text:
Drive for charges hits the fast lane
By Wes Wright
How would the congestion charge affect you? Post your views in the Comment box at the foot of this page
GREATER Manchester is set to push ahead with plans to introduce a city centre congestion charge. Part of the proposal also calls for charges in the towns outside the M60 ringroad but Bolton Council is opposed to local charges . . .
MANCHESTER might not have a Ken Livingstone figure to force through controversial measures like congestion charging.
But the basic argument appears to be already won in many councillors' minds.
They say congestion is getting worse and many roads into the city centre are virtually gridlocked during the two daily rush hours.
The belief is that with clean, cheap, frequent and, above all, heavily subsidised, public transport, many people would leave their cars at home and congestion would be virtually eliminated.
But as eight of Greater Manchester's 10 councils, including Bolton, have already voted for the introduction of a congestion charge for drivers entering Manchester city centre, it seems charging will eventually happen whether the public wants it or not.
The councils are making a bid for £3bn from the government's Transport Innovation Fund (TIF), which is only available if congestion charges are introduced.
Conservative-controlled Trafford and Lib-Dem led Stockport voted against charges and several opinion polls have found the public is also opposed.
In return for the funding, ministers are demanding 31 public transport improvements which would put more than 200 extra buses on the region's roads, complete the tram system, including a line to Manchester international airport, and add extra carriages to crowded trains.
The charge of £5 a day for drivers to enter Manchester city centre would only be introduced once all public transport improvements were complete - likely to be autumn 2012 at the earliest.
Drivers would pay a deposit for an electric tag, which will monitor journeys on 15 main routes into the city in the morning and evening rush periods.
For an area bordered by the M60 Outer Ring road, the costs would be: £2 to enter 7-9.30am and £1 to leave 4-6.30pm on weekdays.
For an inner ring, the cost would be £1 to enter 7-9.30am and £1 to leave 4-6.30pm on weekdays The location of the intermediate ring will be determined later.
There would be no charge between the hours of 9.30am-4pm weekdays, or at nights and weekends.
The plans envisage discounts for vulnerable groups, essential service vehicles will not be charged and delivery drivers will pay a capped rate.
Even in the busy periods, journeys which do not pass a charging point will not incur a fee.
Number plate recognition systems will be used to catch drivers who should pay but fail to do so.
Sir Richard Leese, deputy leader of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA), said: "If we don't tackle rising congestion, our growth path will be affected: business costs will continue to rise, labour markets will shrink and some 30,000 jobs will be lost to the area."
But opponents of the scheme have doubts about whether it is the correct route to take.
The Road Haulage Association wants lorries to be excluded, and a spokesman said: "The tax would be difficult for many hauliers to recover from customers and load them with more red tape."
Drivers could also be paying tolls to travel in and out of Bolton town centre by 2013.
Details in a document seen by Bolton councillors suggests that congestion charging zones could be set up outside central Manchester. They would be introduced 12 months after charges are brought in for motorists travelling inside the M60 ring road.
Bolton Council leader Cliff Morris has repeated his vow to oppose any such moves.
A report which went before the Association of Greater Manchester Councils in May, outlines details of association's proposed bid for £3 billion of Government funding.
But it also reveals that new "charging corridors" could be added in a second phase of the toll system.
The report says: "This could involve, for example, the addition of charging corridors around the town centres outside the M60."
It also makes clear that charging is "not about a single scheme . . . but a wider and evolving programme".
But Cllr Morris has said: "We do not support a congestion charge for Bolton and would oppose any such scheme for the town in the future.
"There is the option for the council to withdraw from the scheme at a later date if we are not happy with future elements of the bid."
Greater Manchester is among 10 areas in England which have government money to develop possible congestion-beating plans in the hope of getting finance under the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF).
Manchester will seek £1bn from the TIF, and plans to borrow a further £2bn, which will be repaid by income from the congestion fees.
Motoring groups have reacted with anger to the announcement, with the Manchester Against Tolls group describing the plan as "bad for drivers all over Britain"
The group called the maximum £5 charge a "Trojan horse" and said this would just be the start of charges for road users.
"Ken Livingstone has already demonstrated in London what will happen - he increased the £5 charge to £8 and has doubled the size of the charge zone," a spokesman said.


text:
Statoil opens new research centre – a milestone for improved oil recovery
June 26, 2014, 15:10 CEST
A key element in reaching our 60% recovery rate ambition on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) is now in place.
Statoil CEO Helge Lund, Norwegian petroleum and energy minister Tord Lien and Statoil's head of research, development and innovation Lars Høier.
Statoil's head of research, development and innovation Lars Høier underlined the importance of research and technology development in his welcome speech.
"The opening of the IOR centre is a milestone for us, but our main resource is still our clever and knowledgeable colleagues who create wonderful results in applying their skills."
Norwegian petroleum and energy minister Tord Lien and Trondheim mayor Rita Ottervik officially opened the IOR centre. The minister had the following message:
"The NCS is a workplace for the future. The resources are utilised in a sustainable manner and the recovery rate is record high, which benefit the employees and the financing of the Norwegian welfare state. We had not come this far without targeted efforts by the authorities and the oil companies. Research and technology development have been key elements in achieving the record-high recovery rate we already see on the NCS. If the recovery rate increases by one percent, it will increase our income from the NCS by NOK 300 billion."
"Research and new technology will be key factors in times ahead to keep costs low and energy production and value creation high. For several decades Statoil has been highly instrumental in technology development on the NCS and is among the companies with the highest recovery rate. Today's opening of Statoil's IOR centre is significant for the future of the NCS, and illustrates that Statoil wants to contribute to optimal use of NCS resources also in the future."
In connection with the opening of the IOR centre the guests and employees were given a guided tour of the new laboratories. Helge Lund and Tord Lien listen carefully.
Aiming at 60% recovery rate on the NCS
The IOR centre at Rotvoll, which has a price tag of NOK 240 million, will be the largest of its kind in Norway and one of the most advanced in the world. Its goal is to develop technologies that will lead to further increase of the recovery rate from the reservoirs, and to reach the ambition of a 60% recovery rate on the NCS.
Statoil has already approved measures that give the company and partners reason to expect an oil recovery rate above 50% on the NCS. A recovery rate of 50% represents an increase of 7.5 billion barrels based on the 30% estimate of the plan for development and operation (PDO) – corresponding to more than two Statfjord fields. This will create huge values for Norwegian society. The global average is currently 35%, according to the Norwegian ministry of petroleum and energy.
The main contribution to improved recovery is the drilling of new wells and maintenance of existing wells. The more wells we drill, the larger parts of the oil reservoirs we will reach. The IOR centre will play a key role in Statoil's efforts to improve the efficiency of drilling operations.
The IOR centre will focus on improved recovery from all types of reservoirs on the NCS – old and new. Statoil will also use the technology to improve recovery on our international fields.
At the drilling lab the visitors were given a demonstration of tailored technology used to improve the efficiency of drilling operations.
Studying the pore level of core samples
The heart of the centre is a new industrial scanner with a 500 times higher resolution than a medical scanner. It will allow us to follow the oil movements and flows in various rocks on pore level. Through high-resolution 2D and 3D images it will be possible to see which IOR method is best suited in each reservoir, and at the same time get a deeper understanding of how the reservoir is formed with regard to clay, pore size and cracks.
Great expectations for the IOR centre
Statoil's chief executive Helge Lund has high expectations for the IOR centre.
"Our next goal is the oil which is difficult to extract. We have a steep learning curve ahead of us, which will be tougher for every percentage point we achieve, but these volumes are of high value to us. A dedicated IOR lab gives Statoil a unique opportunity to solve future IOR challenges," he said.
FACTS ABOUT IMPROVED RECOVERY
The main contribution to improved recovery is drilling of new wells and maintenance of existing wells. The more wells we drill, the larger parts of the oil reservoirs we will reach. Development of 3D and 4D seismic is also essential.
An increase in the recovery rate from 50% to 60% represents around 4 billion barrels, or equivalent to Statfjord (3.75 billion barrels), Dagny (170 million barrels) and Gudrun (70 million barrels) combined.
Half of Statoil's research portfolio is related to improved recovery.
On all Statoil-operated fields in Norway combined we have reached an increase in recovery rate from 30% to 50% on average compared to the estimates of the plan for development and operation (PDO). This equals 7.5 billion barrels of oil, or around two extra Statfjord fields (the most productive oil field on the NCS).
Improved recovery tasks currently involve 3000 Statoil employees and around 300 projects.
The global improved recovery rate is 35% on average. The average on the NCS, including all operators, is 47%. The average for Statoil is 50%.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


I'm Erin Jeffery. Designer, mother, business owner & director, wife & seeker. And mental-health advocate.
Your ebook is (almost) on its way!
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A life of purpose, passion & mindful perseverance.
A life full of integrity, clarity & love.
To laughter, spirit & sunsets.
Do you have dreams of starting your own lifestyle business in the hours that suite you, or do you already have a health and wellness business and are looking for a therapeutic grade product to add to your business?
Everyday, women and men are creating additional income streams by selling dōTERRA product. Yoga studios, Massage Therapists & Health Food Stores are just some of the places you can now find dōTERRA being used and enjoyed.
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This is a great place to add a testimonial. Erum conempo resequam nonsequiatur aliquae sum ut eos aut aut.
Do you want to know more about dōTERRA Essential Oils or how to start your own home business?


text:
Board Meeting Information
Responsible Energy Plan
Cooperative Benefits
Tri-State to advance energy services as Reg Rudolph named Chief Energy Innovations Officer
New role focused on delivering value as a service to members.
Rudolph brings significant distribution system experience as CEO at San Isabel Electric Association.
Reg Rudolph
(December 2, 2021 – Westminster, Colo.) Today, wholesale power supply cooperative Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association announced Reg Rudolph will join its senior leadership team in the newly created role of Chief Energy Innovations Officer. Rudolph will lead the development and implementation of competitive energy services that deliver value and optimize the interactions between consumers, the cooperative's 42 member distribution systems and Tri-State.
"Harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit of cooperatives to drive innovation that benefits rural consumers and industries is the next significant step in Tri-State's member-focused clean energy transition," said CEO Duane Highley. "Reg will lead our efforts on important issues, including beneficial electrification, distributed generation and demand side-management, that empower every part of the cooperative value chain, from the consumer to the distribution system to the G&T."
Rudolph brings to this role 30 years of electric utility experience, with 24 years as a distribution system CEO. For the past 13 years, he served in the role of chief executive officer at Tri-State member San Isabel Electric Association, where he created Empower, an energy services program that works with its consumers to develop customized solutions that maximize economic and environmental value. Rudolph brings a deep understanding of consumer and industry needs, adding perspective as Tri-State and its members plan for the future.
"Electrification not only drives opportunity for rural communities and economies, but is also the central driver for decarbonization," said Rudolph. "It's about delivering value as a service. Tri-State can work with its members, rooted in data and analytics, to optimize how we best utilize our energy systems, reduce costs, increase revenues and make a difference for all of our members."
"While it's bittersweet to leave my role at San Isabel, I hope to use my distribution system experience to the benefit of all Tri-State members and the consumers at the end of the line, while also strengthening Tri-State as a whole," said Rudolph.
"As we transition Tri-State and implement our Responsible Energy Plan, a key component will be to offer members products and services to meet their individual goals," said Highley. "Reg has demonstrated how San Isabel's members find value in these programs, and I know he will bring his expertise and experience to offer the same value to all of our members."
Tri-State is rapidly moving though a clean energy transformation guided by its Responsible Energy Plan, which includes among its goals increasing clean energy, reducing emissions, increasing member contract flexibility, and extending the benefits of a clean grid to cooperative consumers. The opportunities being explored with this new energy innovations focus will deliver results in each of those areas.
Rudolph will join Tri-State on Jan. 17, 2022.
About Tri-State
Tri-State is a power supply cooperative of 45 members, operating on a not-for-profit basis, including 42 utility electric distribution cooperative and public power district members in four states that together deliver reliable, affordable and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. For more information about Tri-State, visit www.tristate.coop.
Lee Boughey, 303-254-3555, lboughey@tristategt.org
Join our mailing list for
updates and member news
Beneficial Electrification
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
©2022 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Power supplier to the rural west.


text:
Scrypt é uma função hash criptográfica que foi originalmente projetada para uso como uma função de derivação de chaves a partir de senhas no Tarsnap. Ela foi formalizada em um artigo científico e apresentada por Colin Percival em maio de 2009 na conferência BSDCan'09 e teve sua primeira implementação lançada no dia 08 do mesmo mês. Um paper posterior sobre scrypt foi publicado no Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) como um Request For Comments (RFC) de número 7914 em Agosto de 2016.

O desenvolvimento da função scrypt ocorre de maneira open-source no seu repositório do git, e tem implementações nas linguagens C, Go, Python, Haskell, Node e Ruby.

Ela é uma função que por design exige um uso de memória mais alto na sua computação em comparação a outras funções de derivação de chaves, como PBKDF2 e bcrypt . Ela foi projetada dessa forma para dificultar ataques de força bruta, onde um atacante conhece um valor hash H e deseja saber qual chave o gerou, para isso ele itera sobre uma possível lista de chaves e aplica a função hash sobre cada uma delas até que a saída da função seja igual a H.

Algoritmo
Entradas:
 P: Palavra chave que será digerida pela a função, uma sequência de bytes.
 S: Sal, uma sequência de bytes que têm como defender contra ataques de dicionário e contra ataques pré-computados como rainbow table.
 N: Custo CPU/memória.
 p: Parâmetro de paralelização, um inteiro positivo que satisfaz p ≤ (232− 1) * 32/ SMixLen.
 dkLen: Tamanho da saída desejada em bytes, um inteiro positivo que satisfaz dkLen ≤ (232− 1) * 32.
Saídas:
 DK: Chave derivada, com dkLen bytes
 Function scrypt(P,S,N,p,dkLen):
     (B0 ... Bp−1) ← PBKDF2(HMAC_SHA256, P, S, 1, p * SMixLen)
     for i = 0 to p-1 do
         Bi ← SMix(Bi,N)
     end for
     DK← PBKDF2(HMAC_SHA256, P, B0 || B1 ... Bp−1, 1, dkLen)
Integerify() é uma função bijetiva de {0, 1}k para {0,...,2k− 1}.
 Function SMix(B,N):
     X ← B
     for i = 0 to N − 1 do
        Vi ← X
        X ← BlockMix(X)
     end for
     for i = 0 to N − 1 do
         j ← Integerify(X) mod N
         X ← BlockMix(X ⊕ Vj)
     end for
     Output ← X

 Function BlockMix(B):
     (B0, ... , B2r-1) ← B
     X ← B2r−1
     for i = 0 to 2r − 1 do
         X ← H(X ⊕ Bi)
         Yi ← X
     end for
     Output ← (Y0, Y2, ... , Y2r−2, Y1, Y3, ... , Y2r−1)

Versões
Todas as versões oficiais do projeto scrypt estão disponíveis para download no seu repositório do Github e no Tarsnap.

Uso como prova de trabalho
A sua natureza de ser propositalmente custosa de ser computada várias vezes e fácil de ser computada apenas uma vez torna scrypt um bom candidato para uso na construção de uma prova de trabalho. Prova de trabalho é um pedaço de data que é difícil de ser produzida, mas é fácil de ser verificada e foi inicialmente criada para evitar spam de emails e ataques de negação de serviço. Por exemplo, antes que um remetente possa enviar um e-mail, é preciso que sua máquina realize uma computação que é pouco demorada se o usuário deseja enviar o e-mail para apenas um destinatário e muito demorada caso o remetente deseje enviar e-mail para vários destinatários. Essa técnica atribui um custo ao envio de e-mail para vários destinatários, efetivamente diminuindo o modelo do spam, que depende de enviar uma grande quantidade de emails de uma maneira barata.

O sistema Hashcash implementa essa prova de trabalho só permitindo que o destinatário receba o e-mail após verificar uma estampa válida do cabeçalho do email. No entanto, a única forma do remetente encontrar uma estampa válida é aplicar uma função hash sobre valores aleatórios até que o valor hash tenha uma certa quantidade de zeros.

Com o advento do Bitcoin o sistema Hashcash começou a ser utilizado em criptomoedas de modo a determinar qual dos nós mineradores pode sugerir o próximo bloco a ser adicionado a blockchain e consequentemente ser recompensado. No Bitcoin o sistema Hashcash é usado de uma análoga a forma que é utilizado em um sistema de emails. Um nó que esteja minerando precisa calcular um valor tal que ao ser processado por uma função de hash SHA-256 junto com o bloco que ele deseja sugerir tenha uma certa quantidade de zeros que todos da rede sabem. Um nó que achar tal valor, pode então transmitir para o resto da rede Bitcoin o bloco que encontrou e qualquer outro nó da rede pode verificar se o novo bloco é válido, aplicando a função hash SHA-256 sobre o bloco recebido e vendo se o resultado tem o número de zeros necessário.

Por ser uma função hash criptográfica, o scrypt pode ser usado como uma alternativa ao SHA-256 no processo de mineração de criptomoedas, e é de primeira vista interessante pelo seu custo elevado não só de cpu mas também de memória.

Criptomoedas que utilizam scrypt
O fato do scrypt, quando utilizado como prova de trabalho, aparentemente ser resistente à mineração utilizando placas de vídeo e circuitos de integrados de aplicação específica (ASICs) causada por um grande custo de memória na hora de sua computação, atraiu muitos desenvolvedores de novas criptomoedas. A partir do fim dos anos 2011, foram criadas várias criptomoedas utilizando scrypt, que buscavam fugir do algoritmo de hash SHA-256 utilizado pelo Bitcoin, que desde o final de 2010 já tinha seu processo de mineração dominado por placas de videos.

Tenebrix
Foi a primeira criptomoeda criada a implementar um esquema de prova de trabalho baseado em scrypt. Foi proposta em 26 de setembro de 2011 no fórum bitcointalk pelos membros "Lolcust" e "ArtForz". Outro fato notável sobre essa criptomoeda é que ela foi lançada com cerca de 7 milhões de moedas pré mineradas.

Fairbrix
Foi proposta por Charlie Lee utilizando o apelido de "coblee" no fórum bitcointalk em 2 de outubro de 2011. Fairbrix foi um fork do Tenebrix, logo utilizava scrypt, e tinha como maior diferença um número mais reduzido de blocos pré-minerados.

Litecoin
Lançada em 9 de outubro de 2011 no fórum bitcointalk também por Charlie Lee. Litecoin teve a proposta de tentar melhorar o Bitcoin, reduzindo o tempo de chegada de blocos para dois minutos e meio, quadruplicando o número de moedas que podem ser criadas e utilizando um algoritmo diferente do SHA-256, utilizado pelo Bitcoin. Litecoin teve um grande sucesso no mercado de criptomoedas e chegou a ficar em segundo lugar no ranking de capitalização de mercado, ao lado do Bitcoin nos meados de 2014. Em Agosto de 2017, Litecoin continua sendo desenvolvida como código aberto e ocupa quinta posição no ranking de capitalização de mercado com aproximadamente 2 bilhões e 500 milhões de dólares. Litecoin utiliza uma versão simplificada da função scrypt sem a feature de alongamento de chave, a mineração utiliza os parâmetros de 1 iteração e 128Kb de uso de memória. O motivo da escolha desses parâmetros é que os desenvolvedores do Litecoin consideraram que o custo da verificação seria muito elevado, apesar de que parâmetros maiores iriam dificultar a produção de circuitos de integrados de aplicação específica (ASIC) para a mineração.

Dogecoin
É uma das muitas criptomoedas que foram lançadas após o sucesso da Litecoin, utilizando scrypt com os mesmos parâmetros estabelecidos pela Litecoin. Foi anunciada no fórum bitcointalk em 8 de dezembro de 2013 e se destaca por utilizar o meme da internet "Doge" como seu logo.

Gridcoin
Ao ser criada em Outubro de 2013, Gridcoin utilizava um sistema de prova de trabalho utilizando o scrypt para manter a rede segura , atualmente essa versão que utilizava prova de trabalho é chamada de Gridcoin-Classic. Gridcoin visa recompensar mineradores que estão trabalhando na manutenção da rede e são voluntários do projeto BOINC, um projeto da Universidade de Berkeley que fornece uma plataforma para que voluntários possam fornecer o tempo ocioso de processamento para colaborar com pesquisas no ramos de medicina, biologia, matemática, climatologia e astrofísica. O maior benefício que Gridcoin queria oferecer era direcionar o poder computacional dos mineradores para projetos BOINC enquanto que operações de mineração ficariam em segundo plano.

Entre 12 de Outubro de 2014 e 26 de Abril do ano seguinte o sistema de prova de trabalho com scrypt utilizado pelo Gridcoin-Classic foi substituído totalmente, por causa do custo ainda elevado de energia, para um sistema de prova de pesquisa chamado de Gridcoin-Research. O processo de migração que durou 6 meses, consistiu na queima de moedas que foram transferidas para um endereço sem dono. Por fim, Gridcoin-Research se tornou Gridcoin e a blockchain do Gridcoin-Classic foi aposentada.

Variações do scrypt
A mineração da Litecoin que utilizava a versão original do scrypt, durou pouco tempo sendo feito através de gpu e cpu. Circuitos de integrados de aplicação específica (ASICs) para os parâmetros utilizados pelo Litecoin, e pelas outras inúmeras criptomoedas que a copiaram, começaram a ser produzidos a partir do fim de 2013 . Esse evento pode ser explicado devido aos baixo valor do parâmetro N (que determina o uso de memória) utilizado pelas altcoins baseadas em Litecoin. Qualquer mudança no algoritmo de forma a dificultar uso de ASICs após sua produção em massa é difícil, pois para que o algoritmo seja mudado é preciso que a maioria do poder computacional da rede vote para tal, e a maioria do poder computacional estaria na mão dos mineradores que utilizam ASICs.

Graças a sua popularidade em uso como prova de trabalho, foram criadas outras variações do scrypt que procuraram tornar criptomoedas que o utilizavam resistentes à mineração utilizando circuitos de integrados de aplicação específica (ASICs).

Scrypt-N
Scrypt-N ou Scrypt Adaptive-N é um algoritmo, usado primeiramente pela Vertcoin, aonde diferentemente do scrypt utilizado pelo Litecoin que têm parâmetro N fixo utiliza o parâmetro de requisito de memória variável e incremental com o tempo. A motivação inicial para uso de um N incremental era que o aumento da memória necessária para a computação da função iria dificultar a produção de ASICs, o que acabou não sendo verdade novamente com o possível desenvolvimento de ASICs para Scrypt-N e a eventual troca de função hash na Vertcoin.

Referências

Ver também

 ASIC
 Ataque de força bruta
 Alongamento de chave
 Altcoins
 Criptomoeda
 Função hash criptográfica
 Litecoin
 Prova de trabalho

Ligações externas
 Repositório do scrypt no Github

Criptografia

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Below, the Martin Luther locomotive. It is a bad picture, but the story is nice: This steam tractor (it is often called locomotive, but does not run on tracks) was imported from Germany in 1896 by a German lieutenant, Edmund Troost. Transport between Swakopmund and Windhoek through the Namibian desert was by arduous oxen trek previously. Having overcome many initial difficulties, Troost made a few successful trips, but after a flood of the Swakopriver, the machine got stuck where it is now (apparently the cattle blew up for lack of water, maybe it was drunk driving). So, why "Martin Luther locomotive"? Well, at Martin Luther's trial for heresy at the Diet of Worms in 1521, he is said to have concluded his defence with the words: "Hier stehe ich. Ich kann nicht anders. Gott helfe mir. Amen." (Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me. Amen).
In Swakopmund, we went to see the old trainstation, now a hotel, and Ashok showed me the Desert Express - a wonderful train designed in Namibia with an African feel to it, lots of wood. It runs as a scheduled passenger train, but can also be hired for corporate functions.
Das alte Amtsgericht (old magistrates's court) in Swakopmund.
Note something unusual about the tall palm in the middle? It is actually a concealed radio mast.
Fab preaching the virtues of free trade, good food, advanced banking systems and ethical, wholesome secular humanism to the dunes. They were moved.
Palm drive, Swakopmund. Just like Stanford.
Swakopmund was published on December 02, 2006 .


If you live in Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield and Goochland Counties in VA, then you have picked the perfect site to find a veterinarian. Our veterinarians specialize in wellness care, internal medicine, and surgery. From pediatric medicine to senior care your pet's health is very important to us and we will take every step to give your cat or dog the best possible care.
At Quioccasin Veterinary Hospital we strive to offer not only sound advice, but also optimal veterinary care, thus allowing you the enjoyment of your cat or dog for a maximum number of years. Our job is not only to treat your pet when he or she isn't feeling well, but also to help you learn how to keep your best friend happy and healthy.
Quioccasin Veterinary Hospital owners Dr. Carolyn Evans and Dr. Randy Mortimer have a vision for their veterinary practice to be a place where people are warmed by the passion we have for the relationship between animals and people. Our purpose is to be surrounded by the unconditional love of animals and nurture the relationship between a person and their pet. It is with great pleasure that Quioccasin Veterinary Hospital has been dedicated to Richmond's pets for over 25 years.
We have a number of resources for you to learn about how to take better care of your cats and dogs. Browse around and look at our articles and pet videos. The best veterinary care for animals is ongoing nutrition and problem prevention. If you want to ask a question call 804-741-3200 or email us and we'll promptly get back to you. Our Richmond veterinary office is very easy to get to, and you can find directions on our Contact Us page. You can also subscribe to our newsletter which is created especially for Richmond pet owners. In between your veterinary visits, your pet will benefit from you reading these free informative articles.
At Quioccasin Veterinary Hospital, we treat your pets like the valued family members they are.
"Dr. Evans was so patient and kind with our kitty "Cookie". Very caring and so helpful and answered many questions for me concerning her health. The office staff are kind, caring, and professional. The office is immaculate. I have never been to a vet where my pets and myself were treated so well. Love it and so glad to have found them. Best vet appointment ever!"
when they come in. They are so patient with shy animals like our ferally cat Stasha who needed laser treatments, and our Bagle Topsy who is afraid of her own shadow.Yes, they are not the cheapest vet in town, but they work with us on making a treatment plan we can afford, and we feel that the value and the care are well worth it. Thank you to everyone at the Q for their dedication and loving care."
clinic--from the desk staff to the vet techs to the veterinarian were warm and welcoming. My dog Iris--who is often nervous around new people--was comfortable there and (I think) made a few new friends. Looking forward to a continued relationship with the clinic as my sweet girl grows up. Thanks, thanks thanks."
"My three chihuahuas have been Dr. Mortimer's patients for over nine years. The expertise, love, and care demonstrated for each pet is extraordinary. The doctors and staff go the extra mile to help their patients and the parents. They are truly an amazing group that love and care for each pet. If there was a review rated outstanding, that would have been my choice!"
"I would highly recommended QVH. All of the staff are so kind and compassionate. They are so willing to help and never mind answering any questions you may have, even if it's 100 questions they are so patient. They genuinely care and treat your pets as if they were their own. And I cannot say enough about Dr. Hiser. She is amazing. Even on her days off she would still call and check in on my dog. I am so appreciative of this place and the staff. It's a great feeling to be completely comfortable with putting your pets care in someone's else hands and trusting them to provide the best service."
"I have been seeing Dr. Evans for at least 20 years. Her manner, knowledge, staff and facility are exceptional. I am a health care provider myself and hold the care of my pets to the highest standards....and I have never had a second thought about the care or recommendations of Dr. Evans. I moved out of town 6 years ago....and drive 3 hours each way to see her."
"Wouldn't trust my four-legged Kids to anyone else - they have guided us with all our dogs through the years. The entire staff is kind and patient with the animals (and their parents)."


This Starving Homeless Pitbull Finds Solace in These Two Amazing Humans!
Hope For Paws strikes again with another amazing rescue of a homeless dog. Today's beautiful rescue story follows Danny the pitbull, a starving pup who eagerly accepts food and comfort when offered by his rescuers. If you're interested in adopting Danny from the Los Angeles area, visit BarkNBitches.com to learn more.


Evanston-Skokie D65 and the Family Action Network (FAN)present essayist and cultural critic William Deresiewicz, Ph.D., a former Yale University English professor whose brand-new bestseller, Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite and the Way to a Meaningful Life has struck a nerve among many parents, students and educators about the role of higher education in shaping the lives of young adults. Is college only about preparing an individual to achieve material success? What are the metrics of success more generally? Do the liberal arts, in particular, have any relevance in the 21st century, if all that is valued by this nation's best and brightest is high socio-economic status?
This past summer, Dr. Deresiewicz's article for the New Republic, "Don't Send You Kid to the Ivy League,"was the most shared article in their history. Neither psychologist nor social scientist, his observations are those of someone educated from college through a Ph.D. at an Ivy League, and who then taught hundreds of students at an Ivy League for over a decade. His presentation is sure to spark many conversations, whether you agree with his views or not.
Additional program sponsors: Alison Tobey Smart Memorial Fund at Kenilworth Union Church, Beacon Academy, Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University, Family Service of Winnetka-Northfield, Kenilworth D38, the Master of Science in Education Program at the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University, and the Yale Club of Chicago.
Free and open to the public, no RSVPs required.


The Lisa Porter Collection : Just Tidying Up!
I hope that you are surviving winter. Its been a crazy season here but it seems as if the cold, rain/snow mix are back for at least the week. I am looking forward to seeing what you have been up too!


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A Bird's Eye View
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Shards of Earth – Adrian Tchaikovsky
Posted on June 8, 2021 August 23, 2022 by A Bird's Eye View
Hello, hello, hello, my book-loving friends!
It's been too long. Long story short, I started a new full-time job, got into community work, and am in the process of making a lot of other changes in my life right now. It's been very hectic, but also very rewarding. As such, reading has taken a bit of a hit, but I'm working on it!
Which brings me to the topic of today's post – it's my turn for the #UltimateBlogTour on 'Shards of Earth'!. This book is an engrossing sci-fi with adventure, betrayal, and gangster aliens, and war… all in space! I must admit, I do not have a lot of experience with sci-fi novels, and I'm happy to say that this novel did not disappoint.
The length of the novel was intimidating, and it was a challenge to balance with the other tasks I had to do, but I'm glad that the experience of Shards of Earth became a welcome escape from the stresses of the day.
Anyway, let's get to it!
Name: Shards of Earth (The Final Architects Trilogy, #1)
Author: Adrian Tchaikovsky
Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adult
Format: E-book
Publisher: Orbit, Tor Books
The Arthur C. Clarke award-winning author of Children of Time brings us an extraordinary space opera about humanity on the brink of extinction, and how one man's discovery will save or destroy us all.
The war is over. Its heroes forgotten. Until one chance discovery . . .
Idris has neither aged nor slept since they remade him in the war. And one of humanity's heroes now scrapes by on a freelance salvage vessel, to avoid the attention of greater powers.
After earth was destroyed, mankind created a fighting elite to save their species, enhanced humans such as Idris. In the silence of space they could communicate, mind-to-mind, with the enemy. Then their alien aggressors, the Architects, simply disappeared—and Idris and his kind became obsolete.
Now, fifty years later, Idris and his crew have discovered something strange abandoned in space. It's clearly the work of the Architects—but are they returning? And if so, why? Hunted by gangsters, cults and governments, Idris and his crew race across the galaxy hunting for answers. For they now possess something of incalculable value, that many would kill to obtain.
Thoughts:
Well, this was an EPIC story, you guys. It just about had everything you would expect in a sci-fi novel – incredible starship battles, adventures to a number of planets, complex cultures and various races of aliens, fearsome creatures, and epic war storylines.
The story takes places over 50 years after the Earth has been destroyed by creatures known as The Architects, who destroy planets and make them into art forms, killing millions. Only the Intermediaries, humans that have been modified to fight, could stop them, and most must sacrifice themselves in the process. Now, Idris, one of the last Intermediaries who fought in the war, must be recruited to work for the Parthenon by an old flame, Solace, a Partheni who helped him recover from the horrors of the war.
This sets off a whole stream of events that gets Idris, Solace, and his crew into a lot of trouble when they make a discovery on a job that changes everything they thought they knew, and things get pretty intense. The crew are sent on a wild goose chase across space as they are hunted by gangsters, secret organizations, and rival governments.
The storyline was captivating, although at times I didn't agree with the pacing. I also enjoyed the world building, and I liked how the author explored a number of social issues in the book whilst still maintaining the focus on the main storyline. I really enjoyed experiencing the adventures of the crew of The Vulture God, and Idris' own journey of denial, anger, shame, and eventual acceptance of his abilities was incredibly written. The last part of the book, when the stakes were incredibly high, was incredibly thrilling – I stayed up till 1am to finish the book!
However, I will say that whilst I enjoyed this book, I had some small reservations. I could tell that this book was made with science fiction aficionados in mind, so I wouldn't recommend it if you would like to use this series as a starting point into the genre. There were times when the descriptions were very dense and felt a bit like information overload, so that made things difficult regarding getting invested in the story. I had to take some breaks in the beginning as the story felt too complex at times.
If you like books that are filled with lots of action, high stakes, epic world-building, endearing friendships and relationships, and an intriguing plot that fans of sci-fi will LOVE, then this book is for you!
You can check it out on Amazon or Book Depository.
What sci-fi books have you read and enjoyed recently?
Written by: Alexia DeBono
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Tags: adrian tchaikovsky, alexia, alexia debono, arthur c clarke, arthur clarke, bev, bevmalta, children of time, debono, malta, orbit, shards of earth, tchaikovsky, the final architects, the final architects trilogy, tor books, volt, volt europe, volt maltaCategories: Articles, Arts & Culture, Books & Movie Reviews, Opinion
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FIRST STEP Act Temporarily Stalls, but States Continue to Make Waves on Laws Helping Ex-Offenders and Improving Public Safety
Ronald J. Lampard/August 24, 2018
Yesterday, President Donald Trump and Jared Kushner met with Attorney General Jeff Sessions in order to evaluate the Senate's willingness to move the revised version of the FIRST STEP Act forward. This meeting comes after weeks of discussion between criminal justice reform advocates and critics over sentencing reform provisions that were proposed as possible additions to the bill. According to reports, and this article by Axios, the Senate likely will not be voting on the FIRST STEP Act before the midterm elections. However, not all hope is lost for those who want the bill to pass. According to Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), the bill likely will be voted on after the midterms.
The FIRST STEP Act is supported by many conservatives and liberals. For example, earlier this week John Malcolm, the Vice-President for the Institute for Constitutional Government at the Heritage Foundation, and Brett Tolman, the Former U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah, wrote an article supporting the FIRST STEP Act, arguing that it would enhance public safety by reducing recidivism rates. In addition, FAMM hosted a panel on Capitol Hill earlier this week. The panel consisted of conservative and liberal criminal justice experts who all agreed that the FIRST STEP Act would improve public safety while helping prisoners transition back into society upon their release.
While the federal legislative process is long, arduous, and at times frustrating, states continue to pass legislation easing ex-offenders' reentry back into society. In fact, this year alone there are several examples of states passing legislation to ease the transition for those with criminal records and chip away at the collateral consequences that they often face.
For example, Pennsylvania passed HB 1419. This bill is known as "clean slate" legislation that allows certain offenders to have their criminal records sealed automatically. HB 1419 only permits records for those with certain low-level, nonviolent criminal convictions to be automatically sealed after 10 years following conviction or final release from confinement or supervision, whichever is later. Therefore, the bill allows for adequate time for an individual to prove that they are no longer a threat to public safety. HB 1419 has several provisions that are contained in both the ALEC model Criminal Records Confidentiality Act and the Resolution in Support of Judicial Discretion to Grant Order of Nondisclosure in Low-Level Drug Possession Cases. Both policies help certain ex-offenders to have their criminal records expunged after a reasonable period of time.
Another example of this year's progress in the states was Nebraska passing LB 299. This law will help reduce occupational licensing requirements, which serve as a substantial barrier to employment opportunities for ex-offenders. The law requires the use of the 'least restrictive method' to regulate various professions. Additionally, it creates a licensing board which will perform a legislative review of existing occupational licensing regulations as well as new licensing proposals. The law also decreases the government imposed occupational licensing burden for ex-offenders by limiting the use of licensure to areas that protect public interest and limit harm. This would ensure that sex offenders would not be able to work in schools or with children. Furthermore, the law allows applicants to petition occupational boards as to whether a past conviction disqualifies them from a license before they invest time and money into education, training and testing. These are based on the ALEC models Occupational Licensing Defense Act and Collateral Consequences Reduction Act.
Though the FIRST STEP Act is stuck in a holding pattern, the states continue to lead the way in passing criminal justice laws that make it easier for ex-offenders to re-enter society. These reforms promote public safety by reducing recidivism rates, which is a crucial function of government. Hopefully, the Senate will follow the lead of the states and take up the FIRST STEP Act after the midterm elections. Ultimately, around 96% of offenders will be released from prison and back into their communities. Certainly, criminals ought to be punished for their actions; however, they should also be permitted the opportunity to be productive members of society after they have served their sentence.
The Occupational Licensing Defense Act
The Collateral Consequences Reduction Act – PROPOSED AMENDMENTS IN PDF
Resolution in Support of Judicial Discretion to Grant Order of Nondisclosure in Low-Level Drug Possession Cases


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Mergers & Acquisitions - Americas
July 12, 2018 / 8:26 PM / a year ago
U.S. Justice Department to appeal approval of AT&T acquisition of Time Warner
WASHINGTON, July 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department said on Thursday it would appeal a federal judge's approval of AT&T Inc's $85.4 billion acquisition of Time Warner.
The Justice Department opted in June not to seek an immediate stay of the court's approval of the merger, allowing the merger to close on June 14. The government's court filing did not disclose on what grounds it intends to challenge the approval. AT&T did not immediately comment.
Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Peter Cooney


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Curtin, Chifley and Northern Australia 1944-1949
Kerriann Lock
The idea of developing the North is not new – on the contrary, it has been a focus of various federal governments over the decades. This article series aims to trace the history of policy development and implementation in the region, beginning with the 1940's Labor governments of John Curtin and Ben Chifley.
John Curtin & WWII
During World War II, Australia's national security was threatened by Japanese invasion. Air raids on Darwin and Broome underlined the vulnerability of northern Australia to such an invasion, so Prime Minister John Curtin began to look for ways to better protect the region.
It was generally felt that the North's exposure to attack was the result of underdevelopment and a sparse population. The solution, then, would be to boost the number of inhabitants. With this in mind, the Curtin government embraced a policy of decentralisation intended to encourage greater regional settlement.
A secondary, but related, motive for developing the North was a public belief in the "Brisbane line" – a plan supposedly devised by the previous Menzies government whereby, in the event of an invasion, only south-eastern Australia would be defended by the military. Understandably, voters outside this boundary were not pleased at the possibility of being surrendered to the Japanese.
Although Curtin later carried out a Royal Commission into the "Brisbane line", there was no evidence the Menzies government had ever considered such a policy. It appears to have been a rumour spread by Labor minister Eddie Ward to stir up support for his own party. Nevertheless, many Australians believed the plan was real and voted for Labor in the 1943 election.
It was therefore in the interests of John Curtin and the Labor party to promote northern development as an important goal, both for Australia's national security and to relieve voter concerns about being relinquished to foreign invaders.
Unfortunately, Curtin died in office before the war's end, and was unable to further develop and implement policies concerning northern Australia. However, his strategy of boosting population growth through decentralisation was unlikely to succeed long-term without the involvement of private enterprise and its ability to create jobs and inject wealth into the region.
Ben Chifley & the NADC
In late 1945, after becoming the new Labor leader and Prime Minister, Ben Chifley picked up the baton of northern development and established the Commonwealth of the Northern Australia Development Committee (NADC).
The NADC's role was to investigate and advise the government on the future development of the North. It included representatives from Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. During the course of its existence, the NADC substantially increased knowledge of the North and its resources – knowledge that had been fairly limited until then.
The committee also initiated various major surveys of the area (often using aerial photography), leading to later projects such as the Mareeba-Dimbulah irrigation scheme of the early 1950's.
In 1947, the NADC presented a report on northern development to the Chifley government. The report suggested ways to make living in the North more attractive so that people would be encouraged to move there, resulting in a population boost. Clearly they were still operating on the same belief as Curtin – that government intervention alone was needed for regional development to occur.
Nevertheless, the report contained helpful recommendations concerning improvements to health, education, water conservation, transport and infrastructure. The annual cost of these improvements would be 1,235,000 pounds sterling (just over 21 million dollars in today's currency), to be born mostly by the Chifley government on the grounds of national interest.
Ben Chifley, who was serving as both Prime Minister and Treasurer at the time, did not respond to the NADC's report with enthusiasm. Both he and the Treasury disagreed with the NADC's costings, as well as the assumption that most of the proposed improvements were federal (rather than state) responsibilities.
Furthermore, Chifley questioned the inclusion of the more populated areas along the North Queensland coast in the report, either from a genuine conviction that these areas did not warrant expenditure on additional growth, or simply to cut costs.
In addition to financial concerns, the Chifley government had lost the wartime urgency that had first prompted a focus on northern development. With the Japanese defeat, invention of the atomic bomb, and unfolding Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, global conflict appeared to have moved elsewhere. The North no longer seemed as vulnerable as it had under Curtin. There were even suggestions that its undeveloped state had deterred invasion.
The idea that northern development could promote economic growth for Australia as a whole was also undermined by Chifley himself, who said in a 1949 radio broadcast that the region "isn't a land offering productive abundance…There are substantial mineral deposits, although I don't think the country is an El Dorado."
Following the lack of government support for its recommendations, the NADC was gradually phased out. By the end of the Chifley era, it was no longer active.
1940's Legacy
Although both the Curtin and Chifley governments promoted northern development at times, this was motivated by national security issues rather than a belief in the economic potential of the region. Neither government wished to include private enterprise in the expansion of the North.
As prime minister, Ben Chifley gradually lost interest in northern development due to waning security threats, a reluctance to commit funds to the area, and a failure to see its economic value. While subsequent Labor leaders such as Gough Whitlam have claimed that the return of the Menzies government thwarted Chifley's plans for the North, it is clear that by the end of Chifley's reign he did not support further action in the region.
"Ben Chifley". Australia's Prime Ministers. National Archives of Australia.
"Chifley, Joseph Benedict (1885–1951)". Australian Dictionary of Biography [Online Edition].
"John Curtin (1885–1945)". Australian Dictionary of Biography [Online Edition].
"John Curtin". Australia's Prime Ministers. National Archives of Australia.
Burns, Paul (1998). The Brisbane Line Controversy: Political Opportunism Versus National Security, 1942–45. St Leonards, NSW: Allen and Unwin.
Dennis, Peter; Grey, Jeffrey; Morris, Ewan; Prior, Robin (2008). The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History (2nd ed.). South Melbourne, VIC: Oxford University Press.
Hasluck, Paul (1970). "The "Brisbane Line" – A Study in Wartime Politics". The Government and the People, 1942–1945. Australia in the War of 1939–1945: Series 4 – Civil II. Canberra: Australian War Memorial. pp. 711–17.
Megarrity, Lyndon (2011). "'Necessary and urgent'? The politics of Northern Australia, 1945-75". Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society.


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The charm of Belgian chocolates
chocolate markets Neuhaus praline sweet
Belgian chocolate, whether it comes as bars and in various shapes, powder or topping, has something for every taste. Its most stylish recipe is certainly the "praline", which was invented in Belgium in 1912. For Belgians, pralines are a chocolate novelty or a mouthful of filled chocolate that comes in many flavors.
The interesting thing is that the French and Belgians do not have the same understanding of the "praline". In France, it is a roasted almond or hazelnut wrapped in drop and icing sugar. The cook of Marechal du Plessis-Praslin, ambassador of Louis XIII, invented this recipe. At the time if was referred to as a "pralisne".
Yet, in Belgium, the definition of the "praline" describes a chocolate sweet, generally filled. Jean Neuhaus invented it. The house of Neuhaus was founded in 1857, and originally made pharmaceutical sweets, but evolved over the years into a pastry shop famous throughout the city.
At the start of the century in 1912, Jean Neuhaus Jr. invented the first cold-filled chocolate sweet, which he called "praline". Three years later, he developed a new type of cardboard package, the familiar tuck-in end chocolate box. The company constantly developed new recipes for its pralines.
The charm of these sweets lies in the mixture between the filled chocolate and the chocolate coating. Chocolate makers take the utmost care in choosing the finest cocoa and the most refined ingredients to make the filling of the pralines. The quality of the chocolate is influenced by the choice of cocoa beans and the quantity of the ingredients, which give it all its characteristics (its smell, touch, colour, etc.).
In Belgium traditional chocolate makers produce and decorate their pralines largely by hand. Each of these creations receives a personal touch, the signature of a unique product, the praline. Today, Belgium has several dozens of chocolate and praline makers. Many of these chocolate and confectionary makers have been able to sell in export markets, by emphasizing the specific features of Belgian chocolates.
Mon Cheri - Liqueur Chocolates 315g
Cote d'Or Carré Noir Noisettes
Guylian's Temptations 246 Pcs
Guylian Sea Shells Original Praliné 250g
Duc D'o Pralines Dzark 20pcs - 250g


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Yesterday - Review
There's More to Star Wars Than Boba Fett & Ben Kenobi
Best Films Never Made #9: Walt Disney's The Rainbow Road to Oz
Scene Stealers: Brie Larson in Scott Pilgrim vs The World
A Beginner's Guide To... Tim Burton
Courtesy Of: Lionsgate
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 – Review
Mockingjay 2 rejoins Panem in a war of attrition, which soon grates the audience more than the enemy.
Confusing Young Adult for Petulant Adolescent, the interchangeably unoriginal and illogical plot treats adult themes as childish, and vice versa. The mystery of how some scenes and themes are classified at '12A' is more engaging than the film itself.
There are morsels of redemption – Sutherland relishing every last moment of screen time, one truly shocking attack, and fleeting joy from yet another wasted pseudo-cameo – but these are buried under heaps of regurgitation.
Sadly this final chapter is best served only to completionists.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 is the petit four from a series which has out-stayed our appetite. Consumed out of curiosity not hunger, this one leaves a bitter taste.
CAST: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Donald Sutherland, Julianne Moore
DIRECTOR: Francis Lawrence
WRITERS: Peter Craig, Danny Strong, and Suzanne Collins (novel)
SYNOPSIS: As the war of Panem escalates, Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) must bring together an army against President Snow (Sutherland) while all she holds dear hangs in the balance.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 – Review was last modified: November 21st, 2015 by Bertie Archer
Donald SutherlandFrancis LawrenceHunger GamesJennifer LawrenceJosh HutchersonJulianne MooreLiam HemsworthThe Hunger Games - Mockingjay Part 2Two Stars 2015Young Adult
Moonlighting as a reviewer and editor, I'm more at home with recent films than golden oldies and enjoy appreciating the technical achievements as much as the escapism of the movies. Happy to try any film once, if only for fifteen minutes. I also volunteer with MediCinema - a charity which every film fan should look into if they don't already know about.
After the Wedding – Sundance London Review
X-Men: Dark Phoenix – Review
Bel Canto – Review
Why You Should Read Mortal Engines Before Seeing the Film
The Emotional Cinematography of A Single Man
Josefine A.


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Q: How to merge two LinkedHashMaps[Int, ListBuffer[Int]] in Scala? I found this method:
def merge[K, V](maps: Seq[Map[K, V]])(f: (K, V, V) => V): Map[K, V] = {
      maps.foldLeft(Map.empty[K, V]) { case (merged, m) =>
        m.foldLeft(merged) { case (acc, (k, v)) =>
          acc.get(k) match {
            case Some(existing) => acc.updated(k, f(k, existing, v))
            case None => acc.updated(k, v)
          }
        }
      }
    }

but it gives me a type mismatch error if i use it like this:
val mergeMsg = (map1: LinkedHashMap[Int, ListBuffer[Int]], map2: LinkedHashMap[Int, ListBuffer[Int]]) =>
    {
      val ms=Seq(map1, map2)
      merge(ms.map(_.mapValues(List(_)))){(_, v1, v2) => v1 ++ v2}
    }

The error says:
"Type mismatch, expected: mutable.Seq[Mutable.Map[NotInferedK, NotInferedV]], actual: mutable.Seq[Map[Int, List[ListBuffer[Int]]]]"
How can i solve this? I know it's something simple, but i'm new to scala.

A: The problem is that you are passing in to merge a sequence of mutable LinkedHashMaps. The function requires a sequence of immutable Maps.
You need to convert your LinkedHashMaps to the correct type first. The simplest way to do this is probably to call .toMap before you perform the mapValues.
merge(ms.map(_.toMap.mapValues(List(_)))){(_, v1, v2) => v1 ++ v2}

Update
Alternatively the method signature for Merge can be change to explicitly use scala.collection.Map. It will, by default, use scala.collection.immutable.Map.
def merge[K, V](maps: Seq[scala.collection.Map[K, V]])(f: (K, V, V) => V): scala.collection.Map[K, V]

A: val mergeMsg = (map1: LinkedHashMap[Int, ListBuffer[Int]],
                map2: LinkedHashMap[Int, ListBuffer[Int]]) => {
      val ms = Seq (map1.toMap, map2.toMap)
      merge (ms) ((_, lb1, lb2) => (lb1 ++ lb2))
 }

So the Type needs just to be converted to Map.
The k is not used for the process of updating, so we use _ instead.
The lbs are for ListBuffers.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


IIRC as delivered the RDCs had various sound- and vibration-absorbing pads at key points in the trucks; the brand may have been 'Fabreeka' which seems to still exist. The character of the Boise Budds' ride led me to guess that their pads had been replaced with solid steel blocks.
I've read about the suspension mods elsewhere, that sounds about right!
I need to revive this thread I hope it's ok.
I have a pair of Maheno LRVs and would like to repaint them in MBTA green .
Does anyone have a brand and name/color number that would match or should I just get something that looks good?
Also, any suggestions on decals?
nearboston wrote: I need to revive this thread I hope it's ok.
I would think any dark/dark(er) green would do just fine. If your eye tells you it looks good enough then I say go for it.
CustomTraxx http://www.customtraxx.com/ has decal sets for PCC's, they might be useable for LRV's as well, at least the circle T logos.
Wow...WOW! You guys are the best. Thanks you so much. I'll try and post photos when I finish up.
In 1980, Ivor Walsh started a project he'd work on for the rest of his life.
Every day for 20 years, he meticulously crafted a miniature replica of the Boston streetcar system. Modeling it after the cars' 1950s-era design, he installed the small city in his basement—in Toronto.
That was very cool. I wish they had more photos.
I had the chance to meet Ivor Walsh and see his layout in person about 20 years ago. Astounding doesn't even begin to cover it!!
I wish they had more pictures of the layout, but what is shown is amazing. Now is the time for some wealthy transit fan to volunteer to purchase the layout and bring it to Boston!
Just stumbled upon these on the Shapeways site - let the feeding frenzy begin!
jwhite07 wrote: Just stumbled upon these on the Shapeways site - let the feeding frenzy begin!
When I saw those it made me wonder if I did the right thing picking the 1950's for may layout.
Pantograph overhead would have been much easier than pole type which can be very finicky.


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text:
Šmelcovna je staré označení pro tavírnu, případně pro celou železářskou huť, převzaté z němčiny (die Schmelze).

Jako šmelcovna byl rovněž označován oddělený prostor sklářské hutě, ve kterém se mísily připravené suroviny pro vsázku do sklářské pánve.

Po starých tavírnách rud zůstala jména obcí i místní názvy:
 Šmelcovna (Javůrek), osada pod správou obce Javůrek.
 Šmelcovna (Schmelzhütte) osada zaniklá sloučením s obcí Suchdol nad Lužnicí.
 Šmelcovna (Boskovice), místní název ve městě Boskovice, nachází se zde známé arboretum.
 Šmelcovna, místní název ve městě Chlumec, (u plynárny). Místo, kde stávala tavírna stříbrné rudy.


Environmental, health, and safety measurements are integrated into every task, process, and procedure are our contract bottling company. Our EHS efforts have two main goals, to put in place preventative measures for avoiding accidents and injuries, and to reduce any negative effects of operating our manufacturing and bottling facilities.
Many contract bottling companies adhere to the standard EHS requirements mandated by federal and state governments. At Goodwin Company, we take it a step further by voluntarily complying with ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications. We strive to go above and beyond traditional liquid filling industry market needs by ensuring both of our facilities in Los Angeles, CA and Atlanta, GA operate under an ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS). Our main EMS objectives are to continually improve our processes and procedures, put in place additional pollution prevention measures, and to remain compliant with all relevant requirements. Every employee and supplier we work with is expected to comply with our strict environmental, health, and safety objectives.
Environmental, health, and safety are a serious matter at Goodwin Company. Learn more about the Goodwin Company "Stay Safe Program" and how your company can benefit from our EHS standards. Call us today.


Ozark Motor Lines isn't your average trucking company. We were built on a foundation of honesty, integrity and family — a foundation that stands strong today. We know our drivers make a difference each and every day and it's our mission to make a difference for them too. That's why drivers can expect the best at Ozark! Ozark Motor Lines is currently hiring for CDL-A company truck driver jobs, owner operator positions, CDL-A team truck drivers and more.
Founded June 21, 1961, by Mose and Dorothy Higginbotham in Memphis, Tennessee, Ozark Motor Lines has grown steadily over the years from a one-truck operation to its more than 700 power units today. It is those family roots that have allowed Ozark to grow into one of the most respected private, for-hire fleets in the country.
With customers like FedEx and International Paper, our drivers experience as much no-touch and drop-and-hook freight as anywhere in the industry. Year after year, Ozark is recognized by its customers as their top performing carrier in service level and volume. We recognize that our drivers and employees make that possible.
Still run as a family operation, Tommy Higginbotham ensures that Ozark maintains an open-door policy with all of his employees, drivers, technicians and office personnel alike. Just talk to one of our drivers and the difference is clear — you're family — not a number!
The Ozark Difference is crystal-clear as you can see the driver benefits offered for each of our positions.


Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels could be set to join Bayern Munich this summer, according to Hans-Joachim Watzke, chief executive of his current club. The 27-year-old star is reportedly a transfer target for a number of European clubs, including Manchester United, but Watzke thinks his most likely destination is the Allianz Arena.
Watzke is fighting to keep Hummels at Dortmund, but has confessed he could be lured away by Bayern, the club where he started his professional career. "I believe that if he [Hummels] goes, it will be in the direction of Munich," Watzke told Sky Deutschland of the reported United transfer target.
"He still has unfinished business with the club. His father, his mother and his brother all live in Munich. His girlfriend comes from Munich, he's from Munich too – so a whole lot of components have already come together."
Watzke admitted he can understand why Hummels is considering his future at the Westfalenstadion, even though he is desperate to keep the player at Dortmund. Aside from Bayern, Hummels has been linked to United, Chelsea and Barcelona.
"We have to accept when someone like Mats, who has already played for Borussia Dortmund for eight years, is 27 and would come to think: 'Am I going to play for Borussia Dortmund for my entire career, or will I do something else?'" he said amid rumours linking the player to United.


The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer passed in his sleep last night.
Southern-rock legend Leon Russell has died at the age of 74, early Sunday morning on November 12. According to his wife Jan, the blues-rock musician passed away in his sleep in Nashville. In a statement to NPR, Russell's record label confirmed his death, explaining that he was recovering from "heart bypass surgery in July" following a heart attack. Russell was planning to continue touring in January.
During the span of his career, Oklahoma native Leon Russell brought his talented songwriting, arranging, and playing abilities to collaborations with musicians Willie Nelson, George Harrison. B.B. King, and Elton John — just to name a few. His 1970 song "A Song For You" has been widely recorded by artists such as Donny Hathaway, the Carpenters, and Ray Charles.
Russell was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on March 14, 2011. Later that year in June, Russell was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.


text:
import test from 'ava'
import Chance from '../chance.js'
import _ from 'lodash'

const chance = new Chance()

const timeout = (seconds) => {
  new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
    setTimeout(() => resolve(), seconds)
  })
}

//chance.animal()

test('returns an animal', t => {
  _.times(1000, () => {
    let animal = chance.animal({
      type: "desert"
    })
    t.true(_.isString(animal))
    t.true(animal.length >= 2)
  })
})

test('returns an animal even if type is not specified', t => {
  _.times(1000, () => {
    let animal = chance.animal()
    t.true(_.isString(animal))
    t.true(animal.length >= 2)
  })
})

test('throws an error if the type is not part of the animals object', t => {
  _.times(1000, () => {
    const fn = () => chance.animal({
      type: "banana"
    })
    t.throws(fn, "Please pick from desert, ocean, grassland, forest, zoo, pets, farm.")
  })
})

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
HomeTech/ScienceNASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Catches Twister in Action
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Catches Twister in Action
Written by Guy Webster
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Pasadena, CA – An afternoon whirlwind on Mars lofts a twisting column of dust more than half a mile (800 meters) high in an image from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
HiRISE captured the image on February 16th, 2012, while the orbiter passed over the Amazonis Planitia region of northern Mars. In the area observed, paths of many previous whirlwinds, or dust devils, are visible as streaks on the dusty surface.
A towering dust devil casts a serpentine shadow over the Martian surface in this image acquired by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona)
The active dust devil displays a delicate arc produced by a westerly breeze partway up its height. The dust plume is about 30 yards or meters in diameter.
The image was taken during the time of Martian year when that planet is farthest from the sun. Just as on Earth, winds on Mars are powered by solar heating. Exposure to the sun's rays declines during this season, yet even now, dust devils act relentlessly to clean the surface of freshly deposited dust, a little at a time.
Dust devils occur on Earth as well as on Mars. They are spinning columns of air, made visible by the dust they pull off the ground. Unlike a tornado, a dust devil typically forms on a clear day when the ground is heated by the sun, warming the air just above the ground. As heated air near the surface rises quickly through a small pocket of cooler air above it, the air may begin to rotate, if conditions are just right.
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has been examining Mars with six science instruments since 2006. Now in an extended mission, the orbiter continues to provide insights into the planet's ancient environments and how processes such as wind, meteorite impacts and seasonal frosts continue to affect the Martian surface today. This mission has returned more data about Mars than all other orbital and surface missions combined.
More than 21,700 images taken by HiRISE are available for viewing on the instrument team's website: http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu . Each observation by this telescopic camera covers several square miles, or square kilometers, and can reveal features as small as a desk.
HiRISE is operated by the University of Arizona, Tucson. The instrument was built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., Boulder, CO. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Project and the Mars Exploration Rover Project are managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. JPL is a division of the California Institute of Technology, also in Pasadena. Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, built the orbiter. For more about the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, see www.nasa.gov/mro .
Guy Webster
High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
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Microsoft had a Startup Challenge across 10 cities in India over the last couple of weeks. All the winners had to present their product/idea at the grand finals in Bangalore. I got the delegate pass to witness the finals thanks to Manoj from Onskies. Each team had to present their product and business/revenue model. The panel of Judges asked various thought provoking questions that really challenged the way these startups perceived their idea. It was a good learning experience and a sneak peak to what the startups are focusing on. I will write a separate post about this event soon.
Aircel has launched some pretty cool offers in their Karnataka Circle. This includes free 3G during 6am to 9am and also the cheapest 3G rates among other operators. The top executives were also present during the event and they explained the way Aircel has grown to be one of the most opted telecom provider in the state. They also answered questions/concerns and took suggestions about what the users are looking at. They conducted some games at the venue to keep the crowd lively. Beer was served for people who drink along with a whole bunch of food. Couldn't have asked for a better way to start the weekend.
It was Food, Drinks and Mobiles at City Bar on Friday night. Lenovo is all set to enter the mobile market with their Intel 1.2GHz Quad Core processors and high resolution IPS screens. Their 6 smart phones will be on sale in couple of weeks. However we bloggers got a chance to get a hands on all these phones. They look elegant and are priced at a range of Rs. 8000 to Rs. 32000. Nick, who is the executive director for this product launch gave us a demo and took feedback from us regarding these phones. I will try writing a separate post on these phones very soon.
Social Samosa is a website with loads of information about Indian Social Media. They organized a meetup where all social media enthusiasts could meet and exchange thoughts. Some top tweeps, bloggers and entrepreneurs participated in this meet. The agenda was simple "No Agenda". It was about introducing yourself to the fellow social media addicts. I am sure a few businesses found new clients and people who interacted only through twitter got a chance to finally see the face behind twitter handles.


text:
Collection ID is exactly "1" AND Geographic Term is exactly "Pinellas County (Fla.)"
Type / Subject
Sorted by Subject
Antonio Lerios and apprentice Nick Toth making dive helmets Antonio Lerios and apprentice Nick Toth making dive helmets Still Image Apprentices
Diving Equipment and supplies
Greek Americans
Sponge fisheries
Teaching of folklore
Artisans /fpc/memory/omeka_images/thumbnails/catalog_photo.jpg
Antonio Lerios and apprentice Nick Toth making dive helmets
Thirty-four color slides. Lerios began making diving helmets for sponge divers in 1913 in Tarpon Springs. When he was in his 80s, he decided to retire. In the meantime, Toth, fresh with a degree from University of Florida, decided to learn the trade, and he worked as an apprentice for Lerios. By 1992 when Lerios died, Toth had assumed control of the business. Diving helmets date back to the early 1900s. Once Greek divers began diving for sponges in Tarpon Springs in 1905, the diving helmet industry in Florida began. The helmets allow divers to walk into deep water to gather sponges. For more history of Lerios and Toth diving helmets, see: http://www.divinghelmets.com/pages/history.html The Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program began in 1983 with a NEA grant of $22,000. The program provided an opportunity for master folk artists to share technical skills and cultural knowledge with apprentices in order to keep the tradition alive. Apprentices must have had some experience in the tradition and agreed to train for at least six months. The first project director was Blanton Owen, later replaced by folklorist Peter Roller. The program was continued each year through 2003.
East Indian dancer Jaya Radhakrishnan and apprentices East Indian dancer Jaya Radhakrishnan and apprentices Still Image Apprentices
Body movement
Dancers /fpc/memory/omeka_images/thumbnails/catalog_photo.jpg
East Indian dancer Jaya Radhakrishnan and apprentices
Three color slides; 24 negatives. The Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program began in 1983 with a NEA grant of $22,000. The program provided an opportunity for master folk artists to share technical skills and cultural knowledge with apprentices in order to keep the tradition alive. Apprentices must have had some experience in the tradition and agreed to train for at least six months. The first project director was Blanton Owen, later replaced by folklorist Peter Roller. The program was continued each year through 2003.
Fly fishers Carl Hanson and apprentice Jason Keil Fly fishers Carl Hanson and apprentice Jason Keil Still Image Apprentices
Saltwater fly fishing
Fishing Equipment and supplies
Fishers /fpc/memory/omeka_images/thumbnails/catalog_photo.jpg
Fly fishers Carl Hanson and apprentice Jason Keil
Nineteen color slides. Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Hanson grew up in Rockport, Massachusetts, where he learned to tie fly fish lines from his grandfather. Saltwater fly fishing became popular in Florida in the 1960s. For more information on Keil and Hanson, see S 1640, box 8, folder 8. The Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program began in 1983 with a NEA grant of $22,000. The program provided an opportunity for master folk artists to share technical skills and cultural knowledge with apprentices in order to keep the tradition alive. Apprentices must have had some experience in the tradition and agreed to train for at least six months. The first project director was Blanton Owen, later replaced by folklorist Peter Roller. The program was continued each year through 2003.
a_s1640_20_tape16 Interview with bouzouki player Spiros Skordilis Sound Apprentices
Arts, Greek
Life histories
Musicians /fpc/memory/omeka_images/thumbnails/catalog_audio.jpg
Interview with bouzouki player Spiros Skordilis
One audio casette. The Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program began in 1983 with a NEA grant of $22,000. The program provided an opportunity for master folk artists to share technical skills and cultural knowledge with apprentices in order to keep the tradition alive. Apprentices must have had some experience in the tradition and agreed to train for at least six months. The first project director was Blanton Owen, later replaced by folklorist Peter Roller. The program was continued each year through 2003.
a_s1640_20_tape14 Performance by Spiros Skordilis, Emanuel Gonatos, and Nick Polemis Sound Apprentices
Musicians /fpc/memory/omeka_images/thumbnails/audio.jpg
Performance by Spiros Skordilis, Emanuel Gonatos, and Nick Polemis
Three audio casettes. The Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program began in 1983 with a NEA grant of $22,000. The program provided an opportunity for master folk artists to share technical skills and cultural knowledge with apprentices in order to keep the tradition alive. Apprentices must have had some experience in the tradition and agreed to train for at least six months. The first project director was Blanton Owen, later replaced by folklorist Peter Roller. The program was continued each year through 2003.
Street vendor Tommy Walton with apprentice James Watson Street vendor Tommy Walton with apprentice James Watson Still Image Apprentices
Oral performance
Street vendors /fpc/memory/omeka_images/thumbnails/catalog_photo.jpg
Street vendor Tommy Walton with apprentice James Watson
Twenty-one color slides. Tommy Walton sold hot dogs at the local baseball stadium. He would sing, dance, and tell stories while he sold the food. He often played at the Florida Folk Festival. For more information on Watson, see S 1640, box 9, folder 4. The Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program began in 1983 with a NEA grant of $22,000. The program provided an opportunity for master folk artists to share technical skills and cultural knowledge with apprentices in order to keep the tradition alive. Apprentices must have had some experience in the tradition and agreed to train for at least six months. The first project director was Blanton Owen, later replaced by folklorist Peter Roller. The program was continued each year through 2003.
Carl Hanson and his apprentice Jason Keil tying fly fishing lines Carl Hanson and his apprentice Jason Keil tying fly fishing lines Still Image Artisans
Carl Hanson and his apprentice Jason Keil tying fly fishing lines
Seventy-seven color slides. Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Hanson grew up in Rockport, Massachusetts, where he learned to tie fly fish lines from his grandfather. Saltwater fly fishing became popular in Florida in the 1960s. The Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program began in 1983 with a NEA grant of $22,000. The program provided an opportunity for master folk artists to share technical skills and cultural knowledge with apprentices in order to keep the tradition alive. Apprentices must have had some experience in the tradition and agreed to train for at least six months. The first project director was Blanton Owen, later replaced by folklorist Peter Roller. The program was continued each year through 2003.
Carl Hanson and Jason Keil making fly fishing lures Carl Hanson and Jason Keil making fly fishing lures Still Image Artisans
Carl Hanson and Jason Keil making fly fishing lures
Eight color slides. The Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program began in 1983 with a NEA grant of $22,000. The program provided an opportunity for master folk artists to share technical skills and cultural knowledge with apprentices in order to keep the tradition alive. Apprentices must have had some experience in the tradition and agreed to train for at least six months. The first project director was Blanton Owen, later replaced by folklorist Peter Roller. The program was continued each year through 2003.
Model boats Model boats Still Image Artisans
Models and modelmaking
Model builders /fpc/memory/omeka_images/thumbnails/catalog_photo.jpg
Ten color slides. Model boats made by an unidentified mdel maker. The Florida Folk Arts Survey was conducted in 1987 by folklorists Tina Bucuvalis, Steve Fragos, Merri Belland, and Barbara Seitz as preliminary research for a joint folk art between the Florida Folklife Program and the Florida Museum of History. The field researchers focused on those areas previously overlooked by FFP staff. The research focused on identifying folk artists and locating appropriate exhibit objects.
Rough edits for the Every Island Has Its Own Song documentary Rough edits for the Every Island Has Its Own Song documentary Moving Image Artisans
Musical instrument maker
Interviewing on television
Personal experience narratives
Instrument manufacture
Tsabouna
Bagpipe music
Songs, Greek
Calendar rites
New Year rites
Bagpipers
Musicians /fpc/memory/omeka_images/thumbnails/catalog_video.jpg
Rough edits for the Every Island Has Its Own Song documentary
Six video recordings. (Beta; 20 minutes each) Early edit tapes for the documentary "Every Island Has Its Own Song," a Florida Folklife Program-produced documentary on tsabouna (Greek bagpipe) maker-player Nikitas Tsimouris and the Greek community of Tarpon Springs. Includes interviews with Tsimouris and his family, performance on the tsabouna, local sponge boats, an Epiphany Day celebration, and the Tsimoruis family at home. The tapes have gaps for narration, insert shots, and other post-production elements. For the completed documentary, see FV-112. For the original fieldwork videos, see FV-1 through FV-17 in S 1615.