I'm not sure if I should be embarrassed, really. I've been a Christian for over 11 years, and a Calvinist for 9 years. And yet I've never read a biography of Calvin, let alone done anything more than peruse the Institutes and occasionally stick my head into his Commentaries when I needed a little wisdom. The deepest I've gotten into Calvin's life was studying up on what really happened during the Servetus affair. Part of my reticence stemmed from my early years as a Calvinist. My own self-consciousness caused me to desire a self-righteous platform from which I could proudly declare that my doctrine came from the Bible, and not from a man, and that I had never even read Calvin.
Fast forward to today; I've been a Calvinist for almost a decade. I'm now at that place where I feel like if I haven't read a proper biography of Calvin, then it's just a little bit sad. That's why I initially picked up Bruce Gordon's biography, which, as it turns out, is a very good starting place for a Calvin rookie like myself. Part of my take on this book is that it is very helpful to have a rough understanding of the Reformation before reading, because a lot of references are made to Calvin's contemporaries, and Gordon simply assumes that you know who the big players are. While I'm aware of Zwingli, I don't really know much about him. Similarly, with Luther and Bucer, though I have decent background on them, it wouldn't have hurt for me to be up on my Reformation history before diving in.
Beginning in Calvin's childhood (of which we know little) and moving through his years in the university, we see Calvin's journey from the ground up. Doubtless, Gordon avoids more trivial facts for the sake of moving along the narrative. For this, I was thankful.
Gordon takes us through Calvin's tumultuous and adventurous life. One of my favorite quotes from Calvin came after he was first thrown out of Geneva. After a few years away from the Genevans, Calvin's friend Viret essentially told Calvin he may have him return to Geneva. At this, Calvin responded, "But it would be far preferable to perish for eternity than be tormented in that place. If you wish me well, my dear Viret, do not mention the subject!" Basically, Calvin would have rather gone to hell than to Geneva.
What I want to do, instead of retelling the narrative that Gordon gives us, is to share the things which I personally gleaned from reading this life of Calvin.
When I first learned about the Servetus affair, I stood as a modern, liberal, freedom-loving westerner. In many respects, it is very easy for us to look down upon the Genevans' decision to execute the man. While it may have been the wrong decision, we act as though the answer is obvious. The more I learned of the precarious times in which Calvin lived, the more intensely I appreciate that at the time, it was not obvious what to do with heretics such as Servetus. Most of society stood and fell upon matters of theology. Every major city really needed theologians around which society could build its metaphysics. These were times in which harboring heretical ideas could cause one city to go to war with another. This is so foreign to us in the 21st century west that we almost think that we're hearing a bad excuse without taking seriously how difficult the times they lived in were.
This might seem like a given, but we often think of the giants of the Christian faith and think of them as monoliths or as solitary figures. However, as I read Calvin, I time and time again encountered a man desperately in need of dependable men who would stand back to back with him. The greatest disappointments in his life appeared to have been failures of friends to remain by his side during his toughest trials.
I am surprised that in the first colloquy you did not perceive the snares in which you threw yourself. The method you adopted always displeased me, namely, making half of your cause rely on the testimony of antiquity. On this matter [of images] the agreement between us is like that between fire and water. But because you committed this slip not from error or want of reflection, I leave that decision free to you. The wound, however, which was beginning to form a scar is evidently bleeding again and compels me to profess how greatly I differ from you.
Therefore, should Viret be taken away from me I shall be utterly ruined and this church will be past recovery. On this account it is only reasonable that you and others pardon me if I leave no stone unturned to prevent his being carried off from me. In the meantime we must look for supply to the church of Lausanne, according as shall be appointed by the godly brethren, and by your own advice. Only let Viret remain with me.
By Calvin's estimation, his friend kept the peace in Geneva by his calm and soothing approach. Though the two men differed in no way theologically (at least for many years), their different approaches to dealing with error created a formidable and effective collaboration. I have a relationship that reminds me a great deal of Calvin/Viret, and friendships like this are irreplaceable. No man is an island, as they say. Gordon put Calvin's understanding of friendship in these terms: "All his life Calvin would define friendship in terms of a commitment to a common cause; it was within that framework he was able to express fraternity and intimacy" (29). Exactly. Who is a closer brother than the one who stands back to back with you in the matters which matter most significantly and eternally? Similarly, what greater betrayal can a man who loves truth experience than when his brother who stood with him in a common cause later abandons that cause?
How easy is it for we modern men to luxuriously talk about pursuit of God from the comfort of our air conditioned homes, our soft beds, with our indoor plumbing. Yet in the meantime I consider it a challenge to spend 30 minutes a day writing on my blog which 50-100 people a day read from the comfort of their living rooms or laptops. How easily we murmur and complain, and yet I don't believe that I have had one day in which I devoted myself as fully to the cause of Christ as Calvin did. He wrote without aid of typewriters, in a medieval setting with quill pens and dirty houses, in a city battling the plague and with constant threats against his life - if not from his enemies within the city, then from neighboring cities like Berne who - for all he knew, might just go to war with Geneva if they didn't like something Calvin said about predestination.
Under threat of war, against the physical odds, the man wrote prolifically and taught publicly at least three times a week, all the while training men to be pastors and trying to root out the bad ones. And when he did root out the bad ones, they would be permitted to live in neighboring cities and spread vindictive lies about him, many of which were difficult to stop from spreading. In his death, one biographer manufactured pure lies about him, calling him a sexual miscreant, a sodomite, and claimed that he died in the grip of genital lice. These were the sort of problems and pressures under which the man lived, wrote, and eventually died. Our challenges are tame by far, in comparison.
If we want to only take our cues from sinless men, then we need look no further than the example of our Lord Himself. However, we need heroes in the faith who are fallen and sinful like we are. These are men with the same sin nature which we also suffer with, and as such, we need them, so that we can see how they fought for joy in God, and also so that we can learn from their failures.
I could write a lot about Calvin's own vices; about his pridefulness, about his uncharitable words against his opponents (he still pales in comparison to Luther in terms of sheer colorful expression), or about his treatment of dissenters within Geneva. He was quick to remember betrayals and to repay them in his own way, often years later.
But at the same time, he was keenly aware of his own wickedness, and this compelled him to cling to Jesus even further. In his final confession before he died, he expressed that "alas, my desires and my zeal, if I may so describe it, have been so cold and flagging that I am conscious of imperfections in all that I am and do." Bruce Gordon observes, "It was his acute sensitivity to the gap between what was and what should be that distressed him." While he held others to high standards, he did the same for himself. He was not willing to judge others by a standard which he was not also willing to apply to himself. It is this way of living in the face of sin from which I take great encouragement.
The only shortfall in the book, by my estimate, is his discussion of the affair with Westphal. At first I wasn't going to mention this, thinking that I simply hadn't properly understood Gordon. However, in Paul Helm's review of this same book, he mentions that Gordon almost entirely omits discussing the details of Calvin's struggle against Westphal. This omission caused a great deal of confusion for me over the course of about ten pages, as I simply tried to reconnect with the narrative, wondering what I had missed. While Gordon does mention that their disagreement was regarding the Lord's Supper, and he does give the blow-by-blow of Calvin's polemics against Westphal, what is largely missing from the narrative was the substance of their disagreement and why it was that the Lutherans generally supported what Westphal was saying.
Overall, I am grateful for Bruce Gordon's work in this book. I recommend it wholeheartedly as a very readable, somewhat brief (though about twice as long as T.H.L. Parker's biography). I can't help but think that Bruce Gordon's Calvin paired with Paul Helm's book John Calvin's Ideas would be an incredibly potent reading combination. In fact, Helm's book is the next book that I've started, having now finished Gordon's largely historical overview of the man's life.


Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who Is Using My Monument Guide Book of Boston? More Amazon readers That's Who.
Who Is Using My Monument Guide Book of Boston? More Amazon readers That's Who.
Bought as a gift so cannot "rate" its contents. My brief review, however, indicated I would be "borrowing" it often as I trek through the streets of Boston. Also, this was delivered directly from the author / publisher rather than via Amazon or similar. It was received very promptly (within three days), packaged carefully, and received in excellent condition what a deal.
We take for granted, we Bostonians, the beauty we pass bye each day. This book helps us see that hidden around every corner are statues of great beauty and historical value. I will be walking with eyes wide open from Now on what a book.
5.0 out of 5 starsThis book rocks, pun intended....Love it!
Great material, great author, great art and great city! If I need to find anything its so easy to search this book! I love having this version because I can use it on my kindle or iphone and I can leave the print version home on my coffee table beautiful book.
This is the best guide to Boston sculptures I have ever read! It covers the entire city from the North End to the Fenway and everything in between. There are lots of great photos and very helpful maps. I have been exploring Boston for over fifty years and thought I new the downtown area very well, but there are sites described in this book I had not even known existed. Well worth the price great buy.


How are you spending your time each day? Do you find yourself constantly busy, stressed and overwhelmed, yet never getting enough done? Are you late for deadlines at work? Are you spending time scrambling to find things that you need? Do you have time for the things in your life you enjoy...recreation, family, friends, sleep?
I am Morag Whorton, a Trained Professional Organizer with Professional Organizers in Canada. I provide presentations on a variety of topics, from time management to decluttering and organization. I would love to help your group or organization make time for what's important.
I have researched and implemented time management and organizational strategies, and experienced the immense difference they have made to my professional and home life. I look forward to sharing strategies with your group!


Estate plans aren't only meant to benefit you; they are also meant to benefit your family, long after you're gone. For example, your estate plan outlines the ways in which your physical assets are allocated amongst your surviving family members. Because estate planning inherently includes family, however, there can sometimes be tension and disagreement. Anticipating this, and establishing certain safeguards, can help avoid clashes later on. As such, we're happy to provide a few family estate planning tips—which we hope will be helpful in keeping the peace between you and your loved ones.
One of the most important estate planning strategies is selecting the right executor. The executor is the person who's placed in charge of actually carrying out the instructions in your will. As such, it needs to be someone who is trustworthy and responsible. We also recommend choosing someone who is independent.
Whenever possible, select an independent executor to set the estate plan in motion. This avoids claims of delaying the execution of the estate plan or stealing from the assets without anyone's knowledge. The bottom line: You want this important job to go to someone who doesn't have a dog in the fight—usually not to a family member.
Indeed, even the most minor bits of property, like a souvenir trinket or a piece of jewelry, can become the cause for a family feud if it is not clear who will get them. Include personal property in the estate plan and be as specific as possible to avoid future conflict.
Also: Communicate with heirs to ask if there are certain properties that mean a lot to them, and that they really hope to receive. Set some expectations early on, ensuring there is no confusion when assets are distributed.
Timing is an important matter, especially when it comes to the distribution of assets.
Early release of assets is not a good thing, but neither is an overly-delayed transfer. Another no-no would be incremental transfer of assets over an extended period of time. This can lead to sentiments that the parents do not want to have their assets transferred to their children in the long run.
Avoid these situations at all cost. The best way to do that is through clear and efficient estate plan management. Speak with your estate attorney about how you can achieve this goal.
You may have situations where it is either impossible or simply unwise to equally distribute assets among heirs. Naturally, these situations can lead to some hurt feelings—but clear communication can really go a long way. Make sure you talk things through with your family members to give them the rationale for any uneven distributions.
On a related note, you can also speak with your estate planning attorney to learn more about estate planning strategies that ensure a more equal asset distribution.
In the end, the estate plan is always intended to benefit its heirs. Dealing with possible conflict early on will avoid disagreements and breakdowns in the future. Communication with the family and the hired estate planning attorney is key.
For help handling an estate plan in a way that keeps everyone on the same page, reach out to the professionals at Singh Law Firm. Our estate planning attorneys are highly experienced in helping families create workable, beneficial strategies. Start the conversation today by calling Singh Law Firm, and ask us more about our expertise in revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, and other estate planning tips and strategies.


i have some music on my site but the entire song loads and they are long - my question is - how can i load only part of a song? this has been mentioned in other threads but not how to do it.
i am an absolute dummy when it comes to things like this - i was lucky to even get the song on the computer. thanks for any help i get.


I got a little bit done this week on the Teal scraps. I have started some nine patches but they are not finished yet. I might have to show them off next week.
My larger spool is 8" square and the pin wheel is the extra bits.
I have added this post to So Scrappy today.
I have a full day at a dog agility trial then Garth Brooks.
Flying geese, I just love these little guys yet I am not sure how I will use them. I have a pretty good drawer of geese. All main colours are done but no Black, brown or grey ones yet. Not sure I will do more. Unless maybe I need some with a neutral background? Just might have to think on that idea.
What a collection! Are you using the no-waste method or the traditional method?
You've got a great start on your teal. I love the spool block and the geese too!
I love all your blocks !!
Lots of fine work this week. Love that spool!
So much teal goodness here. Hope you had good luck at the trials today. Enjoy the concert.
Oh what fun! Love the flying geese blocks!
I love your blocks, especially those geese!
Nothing better than a teal (block) covered design wall IMO!!! Such a nice show of scrappy goodness.


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text:
Q: Couchbase iterate on properties and get value I have a couchbase document like :
{
  "data": {
    "author1": {
      "title": [
        "1",
        "2"
      ]
    },
    "author2": {
      "title": [
        "3",
        "4"
      ]
    }
  }
}

And I would like to get with a N1QL request :
1
2
3
4

How is it possible ?

A: This might work. It assumes that title contains the values you want.
select VALUE ARRAY_FLATTEN(OBJECT_VALUES(OBJECT_UNWRAP(b))[*].title,1)
from books b

*

*OBJECT_UNWRAP gets rid of the data and unwraps to peel away a layer.

*OBJECT_VALUES then returns the values of the individual fields (whatever  they are: author1, authorA, author-123)

*The [*].title syntax returns every title field in the resulting array

*ARRAY_FLATTEN combines the arrays

*Finally, use VALUE to get the raw values.

I am NOT claiming this is the best approach, but it seems to work okay with the small sample data set (of 2 docs) that I created based on your question.

A: SELECT ARRAY_FLATTEN(ARRAY v.title FOR n:v IN b.data END,1) AS title
FROM books b;

OR
SELECT ARRAY_FLATTEN(OBJECT_VALUES(b.data)[*].title,1) AS title
FROM books b;

If need across the documents
WITH books AS ([ { "data": { "author1": { "title": [ "1", "2" ] }, "author2": { "title": [ "3", "4" ] } } },
                { "data": { "author1": { "title": [ "1", "5" ] }, "author2": { "title": [ "6", "1" ] } } }
              ])
SELECT DISTINCT RAW t
FROM books AS b
UNNEST ARRAY_FLATTEN(ARRAY v.title FOR n:v IN b.data END,1) AS t;

FOR n:v IN b.data
Looping construct

If b.data is OBJECT n holds field name, v holds value
If b.data is ARRAY  n holds position, v holds value

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
ATO Regulator Performance Framework self-assessment report 2016-17
About the Regulator Performance Framework
How we assess our performance
KPI 1 performance summary
Self-assessment rating: Good
Summary of metric results
Activity-based examples
Appendix – metric results and analysis
Metric 1
Metric 10
ATO Regulator Performance Framework self-assessment report 2016–17
As part of the government's regulatory reform agenda, the government released its Regulator Performance Framework under the 2014 Spring Repeal Day. The Framework is an important element of the government's commitment to reduce the cost of unnecessary or inefficient regulation imposed on individuals, business and community. As a regulator, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is required to self-assess its performance against the Regulator Performance Framework.
The Regulator Performance Framework comprises six outcomes-based key performance indicators (KPIs) and associated measures. The KPIs articulate the government's overarching expectations of regulator performance, namely that:
regulators do not unnecessarily impede the efficient operation of regulated entities
communication with regulated entities is clear, targeted and effective
actions undertaken by regulators are proportionate to the risk being managed
compliance and monitoring approaches are streamlined and coordinated
regulators are open and transparent in their dealings with regulated entities
regulators actively contribute to the continuous improvement of regulatory frameworks.
The Commissioner of Taxation is responsible for administering Australia's tax system and significant aspects of Australia's superannuation system, and operates as the Australian Government's principal revenue collection agency. We administer legislation governing tax, and support the delivery of government benefits to the community.
This report addresses the Regulator Performance Framework's ATO-specific metrics and reporting requirements agreed with the Board of Taxation in 2015. It is an assessment of our performance as a regulator for the 2016–17 financial year.
The 2015–16 ATO Regulator Performance Framework self-assessment report forms the basis for reporting in 2016–17. The areas of improvement identified in 2015–16 were to:
enhance our understanding of businesses operating environments – we will continue our research to understand these environments.
continue to tailor communication and services to clients, tax professionals and others interacting with the tax and superannuation systems to ensure they are aware of available services and have the information and support they need to make it easier to participate.
make greater use of data and pre-fill to improve the ATO's data matching capability, for both service and compliance purposes to further support the shift towards help and prevention activities.
further rationalise and rewrite of information on our website to provide enhanced general tax guidance and navigation to help people get things right.
make certain that guidance and information is up-to-date, concise, accessible, clear, timely and provides certainty at the earliest possible stage.
continue to make improvements to provide a more personalised disputes process service and improve the perception of fairness in disputes.
take a more consultative approach to issues that directly affect individuals and business and exploring this on a more detailed level to identify where improvements can be made.
The following table shows the rating methodology and definitions we use to assess our performance.
Met all expectations with no further improvements required.
Made significant improvements, with programs of work almost complete. Significantly exceeded service commitments.
Improvements consistent with expectations, with some further work required, as reflected in feedback. Exceeded service commitments.
Met base expectations as expected and all service commitments achieved.
Requires development
Did not meet base expectations or service commitments.
The metrics we use to assess our performance as set in 2015 are a mix of 43 metrics. These are made up of 11 ongoing ATO service commitments and two 2015–16 service commitments that have been retained for Regulator Performance Framework reporting only (seven of these commitments are based on client survey results). There are also 10 additional client surveys, six outcome-based metrics and 14 activity-based metrics.
Of these metrics, 21 are also reported in the Commissioner of Taxation Annual Report 2016–17, with seven of these (focused on key survey and outcome-based metrics) included in the annual performance statement. The annual performance statement reports on our performance under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 in achieving our purpose.
Our purpose is to contribute to the economic and social wellbeing of Australians by fostering willing participation in the tax and superannuation systems. We achieve this through the delivery of our goals:
making it easier for people to participate
delivering contemporary and tailored service
ensuring purposeful and respectful relationships
a professional and productive organisation.
In assessing the quality of our performance against each metric, we have regard to:
Results compared to our performance targets for mature and well-established metrics, such as those included in our annual performance statement and some service commitments.
We assess our performance targets annually to determine where existing results are expected to be maintained and where future performance is expected to be stronger.
Trend improvement for metrics which are still relatively new, such as our survey-based metrics.
As these metrics mature, we will establish appropriate performance targets.
Activity-based or volume-based metrics having a less direct relationship to the quality of our performance.
For these metrics, an increase in the volume of activity does not automatically mean an improvement, or a decline, in our performance.
Our service commitments have been designed to assure the ATO and the community that the services we provide are of a consistent and high standard and therefore form an important component of assessing regulation imposed on individuals, business and community. Many of our commitments have targets that are meaningful to our clients and challenge us to deliver the best possible service.
We regularly report on our ongoing service commitments on ato.gov.au.
Results for our survey-based metrics are based on a representative sample of the overall population, in order to ensure their statistical validity. We measure the perceptions of the general community (who have not recently interacted with us) to understand their views of the overall tax system and community sentiment regarding the ATO. We also measure perceptions of those who have recently interacted with us to understand and improve the client experience. Where surveys require direct interaction with the community – for example, via a phone survey – the interaction is undertaken by an external provider, in order to ensure the independence and integrity of results. For our survey-based metrics, 2016–17 results reflect survey outcomes for the full financial year, whereas results for previous years reflect outcomes for part of that financial year.
We will continue to monitor and assess performance as we build on the outcomes we have achieved to date.
For more information about the performance of the ATO, refer to:
ato.gov.au
Commissioner of Taxation Annual Report 2016–17.
Last modified: 20 Dec 2017QC 54083

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The first day in Slovenia took us into Logar Valley. It is beatiful alpine valley in Kamnik-Savinja Alps, that are not as known as Julian Alps, so the number of visitors is not that high and the valley is little forgotten. You need to pay a small fee (7 EUR) to get inside the valley with your car.
We were climbing to Kamnik seat (1 903 metres). After couple of minutes, we arrived to slap Rinka and wooden "eagle nest". Another possible refreshing spot is chalet Frischauf dom, where you can buy some food or drinks. It is good idea to be refreshed, because afterwards, there is the most difficult part with some climbing and iron ropes. We had no idea, there was a ferrata on the way, but we were able to make it even without ferrata set. The view from Kamnik seat is amazing and you can see valleys on both sides of Kamnik ridge.
Not far from Kamnik-Savinja Alps lies Big Pasture Plateau. The number of visitors increased significantly, because this place is very popular among slovenian families for one day trip. We were sleeping in our car on what seemed last night to be small forgotten parking lot, but in the morning cars started to arrive and park right next to our "accomodation", so we were forced to get up.
The way up is quite steep and in hot summer weather, it is not as easy as we were assuming, but the pastures are almost unreal. The whole place is swimming in green colour and it really looks (unlike other places) exactly like on photos in travel magazines.
The highest point of Big Pasture Plateau is called Gradičše (1 666 metres). It offers splendid view on Kamnik-Savinja Alps ridge and we were able to see Kamnik seat, the place where we were standing yesterday.
To rest a little bit, we were heading to small town close to capital Ljubljana that is called Škofja Loka. It reminds us of czech town Český Krumlov. It is also very pitoresque.
Today plan is the capital of Slovenia - Ljubljana. First stop on wandering through Ljubljana is famous Dragon Bridge and Faculty of Law. We took the way beside the river Ljubljanica and stopped by local markets until we got to Triple Bridge, that for me is more charismatic than Dragon Bridge. We crossed the bridge to get to Prešernov trg, where we can admire proudly standing slovenian poet Prešernov with his muse above his head. The square is dominated by typical pink church.
Ljubljana castle is not typical castle, it is mix between historical parts and newly renovated parts, that makes it very interesting. After visiting the castle it is time to rest a little bit and for that purpose Ljubljana has Tivoli park. If you want yo enjoy your coffee with superb view, the good choice is to go to Nebotičnik skyscraper. However waiters were very annoying and a little rude there. We have not finished our coffees yet and waiter was there with the bill. Just a little pressure to finish your coffee as soon as possible, but the view from balcony is worth it.
If you should pick up one part of Slovenia that is on most photos, it would definitely be lake Bled. It took us around 45 minutes by car from Ljubljana. This part is the most popular among tourist, so you should be prepared for more people and for having troubles with parking.
Nevertheless if you decide to walk around the whole lake it takes you about 2 hours and there are more quiet places on the way. Bled with its church on island in the middle of lake and azure water is paradise for photographers. The walk around the lake offers many great spots for taking as many photos from as many angles as you wish.
Frankly speaking you can skip the castle there, because if you don't want to pay and get inside there is not much to see. We were expecting great view over the lake, but it didn't meet our expectations.
Our schedule is tight today, so we are heading to Bohinj lake and slap Savica. Bohinj lake is more wild than Bled and you can take picture with statue of ibex besides the lake.
There is number of paths you can take if you want to climb the highest mountain of Slovenia Triglav. We chose the one that starts in Pokljuka that is known for biathlon competitions.
To climb Triglav, you should have a ferrata equipment. Some people don't take it anyway. I would say that it is doable without the equpiment, but you would be more confident with the equipment. We didn't want to risk anything and brought it.
Our plan for today was reaching Dom Planika, the chalet 400 metres below the summit, where we had reservation for that night. We started around 1 350 metres and ascended through Studorski preval to Vodnikov Dom ( 1 870 metres). From that point you need to climb around 600 metres to get to Dom Planika that was hidden in fog when we reached it.
The storm hit the chalet when we were in bed, so we were a little worried about the weather for tomorrow's summit climb.
We are getting up at 6 a.m. and looking out from the window with a big relief. There are no clouds and only sun is shining. This day we finally use our ferrata equipment. First part of climb leads to Mali Triglav (2 725 metres). It is not that technically difficult, it took us around 1 hour to get there and we almost didn't need ferata set.
Afterwards you need to overcome narrow exposed ridge and perhaps even your vertigo. For us it wasn't that scary as written in some travel diaries. The scary part came when we were looking at last section of climbing. Nevertheless climbing that part was not as bad as it looked and around 9:15 we could have enjoyed delight from summit (2 864 metres).
Aljaž tower (shelter in case of storm) is the first thing you see at the top. As you can see from the photos, the weather was just amazing and we could see far, far away.
After exhausting hike to Triglav, it is time for car tourism. We take a road through the heart of Julian Alps. Firstly we go through famous alpine sport center Krajnska Gora, than we go on to beautiful lake Jasná. It is perfect spot for photographers thanks to its clear water, small stream and mountain peaks all around. The lake is tempting for refreshing swimming, but water is bloody cold.
From lake Jasná we take a road up to Vršič pass. The road itself offers several view spots, so you can enjoy amazing mountain scenery of Julian Alps. If you follow the road it takes you into Soča Valley. River Soča is typical for its bright green/blue colour. You can stop on the way, take a short walk or just enjoy alpine scenery at its best.
Next morning was like a nightmare. We couldn't start our car and were forced to call towing car. Lucky for us, it was just battery that needed to be changed and we could continue to Koper.
First bath in Adriatic Sea was just amazing, because it was hot as hell and after our stop in car service, it was a big releave, that we were able to finish our trip from mountains to sea. After refreshing bath, we continued to the center of Koper, that is quite small and quiet, not crowded with tourists. Izola was a little different, there were more people and we were having a hard time to find parking spot.
Probably the most beautiful port town in Slovenia is Piran. It has charming narrow streets and was the perfect end of our visit in Slovenia. Most people just go through this country on the way to Croatia and did not even stop. After reading this story, I hope you will not do the same mistake.
To finish the story, let me provide you with some tips for local food and drinks.


Predators The Galapagos hawk, short-eared owl, snakes and introduced cats.
Similar to many rodents, the Galapagos rice rat is most active after dark and usually positions its burrow in the hollow trunks of cacti or underneath rocks. The rat is thought to prefer a desert-type habitat with cacti, small trees and shrubs, and is one of very few types of rat that is native to Galapagos and was not introduced. These endemic rats are slowly decreasing in number due to the introduction of other rats such as the black rat and a sub species of this type of rat has already become extinct on San Cristobal.


text:
Любка — речка в Киеве и Киевской области, правый приток Ирпеня. Длина — около 9 километров.

Этимология
Название реки, вероятно, происходит от названия растения любка, которое когда-то росло в большом количестве на её берегах. А сама речка в своё время дала название хутору, который просуществовал до 1943 года, был сожжён во время войны и больше не восстанавливался.

География
Берёт начало из коллектора неподалёку от улицы Даниила Щербаковского. Фактически начинает своё течение из озера в урочище Дударов Сенокос, в лесу неподалёку от проспекта Академика Палладина. Потом река пересекает указанный проспект, проходит под железной дорогой Киев-Коростень, по южной окраине огибает селение Коцюбинское, а далее постоянно течёт на северо-запад по Святошинскому лесу. В Святошинском лесу река с поймой входит в общезоологический заказник местного значения «Река Любка», созданный 24 октября 2002 года с общей площадью 163 га. Покидая лес, река впадает в р. Ирпень чуть ниже железнодорожного моста. Нижнее течение реки с прилегающим болотным массивом входит в ботанический памятник природы общегосударственного значения «Романовское болото», созданный 26 марта 1979 года с общей площадью 30 га.

В лесу неподалёку от селения Коцюбинское на реке есть небольшой пруд. Сама река имеет небольшую ширину на большей части своей протяжённости и расширяется лишь в нижнем течении. Почти на всей протяжённости протекает за границами застройки, через сосновый лес, поэтому из всех рек Киева Любка подверглась воздействию человека чуть ли не менее всего.

Источники
 Энциклопедия Киева

Притоки Ирпеня
Реки Киева
Реки Киевской области

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
MacKinnon reaches 30-goal mark, Avs beat Red Wings 6-3
NHL Headlines
Penguins GM Rutherford abruptly resigns
'Canes set to return from COVID pause
Rantanen scores in 6th straight, Avs win
Without coaches, Vegas loses in shootout
Stars beat Wings in OT, move to 3-0-0
Bruins edge Pens on Smith's late OT goal
Ehlers has goal, 3 assists as Jets rally
Panthers top Jackets in SO to go 3-0-0
Caps score with 26.4 left to beat Isles
Eichel scores 1st as Sabres top Rangers
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
By PAT GRAHAM
DENVER (AP) Nathan MacKinnon doesn't have to dig too deep to find a reason why he scores so much.
"I shoot a lot of pucks," the Colorado All-Star forward said.
Shoot, it's really not that easy.
MacKinnon scored twice to reach the 30-goal mark for a third straight season and the Avalanche beat the reeling Detroit Red Wings 6-3 on Monday.
The speedy forward joined Hall of Famer Joe Sakic as the only Avalanche players to record three straight seasons with at least 30 goals since the team relocated to Denver in 1995.
"I have a lot of help and it's nice to be on a really good team," MacKinnon said. "I think that makes it easy."
He wasn't the only one reaching a milestone. With a two-assist afternoon, Cale Makar has 37 points this season, which ties him with Bruce Bell for the Colorado/Quebec record for a rookie defenseman. Bell set his mark in 1984-85 with the Nordiques.
Nazem Kadri and MacKinnon scored 1:54 apart as the Avalanche were propelled by another second-period spurt. They also pulled away from the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues with a middle-period flurry over the weekend.
Leading 2-1 early in the third, Kadri helped Colorado put the game out of reach when he and Matt Nieto scored within 53 seconds of each other. Ryan Graves added another goal late in the third and MacKinnon knocked in an empty-netter for his 30th.
The win allowed the Avalanche to finish their homestand with a 3-0-2 mark. They won't play again until Feb. 1 due to the All-Star break and a bye week.
Pavel Francouz stopped 22 shots for Colorado.
Tyler Bertuzzi, Dylan Larkin and Givani Smith scored for Detroit, which has dropped five in a row (0-4-1). Larkin also had two assists.
Jimmy Howard made 40 saves in falling to 2-18-2.
"We wouldn't have been in the game if he hadn't played as well as he played, so he was excellent," Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. "He's been really good the last three games. He looks like he's on top of his game."
The Avalanche had 10 players with at least a point.
"The story about our team this year is having that depth, having other guys step up on any given night," said Kadri, who also had an assist. "That's what makes us such a hard team to play against."
It was a penalty-marred opening period, with both teams drawing double-minor, high-sticking calls. Colorado's power play extended into the second period and Kadri scored the tying goal when he tipped in a shot from Makar.
Makar then assisted on MacKinnon's goal by skating around before sending a pass down low to a wide open MacKinnon.
The lone first-period score was turned in by Bertuzzi, who knocked in his team-leading 17th of the season 2:28 into the game. He instantly drew boos from the crowd.
He was booed throughout the afternoon. It wasn't Bertuzzi nearly as much as his last name.
On March 8, 2004, his uncle, Todd Bertuzzi, then playing for the Vancouver Canucks, hit former Colorado forward Steve Moore from behind. Moore crashed face first to the ice, leaving him with a concussion and fractured vertebrae. A settlement was eventually reached in Moore's lawsuit against Todd Bertuzzi.
"He loves his uncle and that stuff doesn't bother him a bit," Blashill said.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar can sympathize with Blashill, whose team is in the midst of a 12-34-4 (28 points) season. Bednar and his squad went a through an equally trying 22-56-4 (48 points) campaign in 2016-17.
"It's horrible. It's pure misery," Bednar explained to reporters after practice Sunday. "You feel your effort is good and you're trying to do your best and you just can't get it done."
The Red Wings can take solace in watching Colorado, a team that's made it to the postseason the past two seasons.
"I remember three years ago coming in here playing against these guys, they didn't look like they wanted to play," Larkin said. "Look at what they've done with their top line and Makar is one heck of a player.
"I find these guys right now a real team, and they're contenders and the most dynamic team we've played against."
NOTES: Red Wings F Frans Nielsen and D Mike Green both suffered upper-body injuries. ... Avalanche F Joonas Donskoi (concussion protocol) missed a fifth straight game. He went through practice Sunday and could be back after the break. ... Kadri recorded his fourth multi-goal game this season.
Red Wings: Play in Minnesota on Wednesday.
Avalanche: Off until Feb. 1 when they play in Philadelphia.
More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports


text:
Turbo Decoder Applications
This website gives an overview of all standards that apply turbo codes. Just click on the standard you want to know more about. Let us know if anything is missing!
DVB-RCS2
DVB-RCS2 is the 2nd generation standard defining a return channel via satellite. It achieves better performance by using the more advanced 16-states double-binary turbo codes compared to the 8-states counterparts of its predecessor DVB-RCS. Thus far it is the only standard that uses 16-states double-binary turbo codes. Due to the support of new mappings (8-PSK, 16-QAM) it offers higher data rates and an improved spectral efficiency.
Standard DVB-RCS2
Second Generation DVB Interactive Satellite System
Documents EN301 545-2
Applications Satellite Communication
IP Cores Creonic DVB-RCS2 Turbo Decoder and Encoder IP Core
Turbo Codes Double-binary parallel concatenated convolutional code (PCCC), 16 states, code rates 1/3 - 7/8, tailbiting
DVB-RCS
In 2005 DVB-RCS was defined as the standard for return channel via satellite and complemented the DVB-S2 standard. It followed DVB-RCT and WiMax in using double binary turbo codes that outperform their binary counterpart. The successor DVB-RCS2 uses 16-states double binary turbo codes resulting in even better error correction performance.
Standard DVB-RCS
Interaction channel for satellite distribution systems
Documents ETSI EN 301 790
IP Cores Creonic DVB-RCS Turbo Encoder and Decoder IP Core
Turbo Codes Double-binary parallel concatenated convolutional code (PCCC), 8 states, code rates 1/3 - 6/7, tailbiting
CCSDS
In 2011 CCSDS (The Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems) adopted turbo codes by a blue book as "recommended standard".
Standard TM Synchronization and Channel Coding, Blue Book, Issue 2, Recommended Standard.
Organization CCSDS (The Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems)
Publication 2011 (Blue Book)
Documents CCSDS 131.0-B-2
Applications Near-Earth and deep space communication
IP Core Contact us!
Turbo Codes Binary parallel concatenated convolutional codes (PCCC), 16 states, code rates 1/6, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, tail bits, block sizes 1784 bits, 3568 bits, 7136 bits, 8920 bits.
The Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) is a global satellite network with telephony using portable terminals, operated by Inmarsat. It allows for data rates of hundreds of kbit/s.
Standard Inmarsat BGAN
Organization Inmarsat
IP Cores Contact us!
Turbo Codes Binary parallel concatenated convolutional code, 16 states, code rates 1/5 to 1/2, block sizes up to 22.524 payload bits, tail bits
GEO-Mobile Radio (GMR) is a standard for satellite telephony that follows the GSM standard in many ways. Only the three lower layers of the OSI model differ between GMR and GSM (for GMPRS only the two lowest layers).
Two versions of the standard exist: GMR-1 (ETSI TS 101 376) and GMR-2 (ETSI TS 101 377). For GMR-1 three releases exist. Release 3 of GMR-1 adopted turbo codes in 2009. The standard is characterized by low throughput requirements of less than 1 Mbit/s.
Standard GMR-1 Release 3 (GMR-3G or GMR-1 3G)
Publication 2009 (GMR-3G)
Documents ETSI TS 101 376-5-3 V3.1.1 (GMR-3G)
Applications Satellite telephony
Turbo Codes Binary parallel concatenated convolutional code (PCCC), 8 states, base code rate 1/5, block lengths 200 to 6,000 bits, tail bits.
DVB-SH
DVB-SH is a physical layer standard for delivering IP based media content and data to handheld terminals such as mobile phones or PDAs. It uses the same turbo codes as defined by 3GPP2 within the CDMA2000 standard.
Standard DVB-SH
Digital Video Broadcasting–Satellite services to Handheld
Publication 2007 (DVB), 2011 (ETSI)
Applications Satellite broadcast to handheld devices
Turbo Codes Binary parallel concatenated convolutional code (PCCC), 8 states, tail bits, code rates 1/5 ... 1/2, block size up to 20730 payload bits
LTE / LTE-Advanced
LTE (Long Term Evolution) and LTE-A (LTE-Advanced) from the foundation for current 4G networks. Compared to UMTS, the turbo code interleaver was redesigned to simplify the hardware design for high throughput. While LTE offers data rates of up to 150 Mbit/s, LTE-A offers up to 1 Gbit/s.
Standard 3GPP LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced)
Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network;
Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA)
Organization 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project)
Publication 2008 (LTE)
2010 (LTE-A)
Documents Release 8 (LTE)
Release 10 (LTE-A)
Applications High-speed wireless communication for mobile phones and data terminals
IP Core LTE-Advanced Turbo Decoder IP Core
Turbo Codes Binary parallel concatenated convolutional codes (PCCC), 8 states, tail bits, code rates 0.33 to 0.95, payload block sizes 40 to 6144 bits
UMTS / HSPA / HSPA+
In 1999 UMTS became the first standard to incorporate turbo codes after their invention in 1993. It offers throughputs of 384 kbit/s, which is much more compared to what GSM-based 2G networks can provide. UMTS was later extended to support higher throughputs for downlink (HSDPA) and uplink (HSUPA), commonly referred to as HSPA. Another evolution (Evolved HSPA or HSPA+) increases the data rates even further.
UMTS and its evolutions apply the same kind of turbo codes.
Standard 3GPP Release 99 (UMTS, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System)
3GPP Release 5 (HSDPA), 3GPP Release 6 (HSUPA)
3GPP Release 7 (Evolved HSPA, HSPA+)
Organization 3GPP
Publication 2000 (UMTS), 2002 - 2004 (HSPA: HSDPA/HSUPA), 2007 (HSPA+)
Documents Release 99
Release 5
Applications 3G networks
Turbo Codes Binary parallel concatenated convolutional codes (PCCC), 8 states, code rates >= 1/3, block sizes <= 5114 bits payload, tail bits.
CDMA2000 is the competitor to UMTS that was developed by the 3GPP2 consortium.
Standard 3GPP2 CDMA2000
Organization 3GPP2
Applications 3G Mobile networks
Turbo Codes Binary parallel concatenated convolutional code (PCCC), 8 states, tail bits, code rates 1/5, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, block size up to 20730 payload bits.
IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX)
WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) was the first standard to adopt double-binary turbo codes for forward error correction. The codes were introduced in IEEE 802.16-2004, and later support was extended in IEEE 802.16-2009. The throughputs of WiMAX systems are typically much less than 100 Mbit/s. Usage of the turbo codes is optional.
Standard IEEE 802.16-2004,
IEEE 802.16-2009
Local and metropolitan area networks
Part 16: Air Interface for Fixed and Mobile Broadband Wireless Access Systems
Organization IEEE
Publication 2004 (IEEE 802.16-2004),
2009 (IEEE 802.16-2009)
Documents IEEE 802.16-2004,
IEEE 802.16-2009,
Applications Local and Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WLAN/WMAN)
Turbo Codes Double-binary parallel concatenated convolutional code (PCCC), 8 states, tail-biting, code rates 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, payload block sizes 64 - 2048 bits (IEEE 802.16-2004) and 64 - 8192 bits (IEEE 802.16-2009)
IEEE 802.22 (WRAN)
IEEE 802.22 is a standard for wireless broadband access that uses the so-called white spaces between occupied channels in the TV frequency spectrum. The aim of the standard is to bring broadband access to low population density areas. The maximum data rate is about 20 Mbit/s. Due to its cognitive radio techniques, it has the potential to be applied in many regions worldwide.
The standard uses the WiMAX (IEEE 802.16) double binary turbo codes with different interleaver parameters and block sizes. Turbo coding is optional, only support for convolutional coding is mandatory.
Standard IEEE 802.22-2011
Wireless Regional Area Networks (WRAN)—Specific requirements
Part 22: Cognitive Wireless RAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications: Policies and Procedures for Operation in the TV Bands
Documents IEEE 802.22-2011
Applications Wireless Regional Area Networks (WRAN)
Turbo Codes Double binary parallel concatenated convolutional code (PCCC), 8 states, code rates 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, tail-biting, payload block sizes 48 - 1920 bits.
TETRA is a professional mobile radio and two-way transceiver specification. TETRA was specifically designed for use by government agencies, emergency services, (police forces, fire departments, ambulance) for public safety networks, rail transport staff for train radios, transport services and the military.
Standard TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio)
Voice plus Data (V+D); Part 2: Air Interface (AI)
Documents EN 300 392-2, V3.1.1 and up
Applications Mobile Radio
Turbo Codes Binary parallel concatenated convolution code (PCCC), 8 states, tail bits, code rates 1/2, 2/3
DVB-RCT
DVB-RCT was designed to extend DVB-T systems with a return channel. The data rate is in the range of a few kbit/s only. Due to the limited usability it was never deployed. DVB-RCT was the first standard to adopt double-binary turbo codes. Multiple standards followed using the double-binary version (WiMax, DVB-RCS, DVB-RCS2).
Standard Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB)
Interaction channel for Digital Terrestrial Television (RCT) incorporating Multiple Access OFDM
Applications Digital TV
Turbo Codes Double binary parallel concatenated convolutional code (PCCC), 8 states, tail-biting, code rates 1/2, 3/4, payload block sizes 144 - 648 bits
HomePlug AV / IEEE 1901
IEEE 1901 is a standard for high-speed data transmission via electric power lines. It uses frequencies below 100 MHz and achieves throughputs of hundreds of Mbit/s. The FFT OFDM physical layer was derived from the HomePlug AV standard and uses double binary turbo codes.
Standard IEEE Standard for Broadband over Power Line Networks: Medium Access Control and Physical Layer Specifications
Publication 2010 (IEEE 1901-2010), 2005 (Homeplug AV)
Documents IEEE 1901-2010
Applications Power Line Communication
Turbo Codes Double binary parallel concatenated convolutional codes (PCCC), 8 states, tail-biting, code rates 1/2, 16/21, 16/18, payload block sizes 128, 1088, 4160 bits.
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text:
Appeal for witnesses after Forest Hill stabbing
by Delores William/ June 12, 2012/ Crime, Lewisham/ No Comments/
Police have appealed for witness to a stabbing in Forest Hill in which a teenage boy was critically injured.
The 16-year-old boy was attacked in Elsinore Road, Forest Hill on Sunday afternoon
He was taken to hospital by air ambulance which landed in the grounds of a nearby school. He was said to be in a critical condition.
Reports said the victim was on his way to visit a friend when he was confronted by three men.
A local resident who asked not to be named said: "He was stabbed outside our house and attempted to run off but managed to only get to Cranston Road which is just one road up from me.''
The suspected are said to be about 19 or 20 and all were dressed in black clothing.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 020 8284 8339 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Goldsmiths students to stage sit in lunch on Circle line
by Laura Raphael/
'I nearly died' – Richard Bacon receives treatment at Lewisham Hospital
by Joe Lyness/
Planned Thames road tunnel "not green enough"
by Grant Muir/
Police shut down three Lewisham businesses
by Rahat Mustafa/


text:
The Many Heartbreaks Bobby Brown Has Endured in His Life
After a few years, Bobby quit the group to go solo. (Ricky, Michael and Ronnie went on to form Bell Biv Devoe.)
"When I was in New Edition, I was forced to grow up," the Don't Be Cruel artist told Rolling Stone in 1989. "It was rough for us, being kids. I think I still have the youngness in me, but when it's time for business. it's time for business, I just don't want to be taken advantage of." (The group had tangled with Starr over what they felt was his unfair share of their earnings. At the time of the interview, Bobby had his brother Tommy and mom Carole Brown managing his affairs.)
By then a man of faith, which he continues to be to this day, Brown added, "No matter what happens in life, you gotta deal with the problems. I was always taught this by my mom and dad. No matter what, you can't let them break you down. Once they see that you're broke down and you can't take it no more, boom, right over the edge you go. That's when you lose it all."
He wrote that he made enough money off of "Girlfriend," his first solo hit, to move his parents and siblings from Boston to Los Angeles, feeling blessed and totally unprepared for the trappings of fame and fortune still in his future.
A slew of arrests, starting in 1990, for battery, DUI, drug possession, failure to pay child support and more were ahead of him, but in the late 1980s Bobby said he wasn't doing any other drugs aside from smoking weed and drinking alcohol. His 1988 song "My Prerogative" served as a musical retort ("Everybody's talking all this stuff about me / Why don't they just let me live") to the rumors.
He was dating Janet Jackson when he met Whitney Houston at the Soul Train Music Awards in April 1989 and the "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" singer, six years his senior, asked if she could hang onto the jacket he wore onstage. They exchanged numbers, she invited him to her birthday party, and it was on from there.
source: eonline.com
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It is critical for Day traders to know which currencies are strong and which one are weak when trading the Forex market.
This strength or weaknesses could be as result of short term demand and supply but can also be caused by economic announcement results.
Ideally one should always trade the strongest currency against the weakest currency.
FX Street provides heatmaps of currencies.
When placing a trade in the Forex market one should realise that you are actually doing 2 transactions at the same time. Buying / selling one currency and selling / buying the other. Then when you exit you am always doing 2 transactions again selling / buying one currency and buying / selling the other. So when you sell the EURUSD for instance I am actually selling the EUR and buying the USD at the same time.
If you are looking for reasonable moves in the market then focus on the very strong currencies and on the weakest currencies. Always always try to BUY the stronger and SELL the weaker currencies. That way you get the economic fundamentals working in your favour and you know you are always trading with in the direction of a strong trend. The market is basically telling me the way it wants to be traded using this approach.
This tool is only accessible on the website – load it into your favourites for easy access. There are MT4 relative strength indicators. Just Google for free ones.


text:
April 6, 2008 | Part Of Open Phones
State of Iraqi Government
2008-04-06T08:35:11-04:00https://images.c-span.org/Files/595/204546-03-m.jpgAmbassador Samir Sumaida'ie talked about the state of the Iraqi government and its progress in meeting the benchmarks set by the U.S. He also talked about troublesome areas of violence. He responded to telephone calls and electronic mail.
Ambassador Samir Sumaida'ie talked about the state of the Iraqi government and its progress in meeting the benchmarks set by the U.S. He also talked about troublesome areas of violence. He responded to telephone calls and electronic mail.
Filter by Speaker All Speakers Paul Orgel Samir Sumaida'ie
Paul Orgel Coordinating Producer C-SPAN->Editorial
Samir Sumaida'ie Ambassador Iraq->United States
C-SPAN | Washington JournalC-SPAN | Washington Journal
Open Phones
Presidential Campaigns and the Internet
Zimbabwe Elections
Apr 06, 2008 | 5:27pm EDT | C-SPAN 1
See all on Iraq Occupation/Reconstruction (05/02/03-08/31/10)
Telephone lines were opened for comments on the topic, "General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker testimony."
Combating Terrorism: Open Phones
Telephone lines were open for comments from viewers after a speech on by President Bush in the Pentagon auditorium on…
Resettling Iraqi Refugees to U.S.
Kirk Johnson talked about resettling Iraqi Refugees to U.S. and responded to telephone calls and electronic mail. Mr.…
Peter Galbraith talked about his book, Unintended Consequences: How War in Iraq Strengthened America's Enemies. In the…


text:
Public hearings on solar project postponed
The informational forums and public hearings scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 1 on the application of Riverhead Solar 2 have been postponed, according to the New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment, which had scheduled the hearings.
The state had planned to hold two virtual hearings, one at 1 p.m. and another at 6 p.m., on Riverhead Solar 2's proposal for a 36-megawatt solar farm on 252 acres south of Route 25 in Calverton.
Because the proposal sought to generate more than 25 megawatts of power, the review of the project was handled by the state, rather than the town.
However, on Nov. 25, attorneys from Young/Sommer LLC, who are representing Riverhead Solar 2, informed the state that they would be transferring their application to be reviewed by the state's new Office of Renewable Energy Siting, which aims to accelerate renewable energy projects in the state.
It was not clear when or if a new hearing would be scheduled.
Town officials had planned to speak at the 6 p.m. hearing.
Riverhead Solar 2
Solar Farm


text:
Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Analysis of Family Planning / HIV/AIDS Integration Activities within the USAID Population, Health and Nutrition Center
- by ww.advanceafrica.org
USAID's National Integrated Population and Health Programs
USAID/Dhaka is one of the largest donors to the HIV/AIDS sector. Technical assistance and support have included a social marketing program, peer education, condom promotion and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and care services targeted towards high-risk populations, as well as information, education, communication (IEC) activities and surveillance/operations research. USAID's National Integrated Population and Health Programs (NIPHP) deliver essential service packages, including family planning, communicable disease control, behavior change communication and reproductive health interventions for men, women and adolescents in both rural and urban Bangladesh. These essential service package activities are carried out by 46 local NGOs, operating in about one-third of Bangladesh's counties, with catchments of approximately 17% of the population.
The NIPHP also includes an HIV/AIDS prevention component. The Mission's HIV/AIDS prevention strategy has been revamped to de-emphasize reproductive health activities targeted primarily at the general population to focus instead on more specific groups at high risk for HIV infection, such as commercial sex workers, clients of sex workers and men who have sex with men. The urban service delivery program has expanded efforts to provide STI treatment in area clinics where the at-risk groups are located.
In its third year of operation, NIPHP's 322 NGO clinics, 10,335 associated satellite clinics and more than 9,300 depot holders (rural women providing contraceptives and oral rehydration [ORS] in their homes), attracted 65,000 more clients than in the previous year. Distribution of oral contraceptives, injectables and condoms rose 53%, 7% and 50%, respectively, in combined rural and urban sites in Bangladesh. In addition to the government program, several NGOs have established clinics for adolescents, although attendance is reported to be low.
In accordance with UNAIDS guidelines, the AIDS and STD Control Program has concentrated HIV surveillance efforts on high-risk occupational groups. The most recent HIV prevalence rate in Bangladesh for adults aged 15-49 is estimated to be at a low rate of 0.02%. A total of 13,000 HIV cases nationwide are estimated according to the statistics published by UNAIDS in 2000, of which 1,100 or 8.5% are women and 11,900 or 91.5% are men. However, higher rates have been reported in individual studies of particular population subgroups.
In its third year of operation, NIPHP's 322 NGO clinics, 10,335 associated satellite clinics and more than 9,300 depot holders (rural women providing contraceptives and oral rehydration [ORS] in their homes), attracted 65,000 more clients than the previous year. Distribution of oral contraceptives, injectables and condoms rose 53%, 7% and 50%, respectively, in combined rural and urban sites in Bangladesh. In addition to the government program, several NGOs have established clinics for adolescents, although attendance is reported to be low.
In accordance with UNAIDS guidelines, the AIDS and STD Control Program has concentrated HIV surveillance efforts on high-risk occupational groups. The most recent HIV prevalence rate in Bangladesh for adults aged 15-49 is estimated to be at a low rate of 0.02%. A total of 13,000 HIV cases nationwide are estimated, according to the statistics published by UNAIDS in 2000, of which 1,100 or 8.5% are women and 11,900 or 91.5% are men. However, higher rates have been reported in individual studies of particular population subgroups.
CATALYST Country Background Paper
To better inform the research framework, sampling and instruments for the qualitative formative research study on HIV/AIDS/STI and young men, CATALYST staff prepared a Country Background Paper. The paper analyzes and presents the latest HIV/AIDS/STI epidemiological and behavioral survey data, as well as information on sexual and reproductive health interventions undertaken in recent years with young men in Bangladesh.
Epidemiological Data on HIV/AIDS Prevalence among High-risk Groups
Surveillance systems in Bangladesh have reported limited spread of HIV/AIDS, and national prevalence rates are currently at a low rate of 0.02% for adults aged 15-49. There is no guarantee, however, that the rate will remain low. Bangladesh shares borders with India and Burma, countries where HIV/AIDS prevalence rates are much higher. Multiple factors suggest a potential risk of HIV spreading in Bangladesh, including: a thriving sex industry with male, female and transgendered sex workers and a diverse clientele; the low status of women; very high rates of reported STIs; reports of high prevalence of male-to-male sexual behaviors; very poor knowledge of HIV and risk perception; low condom use; poor health-care seeking behaviors; injection drug use; and an unsafe blood supply.
Studies conducted by the Naz Foundation International in Bangladesh have reported that the numbers of men engaging in sexual relationships and behaviors with other men are significant. Further, the studies show that the male-to-male sexual behavior occurs across the spectrum of age, socioeconomic class and occupation. In a qualitative sexual and reproductive health study, adolescent boys in three rural and two urban samples of Bangladeshi youth reported M-M behaviors, including anal sex. The boys also reported M-M sexual behavior between adolescent boys and older men. Research from around the world has indicated that for many young men, engaging in sexual activities with another man is a common part of sexual experimentation.
Reaching young men early with effective sexual and reproductive health information and interventions is therefore vitally important in preventing the growth and spread of HIV/AIDS/STIs in Bangladesh. Programs inculcating motivations for behavior-the manner in which young men perceive themselves as being responsible for their own sexual and reproductive health and the processes by which they establish healthy sexual and reproductive behaviors-are likely to have a greater impact than programs restricting themselves solely to established behaviors, such as consistent condom use, abstinence or mutual fidelity. To have the greatest potential impact, the manner in which social and normative patterns of sexual and reproductive health attitudes and behavior are influenced and formed in young men from early adolescence on must be explored.
CATALYST-funded Research
HIV/AIDS/STI programs that are based on formative data about why some young men behave the way they do can maximize their impact on behavior. Despite this, existing research on adolescent boys and their sexual and reproductive health is largely focused on knowledge, attitudes and practices, but not on the determinants of behavior that would positively affect health. There is a clear need for reaching young adolescent males with sexual and reproductive health information and interventions before they become sexually active-ideally beginning in their early formative years. At that stage of their growth, they can be more effectively influenced to understand and make use of safe sexual practices, including delaying sex and using condoms.
A study underway in Dhaka, Bangladesh, conducted by the Bandhu Social Welfare Society, Naz Foundation International and the CATALYST Consortium, is studying this topic on three levels: a) the individual (the actor's attitudes and emotions); b) the interactional (how identified socialization agents impact the sexual scripting and thinking of young men); and c) the cultural (gender roles and expectations).
Additional research data are needed to gain more insights into how young mens' normative patterns of sexual attitudes and behavior are influenced from their early pre-adolescent years. These data will help in understanding the images young men create about their own masculinity and sexuality, the sexuality of other young men and the sexuality of young women. The data will also provide insight into what impact these images have on young men's own risk behaviors, what meaning they give to them and how these images reinforce their actions.
This report will generate qualitative behavioral data that defines the processes by which young men develop normative patterns of sexual and reproductive health behavior, and the socialization agents that influence these behaviors. The data will assist the USAID Mission in addressing HIV/AIDS/STI issues and developing appropriate and effective interventions for young men, including adolescents. The objective of the research funded in Bangladesh is to provide information that addresses the following issues: a) delaying sexual activity; b) developing greater respect and sensitivity towards girls and women; c) understanding and practicing safer sex (particularly condom use); and d) using family planning and reproductive health services.


Nov 20 (Reuters) - Kohl's Corp shares slumped as much as 12 percent on Tuesday after the department store operator forecast full-year earnings largely below estimates, blaming rising shipping costs and higher discounts during the holiday season.
Several retailers, including TJX Cos Inc earlier in the day, have warned that a shortage of truck drivers, new driver regulations and higher fuel prices would make moving freight costlier this year.
Chief Financial Officer Bruce Besanko said on a post-earnings call that there is going to be higher cost of shipping as Kohl's invests more in its online business.
"We also know that in the fourth quarter, there is just generally more promotion that happens. And so we'll take effect of that in our gross margin outlook," Besanko added.
Kohl's raised the lower end of its adjusted full-year earnings forecast to $5.35-$5.55 per share from its earlier forecast of $5.15-$5.55. But the midpoint of the range was below the analyst average estimate of $5.51, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.
While the upcoming holiday season is widely expected to help rekindle sales after years of declines due to competition from online rivals, weak outlooks from Kohl's and other big department store chains such as Macy's and Nordstrom Inc indicate that the growth is still some time away.
"Overall, the market backdrop has been quite volatile lately," Oppenheimer & Co analysts said in a note.
"Investors seem concerned ...and have been willing to lighten positions in retail - especially on any results less than stellar," they added.
Kohl's posted a 2.5 percent increase in same-store sales for the third quarter ended Nov. 3, beating the 1.74 percent rise analysts on average had expected.


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25973 Puranik è un asteroide della fascia principale. Scoperto nel 2001, presenta un'orbita caratterizzata da un semiasse maggiore pari a 2,3651480 UA e da un'eccentricità di 0,1928427, inclinata di 4,11584° rispetto all'eclittica.

Collegamenti esterni

Corpi celesti scoperti nel 2001
Puranik


This 668 acre park is considered the headwaters of the Lamprey River. The park is located among the hills and low mountains between the central uplands and coastal plain. Highlights include beaver flowages, black gum swamp, seepage swamp, and an unusual fen. The parking area is accessible off Route 4 in Northwood center. For more information about the park, please click here.
The Saddleback Mountain Trail passes through this 204 acre town-owned parcel. Access is possible from both Northwood Meadows State Park and Mountain Road. Coming from the north, the trail passes over a mountian peak at 1050 feet and onto a vista overlook at 1000 feet. The trail then descends into Deerfield, passing the Channel 11 broadcast tower and a beaver pond. At the southern end, a wetlands loop trail goes to the west. The parking area is located just east of the town hall and Harmony Road at the Northwood Meadows State Park gate off Route 4 in Northwood center. To view a detailed description of a suggested hike, please click here.


The ITC-100 can be paired with Blackmagic ATEM switchers, either with or without their "GPI and Tally Interface". ATEM pin configuration information is available via the forum link under Option 3.
--If the link is broken, just search for "ATEM ITC-100"


Specification of human conditions relevant to cancer. This includes observations, test results, history, and other concepts relevant to characterization of human cancer-related conditions. Non-neoplastic conditions of interest are also included.


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While iOS 5 brought many new features that we had all been wanting, Wi-Fi syncing is probably one of the most desired features on the list. Using a white USB cable to sync an iDevice to iTunes is without a doubt one of the most irritating things of the pre-iOS 5 world.
Assuming you have tethering added to your data plan, you're iPhone will allow you to use it as a Wi-Fi base station via the Personal Hotspot option. Turning this on will allow up to five devices to use your iPhone as an internet connection, but it also means that all the attached devices can talk to each other.
With that in mind, it is possible to actually Wi-Fi sync any iDevice to with Mac or PC using an iPhone as a router.
It's an interesting use of a feature that iPhone users perhaps take for granted, and one that could come in handy if you're a road warrior with a Mac, an iPhone, and no sync cable.
Hats off to Gear Diary's Mitchell Oke for thinking to actually try this method out!


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Does This Soylent BBQ Sauce at SXSW Foreshadow the End of the World?
This is an affront to both the purpose of Soylent and the tradition of Texas barbecue.
Mar 16 2017, 7:16pm
The Austin, Texas technocrat bacchanalia known as South By Southwest may have been making headlines recently for the festival's threat to call immigration authorities on any foreign bands caught playing unauthorized shows, but it turns out that draconian contractual stipulations aren't the only injustices being committed at this year's SXSW.
In what can only be construed as a blatant slap in the face to the entire state of Texas, tech-bro meal-replacement brand Soylent inexplicably decided to get into the barbecue game this SXSW with the deeply puzzling creation that is a plate of Texas brisket smothered in "Sweet Cacao" Soylent sauce. Cacao-flavored Soylent Cacao was released earlier this year and is supposed to taste like "velvety chocolate."
READ MORE: The CEO of Soylent Is Enraging LA With a Single Shipping Container
As part of a collaboration with Austin-based Keith's BBQ, festival-goers were offered the chance last week to indulge in the sheer unbridled sensory pleasure that is a variety of Soylent-infused cocktails and a plate of barbecue drenched in a Soylent-derived sauce. Keith's served brisket, chicken, and sausage at the event and also offered their regular barbecue sauce just in case you don't happen to have a sense of deep-seated loathing.
Aside from being a middle finger to the pitmasters and barbecue tradition of the Lone Star State, the PR stunt seems to be diametrically opposed to the entire point of Soylent and the company's mission to "use science, technology, and enterprise as tools to improve the quality and accessibility of nourishing food." That's not to mention that just putting regular barbecue sauce on Texas barbecue is an act of controversy in that state, so we can only imagine how Texans are reacting to this ungodly affront.
Muddying the proverbial waters even further, Soylent's creator and CEO—Rob Rhinehart—happens to not be the biggest fan of that whole "food" thing. Rhinehart previously told VICE that he "feel[s] liberated from a crushing amount of repetitive drudgery" that is having to cook and consume regular meals.
READ MORE: No One's Sure Why Soylent's Food Bars Are Making People Puke
And as Buzzfeed points out, the CEO has also previously called the act of grocery shopping a "multisensory living nightmare." So there's that. A spokesperson for Soylent told MUNCHIES, "According to our business development manager, Abel Charrow, he hired Keith's to cater the SXSW party. Abel then pitched Keith's the idea of making a chocolatey sauce out of Soylent Cacao as an experimental addition to the regular menu. The team was on board and started experimenting by mixing Soylent Cacao with their own unique sauces and ingredients. The finished result was surprisingly delicious and sweet, great for dipping."
If food could talk, we're pretty damn sure that Soylent's "Sweet Cacao" barbecue sauce would either be spouting unintelligible gibberish or speaking in tongues.
Texas BBQ


If your business is based in the European Union (EU) or you have customers or contacts in the EU, then you have probably heard of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For those who haven't, the GDPR is an EU privacy law that will take effect on May 25, 2018. It will regulate the treatment and use of personal data belonging to EU citizens.
EU-based businesses, as well as anyone processing the personal data of EU citizens, will likely be affected by the GDPR. If you ever collect, record, store, use, or erase personal data from customers or contacts in the EU, the GDPR should be on your radar. This new law will have a significant impact on businesses around the world.
We use Mailchimp for our email marketing campaigns and thankfully they are way ahead of the game. Mailchimp has been reviewing and updating their internal data processes and systems to make sure they're ready by May. This process is ongoing and will continue throughout the year.
Mailchimp has created a GDPR guide for their customers. If you are not a Mailchimp customer then it is still worth a read as it contains information that is applicable across all providers.


Police insist they can justify every use of covert surveillance tactics allowing the capture of more than 6,500 pieces of private communications data in a year.
Suffolk and Norfolk police intercepted 6,654 items using laws dubbed the 'Snoopers' Charter' in 2016 – mainly for the prevention and detection of crime or disorder.
Under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), communications can be obtained with authorisation from a designated person in a public authority.
Interception can be targeted to an individual, group or premises, while bulk interception involves a large volume of data, followed by analysis of specific items.
Data can include the location of a mobile phone, an IP address, itemised phone records, whether someone has diverted their phone, and personal user details from service providers, such as names, addresses and phone numbers.
A government transparency report into investigatory powers – presented to parliament by the Home Secretary last week – stressed the importance of public confidence in the proportionate use of powers by intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
Nationally, it reported 754,559 items acquired by authorities for the prevention and detection of crime or disorder, prevention of death or injury in an emergency or in national security interests.
Most applications are made for data related to criminal suspects or people of interest for national security, while about 15% related to identifying witnesses or locating vulnerable people.
Authorities have been required to provide details since 2015.
Authorising officer for Norfolk and Suffolk, Detective Superintendent Christopher Balmer said use of RIPA was subject to guidance, strict codes of practice and regular inspections by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office.
He added: "In today's interconnected society, the use of communications data can be the difference between successful and failed prosecutions, as well as exonerating the innocent.
"Great care is taken to ensure RIPA is only used where there is justification for a specific investigation, and in a way that is both proportionate and compatible with human rights.


America is the land of opportunity and for most people who come the Statue of Liberty is the first unforgettable sight. The Statue of Liberty has come to stand for the American dream; the rags to riches stories. That is probably one of the reasons why the "Big Apple" is a favorite with the travelers. New York stands for the glamour, the hope, the American dream, the rage to riches stories, Wall Street, the rich and the super-rich.
Getting into and getting by in New York is easy with so many travel options, the metro and an abundance of cabs everywhere. In fact using the public transport is better than using your own transport, because if you did use your own, you would find difficult to find a parking. It is best to get around on foot if you are not in a hurry, because it is the best way to take in the sights and really get a feel of the city.
Statue of Liberty, Broadway, Empire State building, Central Park these have become iconic places that most us can almost associate with, whether you have been there and seen them or not. You could start from the Times Square and explore the places you have heard of and seen in so many movies, and not only the Hollywood movies. There is the Empire State building, the famous Macy's. Next destination could be the fifth avenue, then the seventh. A good map should guide you to your destination. In fact, if time is not an issue, there need not be any fixed destination and you could walk on taking in the feel of the city.
There are many museums in the city, you can pick depending on your area of interest and your age. The American museum of Natural history appeals to the kids and adults alike. There is so much to see from dinosaurs to life in the outer space. It is easy to spend days in the museum and depending on your schedule, you may want to keep an eye on the watch.
Walking is going to make you hungry in a while, fortunately in New York you'd be spoilt for choice of food. From the hot dogs stand on the side walk to the salad bars, soup kitchens, cafes and the fine dining options. Starbucks is a personal favorite. Cafes are a good option to take a break at and get the general hustle and bustle of the city.
The fashion street in New York is very close to the Times Square and should not be missed. You will find the authentic designer outlets of the famous houses and the ones selling their fakes just around the corner. New York street fashion is unique; you may find unique and quirky gear, to be found nowhere else. However, as you will soon find out, it is not a cheap place.
New York is full of world famous shops!
New York is a city that never sleeps. The nightlife is vibrant and exciting. The business like feel of the city completely changes once the street lights come on, the people let down their hair and the air becomes electrifying. If you are so inclined, you could go clubbing, or catch a play.
Why not check out a late night show on Broadway?
New York is one the most preferred location for tourists from all around the world and it is easy to see and enjoy with your family and friends.
I was only in NY once and it freaked me out. I think I was watching too many crime dramas!
Oh, I love the theater! Broadway is like heaven to me.
Why would you need to travel anywhere else; we have everything here in NYC!
I've always wanted my picture taken in front of Lady Liberty. Corny, I know, but it's a childhood dream.