May 19, 2018, 8:52 a.m.
When photographer Joshua Moore set up his tripod along the Blue Ridge Parkway about 25 miles south of Asheville, North Carolina, one Sunday in May, he was planning to shoot a sunset. Instead, he got something more breathtaking: a captivating image of purple rain.
"The purple rain was made possible because of the weather conditions," Moore tells MNN. "As the sun set behind the mountain range in the distance, the sky turned pink. That happens a lot, but when the rain moved in front of the mountain range, it put off a purple hue."
Moore says he and his wife immediately knew they were seeing something special.
"We both thought it was spectacular and beautiful to watch," he says. "You have to be eye level with it just about, and I am sure it is a very rare thing to witness, I am very thankful for being able to capture it and it will be a moment I always remember."
They joked that they had actually found "purple rain," made so popular by musical artist Prince.
"Another thing I really liked was the lightning flashes that went on with it as well," Moore says. "I captured that with the purple rain as well. It wasn't streaking, but it would illuminate the clouds. The purple rain lasted for about 20 minutes and I had plenty of time to set up and capture what I wanted, even enough time to capture lightning flashes with the storm."
Moore's images have been a hit on his Facebook page and website, leaving people amazed by the ethereal event.
"I am glad people are seeing them and enjoying them, because most people may never get to see something like this," he says. "Photography makes that possible."
Related on MNN: Why does rain smell?


Junot Díaz reads from his Pulitzer Prize-winning debut novel, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (2007), and, in far-ranging comments, addresses the danger inherent in a dominant authorial voice. "No matter how many ruses I use," Díaz says, "I'm the only one speaking." He goes on to connect this danger, "the way a story silences other stories," to the dictatorial regime of Trujillo in his native Dominican Republic, to U.S. militaristic pride, and, on the other hand, to the often-frustrated desire of readers to understand each component of his stories.
This recording is available for noncommercial and educational use only. All rights belong to the author. © 2008 Junot Díaz. Used with permission from Junot Díaz.
Just learned of Junot Diaz as he was listed in Progressive Magazine as the author of one of the books banned in Tucson. What the f— is that all about?
That is his style. People use his type of descriptive adjectives everyday.


Cosmetic bag, black with pink polka dots. Features a mesh zipper pocket, 4 clear pockets, a large zipper pouch at the bottom and a hook for hanging. Velcro closure. Measures 25"L x 11 1/2"W x 3" D when open and 7"L x11 1/2" W x 3" D when closed. See our matching tote and garment bags!


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Smart Dubai Set To Launch Region's First Accredited Master Of Science In Data Analytics
Developed in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology, the programme is set to begin in the first week of October
Smart Dubai, in partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), has developed a ground-breaking Master of Science in Data Analytics. The programme, which has secured official accreditation from the UAE Ministry of Education, tackles the increasingly influential field of data, which has become the cornerstone of advanced services and smart city transformations around the world.
The first of its kind in the region, the programme is now open for registration until September 30, 2018, with the official launch set for the first week of October 2018. The 11-month Master's Degree in Data Analytics comprising of 33 semester credit hours was developed following an agreement signed between Smart Dubai and the Rochester Institute of Technology in Dubai (RIT Dubai) in July 2017. Under the agreement, the former developed the main objectives of the initiative and led the charge in securing scientific accreditation for the programme.
The programme will ultimately drive further progress in innovation and research by preparing generations of young and highly qualified data analysts and scientists. The programme was designed to cover the advanced aspects of data collection and analysis, and highlight their applications in smart decision-making.
His Excellency Younus Al Nasser, Assistant Director-General of Smart Dubai & CEO of the Dubai Data Establishment, said:
"Data is the engine of innovation and entrepreneurship that elevates and upgrades the knowledge economy, and we, at Smart Dubai, always look forward to exploring advanced scientific instruments and embedding them into educational programmes and public services in Dubai," HE Al Nasser added. "This new programme covers all areas that can benefit from data collection and analysis, particularly when used for emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and machine learning, among others."
The Master of Science in Data Analytics programme aims to prepare the next class of data analysts to contribute to transforming and improving city experiences from understanding, managing and analysing big data, visualising the analysed data and generating beneficial insights for all city stakeholders, as well as demonstrating the relationship between data analytics and emerging technologies.
"This joint Data Analytics programme, developed with Smart Dubai in accordance with international best practice, allows us to offer a sophisticated, hands-on academic curriculum for students and professionals interested in advancing their education in this vital sector," said Dr Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai.
Smart Dubai is the government entity tasked with implementing Dubai's Smart Transformation Agenda, a strategy that seeks to transform Dubai into the happiest and smartest city in the world. Smart Dubai has gradually rolled out an extensive portfolio of initiatives and smart services rooted in data, including the Dubai Pulse – the digital backbone of the city – which compiles all available data from both the public and private sectors.
The Rochester Institute of Technology has been one of the world's leading institutions in the field of technical education since 1829 and is the 11th largest private university in the United States of America.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


How does being outside in nature make you feel?
Imagine lying in soft green grass, watching wispy white clouds drift across a cornflower blue sky. Or transport yourself to an old growth forest with gnarly old trees covered in lush green moss, inhale the piney earthiness, wander through the dappled light and hear sweet birdsong from above.
Nature is an awesome backdrop to so many special and everyday moments in our lives. We play, rest, exercise and connect with others on beaches, in parks, forests, by lakes, on mountains and in backyards. And the benefits nature offers are far-reaching: physiologically it boosts our immune systems, promotes healing and increases life expectancy; psychologically and emotionally it promotes well-being, makes us feel alive with uplifting and energizing effects, helps us feel calmer, less anxious or stressed and relieves attention fatigue . It also helps build social connection and increases prosocial behaviour.
Children reap the same benefits from nature with research demonstrating that it improves children's social interactions, helps them make friends, reduces bullying, improves problem solving skills and concentration, encourages creativity, and reduces levels of stress, depression and symptoms of ADHD.
Intuitively it makes sense that humans are genetically hardwired to connect with nature and that we benefit from it innumerable ways. These benefits are continuously reaffirmed by recent studies showing the powerful impact nature has on us. Despite this knowledge humans are retreating indoors. Canadian children are spending three times more time indoors, on digital media, than they do outside in nature. Richard Louv, Co-Founder of the Children & Nature Network, argues, in his influential book Last Child in the Woods, that nature-deficit disorder is widespread, with children suffering from diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, and higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses.
In his enlightening book "How to Raise a Wild Child- The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature" Dr. Scott Sampson, Director of Science World in Vancouver, BC and a leading voice in highlighting the vital role of nature in children's well-being, outlines factors that keep children indoors, including the digital revolution, media induced safety fears, overscheduling and leaving little time for unstructured play, and lack of access to green spaces as nature is swallowed up by urban sprawl.
Get outside with them- make family outdoor time a priority and plan for it.
Make new habits- get into nature more often. Older children may need more coaxing so he suggests using your imagination and encouraging them outside to play fun games. The key is to set up nature as the fun, preferred option for playtime.
Model- show kids how much you value nature through your actions and how grateful you are for it.
If you are a parent fight the urge to teach- strive to be co-adventurers.
Walk instead of drive and take time to smell the roses.
Nature can help foster empathy- talk about how amazing trees and animals are and ponder how they experience the world. Encourage children to imagine what it's like to be a tree or a bird and get them to act it out. "Wonder deepens connection. With deeper connection comes empathy, and then caring. And, with time, caring leads to love".
Get out of the way! Let them play. He recommends being a hummingbird parent: letting children explore and problem solve while keeping your distance zooming in whenever safety is a concern.
Increase learning and play outdoors and embrace the schoolyard as a learning environment. Teachers benefit from being outside too- teaching outdoors builds confidence and enthusiasm and fosters innovative teaching strategies.
Use the outdoors as a stress reducing tool- being outside can ameliorate stress for both teachers and students and can increase engagement during the school day.
Ryan et al., (2010) found in a study that being outdoors was associated with greater vitality.
In a national study in the US, Kuo and Taylor (2004) found that green outdoor activities reduced symptoms significantly more than did activities conducted in other settings, even when activities were matched across settings.
According the attention restoration theory (ART), urban environments are draining because endless amounts of stimuli constantly demand our attention. These demands are draining, however they are absent in natural environments such as lakes, mountains and forests which demand very little from us. They engage us and are attention-grabbing yet they command our attention differently to man-made environments. They allow us the opportunity to think and replenish our overly bombarded resources.
The Japanese practice of forest bathing (taking in the forrest atmosphere) has been shown in studies to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormone production, boost the immune system, and improve overall feelings of well-being.
In one study by Ulrich (1984) hospital patients who had view of nature from their window, compared to patients who looked out at a building, recovered faster, took less pain medication and had shorter postoperative hospital stays.
In a study conducted by Thompson et al. (2012) it was found that more green space is linked to decreased stress. Those participants who lived near more green areas produced less cortisol, the stress hormone.
Awe is an emotional response evoked by nature and this feeling of awe can result in a diminishment of the individual self and its concerns, and increase prosocial behavior. One study found that naturalistic induction of awe in which participants stood in a grove of towering trees enhanced prosocial helping behavior and decreased entitlement compared to participants in a control condition.
In a Canadian study researchers Bell and Dyment (2006) found that green school grounds improve the quality of play by encouraging children to be active in ways that promote their physical, social and cognitive well-being. They promote more active, imaginative and constructive play and more civil behaviour.
Malone and Tranter (2003) found that children are more imaginative and cooperative whilst playing in natural playgrounds than in conventional playgrounds and bullying is decreased due to a reduction in boredom.
According to E.O Wilson's theory of Biophilia, human beings have a genetically determined and innate affinity to the natural world.
Keniger et al., (2013) in their review "What are the Benefits of Interacting with Nature?" highlight that mounting evidence shows that interacting with nature delivers measurable benefits to people.
According to a Nature Valley survey conducted with MARU/Vision Critical in 2017.


Nationality: American. Born: Chicago, 28 February 1910.
Nationality: Italian. Born: Brunico, Bolzano, Italy, 19 August 1953.
Nationality: American. Born: The Bronx, New York, 23 August 1925.
Nationality: American. Born: 10 April 1949.
Nationality: American. Born: Michael Igor Peschkowsky in Berlin, 6 November 1931; became U.S.
Nationality: Portuguese. Born: Manoel Cândido Pinto de Oliveira in Oporto, 10 December 1908; grandfather of actor Ricardo Trepa.
Nationality: Italian. Born: Bergamo, 24 July 1931.
Nationality: Born Max Oppenheimer in Saarbrucken, Germany, 6 May 1902, became French citizen, 1938. Family: Married actress Hilde Wall in 1926, one son, director Marcel Ophüls.
Nationality: Japanese. Born: Kyoto, 31 March 1932.
Nationality: Japanese. Born: Tokyo, 12 December 1903.
Nationality: Austrian. Born: Georg Wilhelm Pabst in Raudnitz, Bohemia, 27 August 1885.
Nationality: French. Born: Aubagne, near Marseilles, 25 (or 28) February 1895.
Nationality: English. Born: Islington, London, 14 February 1944.
Nationality: American. Born: Fort Scott, Kansas, 30 November 1912.
Usai, Paola Cherchi, editor, Giovanni Pastrone: gli anni d'oro del cinema a Torino, Turin, 1986.
Nationality: American. Born: David Samuel Peckinpah in Fresno, California, 21 February 1925.


text:
Het jaar 863 is het 63e jaar in de 9e eeuw volgens de christelijke jaartelling.

Gebeurtenissen

Europa
 24 januari - Karel van Provence, de jongste zoon van keizer Lotharius I, overlijdt kinderloos. Zijn broers Lodewijk II en Lotharius II verdelen het Midden-Frankische Rijk.
 Vikingen voeren een rooftocht langs de Rijn en plunderen voor de laatste maal Dorestad. Een Frankische handelsplaats gelegen bij het huidige Wijk bij Duurstede.
 Vikingen voeren een plundertocht in de Rijnvallei en vestigen zich op een eiland bij Keulen. Lotharius II weet met steun van de Saksen hen te verdrijven.
 Vlastimir, heerser (župan) van Servië, overlijdt na een regeerperiode van 27 jaar. Hij wordt opgevolgd door zijn zoon Mutimir. (waarschijnlijke datum)
 Zomer - Boudewijn I met de IJzeren Arm verzoent zich met zijn schoonvader Karel de Kale en wordt erkend als eerste graaf van Vlaanderen.
 13 december - Boudewijn I trouwt officieel in Auxerre met de 19-jarige Judith, dochter van Karel de Kale. Met wie hij al twee jaar samenleeft.
 Bernard volgt zijn vader Raymond I op als graaf van Toulouse en Rouergue (huidige Aquitanië).
 Koenraad II volgt zijn vader Koenraad I op als graaf van Auxerre (huidige Bourgondië).

Religie
 Er ontstaat een schisma tussen de Orthodoxe Kerk (Byzantijnse Rijk) en de Katholieke Kerk in Rome. (waarschijnlijke datum)

Geboren
 Lodewijk III, koning van het West-Frankische Rijk (waarschijnlijke datum)

Overleden
 24 januari - Karel van Provence (17), Frankisch koning
 16 februari - Koenraad I (62), Frankisch graaf
 4 juni - Karel van Aquitanië, aartsbisschop van Mainz
 Veronus van Lembeek, zoon van Lodewijk de Vrome
 Vlastimir, heerser (župan) van Servië

000

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Can I bring my dogs/pet?
YES – the island is great for accommodating well behaved dogs, up to three per property. We do ask for a £15 surcharge per dog though, to cover extra cleaning costs.
Unfortunately cats and other pets are NOT permitted, in order to protect the island's biodiversity.
Is Carna a child friendly place? Can we bring a baby?
Carna is a family owned island and we have all been coming since we were small children. We do advise that you don't bring children under two years old however, as the island is that extra bit remote for infants, should you have any medical issues. Do give us a ring or email us to discuss further if you are unsure.
Please note that baby equipment, such as monitors or sterilisers, cannot be plugged in, so they need to be manual or run on batteries.
On request, we can also provide you with a travel cot, high chair, Fireguard, and an appropriate lifejacket.
Carna's peace and tranquillity, lack of roads and external visitors, as well as excellent den-making facilities, means it is a safe place and great for children to explore.
Length of Stay? Deposits? Confirmation? Cancellations?
It is possible to book a holiday on any start day outside of peak times (July & August) just simply select your property and dates through our short break enquiry process and we'll try and arrange things for you. Please be aware that as prices are based on a Saturday changeover, any weeks that cross over price bands would be charged at the combined price.
We take a non-refundable deposit of £300 per cottage, at the time of booking. We then require the full balance 8 weeks before arrival. If booked inside 8 weeks, confirmation of booking will only be given on receipt of the full balance.
You will receive a booking confirmation when a deposit payment has been made. A second confirmation, along with directions to the property will be sent when your holiday is paid in full.
I don't know anything about boats? Is this the place for me?
YES – do not worry, members of our team will greet you when you arrive and take you, and all your luggage, to the island. On Carna you will then receive full safety and handling training, this covers all who wish to pilot the boat and we also make sure all passengers are trained for safety procedures and how to behave around a motorboat.
The team will be available via radio for any further questions.
We often have boat novices, do not worry. We will make sure you are comfortable in using the boats. You do not need a qualification, but do need to be over 18 years old.
Alternatively, as you are collected and returned to the mainland, you may not feel the need to leave the island during your stay and so never need to drive the boat.
Can I fish? Is there any fishing tackle provided?
YES – you can fish in the loch from the boat provided or from the shore. We can rent you equipment and point out the good spots or you can bring your own. Mackerel are plentiful in the loch during the summer, easy to catch and taste fantastic cooked fresh as can be! The area has a lot of great seafood such as langoustine, lobsters, mussels and scallops amongst others. River fishing is available on the mainland for salmon and trout also.
The island looks great but what about day trips? What is in the house? BBQs?
Please refer to our THINGS TO DO pages for a full list. Andy and the team can take you on various day trips by boat, direct from the island, to places such as Tobermory (Balamory!) on Mull, Muck and the Cairns of Coll, as well as those places situated more locally. They can also help you to organise activities further afield, such as kayaking, mountain biking and they are give advice on what to visit in the area.
In the accommodation we have a wide range of books, games, jigsaws and cards to keep the family entertained.
The cottages both have a permanent BBQs, but part of the fun can be building your own or having a transportable one on the beach and creating that true wilderness experience. We'll even give you simple instructions – safety and otherwise, for your Bear Grylls moments.
The island does not have conventional electrical power, it being provided instead by a new solar/batteries system backed up by a generator. This system does provide for the charging of small devices such as a mobile phone but does not operate larger and more intense appliances such as hairdryers, laptops, electric kettles etc.
But, with a gas fridge (standard larder fridge size, with a small ice compartment), a gas cooker, gas fired hot water and plenty of fireplaces you have everything you need to stay warm, have hot baths and cook fine meals, you also get a break from the beeping and ringing of modern technology, as evenings are spent talking, reading, playing games or looking at the beautiful views; rather than staring at screens of one sort or another.
Carna House has gas lights which create a special atmosphere found nearly nowhere else nowadays and provide plenty of warmth. Carna Cottage has electric lighting and there is also the romance of candlepower!
Can I receive a mobile signal? Can I charge devices?
YES – but only when you climb to the top of the island to enjoy the beautiful views. The rest of the island thankfully does not receive a signal, allowing you to escape the office!
Both houses have limited electricity but you can charge small items like a mobile phone 24hrs a day. We think you will enjoy living without the interruption of devices and enjoying a digital detox.
What should I bring? Where can I buy food?
Bring as much as you think you will need (there is plenty of space on the boat for us to take it over to the island), you can have deliveries to Laga Bay organised whilst you are there. We can also organise local produce for you to collect on arrival, if you wish.
A trip from the island to the Ardnamurchan mainland or to Tobermory, Mull, allows you to stock up (as well as some extra sightseeing).
There are a number of standard items to cover your stay, such as tea, coffee, sugar, salt and pepper in each property.
If driving from Glasgow airport there are large supermarkets close by and then smaller local stores along the way, including The Jetty Shop at Salen and local shops with cash machines at Strontian.
What else should I bring? Walking boots vs Wellies?
Sun cream – this may surprise some but in the summer months it can be very sunny. Insect Repellent – if out on long walks. Waterproofs – trousers and anoraks are good for burn scrambles (climbing up rivers and waterfalls) and climbing in and out of boats. Gloves and hats – for cold weather and protection whilst handling ropes on the boat and exploring the island. Books, cards, board games and spare batteries – although we do have a collection of books and games for you to use. Camera – to record your adventures.
Wellies are essential, as best for navigating the many untrodden paths, inlets and boat trips, however walking boots are good for long rambles and climbing over rocks. Ensure you bring comfortable socks and maybe a pair of indoor shoes too. The Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum on the drive up from Glasgow is a good place to stop, as well as multiple stores in Fort William.
Carna has a number of paths around and across it, as well as animal trails, you can wander freely but we ask that you consider the wildlife and cause minimum disturbance to keep the impact down. We will explain where to go and what to look out for during your introductory walk.
We provide ALL linen and towels and if requested can arrange a laundry service, although there are no laundry facilities on the island.
How do we get to the island? Where do I leave the car?
Our team led by Andy Jackson is based at Laga Bay, where you will unpack your car and belongings. We provide full transfers from Laga Bay on the covered Laurencia for people, pets, luggage and food.
Cars are left either at Laga Bay or at our private car park, where there has never been an issue and are perfectly safe on the mainland.
Who else is on the island?
There are two properties that we rent and manage on the island, so there may well be other visitors, unless you have taken both properties. They are some distance apart and so maintaining your own space, keeping pet dogs apart etc. has never been an issue.
There is a third private holiday cottage on the island, away from the other properties. They use a different buoy for their boat, so if they are on the island, you may not see them.
The Isle of Carna has plenty of space over its 600 acres, so your privacy and tranquillity will not be affected.


Mixed surgical teams lead to less medical error..
SURGEONS are people, and people are animals, and animals often fight. Which is why Frans de Waal, an expert on animal behaviour, has turned his attention to the operating theatre to see if the methods he honed studying chimpanzees might be used to improve surgical practice.
Dr de Waal—and, more particularly Laura Jones, his colleague at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, who did the actual field work—used those methods to construct ethograms of surgical teams. An ethogram is a list of all the types of behaviour that occur within a group of animals. To draw up these lists Dr Jones observed interactions between 400 doctors, nurses and technicians during 200 operations. She logged all the non-technical communications she spotted, and classified them as "co-operative" (likely to lead to better surgical outcomes), "conflictive" (potentially jeopardising patient safety) or neutral.
Full article HERE you'll probably need to log in.
I continue to be surprised by the relative inefficiency of dental practices – whilst a surgery isn't a full theatre, the need for teamwork, support and cooperation are the same. Often it's a result of poor training (of dentists as much as nurses) or an acceptance of lower standards.


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Brief overview of the differences and similarities between open source software development and co-creation in digital games.
In this first entry to his Gamasutra blog, Jedrzej discusses some of the similarities and differences between the phenomena of open source software development and co-creation of digital games.
Jedrzej Czarnota
Introduction and the big question (for today!)
Study of co-creation in digital games got inspired. And I mean: way inspired, by the predating research on user-led innovation (term operationalized by von Hippel, 2005) and then by the works on the dynamics of open source software development. With a plethora of journal articles, books and all kinds of other source materials discussing the phenomenon of open source, it is an excellent place to go to if you are seeking some guidance on how to frame and understand co-creation occurring in digital games. The premise of this guidance is that open source software development and co-creation of digital games by the groups (communities) of passionate customers are very much alike. But the question arises: how alike are they? They are not exactly the same, so what are the differences between them? How important are those differences, how critical in terms of a comparison that we are trying to make here? There will be differences between those two phenomena, no doubt about it, but will they prevent us from transplanting some of the concepts from open source software into the field of digital games?
Super short note on literature
Let us look at some of the key characteristics of both open source software and co-creation in digital games. The differences listed below (I wanted to include a table here, but the blog website software did not let me – sorry for that!) pertain to different and mixed-up categories that characterize both of those settings. They are most heavily based on two papers: "The Promise of Research on Open Source Software" by von Krogh and von Hippel (2006) and "User Communities and Social Software in the Video Game Industry" by Burger-Helmchen and Cohendet (2011). The former paper is an introduction to the special issue of an academic journal, discussing existing research on the open source. It also discusses the potential uses of our understanding of the processes occurring in open source for mapping similar or corresponding processes taking place in other industries. The latter paper introduces a typology of co-creating customer communities (listing the following four groups: average users, player type, tester type, and developer type) and contrasts those types to potential managerial practices and software devices that can be deployed by a digital games firm to efficiently harness customers' creativity in the process of co-creation. As I said, the list below is grounded in the observations of those two papers, but it also goes beyond them, as it is inspired by other publications and observations pertaining to open source and digital games industry.
Open source software development
a. Project management present, normally some community members will take on that role, or firm representatives (in gated projects).
b. Coordination and organization are present in the community of developers, active communication (for example to prevent "forking") and focus on collaboration. Communities are formed based on reputation markets as well as free revealing of innovations (von Hippel, 2005).
c. Can be managed by firms – in gated projects, which are projects where a "sponsoring firm retains some control over, and obtains profits from, the commercialization of code developed by project contributors" (von Krogh and von Hippel, 2006; p. 980).
d. Independence of private property in non-gated projects (project usually published under 'copyleft' or open license, not only being free from proprietary interests but also ensuring that it is impossible for a firm or profit-seeking individuals to 'hijack' it). Developers have more freedom and autonomy in their designs as their product is non-derivative (it does not exist solely in the context of another product already existing in the market).
e. Developers' motivations are driven by their own use-value (i.e. they want to develop the software because they need it themselves). Other motivations are also present, including a mixture of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations (they can co-exist). Intrinsic motivations can also include seeking learning.
f. Innovation is more present in open source software, which is linked to the non-derivative nature of those developments, as well as its technical nature (programming and code writing). Open source developers can be seen as lead users, experiencing certain needs for software before the rest of the market (von Hippel, 2005), and thus being driven to innovate. Innovations are freely revealed within the communities, although 'free loaders' are also present.
g. The software developed in open source has the nature of a public good.
Co-creation in digital games industry
a. Co-creation projects are ad-hoc, without much planning ahead and without project structure. Some exceptions to that rule do exist, but I would link them most of all to total-conversion mods and other heavy mods (for example M3 mods according to Arakji and Lang classification, 2007): stuff such as Black Mesa, DayZ, DOTA etc.
b. Co-creation projects are most of the time done by individuals as opposed to self-managing groups. Very few co-creation projects (such as large mods) are performed by groups. Despite that, wider communities of co-creating customers exist, as they form networks focused on their love for the game.
c. Much lower level of coordination between co-creating users, usually only loose communications on forums about general issues associated with the game (its gameplay, art, code, engine etc.).
d. Co-creation pertains not only to the code underlying the software – elaborating on Burger-Helmchen and Cohendet (2011) as well as on Tschang (2005), player co-creation can be seen also in design (so in modifying the gameplay for instance) and content (in the creation of new art assets, new quests, as well as writing scripts for in-game characters, for example Neverwinter's Forge). There are also other types of co-creation which go beyond technical, design or content elements of digital games – more on that in the next post!
e. There is a different connection of gamers towards the game in co-creation, as compared to contributors to the project in open source development. In the case of games, customers are more often than not players of the game, who are linked to it by their passion, engagement, immersion (when they play) and affect for the game-world itself. Open source software does not create synthetic worlds for instance, as MMO games do. Due to that, we could observe more intrinsic types of motivations in co-creating customers than that is the case for open-source software – because in co-creation digital games firms very rarely recognize customers' efforts and even more seldom grant them any legal rights over their creations (not mentioning remuneration or royalties).
f. Co-creation is very heavily dependent on proprietary software, as well as on proprietary intellectual property (such as Star Wars, Half-Life, Warcraft). Legally speaking, it co-creation of games is permanently linked to the respective games and cannot exist without the permission from the original game licensor (developer and/or publisher). In this regard, as well as in the regard to innovation, co-creation can be seen also through the lens of customization – although this approach would apply most of all to those types of co-creation, where the control of the firm over the process remains high (O'Hern and Rindfleisch, 2010, model of four types of co-creation: collaborating, co-designing tinkering, submitting). Innovation does occur in the setting of co-creation, but it is more difficult to track due to the nature of digital games as existing on the intersection of art and technology, and thus problems with defining what constitutes an 'innovation' under those conditions.
g. Most often an improvement to or customization of an existing commercial product.
Some common points
a. Presence of both intrinsic (most of all) and extrinsic motivations (as well as internalized extrinsic motivations, see Füller, 2010). Factors such as satisfaction, reputation gains, job market exposure and monetary benefits all exist and intertwine in both open source software development and co-creation of digital games.
b. Presence of on-line platforms for communication, discussion, sharing and comparison of community's creations: hosts of development activity such as SourceForge.net (in open source) or Nexus (in digital games co-creation, independent platform) and Steam Workshop (proprietary platform).
Conclusions ... for now!
As we see above, there are both similarities and differences between open source software development and co-creation in digital games. This list is by no means exhaustive! What is certain though is the fact that those two phenomena can be compared; they occur on the same analytical platform and thus this is the testament to their close link. In other words, both of those processes are commensurable, which means that if we remain aware of their differences, it is possible to transplant some of the observations made in open source into co-creation research. They are both rooted in work of passion, in intrinsic rather than extrinsic motivations of their creators, as well as collaborative, networked and communal nature of their creation.
We will be elaborating on those issues only generally highlighted here in the future posts. I hope that this handful of observations will spark an interesting discussion, and that you will leave comments below that will contribute to it. I am looking forward to reading your views and opinions!


Adeiye 'MC Complex' Tjon Tam Pau is a coach and workshop master for Poetry Circle Nowhere – a collective of writing performers in the Netherlands. Adeiye has been active for years in the Dutch and international hip-hop scene. He is a highly regarded MC both within Holland and internationally and has collaborated with a number of artists, including Controverse and DJ Knowhow. Together with Rick D he formed the hip-hop group 7th Foul Nation, and later joined the band 'D-lusion'. In 2010, he released his debut album 'Not Like Me'. He continues to run workshops and participate in projects that feed into education. In 2000 he travelled to Cape Town to run a series of workshops that culminated in a performance on World AIDS day.


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Q: Find all changed values in update query I have a query that updates a targettable  from a sourcetable but only if the field in the targettable is empty or contains the value '1899-12-30'.
Targettable and sourcetable consist of solely nvarchar fields. I have no influence on the design of these tables. Any string that looks like a date should still be considered a string.
UPDATE targettable SET
 columnA=IIF(len(t.columnA) = 0 OR t.columnA = '1899-12-30', s.columnA,t.ColumnA)
,columnB=IIF(len(t.columnB) = 0 OR t.columnB = '1899-12-30', s.columnB,t.columnB)
,columnC=IIF(len(t.columnC) = 0 OR t.columnC = '1899-12-30', s.columnC,t.columnC)
FROM sourcetable s
LEFT JOIN targettable t

t.ColumnA = '' (empty string) so it gets updated with s.columnA which contains 'foo'
t.ColumnB = 'something' so it does not get updated
t.ColumnC = '1899-12-30' so it gets updated with s.columnC which contains '1900-01-01'
Now what I would like is to get the values that changed and store them like this
TIME_OF_CHANGE | COLUMNNAME| OLD_VALUE | NEW_VALUE
2021-5-20 14:12 | ColumnA |  | foo
2021-5-20 14:12 | ColumnC | 1899-12-30| 1900-01-01

The updatequery works like a charm but I cannot figure out how to transform this data so that it is written  asTIME_OF_CHANGE | COLUMNNAME| OLD_VALUE | NEW_VALUE

A: In the end I did it like this:
declare @changeTime as datetime = getdate()

;WITH NEWDATA AS (
SELECT @changeTime AS modified, 'NEW' AS status, t.id AS primarykey
,columnA=IIF(len(t.columnA) = 0 OR t.columnA = '1899-12-30', s.columnA,t.ColumnA)
,columnB=IIF(len(t.columnB) = 0 OR t.columnB = '1899-12-30', s.columnB,t.columnB)
,columnC=IIF(len(t.columnC) = 0 OR t.columnC = '1899-12-30', s.columnC,t.columnC)
FROM sourcetable s
INNER JOIN targettable t
WHERE t.columnA=IIF(len(t.columnA) = 0 OR t.columnA = '1899-12-30', s.columnA,t.ColumnA)
OR t.columnB=IIF(len(t.columnB) = 0 OR t.columnB = '1899-12-30', s.columnB,t.columnB)
OR t.columnC=IIF(len(t.columnC) = 0 OR t.columnC = '1899-12-30', s.columnC,t.columnC)
)

INSERT INTO tbl_CHANGES
SELECT * FROM NEWDATA

INSERT INTO tbl_CHANGES
SELECT @changeTime AS modified, 'OLD' AS status, t.id AS primarykey,*
FROM targettable t
WHERE t.primarykey in (SELECT primarykey FROM tbl_CHANGES WHERE modified = @changeTime)

UPDATE targettable SET
 columnA=IIF(len(t.columnA) = 0 OR t.columnA = '1899-12-30', s.columnA,t.ColumnA)
,columnB=IIF(len(t.columnB) = 0 OR t.columnB = '1899-12-30', s.columnB,t.columnB)
,columnC=IIF(len(t.columnC) = 0 OR t.columnC = '1899-12-30', s.columnC,t.columnC)
FROM sourcetable s
LEFT JOIN targettable t

It stores an 'OLD' version and a 'NEW" version of each record that has changed.
It is not as nice as the solution originally envisioned but it does meet the goal of being able to see what is changed.
All of this wrapped in a single transaction of course. Putting this out not as the best or brightest (this is not production) but somebody might stumble onto this question and like an answer.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


A plant nursery is growing a tree that is 3ft tall and grows at an average height of 1 ft per year. Another tree at the nursery is 4ft tall and grows at an average rate of 0.5 ft per year. After how many years will the trees be the same height?
What are the two equations and variables for this word problem?


Unit: Unit 1:- Introduction to the world of fashion and textiles.
Learning Outcome: LO1. I can understand the fashion industry and its careers.
1. I can name the careers in the fashion industry.
1. I can outline the roles of various fashion personnel within the fashion industry.
Learning Outcome: LO2. I can understand the importance of textiles.
2. I can identify the use of textiles in the world around me.
3. I can list the different fibres.
4. I can label the process involved in the manufacture of fabrics.
2. I can describe how fabric is produced from fibres.
Learning Outcome: L03. I can use sewing equipment and construction techniques to construct an artefact following health and safety procedures.
5. I can identify the risks and hazards in the textile and fashion environment.
6. I can label equipment required for basic sewing skills.
Marking tools: e.g. tailor's chalk, coloured marking pen/pencils, carbon paper and tracing wheel.
7. I can list the different uses of the equipment used for basic sewing.
8. I can label different stitches and seams used in the textiles and fashion industry.
3. I can describe the different stitches commonly used in the construction of garments.
4. I can select suitable seams for different uses in the construction of garments.
2: I can apply sewing techniques to complete a given project following health and safe procedures.
Learning Outcome: LO4. I can use mood boards and illustrations to make a project.
9. I can identify different fashion presentation techniques.
Presentation techniques: e.g. mood boards, theme boards, inspiration boards, story boards.
10. I can list different themes and inspiration sources for the various fashion presentation techniques.
Themes: e.g. music or stories, history, art, other cultures.
5. I can identify the different styles in illustrations and mood boards.
Styles: e.g. sports, casual, kids, teens, masculine, feminine, evening, professional, work wear, classic, swimwear, catalogue.
3. I can complete a project presentation using various mood boards and illustrations.


I must cancel my sponsorship for personal reasons - please assist me with this, thank you.
Also, I will not be considering a reduced monthly contribution or accepting for you to cover the costs for a time period. I would just like to cancel. Thank you.
Cassandra, thank you for reaching out and telling us your wishes at this time. I pray that everything is alright with you and yours in whatever personal situation you are faced with. As you requested, I have made your child available for another sponsor. Please let me know if I may be of any further assistance at this time.


text:
Q: RemoveDiffs production flag option does not remove all occurences of the Runtime Version added to generated files Using the default production flag options both the file generation date and the Runtime Version are displayed as shown below:
Notice that the Build Version is listed twice
// CodeFluent Entities generated (http://www.softfluent.com). Date: Thursday, 28 January 2016 13:41.
// Build:1.0.61214.0805
[System.CodeDom.Compiler.GeneratedCodeAttribute("CodeFluent Entities", "1.0.61214.0805")]

When I set defaultProducerProductionFlags to "Default, Overwrite, RemoveDates" it still displays one of the build numbers
// CodeFluent Entities generated (http://www.softfluent.com). Date: .
[System.CodeDom.Compiler.GeneratedCodeAttribute("CodeFluent Entities", "1.0.01234.05678")]

A: The CodeFluent Entities build number cannot be removed totally. If you have a closer look, the build number is a "magic" sequence:

1.0.01234.05678

This is used to avoid merge conflicts in source control, and is guaranteed to never change.


text:
Saskatchewan couple celebrating 70 years of marriage
By Marney Blunt Global News
Posted October 22, 2017 6:43 pm
1:58 70 years of marriage
70 years of marriage – Oct 23, 2017
A Saskatchewan couple is celebrating 70 years of marriage, and looking back at the fond memories, challenges and lessons learned along the way.
"You have to live through it and that's all that's to it," Martin Kress said, sitting in his home in Kendal, Saskatchewan.
Martin and Betty Kress grew up living eight miles apart from each other, which they describe as a long distance relationship at the time. The two would see each other at weekend dances in the town. Those dances marked the start of their long-lasting love.
"I asked her if she would like to get married to me, and she was shocked. We were only dating about a year or so and we didn't know each other that well even," Martin said. "So she said, 'I have to ask my parents first'. That was the style those days."
With her parents' approval, Martin and Betty were married on October 22nd, 1947 in Kendal.
"There was 11 couples getting married in our town that same fall," Betty said. "We got married at 10 a.m. and then we went to our farm and we had a big dinner: soup, chicken pie, you name it."
"We had the orchestra come in for two hours so you could dance and have supper. Then after supper we all went to the hall and we danced till 2 or 3 at that time," Betty added.
"It was funny in those days everybody was greeted at the door with a shot, and some boys that were in our group would go out the door and come back in so they could get another shot," she laughed. "And then finally that was recognized and it was put to an end."
The next chapter of their lives was raising 11 children on the family farm, which has been in the Kress family for 100 years now.
"When you think back… How did I ever do it?" Betty said. "You get up in the morning and there's cows to milk, I could never go out because there was always babies and stuff in the house."
"That was the big livelihood, shipping cream," Martin added. "In those days it was a little extra money."
Betty and Martin said they learned many lessons along the way.
"My mom sometimes said to me take a mouth full of water instead of always arguing," Betty chuckled. "I almost choked many times because I had my mouth full of water. If I would say black he would say white and if I would say white he would say black."
When asked what part of the 70 years they treasure the most, Martin looked over to Betty, smiled and said, "I guess living together."
SaskatchewanWeddingMarriageAnniversaryLoveKendal


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STEMM Idol: Joe DeLong
Students had the opportunity to hear from a professional engineer during the STEMM Idol Speaker Series presentation on Tuesday, February 2.
Joe DeLong is a structural engineer at Shell + Meyer Associates Structural Engineers in Kettering. He has worked there since graduating from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree.
"In high school, I enjoyed math and science classes," said DeLong. "When looking at what college majors were available, I gravitated towards engineering and went to UD."
DeLong noted that after "learning the ropes" of building structural design as an engineering intern, he passed the structural Principles and Practice of Engineering Exams to become a licensed Professional Engineer and designated as a Model Law Structural Engineer.
"Everyday is a new and different adventure," DeLong told the students.
Some of the projects DeLong has provided structural analysis, design and development of construction documents on include Kettering Memorial Hospital Schuster Heart Hospital, University of Dayton/GE EPISCenter, Wright State University Neuroscience Engineering Collaborative, University of Dayton Immaculate Conception Chapel renovation, and the Dayton Metro Library Main Library renovation and addition.
"I don't know that I really had an opportunity to learn about engineering in high school so it's great that there is a STEMM program at CJ," DeLong shared. "Your career is a majority of where you spend your lifetime so it's good to enjoy it and feel like it's rewarding. I'm thankful that I have that in my career."
Capstone Teaches About 5-2-1-0 Plan
5-2-1-0 more than a math problem. It's the name of a campaign to help stop childhood obesity and the focus behind a Senior Capstone Project.
Seniors Carlos Estrada-Sanchez, Anna Miller, Colin Monroe and Natalie Murray said, "Moving into college we understand that it will be difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We wanted to get into the habit now so that we can avoid that dreaded freshman 15. Research on 5-2-1-0 really helped teach us about our upcoming lifestyle choices."
5-2-1-0 stands for five fruits and vegetables, two hours or less of screen time, one hour of more of physical activity and zero sugary drinks each day. The group chose Becky Gonter-Dray, RD CSP LD, as their mentor for this project.
"I work with Natalie Murray's mother at Dayton Children's," Gonter-Day explained. "We also both attend St Christopher Catholic Church and School. When Natalie expressed an interest in nutrition I agreed to assist."
On Wednesday, January 27, the group met with students at St. Christopher School to explain the importance of 5-2-1-0.
"The group decided to work with St Christopher School since Natalie attended this grade school," shared Gonter-Day. "Sharing the CJ and Catholic values with younger students reinforces how lucky these students are to be receiving a Catholic education!"
"We all felt like we made a positive impact to the students," the capstone group added. "They were engaged and excited to learn about the 5-2-1-0 plan."
The group plans to return to St. Christopher School in a few weeks to see if the students have noticed any differences since adopting a 5-2-1-0 plan.
"We hope the students understand that it's not about what you look like, it's how you feel," the group emphasized. "We also hope they see that this is a realistic plan."
Vega, Phoenix, and Alumni to Perform in A Capella Concert
No instruments will be needed when members of Phoenix and Vega perform at the CJ "A Cappella Concert" on Sunday, January 31 at 2 p.m. in the CJ auditorium.
"The great thing about A Cappella groups is that each one is very different in how they perform and the songs they select," said Vega director, Bryan Sharpe. "Each group represented on Sunday will be performing in a style that is unique to them. The audience can expect to hear and see very different takes on a really wide variety of music."
"I remember being little and coming to open houses and seeing Vega perform, and I've known that I've wanted to be in this group for a long time," noted first-year Vega member, Alexis Jackson '17.
Phoenix's Director, Madeline Brown '13, shared that the group will be performing some of their favorite songs as well as some new ones.
"Phoenix will be performing all the songs we have been working on thus far," explained Brown. "We're really excited to bring new energy to the songs."
The concert will also feature several CJ alumni who are now involved in their own A Cappella groups in college.
"I am most excited to see Vega alumni perform college level A Cappella," said Jackson. "I'm sure they're going great things and there is a lot I can learn from them."
"I am really looking forward to this show's collaborative nature," added Sharpe. "There are two college groups that contain CJ alumni who will be performing which is going to create great energy and excitement for the performers and audience members. There is a lot that each group can learn from and it's always exciting to see what kind of creativity each group will bring."
Director of Performing Arts, Debi Schutt, noted, "I think it will be neat to bring alumni who were in CJ's first A Cappella groups back because they were passionate about the programs at CJ. In a lot of cases, these students were at the forefront of starting their own A Cappella groups at their college."
"I am excited to get the students exposed to college groups and what they can expect if they want to continue A Cappella in the future," Brown affirmed.
After the concert, Vega's third studio album, "Enamored" will be available for purchase. Those who are interested in purchasing the CD but are unable to attend the concert can email Sharpe, Brown, Schutt or Drama and Choir Teacher Caitlin Bennett.
"In addition to celebrating the awesome work of past years' groups in making this CD, this concert is also serving as a great performance experience as we are preparing our competition sets for International Championship of High School A Cappella quarterfinals at Centerville High School next month," Sharpe shared. You can learn more about that competition here.
Finalists Take the Stage for Poetry Out Loud
Update: Congratulations to Thomas Ellison who was the winner of CJ's 2016 Poetry Out Loud Competition. Ellison is also the first male to win the comeptition.
12 students will participate in the final round of CJ's Poetry Out Loud competition on Thursday, January 28.
"Poetry Out Loud is a great celebration of poetry and captures the performance aspect of this genre which is sometimes inaccessible to our students," shared English Department Chair Molly Bardine. "The evening showcases a talent many of our students do not have the opportunity to share with others- their interpretation of a poem and the reading of the poem based on this interpretation."
The finalists for CJ's competition are Rachel Boll '19, Caroline Delaney '18, Thomas Ellison '16, Daniel Feldman '16, Tabitha Jordan-Nickels '16, Will Marshall '19, JaiShawn Norman '19, Bella Peters '17, Noah Mussin Phillips '17, Emily Thie '16, Jacob Troutwine '17, and Peyton Wade '19.
"CJ is always encouraging our students to take risks and the competition, beginning in the classroom and ending in this final school wide contest, is one specific way students are challenged to tap into a newly found creative gift they may discover through Poetry Out Loud," Bardine noted.
The finalists were asked which poems they would be reciting and their thoughts about the event. Here is what some of them said:
Delaney: "I am performing Monet Refuses The Operation by Lisel Mueller and Kindness by Yusef Komunyakaa. I am most excited about being able to perform two poems that really speak to me. I am also looking forward to seeing everyone else's performances. Poetry is all around us, and Poetry Out Loud allows students to interpret poetry in their own way. It is very freeing."
Ellison: "I am performing The Delta by Bruce Bond and Translations from the English by George Starbuck. What makes Poetry Out Loud exciting is that not only are you getting a chance to admire different types of literature but you are also getting a history lesson as well. You get to put yourself in the shoes of another person and it challenges your comprehension of how you act and express a poem. I enjoy stepping out of the norm and becoming another person as I recite."
Feldman: "I will be reciting Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by Yvor Winters and The Cities Inside Us by Alberto Rios. I am excited for the competition, it is always fun to hear one's schoolmates share the pieces they have prepared over the course of weeks. Poetry Out Loud is a fun chance to see and hear some great art from sources of talent throughout CJ."
Peters: "My first poem is Over the Roofs by Sara Teasdale and my second poem is The Death of Allegory by Bill Collins. I think why I love Poetry Out Loud is I have never been good with auditions. I have never gotten more than a minor character and have never had more than two speaking lines in a play. Poetry Out Loud gives me the opportunity to act and be onstage and is a break from the science I generally excel at."
Thie: "I am reciting The Legend by Garrett Hongo and A Country Boy In Winter by Sarah Orne Jewett. I chose The Legend because I think it has a powerful and touching meaning. I chose A Country Boy in Winter because I find that is a light and uplifting portrayal of the joys of childhood and looking forward to adulthood. I am most excited to bring these poems alive for the audience."
Troutwine: "I am reciting The Origin of Order by Pattiann Rogers and Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. I am very excited to be participating in the finals for Poetry Out Loud. I've put in quite a bit of work to make my poems expressive, and with no errors in wording. I strive to try to understand and emulate the author's original syntax and meaning, while still adding my own personal style. I hope that the audience can feel the emotion of the poem through my speech."
Wade: "I am reading the poems Late Summer by Jennifer Grotts and I chose the poem because I love how summer has a certain feel and era to it, just like that poem explains. I am also reading Ways of Talking by Ha Jin. I chose this poem because I am aware of the feeling of grief and I think that the poem gives an insight to the feelings of the people who are overwhelmed with grief. I am most excited about performing. I really like to be on stage and reciting a dramatic poem only makes it better."
CJ Celebrates Language Week
Salut! Hallo! ¡Hola!
Chaminade Julienne is recognizing all foreign languages and American Sign Language as part of the annual Language Week, which began on Monday, January 25.
"Language Week allows CJ as a community to truly embrace our diversity and the unique abilities of our students: both for those who speak a foreign language, as well as those who are currently learning a new language," shared German Teacher and Language Club Moderator Katie Harding.
"We want the students to see other uses for language besides what they study in class," added Spanish Teacher and Language Department Chair Peg Regan '73. "We want to raise awareness throughout the school so students who aren't in language classes can be aware of what we do."
During the week, students hear festive music from different countries before their first class of the day. The morning prayers are also read in a foreign language.
On Tuesday, students in Harding's class made a traditional German breakfast snack, grießbrei (semolina porridge).
"This year we are basing Language Week more on the culture," said Nate Reuter '17. "My dad is fluent in German and my sister took four years of German when she went to CJ. I am in German 3 now and my brother is taking German 1."
Lizzie Ruetschle '17, who is also in German 3, added, "Learning German is historical for me. My family is from Germany and I went to Germany last summer."
Throughout the week, students can be seen wearing buttons with phrases from a different language.
"I love the buttons because everyone is trying to figure out what the message is on each one," noted Regan.
Other activities planned for the week include a scavenger hunt, trivia, a chopsticks competition, the delivery of thank you cards and Spanish and French-inspired treats to the CJ faculty and staff.
Harding said, "I am most looking forward to distributing thank you cards that our foreign language students have made to faculty and staff in the building. Our students have taken some time to really think of nice things to say and thank their teachers and the staff here. I can see clearly that they are truly thankful for the education they receive here, and feel blessed to be a part of our community."
STEMM Idol: Kelly Sodders, BSN, RN, NE-BC
"I'm a nurse. It's an art and science."
Kelly Sodders, BSN, RN, NE-BC shared with students exactly what she meant by those words when she presented during the STEMM Idol Speaker Series on Tuesday, January 26.
"With healthcare now-a-days, we are trying to get students to understand that healthcare is just as much about an art, and it's that communication and that relationship building," Sodders explained. "Without those skills, you won't be successful at the nursing tasks."
Sodders is the Magnet Program Manager for Good Samaritan Hospital and Upper Valley Medical Center. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Wright State University and is currently pursuing her Master of Science degree in nursing administration.
"I work towards nursing excellence," Sodders said. "I am constantly looking at outcomes and patient satisfaction."
Sodders shared that her passion for nursing started when she was young, after her mother spent nearly a year in the hospital.
"That experience really changed my scope and focus," expressed Sodders. "You want to make sure the art piece of what we do really connects with the patient and the family."
Sodders has been a nurse for 12 years and has worked during that time for Premier Health (the parent company of Good Samaritan Hospital and Upper Valley Medical Center). She is also the Chair of the Premier Health Nursing Recognition Committee, Magnet Champions, Grievance Committee, and Patient Experience Coaches meetings.
Some of Sodders accomplishments include leading and coordinating a three-day Magnet site visit at Good Samaritan Hospital and co-facilitating a joint commission regulatory survey. On a day-to-day basis, Sodders manages the Good Samaritan Hospital Patient Experience Department and is responsible for the design and implementation of processes and procedures involving the Professional Practice Model and Magnet status.
2015 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
A class reunion of sorts took place when seven CJ alumni were inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame on January 23, 2016. Six of the honorees are members of the Class of 2005.
"The 2015 CJ Hall of Fame Induction Class is headlined by arguably the most accomplished athletic class in school history," said Mike Lehner, Associate Director of Development. "The six athletes being recognized this year are all in their first year of eligibility for consideration and went on to compete at the Division 1 level in college for their respective sport. Simply put, no collection of individual athletes in school history accomplished more while at CJ and after than the Class of 2005."
The inductees were recognized during halftime of the 7:30 p.m. home men's varsity basketball game against Roger Bacon on Friday, January 22.
Patrick Mansfield '05
One of the most decorated swimmers in school history, Mansfield swam on varsity all four years of his high school career and remains the school record holder in both the 100 and 200 meter freestyle. He was a two-time state qualifier (2003, 2004) in both the 100 and 200 and finished in the top six in both events at the 2004 State Finals. He won the sectional championship in the 200 free his senior season and was third at the district meet. Mansfield continued his swimming career by earning an athletic scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh.
Maria Getty '05
In a program full of historically great players, the 2005 class stands above them all when it comes to women's basketball at CJ. Getty's accomplishments include being named to the 1st team all-state twice while leading her teams to two state championships (2003 & 2005), a runner-up finish (2004) and a combined 99-7 record during her four years. In 2005, she was named Ms. Ohio Basketball by the Associated Press, and was the recipient of the Rae Burick Award. Getty continued her playing career at Villanova University on an athletic scholarship where she was a four year starter and named to the Big East all-academic team all four years.
Aisha Jefferson '05
Jefferson was one of the most dominant post players in the country during her four year career at CJ. She earned countless national accolades and was named as Ms. Ohio Basketball by the Ohio State Basketball Coaches Association for 2005 (no other team in state history has had two different players be recognized as the state player of the year on the same team). Along with the team accomplishments already listed (see Getty), USA Today ranked CJ #1 in the country twice during their careers and named Jefferson one of its recipients of the National Player of the Week in 2005. In 2004, Jefferson was a participant in the USA Women's Youth Development Team, and after graduation she went on to play at Michigan State University. She was a three time captain at MSU and finished her career 11th and 13th on the all-time MSU scoring and rebounding lists.
Derrick Brown '05
Brown is the only player in school history to go on to play in the NBA. He was a three year varsity starter who helped lead the Eagles to the State final four in 2005. He was named Player of the Year in the GCL and earned all state honors in both 2004 and 2005. After graduating from CJ, Brown received a full athletic scholarship to Xavier University and led the Musketeers to wins in the NCAA tournament in each of his three seasons. Following graduation, Brown was selected 40th overall in the NBA draft and played in the NBA for three seasons.
Javon Ringer '05
Football and Track
Ringer was named 1st team all state in football three times and set the record for most rushing yards and touchdowns in a state championship game (251 yards and 4 touchdowns) while leading the Eagles to their only state championship in school history as a sophomore. Ringer also excelled on the track, where he clocked a 10.6 100 meter dash. Following graduation, he accepted an athletic scholarship to play football at Michigan State University and finished his career at MSU as its all-time leader in total yards. After graduating from MSU he was selected in the 5th round by the Tennessee Titans and spent four years in the NFL.
Jaimel Johnson '05
As a three year varsity goaltender for the Eagles women's soccer program, Johnson set school records for fewest goals allowed in school history. She was named to the Dayton All-Area team all three years, and her final season she was selected as the Division 1 player of the year, along with first team all-state. She continued her playing career in college after receiving an athletic scholarship to the University of Tennessee. While in Knoxville, Johnson earned All-American nods and was named a finalist for soccer's highest award, the Hermann Trophy, in 2007.
George Menker '55
In 2007, George Menker took on the task of starting the girl's golf program at CJ. The girls have an all time record of 204-48 in nine years, and have finished an astounding 131 - 9 over the past five seasons. They have finished in the top four in the state championship each of the past five seasons, including winning it all in 2011. Menker has had six girls go on to receive athletic scholarships at the collegiate level and he has won five straight GCL, Sectional and District Championships.
Click the picture to view larger photos of the halftime Athletic Hall of Fame presentation. Photos courtesy Matt Allaire '16
Students Travel To Washington, D.C. for March for Life
More than 30 students, parents and faculty left on Wednesday, January 20 to participate in the 43rd National March for Life in Washington, D.C.
"It was important for me to take this trip because I wanted to show what I believe through my actions," shared Mo Zopff '16. "I believe by taking these steps to go on this trip, I may be motivating others to do the same."
"I think it's important to show our legislators how many people are pro-life," echoed Sam Teague '16.
Teacher Karen Emmerich organized this year's trip and has done so for several years.
"There is a spot when we get next to the Capitol building where I stop and look behind me at all the people because it is so astounding that there are so many people participating in a shared purpose," reminisced Emmerich.
On Thursday, the group visited the United States Holocaust Memorial and heard from presenters at the Susan B. Anthony List.
As snowfall began heading towards Washington, D.C. and learning federal offices and subway transportation would shut down on Friday, it was decided for the safety of the group to begin traveling home on Friday prior to the March.
"It was a bummer that we didn't get to march," shared Sarah Mason '16. "But, I really enjoyed going to the Susan B. Anthony List to listen to presentations and just spending time in D.C. with my fellow classmates and getting to know them more."
On Friday morning, the group attended the Youth Rally & Mass for Life at the Verizon Center before departing for Dayton. They made it safely home on Friday night.
Pictures courtesy Mo Zopff '16 and Tom Zopff
Performing Arts Students Participating in OMEA Competition
More than 20 performing arts students will be playing their instruments or singing for a judge in the Ohio Music Education Association's adjudicated event at Stebbins High School on Saturday, January 23.
"It's giving everyone new opportunities and it's something exciting for everyone to do," shared vocalist Ashley Gerhard '18.
16 solo vocalists, four solo instrumentalists and two instrument ensembles will represent CJ at the event. Seniors , Jazmin Harris, Tabitha Jordan-Nickels, and Asha Talib will be performing a flute trio.
"I have been friends with Jazmin and Tabitha since freshman year and we haven't done something like this before," reflected Talib. "For it to be our senior year and to prepare and play a piece of music with my friends is one of the greatest experiences ever."
All students will perform in front of a judge who specializes in the student's vocal or instrumental field.
"It makes me a little nervous because they'll be watching for things that someone who doesn't play flute wouldn't necessarily see," said Harris. "The judge will probably give us some corrective criticism afterwards."
"I think anytime you can perform for a different set of ears or a different educator, it's great because you can get their thoughts," added Debi Schutt, Director of Performing Arts.
Drama and choir teacher, Caitlin Bennett, agreed, "I am excited for the students to have the experience of being adjudicated and getting feedback. We keep saying when an individual improves, the group improves. This helps them focus on different things and getting feedback on things they hadn't thought about before."
Harris, Jordan-Nickels, and Talib shared that after they graduate, they hope to continue playing flute in college. All three are interested in attending the University of Cincinnati and playing in the school's concert or pep bands.
"I have put seven years into this instrument and to quit a hobby is something hard to do, especially when I love playing with my friends," Harris said.
Good luck to all students participating in the OMEA competition!
Students Perform the National Anthem Before Home Basketball Games
This year, the men's and women's Eagle basketball games not only have great athletes on the court, but student singers are getting a moment to shine while performing the National Anthem.
Previously, an instrumental recording of the "Star Spangled Banner" played before each game.
"A student asked me if they could sing for a basketball game," drama and choir teacher Caitlin Bennett explained. "I spoke with Acting Athletic Director, Jason Unger, and he agreed that this was a good opportunity."
CJ a cappella groups, Vega and Phoenix, have performed the Star Spangled Banner as ensembles and individual members from those groups have also performed separately. Additionally, several students who are not affiliated with a performing arts group have showcased their talents by singing the National Anthem.
"I have always liked to sing," shared Maddy Schwab '16, who performed the "Star Spangled Banner" before the women's basketball game on Wednesday, January 13. "This was another opportunity to share my gifts and talents with the CJ community. Also, I always get excited about opportunities like this because it helps me grow as a performer."
Bennett added, "We wanted to give students another performance opportunity, especially for the soloists. A lot of the singers aren't in the musical or may not participate in the talent show, so this is a great opportunity."
Unger agreed, "It's amazing anytime you can combine groups from different areas, especially athletics and performing arts. It is also great for our students, parents and fans to see our students performing."
Auditions to sing the National Anthem were held before the basketball season began. Bennett noted that this student opportunity is something she would like to continue for years to come.


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Eagles agree to trade DeMarco Murray to Titans
Published on Friday, 11 March 2016 00:54
Written by Teresa M. Walker
By Teresa M. Walker
DeMarco Murray will be leaving Philadelphia after only one season for Tennessee in a trade the Titans hope gives them the running threat they've lacked since releasing Chris Johnson, while the Eagles rid themselves of one of the contracts signed by former coach Chip Kelly.
"A trade (and) a new contract has been orchestrated to make (DeMarco Murray) a member of the Tennessee @Titans," Murray's agents at SportsTrust Advisors wrote on Twitter on Monday night.
Murray signed a five-year, $40 million contract with $21 million guaranteed with Philadelphia last year, and a person familiar with the trade told The Associated Press that Murray agreed to rework his deal. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal will not be announced until Wednesday.
ESPN first reported the trade.
Other terms of the deal were not immediately available. The Titans hold the No. 1 pick in the April draft and have eight draft picks — three in the top 64 selections.
Murray led the NFL in rushing for 1,845 yards with 13 touchdowns in Dallas in 2014 and was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year. But he was considered a bust in Kelly's offense, running for only 702 yards with the Eagles last season when forced to run out of the shotgun formation instead of deeper in the backfield. Murray did run for 112 yards Oct. 19 against the Giants.
Kelly was fired before the final game of the season, and Murray's longest run of the season came on his first carry of that game, a 54-yard scamper for a touchdown with the quarterback under center and Murray lined up several yards behind him.
The Eagles hired Doug Pederson in January, but hadn't been expected to trade Murray if only to avoid a $13 million salary cap hit.
This will be the first big move by new Titans general manager Jon Robinson, who was hired in January to turn around a franchise that has gone 5-27 since releasing Johnson in April 2014 to avoid the final three seasons of a $53.5 million deal. Johnson was the last running back to run for 100 yards in a game for Tennessee, a drought that stretches back to December 2013.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota ran for 112 yards on Dec. 6 in a win over Jacksonville, but that number was boosted by an 87-yard touchdown run. The Titans ranked 25th in the NFL last season, averaging 92.8 yards rushing per game, and new coach Mike Mularkey has talked about running the ball much more next season.
Murray, a six-year veteran has run for 5,228 yards and 34 touchdowns in his career, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He also has 215 receptions for 1,522 yards. Adding Murray also brings some much-needed experience to the Titans' offense, which had rookies take 25.8 percent of the snaps last season.


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Campus Circle > Film > Blog
Film: Blog
Westside Pavilion to Host The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Release Party!
By Campus Circle Staff
The third installment and "defining chapter" in The Hobbit franchise isn't opening in theaters until Wednesday, Dec. 17, but you can celebrate the upcoming movie with activities, giveaways and more a few weeks earlier at the Westside Pavilion in Los Angeles.
On Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies will be celebrating its release with activities that include Sprinkles cupcake decorating for the first 200 kids, a photo booth, face-painting and a balloon artist. We also heard that some of the giveaway prizes include screening tickets!
Based on the classic J.R.R. Tolkien series and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and the Company of Dwarves.
For more information on the event, click here.
Article posted on 11/25/2014
Bluesound Pulse Wireless Home Theater will change the way you enjoy movies at home: review
Netflix releasing 'Cobra Kai' on New Year's Day, a week earlier than expected
The Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone coming to Blu-Ray and Digital on Dec. 8th
"GUNDA" Opens on 12/11 for an exclusive one-week run on virtual cinema in NY and L.A.
Luxor - Watch the trailer! On VOD & Digital December 4th
Is Shia LaBeouf in 'brownface'? Cholo role raises question of who gets to adopt whose culture
Movie theaters are still shut down — and with them, the power of challenging cinema
"Bill & Ted Face The Music" hits theatres on August 14th. Watch the trailer!
"2 Hearts" coming to theatres on Friday, September, 11. Watch the trailer!
Tom Cruise is working with NASA and SpaceX to film a movie on the International Space Station


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Category Archives: 2012 Spring Newsletter
SP Dealer Dennie Rhoads, BP Marketer
"Tread gently on our hills, Tread gently. You are on hallowed ground." This message is in an old white clapboard church, now renamed the Flight 93 Chapel. The Somerset church was refurbished and renamed in honor of the passengers of Flight 93. Huddled at the back, the passengers decided to rush the cockpit. Who can forget Todd Beamer's command of, "Let's roll!" They battled fiercely to recover the plane and the terrorists had no choice but to crash. Those few courageous Americans saved countless lives.
For almost thirty years, Dennie and Yvonne Rhoads have operated a mini-mart in Somerset PA. Back to the 1800s, Dennie's ancestors have lived in the area. Dennie graduated from Somerset High School in 1967, and as a junior played football on their last undefeated team. In May 1969, shortly after he was drafted into the Army, to go to Vietnam, Dennie and Yvonne were married in that same church that is Flight 93 Chapel today. In early 1970, with a two-week-old baby girl at home, Dennie left home for a one-year tour in Vietnam operating in a recovery unit between Da Nang and Quang Tri.
Rhoads Mini-Mart has an old-fashioned feel. It has all the new-store amenities and products. But over on one side is a smaller room that holds extra stock, a lottery machine, old signs and promotional items, and a well-worn wooden park bench and assorted rocking chairs. Daily, elderly local men sit back there and drink coffee and solve the world's problems. That room makes it much more than a convenience store. Rhoads' is a place for life-long friendships. Returning from Vietnam, Dennie worked six years in a coal mine. He enjoyed the camaraderie of the underground world. The joyful way Dennie describes work in the mine illustrates that he is a person who sees the glass as half- full, someone you would like to have as a partner, or next to you in a foxhole. After the Flight 93 crashed, Dennie transported soup and sandwiches to Police and the FBI. When asked by the Daily American, Somerset's newspaper, how he felt about volunteering, Dennie said, "I'm very patriotic and this means a lot me. It's hard to describe. It's wonderful we can honor the families for the sacrifices they made."
Somerset has a rich history and was the central stage of the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. In 2002, nine miners trapped by flooding 240 feet underground for 77 hours were all rescued in the Quecreek coal mine. Somerset has ski resorts nearby and Mt. Davis, which has Pennsylvania's highest elevation. Its local vineyards produce a wide variety of wines.
Dennie took me to the Flight 93 Memorial through the Glessner Covered Bridge. Built in 1881, the bridge spans across Stony Creek. Driving through picturesque green mountains, we crossed this spectacular bridge. How ironic that we were headed to one of America's famous disaster sites passing through one of our most beautiful old structures. Dennie knows the people in all of the houses we passed. His uncle lived there and a cousin lived there. We passed one quaint house and Dennie quietly said, "My friend Gordy Kimmel lived there. Gordy didn't make it back from Vietnam." Flight 93 crashed onto a reclaimed strip mine. Driving into the National Park, it has a surreal feel, a flattened mountain with moss-like vegetation starting to grow on the rolling treeless hills. Dennie used to hunt grouse and small game on the adjacent farm, owned by his aunt and late uncle, where now stands the wall of names honoring the heroes of Flight 93. It is a haunting experience for anyone. But for Dennie, a military veteran with his history in the area, and the personal experiences he had volunteering with his family, friends and neighbors, one can sense the exponential effect this memorial has on him, and how much Dennie loves America. Yvonne is one of five girls all raised in Somerset. Her sisters live all around the country. Yvonne's mother said to her, "You're the only one who stayed." Yvonne lifted a finger and pointed to Dennie, smiled and said, "I stayed because of him." Even after over forty years of marriage, and thirty years working together in the store, one recognizes the true friendship and genuine love between Dennie and Yvonne. She is a registered nurse and continued working as a nurse the first year they had the store. They raised three children who all live close by; a daughter Paula who is a pharmacist, a son Michael who is very successful in the construction business, and another daughter Jacglen (named after both her grandfathers) who is a physical therapist. They sent the girls to college and paid for their weddings. They have five grandchildren, all boys. Michael bought almost 70 acres of forested land nearby. They hunt and ride quads on this fertile mountainous paradise. Someday Michael will sell the timber on the land to pay for his children's college education. Dennie is proud of his children's long-time association and accomplishments with 4-H. Dennie said his kids worked in the store growing up, and learned valuable lessons that helped them forge a strong work-ethic.
BPc-storeCountywide PetroleumFlight 93Flight 93 Memorialgas stationRhoads