Julie's life as a contracting wildlife biologist and then connect with her on LinkedIn.
Shoestring Warrior: Julie Webber
Fort Hood, TX
Contracting Wildlife Biologist
What are your passions outside of work?
I dabble in arts and crafts- mostly painting and sketching, some quilting and other fabric-based projects. I'm a big advocate of lifelong learning, so I'm usually in the middle of several books. I love to travel, which is one of the reasons I keep working on a contract basis. It allows me to live and work pretty much wherever I want, with breaks in between jobs if I'm lucky, and sightseeing on the road between my work locations. I love folk history and what's sometimes called "commercial archaeology," 20th century kitsch, or roadside Americana. If you know of a dinosaur sculpture park, a monument to the world's largest ball of string or pie tin or whatnot, or a museum of oddities, I've probably been there.
Oh man, what a question! Well, even though I said above that my profession is "wildlife biologist," I'd say I'm really a 36 year old who still doesn't quite know what she wants to be when she grows up, hence the "contracting" and constant movement. I've dabbled in other things as well between field contracts: I've taught English in the Czech Republic and worked several summers at a cultural and language immersion program in southern California; I've worked in the service industry as a ticket to live in Vail, Colorado and McMurdo Station, Antarctica; I've filled in some employment gaps at temp agencies, where I've been placed everywhere from construction sites to pipe foundries to high-profile defense contractors. I have a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife and Fisheries, but I've always been interested in politics and how the government works, so I just finished a Master's degree in Public Administration with a focus on environmental policy and land use planning.
I hate to sound like someone who's defined by my work, but for me, my jobs have allowed me to pursue the things I'm passionate about: trying new things, meeting new people, seeing new places.
I'd like to eventually have a forever-home somewhere with either mountains or a coast or both. I love animals. Mostly birds, but also snakes and spiders. The only creature I haven't been able to find affection for so far is centipedes.
How would you describe your level of camping experience?
I've spent a lot of time living in tents, mostly either as a place to crash while driving cross-country, or in relatively long-term field camps. I would love to do a long through-hike somewhere at some point, but haven't yet. I'll have to learn to be less of a chronic over-packer first! When you spend a lot of time camping for work, camping for leisure can look like less of a vacation than it otherwise would.
When did you first discover your love for wildlife and the environment?
So long ago I can't even remember. My family vacations were always at campgrounds rather than hotels. I was a kid in the 80's when it was still normal for children to disappear alone into the woods to catch frogs for hours at a time, so most of my childhood was spent outdoors. I was definitely the "animal girl" in my neighborhood- I would frequently get calls from neighbors to come catch spiders or snakes or whatever animal they found in their basement that they didn't want to deal with. When I was in high school, someone left an injured pigeon on my doorstep, and it ended up being my pet for years. I went into college not knowing what I wanted to study or do with my life, but when I noticed that my school had a Wildlife and Fisheries program, it seemed like the natural choice. The rest is history.
What does a "typical" day working as a biologist look like for you?
The nuts and bolts of it vary wildly depending on the specific project, but field work for me usually involves waking up obscenely early so that I can be at a specific spot in the field to start doing whatever (capturing, surveying, doing a nest observation) at dawn. Many birds, especially songbirds, are most active and vocal shortly after dawn, so if you're studying them you need to work on their schedule. Like all forms of science, wildlife biology involves lots of meticulous and detailed data collection. Sometimes that means catching animals, putting tags on them, taking measurements on them, etc. Hands on, active stuff. Sometimes the work is more passive; it means sitting in one spot and watching a single animal through a spotting scope and writing down every single thing it does for hours on end. One of my biology lab instructors in college did her graduate work in entomology, studying ant anatomy. She measured the heads of over 10,000 ants under a microscope with tiny calipers. She told us "if that doesn't sound like fun to you, then change your major and leave science." I've never measured ant heads, but I still think that was pretty astute advice.
This field is rewarding and allows you to see some amazing things, but it also requires a lot of patience.
You've spent some time working at McMurdo Station, a United States Antarctic research center. What did you enjoy most about your time living and working in Antarctica?
Antarctica is a beautiful place.
The penguins are adorable, the sunsets on the mountains (when we get to see them- summer season is 24/7 daylight) are spectacular, the ice goes on forever.
While one of the big draws to life at McMurdo is the opportunity to live and work in an environment that most people never get to experience, the biggest appeal to me is the community. Making friends as an adult is hard. Living alone and commuting to a regular 9-5 job is isolating. I think that humans are meant to be a bit more communal than traditional Western culture allows us to be. People joke that McMurdo is a summer camp for grown-ups, and it is in a way. Don't get me wrong- we work extremely hard, and it's all in support of some amazing science, but there is kind of a college-dorm social vibe to the place that I haven't experienced in any other adult setting. I feel like I've definitely found my people down there.
What is the most challenging aspect of working in the field?
Compared to other science disciplines, there are a lot more variables.
We're not working in a lab, we're working in uncontrolled environments where we are at the mercy of the weather and the animals we're studying.
Depending on where you're working and how remote it is, some field work can be extremely physically challenging. I've had jobs where I hiked down and back up about 2,000 feet in elevation every day, or carried over 35 pounds of equipment up to 15 miles every day, in areas with no established trails. You might be spending months at a time in a remote location with no way to contact your friends or family. You might be living and working in close quarters with the same handful of people day in and day out, or you might be alone in the wilderness for extended periods. Some people thrive in these conditions, and some are broken by it and make a career change. It depends on who you are.
What's your favorite animal to study and why?
Birds, broadly. They're smart, they're socially complex, they're interesting to observe. They're relatively easy to study compared to other taxa and and are valuable as "indicators" of overall ecosystem health, so there are lots of opportunities to work with them, which is also nice. More specifically, I like working with endangered species, because ideally the data we collect can be used to better understand, protect, and recover the populations of those species. Each species is different: some are in decline because of disease, loss of a food source, competition with or depredation by artificially introduced species. I've spent several years working with a bird in Texas (the Golden-cheeked Warbler) that faces none of those pressures, but has very specific habitat requirements and is endangered because of the destruction of that habitat. Since each species is different, that means that each research project across has different methods, different challenges, and different things to learn. It keeps things interesting.
Which biologists, conservationists, or environmentalists inspire you the most?
Behind every famous conservationist is an army of assistants, technicians, and volunteers. I'm inspired by the passion of most of the people I've had the privilege of working beside. I'm sure that sounds contrived, but field work can be grueling, and when you're having a rough day you definitely find inspiration in the people you live and work with. If I have to name famous names, I'm a big fan of Rebecca Solnit. She's gained a lot of publicity in recent years for her work as a political and feminist activist and writer, but she's got a dynamic body of work and also has a strong background in environmental activism and landscape history. She and other landscape historians (William Cronon also comes to mind) challenge the false notion of a pristine wilderness untouched by man in pre-colonial America; unfortunately a lot of conservationists believe this fiction because they weren't taught otherwise.
Indigenous Americans intensively used, managed, cultivated and altered the land long before European settlers arrived, believing otherwise erases their history and their legacy. If conservation is to be successful, it has to be inclusive and based on an accurate understanding of history.
Funniest outdoor experience/mishap?
I've spent a few seasons working in military land conservation, which can be pretty amusing because even though pretty much every military installation in the country has a natural resources office, the vast majority of military service members don't know we exist. I've awkwardly stumbled into a few training exercises, once the soldiers involved thought I was an actor who was part of the scenario. I've explained to some confused soldiers why I was showing up to their camp at the same time every morning to stare at a tree for half an hour (observing a bird nest). I had a troop transport vehicle roll by just in time to see me dancing around in the woods with my pants off, slapping fire ants off my legs. This stuff must all look exceedingly strange to people who don't realize that civilians work in the field in military training areas.
Where's your next adventure?
I'm heading back to Antarctica in August. I'll be arriving there during one of the coldest times of the year, travelling from Texas during one of the hottest times of the year here, so that adjustment will be interesting. After that, I'll spend some time exploring New Zealand, and then I'm not sure. A life in contracting means you're on the hunt for a new job every few months, which is both exhausting and exhilarating.
The perfect s'more? (if you don't like s'mores, what's your favorite campfire dessert?)
Add peanut butter, caramel or butterscotch! I've seen some folks push chocolate blocks inside a marshmallow before roasting it so the chocolate is meltier, but I've never been able to do this successfully without losing the whole thing in the campfire. When all else fails, a bag of jelly beans does just fine- no assembly or cooking required.
Photos © 2018 Julie Webber
birds, Conservation, field work, Wildlife and Fisheries, Wildlife Biology
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I've been dabbling a bit with electronics lately which is something I did quite a lot as a kid. Here's a couple of things I built some time ago to help.
The first which is still in use now is my project box. This is made from sheets of pine which are simply glued and pinned together. It has a drawer for components and a storage box at the top for tools with a simple lid held in place with a couple of battens. The box is about 25 years old now and has survived several house moves. I typically tape it shut before packing.
The origional design had a wooden soldering iron stand which broke of one time I was moving house and got replaced with a more conventional iron stand and I added some cable holders on the side but typically the iron lives inside the box now.
The drawer in the bottom has some nice features, it has a clear perspex base set into a slot in the sides which allows you to see the contents from below. The handle of the box is a square with bevelled edges this has proved very reliable of the years.
The second thing I put together was a project board made from some bent perspex. This allowed me to design small circuits on one of the two breadboards and have them powered from an external supply that plugs in to a socket at the top. I created an "antistatic" tray and drawer from packaging and the antistatic one has tinfoil lining and can be earthed with a croc clip. I added a selection of terminal posts around the sides of the board for connecting up the power and a small multi-meter I had at the time. I also added a couple of cheap meters that can be used with resistors to measure voltage or current. Some chock block on the front allows for connecting to other ciruits.
I've not used this for some time as it's been hidden away in storage. I found it quite recently so perhaps it will be returned to use?


Bet365 pays out early on Australian Open!
Simply place a pre-match single bet on the To Win Match market on any men's Singles match from the Australian Open. If the player you back goes 2 sets up, your bet will be paid out early as a winner, even if their opponent comes back to win the match.
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This offer is only available to new and eligible customers. You can see a full list of your available offers by logging in and selecting the Offers section on mobile or the Promotions section on desktop. bet365 maintains a record of customer contact in relation to eligibility for offers and this record, including the date and time of any restrictions being imposed, will be final in the event of any dispute. Your bet will be paid out in full if the player you back goes two sets up regardless of the final result. We will aim to settle all qualifying bets and have funds credited into your account within 15 minutes of your selection going two sets up.
Bets placed on matches from 2019 Australian Open Qualifying do not count for this offer. This offer will not apply where a stake has been fully Cashed Out. Where a stake has been partially Cashed Out and your selection goes two sets up, the bet will be settled on the remaining active stake. If a qualifying bet is edited using our Edit Bet feature prior to the start of the match and your selection goes two sets up, the bet will be settled on the new stake. Where a bet has been edited to include or amend a selection for an event that is In-Play, the offer will no longer apply. If your bet is paid out early in accordance with this offer it will not be paid out again if your selection goes on to win the match.
bet365 may reclaim any bonus amount, Free Bets, Bet Credits or enhanced payments that have been awarded in error. bet365 may, at any time, make minor amendments to this promotion to correct typographical errors or to improve on clarity or customer experience and may cancel this promotion for legal or regulatory reasons. Employees, officers and directors of bet365, its promotional or other agencies, licensees and licensors, service providers and any other associated or affiliated companies shall not be eligible for the promotion. The same terms shall apply to the direct families of such persons.


What was once an eyesore along Harvard Street in the Houston Heights is now an elegantly restored Craftsman-style home for a family determined to preserve their second residence in the historic neighborhood.
CultureMap featured Brie and Scott Kelman's first home in our continuing On the Market series last December when the couple put their sun-filled, 1,302-square-foot abode on Le Green Street up for sale.
"We love historic preservation and had always dreamed of saving and rehabilitating an old house," Brie says, adding she and her husband thoroughly enjoyed living just seven blocks away in the 1920s home on Le Green. "But it was on a 5,000-square-foot lot — too small for our growing family and my New Zealand farmer-husband's veggie gardens."
"It was in such bad shape, most would have wanted to tear it down. We moved in five days after our second child was born."
Then they found the house at 1207 Harvard St. Brie says she knew that saving it would not be easy. In fact, the obstacles started before she and Scott faced the three feet of trash covering every floor, mold on the walls, holes in the floor and crumbling asphalt roofing material siding that hid the original wood structure.
"We had issues getting through the (Houston Archaeological and) Historic Commission, despite the fact that our remodel plans met the ordinance," Brie says. "After we were denied by them and they suggested the demolition route, we appealed their decision to the Houston Planning Commission. We won the appeal —hand's down.
"The beginning was not fun, but I'm glad we were able to save the house. It was in such bad shape, most would have wanted to tear it down. We moved in five days after our second child was born."
The Kelmans' desire to makeover the house dovetailed with a close friend's decision to open a historic home remodeling business. David Seeburger of P&G Homes "came to the rescue," as Brie describes, even though the Harvard Street house is located next door to an apartment complex.
"He would have likely passed on the property," Brie says. "However, we wanted it. It's the Heights, right?"
Location is the first thing that moved the Kelmans to stay in the Heights, Brie says, and the property had so much potential. Together they sourced reclaimed doors, hardware, lights and more salvaged prizes for their new home, which also offers a large backyard where their children now play.
With inspirational photos in hand, the Kelmans worked with Seeburger to recreate the bay window and breakfast nook for their new home. "Everyone always ends up in the kitchen, regardless of size, so it's better if everyone is comfortable," Brie says.
More wishes came true with three bedrooms upstairs in the second story addition, the master and smaller rooms connected by Jack-and-Jill bath, and a fourth bedroom downstairs as a study or guest bedroom. The large laundry room is upstairs, a screened-in porch adds outdoor living space and a treasured procession now greets everyone in the front living room.
"I wanted to showcase my 98-year-old grandmother's 1886 Steinway right when you walk into the house and also from a front window," Brie says.
Construction lasted from June 2013 up until Jan. 30, 2014, when the Kelmans moved in. "It was a labor of love," Brie says. "For me the project was very fun the whole time, and I am ever grateful for all of the team's hard work.
"We are also ever grateful to the huge neighborhood support behind our project. From neighbors we knew to complete strangers, everyone was behind us and glad that a young family was fixing up the only eyesore left on the block."


Data of the Multicenter Validation of FIRM Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation trial were presented by investigator John M Miller (director, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA) at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions (AHA, 16–20 November, Dallas, USA).
Miller told delegates that the aim of this trial was to validate, with a multicentre study, results previously reported of a single centre experience in San Diego, USA, the CONFIRM (Conventional ablation for atrial fibrillation with or without focal impulse and rotor modulation) trial (J Am Coll Cardiol. 2012;60(7):628–636). CONFIRM showed that atrial fibrillation is often maintained by rotors or focal sources and that ablation of these sources can eliminate atrial fibrillation. Fifty six per cent of patients terminated atrial fibrillation with FIRM and two thirds of these patients had persistent atrial fibrillation.
In the multicentre study, 11 centres from different cities across the USA enrolled 210 patients with atrial fibrillation. Of those, 132 patients underwent FIRM-guided ablation then pulmonary vein isolation. At AHA, Miller presented results of 78 patients (San Diego area patients were not included in this analysis) and compared data with 71 control patients of the CONFIRM trial.
Miller said that baseline characteristics were similar in the FIRM-guided external validation group compared with the control patients in the CONFIRM study. The average age was 61 years in both groups, most patients had persistent atrial fibrillation in both groups (70.5% for the FIRM-guided external validation group and 66% for the controls in CONFIRM). The only significant difference, Miller noted, was that more patients had prior amiodarone in CONFIRM (38%) compared with the FIRM-guided external validation group (15.4%).
Atrial fibrillation was recorded with 64 pole basket catheters and mapped with RhythmView (Topera).
In this multicentre trial, Miller told delegates, focal sources with FIRM were localised in 100% of the patients (n=78), each exhibiting 2.3±0.9 concurrent sources, and 41% of the patients showed termination of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. These results, in centres new to FIRM, Miller noted, are "very similar" as in the original CONFIRM trial, which found focal sources with FIRM in 97% of the patients, each exhibiting 2.1±1.0 concurrent sources, and termination of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm in 56% of the FIRM-guided patients. The total ablation time was roughly similar in both groups (16.6±11.7min for the FIRM-guided external validation group and 16.1±9.8min for the controls in CONFIRM).


Welcome to Villa Verde's Online Store!
Buy your own copy of Antoinette Barca's new book, My Little Hidden Treasure. Where Antoinette, together with her grand-daughter Monica Barca have written a fabulous book about her stunning garden Villa Verde. It has wonderful stories, adventures and insight into the design and development of Villa Verde Gardens! Along with other little hidden gems! Make it a perfect gift for all your loved ones!
Place your order down below!!


Accessories are increasingly an important part When speaking of our portable gadget and telephony in general. In that field, Apple is the King, partly favoured by its limited product range, boasting in addition to sales incredible to make manufacturers feel tempted to launch accessories of all kinds for iPhone, iPad, or iPod. Also the same company of the bite Apple knows this and periodically launches interesting plug-ins.
A movement that all companies take note, because there are no Add-ons as we say "Chinese", but innovative accessories and proven useful. In the case of Microsoft a few months ago I could try the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 keyboard and had to say that I was amazed and it can be that this project of cover, the FlexCase, If it finally materializes, they can have the same success.
And is that Redmond's are working together with the University of applied sciences high Austria and the Institute of technologies of surface and Fotónica Joanneum Research in this kind of cover for our mobile phones, but isn't a cover to use, but that it presents a more advanced performance enhancing the functions that can be performed with the mobile and to better understand the nothing easier concept that a video.
Cover answers to the name of FlexCase, have already said it and as you can see It's a flexible cover, still in phase of development, which is based on the use of a screen flexible e-paper with pressure and curvature sensors, so we can use it in a way combined with our smartphone and smartwatch.
It would be something like having two screens in one device, with the advantage of thinness and low consumption of this e-paper display.
The functions of the display they may vary according to the use which, at that time, we are making our Terminal so we could find a full keyboard, a screen would complement to draw with your finger or a Notepad to write down while we watch a video.
It is a development that is still in a very early stage but we lets see which can be the path to take by many manufacturers in the future when the "Accessories" intelligent and truly give value to our gadget of the day, reach the market.
Of Truth We Consulted Our Smartphone 150 Times a Day?