text:
5 Things to do in Billings Before Summer Ends
Michael Foth Published: August 11, 2020
Credit: Johnny Vincent, Townsquare Media
It seems like summer just got started and now it's already winding down. If you've lived in Montana longer than a year or two, you realize the summer season is ridiculously short. According to the calendar, the official last day of summer is September 21, just over a month away. The unofficial end of the season is quickly approaching on Labor Day weekend. Pre-coronavirus, we usually cram as many fun activities as possible into three months with Alive After 5's, outdoor concerts and festivals, rodeos, and many other events. This year has certainly been a little different. I guess we can try again next year? Anyway, here are five things you should probably check off your list before summer winds down.
1. Get ice cream at Softie's. This soft-serve ice cream shack on the corner of 24th and Broadwater is busy every single day they're open in the summer months. When the season ends, Softie's closes their windows for the year. They usually stay open (at least on the weekends) into late September or early October, depending on the weather.
Credit: TSM Billings
2. Spend a day at Lake Elmo. Montana is pretty awesome, but one thing we're lacking is plentiful beaches. While some people call the state park in the Heights "Lake Smellmo," that's a bit of an exaggeration. The water isn't that bad. Kids can enjoy the fairly sandy beach areas and shallow approach for swimming, and it's a great spot to hang out, fish, barbecue or picnic and enjoy an afternoon of sunshine.
Credit: Michael Foth ~ Townsquare Media
3. Catch a movie at the Amusement Park Drive In Theater. The Amusement Park Drive In Theater has been enjoying a busy year, as other theater chains have remained closed because of COVID. There haven't been any new film releases this year, but the drive-in has been showing various classics all summer long on their two giant screens. One nice thing about the days getting shorter is that you don't have to wait so long for the movies to start when the sun sets.
Credit: ZooMontana ~ used with permission
4. Visit ZooMontana. Yes, the zoo is open year-round, but when was the last time you went to the zoo in January? Never. If it's been a few years since you've been to ZooMontana, it's seriously worth another visit. A few weeks ago they got a new sloth named Winston. They also have a new wolf pup and the bison exhibit is a relatively new addition as well.
Credit: Getty Stock/ThinkStock
5. Go camping or glamping. Camping has enjoyed a national resurgence as American's flocked in droves to outdoor areas this year. Montana is no exception, with many camping spots reserved well in advance at Forest Service campgrounds. If you're not huge on roughing it, see if you can snag a spot at Billings KOA. Many outdoor enthusiasts would scoff at the idea of staying at the world's first KOA, but if you prefer to dip a toe into camping, instead of jumping all-in, this is a great way to have some fun. It's very developed, with RV and tent spots, a cafe, ice cream socials, hot showers, and other amenities. Make a reservation ASAP to save your spot before fall.
Soak up what's left of summer around Billings, before it's too late. The snow will be here sooner than you think.
LOOK: See inside the Billings Castle complete with drawbridge
Filed Under: Camping, drive-in theater, end of summer, featured, KOA, Lake Elmo, Softie's, Summer
Categories: Best Of Billings, Food, News
Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office Encourages Neighbors App
5 Awesome Spots for Epic Rooftop Pools in Billings
What is the Most Famous Brand That Started in Montana?
From Great Falls to Baker, Here's Who's Playing at Montana Fairs
(OPINION) What Happened to Our Amazing Water Parks, Billings?
Weekend Getaways – Eastern Montana Two Day Adventures
Love BBQ? Head to Absarokee this Weekend for MT BBQ Cook-Off
Laurel Drive-In Movie Theater Screen Erupted in Flames Monday
This Fun Summer Poker Run in Bridger, MT is Like None Other


Completely taken with her elegance, Kinbo twirled his bride around in her flowing, perfect wedding gown.
Overcome with excitement, Katie snuggled up to her groom's shoulder – against the crisp, pressed fabric of his Dress Blues, her smile never-ending.
And in that sweet First Look moment, Katie and Kinbo began their wedding day together – after so so so many years of doing life in separate places. They've weathered long-distance for nine years, (!!!) racked up countless airline miles, and lived off long phone calls and weekend trips — but for this sweet, patient pair, this moment made it ALL worth it.
Everything at their Summit House wedding was so perfectly thoughtful – just as Katie and Kinbo are.
Kinbo knew that Katie loves ginkgo trees, and would want to plant one at their forever home someday. So that sweet man bought her a ginkgo tree! Katie gifted Kinbo with a handsome watch, which resembled the one his late father had given him. Katie knew this would be the perfect symbol of his father, so his memory could be with them on their wedding day.
I mean, come on! These two know each other so well, and you betta believe we shared some sweet tears in these precious moments!!
Katie and Kinbo's said their "I do's" in the gorgeous space at Coyote Hills Golf Course, and soon after, their guests showered them with encouragement and celebration at their lovely reception at the Summit House Restaurant, just a short drive away.
Their guests toasted to their kindness, to their graciousness, and to how this couple has been SUCH a bright light in this world. Both Katie and Kinbo love without condition, give without question, and share a smile with anyone they encounter – and it was oh-so special to see their true character celebrated on such a special day.
Katie & Kinbo — you two make our hearts absolutely BURST with smiles!! We felt so honored to be welcomed into your wedding day – more than just capturing your story, we felt so honored to be included in celebrating YOU. We cannot wait to see you flourish and we hope marriage is the BEST adventure yet!


text:
Q: png image copied to another image php I'm trying to add a png image onto another image. The only problem I have is that the png image is creating a transparent background around it instead of having the background of the other image.
Here's the image:

Expected result:

This is the code:
<?php
    $img_name = "image_" . date("U") . ".png";
    $whoareyou_src = imagecreatefrompng('who-are-you.png');

    create_image($img_name, $whoareyou_src);
    print "";

    function  create_image($img_name, $whoareyou_src) {
        $im = @imagecreate(800, 610) or die("Cannot Initialize new GD image stream");
        $background_color = imagecolorallocate($im, 0, 128, 128);  // teal

        // imagecopy ( resource $dst_im , resource $src_im , int $dst_x , int $dst_y , int $src_x , int $src_y , int $src_w , int $src_h )
        $success = imagecopy($im, $whoareyou_src, 0, 0, 0, 0, imagesx($whoareyou_src), imagesy($whoareyou_src));
        echo "Image Copy: " . $success . "
"; // testing

        imagepng($im, $img_name);

        imagedestroy($im);
        imagedestroy($whoareyou_src);
    }

?>

I thought of setting the background to transparent might help:
imagecolortransparent($whoareyou_src, imagecolorallocate($whoareyou_src, 0, 0, 0));

But this did not change anything.
Update
Tried to use imagecopyresampled and alpha settings but still the same result:
<?php
    $img_name = "image_" . date("U") . ".png";
    $whoareyou_src = imagecreatefrompng('who-are-you.png');

    create_image($img_name, $whoareyou_src);
    print "";

    function  create_image($img_name, $whoareyou_src) {
        $im = @imagecreate(800, 610) or die("Cannot Initialize new GD image stream");
        imagealphablending($im, false);
        imagesavealpha($im,true);

        $background_color = imagecolorallocate($im, 0, 128, 128);  // teal

        $success = imagecopyresampled($im, $whoareyou_src, 0, 0, 0, 0, imagesx($whoareyou_src), imagesy($whoareyou_src), imagesx($whoareyou_src), imagesy($whoareyou_src));
        echo "Image Copy: " . $success . "
";

        imagepng($im, $img_name);

        imagedestroy($im);
        imagedestroy($whoareyou_src);
    }

?>

A: Try something like this...

create_image($img_name, $whoareyou_src);
print "";

function  create_image($img_name, $whoareyou_src) {
    $im = @imagecreatetruecolor(800, 610) or die("Cannot Initialize new GD image stream");
    imagealphablending($im, false);
    imagesavealpha($im,true);

    $background_color = imagecolorallocate($im, 0, 128, 128);  // teal

    // imagecopy ( resource $dst_im , resource $src_im , int $dst_x , int $dst_y , int $src_x , int $src_y , int $src_w , int $src_h )
    $success = imagecopyresampled($im, $whoareyou_src, 0, 0, 0, 0, imagesx($whoareyou_src), imagesy($whoareyou_src));
    echo "Image Copy: " . $success . "
"; // testing

    imagepng($im, $img_name);

    imagedestroy($im);
    imagedestroy($whoareyou_src);
}

?>

A: This should do the trick:
<?php
    $img_name = "image_" . date("U") . ".png";
    $whoareyou_src = imagecreatefrompng('who-are-you.png');

    create_image($img_name, $whoareyou_src);
    print "";

    function  create_image($img_name, $whoareyou_src) {
        $im = @imagecreatetruecolor(800, 610) or die("Cannot Initialize new GD image stream");
        $background_color = imagecolorallocate($im, 0, 128, 128);  // teal
        imagefilledrectangle($im, 0, 0, 800, 610, $background_color);

        // imagecopy ( resource $dst_im , resource $src_im , int $dst_x , int $dst_y , int $src_x , int $src_y , int $src_w , int $src_h )
        $success = imagecopy($im, $whoareyou_src, 0, 0, 0, 0, imagesx($whoareyou_src), imagesy($whoareyou_src));
        echo "Image Copy: " . $success . "
"; // testing

        imagepng($im, $img_name);

        imagedestroy($im);
        imagedestroy($whoareyou_src);
    }

?>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Shovels & Rope (Finale)
Anna Evans
You can always count on Spoleto to go out—quite literally—with a bang. But before fireworks light the sky above Middleton Place, a fantastic, get-on-your-feet band, such as Cedric Watson and Bijou Creole and the Carolina Chocolate Drops, always gets the crowd grooving. And this finale promises to be extra rollicking with Shovels & Rope, homegrown talents shining in the national spotlight, taking the stage.
Alt-rockers in country drag, husband-and-wife duo Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst independently are formidable performers. (Trent was a member of the indie pop-rock band The Films and has two solo albums to his credit; Hearst also has recorded two solo albums, one of which yielded the sinister and hypnotic "Hells Bells," which was featured on the HBO series True Blood.) However, it is their collective voice and their poetic insights into the enduring struggle between darkness and light that make them stand out.
Their plaintive harmonies and austere arrangements evoke images of imperfect characters navigating complicated and heartbroken lives on a wayward odyssey towards redemption and freedom. Expect to be moved by beautifully written songs, sung with passion, that are stark, profound, and distinctly Americana. Their raw energy in concert with the electricity of the capacity crowd will create the perfect atmosphere for the festival's climax.
DOING IT RIGHT:
At $30, the Finale is one of the best deals in town—especially if you do it up right. Here are our tried-and-true tips:
➊ Wear cool clothes and comfortable shoes, as there will be plenty of walking (and sweating).
➋ Pack a picnic, libations, and lots of water. Food and drink concessions will be available on site, but it's tradition to bring your own spread.
➌ Arrive when the gates open to stake out a spot with blankets and chairs. (Settle in well away from the stage if you'll be disturbed by a dance party.)
➍ Tour the grounds, touted as America's oldest landscaped gardens, before the side-stage music begins at 4:15 p.m.
➎ Stay for the main event, Shovels & Rope, who won't take their final bow til the fireworks show begins.
➏ If rain's in the forecast, bring along your gear and a beach tent for shelter. Set up along the edges of the lawn so as not to block others' view of the stage. Or just dance in the rain.
Beer Garden Stage Lineup:
4:15–5 p.m. Roger Bellow and The Drifting Troubadour
5:15–6 p.m. Megan Jean & the KFB
6:15–7 p.m. Rayland Baxter
Music / Garden / Cary Ann Hearst / Festival / Middleton Place / Bells / Gardens / Dance / Drink / Michael Trent / Chocolate / Clothes / Tips / Shelter / Shoes / ONE / Spoleto / Shovels & Rope / Troubadour

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Congratulations on your excellent choice: you're off to the beautiful country of Tunisia. But before you set off, here is all the Tunisia travel advice you need to know, from which adaptors to bring to how to tip.
Is it easy to get there and what's the time difference?
If you fly from the UK in the summer, there is no time difference, while in the winter, Tunisia is one hour ahead. Flights to Tunisia take as little as three hours or less, meaning you can be basking in the glorious sunny weather in no time.
It's also easy to enter the country, as British passport holders don't need a visa for visits of up to three months. Your passport needs to be valid for the duration of your stay, but you don't need it to be valid beyond this time. If you hold an indefinite leave to remain in the UK, you'll need to apply for a visa. European passport holders don't need to apply for a visa, but please note that you'll need a passport to enter Tunisia, as other types of IDs are not valid.
There are a number of excellent hotels offering everything from child-friendly holidays to luxurious all inclusive holidays: even if you book at the last minute, you'll find a varied selection of hotels and holidays available, whether you want to enjoy the 800 miles of sandy beaches, or explore awe-inspiring, UNESCO-classified Roman ruins.
What currency should I bring and do I need to tip?
The currency is the Tunisian dinar. It's easy to find an ATM from which to draw money out, or you can exchange your cash for the local currency at your hotel or at a bank, bureau de change or post office.
Tipping-wise, it's generally expected to add around 10% in restaurants, and to tip drivers and guides too. At restaurants, leave the tip in cash rather than adding it to your card to make sure your waiter gets it.
For a sense of adventure and freedom, you can rent a car in Tunisia. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, and you can rent a vehicle both at your arrival airport or at local car hire offices. The roads are of a good quality and the International Highway Code applies.
However, if you'd rather not drive, there are plenty of other options. To get around locally, using taxis is often the easiest way: bear in mind that you might be charged extra if you have luggage or you're travelling at night. Look for official yellow taxis and ask your driver to use the meter.
To go further afield, you can take one of the country's efficient trains or domestic flights.
What adaptor should I bring?
In Tunisia, Type C and E plugs are used, so you'll need the same type of adaptor you'd use in most European countries, such as France or Spain.
Many Tunisian locals speak good English, and staff at your hotel will speak a range of languages, though if you speak any French, this can be a great help.
Can I bring medicines into Tunisia?
You can bring medicines into Tunisia, but if you have any drugs containing morphine, bring a medical prescription from your GP with it. All other drugs are banned in Tunisia, and if you flout this rule, you could be imprisoned for up to year and slapped with a heavy fine.


Normally I wouldn't consider buying pre-painted figures, but since I'm up to my neck in unpainted lead & plastic as I rush to stock my dungeon I gave these a second look while scanning evilbay.
Finally, the funky free dice with the scary skulls instead of 1's - thrown straight into the dice bag of holding!
I have peered at these more than few times on EM4's website and from what I've seen they are pretty good miniatures all things considered. Although I wouldn't buy them for myself I've often thought they make a great gift for some one who liked the same games as me, but didn't enjoy painting.
The Elfsera 1 "Adventurers" box for instance would provide a non-painter with a full party of characters for a classic dungeon crawls game, likewise the "Large Creatures", "Dungeon Monsters" and "Undead" boxes provide a good variety of monsters, add in the "Fantasy Warriors 2 - Orc Raiders" box to bulk out your encounters and you've got enough monsters for a good handful of adventures.


Ormside Mill Residential Centre is a registered charity (no. 1078029) whose primary purpose is to provide affordable residential experiences for young people.
The Mill, which had previously been used as a private family home, was bought in 1999. The buildings and facilities have gradually developed over the years thanks to the hard work of the staff and a group of committed volunteers, who regularly give their time at the centre.
Most of the groups that stay at the centre are voluntary youth clubs working in disadvantaged communities in the north of England. However we welcome a whole range of groups from schools and colleges, families and corporate groups during the year.
The centre is owned in partnership by the Lancashire Association of Boys and Girls Clubs and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester.
We have 7 bedrooms, sleeping 18 people in single/bunk beds and fresh linen is provided.
A comfortable living room with low beams and a fantastic log burning stove.
A full-equipped self-catering kitchen with a 6-burner gas cooker, microwave, fridge, freezer, pots, pans etc.
The centre sits in its own wooded grounds next to Helm Beck. There is also a large grass paddock, small orchard, paved courtyard, barbecue area and fire pit.
The large barn across the courtyard from the Mill offers a range of extra facilities including a large indoor play area, additional toilets & showers and a drying room.
The classroom area offers a separate meeting space with access to our resource cupboards and a fixed projector and screen.


How can a old student return to an institute to join a different course with the same admission number?
If a student wants to join a difference course with the same admission number after leaving the institute. The student should be reverted from the former student list and batch transferred to the new course.


text:
A Tale of 2 Leaders...
"All (the PC's) are interested in is retaining power at any cost... We've had enough of socialists and liberals masquerading as conservatives... This is what you get when you have a party that is more concerned about trying to be everything to everybody than it is about doing what's right. "
- Danielle Smith, leader of the Wildrose Alliance - June 25, 2010
"Basically I support ... what's written here," one member said during the firearm debate. "I'm just worried about how this may be received in the public and portrayed the media, so I'm voting no."
"You can't get any of your agenda implemented if you can't get elected..."
Wow... way to stick to your guns, stand for what you believe in, and not water down your beliefs in a crass attempt to appeal to just enough Albertans to take power, Danielle.
I'm not saying you're wrong - your party made a lot of unexpectedly expedient political moves to try and appeal to the soft centre on Albertan voters. These moves suggest that if your party DOES win power in 2012, I might not have to move to Cranbrook as a result. Kudos on your political maturity.
Just do us all a favour, and stop trying to pretend you've got the moral high ground, as "true conservatives who won't sell out your core beliefs for power". Because it's clear, based on what went on this weekend, that the object isn't to bring conservative government to Alberta. It's to bring Wildrose government - at whatever the cost.
It's politically smart. It shows an understanding of political reality. It allows for the possibility of good governance.
And it's exactly what the Tories would do, and you criticize them for it.
You're no better.
So stop insulting our intelligence.
Stop pretending.
(Note to the Nation: Actual review of the policy decisions made at the WAP AGM and Policy Conference will be coming soon - this just serves as the appetizer)
Witnessing the watering down of the rhetoric this weekend by the WRA has to illustrate to Albertans that these guys are going to say whatever they want Albertans to hear to get elected, THEN change their agenda to implement all the things they don't have the cajones to say they're going to do.
When you see Mark Dyrholm, Craig Chandler, David Crutcher (and a whole host of Rob Anders wannabes) become candidates for WRA, it will be increasingly more difficult for the WRA to control what is said at the doors. It will be then that the true colors of this movement will be illustrated.
Jun 27, 2010, 3:51:00 p.m.
None of that matters, as all Wildrose MLAs are subject to recall. If they do not do as their constituents want, they can be removed. Also keep in mind that the policies were member driven, not exec driven. If one member speaks about worrying about he media, it does not reflect the rest of the membership or the party itself. In fact, I do believe after the "media concern" fellow spoke, several members spoke in direct disagreement with him. Nice try though.
Jun 27, 2010, 10:12:00 p.m.
The Invisible Hand said...
So... one guy at the microphone says he's willing to soften the gun rights policy to get elected, and you claim that means Danielle Smith (who voted for said policy, according to your own linked article) is "watering down her beliefs in a crass attempt to appeal to just enough Albertans to take power"?
Jun 28, 2010, 3:03:00 a.m.
$1,000,000,000 > $4,700,000,000
Grains of Salt
BREAKING: Electoral Boundaries Final Report
Boutilier to join the Wildrose Alliance caucus...
Guest Blogger Trina Hurdman, on Inspiring Education
Coming on Monday: SAVAGEvision!
A Conversation With Naheed Nenshi


But when I displayed open edits the target "Recording: Let's Dance" was grayed out.
Edit #31518205 target "Recording: Let's Dance" displays rightfully as grayed out.
in some cases the targets of both edits appear as grayed out when one of them is grayed out.


Abstract: We usually carry out geophysical explorations for slope conditions. However, there is no technique to compound and interpret the result of each geophysical exploration now. Therefore, we classified the ground property by self-organizing maps (SOM). The classification result by SOM is relatively conformal with boring data. Therefore, it is recognized that it can be used to improve the interpretative accuracy of compound geophysical explorations.


text:
Jilly Cooper and Joanna Lumley demand stronger animal rights after Brexit
Jilly Cooper and her rescue greyhound Credit: Jay Williams
Helena Horton
Edward Malnick
Bill Oddie
Jilly Cooper and 21 celebrities have demanded the government recognises animal sentience and uses Brexit to strengthen animal rights laws.
In a letter to the Sunday Telegraph, Celebrities including actress Joanna Lumley, Spice Girl Mel C, Springwatch's Bill Oddie, former Bake Off star Sue Perkins, Deborah Meaden from Dragon's Den and the environmentalists Chris Packham and Ben Fogle have called on the government to make the UK the safest place in Europe for animals.
Last night Michael Gove, the Environment Secretary, insisted that the Government would recognise animal sentience in law after Brexit, and said that he would be attending the launch of the group's campaign this week.
"I will continue...


Please select the "Refill/Withdraw" button in the main menu at https://exrates.me/dashboard.
Select the currency you want to replenish from the list in the "Currency" field.
Afterward, you will able to see the wallet which is needed for the transaction.


I am often amazed by the sheer talent on the streets of Sydney. They could be found anywhere, displaying their works, in full glory.
Initially I was cynical, did this guy really made this absolutely gorgeous painting? Then I saw him working on it, filling the outlines with colors.
The colors and shades are so lively, as if they are looking right through you.
These artists always have few prints of their sketches placed on the side and you are free to take as many of them. Here's the two, which I had picked from the above artist's collection. I have placed them nicely in my Journal, like a souvenir.
I was blown away by the below work. The first thing that came to my mind was - no no no this shouldn't be on ground. Why is it on ground?
The artist has facebook and Instagram account too. You can follow his works online.
And that's the creator, in his own world. Look at all the set of colors placed in a line.
I support and appreciate them, not just because they are talented, but because they are pursuing their passion.
So much talent! You captured some very good shots there.
Indeed they are inspiring. Thank you for writing in.
Amazing talent. Love the artwork, nice of you to support them.
yeah aren't they :) Thanks for stopping by.
Yeah I agree too and these artists were amazing.
Wow that's amazing. there is truly so much untapped talent out there. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah, and the second artists draw 3D drawings on road too.
They are so talented and exquisite, just beautiful. Amazing to see them its their passion that guides them.
Yeah, it's inspiring to see them follow their passion.
it is ridiculous how awesome that is.. and I agree.. Why is this on ground!! Artists of centuries ago have gained more fame for less talented creativity and enterprise than that guy!
true, It's amazing how much talent they have. It needs to be showcased through proper medium. Thanks for writing in.


"Exile Warsaw 2014″ – project of creative activities involving refugees, migrants and Poles in Targówek!
The project contained the workshops stories and multicultural theater workshops open to the community of Warsaw – in particular residents, refugees and migrants living in the Targówek district.
The project was divided into workshops stories in Club "Kołatka" on which we collected stories of local residents – young, seniors and refugees, and the theater workshops which focused on the artistic processing of the collected history and construction of these short forms of theater and monologues. The theater forms based on stories of the district created by inhabitanst were composed to dramaturgy of interactive theatrical event "Short stories of long waiting" in a open space in Targówek.
The performance "Short stories of long waiting" – crowning the meeting with seniors and multicultural workshops – held on 21 June 2014 and was set in an international celebration of World Refugee Day. Several hours performance took place on the bus stops, with the final in Square Wiecha.
The project is realized with financial support of of the Warsaw Municipality, of the Targówek district and UNHCR Poland.


text:
Home / Bizarre / FUNNY / Place / Technology / Google Street View Throws Up Shocking & Bizarre Pictures of Humans Without Head Or Limbs, Animals With Two Legs!
Google Street View Throws Up Shocking & Bizarre Pictures of Humans Without Head Or Limbs, Animals With Two Legs!
Bizarre, FUNNY, Place, Technology
The Google street view is an ideal way of checking out a place or a country without moving out of your comfortable couch. It takes you on a tour of historic monuments or exotic countries, all without shelling out a penny. You can check out a neighborhood before you choose to move in but sometimes if you zoom in close, Street view offers you strange and unforgettable visuals.
Google Street View was launched in the US in 2007 and was merged into Google Earth within a year.Indoor views of businesses were added in 2010 and views from the past, in 2014.
Image Source: Keelayjams
The cameras used contain no mechanical parts, with CMOS sensors and an electronic rolling shutter used instead. It is speculated that rapid movement of the camera in panoramic mode causes the resulting distortion in the images.
The disturbing images were captured by Google's Street View that used a 360-degree camera to take vivid sweeping images.
Although the weird sights are available to everyone who has access to the Google Maps, some of these sights were collected and shared by York-based artist Kyle Matthew F Williams, who goes by the handle Keelayjams on Twitter.
The precise reason for the disfigurement of the images has not been found definitively, but there is a speculative theory claiming that the faster moving camera may not have caught enough frames to provide a normal picture.
Image Source: Google Maps
The iPhone users have encountered the same problems when they have moved their picture too rapidly when clicking a picture in panorama mode.
Another conjecture states that multiple exposures may have inadvertently stitched together several varied images into an (incomplete) unit.
Image Source: MrCurramba
This is not the first time that the Google Maps has shared such warped images. Various collections of these strange pictures have been spotted and shared in Google Street View including a baby crawling alone outside a Gucci store, a dead body in the center of the crime scene and a tiger strolling in a car park etc.
[source: dailymail.co.uk]
Google Street View Throws Up Shocking & Bizarre Pictures of Humans Without Head Or Limbs, Animals With Two Legs! Reviewed by 1 on February 18, 2018 Rating: 5


Two Australian shows have been invited to appear in Official Selection at the Series Mania Television Festival in Paris.
One is Puberty Blues and the other is Josh Thomas' Please Like Me, which premieres on ABC2 next week.
Series Mania is in its fourth year in France, premiering new TV series from around the world to industry and public. Both The Slap and East West 101 were selected in previous years.
Josh Thomas and Please Like Me producer Todd Abbott will fly to Paris in April to introduce the screenings and take part in Q&A sessions, after gigs at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Adelaide Fringe Festival.
"I'm just so pleased to get the approval of the French. I generally agree with everything the French approve of, like croissants and croissants filled with almond paste and cheeses and baguettes. And also French boys speaking French," said Thomas.
Please Like Me premieres with a double episode next Thursday 28 February at 9:30pm on ABC2.
Puberty Blues, which also won Best Television Drama Series at the AACTA Awards, has a second season coming to TEN later this year.
Josh Thomas always needs translation as far as I'm concerned, I can barely understand a word he says – which is probably why he's been shunted to ABC2, he needs subtitles.
Why he ever adopted that ridiculous way of speaking is a complete mystery to me, along with his "aren't I a silly sausage" demeanour.
Well that would be interesting to see the French translation of 'two-faced mole'.
Why didn't the ABC screen this show on ABC1 first but instead they're running British programs in the Wednesday comedy line-up?


What comes to your mind? Antique philosophers, playwrights and rhetorics, women with long tangled hair, all dressed in white chitons, and sandal stripes watch tragedy in the open-air theatre or just wander around the magnificent white temples. Athens is not just famous antiquity. Let us prove that to you in our fun team building activity.


text:
Répertoire du Réseau International des programmes de théorie critique
Directory Menu
M.A. in Philosophy and Contemporary Critical Theory
This program concentrates on traditions in modern European thought in which philosophy opens out onto critical diagnoses of the historical present. It grounds its problems and concepts in the appropriate philosophical context, with particular reference to Kant, Hegel, and Marx. Study options include Philosophy and Psychoanalysis, German Critical Theory, Recent Italian Philosophy, and various modules in Modern European Philosophy. The program is located in the Centre for Research in Modern European Philosophy in London, where teaching and research are characterized by a strong emphasis on broad cultural and intellectual contexts and a distinctive sense of social and political engagement.
Stella Sandford, Professor
Peter Osborne, Professor
Penrhyn Road campus
http://fass.kingston.ac.uk/research/crmep/
s.sandford@kingston.ac.uk
Supported by grants to the University of California, Berkeley and Northwestern University from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Produced in collaboration with the University of California Humanities Research Institute (UCHRI).
University of California, Berkeley | copyright © 2016-2023 | All rights reserved | Homepage artwork: Joyce Kozloff, Targets, 2000, detail.
For more information, contact info.ictconsortium@berkeley.edu


text:
Watch Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks' New Mini-Documentary
Stephen Malkmus in "Sparkle Hard: The Movie," directed by Brook Linder
Sparkle Hard: The Movie offers a glimpse into Malkmus' daily life: tennis, horseback riding, and more
By Braudie Blais-Billie
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks have shared a new mini-documentary called Sparkle Hard: The Movie. The 10-minute short film was directed by Brook Linder (who shot the Jicks' "Middle America" video). It offers a glimpse into Stephen Malkmus' daily life in Portland, Oregon. For instance, he plays tennis and rides a horse. It also finds Malkmus playing songs from the band's upcoming album Sparkle Hard. Watch below.
Sparkle Hard is out May 18 (via Matador). So far, the band has shared the singles "Middle America," "Shiggy," and "Refute" with Kim Gordon.
Read Pitchfork's feature "Stephen Malkmus on How to Be a Useful Human."
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks are playing this year's Pitchfork Music Festival Paris, which takes place from November 1-3 at La Grande Halle de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement. Tickets are available now.
TagsVideoStephen Malkmus and the JicksRock
Madonna Announces 2023 Tour of North America and Europe
Luh Tyler Is the Coolest 16-Year-Old Rapper in America
By Alphonse Pierre
Y La Bamba Announce Tour and New Album Lucha, Share New Song
De La Soul Finally Bringing Classic Albums to Streaming Services, Group Confirms
The National Announce Tour and New Album Featuring Taylor Swift, Sufjan Stevens, and Phoebe Bridgers
By Eric Torres
The National Tease New Album With "Mrs. Bridgers," "Taylor," and "Uncle Sufjan"
Nirvana, the Supremes, Nile Rodgers, and More Get 2023 Lifetime Achievement Grammys


JAHR – EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS is a journal that deals with a wide range of bioethical topics. The aim of the Editorial Board is to publish articles related to bioethics in social sciences (sociology, psychology, law, political science, information and communication sciences, pedagogy, education and rehabilitation sciences, speech-language pathology, kinesiology, demography, social activities, security and defence sciences, economics), humanities (philosophy, theology, philology, history, art history, archaeology, ethnology and anthropology, religious sciences), biomedical (medicine, public health, veterinary medicine, dentistry and pharmacology), but also in other sciences. The journal is published twice a year.
Jahr publishes reviewed papers, as well as papers that are not subject to the reviewing procedure, provided they are original and have not been submitted for consideration to any other journal. There are no fees for submitting papers for consideration or for publication. By giving their consent to be published, the authors give the journal the right for the first publication of the paper both in its printed and electronic format. Authors can publish their works in other publications, provided they cite relevant data about their paper's first publication in Jahr.
The reviewed papers are accepted to be published after being positively reviewed by two anonymous reviewers (exceptionally three). The final decision on the publication is made by Editorial Board.
Students are also welcome to submit their paper to the reviewing procedure. Students' papers are published in Students' contributions section.
All papers submitted to Jahr - European Journal of Bioethics undergo double-blind peer-review process in which two anonymous reviewers assess the work in anonymous form. Authors will be at appropriate time informed about the peer-reviewed results and editorial process. Editorial Board reserves the right to adjust the work in accordance with editorial propositions.
The journal publishes uncategorized papers, i.e. overviews of bioethics and other relevant publications published in the past three years in and outside Croatia, as well as reports and announcements of upcoming events relevant to bioethics. These include book reviews, conference reviews, scientific conferences, public lectures etc. Unreviewed articles are published in "Other contributions" section or "Book reviews" section.
The following are the standards of expected ethical behaviour for all parties involved in publishing in the journal JAHR – European Journal of Bioethics: the author, the journal editor and editorial board, the peer reviewer and the publisher.
These guidelines are based on the existing Elsevier policies and COPE's Best Practice Guidelines for Journal Editors.
Publication Decisions: the editor of the journal JAHR is responsible for deciding which of the articles submitted to the journal should be published. The editor is guided by the policies of the journal's editorial board and constrained by such legal requirements as shall then be in force regarding libel, copyright infringement and plagiarism. The editor may consult with the members of the editorial board or reviewers in decision making.
Standards of Objectivity: reviews should be conducted objectively. Personal criticism of the author is inappropriate. Reviewers should express their views clearly with supporting arguments.
Originality and Plagiarism: the authors should ensure that they have written entirely original works, and if the authors have used the work and/or words of others that this has been appropriately cited or quoted. Plagiarism takes many forms, from 'passing off' another author's paper as the one's own paper, to copying or paraphrasing substantial parts of another author's paper (without attribution), to claiming results from research conducted by others. Plagiarism in all its forms constitutes unethical publishing behaviour and is unacceptable. Applicable copyright laws and conventions should be followed. Copyright material (e.g. tables, figures or extensive quotations) should be reproduced only with appropriate permission and acknowledgement.
Hazards: If the work involves chemicals, procedures or equipment that have any unusual hazards inherent in their use, the author must clearly identify these in the manuscript.
Reporting of Research Involving Humans or Animals: Appropriate approval, licensing or registration should be obtained before the research begins and details should be provided in the report (e.g. Institutional Review Board, Research Ethics Committee approval, national licensing authorities for the use of animals). If requested by editors, authors should supply evidence that reported research received the appropriate approval and was carried out ethically (e.g. copies of approvals, licences, participant consent forms). Researchers should not generally publish or share identifiable individual data collected in the course of research without specific consent from the individual (or their representative).
The appropriate statistical analyses should be determined at the start of the study and a data analysis plan for the prespecified outcomes should be prepared and followed. Secondary or post hoc analyses should be distinguished from primary analyses and those set out in the data analysis plan. Researchers should publish all meaningful research results that might contribute to understanding.
For at least twenty years, bioethics has been expanding as a field of interest and hope. A particular momentum was reached after the 1997 discovery of the work of Fritz Jahr (1895-1953), the German teacher and theologian who had been the first to conceive the notion of bioethics as early as 1926. It has been the intention of the journal "Jahr", founded in May 2010, to promote this "European bioethics", as opposed to the mainstream bioethics, narrowed-down to a "new" medical ethics. Jahr's teaching, sublimed into his "bioethical imperative" and reminding of respect toward other living beings, refreshed also Van Rensselaer Potter's (1911-2001) ideas on a broader concepts of "bridge" ethics, environmental ethics, and global ethics.
So, a new dynamic epoch stands in front of us. I thank all the members of the Advisory and Editorial boards for their help in pioneering the journal, and invite them to continue the collaboration with the new Editor-in-Chief. I am gratefull our colleague Stjepka Popović to have taken over this burden that brings no other reward but satisfaction.
10th number of the *Jahr *has been published with a new subtitle *European Journal of Bioethics*. Actually, this is the second edition of the *Jahr *with a new subtitle, but it has brought a whole number of changes. In addition to new Editor-in-Chief and editorial policy, our Editorial Board has become truly international: with the exception of new members from Croatia, members from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Argentina have joined the Editorial Staff. In such a collaborative spirit, we made first arrangements of translating the selected articles to Spanish version for an issue that will be published by University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Our Advisory Board has also been changed and strengthened by prominent and internationally recognized scientists from the USA, Germany, Chile, Slovenia, Italy and Croatia who are dealing with specific bioethical issues. In our ambition to become widely recognized journal of bioethics, we launched the Open Journal System, which will allow all interested readers direct open access to the articles, but also electronic submissions for authors (starting on February 2015). Thus, for the first time the journal has its own website www.jahr-bioethics-journal.com (direct Internet access was possible only through the Hrčak portal so far: https://hrcak.srce.hr/jahr). Also, we have introduced author's statements to ensure protection of ethical standards in research that are published in the *Jahr*. In order to keep track with publishing trends, we are happy to announce that we are receiving more papers in English. We have taken the first steps towards the realization of our greatest ambition of entering the major indexation bases at the beginning of 2016. Although there is so much ahead of us, we can already proudly claim that we have laid the foundations for the bright future of our Journal as an internationally recognized European Journal of Bioethics. We hope that we will receive more contributions to our Journal regarding different topics in the following areas: Bioethics & Social Sciences, Bioethics & Humanities, and Bioethics & Biomedical Sciences.
I would like to thank all previous members of the Editorial and Advisory Board, as well as to reviewers because their knowledge and expertise will always be inwrought in the history of our Journal. Special thanks to new editors, members of the Advisory Board and reviewers who have participated in the creation of this 10th issue. It was really a pleasure working with you and I am looking forward to future cooperation. I am very grateful to former Editor-in-Chief Amir Muzur for his trust and all well-intentioned advice and support he offered me when taking over this position.
It is a great honour, but at the same time a great responsibility, to become an Editor‑in-Chief of a journal with such prospective future and great possibilities as it is a case with Jahr – European Journal of Bioethics. Wisely subtitled, it brought up the essential precursory idea of our task: to become internationally recognisable journal, especially sensitive to the rich European intellectual heritage, a heritage too often completely ignored or simply forgotten in many contemporary bioethical debates. This programmatic task of "Europeisation of Bioethics" is a kind of guiding thread, and it includes, by implicit imperative of sensibility towards the Other and a long tradition of intellectual self-criticism, the whole array of bioethical problems, issues, methodologies and views. Such openness to the different views and perspectives is seen as a necessary obligation of bioethics, if it wants to strive and cherish. This is a logical part and continuance of development of the idea of "Integrative Bioethics", a truly innovative concept born in Croatian academic community and spread very quickly to the whole surrounding area. We hope our Journal can be a place for further development, criticisms and challenge of various (bio)ethical standpoints, views and thesis, with exclusive motivation for enriching the field of Bioethics.
It is a great satisfaction to say that the amount and quality of papers is preserved, but also that some important novelties are introduced. To name few but few: according to our programmatic task of "Europeanisation of Bioethics", we have prepared some new sections completely focused on that valorisation of the rich European intellectual heritage, all of them strongly related to our primary goals; we extended and improved many parts of the editorial work (e.g. we raised the quality and speed of the processing of the submitted contributions); we have improved our web site; we have introduced the DOI numbers etc. We are proud that those improvements are internationally recognized: we were included in esteemed international journal databases – DOAJ (in September 2016) and SCOPUS (in September 2017).
We have gone a step further in organisational development by inclusion of several new important associates who are now working on positions of Executive Editor and Managing Editor.
I would like to thank to the members of the Editorial Board, peer‑reviewers and all other associates included in the nascence of the issues I guided. I owe special thanks to the previous Editors‑in‑Chief. They gave me an enormous support in taking this position and continue to provide me with the beneficial and helpful advices. In the hope that I have justified the confidence of the Editorial Board given to me, I am certain that we can together assure a bright future of our Journal and make an important contribution to bioethical enterprise ahead of us.


Studies reveal that the United States spends about $150 to $200 billion a year to treat citizens afflicted with substance use disorders (SUD). In fact, 9.5 percent of the country's population falls within the DSM-IV criteria for drug abuse or dependence. Spontaneous remission rates of people suffering from SUDs are low. There is a much higher possibility of them relapsing, as relapse rates may range from 60 percent to 90 percent.
Such statistics have prompted the medical community to channel its efforts to find ways to lower the current relapse rate and help patients sustain gains of their recovery. One tactic is to modify the lifestyle of dependents in order for them to develop positive thoughts and actions. This may include introducing heightened physical activity. Exercise may improve mental well-being, reduce cravings for substances, and help people create better strategies for coping with their condition.
The National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) has spent millions of dollars to investigate the science of addiction. It discovered that exercise not only raises energy levels and helps maintain one's ideal weight but can also serve as a deterrent to drug abuse. Findings of a NIDA-funded survey reported that students who are engaged in physical activities are less likely to smoke cigarettes or use marijuana compared to those who lead inactive lifestyles. The NIDA, however, admitted that the relationship between exercise and drug addiction may be indirect.
Exercise not only benefits the body but also the brain. While strengthening the lungs and heart, it also enhances the reward pathways of the brain and positively influences the neurochemicals that influence one's mood.
A study conducted by the NIDA demonstrated that exercise facilitated the creation of blood vessels in animals' brains, helped repair neural tissue, and boosted the growth of new neurons. The study also determined that exercise improved the ability of animals to handle stress.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) recognized that physical exercise is an additional treatment for people recovering from SUDs. Studies by the center indicated that people who exercised regularly showed decreased levels of SUDs compared to people who were inconsistent in their exercise routines. In addition, regular exercise discouraged adolescents from using alcohol and illegal substances as they grew older, reduced the cravings of marijuana-addicted adults, and facilitated the faster recovery of people with SUDs.
Exercise may impact brain functions in different ways. It may improve cognition, which may enhance a person's recognition memory and diminish his or her stress levels. For example, people have used aerobic exercises to treat SUDs and other conditions. Yoga, which is an exercise for both the mind and body, has also been proven to be effective for women who undergo detoxification in high end rehab facilities.
The purpose of the NCIB's analysis was to determine how exercise could directly influence SUDs. Among the outcomes used to gauge the treatment included the clients' anxiety levels, their depression levels, and their rate of abstinence from substances. Subgroup analyses also studied how exercise therapies could address various forms of drug addiction. Such research has determined that exercise can be an effective tool for treating SUDs and other conditions.


Online sales and shopping are no longer considered new concepts. However, we can't deny that for many, online shopping has only recently become commonplace and just a prevalent way of buying as going to shops.
The first real online sale dates back to 1994 and the first object to be exchanged for an online transaction was Sting's Ten Summoner's Tales album. Within a few years, consumer products and online shopping began to thrive.
We all experienced a time where we had five choices max within a retail store and to settle our choice, we eventually ended up with the product that we had heard of during a TV commercial or something that was recommended by a friend.
Today's buying experience has changed completely and with online stores and retailers such as Amazon, Alibaba and many other eCommerce web sites, we now have a choice between 15 products in the same category.
What worries many retailers isn't so much whether you sell online or you're out of stock, but that their offline shopping experience needs to have the technology and modernity typical of online sales to be eye-catching to buyers.
Everyone appreciates it when they are recognized during their virtual visit to online stores. But unfortunately, this is something that isn't happening during offline shopping where they feel totally ignored when they enter the physical store of the same brand.
In Italy, many studies have been touching upon this issue. Letizia Redaelli has highlighted the results in the article Retail, Integrating Stores with the Digital, where she said, "The figures speak clearly. Despite the online sales boom (18%), for fashion and luxury brand purchasing, 51% of Italian consumers continue to prefer the store where they can see and touch the product. Despite this, more than a third (34%) claim to have had a more disappointing experience than the online one and one in ten people said they were recognized by the retailer online but were completely ignored when they set foot inside the physical store."
The sales world turned out to be lagging in adapting this technology as the cost of infrastructure is high.
The most common way to bridge this gap is through loyalty cards and programs. From the buyers' point of view, this could bridge the gap to a certain extent, but from the point of view of the supplier, there's still too much information that needs to be collected be able to customize the buyer's shopping experience.
Wait a sec! Looks like you're looking for disruptive technologies to help your organization. We've just released our 2017 IT Trends: Digital Transformation Report. Download now!
Recently, Amazon stepped forward by opening a shop for its employees where customers are recognized at the store's entrance via their smartphone, and the rest is all automated. Just pick a product and leave the store. All their movements inside the store are recorded, as well as their purchasing choices and their interests. And that's not all. There's no need to make long queues at the exit. As soon as you leave, they will receive the credit card debit immediately. In other words many "things" in the shop connect to the same system and the internet at the end of the path.
Implementing this in Europe is definitely complicated because of privacy laws and has already presented a challenging issue in the past for big players such as Google and Facebook. It's even more complicated in places like Italy where credit card use isn't is as common as in the United States or other countries.
Despite all that, one thing is clear: this is the future of the retail! It is, without a doubt, the next step. As an IT company, we are dedicated to constantly ride wave of technological progress and to invest in research and development to meet the various emerging market demands. That's why we've come up with Tagmate.
In 2016, following a customer request, we studied and exploited the technological capabilities available and designed a solution that could help bridge the gap between online and offline shopping.
Tagmate aims to collect customer information through NFC tags and unify them with their own online data to create a customer digital identity that's unique and rich in information and complete.
Tagmate is a platform that contains an Enterprise Service Bus, which acts as the glue for various architectural components, a rule management engine that oversees application logic, and a business intelligence platform that allows you to analyze data collected on behavior of the customer.
During the development of the project, we worked on some use cases, and among them, treasure hunt has proved to be the most important for fashion and clothing retailers. The idea is to equip the shop with a welcome screen that reads the customer's NFC tag as soon as they enter the store through a reader. The tag can be supplied in the form of key rings, bracelets, rings, etc., but existing NFC identifiers such as those on smartphones or contactless credit cards can also be used.
By touching the reader with the tag, you will be welcomed as a known customer and, based on the information gathered, will be provided with custom offers. However, a personalized promotion remains hidden and the customer, in order to find it, will have to wander around the store by touching the various product readers with their tag until he or she finds the especially reserved discount. During the search process, attempts are made on the various clothing items, with the aim of better understanding the tastes of the specific consumer.
Subsequently, the collected information is added to the data collected earlier to perform various analyses, including sentiment analysis and the famous what-if analysis, with the help of the business intelligence module contained in Tagmate.
This will not only allow sellers to fully understand their customers, but at the same time will offer customers a much better and more customized shopping experience, providing them, for example, a set of information-based tips that have been collected in previously.
This is an example of what the evolution of ICT can bring to businesses, but its applications are many. Smart refrigerators and washing machines, smart homes, and smart cars are the most commonly used applications and probably the most popular for IoT technology. However, the evolution of the ICT and its strength still lies in integrating the data and tools that work on these data.
The world of IoT has always been a topic of interest for many. This is why I've gathered some of the most interesting technologies and trends in the 2017 IT Trends: Digital Transformation ebook. Get your FREE copy now!


A Massachusetts native, Scott Blanchard holds degrees in Theory and Composition from Westfield State University and Bowling Green State University, and has served on the faculty at Westfield State University since the fall of 2006, and more recently, Greenfield Community College. He enjoys teaching theory, aural skills, and composition, along with composing intimate solo and chamber works. In his time at Westfield, Scott has mentored several students who have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in composition.
As an active freelance musician, a sampling of Scott's experience includes commissions, applied instrumental/songwriting lessons, performing, music transcription, published writing, and proofreading for National Guitar Workshop Publications and Alfred Publishing.
Other areas of interest include synthesis and sound design. Scott enjoys hiking and traveling.


text:
Massachusetts dance bands
Looking for a band that will get your guests up and on their feet? GigMasters has a wide selection of Dance Bands that you can book for live performances at weddings, birthdays, clubs, and more. Bust a move and see who's available for shows in Massachusetts.
Please note these Dance Bands will also travel to Worcester, Holden, Shrewsbury, West Boylston, Boylston, Paxton, Cherry Valley, North Grafton, Auburn, Jefferson, Leicester, Northborough, Rochdale, Grafton, Rutland, Berlin, Sterling, Clinton, Millbury, Spencer, Westborough, North Oxford, South Grafton, South Lancaster, Princeton, Sutton, East Princeton, Charlton, Charlton Depot, Whitinsville
Top Dance Bands Near Massachusetts
BC & Company
Dance Band from Wrentham, MA
BC & Company can provide the very best music with energy, elegance and enthusiasm for your special occasion. We are a very versatile 6-8 piece band featuring strong male and female vocals,the fabulous 'Horns on the Side', and a repertoire delivered with an infectious energy that will have all your guests of all ages on the dance floor. We can also perform a wide variety of music for your ceremony and/or cocktail hour and offer a free DJ service!! Please visit our web site to hear our... (more)
PK and the Mighty Seven
Dance Band from Boston, MA
PK and the Mighty Seven is a 9-piece band playing only the best funk, soul, R&B, Motown, and pop from the 1960's to present. The band features female and male lead vocalists and a three-piece horn section - a big sound for a big party that gets everyone out on the dance floor! We'll provide a full professional sound system and audio engineer so you don't have to worry about the music sounding great at your wedding. In addition to our 9-piece band, we also offer music for your cocktail... (more)
Hipshot Band LLC - Boston
The HIPSHOT BAND is a HIGH ENERGY DANCE BAND comprised of EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS for ALL types of events! Our goal is to provide you with the BEST DANCE MUSIC of THEN & NOW so that you and your guests will have the very BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE like no other! The HIPSHOT BAND is available for ALL types of occasions as we cover all the bases in our musical repertoire that includes, Motown, Top 40, Classic R & B, Funk, Dance, Pop, Disco, Country, Reggae, Swing, Rock, Standards and... (more)
Mo Bounce
Dance Band from Somerville, MA
Look no further! Get rave reviews for your awesome band selection by booking MO BOUNCE. Lots of dancing and your joyful satisfaction is our #1 goal. Mo Bounce's Funk, R&B, Pop hits will keep your celebration jumping all night long. Professional musicians with years of experience, we are a perfect choice for weddings, celebrations and various occasions. Mo Bounce remains flexible for your needs. We are adaptable and scalable for your budget expanding from a 4-piece up to a 9-piece powerhouse... (more)
The Belltones
The Belltones are a 5-piece group consisting of keyboards, bass, drums, sax and male vocals. A female vocalist and additional musicians can be added for larger events. The band specializes in Motown, Swing, Sinatra, R&B and Disco. Featuring the lead vocals of Dane Vannatter, the band has appeared at most of Boston's finest hotels, restaurants, and function facilities. Their sophisticated urban sound is perfect for cocktail receptions, or high-end corporate events where a touch of style is... (more)
Loving Cup
Hire us for your Holiday or New Years Eve Party! Want your party to feel like a concert? Book Loving Cup (formally known as As You Like It)! No fluff, no cheese, no attitude – just a fun and fabulous female lead, full band vocals, ripping guitar, tasty keys, and horns - all on top of a bumping rhythm section = powerhouse event! Featuring members of Max Creek, Jiggle the Handle, Swinging Steaks, Heavy Metal Horns and The Grass Gypsys – As You Like It brings authentic energy to every room... (more)
THE SWEETBEATS BAND
THE SWEETBEATS BAND IS #1 IN NEW ENGLAND FOR WEDDINGS! We are the winners of 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 "Best Of Weddings" pick by THE KNOT magazine and website and 2015 and 2016 "Couples' Choice Awards" winners by WEDDING WIRE. This year 2016 we have made it to the "Best Of Weddings Hall of Fame" by the Knot - we've been able to book over 300 weddings and other events over the last few years (2013-2016) and had a perfect score for the BRIDE'S REVIEWS! We're one of the very few young bands... (more)
The O-Tones
Dance Band from Northampton, MA
The O-Tones is a hot Swing and Motown band from Western Massachusetts. With three singers as the core of the band, The O-Tones will melt your hearts with their powerful three-part vocals. Whether they're singing their rendition of a 1940's swing tune, or belting out a Motown number, Ann Percival, Anand Nayak, and Mary Witt make each song they sing a hit. In addition to blending their tones as harmony singers, they are each extremely compelling solo singers. From sentimental ballads to upbeat... (more)
The Dave Macklin Band
The Dave Macklin Band is one of the top Party bands in New England. We are super fun, high energy, family friendly cover band, mixing dance hits across eras and genres. We guarantee a fun night of dancing for folks of ALL ages. We have received the WeddingWire Couples Choice award for 4 years in a row for being in the top 5% of all wedding bands nationwide based on our clients reviews. We perform regionally for weddings, celebrations, corporate events, festivals, fundraisers, country... (more)
GUILTY PLEASURE is one of New England's most popular bands & has been making music since 2003 all across the Northeast performing a variety of high-energy dance music for weddings, corporate events, casinos, concerts, clubs, private parties, fairs & festivals! Motown, Soul, R&B, Funk, Disco, Pop, Rock, Country and todays popular Dance & Party favorites along with classic wedding standards including ballads, duets & lite Jazz..performed the way you know them ..while adding our own personal... (more)
The Time and Again Girls
We are The Time & Again Girls! Comprised of 2 two very talented female singers, Alyson and Renee! We Perform together with one of the best sound guys in the biz, Rich D. We recently added a night of retro 80's music for special occasions or events.! We Perform and Sing popular dance hits of today and the great hits from the past - and anything in between! (partial song list below) We use state of the art sound equipment equipment and use only professional quality tracks. No... (more)
Face The Music Booking Agency
Dance Band from Shutesbury, MA
A booking agency that provides live music and DJs for weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, corporate parties, etc. Serving all of the New England states plus New York. R&B, Motown, Funk, Jazz, Blues, Dixieland, Klezmer, Celtic, Latin Jazz, Calypso, Samba, Soca, African, etc. Time After Time - R&B, Motown, Soul, Rock, Jazz, Swing, Funk, Reggae, Blues The World Beatniks - Latin Jazz/Samba/Reggae/Calypso/Soca/Middle Eastern/Klezmer The Riddim Makers - Original and Classic Reggae Music The... (more)
Groove Authority
Groove Authority plays everything! Our repertoire includes new and old R&B, Motown, Funk, Soul, Disco, as well as Top 40, Classic Rock, Pop, Swing, Jazz, Reggae and Hip-Hop. If you are looking for a band that's fun, entertaining and versatile at an affordable price, you have found us! Our high energy shows get people out on the dance floor having a great time whenever and we perform. What sets us apart is our ability to play a wide range of musical genres without sacrificing quality. We... (more)
B Street Bombers
Dance Band from Methuen, MA
We are the legendary B Street Bombers. We are proud to be the longest running band in the Merrimack Valley serving all of New England for over 35 years. With an 11-piece band that consists of some of the most exceptional musicians and singers in the area we include 5 horns, a full rhythm section and male and female lead vocals. We are able to cover an enormous variety of music spanning the last seven decades through today's current hits! We also have two original songs that are the... (more)
Ultimate Soul Band
Ultimate Soul Band, is just as it's name states... We bring the "ultimate" in soul music and entertainment to your event. We are a HIGH ENERGY DANCE BAND that gets the party started. We interact with your guests so that everyone will be saying, "what a great band choice"!! Just an example of some of the music we love to perform "Kool N the Gang", "Earth Wind & Fire", "Michael Jackson", "Stevie Wonder" just to name a few. The band is made up of 5 very talented musicians and 1 terrific... (more)
Stardust is, in essence, a "Super-Band," formed by gathering some of the most talented and experienced musicians in the entertainment industry and honed by over two decades of active rotation. The band is in high demand and performs regularly at fine venues in Boston and throughout the country With its superb ensemble comprised of eight all-star musicians, Stardust has been a New England favorite for many years. Whether it's a corporate sales meeting, wedding reception, private party,... (more)
The No-No's
Dance Band from Amherst, MA
The No-No's are a high-energy party/dance band based in Amherst, MA that has been playing around the Pioneer Valley in Western Mass since 1999. Consisting of Drums: John Crankshaw, Bass: Dean Zimmerman, Sax: Steve Kurtz, Guitar/Vocal: Dan Kaplan, Keyboard: Mitch Pine, Percussion: Juan-Carlos Carpio, and vocal: Emily Brownlow, this 7-piece has been playing a variety of venues for very happy crowds for over a decade. Originally started as a house party band the No-No's have gone onto to... (more)
Certain Treble
Cover Band from Boston, MA
Certain Treble Entertainment specializes in exceptional, versatile live entertainment for weddings, corporate functions, parties and other social venues. Whatever you need to make your event special and unique, Certain Treble Entertainment can provide. Certain Treble Entertainment is located in the Boston MetroWest area and it's members have the reputation of being the best in the New England area. Led by the talented Meyer Statham, the band will bring an exceptional level of energy and... (more)
Better Her Than Me
The music you love...live! Better Her Than Me is one of New England's most rockin' dance party bands for hire. Top 40, 80s rock, Motown, R&B, 70s funk, you name it! We play weddings, dance parties, corporate events, holiday parties, Bar/BatMitzvahs, and other private events, all at reasonable rates. Our song list is always expanding, and covers artists from the 1960s all the way through the present. We are completely accommodating to any special requests you may have, from learning... (more)
JP and Friends
JP and Friends is an established eight-piece pro-level band covering rock, soul, blues, funk and pop. The line-up features three vocalists (excellent harmonies), guitar, keyboards, sax, percussion, bass and drums. The band is led by British guitarist Jeff Purchon who has played with some of music's greatest; Robert Palmer, Noel Redding (Jimi Hendrix), Ginger Baker, Vernon Reid, Buddy Miles to name but a few. The aim of the band is to play great songs and get people up on their feet and... (more)
Beacon Street Band
Beacon Street Band is the perfect fit for any type of event, from family reunion to wedding. The band plays a perfect mix of Top 40, 90s bangers classic rock, and Motown favorites. Beacon Street hand picked elite and experienced performers to ensure the best show for each and every event. Our three piece horned section, Berkelee trained guitarist and drummer, upright bassist, classically trained pianist, and three lead singers bring the supreme sound you've been looking for. We scale up to... (more)
Cover Band from Waltham, MA
Reckless is an adrenaline fueled party experience, playing a mix of modern and classic dance floor hits. There's something to please everyone. Established in 2008, Reckless has been entertaining pubs, restaurants, weddings, and private parties all over New England ever since. The band brings decades of musicianship and performance experience with them. The band can also provide sound and party lighting for your event. This minimizes the hassle on the client's end; all that's needed is... (more)
Stomp 'n Holler
Country Band from Worcester, MA
When you're looking for some Foot Stompin', Head Shakin', Hip Swayin' Country Roots then you're looking for Stomp N' Holler. Performing in front of crowds from 30 to 5,000, Stomp 'N' Holler is New England's Premier Country/Roots Band made up of some of of the areas most experienced and accomplished musicians… Getting down and dirty Stomp 'N Holler doesn't go for the polish and glam, we're the Grit and Groove of Country Roots music performing the best of Modern Country by the likes of... (more)
The Soul Sensations
R&B Band from Northampton, MA
The Soul Sensations is an exceptional dance band featuring seasoned musicians that perform an exciting blend of Motown, R&B, Rock, and contemporary dance hits. The group consists of two dazzling lead singers and an excellent rhythm section featuring captivating keyboards, driving bass, dynamic drums, and sexy sax. The members of The Soul Sensations combine their vast musical experience from numerous local and national acts to create high energy dance grooves in clubs, private parties,... (more)
East Coast Soul
Soul Band from Boston, MA
East Coast Soul is an elite, award winning funk, soul, and R&B ensemble based in Boston, Massachusetts. We are more than a band. We are a collective of Boston, New York, and New England's finest musicians focused on bringing an unparalleled level of energy and style to your event. A collection of Berklee professors, alumni, and other elite performers, we have curated a timeless repertoire through years of performance experience and proudly present it with our own unique, soulful style and... (more)
The Jon Bates Band
Cover Band from Edgartown, MA
One of the most extraordinary party bands anywhere, THE JON BATES BAND is an amazing group of world class musicians playing for weddings and premier social and corporate events on Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod, Newport, and throughout the Northeastern US for more than fifteen years. They have also played at major music venues, clubs, concert halls, and destination events across the globe, entertaining for some of the most prominent names in business, politics and entertainment, and... (more)
Cover Band from Hyannis, MA
I'm Jack Leyden and I am the bandleader for Accent from Cape Cod. We play songs that people want to hear and we're very easy to work with. Our number one priority is that our clients have a great experience at their event and we work very hard to help that happen. We are quiet enough to let people talk early on at our events and we crank it up later on when people want to rock. We've been doing this for quite a while and we usually can figure out pretty quickly what is going to make the party... (more)


Asgardian Stones is a bit of a mixed bag of a slot. Developed to be similar to two of their more successful games, this NetEnt produced slot has the telltale signs of both Gonzo's Quest and Hall of Gods about it. This is no progressive jackpot slot like the latter, but it does still offer excellent, thematic and original Norse mythology-themed gameplay.
Players will notice that Asgardian Stones only features twenty paylines spread over its five reels. However, before you get too concerned about that, consider this: the slot only costs £0.20 per spin, which is certainly not bad considering that you're looking at double the number of lines. If you wish to flex your financial muscles, you can stake up to £200.00 a spin in this slot.
Asgardian Stones has a respectable RTP rate which is fixed at the industry standard of 96.31%, with players able to win as much as 500x their total stake if they can land five of the Odin icons on any payline in this game.
Players will note that wild symbols appear as runic-looking "W" icons. These frozen symbols can substitute for any other icons in the game, barring bonus wheel symbols. Those scatter icons are certainly not difficult to miss.
Any icons in the game can appear as sizeable symbols, with colossal icons either 2×2 or 3×3 in size. Scatter icons can also appear as colossal symbols, and you need to land all or part of these symbols on the third, fourth and fifth reels at the same time to trigger a bonus wheel feature.
This slot contains an avalanche feature, known as the Colossal Crush. Whenever a winning combo appears on the reels, winning icons can be replaced by new ones to potentially provide multiple wins. If 2×2 or 3×3 symbols appear, these can crush others raising a multiplier by the side of the reels from 1x up to 4x in all, depending on how many successive wins you encounter.
Once the bonus round has been triggered, players will get a spin on the bonus wheel. This wheel can offer instant cash prizes or free spins. You can only win what is highlighted on the reels. It is possible to pocket up to 400 coins in cash or 15 free spins at most. If you land the free spins, it is important to note that wilds can appear as colossal symbols in the bonus and can split apart during avalanches, giving players ample chances to win.


text:
Q: When using a private git url for an npm module, how can I configure the consuming application to only use files from the module's dist folder? I am using angular-cli for my angular application, but because angular-cli currently does not support use for creating a library, I used the seemingly most widely used git project to create my library: https://github.com/jvandemo/generator-angular2-library
My issue is that I don't want to publish my npm module library to the public directory. Instead I want to use the git url directly in my dependencies. During development, this works fine. I can run the build locally and run an npm link inside the "dist" folder and everything is dandy. However when I push my npm module code to git, and then run an npm install in the consuming project, I'm not sure how to set it so that my consuming project just looks inside the dist folder of the module and treats it as if it was the root of the module.
For example, in node_modules/my_private_module, my file structure looks like:
dist/
-- component1
-- compoennt2
-- my_module.metadata.json
-- my_module.d.ts
-- my_module.umd.js
-- index.d.ts
-- index.js
-- package.json
-- README.MD
package.json
README.md

All the files that my application is using are in the /dist folder, but I DO NOT want to specify "dist" in all my imports like
import { myComponent1 } from 'my_private_module/dist';

I want to be able to just specify
import { myComponent } from 'my_private_module";

As I do in development when I run an npm link in the dist folder.
Is there a way I can achieve this?
Thanks

A: In package.json for your module, in the root folder:
typings: 'dist/index.d.ts',
main: 'dist/index.js'

Remove the package.json in your dist folder.
When the package is resolved from import {...} from 'my_private_module', the module loader will look for a folder called my_private_module under node_modules, and look either for index.js which defines the exports, or within package.json for the main property - which in your case also points to index.js from the dist folder.
It is good practice to put package.json where you want your module to be found, and have main and typings point to index.js and index.d.ts.

A: I answered a similar question here and it seems relevant.
Basically, treat the generated library in the dist folder as it's own repo. In order to keep the git init files and folders, you tell ng-packagr to not destroy the destination when building. Then you push the changes to the library specific repo and use that as your package url in other projects.


This soup consists of butternut squash, carrots, onion, celery and tomato. It's low fat, filling and packed with flavour. I was going to call this "Autumn/Fall Soup", as I appreciate not every English speaker is a British English speaker. But fall soup conjures images of holding a bowl of soup, and promptly dropping it onto the floor. So autumnal vegetable soup it is.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the garlic, cook for a minute then add the onion, covering the pot with a lid. Continue cooking for five minutes.
Next add the carrot and celery, cover again and cook for a further five minutes.
Then add the butternut squash, cover and cook for five minutes.
At this point add the tomato puree, chopped tomatoes, stock and herbs. Give everything a good stir, return the lid and cook for 50-60 minutes or until the vegetable are cooked. Cook time will depend on how small or large your vegetables are.
Once the soup is cooked, check for seasoning and add black pepper and salt as needed.
Serve along with crusty bread or sandwiches for a satisfying lunch. Alternatively, this would make for a perfect starter.


text:
Q: python regex works on regex101 but not work in python2 I create a regex to match the Chinese and English name of the Tv shows.
My regex located at https://regex101.com/r/rBJHDG, it is work perfect on the regex, however this regex is not work in python2.
For examples, string 亿万.Billions.S01E01.中英字幕.HDTVrip.1024X576.mp4
The regex is not match 亿万 as name_chs in expect, instead it matches 亿万.Billions as name_en.
In [68]: r = '^(?P<name_chs>(?:[\\u3007\\u4e00-\\u9fff\\u3400-\\u4dbf\\uf900-\\ufaff]+)(?=\\.))?(?P<name_en>\\S+).S(?P<season>\\d{2})E(?P<episode>\\d{2})'

In [69]: re.match(r, u'亿万.Billions.S01E01.中英字幕.HDTVrip.1024X576.mp4').grou
    ...: pdict()
Out[69]:
{'episode': u'01',
 'name_chs': None,
 'name_en': u'\u4ebf\u4e07.Billions',
 'season': u'01'}

Second Question:
How to remove the . in name_en which between the Chinese name and English name.
# 亿万.Billions.S01E01.中英字幕.HDTVrip.1024X576.mp4
Full match  0-18    `亿万.Billions.S01E01`
Group `name_chs`    0-2 `亿万`
Group `name_en` 2-11    `.Billions`   <---- This DOT!
Group `season`  13-15   `01`
Group `episode` 16-18   `01`

A: It looks like the problem is that the regex tester includes the global and multiline flags but your code does not. If you uncheck those two flags in the regex tester you'll find that the tester matches your current results.
You could try r = '^(?P<name_chs>(?:[\\u3007\\u4e00-\\u9fff\\u3400-\\u4dbf\\uf900-\\ufaff]+)(?=\\.))?(?P<name_en>\\S+).S(?P<season>\\d{2})E(?P<episode>\\d{2})', re.MULTILINE)
and
re.search(r, u'亿万.Billions.S01E01.中英字幕.HDTVrip.1024X576.mp4').grou
    ...: pdict()

As for your second question:
I would just make that dot it's own capture group by adding (.) in front of the english name, like so...
^(?P<name_chs>(?:[\u3007\u4e00-\u9fff\u3400-\u4dbf\uf900-\ufaff]+)(?=\.))?(.)(?P<name_en>\S+).S(?P<season>\d{2})E(?P<episode>\d{2})

Now when you print the English name it will only be the word because the dot is in it's own capture group.


I love to read and draw. I like and I love chocolate. I have an interest in gems and Greek mythology. I watch Daredevil, Supernatural, Jessica Jones and Shadowhunters. I like Panic! At the disco, Fall Out Boy, twenty one pilots and Midnight Oil.