It is that time of year again …. CHRISTMAS!!!
We decided to create a new cartoon chart with a popular Christmas Carol (= a typical song sung at Christmas time) called the Twelve Days of Christmas.
You may also want to read our short texts about different Christmas Traditions and after maybe try our Christmas Traditions Game in English.
And if you haven't already seen it, we have a simple joke in English about Santa Claus.
For those that celebrate it, we hope you have a GREAT CHRISTMAS!


Good with Maxespresso cases and Gusto Italian cases. Double framework with frother worked for amazing expresso espresso, cappuccino, bistro latte, latte macchiato and hot chocolate.
Power: 3800 watts with energy save mode.
Dimensions: 21"(W)x 19" (D)x 17" (H) .
Innovation two different capsule systems for two cups.
Removable water reservoir (0.8 gal).
Plumb-in-port, for direct water line connection option.


text:
Charting the Path for ctDNA as an Early Endpoint in Early-Stage Disease
Brittany Avin McKelvey
| November 3, 2021 Share
The Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) Annual Meeting provides a venue for multiple stakeholders to discuss pressing issues in oncology drug development, providing potential opportunities to overcome challenges and spur future collaborative work. The session on Day 1 of the Friends Annual Meeting 2021 will focus on building a roadmap for the use of changes in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels as an early endpoint to predict long-term survival outcomes in early-stage disease to support regulatory approval.
ctDNA is DNA that originates from tumor cells and is found in the bloodstream. There are many opportunities to use ctDNA tracking in early-stage disease, with potential for monitoring ctDNA to detect disease burden earlier and in a less-invasive manner than current imaging or biopsy technologies. One transformative use of ctDNA is as a biomarker for a patient's response to therapy as an early endpoint to predict long-term survival. This may allow for expedited drug development, by identifying efficacious drugs more quickly in clinical trials and enabling access to promising therapies faster for patients with cancer.
Validating ctDNA as an early endpoint will require large datasets with robust clinical and ctDNA data, as well as collaboration across sponsors for analysis from multiple clinical trials. Friends' previous ctMoniTR efforts in late-stage disease affirms this type of collaboration is possible and provides the foundation to establish a roadmap for investigating the use of this novel endpoint in early-stage disease. Friends therefore convened a multi-stakeholder group of experts in ctDNA and early-stage disease to help establish this roadmap.
"We are excited to be part of this multi-stakeholder collaboration led by Friends and about the opportunity this can represent for patients. Our ability to expedite innovative medicines depends on developing better biomarkers and novel endpoints. By more effectively leveraging data generated across industry, government and academia, we can accelerate our understanding of the utility of ctDNA in early-stage disease and its potential as an endpoint in this setting." – Kathleen Winson, Executive Group Director, Product Development Regulatory, Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.
The roadmap is built on the outstanding clinical question focused on whether changes in ctDNA in response to a drug reflect long-term outcomes on a trial level, and if the predictive value varies by therapy setting, therapeutic class, or tumor type. Due to the nature of early-stage disease studies, including the size and trial length, proactive planning of the necessary data elements is needed to efficiently answer the clinical questions and allow for better data contextualization. The group described key categories of clinical data elements where alignment will be important.
"Given the emerging interest in ctDNA as a biomarker at multiple points in a patient's cancer journey it is important that our community aligns on technical and patient outcome data that our trials should be reporting. By pre-specifying data elements that should accompany early-stage clinical trials incorporating ctDNA as a biomarker we hope to pave the way for future meta-analytic approaches that will allow us to comprehensively assess the value of ctDNA as a study endpoint". – Chris Abbosh, AstraZeneca Fellow, Translational Medicine, AstraZeneca
Important considerations for charting the path for use of ctDNA as an endpoint will be described in a white paper to be released concurrently with the Annual Meeting and during the Day 1 Annual Meeting Session.
Conference Research

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Current: Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games (Japan Version)
Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games (Japan Version)
Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games
The Japanese title is called Mario & Sonic at Sochi Olympic .
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Wii)


Ready for more traditional, time-consuming workouts this year? Not so fast.
It's true; shorter, more intense workouts are all the rage. That's because now you can slash your workout time in half—without sacrificing the results.
Intensity, not duration, that's the key. And to prove the point, we've enlisted the help of two men who pretty much invented the word intensity: Tony Horton and Shaun T.
There's never been a better time to learn about the benefits of shorter workouts. With the arrival of the FOCUS T25 Challenge Pack and the extension of the P90X3 Challenge Pack specials in January, you'll be ready to get in the best shape of your life!
The rise in popularity of shorter workouts is no accident. There's science behind it.
"Studies have shown that shorter workouts can be as effective, or even better than longer workouts," says Shaun T. "The goal is to make every second and every minute of your workout count."
A major benefit of shorter workouts is that the most dramatic body transformations happen in the first 30 minutes of exercise. "People are more likely to train harder when the routines are shorter," Tony Horton teaches. "For example, you'd run a 200 meter race faster than you would a 10k."
Makes perfect sense. But how will P90X3 and FOCUS T25 do in the long run?
The shorter time frame in programs like P90X3 and FOCUS T25 help eliminate one of the biggest problems with more conventional programs: burnout!
"Burnout happens when your body isn't prepared to do what you're asking of it," cautions Tony. "It also happens when you can't make the time to do one hour-plus workouts." He adds, "This is one of the many reasons why we created P90X3. It's P90X® and X2 intensity in just thirty minutes."
FOCUS T25 is, as the name suggests, 25 minutes. And Shaun says the variety in T25 is the perfect remedy to beat workout boredom. "We constantly change the focus minute by minute so you work one part of the body and rest others," he says. "That's what makes it so effective. No nonsense. Just results. 25 minutes and then you're done!"
So what is it exactly that separates these new programs from the pack?
"P90X3 is very unique because it combines muscle confusion from P90X, muscle integration from P90X2, and muscle acceleration in fast paced workouts," says Tony. "It's brutal, but still awesome."
Shaun serves up a couple reasons why T25 may be your go-to program. "It's a total body training program combining cardio, resistance, upper and lower body circuits, strength, and core," he says. "We've effectively selected moves and sequences that are necessary to see results. No matter what your age or fitness level, you can do this."
It's been well documented that most people fail at their January fitness resolutions. Tony offers up some stats for us. "The average person will abandon their New Year's resolution between February 15 and March 1," he says. "The reason for this is that good intentions are not well planned out and become overwhelming after a while."
That's where P90X3 and T25 will really shine: Long-term appeal. "The variety, fun, and short duration of X3 allows the user to stay consistent from January 1 through December 31—and beyond!" exclaims Tony.
Shaun explains why T25 will keep you engaged all year long. "Do it first thing when you get up. During your lunch break. Before dinner or before bed. 25 minutes is doable and manageable. There's no excuses, people." You have the time, now get it done.
Study after study shows that the most dramatic body transformations happen . . . in the first 30 minutes of exercise. My goal was to find a way to use that window of opportunity to help people get ripped—P90X ripped—in just half an hour a day.
Did you know that all you need is 25 minutes a day...to get in the best shape of your life? Focus T25 is 25 minutes of pure intensity and 100% focus. No REST! These fast-paced workouts are jam packed with dynamic, hi-intensity moves designed for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Every minute counts!


BlastersmithsUK - Supplying the world's HvZ, LARP and Nerf communities with quality tactical gear. Enabling you to take your blaster to the next level with upgrades and modifications!
Hack and Slash – A high quality latex weapon supplier who will take commissions!
The Crimson Mooon is a friendly in character tavern where you can enjoy a drink, a game of cards, the chance to trade and plot or just kick back and relax away from the front lines for a brief respite. A range of Meads, cider, beer, spirits and soft drinks on hand, all served by welcoming staff.


Note :- You can send name or symbol which you want to get carved on pencil via whats app +919873310987 or by mail [email protected] after the order is placed.
It's a delicate product as it is carved on Pencil Lead. Although we do our best packing so that the product reaches to our customer safely , but in case of any breakage during transit we are not responsible.
Give your loved ones a new personalized gift by gifting them this Carved Pencil Lead covered with a glass bottle jar which will be loved by all.
In this lead we can carve Names of persons, or symbols.
I ordered this for my bestie. A best gift i have ever gifted to her. Expressions received were phenomenon. A unique gift for someone special… I would surely recommend this.


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Failure analysis of electrical contacts
Common control electrical products such as AC contactors, electromagnetic relays, electrical switches and air switches all contain electrical contacts, and contacts are one of the most important components of these products. The reliability and service life of products largely depend on the contact performance, which is affected by such factors as contact material, load type, contact pressure, working frequency and service environment. When these factors cannot meet the requirements, there will be problems such as electrochemical corrosion of contacts, fusion welding between contacts, fire, contact wear, contact resistance increase, which will lead to unreliable operation, functional failure and even potential safety hazards.
In the energized state, if the current of the disconnected circuit exceeds a certain limit, or if the voltage on the contact gap after disconnection exceeds a certain limit, an arc will appear in the contact gap. Arc is the discharge phenomenon of gas between contacts under the action of strong electric field. Sparks and strong light are generated and emitted with high temperature. The electric arc will corrode the metal surface of the contact, shorten the service life of the electrical appliance, extend the breaking time of the circuit, and cause contact failure of the contact. In serious cases, it can lead to fire or gas accidents.
When moving contact and static contact contact, external pressure must be applied to ensure good electrical contact between moving contact and static contact, which is usually called contact pressure of contact.
The contact pressure has the following functions:
Ensure the good contact between the moving contact and the static contact, and make the contact resistance as small as possible.
And (b) reduce the generation of surface oxide film and the pollution of contact surfaces.
Suppresses contact bounce.
The contact pressure of the contact is an important parameter of the contact of electrical products, which can only be selected after many tests in the initial design of the product. If the contact pressure of the contact is relatively small, it cannot meet the reliability requirements of the relay. If the contact pressure of the selected contact is relatively large, it is necessary to increase the operating power of the relay, and the requirements for the reaction spring also need to be improved, which is technically uneconomical.
Electrical contact
How to protect the circuit through relay contacts?
About relay, contactor, electrical contact and contact
Expansion Project of Wenzhou Juxing Electric Contact Technology Co., Ltd
Realize the vision of successful listing and create a new industrial pattern of "one core and four cores"
Type of contact
Disconnectable contacts are an indispensable part of switching appliances. According to their different structures, they can be divided into the following types: (1) Knife contact: it has a simple structure and can be divided into surface contact and line contact, which are widely used in low-voltage switches and high-voltage disconnectors. (2) Butt joint contact: It has the characteristics of simple structure and fast action, but the contact surface is unstable and varies greatly with the pressure. It is easy to rebound during operation, without self-cleaning effect, and the contact is easy to be burned by electric arc. This contact is usually used for distribution circuit breakers with rated currents below 1000 A and below 500 A
Contact of nanomaterials
With the development of high voltage, high current, miniaturization and long life of switching devices, the electrical properties of contact materials are required to be higher and higher. Nanometer contact materials have become a hot spot in the research and preparation of contact materials.
Switching capacity of electric contact
The material property of contact is one of the key factors affecting the working characteristics and electrical life of vacuum switchgear. Almost all early vacuum switches used tungsten, molybdenum and other refractory pure metals as contact materials. This contact material has a series of advantages, such as appropriate breaking performance, good compressive strength and welding resistance, appropriate thermal conductivity and conductivity, low ablation rate during arc combustion, long contact life, etc. It is widely used in breaking small current vacuum switch. However, high melting point pure metal contact materials have many shortcomings, such as breaking current and high cut-off level, which limit the application range of vacuum switches.


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Image Courtesy: Defence Forum India
Wider Connotations Of Surgical Strike In Our Environment
October 08, 2016 ; By: Major General P K Chakravorty, VSM (Retd)
A strategic riposte across the border, actuated by a Pakistani attack on the Indian Army's base at Uri, J&K, has shattered some myths and bluffs that have governed India-Pakistan exchanges for decades. It's also an indication of a new resolve: New Delhi is ready to escalate should this decades old proxy war not be arrested by its protagonist – Pakistan.
The General, in his article analyses relevant issues in depth and lists out the entire gamut of possible Indian responses, as he wades through Pakistan's nuclear bluff. It's a bluff that the Pakistanis have sold for too long; and the whole world has rushed in every time the India-Pakistan rhetoric exchanges have led to the illusion of war clouds hanging low over the Indian continent.
India created history on the night of 28 September-29 September 2016 by launching surgical stiles across the Line of Control on seven launch pads where terrorists were assembled prior to their launch. It was for the first time after 1971 War that India officially undertook operations across the Line of Control. The operations were undertaken by personnel from the Special Forces belonging to two battalions. Their performance was flawless and resulted in huge casualties to the terrorists. It is indeed appropriate that the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian Army to telephonically apprise the Pakistani DGMO about the event. The strikes are in retaliation to the attack by militants on the Uri administrative base which saw the death of 19 soldiers and injury to about 30 personnel.
Richard Schultz has defined a surgical strike as a military attack which results in, was intended to result in, or is claimed to have resulted in only damage to the intended legitimate target with no collateral damage to surrounding structures, vehicles, buildings or the general public infrastructure and utilities. Neutralisation of targets with precision prevents escalation to a full blown war. These can be carried out by air strike, air dropping special operations team, a swift ground operation by special troops and precision bombing.
In the current case, all targets were selected in the northern theatre and operations coordinated by Headquarters Northern Command after obtaining necessary clearances. The seven areas on which the strikes were launched were accurately reconnoitred and intelligence provided possibly by Cartosat 2C, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and intelligence provided by other agencies. As the launch pads were at a distance of 1 to 5 km, it was easy to gather inputs regarding the assembly of militants. Further, in the month of September militants infiltrate in large numbers before the snow season begins.
Image Courtesy: dailycapital.pk
The entire operation needed surprise which was fully achieved as the raiding teams completed their mission and returned intact. The casualties caused to the militants are estimated to be around 38 which are reasonable considering that seven launch pads were raided.
Pakistan has denied that surgical strikes have been undertaken and refers only to cross border firings. In a major damage control exercise they have even flown international and local media to the Line of Control (LoC) to prove that no such incident has taken place. Pakistan is adept at the denial game and one reflects back to the 1971 War when Pakistani broadcasts reported heavy fighting in East Pakistan while the surrender ceremony was taking place.
Pakistan has limited options. Post the Kargil Conflict of 1999, Pakistan has realised, that a proxy war is the best manner of tackling India which enjoys a conventional superiority in forces. They have orchestrated a series of events, the crescendo of Mumbai on 26 November 2008 being the loudest, lesser attempts since then, till they dispalyed open support to the recent agitations in the Kashmir valley since 8 July 2016, consequent to the killing of Burhan Wani; a terrorist who was a Commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen group.
The horrendous action by four terrorists who carried out a brazen attack on the brigade administrative base at Uri compelled India to respond with surgical strikes. Pakistan would definitely react and hit back. The various options which Pakistan is likely to exercise are as under:-
• Activate existing sleeper cells and undertake a major attack in one of our big cities.
• Carry out attacks on the Security Forces in the hinterland of Jammu and Kashmir as also Punjab. They have attacked the Security Forces in Baramula which is about 60 km from Srinagar and are being contested by 46 Rashtriya Rifles.
• Undertake Mortar and Artillery firing across the LoC.
• Undertake raids by Border Action Teams on our posts deployed along the LoC.
• Attack with the help of terrorists our Missions in Kabul/ Herat, or any other country where they can infiltrate their modules.
• Seek assistance from China in contesting diplomatic isolation. Further, China undertakes measures to curtail the flow of the Brahmaputra River to India. Also, China prevents the arrest of terrorist Azhar Masood and continues to aid terrorists operating in the North Eastern part of India.
Indians can use multifarious response mechanisms. India's use of Hard Power as a retribution for the attacks in Uri has definitely opened many options for denting the terrorist infrastructure which exists in Pakistan. India has gone on a diplomatic offensive which has isolated Pakistan in the international arena. Not a single country has supported Pakistan on this issue. The SAARC summit to be held in Pakistan has been postponed. However China is likely to interfere with one of the tributaries of Brahmaputra and has also vetoed action against Azhar Masood.
Accordingly, we have to secure our borders and our cities during the festive season. We must carry out a detailed checking of all likely sleeper cells and wherever possible block funding of terror organisations. If required we must strongly retaliate with our Artillery. We are strong in firepower and can decimate their terrorist camps with accurate artillery fire.
Image Courtesy: en.wikipedia.org
While undertaking these activities we must not get involved in talks with Pakistan unless steps are taken to bring down the terrorist infrastructure. Pressure must be brought about regarding the Indus Water Treaty and in case the situation does not improve withdraw the Most Favoured Nation status with respect to trade as regards Pakistan.
If push comes to shove, our aim must be to dismantle the terror infrastructure in Pakistan. We have superior conventional forces. If the Pakistani Army does not alter its path by our domination of the Line of Control we must calibrate undertaking conventional operations which would entail use of Intermediate Battle Groups in the mountains and riverine terrain in conjunction with Deep Strikes in deserts. While the Battle Groups would undertake shallow thrusts, the Strike formations would undertake Deep Strikes. Pakistan has lowered its nuclear threshold and threatens to use tactical nuclear weapons (TNW) against these offensives.
The TNW is a Cold Tested weapon and its range being limited would have to be deployed in the field at about 40 km from the border making it vulnerable to Indian air and missile attacks. Nuclear weapons of Pakistan are for deterrence, and providing parity with India in a politico strategic realm. The actual possibility of use of tactical and strategic nuclear weapons is proximate only to zero. Senior Pakistani officers have categorically stated that the Indian response to Pakistan's first use would be total holocaust. In late 2010 with 90 TNWs it was found difficult to stop an Indian Armoured Division moving dispersed on a 30 km frontage.
There would be a minimum inescapable requirement of 436 TNWs to stop an Armoured Division. With the reported accelerated production of plutonium from three military dedicated reactors in Khushab and a fourth under construction it would result in an inventory of 200 warheads by 2020. To further compound to the existing problem, the issue of miniaturising the warhead to fit into the Nasr missile with a 30 cm diameter is a complex engineering problem. Further, data shows that a TNW use against a Tank (Combat) Group moving dispersed over an 8 km front would at best produce 25 casualties and damage to about four tanks. Accordingly not much should be read against the TNW and the Indian Army must retain the option of Deep Strikes particularly in the Southern theatre.
The Artillery must work towards locating the Nasr and develop possibly with external assistance a Make in India project to destroy the Nasr in flight.
The entire response must be synergised and it is time we took the fight back to Pakistani soil. The entire strategy calls for an Offensive Mindset which must work out the details and synergise the leaders, bureaucracy and the Armed Forces to meet the Pakistani challenge.
Surgical strikes have enabled India to teach the terrorists in Pakistan a lesson. It was correct on to exercise a limited military option with an aim to disorient the terrorist infrastructure operating from Pakistan. We must exploit the advantage we have obtained by surgical strikes and continue to explore all means to achieve our strategic objectives.
Major General P K Chakravorty, VSM (Retd)
Behind The Phosphorous Of White Lies – Calling The Pak Deep State's Four Bluffs
Enhanced FDI In Defence : A Game Changer
Major General PK Chakravorty (Retired)
Winner of the Silver Gun in his Young Officers Course, he tenanted prestigious appointments in the India Army, serving also as the Defence Attaché to Vietnam where he developed his interests in the Asia- Pacific region.
Read More About: Major General PK Chakravorty (Retired)


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Q: Except function doesn't work on a list that I got from xml file I am trying to use IEnumerable.Except function in c# 4.0 to get the difference between two lists like this:
//Function to get only available rooms out of all rooms of the hotel...
public IEnumerable<Room> GetAvailableRooms(DateTime arrival, DateTime leaving)
        {
                //.....
                foreach (Room value in v)
                    room_list.Add(value);
                return (dal.GetAllRooms()).Except(room_list);
        }

but the function doesn't work - it doesn't remove the items of room_list.
(I checked in debugging and room_list contains the desired values)
dal.GetAllRooms is a functions that gets all rooms from xml file in Data Access Layer.
I am sure that the problem is about xml because when I use my DAL implemention with lists (not xml) the same exact function works fine.

A: Implementation given by Daniel is correct when you are checking for equality. But in order to use Except() for a custom class you need to override the GetHashCode() method for your custom class. See below code snippet:
class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        ObservableCollection<A> one = new ObservableCollection<A>();
        ObservableCollection<A> two = new ObservableCollection<A>();

        one.Add(new A()
        {
            number = 1,
            name = "A"
        });

        one.Add(new A()
        {
            number = 2,
            name = "B"
        });

        two.Add(new A()
        {
            number = 1,
            name = "A"
        });

        ObservableCollection<A> three = new ObservableCollection<A>(one.Except(two));

    }
}

class A : IEquatable<A>
{
    public int number;
    public string name;

    public bool Equals(A other)
    {
        return (number == other.number && name == other.name);
        //throw new NotImplementedException();
    }

    public override int GetHashCode()
    {
        // Get the hash code for the Textual field if it is not null.

        int hashnumber = number == null ? 0 : number.GetHashCode();

        // Get the hash code for the Digital field.

        int hashname = name.GetHashCode();

        // Calculate the hash code for the object.

        return hashnumber ^ hashname;

    }
}

Here three will have the value as {2,"B"}.

A: Do you override Object.Equals in Room? Or do you implement IEquatable? If not, Except checks whether the references are the same and they are not, even if all values inside the instances are the same.
Example:
class Room
{
    public Room(int roomNumber) { RoomNumber = roomNumber; }
    public int RoomNumber { get; set; }
}

class Room2
{
    public Room2(int roomNumber) { RoomNumber = roomNumber; }
    public int RoomNumber { get; set; }

    public override bool Equals(object other)
    {
        var otherRoom = other as Room2;
        if(otherRoom == null)
            return false;

        return roomNumber == otherRoom.RoomNumber
    }
}

var room1a = new Room(404);
var room1b = new Room(404);

var room2a = new Room2(405);
var room2b = new Room2(405);

Assert.False(object.Equals(room1a, room1b));
Assert.True(object.Equals(room2a, room2b));

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
package com.dtstack.jlogstash.inputs;

import com.fasterxml.jackson.databind.ObjectMapper;
//import com.fasterxml.jackson.module.afterburner.AfterburnerModule;

/**
 *
 * @author sishu.yss
 *
 */
public class JsonUtils {

	public final static ObjectMapper mapper = new ObjectMapper();

//    public final static ObjectMapper mapper = new ObjectMapper().registerModule(new AfterburnerModule());
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Schools Matter: Will Shelby County Commission Oppose Charter Schools?
Will Shelby County Commission Oppose Charter Schools?
The Shelby County Commissioners voted recently to oppose the voucher bills that are chasing each other through the TN state legislature this year. They are concerned, they say, about the $70 million in public ed dollars that would be lost as students attend private schools with their $5,000 per child vouchers.
There has to be another reason for the opposition. If the Commission was concerned about the financial integrity of the public school system, why have they not already passed a resolution against charter schools?
After all, Shelby County already has approximately 18,000 students in charter schools now. At $9,000 per child, that's $162,000,000 per year in public dollars going to privately-managed corporate charter schools. By next year, we could see that number go over $200 million.
Which Commissioner's hair is on fire about that hole in funding donut??


Llama and Aplaca Photos - What do you do with a Lama?
I could sleep with him!!
If you would like to submit photos to the PLAA Photo Gallery, email webmaster. JPG format with minimum 500 pixels vertical resolution. To view our Video Gallery, click Video Gallery.


Established in 1902, 3M is a science-based, global innovation company, producing literally thousands of products for both consumers and businesses, from ubiquitous brands like Post-it and Scotch Tape to more obscure things like compression wear or reflective tape for cars. 3M has nearly 90,000 employees in 70 countries and had global sales of $31.8 billion in 2014. You know, just your typical mom and pop operation. Through 2015 3M has been phasing in a new global identity — logo untouched — designed by Wolff Olins.
It was clear to us all that the brand design system of a company so broad and diversified faced three main challenges. It was unduly dependent on the logo, powerfully iconic and noticeably ubiquitous. In addition, the system as a whole dated from a pre-digital era, lacking interactive tools to express brand essence with dynamic relevance and contemporary flair. Moreover, 3M as a company is constantly evolving, unlocking new solutions in diverse markets every day. Long story short, 3M needed a smart brand design system for the 21st century that would be flexible enough to evolve and adapt to resonate with business partners and customers around the globe…from loyal customers to millennial recruits.
The video above provides the best understanding of the new system. Give it a play, then we'll go over the elements below.
The cornerstone of the identity is the triangle that snaps to a simple 9-module grid and serves as the anchor for text and images as well as to always isolate the 3M logo in the top-left corner. Because of the round execution of the "3" in the 3M logo, a triangle isn't the first shape I would think of when I think of 3M and the logo animation at the end of the opening video reinforces that maybe triangles and that logo are not the most organic match. Nonetheless, as a device to structure a global identity, it's both simple and striking, not to mention manageable and easy to prescribe in guidelines.
The triangle also forms the basis of a pattern that has a big presence as the background of the main website. It looks science-y for sure and the single-color, lighter version is serviceable but in general it feels force-fed into the identity as a big visual element.
One of the most significant and bold changes to the 3M identity is the approach to typography - moving from using Helvetica Neue to a more unique and ownable typeface. We partnered with Lineto to create a custom version of Circular, called 3M Circular. This typeface is modern, more distinctive, open, recognizable and easy to read.
Circular out of the box… I haven't seen the full character set of 3M Circular but looks like it's only the "3" glyph that got customized.
Raise your hand if the choice of Lineto's Circular is a surprise. I feel bad for pointing out the ubiquity of Circular so much as it's such a beautiful typeface but it's bound to have the Gotham effect and run its course in about 2 - 3 years. Unlike its use in Alaska Airlines — questioned here last month — I think in this identity it makes perfect sense and works great with the 3M logo, the very contemporary layouts, and the overall crispness of 3M's presence. The whole "custom version of Circular, called 3M Circular" may be overplayed as I think only the "3" was customized to match the structure of the logo.
To reflect the wide variety and versatility of 3M, we carefully engineered an entirely new, vibrant color system and interactive tool to allow for easy implementation. This enables multiple opportunities for distinct brand expression across 3M businesses.
The color tool looks fun. It's a good move to allow any color to be used instead of limiting it to a palette, as it allows the system to play out at a large scale.
Real-world use of the triangle on Instagram and Facebook.
Instructional video of How to Get Sharp Paint Lines Every Time. The system doesn't quite shine here.
In real life — or at least in social platform life — the identity hasn't really found its groove or feel like a dashing bolt of freshness. The stroke triangle over the photos looks like a social media manager that got bored one day and started putting triangles over photos and the opening graphic for the instructional videos manage to make the identity look like a bad PowerPoint presentation.
It would seem I went out of my way to make this identity look bad but I always look at company's Instagram and Facebook accounts to see how the identity gets deployed internally and, here, so far so bland. Probably, the identity plays out much more nicely in more controlled and less ephemeral print applications produced by the in-house design team and there is definitely potential in this identity. It's very hard to design something around iconic logos and this project is thoughtful and packs a visual punch but unless you are in a business-to-business relationship with 3M I doubt we will see much of it in action, the way it's meant to be. It will also either take a long time or some other magical adhesive innovation for this identity to become sticky and associated with 3M.
Established in 1902, 3M is a science-based, global innovation company, producing literally thousands of products for both consumers and businesses, from ubiquitous brands like Post-it and Scotch Tape to more obscure things like compression wear or reflective tape for cars. 3M has nearly 90,000 employees in 70 countries and had global sales of \$31.8 billion in 2014. You know, just your typical mom and pop operation. Through 2015 3M has been phasing in a new global identity — logo untouched — designed by Wolff Olins.


Wrap up for an evening out with this elegant and quick evening shawl. The Guriddo Stole uses a memorable chart and luxurious Madelinetosh Twist Light yarn to create the perfect wrap for your special event.
Get the Guriddo Stole Kit by Sandhya Shadangi, as seen in knit.wear Fall/Winter 2016. It includes three skeins of Madelinetosh Twist Light in court and spark and a copy of the magazine.
Knit.wear Fall/Winter 2016 features two stories for the modern knitter: Street Style and Iki. Street Style is full of urban, hip women's garments and accessories. Iki is a Japanese aesthetic–inspired story that features projects with clean lines, minimal but impactful details, and feminine but austere design. Keeping with the Japanese theme, our feature article is an interview with Takeko Ueki, owner of Habu Textiles, on her yarns and design process. This issue also includes an in-depth tutorial from Sarah Solomon, who has "unvented" her own technique for creating the perfect buttonband; departments that highlight our favorite Japanese stitch and pattern books and sleek yarns; and, as always, knitwear for the modern knitter.
The Guriddo Stole by Sandhya Shadangi is the perfect wrap for warm fall afternoons and an elegant layer for chilly evenings. With an interesting but memorable chart and gorgeous yarn from Madelinetosh, this shawl is a fast and delightful knit.
Finished Size: 19" wide and 65" long.
Yarn: Madelinetosh Twist Light (75% superwash merino wool, 25% nylon; 420 yd [384 m]): court and spark, 3 skeins.
Needles: Size 6 (4 mm). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Gauge: 22 sts and 30 rows = 4" in charted patt.
Madelinetosh Twist Light is a delightful sock yarn composed of 75% merino wool and 25% nylon. The yarn is hand-dyed in Texas with ethically sourced wool from South Africa.
Order your Guriddo Stole Kit today!


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Tagged: Yorfrank Lopez
Season ends for Whitecaps and Lugnuts
West Michigan Whitecaps vs. Lansing Lugnuts (Midwest League) Cooley Law School Stadium–Lansing, MI: Both the West Michigan Whitecaps and the Lansing Lugnuts missed the playoffs this season, but ended 2013 with their in-state rivalry. Despite the 'Caps having a better record this season, the Lugnuts have had their number, and that includes taking 2/3 in the final series. In the first game, the Whitecaps made a gallant come-back attempt, only to lose in a walk-off in the ninth. Jake Stewart and Bennett Pickar hit back-to-back singles, when the Lugnuts brought in Arik Sikula to close the game. Sikula threw a wild pitch and had a passed ball, though, that scored Stewart. Then David Gonzalez hit a triple, scoring the pinch-runner Harold Castro to tie the game. The 'Caps celebration was short-lived, however, as a walk and two singles gave Lansing the win, and Corey Knebel his only loss of the season. Kevin Patterson hit the winning RBI in the 5-4 win for the Lugnuts. The second game of the series was a complete rout for the Whitecaps, winning the game 13-1. The 'Caps scored five runs in both the third and fourth innings, one in the sixth, and two in the eighth with 19 total hits. Jared Reaves led the way going 4-6 with an RBI and two runs scored. Raph Rhymes went 3-4 with a double and two runs scored. Connor Harrell and Jake Stewart each contributed with three RBI's each. On the mound, West Michigan was just as dominant. Calvin Drummond earned the win, going five innings, giving up only three hits, and striking out four. Kramer Chaplin took the loss for Lansing. The final game of the series, and of the season, went to the hometown Lugnuts by the score of 9-4. The Whitecaps had a 4-0 lead at one point, but surrendered nine streight to the 'Nuts. Jeff Holm, Pickar, Castro, and Jason King each had two hits in the loss. Daniel Klein led the way for Lansing, going 3-4 with two doubles, two RBI's, and a run scored. Relief pitcher Yorfrank Lopez took the loss, giving up six hits and five runs in just over an inning of work, while Ian Kadish earned the win for Lansing.
Lucky for me, I had a buddy from work attend one of the games and get this photo for me. It will be a long nine or so months before seeing baseball again for sure. We'll try to get to Lansing next season of the weather cooperates, and we'll hit a few Whitecaps games for sure, including the Midwest League All-Star game hopefully.
Photo courtesy of B. Faulkner
Written by Minoring In Baseball 4 Comments Posted in Minor Leagues	Tagged with Arik Sikula, Bennett Pickar, Calvin Drummond, Connor Harrell, Cooley Law School Stadium, Corey Knebel, Daniel Klein, David Gonzalez, Detroit Tigers, Harold Castro, Ian Kandish, Jake Stewart, Jared Reaves, Jason King, Jeff Holm, Kevin Patterson, Kramer Chaplin, Lansing, Lansing LugNuts, Lansing Michigan, LugNuts, Midwest League, MiLB, Minor League Baseball, Raph Rhymes, Tigers, West Michigan Whitecaps, Whitecaps, Yorfrank Lopez
Loons and Whitecaps split home and home series
The Loons did a great job with their 'throwback' uniforms worn on July 2
Midland, MI-July 2-3: The first two game of the series were played at Dow Diamond. In game one, 'Cap second baseman Harold Castro's ninth inning home run broke West Michigan's losing streak with a 4-3 win. He was 2-4 in the game, while Zach Kirksey was 2-3. For the Loons, Aaron Miller hit a home run of his own in the sixth inning, to tie the game at three. He was 2-4 on the night, also, while third baseman Leo Rodriguez went 3-4. On the mound, Angel Nesbitt earned the win to improve to 3-1, while Corey Knebel got the save. Arismendy Ozoria took the loss for the Loons. Great Lakes would take conrol the next night, however, pounding the Whitecaps 8-0. Shortstop Corey Seager went 2-3 with four RBI's to lead the Loons offensively. Rodriguez and Miller each went 2-4, also. The Whitecaps only managed four hits during the game, with 16-yr-old Julio Urias getting the win. He pitched six shut-out innings while striking out eight. Endrys Briceno took the loss for the 'Caps, giving up four earned runs in three innings of work.
The Whitecaps 4th of July uniforms are equally amazing
Comstock Park, MI-July 4-5: Both teams would re-unite at Fifth-Third Ballpark on Independence Day! The Whitecaps continued their defensive woes, however, and fell to the Loons 7-5. They committed two errors and one miscue that led to two Loons' runs. Three of the Loons runs were unearned in the game. Left-fielder Robbie Garvey had a nice game for Great Lakes, though, going 2-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. For the Whitecaps, Jason King went 2-2, with two runs scored, and RBI, and two walks. On the mound for West Michigan, Chad Smith started the game, but Yorfrand Lopez took the loss, giving up three runs in just over three innings. Geoff Brown earned the win for the Loons, pitching five innings giving up one earned run and striking out five. In the final game of the series, the Loons would take a 2-0 lead early, but watched the 'Caps roll off seven in a row. Zach Kirskey lead the offensive charge for the 'Caps, going 1-3 with a home run, two runs scored, and three RBI's. Helping out was Danry Vasquez, going 2-3 with a double and two RBI's, and Jason King who went 2-3 with a home run, two runs scored, and an RBI. Malcolm Holland delivered a solid game for Great Lakes, going 2-3 with an RBI and two walks. For the 'Caps, Charlie Gillies won his first game of the season in the 7-2 win. Arismendy Ozoria took the loss, giving up six runs in two innings. It was a good series for both teams, especially West Michigan, who has been struggling as of late. The Loons are in first place of the Midwest League East.
Top photos courtesy of Hugh Bernreuter/MLive.com
Bottom photos courtesy of Emily Jones/MLive.com
Written by Minoring In Baseball 2 Comments Posted in Minor Leagues	Tagged with Aaron Miller, Angel Nesbitt, Arismendy Ozoria, Chad Smith, Charlie Gillies, Comstock Park Michigan, Corey Knebel, Corey Seager, Danry Vasquez, Detroit Tigers, Dodgers, Dow Diamond, Endrys Bricendo, Fifth Third Ballpark, Geoff Brown, Great Lakes Loons, Harold Castro, Jason King, Julio Urias, Leo Rodriguez, Loons, Los Angeles Dodgers, Malcolm Holland, Midland Michigan, Midwest League, MiLB, Minor League Baseball, Robbie Garvey, Tigers, West Michigan Whitecaps, Whitecaps, Yorfrank Lopez, Zack Kirksey


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Mike Love (Reggae)
About Mike Love (Reggae)
Mike Love is a multi-instrumentalist from the island of O'ahu, Hawai'i, whose music and artistic style consists of a mixture of different music genres, artistic innovation, overwhelming musical talent, and passionate "real-problems" lyrics.
Mike's musical career began at an early age, although he did not have the opportunity to express himself in front of an audience until the age of 16, only a year after he started playing the guitar. Mike's early musical approach began thanks to his heritage, as both his father and his grandfather were composers and encouraged Mike to learn how to play the steel pan and piano. It wasn't until Love collaborated with local artists and musicians that he exploited his talent as composer, lyricist, and arranger, as his 10-piece band named "Dubkonscious" released their first album "At the Foot of the Mountain".
In 2008, Love began what would eventually develop into his solo musical career and iconic sound, as Love started playing a unique type of a "one-man-band" at a local Irish Pub. Love took advantage of his multi-instrumental-talent and his compositional and arrangement ability to create a completely new style of music that featured himself, a variety of instruments and a "looper", with which he would record and replay whatever line, riff or melody he had either played or sang.
His fanbase rapidly grew as fans continued to be amazed by Love's talent and his powerful lyrics, which helped capture listeners by his unique way of singing. Love's singing features a variety of different styles, a wide range of notes, a natural talent for singing rapid, "staccato" form of rapping and a style of "Jazz scat" that adds an interesting sound to his music. As of his paying, Love's heavy reggae influence can be easily spotted in both his playing and singing, but iconic elements of both traditional jazz, blues and jazz-fusion and heavy-rock can be spotted in his accompaniment and soloing.
In December 2012, Mike Love released his first solo studio album, "The Change I'm Seeking", and songs like "Permanent Holiday" and "Barbershop" quickly put Love on the map. His second and third studio albums, "Love Will Find a Way" and "Love Overflowing", released in 2015 and 2016, respectively, helped Love to continue to develop his sound and his ideology of "speaking-from-the-heart" and "returning-to-nature" way of thinking.
Love is currently focused on his "super-band", "Mike Love and The Full Circle" which consists of top musicians from his hometown O'ahu. The band is currently on tour and hoping to return to the studio to create new music that will continue with the legacy of Love's solo career that left a mark in the music world.
Popular Mike Love (Reggae) songs
Permanent Holiday
Distant Travelers
Time To Wake Up
Love Will Find A Way
Gonna Make It
Let The Healing Begin
Show all songs by Mike Love (Reggae)
Popular Mike Love (Reggae) albums
Love Overflowing
Live At The Belly Up
Jah Will Never Leave I Alone
The Change Im Seeking


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Abbildungen der Seite
A Memoir of the Reverend Alexander Waugh: With Selections from His ...
von James Hay, Henry Belfrage
Bücher bei Google Play
" Dear ALEXANDER, " The hint I heard concerning Mr. Blackhall vexed me. I have written to him, and I hope he will be up at the Presbytery. I beg you will have all your trials ready. Cast your burdens on the Lord; but beware of any attempt to slight what in Providence you are called to, otherwise the Lord may averige it on you while you live. God makes our strength as our days are. Cast all your care on Him. I am far from thinking it a token that a man is not called, that he, when it comes near to the point, is terrified. Christ got forty days of sad temptation, before he was licensed to preach the Gospel, Matt. iv. But if we will sit God's time, the consequences are apt to be dangerous. My advice to you is, to make a solemn surrender of yourself to God, before coming to the Presbytery. I hope the Lord has let some of the wind out of you, that I thought was in you when I first knew you. Beg of him to fill its room with himself and his grace.
« Yours affectionately,
" John Brown." " Haddington, Feb. 13, 1779."
Every pious and considerate man entering into the ministry, when he contemplates the difficulties and temptations which arise out of that sacred office, and the all-important trust of souls, for which he makes himself responsible, will be disposed to say with Paul, " Who is sufficient for these things ?" And his chief encouragement will be derived from a confidential reliance on the power and faithfulness of that Master who hath kindly promised, " My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness." After long and mature reflection on the arguments and reasoning employed by his friends, accompanied with fervent supplications to the Father of Lights for his guidance and blessing, he at last resolved to dedicate his whole heart and soul to the service of God in the Gospel of bis Son. When he had completed, in a very honourable manner, the course of trial that had been prescribed to bim, he was licensed to preach the Gospel, by the Presbytery of Edinburgh, at Dunse, June 28, 1779; his affectionate and pious minister, Mr. Coyentry, presiding as moderator on the occasion.
It ought to be noticed here, that, during the intervals of his academical studies, the residence of his parents (latterly removed to the farm of Caldron-brae, a few miles distant from Gordon) had always been Mr. Waugh's ordinary home; and this continued to be the case even after he had assumed a more public character, by becoming a licensed preacher of the Gospel, (or a Probationer, according to the Scottish term), and being of consequence frequently deputed to carry on the work of the ministry in different quarters, as need required. And thus the simplicity of his early feelings, his warm domestic affections, and all the delightful associations of his school-boy days, were stamped, as it were, indelibly into his character, and, in lovely combination with the higher aspirations of his ripened intellect, were carried by him, fresh and unimpaired, into the active scenes of his manhood.
After obtaining license, Mr. Waugh justified the sanguine expectations of his friends, by proving both an able and very acceptable preacher. In
every part of the church where he was called to labour, he was esteemed as a workman who needed not to be ashamed. His prayers were distinguished by a copious variety of Scriptural expressions, and a most happy adaptation to the condition and circumstances of every class of the audience, uttered with a gravity of manner and a melting pathos, which solemnised the mind, and warmed the heart with devotional feelings. His discourses were richly stored with evangelical truth, illustrated occasionally by a series of striking imagery, chiefly borrowed from Scripture, expressed in elegant and forcible language, and delivered with tones of voice and an earnestness of manner which manifested to every hearer how deeply the preacher felt in his whole soul that it was the word of life which he was addressing to sinful and perishing men. In his private intercourse with the people, his well-informed mind and prepossessing appearance, his urbanity of manners, his great conversational talents, and the unaffected interest he evinced in all that concerned their welfare, made him a universal favourite.
The following congratulatory letter is from his tried and confidential friend, whose affectionate and pious counsels appear to have had no incon: siderable influence in inducing him to get over his scruples and doubtful misgivings regarding his fitness for the Christian ministry :
" Dear Sir,
St. Croix, July 30, 1779. " I Aatter myself (according to a fashionable mode of speech) that I may wish you joy. I entertain not the least
doubt of your being now licensed, although you seemed not assured of it when you wrote me last. May you be long preserved, my dear friend, as an ornament to religion, as an able, faithful, and successful minister of the Christian church, and a useful member of society; so that, after a long and honourably laborious life spent here, you may be welcomed into the mansions of eternal bliss, and peace, and joy, with a 'Well done, good and faithful servant!' As to your fears and diffidence, search out the source from whence they flow. I hope you don't mean to court popularity. If you administer good and wholesome food and physic to the perishing souls of men, without once attending to their disliking the taste or dress thereof, this will be no restriction to your becoming all things to all men ; not in the least. Again let me advise you to be fully convinced of your own insufficiency for so arduous an undertaking as the drawing of souls to Christ. Paul may plant, and Apollos may water, but the increase is of God. May this drive you to Christ's fulness for a supply of every gift and grace; and may you rejoice in being only an instrument in his hand, if you have been the means of turning one soul from the error of his ways. Above all, let me beseech you to be incessant in prayer. I sincerely am of opinion that many a minister who recommends this duty to his hearers feels but little of its efficacy, and seldom tries the experiment himself. This may seem harsh and uncharitable, but I fear is too true a charge.
" You preached your trial sermon at Berwick; I could wish to have a copy o it. Mr. Blackhall has not declined ? I should really be sorry if it were so.
" Ever yours,
George GRAHAM."
In about two months after receiving license, Mr. Waugh was appointed by the Presbytery to supply the Secession congregation of Wells Street, London, recently left vacant by the death of their beloved and highly respected minister, the Rev. . Archibald Hall. Providence baving chosen this field, as it afterwards appeared, to be the great scene of his future ministrations in the service of the sanctuary, we may here briefly notice the rise of that respectable Christian community, and the valuable labours of his excellent predecessor.
In the year 1758, a few pious young men from Scotland, having previously associated for prayer and mutual edification, made application to the Associate Synod for a supply of ministers, which being acceded to by that religious body, they sent to them the Rev. Mr. Pattison of Edinburgh, who preached in a chapel that had been purchased in St. Giles's, and was the means of increasing their numbers, and of forming them into a church, by the ordination of elders. A succession of ministers was subsequently sent; and, in 1765, the Rev. Mr. Hall, by appointment of Synod, was placed over them as their stated pastor. Towards the end of the year 1768, the congregation removed to another chapel, which they had purchased in Wells Street, Oxford Road. It was a merciful interposition of Providence that they left the chapel in St. Giles's at the time they did, as, in about three weeks afterwards, it fell to the ground.
Mr. Hall had been previously ordained in 1759, minister of a small congregation in Scotland, at Torphichen in West Lothian. "We have heard little of him," says the author of a short memoir lately published, " during his residence in that retired situation, which could much interest the


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Q: Mimic modal window to allow for tapping outside of modal window I am using a Split View Controller and showing a modal window when a button is tapped in the master pane. I need to be able to dismiss the window when the user taps outside of the bounds of the window.
I am currently using presentViewController, which I have read does not allow for taps outside of the window.
I think I need to present a view controller myself and setup a gesture recognizer to handle the closing from there... the trouble is, I don't know where/how to present the view controller or where to attach the gesture recognizer to in an SVC.
I setup my view controller like this:
SearchViewController *searchViewController = [[SearchViewController alloc] initWithStyle:UITableViewStylePlain];

UINavigationController *navController = [[UINavigationController alloc] initWithRootViewController:searchViewController];

[navController setNavigationBarHidden:NO];

From there I don't know how to make the view controller appear without using presentViewController. I have tried the following (each separately):
[[self navigationController] addChildViewController:navController];

[self.view.window.rootViewController addChildViewController:navController];

[self.presentingViewController addChildViewController:navController];

[self.presentingViewController.presentingViewController addChildViewController:navController];

How do I present my navcontroller, and which view would I add a gesture recognizer to?

A: A UIPopoverViewController will work.
Alternatively, you can add a child view controller to your RootViewController. . (Check out UIViewController containment for lifecycle handling).
Basically just this in your root view controller:
- (void) presentSemiModalViewController
{
   //Tint-out the background or blur it with some effect

    _semiModalViewController = viewController;
    //Choose the frame you'd like to use here, and an animation you'd like to use to present it
    [self.view addSubView:_semiModalViewController.view];
    [_semiModelViewController willMoveToParentViewController self];

}

If the RootViewController is not yours (eg a UINavigationController) you can use a category, but to retain the _semiModalViewController you'll need to use an associative reference (ie add a "property" to the category to store the modal VC while its in use). For info on that see here: Associative References Info
PS: You might want to choose a better name my "semi-modal", but you get the idea ;)


At XM we offer Iberdrola SA (IBE.MC) stocks as cash CFDs. Our cash CFDs stocks are undated transactions that aim to replicate the cash price of the underlying stock, and so they are adjusted for any relevant corporate actions.
Iberdrola is a leading Spanish company in the electric power industry, founded in 1992 and with its HQ in Bilbao, Basque Country. As a public multinational electric utility company, Iberdrola offers products including electricity generation and distribution, renewable energy and natural gas production. Iberdrola is a Euro Stoxx 50 constituent, with its stock, IBE.MC, traded on Madrid Stock Exchange (BMAD).
*** Note that the maximum trading volume for Iberdola per client is 11523 lots. This limit will be reviewed on a daily basis and updated according to the value of the instrument.
How to Start Trading Iberdrola SA (IBE.MC)?
Double-click on Iberdrola SA (IBE.MC) from the "Market Watch" to open an order for this instrument.


The Disney news podcast with a twist! Join hosts Ryan and Mac as they drink their way through the latest updates and share recipes! To all who come to this drunken place, welcome! Disney Distilled is your podcast. Here booze and news…y'know, whatever, we've been drinking. Disney Distilled is a podcast hosted by Ryan and Mac that breaks down the latest in Disney news after the hosts have had a couple. Each episode features a drink served in one of the Disney theme parks or directly inspired by Disney.


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Hal Brandes
Limited Edition Archival Inks on Cotton Rag or on Luster Sheet
Unframed 10"x15" / 15"x10" – Framed 17"x22" / 22"x17 – Unframed 18"x27" / 27"x18" – Framed 26"x35" / 35"x26″
Unframed 26"x42" / 42"x26" – Framed 20"x46" / 46"x26″ – Unframed 34"x50" / 50"x34" – Framed 38"x54" / 54"x38″
AQUA RUN
EMPIRE URBANO
SOUTH TOWER
PIER AQUA - 24 X 24 INCHES - PHOTOGRAPH - GICLEE
MORNING - 24 X 24 INCHES - PHOTOGRAPH ON ALUMINUM OR GICLEE
STILL WATER - 24 X 24 INCHES - PHOTOGRAPH ON ALUMINUM OR GICLEE
SKY - 24 x 24 - INCHES - PHOTOGRAPH - ALUMINUM OR GICLEE
ALluminum or Giclee
Hal Brandes was born and educated in New York City, where he benefitted from the sights and sounds of this remarkable town. It was there, especially at Pratt Institute, studying Design and Photography, that he was exposed to and developed heightened skills as an image -maker. He creates imagery, which is very interpretive and reflects a visual canvas beyond the conventional — a most important personal need, which he pursued then and has not stopped since.
He left NYC for Los Angeles, to expand visual work beyond stills. Before settling in Hollywood, he stopped midway and for three years taught Design and initiated the Film Studies Program at the University of Illinois / Champaign -Urbana, Once in Hollywood, he spent several years working in special effects and title design. Always attempting to expand his creativity, he helped usher in and develop Scanimate, which became synonymous with computer animation. Recognizing it as a unique tool, he utilized its manipulative strengths and created new forms of expression in film and still photography.
With a background in design as well, his image making continues to embrace form and space, light and dark, texture and line – each abundantly found in beauty from the architecture of a human form to man-made. Hal's work is without boundaries; and it is this limitless freedom, seen in so much of his photographic work, that sets him apart.
Beyond fine art photography, he has provided product and images to Apple, Epson, Macys, the SF Symphony, Flax Art, Neiman-Marcus, among others. His exhibited and collected works of late have been large and small, ranging from stylized portraiture to the world around us. Hal and family reside in Marin County.


Have I mentioned how much I love Smash Pads for journaling on?
What an adorable picture! I love journaling with Smash pads, too. They're the perfect size and so cute.
That journaling spot is perfect. Your son sounds awesome too. ATEAM!!


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kiyáwic
Tselee Selected for 10th Annual AARP Indian Elder Honors
Mary Louise (Stevenson) Tselee (center) was one of the recipients of this year's AARP Indian Elder Honors. Pictured from left with Tselee is Mashell Sourjohn, AARP OK Associate State Director of Community Outreach (Muscogee Creek Nation citizen); JoAnn Vermillion, AARP OK State President; Mary Louise Tselee; Sarah Jennings, AARP Regional Vice-President; Joan Ruff, AARP Board Chair. (Photo courtesy of AARP)
One by one, the names and accomplishments of 50 Indian Elders were shared with an audience of more than 800 at AARP Oklahoma's 10th Annual Indian Elder Honors celebration at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, October 2, 2018. As the distinguished honorees were announced, they stood to applause, and a medallion was presented to each honoree.
AARP State Director Sean Voskuhl said, "This event celebrates a lifetime of service from these distinguished elders who have positively impacted their community, family, tribe and nation. Whether they are well-known or exhibit quiet devotion to family and community, this year's AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder honorees represent what is best about Native American people: love of family, dedication to culture and respect for all people."
Among the 50 Native elders recognized by AARP was Wichita tribal member Mary Louise (Stevenson) Tselee. Born in Lawton, Okla., she is the youngest child of Nuss and Elle (Lee) Stephenson. Her parents were both full-blooded members of the Wichita tribe, with Nuss being the last hereditary chief.
Tselee graduated from Anadarko High School with the Class of 1959 and, shortly thereafter, decided to follow in her older sister Alma's footsteps and join the U.S. Marine Corps. She attended boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., and was then stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, Calif. She served active duty for two years and one year in reserve duty. Tselee was honorably discharged in 1962 with the rank of Private First Class.
Mary Louise (Stevenson) Tselee during her service in the U.S. Marine Corps.
In 1968, Tselee went to work as a Home Living Assistant at Riverside Indian School and became a "Cottage Mom" to hundreds of students-both male and female-during her tenure. She was a favorite of many students as evidenced by the shoebox full of pictures given to her by them with word "Mom" written on the back more often that "Mrs. Tselee." She retired in 2000 after 32 years of faithful service.
Tselee has been married to Nathan "Jumbo" Tselee for 53 years. They have three daughters: Andrea, Leslie and Kristen. They also have four grandchildren: Jenna, Whitlee, Stephen and Kyle. Her granddaughter Whitlee followed in her "Gram-Z's" footsteps and joined the military service in 2013.
The family of Mary Louise (Stevenson) Tselee shared in her celebration as part of the AARP Indian Elder Honors on October 2, 2018. Standing from left: daughters Kristen Tselee and Leslie Tselee. Seated from left: Daughter Andrea Tselee; granddaughter Whitlee Miller; Mary Louise Tselee; husband Nathan "Jumbo" Tselee; and grandson Stephen Jones. (Photo courtesy of AARP)
Tselee shares this honor with past Wichita recipients who include Tselee's brother, Myles Stephenson, Sr.; Shirley Davilla; Clark Inkanish; Elfreida Irving; Doris Jean Lamar; Stuart Owings; Marsha Rose; James "Bunny" Ross; Franklin Dale and Rochelle Swift; and Stratford Williams.
AARP Board Chair Joan Ruff said, "Each one of our honorees, like our founder Dr. Ethel Andrus Percy, has dedicated his or her life to serving their tribes and their communities - and none has let age stand in their way. Dr. Percy would have loved to have been here tonight, and she would have relished meeting each and every one of these Oklahoma heroes."
Presenting the medallions to the honorees were Joe Ann Vermillion, AARP State President, Joan Ruff, AARP Board Chair, Sarah Jennings, AARP Regional Vice President, and Mashell Sourjohn, AARP Oklahoma Associate State Director of Outreach.
Dr. Judy Goforth Parker was awarded the Dr. John Edwards Memorial Leadership Award. Dr. Parker is a respected elder of the Chickasaw Tribe. She is a published author, former tribal legislator, and currently serves as commissioner of health policy for the Chickasaw Nation Division of Health.
Voskuhl said the AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors, which has recognized 500 elders from all 39 federally-recognized tribes and nations in Oklahoma since its inception in 2009, is the largest gathering of its kind in the state and, perhaps, in the nation. Voskuhl also noted that AARP Oklahoma continues to expand its work on issues affecting Native Americans in the state, particularly working to address health disparities, transportation needs and cultural preservation.
Other 2018 AARP Indian Honorees include Otoe-Missouria playwright Annette Arkeketa-Rendon; Kiowa/Wichita beadwork artist Arlene Bates Caesar; Pawnee metalwork artist Bruce Caesar; Deb Echo-Hawk, founder of the Pawnee Seed Preservation Project; Muscogee Creek Nation Principal Chief James Floyd; Creek poet and musician Joy Harjo-Sapulpa; James Pepper Henry, Kaw Nation member and executive director of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum of Oklahoma City; and Comanche educator Delores Twohatchet.
(Article based on AARP press release, event program and family information provided to President Terri Parton by Kris Tselee. According to family information, the family's last name of Stephenson was misspelled as "Stevenson" on Mrs. Tselee's birth certificate).


The WLCR Double Strike logo t shirt, simple pleasures on quality material. Size up for a modern loose fit or stay true to size for a classic style.
Ever so fashionable longer, baggier fit.
WLCR screen print on left breast and Double Strike sign off on hem.


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/* BlueCherry init status codes */
var BLUECHERRY_INIT_SUCCESS             = 0;
var BLUECHERRY_INIT_MAX_REACHED         = 1;
var BLUECHERRY_INIT_WRONG_CREDS         = 2;
var BLUECHERRY_INIT_ERR_UNKNOWN         = 3;

/* GPIO modes */
var GPIO_ACT_LOW =  0;               				/* Use GPIO as active low mode */
var GPIO_ACT_HIGH = 1 ;            				/* Use GPIO as active high mode */

/**
 * Get general system information.
 * @param {function} callback function to call when data is ready.
 * @param {function} errorhandler function to call when an error occurs.
 * @returns {undefined}
 */
function dpt_getSystemOverview(callback, errorhandler)
{
    $.getJSON(DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/system/overview', callback).error(errorhandler);
}

/**
 * Get the currently available IO ports in the system.
 * @param {function} callback function to call when data is ready.
 * @param {function} errorhandler function to call when an error occurs.
 * @returns {undefined}
 */
function dpt_getIOLayout(callback, errorhandler)
{
    $.getJSON(DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/gpio/layout', function(data){
        // call the function with the number of ports and portlist
        callback(data.ioports.length, data.ioports);
    }).error(errorhandler);
}

/**
 * Get the currently available IO ports and their status in the system.
 * @param {type} callback function to call when data is ready.
 * @param {type} errorhandler function to call when an error occurs.
 * @returns {undefined}
 */
function dpt_getIOOverview(callback, errorhandler)
{
    $.getJSON(DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/gpio/overview', function(data){
        // call the function with the number of ports and portlist
        callback(data.ports.length, data.ports);
    }).error(errorhandler);
}

/**
 * Toggle an IO pin on the board
 * @param {integer} name the name of the IO pin, only the number.
 * @param {function} errorhandler function to call when an error occurs.
 * @returns {undefined}
 */
function dpt_toggleIO(name, errorhandler)
{
    // Get the current pin state
    $.getJSON(DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/gpio/state/' + name, function(data) {
        // Toggle the pin
        $.ajax({
            type: "PUT",
            contentType: "application/json; charset=utf-8",
            url: DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/gpio/state/' + name + '/' + (data.state === 0 ? 1 : 0),
            dataType: "json",
            error: errorhandler
        });
    }).error(errorhandler);
}

/**
 * Get the state of an IO pin.
 * @param {integer} name the name of the IO pin, only the number.
 * @param {function} callback called with the result.
 * @param {function} errorhandler function to call when an error occurs.
 */
function dpt_getIO(name, callback, errorhandler)
{
	$.getJSON(DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/gpio/state/' + name, function(data) {
		callback(data.state === 1);
    }).error(errorhandler);
}

/**
 * Set an IO pin on the board to a predefined state.
 * @param {integer} name the name of the IO pin, only the number.
 * @param {boolean} state the new state of the IO pin, boolean.
 * @param {function} errorhandler function to call when an error occurs.
 * @returns {undefined}
 */
function dpt_setIO(name, state, errorhandler)
{
    $.ajax({
        type: "PUT",
        contentType: "application/json; charset=utf-8",
        url: DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/gpio/state/' + name + '/' + (state ? 1 : 0),
        dataType: "json",
        error: errorhandler
    });
}

/**
 * Set an IO pin on the board to a predefined state.
 * @param {integer} name the name of the IO pin, only the number.
 * @param {integer} the type of pulse to give.
 * @param {integer} type the length to pulse.
 * @param {function} errorhandler function to call when an error occurs.
 * @returns {undefined}
 */
function dpt_pulseIO(name, mode, time, errorhandler)
{
    $.ajax({
        type: "PUT",
        contentType: "application/json; charset=utf-8",
        url: DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/gpio/pulse/' + name + '/' + mode + '/' + time,
        dataType: "json",
        error: errorhandler
    });
}

/**
 * Scan for available WiFi networks and get information on the encryption and strength.
 * @param {function} callback function to call when data is ready.
 * @param {function} errorhandler function to call when an error occurs.
 * @returns {undefined}
 */
function dpt_getWifiScan(callback, errorhandler)
{
    $.getJSON(DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/wifi/scan', function(data) {
        callback(data);
    }).error(errorhandler);
}

/**
 * Request the DPT-Board to perform a WiFi scan.
 * @param {type} callback function to call when scanning was successful.
 * @param {type} errorhandler function to call when an error occurs.
 * @returns {undefined}
 */
function dpt_requestWiFiScan(callback, errorhandler)
{
    $.getJSON(DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/wifi/requestscan', function(data) {
        if(data.result !== WIFI_STATUS_OK) {
            errorhandler(data.result);
        } else {
            callback(data);
        }
    }).error(errorhandler);
}

/**
 * Get information about the current WiFi network status of all networks.
 * @param {type} callback function to call when data is ready.
 * @param {type} errorhandler function to call when an error occurs.
 * @returns {undefined}
 */
function dpt_getWifiStatus(callback, errorhandler)
{
    $.getJSON(DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/wifi/info', function(data) {
        callback(data);
    }).error(errorhandler);
}

/**
 * Set the status of a WiFi network to enabled or disabled.
 * @param {type} network the network to set the status for.
 * @param {type} status the new status to apply.
 * @param {type} callback the callback after success.
 * @param {type} errorhandler the errorhandler.
 * @returns {undefined}
 */
function dpt_setWiFiStatus(network, status, callback, errorhandler)
{
    $.ajax({
        type: "POST",
        contentType: "application/json; charset=utf-8",
        url: DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/wifi/setstate',
        data: JSON.stringify({
            network : network,
            state : status
        }),
        dataType: "json",
        success: callback,
        error: errorhandler
    });
}

/**
 * Set the network settings for the DPT-Board WiFi network
 * @param {type} ssid the new SSID
 * @param {type} status the new status (enabled or disabled)
 * @param {type} callback the callback after success.
 * @param {type} errorhandler the errorhandler.
 * @returns {undefined}
 */
function dpt_setBoardNetworkSettings(ssid, status, callback, errorhandler)
{
    $.ajax({
        type: "POST",
        contentType: "application/json; charset=utf-8",
        url: DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/wifi/setsimplesettings',
        data: JSON.stringify({
            network : WIFI_BOARD_NETWORK,
            ssid : ssid,
            state : status
        }),
        dataType: "json",
        success: callback,
        error: errorhandler
    });
}

/**
 * Make the DPT-Board connect to a WiFi network. When te connection fails as
 * a cause of bad credentials the WiFi connection will be dropped and come
 * back within 1 minute.
 * @param {type} ssid the SSID to connect to.
 * @param {type} enctype the used encryption type.
 * @param {type} username the username
 * @param {type} password
 * @param {type} callback
 * @param {type} errorhandler
 * @returns {undefined}
 */
function dpt_clientWiFiConnect(ssid, enctype, username, password, callback, errorhandler)
{
    $.ajax({
        type: "POST",
        contentType: "application/json; charset=utf-8",
        url: DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/wifi/connect',
        data: JSON.stringify({
            ssid : ssid,
            security : enctype,
            password : password,
            username : username
        }),
        dataType: "json",
        success: callback,
        error: errorhandler
    });
}

/**
 * Get information about the current board firmware status
 * @param {function} callback function to call when data is ready.
 * @param {function} errorhandler function to call when an error occurs.
 * @returns {undefined}
 */
function dpt_getFirmwareInfo(callback, errorhandler)
{
    $.getJSON(DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/firmware/info', function(data) {
        callback(data);
    }).error(errorhandler);
}

/**
 * Get information about the current board firmware status but only
 * after check with the dptechnics servers.
 * @param {function} callback function to call when data is ready.
 * @param {function} errorhandler function to call when an error occurs.
 * @returns {undefined}
 */
function dpt_checkFirmwareUpgrade(callback, errorhandler)
{
    $.getJSON(DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/firmware/check', function(data) {
        dpt_getFirmwareInfo(callback, errorhandler);
    }).error(errorhandler);
}

/**
 * Download the latest available firmware file to disk.
 * @param {type} callback called on success.
 * @param {type} errorhandler called on error.
 */
function dpt_downloadFirmware(callback, errorhandler)
{
    $.ajax({
        type: "POST",
        contentType: "application/json; charset=utf-8",
        url: DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/firmware/download',
        dataType: "json",
        success: callback,
        error: errorhandler
    });
}

/**
 * Install the downloaded firmware file on the board.
 * @param {boolean} keepSettings when true user settings will be saved.
 * @param {type} callback called on success.
 * @param {type} errorhandler called on error.
 */
function dpt_installFirmware(keepSettings, callback, errorhandler)
{
    $.ajax({
        type: "POST",
        contentType: "application/json; charset=utf-8",
        url: DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/firmware/install',
        data: JSON.stringify({keep_settings : keepSettings}),
        dataType: "json",
        success: callback,
        error: errorhandler
    });
}

/**
 * Connect this board to the BlueCherry service.
 * @param {type} username
 * @param {type} password
 * @param {type} callback
 * @param {type} errorhandler
 * @returns {undefined}
 */
function dpt_blueCherryConnect(username, password, callback, errorhandler)
{
    $.ajax({
        type: "POST",
        contentType: "application/json; charset=utf-8",
        url: DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/bluecherry/init',
        data: JSON.stringify({username : username, password: password}),
        dataType: "json",
        success: callback,
        error: errorhandler
    });
}

/**
 * Get the status of
 * @param {type} callback
 * @param {type} errorhandler
 * @returns {undefined}
 */
function dpt_blueCherryStatus(callback, errorhandler)
{
    $.getJSON(DPT_AJAX_PREFIX + 'api/bluecherry/status', function(data) {
        callback(data.status);
    }).error(errorhandler);
}


"Lest the old traditions fail." This is a catchphrase from the alma mater that Dartmouth students hear in several different contexts. In many ways, it exemplifies the nature of Ivy League prestige: when we speak fondly of tradition, it usually has to do with a harkening back to the "golden age" with a tinge of sentimentality.
Traditional Dartmouth songs, besides the alma mater and "Twilight Song," aren't very well known among students, so this might be difficult to put in perspective. Of course, this applies mostly to current students — they are still meaningful to many alumni who sing them at reunions. Even among current students, there are exceptions: student performance groups like the Dartmouth College Glee Club, the Dartmouth College Wind Ensemble and various a cappella groups perform traditionals.
According to Max Culpepper '53, former director of the wind ensemble and the Dartmouth College Marching Band, most of these traditional school songs were written at the end of the 19th century or the beginning of the 20th century. Naturally, they tend to reflect the lifestyle of Dartmouth students at the time, who were all men. For this reason, many of the songs have to do with brotherly bonding, sports, school spirit and drinking.
Most of the songs reflect a very positive attitude about the experience of male students at the College. They are high-spirited, sometimes with totally irreverent lyrics. Others are a bit more serious, looking back on the past with a sentimental light.
The alma mater, for example, is a good tune, according to Culpepper, because it's easy to sing, sounds good both sung and performed by a band and has meaningful lyrics. This is why, he said, it stuck throughout the years despite some challenges. For example, during the inclusivity debate that arose after the introduction of coeducation, the song was so well-liked, it persisted despite the controversy — instead of abandoning the piece, "daughters" was added despite its lyrical and musical complication. Today, the football team still sings it on the field after their home games.
The traditional songs' initial success and the strong sense of nostalgia conveyed has much to do with writing in the style of the time, according to the glee club's director Louis Burkot. The traditionals were written at the time that romantic music was traditionally strong, especially as influenced by the classical tradition. For those unfamiliar with classical music, think large-scale, harmonically rich pieces, often incidental music composed with dramatic stories in mind.
According to both Burkot and Culpepper, the era of writing traditional songs has fallen out of fashion and probably will not return again. The reason they're traditional, after all, is because they're old, and it's not necessarily a bad thing that students no longer feel the same way about the songs as they did before, Culpepper said. It's difficult to imagine a student of today writing in that style of familiar, somewhat cheesy poetic language, much less setting the work to music. Burkot noted that when the wind ensemble performs on tour, audience members always chuckle at the line about the "granite of New Hampshire," for example.
Burkot said there might be a possibility that the traditional songs might come back into fashion, but only if they were written in a different and more modern style. He suggested something like a Dartmouth rap or a "Hamilton-esque" song would make the students of today feel like they want to sing it over and over again the same way the students of Old Dartmouth did.
Now, it is only in the context of intentional nostalgic sentimentality that the students sing the songs — situations of elevated emotions like the annual Homecoming ceremonies, Burkot said. Singing them in those contexts, students feel them deeply, but this only happens in specific moments in which the school is trying to create a sense of fellowship and friendship among students, faculty, alumni and administration.
Burkot believes this is partly attributed to the fact that students are "busier and busier than they've ever been" due to the increasing demands of the world, as rising expectations that they are expected to fulfill as world leaders prohibit students from finding time to relax and relish the broader college experience.
Culpepper noticed a similar change, saying, "our student body has a different attitude, probably a more professional and maybe more serious attitude" than in years past. Culpepper also attributes the decline in interest of the songs to a decline in interest in football.
In 1985, Culpepper's first year of teaching, the marching band had a whopping 120 members. Both the section in the bleachers where the band sat and the section where the freshmen sat overflowed with students, he said. As football became less and less important to students over the years, however, the attendance at the games markedly diminished, he said.
Another characteristic typical of many traditional Dartmouth songs that has resulted in the decline of their popularity is their political incorrectness.
During the coeducation debate regarding the alma mater, some male alumni objected to hearing the tune being sung in the soprano voice alone. Therefore, the melody was split between the voice parts — "Dear old Dartmouth, give a rouse!" was sung by the women, and "for the College on the hill" was sung in an abruptly deeper, melodically disjunct manner by the men. In order to accommodate that, the arranger made the other vocal parts sing the melody very thickly, and as a result, the arrangement became cumbersome. It was only later that a student, Zach Vaughan '05, insisted on arranging a version with the melody in the soprano line that became the version we know today.
Interestingly, women initially barely voiced their concern about the alma mater being changed, and those who voiced their concern predominately voted against including women in it.
Other songs, like the "Twilight Song," were changed to include the female students of Dartmouth. In the lines that only included "brothers," students spontaneously began to sing "sisters" with it as well. It was musically bizarre because the change added two syllables to a refrain of verse in iambic pentameter. But this awkwardness may have served its own purpose — it was "sung in a defiant way," Burkot said. The next time printed arrangements came out, they included "sisters" in print.
Other songs have fallen out of favor completely and are generally no longer sung. Burkot cited one change that he agreed wholeheartedly with: the school's derecognition of the song "Eleazar Wheelock," the song that adorns the walls of the "Hovey murals," a controversial depiction of early Native American life and colonization.
Some alumni, Burkot said, hoped the glee club would sing it again. He also speculated that that some alumni probably sing that song in the privacy of their own reunions. However, alumni during glee club alumni reunions only sing the official songs.
Despite a complicated history that is still unfolding, the traditional songs in context reflect a humanistic truth about Dartmouth: the continual change in how generations develop, maintain and express their perspective on our traditions. During reunions and Commencement, the different generations sing the version of the alma mater that they know, resulting in a temporary dissonance until everyone syncs up again. At Commencement in a few weeks, the graduating class, alumni, visitors, relatives and faculty might all sing differently. And in the future, Burkot said, there will probably more versions down the line.


Thailand's "Rose of the North" is a cultural and natural wonderland with ethnic diversity, a multitude of attractions and welcoming hospitality.
In a 2002 survey by Asiaweek Magazine Chiang Mai was ranked as the 9th most livable city in Asia east of Kabul. Everyone visiting or living here would attest that it's in fact Number One.
Chiang Mai literally means "new city" and has retained the name despite celebrating its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai the Great founded the city as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom on Thursday, April 12 1296 around the same time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai even conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded. Henceforth, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also to be the center of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was a very religious leader who even founded many of the city's temples that remain important to this day. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to experience both historical and modern Thai culture coexisting side by side: the city features centuries-old pagodas and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. This dichotomy is best appreciated within the moat-encircled old city, which retains much of the fortified wall that once protected the city center as well as the four main gates that provided access to the former Lanna capital city. Strangely, for many years tourists had mistaken Chiang Mai simply as the base from which they could plan trekking and rafting trips to hill tribe villages and explore other provinces. Once in Chiang Mai, however, tourists are surprised by the fact that there are so many things to discover other than its beautiful and historic temples. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes, a number of elephant camps, many cooking and massage schools, numerous outdoor activities, a variety of handicrafts workshops, various cultural performances, and breathtaking scenery make Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around town" was once a common expression. Today, two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for travelers to experience all that Chiang Mai has to offer.
Chiang Mai has a distinct international atmosphere with many foreign businesses and organizations (NGOs) locating in the city over the past decade due to her excellent infrastructure with international direct flight connections to all countries in the region including China, Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Cambodia and Taiwan.
The quality of living is unsurpassed. Accommodation and food are of the highest standard at very low cost. Entertainment is plentiful with numerous festivals, outdoor activities and great nightlife.
The old city of Chiang Mai is a showcase of the north's fascinating indigenous cultural identity that includes diverse dialects, a delectable cuisine, distinctive architecture, traditional values, lively festivals, numerous handicrafts workshops, northern style massage, and classical dances. Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources including mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. The presence of numerous hill tribes that feature a wealth of unique cultures enhances Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity. Hill tribe trekking, often combined with river rafting and elephant riding has always been one of Chiang Mai's greatest tourist attractions.
Nowadays there are innumerable activities and attractions both in the city and the surrounding province, including massage instruction and golf. Moreover, visitors can visit workshops where they can learn about the production of silk or silver, and purchase memorable, hand-crafted souvenirs. With such a diverse range of attractions and an equally grand selection of dining and accommodation options, Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy the ultimate Thailand holiday.
It is easy for you to fly to Chiang Mai from any country because this city has international airport, from Ho Chi Minh Ciy or Hanoi you just takes couple of hours to fly here.


BAP Equipment Ltd. is pleased to announce that they now are an Authorized Globalstar Dealer.
Globalstar phones look and act like mobile or fixed phones with which you're familiar. The difference is that they can operate virtually anywhere, carrying your call / data over an exceptionally clear, secure Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) satellite signal.
Like "bent-pipes", or mirrors in the sky, the Globalstar constellation of Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites picks up signals from over 80% of the Earth's surface, everywhere outside the extreme polar regions and some mid-ocean regions. Once the second-generation constellation is fully deployed and operational, several satellites can pick up a call, and this "path diversity" helps assure that the call is not dropped even if a phone moves out of sight of one of the satellites.
As soon as a second satellite picks up the signal and is able to contact the same terrestrial gateway, it begins to simultaneously transmit. If buildings or terrain block your phone signal, this "soft-handoff" prevents call interruption. The second satellite now maintains transmission of the original signal to the terrestrial "gateway".
Additional advantages of using Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites within the Globalstar system include no perceptible voice delay (latency) and lighter / smaller all-in-one phones.
Gateways process calls, then distribute them to existing fixed and cellular local telephone networks or the Internet. Terrestrial gateways are an important part of Globalstar's strategy to keep key technology and equipment easily accessible and to integrate our services as closely as possible with existing local telephony networks. This helps makes the Globalstar system and its services easier to manage, expand and improve.


text:
Cyprus 5th best place to relocate!
Sun, 12 Feb 2017
Out of a total of 23 countries worldwide, the Knight Frank Global Lifestyle Review puts Cyprus in fifth place as the best relocation destination in the world.
Benefits of the Permanent Residency
Tue, 7 Feb 2017
The fast-track Permanent Residence Programme enables the granting of a permanent residence permit to foreigners who intend to invest in Cyprus, provided that the following requirements are met: [...]
It's not only the flamingos, Larnaca has highest percentage of return visitors
Fri, 3 Feb 2017
Larnaca has the highest percentage of return visitors of all coastal cities in Cyprus with 60 per cent and the Larnaca Tourism Board aims to keep it that way. [...]
Cypriot passport ranks 13th on global power scale
Wed, 1 Feb 2017
The Cypriot passport ranks among the strongest in the world, as holders are able to travel to 146 countries without a visa. [...]
NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE HEART OF LARNACA
NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE HEART OF LARNACA [...]
Tourist arrivals rise 20% in 2016 to 3.2m, Cystat says
The number of visitors rose 20 per cent last year, to a record 3,186,53, with arrivals from all major markets rising at a double-digit rate, the statistical service said. [...]
Eurozone economy registering surprisingly strong growth spurt
Industries across the eurozone cranked up output in November and Germany ended the year with its strongest growth in five years, data showed on Thursday, pointing to an economic spurt that may be arriving earlier than some ECB policymakers expect. [...]
2016 Property Sales Massive Increase
The number of property sales contracts deposited at Land Registries across Cyprus in December was the highest recorded since September 2008 according to official figures from the Department of Lands & Surveys.
Africanos Launches Town Residences
Mon, 9 Jan 2017
Africanos Property Developers proudly releases its new project Town Residences in Larnaca Town. [...]
Final Approval for Mariam Suites Property Title Deeds Issued
Africanos Property Developers has successfully obtained Final Approval from the Larnaca Municipality for the issue of the individual property title deeds. [...]


text:
New Digital Freedom Showdown As European Leaders Push Tough Internet Privacy Laws
The European Commission will unveil an arsenal of legislative measures aimed at harmonizing the E.U. countries' various approaches to digital privacy protection. Among the new laws is a "right to forget" clause, guaranteeing people an "out" from services
New measures are being taken to protect Internet users' bank details (Bertrand Hauger)
FutureLES ECHOSFranceSourcesCountries
Renaud Honore
PARIS -- Imagine the horror of seeing embarrassing photos of yourself making the rounds on the Internet, or, even worse, your bank details – out there for everyone to see. In an effort to better protect Europeans from just such a scenario, the European Commission is set present an arsenal of legislative measures on the subject during a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 25.
"It is about reviewing the 1995 directive, which had one major fault: it opened the door to as many interpretations as there are member states in the European Union," explains a European official. "The objective is to harmonize these interpretations."
The office of Viviane Reding, the European Commission for Justice charged with the project, often cites Google Street View as an example. In setting up the service, the American giant collected a treasure trove of personal details. Some countries, including France, condemned it. Others didn't react at all.
Brussels has decided to completely review the 1995 directive, which will establish new rules to be applied across the continent. The Commission warns of "substantial consequences' – including fines of up to 1 million euros, or 5% of the turnover of the business concerned – for anyone found guilty of breaking the new privacy guidelines.
"Right to forget"
With its range of legislative measures, Brussels is targeting both businesses and individuals, who will be able to control how their personal details are used more easily. They will also have to give their explicit consent before their details can be used in other ways. For children under 13 years old, parents' permission will be required.
A "digital right-to-forget" will also be introduced. "The day you want to close your Facebook account, Facebook will be obliged to delete all your personal details," explains the European official. This right-to-forget will not apply to newspaper archives.
Individuals will also have the right to request a copy of their details if they want to pass them from one provider to another. Finally, individuals must be alerted within 24 hours if the security of their personal details is ever compromised. Brussels is making a clear attempt to prevent something like the 'PlayStation" episode – where Sony took a week to let clients know that their bank card numbers had been stolen – from ever occurring again.
From a business point of view, companies will now have just one set of hoops to jump through: those of the country where their headquarters are based. Likewise, if details need to be exchanged between two subsidiaries of the same company, located in different countries, the authorisation of just one national body will suffice. The Commission estimates that the harmonization of the 27 different legislations currently in force will save the European economy 2.3 billion euros per year.
Read the original article in French
Photo – Bertrand Hauger
France's top business daily, Les Echos covers domestic and international economic, financial and markets news. Founded in 1908, the newspaper has been the property of French luxury good conglomerate LVMH (Moet Hennessy - Louis Vuitton) since 2007.