text:
How To Download Music
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TECH REVIEWStech-reviews
What is Acrylic WiFi: A Beginner's Guide
HOW TO How To Increase Internet Speed TECH REVIEWS
by Albert De Venecia | 24 March 2020
In this digital age of ours, WiFi is life. WiFi's an incredibly useful tool. It allows us to access the internet right in our own home if we have it. And you can use any device to connect. From PCs to Smartphones, TVs and more. Because of this, WiFi Networks are incredibly prevalent in our modern world. With the majority of homes, businesses, and even government offices having at least 1 WiFi network to have accessible internet. This is where W-Fi scanners come in. And one of the best WiFi scanners out there is Acrylic WiFi. Which we'll be discussing in length today.
What is Acrylic WiFi?
Photo from Acrylic WiFi
Acrylic WiFi is a set of programs that offer in-depth WiFi analysis. This can range from WiFi coverage, connection security analysis, Internet speed, and the overall performance of the connection. The programs are useful tools in WiFi analysis. And is often implemented by many homes and businesses due to its reliability.
Now at its core, Acrylic WiFi is a WiFi Scanner. For an abridged explanation, WiFi Scanners allow you to scan the strength of your WiFi, whether it be your own, or others.
What does Acrylic WiFi do?
Acrylic WiFi does the usual scanning on WiFi networks near it. Other than that though, other versions have better capabilities and functions. Including technical support, creating reports on WiFi strength, and others, checking for WiFi security and other functions that will be discussed later. It's a multifunctional piece of software that one should try to get. But knowing which of the versions of Acrylic WiFi's good for you is also something to consider.
How do you use Acrylic WiFi?
One thing that you have to remember when using Acrylic WiFi is that there are several versions of it. But the most basic function (which is the WiFi scanning) is available in all 4. But let's talk about the WiFi Scanning feature first.
How to use WiFi Scanning Feature
The first thing you'll see when using Acrylic WiFi is that it automatically scans the nearest connections. This allows you to see the WiFi connections. As noted in the picture, there are two things to keep note of: The list of connections at the top, and the graph that represents how good the connection is in terms of the other nearby connections.
As WiFi scanning is automatic, you don't need to do that much. And we'll discuss the things you'll see on the scan in the "How does a WiFi Scanner Work" segment of the article.
Here's a tutorial video to teach you the basics of Acrylic Wifi usage:
What's the difference between Acrylic WiFi Home and Acrylic WiFi Professional?
There's quite a world of difference between the Acrylic WiFi Home and Acrylic WiFi Professional versions. For one, the Home version only has the scanning function, and can only check 5 devices. The Professional version, however, has that and other functions as well.
Such functions include Screen Mode, Wireshark Integration, Info on connected devices, technical support, can generate reports and images on data, are included in the Professional Version. Alongside the Professional Version, there's also the Heatmaps and LEA Versions of Acrylic WiFi. Each with unique functions of their own as well.
How do you download Acrylic WiFi?
All versions of Acrylic WiFi are available on their website here. In addition to the Home and Professional Versions, there are the Heatmaps and LEA Versions as well. The Heatmaps version allows you to do all the things the Professional Version can do, with the addition of an RF Spectrum Site Survey. Good stuff for those who need one. The LEA Version is a bit different. As it allows you to know about a device's location, who used it, and some such. Besides this, there's a 15-day free trial for the Heatmaps and Professional Versions. And you can purchase the license to use these versions as well.
The Professional Version costs $40 to purchase. While the Heatmaps Version costs $2200. The price of the Heatmaps version is due to how advanced the version is and the capabilities that it possesses.
What is a WiFi scanner?
The first thing you have to know is what a WiFi scanner is. It's basically what it says on the tin. Its main purpose is to scan for any nearby WiFi connections around your device. A lot of these scanners are software applications. Ones that are built-in already on the gadget you're using. There are also, however, hardware versions of a WiFi Scanner that possess the same capabilities as software ones. But also comes with the addition of convenience, since you can bring it to check a WiFi's strength on the go.
How does a WiFi scanner work?
Photo from Geckoandfly
As already stated, a WiFi scanner is a tool that allows the user to know the information of nearby WiFi networks. And like before, there are hardware versions of WiFi Scanners available. But for the sake of the topic, we'll talk about the software versions first.
There's quite a lot to know about the WiFi networks all around you. The tool scans the surroundings and detects WiFi networks. When you start up the software, it discovers and lists all WiFi networks in range.
Some of the info you'll find using WiFi Scanners include:
The Service Set Identifier is the WiFi Network's name. SSID can be hidden. In that case, a user who wants to connect must already know the network's name. The name can also be sent by access points, allowing all who see the network to make access attempts.
BSSID
The Basic Service Set Identifier. This is the access point's address.
This field will show if the network has another name. And if so, will show it as well.
The band field shows the frequency being employed by the WiFi Network. Usually, those would be either 2.4 or 5 GigaHertz frequencies as they're the most commonly used bands.
What many people consider to be the most important of the bunch. As it shows what type of security is protecting a given network. If you're using a WiFi scanner to look for networks that are easy to access, you'd like to find an open network. If WEP is the security type used, then the network can be easily compromised by hackers.
WPA2 and 3 on the other hand, provides enhanced protection and are difficult to crack as well. Always ensure that either one of the 2 is the security that the WiFi is using when you're connecting. This is because they're effective in protecting the data inside devices connected to it.
This shows the channel that the wireless network is using for transmission.
Mode shows which wireless modes are supported by the router. A 2.4 Gigahertz band can support the 802.11b, 802.11n and 802.11g nodes. Meanwhile, the 5 Gigahertz band can support the 802.11ac, 802.11a, and 802.11n.
Level (SNR)
This field shows the signal to noise ratio of the network. It analyzes the level of the WiFi signal to the background noise level.
You'll find the WiFi router's manufacturer here.
This is where you can see how much noise is hindering a WiFi network. The field after this will report on the noise percentage.
The strength of the network signal is shown here.
Signal %
Meanwhile, this field shows the signal strength percentage. The 3 fields after this will show the average, maximum, and minimum strengths of the signal.
You'll see how long it's been since your WiFi scanner saw a particular WiFi network here.
Why should you use a WiFi scanner?
There's a lot of reasons that may make you want to use a WiFi scanner. Some of the usual ones include:
Installing a wireless network
When you're installing a WiFi network, a network scanner can help locate the proper positioning of routers and other network equipment. This is through scanning various locations in your intended coverage area to know if the signal will allow the connection you desire. If you also have a heat map survey, you can check the strength of your WiFi signal throughout the area you survey. This function is unfortunately not on the Professional Version of Acrylic WiFi. But is available on their Heatmap Version. Do make sure though that the security of encryption of your WiFi is set to the level of at LEAST WPA2.
Identifying rogue access points
If you're scanning from out of your projected coverage area. You might find the presence of things called 'Rogue Access Points'. These are caused when your wireless signal may exceed the physical boundaries of your office or home. This makes it possible for people out of the building to attempt hacks on your network. This is one of the main reasons why you need to secure and encrypt your WiFi.
Locating available WiFi networks
When using a WiFi scanner, you can find networks within range of your PC or device. If it's an open network, you can use it to gain access. Scanning from your office or home can also show other wireless signals. That is entering your coverage area. These have the chance to impact your WiFi's overall performance.
Optimizing a WiFi network
Making a periodic and methodical scan of your WiFi coverage can be hard. But if you want to maintain and optimize performance? It's necessary. You may discover areas that used to get a strong connection might be getting less of it now due to environmental changes. Scanning allows checking of your access points and router location. So that your WiFi can have peak performance. You may find that networks near yours are using similar channels as you are and a simple change can make a big difference in your network speed.
If you're looking to use Acrylic WiFi on your personal network, you may do so and reap these benefits. Speaking of WiFi, you also might want to check out our guide for the best wireless routers in the market today.
What advantages can you get by using a WiFi Scanner?
Given all these things, what are the main advantages as to why you should use WiFi Scanners? Well, here are a few of the more pertinent ones:
Photo from Addictive Tips
A lot of WiFi scanners are incredibly easy to use. And the manuals are user friendly as well. In addition to this, most handheld and portable WiFi scanners allow for easy maneuverability. You can even bring it with you in cramped areas. Some common designs include tablets, but it can also be software inside your PC.
Easy to digest the info offered
Most WiFi Scanners optimize the information that they give you. This is so that you can easily infer the pertinent data needed for the day. Acrylic WiFi is a good example of this, as it shows all of the information about a particular network right there at the start of the program.
Alternatives to Acrylic WiFi?
If you don't want to use Acrylic WiFi, there are still a host of other WiFi Scanners out there for your use. Here are some good alternatives that you might want to check out:
Photo from NetSpot
A polished WiFi app for Windows and Mac. Comes with easy to use features and a free scanning mode. In addition to this, NetSpot also features Survey Mode, which allows you to check the WiFi strength heatmaps on your own home or office. Similar to the Heatmaps version of Acrylic WiFi, but not stuck at another version. A great choice for most individuals.
WifiInfoView
Released in 2012, WifiInfoView is an old WiFi scanner. But old doesn't mean it's outdated. It may not amaze through its design, it's functionality and capabilities shine through anyways. It gives you all the bells and whistles that the other WiFi scanners do except for heat mapping and other features. But if you're mostly looking for a way to know the capabilities of other WiFi Networks, then you don't need to look any further.
inSSIDer
inSSIDer is a popular WiFi analysis program. It allows users to locate mediocre channel placement, small-signal strength, and more in the 5 and 2.4 Gigahertz bands. In addition to this, inSSIDER can sense channel overlap, and it displays channel usage on a graph similar to the Acrylic WiFi scanner. Making it obvious which channels have the most usage.
Albert de Venecia
I love playing video games on either console or mobile platforms. I also collect action figures of superheroes and robots.
albert.devenecia@tell.com
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It was a busy first week for students attending the UF in Merida (Yucatan, Mexico) Program. After arriving in Merida on the evening of June 17, students met on Monday (June 19) at the Centro Institucional de Lenguas, where they study Spanish.
On Wednesday, they headed for the town of Izamal, where they visited a technical university, interacted with local students, reaped the benefits of the culinary arts program, and encountered some of the gaily decorated horses and carriages in the main square (Photos 3-5).
On Friday, it was off to the organic farm of Dr. Juan Jimenez, where students learned about cultivating dragon fruit, a native climbing cactus that blooms for one night only. It is know locally by its Maya name, pitaya. The UF students also instructed a couple of students from the University of Yucatan on details of the "Gator Chomp".
Then it was on to the town of Dzitya, where local artisans work with tropical hardwoods and local limestone. Although they use power tools today, they used to rely on more traditional tools to work wood, like the foot-operated lathe.
Next, it was off to the archaeological site of Dzibilchaltun, where the group visited the "Temple of the Seven Dolls" and saw some of the local fauna, such as the ubiquitous "black iguana." Much as today, the ancient Maya "mined" the local rock to create their infrastructure, such as buildings and roads. As you look around Williamson Hall, note that so much of what you see ultimately came from the Earth (walls, windows, desks, light fixtures, tiles, bathroom sinks and toilets, etc.). Everyone was pleased to have the opportunity to take a dip in Cenote Xlakah, a sinkhole where the underlying aquifer is exposed.
The next day, it was off to the west coast, and the town of Celestun. Students toured the long coastal lagoon via boat, stopping at the "ruins" of an old village previously involved in salt production. Heavy rains made it necessary to wade along parts of the inundated old road. The lagoon is bounded by a barrier peninsula and rimmed by mangroves (4 species). The very productive coastal lagoon system is a source of aquatic resources (e.g. crabs) , and is home to a large population of flamingoes.
At Valdiocera Spring, which discharges into the lagoon, we had the good fortune to see a young tiger heron.
On the road to "Ground Zero," where the Chicxulub meteorite struck 65M years ago.
Students at Las Coloradas, the 2nd largest salt production site in Mexico. In the background is a mountain of salt, precipitated in evaporation ponds.
A group of caterpillars ("zatz") on a tree trunk. At night they move up into crown of the tree to feed on leaves, but during the day, they aggregate, probably for defense against predators.


At our Tooele facility you will find a variety of self storage units. Our friendly managers would be happy to discuss what storage units is right for you and your needs.
Once inside our facility only you can access your storage unit because only you have the key to your personal storage space. You may provide your own lock or purchase one from us for $6 - $12.
Located across the street from Walmart and next door to the movie theatres.


Publisher New York, NY : United Press International, 1969.
Summary "MITTEN[W]ALD, GERMANY: Loaded down, mules descend a steep embankment to be ferried across a river during a recent field exercise of German mountain troops in the Bavarian Alps. Despite helicopters and other modern means of transporting loads in rugged terrain, mules are still honored as the most reliable means of carrying equipment and supplies for the German "Alpinieries." The troops have a mixed stock of 236 mules and small-grown Alpine Haflinger horses." -- verso.
Notes "FK 032504... UNIPIX" ; "NX-1" ; "CREDIT (UPI PHOTO) 4/8/69 SR."


This cute stationery was made special for young kids who are starting to learn printing or writing. It has widely spaced lines and dotted guidelines in the center to help children with tidy handwriting. It also has a cute little monster sitting in the bottom corner that your own 'little monster' is sure to love.


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Niagara Falls Frozen Ice Forest 360
Surgical Suite OCH
The Richardson Olmsted Complex & Hotel Henry
The Dillon Building
Chris's Kitchen - Falley Allen
The Bar - Falley Allen
Falley Allen Dining Room
The main auditorium at Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo, NY on it's 75th birthday! Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the hall officially opened on Oct. 12, 1940. It has since welcomed millions through its doors, is renowned for its acoustics, is considered an architectural masterpiece and envelops the community in its unique gathering spaces. Kleinhans Music Hall was built thanks to the generosity and vision of Edward and Mary Seaton Kleinhans and the stewardship of their charitable dreams by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. The Community Foundation was bequeathed the estates of Mr. and Mrs. Kleinhans, who made their fortune from the clothing store that bore their name, and who died within three months of each other in 1934. The hall was completed using funds from the Public Works Administration. Kleinhans Music Hall was designed by the famous Finnish father-and-son team of Eliel and Eero Saarinen, along with architects F.J. and W.A Kidd. Kleinhans is known for its combination of graceful structural beauty and extraordinary acoustics. The design of Kleinhans Music Hall resembles the body of a string instrument, as does the main auditorium. Images © Joe Cascio Photography 2015
&ltiframe width="560" height="315" allowfullscreen="true" src="http://sky.easypano.com/EPSUpload/Tour/2015/10-07/18/635798390072042287/_html5/Kleinhans Music Hall - Buffalo, NY.html" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: Is an anti-pattern returning undefined or null inside componentWillReceiveProps?
*

*Is an anti-pattern returning undefined inside componentWillReceiveProps?

Example:

class MyComponent extends React.Component {
  componentWillReceiveProps(nextProps) {
    if (nextProps.somethingHappened) {
       return
    }
    otherThingHappened()
  }
}

*Is an anti-pattern returning null inside componentWillReceiveProps?

Example:

class MyComponent extends React.Component {
  componentWillReceiveProps(nextProps) {
    if (nextProps.somethingHappened) {
       return null
    }
    otherThingHappened()
  }
}

A: It is not. According to the Component Specs and Lifecycle doc componentWillReceiveProps is not expected to return anything at all. It seems weird though to return a value that will be discarded right afterwards.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


This is what you get when you use your creative genius. Combine a lamp with a Goku Dragon Ball Z action figure and you get a super badass lamp. If you are not familiar with the Dragon Ball series watch this video to put it into perspective.
I know where you can find the action figure Here, but can't seem to find the lamp. Either way you can probably come up a way to build yourself your own version of the Goku spirit bomb lamp and maybe come up with something as equally cool. Maybe use one of these LED light bulbs and make a Krillin destructo disc lamp or some other DIY Dragon Ball Z lamp.
Where you can buy the Goku lamp and more variations of it!
After tons of viral exposure of the above lamp. Nobody could find a seller of the lamp, because it wasn't for sell. Just a one off item someone made for themselves. So like good internet entrepreneurs many people had hit the work bench to put together this easily made lamp into different variations. You could obviously make one yourself if you really wanted to but. If you are still one of the lazy users who don't want to build yourself a Goku lamp, here is your chance to shell out some cash and purchase a few different variations of the lamp.
DBlampZ also has a few more creative DBZ lamps that are more scenic than the original version. Either way you should go check them out!
That is a pretty sleek alternative.
Did you happen to make it or just purchased it?
I purchased it off line.
I saw these on another site and, again, when I first read this, the lawyer in me kicked in and instantly thought this was some type of copyright or trademark infringement issues with regards to the images of the characters being used to create these designs or the trademarks likely behind the characters. However, the fact that these lamps use action figures to make them, it is an interesting way to possibly argue fair use / first sale doctrine protection. Very interesting indeed!


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The Merit Journey
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John Gosnell & Co
New Flagship Cosmetics Facility.
Home » Projects » John Gosnell & Co
How we improved the UK's oldest cosmetics manufacturer's production process.
Merit built a new flagship facility for John Gosnell & Co that included the development of a biodiverse 'Sedum' grass roof.
Sedum grass roof installed to integrate with the new facility's location in the South Downs.
The new facility was part of the £180m 'North Street Quarter' regeneration project in Lewes.
Included GMP Grade C cleanrooms for the packaging areas with remaining change and ancillary areas to Grade D.
Merit was contracted to carry out the turnkey design and build project for a new flagship HQ facility on behalf of John Gosnell & Co. – the UK's oldest cosmetics manufacturer. The project was carried out as part of a £180m regeneration project – the 'North Street Quarter'.
John Gosnell & Co. dates back to 1677. In 1760 the company decided to fully devote itself to cosmetics, soap and perfume manufacturing. The company expanded globally with its Cherry Blossom, Famora and Society ranges which became a major household name across the world. In the 1930s, the company moved to Lewes in East Sussex and was reinvigorated and today remains one of the finest examples of an independent cosmetics company.
The project brief included the design and build of a new purpose-built facility, to include the biodiverse 'Sedum' grass roof. Working closely with the main client and Lewes District Council, the North Street Quarter regeneration project has been described as 'the most significant development in Lewes for decades'. It brings together a sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood including affordable housing, vital flood defences, a riverside walkway, flexible employment space, off-street parking and a healthcare hub serving 26,000 patients.
The regeneration project for John Gosnell & Co. provided the opportunity to relocate into larger, more modern facilities in order to increase manufacturing. The construction of the one-storey mezzanine level factory unit included a warehouse area; production areas; cleanrooms; storage areas; offices; WC's on the ground floor with canteen and meeting rooms; and ground floor laboratories.
Gosnell's required GMP Grade C cleanrooms for the packaging areas with the remaining change/ancillary areas at Grade D. The project also included mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations along with associated external works and service connections. Merit self-delivered a number of packages including M&E, cleanroom and laboratory construction.
The Gosnell's site was registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS). The site was subject to two monitor visits where we were awarded 'Excellent' scores in Appearance, Community and Safety.
Delivering excellence together
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©2022 Merit


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The Mighty Tundra Swan
The Costa Rica Chronicles
Travels to Newfoundland
New Zealand Adventure
Travels to Newfoundland – 8
Posted by jd | Jul 18, 2013 | Newfoundland, Travel | 9 |
Rewriting History
There is much excitement up in Red Bay, Labrador this summer. The town has just been named a United Nations World Heritage site and the official ceremony is coming up August 2. The villagers can hardly contain themselves.
Why has this small, isolated coastal community of less than 200 souls been honoured with such a prestigious designation?
To answer that, we need to begin with this woman:
Selma Barkham: From a painting, oil on canvas at the Red Bay National Historic Site.
Meet Dr. Selma Huxley Barkham.
Before reaching Red Bay yesterday, I had never heard her name.Today, she is a hero of mine, as she is to the villagers.
Selma is a historian — but no ordinary historian. She's a history sleuth: as tenacious as a Columbo, as relentless in her pursuit as a Hercule Poirot.
Here's the story. Sometime in the 1960s, Selma picked up the barest whiff of a historical clue. Someone had told her there was a vague reference to places along the coast of Labrador written in ancient archived documents in, of all places, a museum library in Basque, Spain. Historians had known that the Basque fishermen came to North America in the 1500s, but there were scant details and the information was sketchy.
Curious, and armed with a powerful intellect, she began a quest to find out more. But before she could even begin her research, she first had to learn Spanish, then Old Spanish. She then spent months in the Basque region of Spain poring through yellowing, handwritten documents that hadn't seen the light of day for centuries. She eventually discovered several which indeed made tantalizing references to this Labrador coast so far, far away: here a ship manifest, there an invoice, a bill of lading, a will, a lawsuit of the time, and others.
Gradually, she began to piece together a narrative, accumulating evidence that there had been a major — a huge — whaling operation involving dozens of ships, as many as 2,000, perhaps 2,500 men making the voyage from Basque to what we now call Red Bay year after year. This tiny coastal town had been the centre of a mammoth and ongoing whaling operation. The largest in the world. And not a single person on earth knew anything about it.
A phenomenal discovery by any measure.
Red Bay yesterday, from the shore of Saddle Island
Basque whalers at Red Bay circa 1550 in a 'chalupe' a small, open boat used for whaling, as distinct from the much larger galleons which made the transatlantic crossing. (Mural, Visitor's Centre, Red Bay National Historic Site)
And then Selma stumbled on something even more intriguing. A reference to a galleon, the San Juan, laden to the gunwales with 300 barrels of whale oil — that had sunk somewhere off the Labrador coast in the mid-1500s.
If there had been a wreck, might evidence of it still exist?
The hunt began in earnest and divers finally found, in 1978, what most believe is the San Juan right in this harbour, right here in Red Bay. It was remarkably intact and yielded hundreds of artifacts, many exceptionally well preserved, now on display at the Parks Canada Red Bay National Historic Site here. And more evidence of the Basque whaling enterprise has since been discovered on land nearby and on Saddle Island which sits at the mouth of Red Bay and helps provide such an ideal, protected harbour.
The San Juan: model
Pottery vessel from the sunken galleon
Small comb. The left side would have been used to untangle hair, the finer, more closely spaced right side, to remove lice and vermin.
Harpoon tip
These momentous discoveries have forced a rewrite of the history of the 16th century and have led to the UNESCO designation for Red Bay.
What I find intriguing about this whole story is that such a huge annual operation was completely and utterly unknown to historians before Selma unearthed it.
How could this be? Dozens of galleons crossing the Atlantic each year. Two thousand or more men that made the 6-8 week trip annually here and back (they didn't overwinter unless trapped by early ice). An enormously lucrative enterprise. The Red Bay resources provided oil for lamps and cook stoves throughout Europe. As one guide put it to me, "Red Bay was lighting Europe for a century". On land, a number of "Trayworks" were built: structures used to render the whale oil in heated cauldrons. They even imported tile for the roofs of these structures, some broken bits of which can still be seen.
Artist's conception: Rendering whale oil in a "Trayworks" structure (From an interpretive panel on Saddle Island)
Spanish tile, used for the roofs of buildings and structures at Red Bay. These I found just scattered on the ground on Saddle Island
The galleons would have been the oil tankers of their day and the whales, sad to say, the tar sands.
Some say the Basques deliberately kept the enterprise as quiet as possible for fear of others horning in. Not for them the grandiose voyages of discovery, the claiming of territories for king and country, the planting of flags on foreign soil. They came to fish.
The operation thrived for many years — about a century — but by the early 1600s began to peter out. It is said that even back then, overfishing had led to a depletion of the whaling resources along the Labrador shores. The rise of British and French naval power acted as a further damper. Eventually, the operation ceased altogether.
And then became lost to history. It sank completely from our collective memory. Like a stone.
Parks Canada runs an outstanding interpretative site here with films, exhibits, artifacts and a actual chalupe, the small open boat used to hunt the whales, recovered from the bay, restored, and now on display.
A 'chalupe' from the 16th century, discovered, raised and painstakingly restored by Parks Canada experts.
Chalupe: Bow detail. This, and several other small boats were recovered from the bay after the large sunken galleon had been found.
Selma has been invited to the August 2 celebrations but sadly won't be able to make it. She's old now and too infirm to make the trip.
Three flags at the site: Basque, Canada,and Labrador, soon to be joined by the United Nations flag
A small mound of staggering significance
About three kilometres down a gravel road from the main coastal highway south of L'Anse Amour, if you look carefully, you'll find this small mound beside the road. It may not look like much, and you might not give it a second glance as you wander by towards the tiny village of L'Anse Amour.
But this is no ordinary mound.
This is the grave site of a small child. She was buried face down, hands by her side. Her body had been covered in red ochre, wrapped in skins and surrounded by artifacts: spear heads, a bone whistle, a walrus tusk and painted stones.
It has been dated at a staggering 7,500 years ago.
Burial mound: 7,500 years old
And it's the earliest known burial monument in North America.
A thriving archaic culture was active in the region as early as 9,000 years ago. And it left enough artifacts behind to allow archeologists to track its technical progress, particularly in the development of spearheads.
Stone spear points, Archaic period (Thanks to the Labrador Straits Museum, L'Anse Amour, for allowing me to photograph these.)
Tragedy and Hope: Stories of the Coast
One of the delights of staying in B & Bs is the encounters with their owners. Here at L'Anse aux Loups, my 'Labrador Headquarters', Mary Barney is my host, a woman of uncertain age but who probably won't ever see the south side of 80 again. She is a marvellous raconteur who told me stories of the coast, its communities and its people well into the evening, delivered with that unique Newfoundland lilt that is at once colourful and at times, difficult to understand. In her voice and her tales, I began to appreciate, perhaps a little, both the hardships and the strong sense of community that this harsh environment breeds. Thank you, Mary.
I asked her if she would tell some of her stories to the video camera, but she was too shy.
I'll relay a couple of them to you. The first involves the wreck of the HMS Raleigh, a British cruiser, which ran aground in August of 1922. (There are many wrecks off these unforgiving coasts.) It occurred before her time but the wreck itself begat a subsequent tragedy that affected her own kin years later. One evening, some small children had made a fire on the beach, and were throwing various pieces of debris they had found nearby onto it. Among the debris was explosive material from the wrecked ship. It blew up and they were instantly killed. They were relatives of hers, but I didn't quite catch the relationship.
I was intrigued by the story, so the next day I went down to the coast to see if I could still find pieces of the wreck.
There's not much left of it. Just a few scraps of rusting metal broken up on the shore. But because of the story, they now held significance for me.
One of the few pieces left of the HMS Raleigh
HMS Raleigh (artist's sketch from an interpretative panel)
The name Dr. Wilfred Grenfell still resonates along this coast, though the man died 65 years ago. This British doctor brought hope, medicine and the gospel to the then-impoverished villagers in the 1920s and 30s, before the time of roads and aircraft, when the only access was by boat, and when boat arrivals were few and far between. In doing so, he is still revered up and down the coast. I had been through a museum dedicated to Grenfell in St. Anthony a few days ago (sorry, no photographs!), so I was familiar with the story. Turns out that Mary's husband , as a young lad, had met the man. So the man and his works were close to her. It also turns out that there's a connection in my own family. My sister Susan tells me that an aunt of mine, Mabel Gowdy, had knit items for Dr. Grenfell's missions, part of a North-American-wide effort to bring badly needed clothes and supplies to the coast. Full circle.
This small mailbox served as the mailbox for an entire coastal community in the 1920s. Each family had a slot. (Thanks to the Labrador Straits museum for letting me photograph this.)
Back to The Rock
The ferry that crosses the Strait of Belle Isle is called the the Apollo. I was going to write that it sailed back to Newfoundland yesterday, but, since it's an old clunker of a ship, it would perhaps be more accurate to say that it lurched, shimmied, shook, throbbed and heaved its way across. But it made it! (Actually, it wasn't that bad. I'm just exaggerating a tad for theatrical effect.)
(Today, July 18, I'm back on the island, starting to head east.)
PreviousTravels to Newfoundland – 7
NextTravels to Newfoundland – 9
Costa Rica Day 3: La Catarata
Manitoba Marshland Birds
Costa Rica Day 7 Herons and such
Shawn Hooker	on 18 July 2013 at 9:40 am
Fantastic mix of history, anecdotes, commentary and photographs. I am thoroughly enjoying your trip.
jd	on 18 July 2013 at 4:23 pm
Thanks, Shawn,
Glad you're enjoying it!
Paul Skory	on 18 July 2013 at 10:15 am
I wondered why Red Bay had become a world heritage site, and now I know. Well done, John.
Newfoundland sure has its share: Gross Morne, L'Anse aux Meadows, and now Red Bay.
H.D.	on 18 July 2013 at 10:56 am
Spellbinding history – sure beats my Grade nine history book, "Building the Canadian Nation". I believe that several years ago, a large ship hunkered down in Red Bay during a bad storm and had to use its engines to maintain position. After it left, at the bottom of Red Bay divers discovered parts of a galleon in the silt which had been stirred up by the propellers of the ship.
Yes, I have a photo of the later wreck which is now a listing, rusting hulk near the head of Saddle Island but didn't include it in the post. Actially, if you check the first picture in the Travels to Newfoundland 7 post (the one with the small sailboat at the head of Saddle Island), you can just make it out. I recall hearing that the newer wreck had been in some way instrumental in the galleon discovery, but not the detail about the churning propeller. A nice footnote!
Louis Radakir	on 18 July 2013 at 12:24 pm
Wow … Thanks for this JD … thoroughly engrossing. My education has just been improved! Your journalism degree sure shows through. Kudos!
Thanks Louis, I'm realizing that I'm enjoying doing this sort of thing!
Andrew Mott	on 31 July 2013 at 9:35 pm
I have just started at the beginning again and re run your trip. Your pictures are so beautiful and catch the slow roil of time that has gentled the ancient landscape.Thank you for the holiday
Terra Australis 4
Mar 18, 2019 | Australia
Mar 5, 2019 | Australia
East Coast Canada
The Perfect Day Factory
The focus is on photography, both in the features and blog sections, but that doesn't mean we won't stray from that focus from time to time.
John Davidson, Ottawa, Canada
Search by Category Select Category Australia (4) Birds (26) Canada 150 (7) Costa Rica (20) East Coast Canada (4) Environment (11) Mexico (2) New Zealand (3) Newfoundland (11) Photographs (8) Science/Nature (7) Slideshows (3) Travel (16) Video (4) Wildlife (9)


Overall Morningstar Rating for BGF Sustainable Energy Fund as of Mar 31, 2019 rated against 91.00 Sector Equity Alternative Energy Funds.
The Sustainable Energy Fund seeks to maximise total return. The Fund invests globally at least 70% of its total assets in the equity securities of sustainable energy companies. Sustainable energy companies are those which are engaged in alternative energy and energy technologies including: renewable energy technology; renewable energy developers; alternative fuels; energy efficiency; enabling energy and infrastructure. The Fund will not invest in companies that are classified in the following sectors (as defined by Global Industry Classification Standard): coal and consumables; oil and gas exploration and production; and integrated oil and gas.
Overall BGF Sustainable Energy Fund received a Morningstar Rating of 4 stars for the 3-year period, 5 stars stars for the 5-year period and 4 stars stars for the 10-year period, rated against 91, 84 and 62 Sector Equity Alternative Energy Funds, respectively. Performance results represent past performance and are no guarantee of future results.

For each U.S.-domiciled fund with at least a 3-year history, Morningstar calculates a Morningstar RatingTM based on a Morningstar Risk-Adjusted Return measure that accounts for variation in a fund's monthly performance (including the effects of sales charges, loads and redemption fees), placing more emphasis on downward variations and rewarding consistent performance. The top 10% of funds in each category receive five stars, the next 22.5% receive four stars, the next 35% receive three stars, the next 22.5% receive two stars and the bottom 10% receive one star. (Each share class is counted as a fraction of one fund within this scale and rated separately, which may cause slight variations in the distribution percentages.) The Overall Morningstar Rating for a fund is derived from a weighted-average of the performance figures associated with its 3-, 5- and 10-year (if applicable) Morningstar Rating metrics.

Morningstar Ratings are for the share classes cited only; other classes may have different ratings.
Overall Morningstar Rating for BGF Sustainable Energy Fund, Class X2, as of Mar 31, 2019 rated against 91 Sector Equity Alternative Energy Funds.


This recipe is super easy and alcohol free or if you want a little rubbing alcohol in it you can use half witch hazel and half rubbing alcohol. I feel like the orange, lemon and tea tree essential oils do a good job disinfecting. This recipe is also safe for small children who shouldn't absorb rubbing alcohol into their skin as it can be too toxic for them.
Mix everything together and pour into bottles. Label and date.


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ReDat system can record and analyse millions of phone calls
Caption: RETIA a.s.
The Retia company from Pardubice, Czech Republic, is a leading Czech producer of world-class radar equipment and electronic systems, and belongs among the strategic enterprises of the Czech industry. Among the largest products by the Retia company for the civil sector there is the recording and analytics system ReDat.
The Retia company from Pardubice, Czech Republic, is a leading Czech producer of world-class radar equipment and electronic systems. The company was founded in 1993 by a team of engineers and collaborators who gained experiences in the renowned Czechoslovak company Tesla Pardubice. This year Retia celebrates it's 25th anniversary and belongs among the strategic enterprises of the Czech industry. For it's customers in the Czech Republic and in more than 40 countries of the world it develops, produces and modernizes radars, air defence missile systems, command and control systems, recording systems, UWB localisation systems and communication systems. The international relevance of this Pardubice company is proven also by the fact that more than two thirds of it's revenue comes from export of it's products, in both the civil and military sectors. Among the largest products by the Retia company for the civil sector there is the recording and analytics system ReDat.
ReDat is a sofisticated system for reliable recording of a broad spectrum of communication channels carried over variable, often incompatible, technologies. ReDat has loggers capable of recording voice, data and images. These make ReDat among the most universal systems of its kind. Every logger comes with an integration tool for third-party systems, which opens a wide variety of possibilities.
The development of the system started in 1995 with the poduction of the first recording system for the radar data, and it has been extended even for commercial use with the railways, police and power plants. Today it is operated in contact centers, banks, at the airports; it is used by mobile phone operators, and with the Integrated rescue system, to monitor the phone calls in order to improve services or ensure security.
ReDat has a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Recorder which is a profesional software operated on standard server platforms for recording voice communications from various VoIP-based communication technologies. VoIP Recorder also supports recording screens, data communications and general data, including additional information for audio recordings. ReDat can record voice communication over telephone lines, radio stations, microphones. It can also record data communication on different interfaces (DVI-D, DP, USB), like for example data from radar systems, from HD displays, or it can record use of computer keyboards and mouse. The data is stored together with the exact time information for further analysis.
ReDat provides also a voice analysis with the ReDat TopicDetection, a unique software voice analysis module, designed to analyse context and content in incoming and outgoing calls. Based on understanding of the text, the module can classify the data in different cathegories according to topics, and analyse the relation between them, and visualize their presentation according to the user's needs.
The most recent part of the ReDat system is The Cloud recording service which presents the implementation of calls recording and processing of recorded calls and their administration and quality management in a hosted virtual environment. The service includes technologies to record both digital and analogue input, safe transfer and storage and finally processing and analysis with the sophisticated user interface of the application server ReDat eXperience. The service can be expanded to include modules of quality management (content evaluation, automatic reports, etc.) and voice analysis (emotional behavior, callflow, keywords and call classification, etc.).
ReDat, RETIA, Eletronic systems, Voice analysis, Data recordings,


Customer-centric transformations, much like running marathons, require commitment, determination, and discipline. Both appear to be lengthy, grueling, iterative, and laden with uncertainty and risks every step of the way. They both require setting "stretch" goals, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and demand flexibility and persistence to adapt, change course, or simply continue moving forward when unexpected obstacles arise. Transformations, similar to marathons, often start full of momentum and energy, then lose steam and become difficult to sustain.
Whether you're trying to master a competitive sport or trying to drive a cultural shift in your organization to become more customer-centric, having a well-defined strategy and game plan up-front is a critical ingredient for long-term success. Yet, many organizations deprioritize the importance of planning when considering a transformation initiative. A common myth investigated in Merkle's 2016 research study with Adobe ("The Case for Change: Exposing the Myths of Customer-Centric Transformation") is that companies often feel they "don't need to waste time (and money) on planning." They know what they want to do. Such shortcuts can be dangerous and near-sighted. Our transformation research shows that 40% of transformation initiatives are likely to be successful when a formal planning process is in place. Our research indicates that companies with a successful transformation track record were 2.8 times more likely to require a business case and 2.5 times more likely to develop and adhere to a multi-phased road map that helped them prioritize and plan out their efforts.
So what might a comprehensive plan look like for organizations seeking to evolve into a customer-centric, people-based marketing model? Merkle's transformation approach is grounded in a Vision, Value, Roadmap (VVR) methodology which sets the foundation for any broad-scale transformation effort and can be leveraged irrespective of industry type, company size, B2B or B2C focus.
Our transformation research shows that 40% of transformation initiatives are likely to be successful when a formal planning process is in place.
The transformation planning phase can be organized as four key components.
Defining and aligning key stakeholders around a future-state customer vision is a major first step in the planning phase. This is typically preceded by a series of discovery interviews with key stakeholders that aims at identifying business, technology, and organizational barriers and gaps in the current-state environment. Many companies don't wish to invest the time in current-state discovery, but the value of this exercise is that it forces the organization to identify and prioritize key pain points in the current customer experience and the underlying enablers (e.g., data, technology, analytics, people, and process) which contribute to a sub-optimal experience. Our research indicates that high growth companies were 2 times more likely to have a formal process to assess current state.
The customer vision ultimately becomes an alignment tool for the organization to create a sense of urgency regarding the need for transformation. It bridges organizational silos by bringing together stakeholders who otherwise may not collaborate, and it builds ownership and buy-in across different business units, as they are brought into the visioning process during the early stages of the transformation.
Once the vision is defined, "bringing the vision to life" through tangible illustrations of the future state customer journey is the next step. These use cases typically involve key interactions with your target customer segments across digital or traditional touchpoints (site, social, display, mobile, email, call center, branch/store, etc.). While you cannot address all possible scenarios in the customer journey, the goal is to prioritize those that are most representative of high value or high impact interactions and leverage the use cases as a vehicle for distilling the underlying technology, data, analytics, or other marketing enablers needed to support the desired experience.
Building a rigorous and detailed business case that quantifies the total expected benefits and costs of your transformation initiative is a critical third step in the planning phase. Keep in mind that transformation benefits may be both qualitative (strategic or experiential) and quantitative. Engaging the right stakeholders across functions such as finance and marketing early in the plan phase, establishing and iterating on a focused set of value drivers will facilitate the benefits quantification exercise. A successful business case must be closely aligned to the future state customer use cases and supporting capabilities. The business case should also be revisited and refined over the course of your transformation journey, as you begin to implement initiatives and capture results from improved marketing technology and capabilities. The business case often serves as an executive stakeholder alignment tool within and beyond the planning phase, as it can help secure additional funding for the build phases of the transformation.
The fourth and final component of a successful transformation plan is the future state blueprint and roadmap, which provides a logical sequencing of initiatives, organized and prioritized based on business value, in-flight initiatives, and technology inter-dependencies. The blueprint and roadmap not only represent a culmination of all the ideation and planning work done prior to this step, but also lays the groundwork for the implementation phases.
Most of us wouldn't consider running a marathon without some level of preparation, training, and "strategizing." Runners can spend hundreds of hours preparing for a race that lasts only a few hours. Why wouldn't organizations do the same for a multi-year customer transformation program?
Preparing for customer-centric transformation requires a fundamental shift in mindset, from how you go to market, to how you operate and collaborate with internal and external business partners. Many companies know what they want to achieve out of their transformation efforts. Establishing a structured, comprehensive planning process allows you to not only validate and expand your initial transformation goals and vision, but also produce very tangible outputs that subsequently serve as socialization and consensus building vehicles that broaden the transformation messaging, buy-in, and adoption journey across the enterprise.


Cleveland Clinic, an American academic medical center, will innovate new advances and applications for AI and Machine Learning in healthcare, with the launch of a new center for AI. It aims to further collaboration and communication between physicians, researchers and data scientists as AI and Machine Learning efforts evolve and gain traction across the health system. The officials familiar with the matter stated that the goal is to boost research on various clinical use cases where Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and other AI approaches could be brought to bear.
The center will summon specialists from departments of IT, genetics, oncology, pathology, laboratory, radiology and more. The Center for Clinical Artificial Intelligence, a project of Cleveland Clinic Enterprise Analytics, will try to find new and innovative applications of AI for disease prediction, diagnostics, and treatment planning. According to the officials, researchers at the center are already developing new Machine Learning models for more exact clinical decision support, quality improvement, predictions of length or stay and readmission risk and other use cases. Additionally, other initiatives focused on oncology are also underway and exploring how AI can allow personalized outcomes prediction, or boost the accuracy of computer-supported detection in pathology slides.
Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland Clinic has been at the forefront of medical innovation for decades. Very recently, the medical center reportedly named the second best hospital in the world. The Cleveland Clinic was recognized for being the hospital for the world's first total facial transplant as more than 7.6 million patients have visited the Cleveland Clinic hospitals across the world since 2017.


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Angelina Malit on Her First Year in Volleyball
Glendy Diaz Olivares
Alyssa De La Cruz, Writer
Filed under Sports
As volleyball season starts, there is always the same question: Who's in the team this year? Well, I am here to tell you one of the newest members of the Girl's Volleyball team is my friend, Angelina Malit. As her first year is just starting, here are her statements concerning her first year:
How is your first-year in volleyball going? How is it being in the varsity team?
My first-year in varsity is really great and fun. Everyone in varsity is very supportive and willing to help you throughout the season. I'm not going to lie, at first, I was really nervous about all of it, but eventually I opened up and everything turned out fine.
I know that most of the varsity players are upperclassmen. How did you feel on senior night given you just joined the team this year, and now the friends you have made are graduating in early June.
Even though I barely joined varsity this year, I was very emotional during senior night. Throughout the season, I became really close to the seniors and I'm going to miss them when they graduate.
How was your first experience in playoffs?
Playoffs was really fun and I had a great experience. Watching everyone play was very intense and very exciting. I can't wait for next year.
Do you plan to continue playing volleyball until you graduate?
Yes, I plan to continue playing volleyball because of the great experience I had. Also, I love being on the court with my team.
As I was asking Angelina these questions, she seemed so joyful speaking about her first year in volleyball. Even though it was her first year, it's exciting how her and the team went to the playoffs. They won their first playoff game in HMSA history, but lost their second playoff game. The girls worked so hard this season. Good luck to them next year. Also, good luck to the seniors with their future!
Glendy Diaz Olivares, Photography editor/ Photographer
Glendy Olivares is a junior at HMSA who has been on Aviator News since sophomore year. Living up to her love of photography, she lives by one phrase: "A...
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The Rams
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Tough Loss Against The Argonauts
HMSA's Baseball Team's Memorable Victory Against New Roads!
Lady A's take the Lead!
A Wild Start to the NBA Playoffs


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"What in the World? Weekly Quiz" | Jan 4-10, 2021
A global affairs awareness service provided by the
Tennessee World Affairs Council
CLICK IMAGE FOR QUIZ
Thanks to quiz master Matthew Jackson, for this week's quiz.
LAST WEEK'S QUIZ WINNERS
Charles Bowers, Nashville, TN
David Hillinck, Huntsville, AL
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Steve Freidberg, Boston, MA
Barbara Gubbin, Jacksonville, FL
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Pete Griffin, Nashville, TN
Austin Travis, Nashville, TN
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Bernie Drake, Peoria, IL
Peter Sharadin, Blandon, PA
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Hey! Dozens of quiz takers are on our weekly winners list. You will be eligible for our end of month quiz prize if you become a TNWAC member. Join today to be in the running for the December quiz prize.
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December 2020 – Quiz Prize Winner
Angela Weck
The Back Channel: A Memoir of American Diplomacy and the Case for Its Renewal
Ambassador William Burns
LAST WEEK'S QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What in the World? Quiz – Week of Dec 28, 2020-Jan 3, 2021
1. Negotiators for the United Kingdom and European Union concluded 11th hour Brexit talks on Christmas Eve with THIS result.
A. The UK will hit the New Year 2021 deadline without a Brexit deal.
B. Negotiators agreed to extend the Brexit deadline to March 30, 2021.
C. Boris Johnson and EU leaders agreed to a final Brexit pact.
D. The UK and EU agreed to implement Brexit terms but resolution of the Irish "backstop" question will continue to be discussed.
Correct Response: C. Boris Johnson and EU leaders agreed to a final Brexit pact.
https://www.npr.org/2020/12/26/950360170/great-britain-and-the-european-union-finalize-brexit-trade-deal
2. The Israeli Parliament was dissolved last week after the unity government gave in to infighting. The development will force a new election, fourth in the last two years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, head of THIS party, and Benny Gantz blamed each other for the failure.
A. Likud
B. Blue and White
C. Shas
D. Joint List
Correct Response: A. Likud
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/22/world/middleeast/israel-election-netanyahu.html
3. A new mutation of the COVID-19 virus has appeared worldwide, apparently originating in THIS country. This variant is more transmissible than previous forms of the virus but is no deadlier. The new variant has caused new travel restrictions.
A. France
B. Italy
C. United Kingdom
D. Spain
Correct Response: C. United Kingdom
4. Recent attacks in southern Niger that killed 28 people and burned 800 homes are attributed to THIS jihadist, militant group affiliated with the Islamic State. The group, whose name means non-Islamist education is forbidden, is known for its kidnappings and terrorism in Nigeria but appears to be extending its reach. ["Daily Chatter" Question]
A. Al Qaeda
B. Hezbollah
C. Boko Haram
D. Al-Shabaab
Correct Response: C. Boko Haram
"Daily Chatter," December 24, 2020
5. The Biden Administration plans to reengage the parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the so-called Iran nuclear deal but it has a narrow window for dealing with Iran. The country shuts down for two-weeks in March for Nowruz, the Persian new year followed by presidential campaigning for the June 18th election. THIS incumbent Iranian President, who oversaw the JCPOA process, will not be on the ballot due to a two-term limitation. [USIP Question]
A. Hassan Rouhani
B. Qassem Soleimani
C. Mohammed Javad Zarif
D. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Correct Response: A. Hassan Rouhani
https://www.usip.org/publications/2020/12/nuclear-diplomacy-iran-whats-ahead-biden-administration
6. Loujain al-Hathloul was sentenced to a five-year prison sentence for seeking to change the political system and harming national security. Rights groups and her family said she was an activist pushing for women's right to drive and the end of the male guardian system, and that she had been tortured in confinement. The case may be an early test between the President Biden administration and THIS crown prince in Riyadh.
A. Mohammed bin Salman (MBS)
B. Salman bin Abdulaziz (SBA)
C. Mohammed bin Nayef (MBN)
D. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz (ABA)
Correct Response: A. Mohammed bin Salman (MBS)
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-rights-women/saudi-court-hands-prison-sentence-to-womens-rights-activist-idUSKBN2920T7?il=0
7. The United Nations has announced that every year on February 4th, the International Day of Human Fraternity will be observed. This international day was inspired by the friendship between Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar in Cairo. THIS country submitted this proposal that was approved unanimously by the UN?
A. Egypt
B. Kuwait
C. Sudan
D. Qatar
Correct Response: A. Egypt
https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2020/12/22/international-day-human-fraternity-pope-francis-239578
8. The Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020 and Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 was part of a package signed by President Trump on Sunday. The legislation, which angered Beijing as interference in its affairs, among other provisions, threatens sanctions against Chinese officials who obstruct the selection of a successor for THIS spiritual leader, exiled from Tibet.
A. Nyanassamvara Suvaddhana, 19th Somdet Phra and Supreme Patriarch
B. Swami Gahanananda, President, Ramakrishna Mission, Vedanta Society
C. Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama
D. Ariyavongsagatanana, 20th Somdet Phra and Supreme Patriarch
Correct Response: C. Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-china/u-s-bolsters-support-for-taiwan-and-tibet-angering-china-idUSKBN2920JZ
9. Argentina has recently approved the Sputnik vaccine and has received nearly 300,000 doses, expecting more in early 2021. Sputnik was developed in THIS country.
A. Ukraine
B. Kazakhstan
C. Latvia
D. Russia
Correct Response: D. Russia
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-argentina-vaccine-idUKKBN29100A
10. THIS island country in East Asia has banned non-resident foreign nationals from entering the country and Prime Minister Suga urged people to stay home. The travel ban has been put in place after a new more transmissible COVID-19 was detected in the country.
A. Taiwan
B. Philippines
C. Malaysia
D. Japan
Correct Response: D. Japan
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/japan-bans-new-entries-of-foreigners-after-virus-variant-arrives-189748
Copyright 2020, Tennessee World Affairs Council


Corpus Christi Cycle Club (CCCC) is a 501C3 registered charity.
Through this website, you can find rides and cycling groups specifically geared to cycling in the Corpus Christi area. If your a new rider or experienced cyclist, this site will help you find the best ride for you.
Corpus Christi Cycle Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to cycling and cycling-related activities for road riders (Roadies), recreational cyclists, mountain bike enthusiasts and BMX'ers. Our members have varied interests and abilities, ranging from simple bike rides and cruises to road racing and distance events to off road trail rides, mountain biking, and racing.
One of our main goals in the formation of this club is to allow cyclists and other cycling groups and organizations to stay in contact with one another to promote cycling in the greater Corpus Christi region.
Corpus Christi Cycle Club offers scheduled rides nearly every day of the week, and non-members are welcome on any ride. Most of our road rides are focused to the Corpus Christi and surrounding areas of South Texas. Distances can range from 25 miles to 100 miles.
We are always looking for new routes and new people to meet! Our club offers a great venue to participate in various rides at every level of interest. If you are new to the area and want to participate in local group rides, non-members and guests are welcome. Helmets are required on all rides.
Please read our mission statement.
If you live in the Corpus Christi and surrounding areas and would like to get involved with our group and participate in scheduled events, tours and organized cycling events, please sign up as a member to our non-profit organization. By joining our organization, members will have the opportunity to get local bike shop discounts, participate in local club events , club tours and much more. We also are insured for all of our events. We have scheduled meetings , so if you want to participate in our organization, please come to our meetings and bring a friend! Most of our meetings are social in nature.
If your interested in joining our organization and becoming a member, please visit our membership page for more information. Our yearly membership fee is $25 (student), $35 (Individual) and $45 (family).
If you are a new rider or cycle enthusiast to the Corpus Christi area, you will want to visit the IQUACK Southside Cycling community to get your first taste of group rides. This group will introduce you to the etiquette and experience of group riding for first time riders. Most of our group rides are scheduled and all riders are welcome. A ride leader is usually available to get you familiar with the course and ride varieties. Most of our rides cover flat terrain, but some courses have small hills in the mix. Most all of our rides are "no drop" rides and "no one left behind". One of our group leaders will direct you to the proper ride based on your abilities.
Details: No one left behind ride. Faster A and B riders will sprint varying sections of Hwy 37 at 'river'. Similar course to Wednesday night's hammerfest ride. However, riders will regroup at Stripes and ride a relaxed ride back to Lamar. New ride course takes us along Ocean Drive to Port Ave. and out to River.
Saturday Morning CVS at Everhart and Saratoga Blvd.
Details: This is the biggest ride for the week. Most riders will break in to A, B, C and D groups and go varying distances and routes. IQUACK group will go to the Naval Air Station Gate. This is about 25 miles at a slow pace (12-14 MPH). The A and B riders will usually do the longer rides of 65 miles in the summer and longer rides in the winter. The A&B group rides are drop rides, meaning to please ride according to your ability. The 65 mile loop has an early 40 mile loop for riders who would like to go a little faster, but just not as long. The longer 65 miles group will go to the river and have some varying sprints, but will regroup. The pace for the 65 mile group will be between 18-20 MPH depending on wind conditions. The 65 mile group and 40 mile group will start together heading out of town to 1604. There is a split for the 40 mile group at HWY 44 off 1604. This will be a re-group point for the 40 mile group at HWY 44 and 1604 near Robstown. The 40 mile group is a no drop ride back to Corpus and CVS on HWY 44 to HWY 37 side roads to Holly Road. Just meet up and choose your ride!
These rides will be a no-drop fun rides to the National Sea Shore and back. Roughly 20 miles. Meet just before 6:00 PM at the Island Presbyterian Church parking lot (Gypsy St and Port Of call). Please make sure to wear your helmet and to bring enough liquids for a 1.5-2 hrs ride. Depending on number of riders and abilities, we will ultimately break up into pace groups to accommodate riders with different goals.
Additional Comments: Lights recommended. This is a relaxed group ride on MTB's.
Details: This ride starts and ends at 4609 Champions Drive Corpus Christi 78413 and goes through neighborhoods on the southside out and down Wooldridge Rd. All A with B, C and D riders are welcome. Small sprints and openers for some. No one left behind.
Details: All riders welcome. A riders will hammer hills down Hwy 37 through refinery. Dropped A riders can drop back to B group. B riders can turn early after refineries at Sun Tide and/or hook up with A riders. Ride according to speed and strength. This is a no drop ride.
A frame pump or some means to inflate a flat tire.
Spare money (for water, snacks or emergency phone calls.
Some sort of identification card, licence or ROAD ID in case of emergency.
Lights (if riding early morning or in the evening). Most riders will use lights even during day riding.
Do not be that rider without your spare kits on group rides.


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Q: Nested inner Activity class in android Is declaring a class that extends Activity inside another Activity class possible? If it is, how would I register that class in the manifest? Also, is that something that can be reasonably done or is it a bad idea?
I was thinking of something like
class ListClass extends ListActivity{

    ...
    ArrayList items;

    class ItemClass extends Activity{

        ...
        Item item;

        @Override
        onCreate(){
            Integer pos = getIntent().getExtras().getInt("pos");
            item = items.get(pos);
        }
    }

    @Override
    onItemClick(int position){

        startActivity(new Intent(this, ItemClass.class).putExtra("pos", position));

    }
}

Note the syntax isn't 100% correct obviously, mostly pseudocode.

A: Yes, it does work -- it is just another class -- you just need to declare your activity using inner class notation in AndroidManifest.xml:

<activity android:name=".ListClass$ItemClass"/>

Seems to work fine for me, but perhaps when this question was asked, it wasn't supported in older versions of Android?
Not sure WHY you'd want to do this, but you can.

A: No, that's not possible. After all, the Android operating system will need to instantiate the Activity if it is started at any point (say, if you start it through an intent), and it's impossible to instantiate an ItemClass without a parent ListClass.
Remember that each Activity is completely independent and can be started at any point through an intent.

A: I'd also be curious why you'd want to do this.
However, I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work.  Couldn't you reference it in the AndroidManifest as you normally would as long as both classes are public?  i.e. com.falmarri.ListClass.ItemClass?
Edit: Nevermind, this doesn't work as EboMike pointed out.


The Española Valley High School boys basketball team has been taking care of business in District 2-4A. The Sundevils have defeated Los Alamos High School, Moriarty High School and Pojoaque Valley High School, teams they needed to beat. Española is 3-0 in District 2-4A. Los Alamos, Moriarty and Pojoaque represent the bottom of District 2-4A, having a combined record of just 13-46 overall. The Sundevils could not afforf to falter against these teams as they prepare for a showdown with Taos High School. The Tigers are the only other team in District 2-4A with a winning record, being 13-6 on the season. Española is 12-8 overall.
In what has been a good rivalry over the years, Española defeated the Hilltoppers 73-58, picking up an important win on the road Jan. 29 in Los Alamos. Behind 26 points from steady point guard Ryan Trujillo, the Sundevils used a big second quarter to take control of the game and withstood the Hilltoppers attempts at coming back in the second half to cruise to victory.
The Hilltoppers started the game playing well and matching Española blow-forblow. The Hilltoppers took a 12-13 lead at 2:05 of the first quarter on a Matthew Owen free throw. Trujillo, as he would do all game long when Los Alamos threatened, put Española back in front 13-12 with a jumper. Jordan Duda nailed a three-pointer to give Española a 16-12 lead at the buzzer ending the first quarter.
Duda canned another three-pointer to start the second quarter and post Justino Rascon muscled in two basket from the paint as the Sundevils started with a 7-0 run. After two free throws by Los Alamos' Gavin Campos, the Sundevils got their running game going in high gear. Trujillo, Luis Molina and Brian Martinez all scored on fast break layups to give Española a 29-14 lead. Hasty shots by the Hilltoppers kept Española running up and down the court and when the buzzer sounded for halftime the Sundevils held a 40-22 lead.
"At the very end of the first quarter and in the second quarter, we didn't take care of business," Los Alamos Coach Michael Kluk said.
Los Alamos made a run at Española in the third quarter thanks to four three-pointers. Brian Irwin had a pair of them and David Owen's three-pointer cut Española's lead in half 49-40. Trujillo put a stop to the momentum with a driving layup and the Sundevils still led comfortably 57-42 heading into the fourth quarter.
A 6-2 run by Española to start the fourth quarter gave the Sundevils a 63-44 lead and all but ended the Hilltoppers' hopes of catching the Sundevils. With about two minutes left in the game, both teams emptied their benches and Española cruised to a 73-58 victory.
In their second District 2-4A matchup against Moriarty High School Jan.26 at Española, the Sundevils pounded the Pintos. Española quickly established its dominance and by halftime had taken a 54-18 lead. The second half was played with a running clock under the 35-point mercy rule. Española pulled away to a dominating 88-31 win.
Trujillo had 22 points and Gabriel Serrano broke out with a 20-point effort against the Pintos. Brian Martinez had 18 points and John Garcia 10 points for Española against the hapless Pintos, who are just 3-17 on the season.
In their opening game of competition in District 2-4A against local rival Pojoaque Valley High School Jan. 24 at Pojoaque, the Sundevils withstood a stout defensive effort by the Elks to come away with a 57-50 victory. The rivalry between the two schools is a long and intense one. So much so that for a number of years the two teams never played each other because it was feared passion among the fans would boil over. Now both members of the same district for the first time, the renewal of this rivalry promises to produce some great games now and in the future.
Despite their 5-15 record overall, Pojoaque came out strong and took a 10-4 lead in the first quarter.Española responded with a 9-2 run. A basket by John Garcia gave the Sundevils a 13-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Española started the second quarter with a 9-0 run that Trujillo started with a pair of free throws and finished with a layup to give the Sundevils a 22-12 lead. Pojoaque cut the lead to four points 24-20 before Brian Martinez canned a three-pointer. Martinez would struggle from the perimeter against the Elks, sinking just the one three-pointer while misfiring from the perimeter seven times.
"We didn't shoot very well," Coach Branch said.
Trujillo added an old-fashioned, three-point play and a basket by Luis Molina helped the Sundevils maintain a 10-point lead 34-24 at halftime.
Pojoaque's Marcos Vigil hit a three-pointer to start the third quarter, cutting Española's lead to seven points. The Sundevils responded with a 6-0 run, taking their biggest lead of the game 40-27 after a basket by Christian Aizpuro. The Elks cut the lead back to seven points with a 6-0 run of their own that ended with a basket by Lukas Archibeque.
Trujillo pushed the lead back to 10 points with a three-pointer. Española led 47-37 heading into the fourth quarter.
Once again the Elks cut Española's lead to seven point on an Archibeque three-pointer. Española pushed the lead to 53-42 with basket by Rascon. The lead was seven points again at 53-46 and again at 58-45, but both times Trujillo canned a pair of free throws to push the lead to nine points. Trujillo's last pair of free throws came with 1:05 left in the game and Pojoaque managed just one more basket after that. Española took a 57-50 victory.
Española will have more than a week to prepare for their showdown against District 2-4A rival Taos High School Feb. 7 in Española. Branch was the head coach at Taos until 2004 when both schools were district rivals. Both schools returned to District 2-4A this season to renew the district rivalry.
Española's Ryan Trujillo goes up strong against the Hilltoppers as Los Alamos' David Owen tries to block his shot. Trujillo scored 26 points (photo by John McHale).
Española's Ryan Trujillo reaches for the ball against the Los Alamos Hilltoppers (photo by John McHale).
Los Alamos' Gabe Holesinger is swarmed by Española defenders (photo by John McHale).
Pojoaque's Lukas Archibeque shoots over Española's Justino Rascon in the Sundevils' 57-50 victory over the Elks Jan. 24 at Pojoaque.


As it is the start of the New Year, I feel it is time to make a few resolutions to improve my family history research in 2016.
I started this research some 10 to 12 years ago. At first it was very hit or miss, even dis-organised. The art of serendipity was all. Over time my research has became very disciplined but there is always room for imrovement.
When researching if I find something of interest regarding someone in one of my trees but not necessarily of any relevance to the subject in hand I take a screenshot or make a note. There is now a bulging file on my computer filled with these screenshots and notes named "Deal with later". I am changing the file name to "Deal with in 2016". I plan to have emptied this file by the end of the year and to have dealt with all the items therein. Who knows what treasures I may find in that file!
2) County Record Offices, National Archives, British Library etc.
I also have a file on my computer of screenshots of items I want to see in various county record offices, the National Archives and other archives or libraries. I intend to sort them out, prioritize the truly important items and then start visiting these places.
I will admit that military records are something of a closed book to me. 2016 is the year I am going to get to grips with them. Then I will be able to add information about the military careers of all those in my various trees who were in the army.
The same as with military records.
Firstly I will list all the sites I subscribe to. Then I will be able to see if I can rationalise them in any way so that I have fewer. I will also put a note in my diary as to the date the subscription falls due. Also a reminder that the fee is upcoming a month before it is due. Also check to see if there are other subscription sites which will be useful to my research.
When planning visits to Record Offices I will check the churches in the locality to see if any ancestors are buried there. I will then include a visit the churches to try and find the graves. If I find any I will take photos.
I have always been aware of the importance of backing up every statement with good sources (preferably a primary one) and correct citations. Up to about 2 years ago I printed out every item I cited - and if there was an image I would print that out as well. It became obvious that the amount of paper created was taking over all space in my house. Since then I have started downloading onto my computer all the images and just record the citation. It is my plan to download or scan all the images that I printed out and keep them in digital format rather than paper. This is an ongoing task and I am determined to spend a few hours every week on this task.
I have started scanning all birth, deaths and marriage certificates so that I have an electronic copy as well as a paper one. I am also doing the same with photos and other hand-written material. It is planned that this will be completed before the end of 2016.
We all know how important backing up our work on computers is. This year I intend to go one step further and create CD-ROMs (if that is the correct current term) of photos, scans and downloaded information for various family members.
I should not forget the on-going research and editing. I plan on researching one family group at a time to see what I have missed, to extend down the generations and to look at their FANs (Friends, associates and neighbours). Currently I am doing the Swinhoe family who are part of the "Beal Cooper and Edlin" tree and I am finding a lot of additional material.
I will report back at the end of the year as to my sucess or failure. I just hope that I have left myself enough time for genuine new research!


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Jaeger LeCoultre travelling clock, pigskin 1935
Dating from 1935, this LeCoultre travelling clock is one of those wonderfully evocative pieces from the art deco era that are so collectible today. We tend to think of LeCoultre, or Jaeger LeCoultre as the concern would be known after 1937, as a manufacturer of wristwatches but in fact, it was also the creator of a number of exquisitely crafted clocks, all aimed at the same high society buyer. The celebrated London jeweller Asprey offered a selection of these LeCoultre clocks, promoting them in its pre-war advertising, as did the Parisian retailer Hermes. Then as now, they were unashamedly extravagant and I think this remains part of their appeal even almost eighty years on.
Going back fifteen years, we used to buy vintage LeCoultre clocks fairly regularly, but over the last five or six years, we have noticed that worthwhile examples have all but disappeared from the marketplace. Now and again we'll be offered pieces on which the hands have been replaced or the winding crowns missing, or those just in generally worn out condition, but genuinely clean, investment grade pre-war vintage LeCoultre clocks that are actually worth buying are conspicuous by their absence.
This clock is charming and one of the most attractive that we have seen in a while. It takes the usual LeCoultre form of a rectangular dial set in a hide covered case, with a flip up lid that protects the glass in transit acting as a fold back stand when the clock is positioned on a flat surface.
The hide here is pigskin and has mellowed into the most gorgeous tobacco colour. It oozes old world charm and the look of the piece immediately conjures up stylish mental images of a fashion conscious gentleman's Mayfair flat in the inter-war years. If you think of a pair of once honey coloured bespoke made English shoes that have been polished religiously for half a century, then you'll have a pretty good idea of the sort of deep glowing patina present on the hide covering of this case.
The general condition of the hide outer is very good, the only area of wear being on the underside of the lid where some of the leather is missing. This isn't the end of the world, largely because, fortunately, it's on the side that faces the dial when the lid is closed and next to the table surface when it's open, so under normal circumstances, it isn't at all visible. For the perfectionist, it would be very easy and inexpensive to just have this side of the lid recovered, but we haven't gone down this route. The policy on this site has always been to offer very high quality antique watches for sale in a legitimate, non-enhanced state that is suited for investment. Particularly given the attractive way in which it has aged, it would a mistake to replace any of the original hide covering in this instance.
The bezel and movement casing are very heavily chrome plated. This plating is in excellent condition and hasn't worn in the slightest. One thing that always strikes anyone handling one of these clocks for the first time is their weight. Admittedly, they are considerably larger than their modern equivalents, but even so, the solidity of the build is quite remarkable. As with its vintage wristwatches, LeCoultre intended that the buyer of one its clocks was acquiring a possession for life, rather than just for a few years. To use a cliché, these things are built like the proverbial tanks, but finished to the most refined standard imaginable.
It really doesn't get a lot more attractive than the jet black dial here, signed "LeCoultre, Eight Days, Swiss" in white above and below its centre point respectively. The whole package of oversize Arabic numerals, original tulip hands and an angular double minute track just scream art deco. Notice how the LeCoultre signature, rather than Jaeger LeCoultre, dates the clock as being pre-1937. Since 1918, the two firms of Jaeger and LeCoultre had worked closely together but were never united as a single business entity, with the signatures of each appearing alone on dials. In 1937, the two formed the amalgamated "Societe de vente des produits Jaeger LeCoultre SA" and from then on, the full Jaeger LeCoultre name was used. On early vintage Reverso, Uniplan and Duoplan wristwatches from the early and mid-1930s, we see the LeCoultre dial signature as here.
The condition of this dial is so close to being mint that we might well have assumed that it was a freshly restored item. There is no fading or spotting to the dial surface at all and the whole thing looks today exactly as it did when on display in the jeweller's window in 1935. However, close inspection with an eye glass reveals that in fact, this is a totally original dial. It has never been restored and is untouched, even down to its original slightly aged radium based luminous paint. Finding original 1930s dials on vintage watches or clocks today is very difficult. Dials like this one are the ideal for the collector, but are not easy to find, with most superficially comparable examples turning out to be refinished, either recently or, quite commonly, back in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In our archives of vintage watch advertising material, we have a LeCoultre advert from November 1935 that features this particular model of clock, with exactly the same black dial, hands and winding crown. The advert itself is something of an art deco masterpiece and will be photocopied and included for the enjoyment of the clock's next owner.
Having been serviced regularly, this clock works perfectly. It runs extremely smoothly and sets very precisely, without any of the backlash in the gear train that we often encounter on worn out vintage movements. Jaeger LeCoultre will still undertake the servicing of its classic movements back at its factory in Le Sentier, but these 1930s clock movements are so simple and so brilliantly engineered that a good local watchmaker will have no difficulty in cleaning and oiling them for a fraction of the cost of official servicing.
The price of this clock is £425 GB pounds, which makes it remarkably good value. It would be impossible to purchase any vintage LeCoultre wristwatch from the 1930s in a worthwhile condition for this amount, but yet the intrinsic quality in the movement and case of this item are every bit as exceptional. There is something very elegant and deeply satisfying about these vintage art deco LeCoultre clocks and it can be said with certainty that anyone purchasing this piece for themselves, or receiving it as a gift, will be extremely pleased.
Price £425 GB Pounds


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County Commission Votes down Countywide Internet Proposal
By Editor | October 15, 2020 | 0
BY DAVID FISHER
david@dresdenenterprise.com
DRESDEN (October 8) — A resolution authorizing the complete build of a fiber-internet infrastructure network throughout the unincorporated areas of Weakley County was voted down during Thursday night's special-called meeting of the Weakley County Commission, which was held in Dresden Middle School's gymnasium.
Several of the approximately 60 taxpayers, composed mainly of citizens from the rural areas of the county, loudly voiced their opinions concerning obtaining countywide internet service. The vast majority of the audience spoke in favor of the project.
The resolution, authorizing West Kentucky and Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc. (WK&T) to pursue all state and federal funding sources for the purpose of providing broadband access to the unserved areas outside the city limits of all municipalities located in Weakley County failed to receive a sufficient number of votes for passage, with 15 commissioners present – nine commissioners voted against it, six voted in favor of the project, and three commissioners were absent.
County commissioners voting "no" were Donnie Essary, David Hawks, Larry Hudson, Eric Owen, Dale Overton, James Roy Pope, Greg Usery, Jack Vincent and James Westbrook. Commissioners voting for the resolution were Roger Donaldson, Dennis Doster, Gary Eddings, Larry Taylor, Steven Totty, and Beth VanCleave. Commissioners David Bell, Bobby Dunlap and Colton Nanney were absent.
The resolution stipulates Weakley County's maximum cost for the project would be $10.5 million, with payments beginning in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. WK&T would be responsible for providing a minimum of $10.5 million in matching funding, and possibly more. WK&T CEO Trevor Bonnstetter said he hoped to obtain $5 million in federal and state grant funding. These three revenue sources – $10.5 million from Weakley County, plus $10.5 million from WK&T, and $5 million in grant funding, amounts to $26 million, which is the total estimated cost of the project. In any case, Weakley County would not be obligated to pay more than the $10.5 million specified in the resolution.
The resolution would have funded Phase II of the installation of fiber internet cable to those areas of the county not already covered under Phase I.
The commission recently approved the first phase of the project, which is already under way. It covers residences and businesses along major highways and existing trunk lines in northern Weakley County, which has a higher population density than some of the more remote areas. Phase I is a $6 million project to be funded from three sources – Weakley County Government, WK&T and an Economic and Community Development Grant from the State of Tennessee, with each contributing $2 million.
A second grant application, requiring a local match of $2 million, which would provide internet service to additional rural areas, was also recently approved. However, had the resolution requiring a $10.5 million investment by the county been approved, the most recent $2 million grant application would have been dropped. This would equal a total indebtedness of $12.5 million.
Under Phase II, the total cost of the countywide project paid for through Weakley County, WK&T and grant funding is estimated to be $26 million.
During discussion, certain commissioners objected to the expense of the project.
District 7 Commissioner David Hawks said, "Until I know how many people are going to be served, I'm against it." Additionally, he objected to the cost of the project.
When asked about his position during a phone interview Tuesday, October 13, Commissioner James Westbrook listed the reasons he felt he could not support the project at this time.
Commissioner Westbrook said, "I voted against it – not because I'm against fiber. I wish we had it." However, he stated West Kentucky & Tennessee Coop CEO Trevor Bonnstetter reported, out of all the areas covered by the $6 million fiber project located in the northeast part of the county, only one household signed up for the service.
"We're talking about $10.5 million, plus interest of one or two million dollars over 10 years, added to the $2 million the county has already approved, for a total of $12.5 million. And there's no way to do that without raising taxes. You can't spend that much money without it coming from somewhere," Westbrook shared.
Commissioner Westbrook stated everything County Mayor Bynum said about the debt service being in good shape was correct. "But within the next 10 years, we're probably going to need a new high school in Dresden and a middle school in Martin, which are both approximately 50 years old. We've been throwing good money after bad for years, trying to put it off and make improvements. Those are the round schools with the flat roofs that weren't very well thought out when they were built 50 years ago.
"Just because we'll pay off the school note in the next five years, doesn't mean we'll have all that money to spend, because we'll have more schools to pay for," he added.
Commissioner Westbrook also mentioned, with the new 5G satellite technology being developed, which would be much cheaper, it might make fiber cable obsolete in a few years.
However, County Mayor Jake Bynum stated the annual payments should not be a problem, since the note for the school renovation project, which amounts to approximately $1 million per year, would be paid off about the time the first payment for the internet fiber would become due. Although the loan for the internet project would be for a larger amount, the payments would be about the same, since it would be spread out over a 10-to-15 year period. The county mayor explained WK&T would not bill the county until the entire system is built, which is estimated to be during the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
"While it certainly is a lot of money, it's far less than what we were originally talking about five years ago," Mayor Bynum said. "We worked tirelessly to try to get to a position where we thought it was a feasible project, and presented that in a very understandable, responsible way. I think, most importantly, the commission saw there is a need by the participation in the meeting. So, it's really disheartening we were unable to get a positive vote."
Mayor Bynum said, "While we don't know how many people will take advantage of it, I do know we get hundreds of calls every year regarding the need for internet."
The resolution notes the need for accessibility to reliable, high-speed internet is growing daily and improved
broadband availability is necessary for all citizens with respect to education, health care, communication, interactions with government, farming and business operations, commerce, entertainment, and future uses yet to be developed.
These needs were echoed by the six commissioners voting in favor of the resolution.
Commissioner Dennis Doster argued high-speed internet fiber service is not a luxury, but a need.
Commissioner Roger Donaldson addressed the county's declining population, saying, high-speed internet is needed to improve the possibility of recruiting commercial development and job prospects "for our children and grandchildren. This is important, if we are to move forward."
Following the meeting, Mayor Bynum said, "We're certainly disappointed with the outcome, with the commission voting down the resolution to move forward. I think we're most disappointed for the citizens of Weakley County in the rural areas. We have made an argument time and time again for the need of access to broadband. That need has been spotlighted the past several months with the pandemic.
"So, what we've essentially done is disenfranchise an entire group of citizens, by not providing them with options to a much-needed infrastructure and utility," Mayor Bynum said. "I think part of the issue is we have commissioners who don't understand the need and demand for the service, and are looking at it through one lens only."
County Commissioner Gary Eddings, who represents District 4 and is a member of the fiber research committee, composed of Eddings, Donaldson, Doster, Bell and County Mayor Bynum, said, "We're going to continue trying to get fiber throughout the county for everyone."