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Saint Leo University has been involved with the Caps of Love project for three years, collecting plastic bottle caps with the proceeds from recycling going toward purchasing wheelchairs for children with mobility issues. In March, the university shipped about 15,000 pounds of bottle caps for recycling. With the value of plastic caps declining due to a low petroleum market, the university will be participating in a new charitable project in an effort to make a greater impact.


Can We Get the Deus ex Machina?
Where Should We Put the Much-needed Gap?
"If you make yourself really small, you can externalize virtually everything"
How Can It Be "Up to Me"?
Chapter 5: Where Does all the Design Come From?
Chapter 8: Are You Out of the Loop?
Are We Freer Than We Want to Be?


text:
Q: Difference between "Thru" and "Through" I can't figure out what the difference between thru and through is. I'm working on a text for a website. I described some process and used this sentence:

[...] when guiding the user through the order process.

Is that correct, or should I instead use the following sentence?

[...] when guiding the user thru the order process.

A: Thru and through are different spellings of the same word, although through is widely accepted as the more "normal" spelling:
The following NGram from the American English corpus, shows that even in US English, through has always been vastly more popular than thru.

Note that in British English, thru is widely considered incorrect, although it is a common shorthand for through in text messaging and instant messaging.
So in summary, when you see thru written, read it as through, but you should try to avoid using thru yourself except in very informal messaging with friends, as it is less popular, less formal and less widely accepted than through and you can always replace thru with through without loss of meaning.

A: Through and thru have the same meaning. They even sound the same. Thru is just a shortened version of through. The same way that you can, informally, use r instead of are.

A: Thru is merely an informal spelling of through, in the same way gas is a North American informal short for gasoline.
As the Oxford Dictionary of English, 3rd edition says, thru is chiefly North American.

A: Thru is a variant spelling of through and, according to B.A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern American Usage, it "should  be shunned", even if it appears on street signs (NO THRU ROAD).

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
ShowMax expands internet TV service to sub-Saharan Africa
In Naspers press releases, Video entertainment
ShowMax, the internet TV service launched in August 2015, has expanded its footprint to 36 additional countries across sub-Saharan Africa. In total, ShowMax now supplies subscription video on demand services to 65 countries worldwide.
13 May 2016 - ShowMax has officially launched internet TV services to 36 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. The company originally launched in August 2015 with the largest subscription video on demand catalogue on the continent.
The sub-Saharan service costs US$ 7.99 per month for unlimited viewing. The catalogue includes approximately fifteen thousand TV show episodes and movies, totaling almost ten thousand hours of viewing. The service includes a Kiswahili language section and a Nollywood section, as well as an African Film section that pulls together classic movies from across the continent.
Barron Ernst, Chief Product Officer for ShowMax commented:
"The speed and cost of connectivity are significant hurdles for any internet-based service in Africa. Getting it right means you've got to do much more than just flick a switch.
"We've been busy testing the service in key locations across the continent and optimising our delivery network. Perhaps more importantly, we've adapted our apps to address the needs of consumers in Africa, introducing features like downloads for viewing TV shows and movies when not connected."
The product features developed by ShowMax to address connectivity constraints include:
Adaptive bitrate streaming that monitors connection speeds and automatically adjusts video stream resolution to avoid buffering
Download functionality to save up to 25 TV shows and movies in total to Android and iOS smartphones and tablets for viewing offline
User-selectable download quality to limit data usage
User-selectable streaming quality to limit data usage
Automatic size reduction of static pictures delivered to mobile devices
"The other key to success is making sure you've got the right mix of international and local content. We've added Kiswahili and Nollywood shows and movies to our existing class-leading catalogue of Hollywood and British favourites," said Ernst.
According to the GSMA, around 160 million connected smartphones were in use in sub-Saharan Africa in 2015, set to rise to more than 500 million by 2020. This explosive growth combined with the increasing availability of WiFi services, the rollout of FTTH in urban centres, and the rollout of other high speed fixed mobile options is driving the take-up of video on demand services.
"The growth potential of the African market is huge, and we're not the only internet TV service looking to meet that demand. The difference is that we're not simply cutting and pasting an existing model from elsewhere, and instead have built a product and content selection designed specifically for Africa," concludes Ernst.
ShowMax offers a risk-free seven-day trial. For more information or to sign up for the trial, visit www.showmax.com.
In addition to operating across sub-Saharan Africa, the ShowMax platform is also being used to supply kykNET International to 28 countries worldwide. In total, ShowMax provides services in 65 countries.
The new sub-Saharan countries that ShowMax has launched in are:
Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
About ShowMax
ShowMax is an internet-based subscription video on demand service supplying an extensive catalogue of TV shows and movies to 65 countries. By leveraging relationships with major production studios from across the globe, ShowMax delivers both world-class international content as well as the best of specialised local content.
ShowMax is accessible across a wide range of devices from smart TVs, media players and computers to smartphones and tablets. To experience ShowMax, visit www.showmax.com.
Richard Boorman, Head of Communications

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
(Credit: Press)
50 years of The Who masterpiece 'Who's Next?'
Mick McStarkey
Sat 14th Aug 2021 08.00 BST
Today is the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic albums of all time. The Who's fifth studio record, Who's Next?, features some of the band's most memorable moments. It represents what one would argue is their magnum opus and not its predecessor, Tommy, as many contend. The Who we get on Who's Next? is a refined and mature version of the snotty mod-rockers who gave us My Generation back in 1965.
In many ways, Who's Next? is inextricably linked to Tommy. The band's fourth album, the 1969 rock opera concerning the fantastical life of the titular boy, was a critical hit upon release and is hailed as the Who's true break into superstardom. Retrospectively though, the classic album seems a tad dated. However, the critical point is that the majority of the content for Who's Next? derived from the sessions for Tommy's doomed follow-up, Lifehouse. Guitarist and Lifehouse mastermind Pete Townsend ended up letting go of the futuristic project in its original form, as he had a nervous breakdown owing to its status as an unrealistic vanity project.
The final point we can take from the band's dalliance with Lifehouse is that they were "never nearer to breaking up", per frontman Roger Daltrey. The band were increasingly disillusioned when testing new material for Lifehouse over a series of shows at London's Young Vic Theatre in February 1971. They were met by a largely apathetic audience whose sole concern was to witness the band play 'My Generation' and Townsend smash up his guitar. Whilst this is largely a story for another day, it is effective in demonstrating the juncture the Who found themselves at during the early months of 1971.
However, some vital elements of Lifehouse would remain and make it on to Who's Next?, and they would become some of the album's most enduring. Namely, the use of synthesisers and computers. Furthermore, the band felt unchained by not having an overall theme to write for, which gave them a new lease of life. They were free to write a concise body of music. In this sense, Who's Next? is a triumphant return to form, representing the Who as a reinvigorated force.
As it was the era of "classic rock", a time characterised by the perpetual shoulder-rubbing of the stars, the Who enlisted a little help from their friends. The first session for the album was completed at Mick Jagger's famous manor house, Stargroves, deep in the Hampshire countryside at the onset of April 1971. They wasted no time in recording the backing track for what would become the album's meandering lead single, 'Won't Get Fooled Again'. This was done using the infamous Rolling Stones Mobile studio.
Before too long, the band and producer Glyn Johns decided to relocate to the hallowed London studio, Olympic. It was here that the band found their true rhythm and recorded the rest of the album, the bulk of which came in May 1971. The sessions at Olympic kicked off on 9th April, where they recorded the first iteration of what would become track two on the album, the pulsating 'Bargain'.
The May sessions saw the band record 'Time is Passing', 'Pure and Easy' and 'Love Ain't for Keeping'. In fact, the latter was reworked from a markedly different acoustic piece into the hazy rock classic it is today. Listening back, you can certainly hear its acoustic origins, with the driving factor being Townsend's swaggering guitar licks.
The Who would go on their winning streak recording 'Behind Blue Eyes', 'The Song Is Over', 'Let's See Action' and the album's euphoric standout track, 'Baba O'Riley'. 'Behind Blue Eyes' is not only one of the Who's most iconic, but it is one of the best songs ever written. It is on this track that the Who's newfound maturity can be heard. An incredibly adult, introspective number, there is no surprise it continues to live on in the collective conscience. It even spawned that terrible Limp Bizkit cover in 2003, with the hilarious music video featuring a trapped Fred Durst and a longing Halle Berry advertising the film Gothika. Even more interestingly, 'Behind Blue Eyes' was intended as the theme song for Lifehouse's villain 'Jumbo', as a fly on the wall lament, "No one knows what it likes to be the bad man".
Bassist John Entwistle's addition, 'My Wife', was written after an argument with his spouse and was recorded in the latter sessions for the album. Entwistle shines on the track, and it features him on vocals, guitar, piano and the psychedelic, droning horn section, a true testament to the late legend's skill.
The album is also characterised as one of those rare occasions where a band were happy with the producer. In 2002, Townsend recalled that "we were just getting astounded at the sounds Glyn was producing". This sentiment can be heard throughout the album's 43-minute duration. Johns' contribution to the album cannot be stated enough, and, in a way, he can be regarded as the captain steering the ship. He convinced the band of the album's strength as he was acutely aware of the songs' soon to be iconic quality. The Who even gave him free rein to assemble the tracklist in the order he saw fit.
The album is also significant as it saw their rhythmic wildcard, Keith Moon, take up a hitherto different drumming style than on their earlier works. His style became more dialled back and formal, owing in equal parts to the instruction of Johns and the guidance of synthesised backing tracks. Johns had a strict production style that called for quality over showing off.
No discussion of Who's Next? would be complete without the album's spine-tingling opener 'Baba O'Riley'. The stadium-filling number is another highlight of the Who's career. Featuring that iconic introduction, using the synthesiser processed Lowry-organ as the focal point, the song embodies the way that the Who had adapted their sound. Instead of using synths and computers to add a finishing touch to the album, they heeded the advent of technology. In this way, they were ahead of the curve in acknowledging the direction that music was starting to head in.
Who's Next? is a masterful body of work on so many levels. Whilst elements of it today are understandably dated, in terms of composition, it is a fine example of a band finding its rhythm. Furthermore, the cerebral restrictions that the Who overcame to create it serve to make the album a glorious example of greatness through struggle. Just like everyone in life, the Who matured. They accepted the changing times, something many of their peers did not, which paved the way for them to continue on their long, sonic journey throughout the rest of the '70s. So why not revisit this masterpiece as it reaches half a century?


And you really can't beat a quick and easy assembly no matter how many people you're expecting. Whether you're looking to feed just a few people or a good-sized crowd, these crostini are your best bet. A few ingredients and a couple of minutes of your time will result in one stunning & incredibly delicious appetizer.
It all starts with firing up your grill. Getting nice grill marks on those slices of French bread is the hardest thing you'll need to do. Once that's done, you'll pull out your huge jar of Nutella (or any other hazelnut spread) and have your way with it… Covering those slices with as much Nutella as your heart can handle. There's absolutely no wrong way of doing this. Top with your favorite berries or whatever happens to be in season, add some mint (optional) and a slight sprinkle of sea salt. DO it. Flaky sea salt balances but also intensifies the sweetness we've got going on here. Sea salt on everything – it's da best.
Isn't this the way any dinner party should start out? Heck, all of our weekly dinners should include Nutella Berry Crostini from now on. Because it's everything I've been wanting to eat. If I could have this all day every day for the rest of my life, I totally would. Everything I love in one handheld snack.
If all appetizers are like this one, I have one thing to say. Apps for life (the food kind, not the smartphone kind).
This crostini appetizer is an entertainer's dream. Both for ease and for having that WOW factor. Make your dinner party extra special by serving these delectable crostini.
1. Turn on grill to medium heat. Lightly brush bread slices with olive oil on both sides. Place on the grill until toasted and grill marks appear. About 2 minutes per side.
2. Remove bread slices from the grill and let cool for a couple of minutes. Spread each slice with desired amount of Nutella (about 2 tablespoons per slice) and top with berries. Add fresh mint and a sprinkling of sea salt, if desired. Serve immediately.
The amounts needed vary depending on how many people you're looking to feed. About 2-3 crostini per person should be an appropriate appetizer.
Yum! You've basically combined all my worlds into one. Carbs – check! Chocolate – Check! Fruit – Check! Yessss…. nutella berry crostini for the win!!
Yum! What beautiful looking little treats you have created! Nutella is my favorite… and with fruit… mmm! I can't wait to try!!
Nothing beats Nutella and berries! These crostini look divine.
Nope. I can't think of a better combo – chocolate and peanut butter are the ultimate dream team!


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We work to suit your need by using the most innovative design demands together with world class manufacturing.
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From Tuscan to Bali, Exposed to modern our trained designers can provide you with any style.
HF ROOFS (PTY) LTD ARE HIGHLY EXPERIENCED IN ALL ASPECTS OF TIMBER ROOF CONSTRUCTION WE SPECIALIZE IN ALL TYPES OF TIMBER TRUSSES & ALL LABOUR ASPECTS OF ROOF STRUCTURES. WE ALSO SUPPLY AND FIT VARIOUS ROOF COVERINGS SUCH AS CONCRETE TILES, METAL SHEETING, CLAY TILES, FIBRE CEMENT & HARVEY TILES ECT. WE HAVE BUILT UP A STRONG CLIENT BASE OVER THE LAST 44 YEARS AND AIM TO ALWAYS PROVIDE A STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE.


text:
Putin Rejects Syria Chemical Weapons Accusations as 'Utter Nonsense'
kirit radia
MOSCOW, Aug. 31, 2013
PlayCarolyn Kaster/AP Photo
WATCH President Obama Draws 'Red Line' on Syria in 2012
Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the American evidence that Syrian forces used chemical weapons, calling the suggestion "utter nonsense."
"While the Syrian army is on the offensive, saying that it is the Syrian government that used chemical weapons is utter nonsense," Putin told journalists in Vladivostok, according to Russia's Interfax news agency.
He urged the United States to present its evidence to the UN Security Council and cautioned President Obama about the consequences of getting involved.
Read: Still Undecided, Obama Favors 'Limited, Narrow' Act in Syria
"I would like to address Obama as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate: before using force in Syria, it would be good to think about future casualties," he said.
On Friday, the Obama administration published evidence it says proves the Syrian military was responsible for the attack near Damascus two weeks ago.
Read: President Obama, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Back on War Footing
Secretary of State John Kerry said the attack killed 1,492 people, including hundreds of children.
On Saturday, the US Ambassador in Moscow Michael McFaul presented that evidence to Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Rybakov.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Rybakov urged the United States not to use the incident to justify increasing military pressure on the Assad government.
The Map of Alleged Chemical Attacks in Syria
He said Russia would regard Western intervention as "a flagrant violation of international law."
Putin said he thinks the chemical attack was a "provocation" by Assad's opponents who wished to draw the United States and other powers into the conflict.
Read the Obama Administration's Unclassified Intelligence Report on Syria
"Common sense speaks for itself: the Syrian government forces are on the offensive, and they have encircled insurgents in some regions, and it would be utter stupidity to give up a trump card to those who have been regularly calling for military intervention. It defies any logic, especially on the day when UN monitors came there," he told reporters.
Putin said he believes Western intervention is only aimed at helping the rebels, which he suggested have recently lost ground to government forces.
Read: Everything You Need to Know About the Syrian Civil War
"There is only one solution: to strike for them. If this happens, this would be extremely sad," Putin said.
Putin said he thinks the G20 summit, which Russia will host next week in St Petersburg, "is a good forum for discussing the Syria problem, so why not take advantage of this?"
Syria Prepares For Possible Airstrikes: See the Photos
He also praised the British vote not to join in any strike, saying it shows there are people with "common sense there."
"The British parliament's decision on Syria is an absolute surprise to me. It shows that there are people guided by common sense there," he said.
Putin also said Russia was willing to take part in any international efforts to prevent the use of chemical weapons.
Putin Rejects Syria Weapons Accusations as 'Utter Nonsense'
+Can Syria Shoot Down American Missiles?
+Syria to Be Punished as Warning to Others
3-year-old dies after falling into grease trap behind Tim Horton's
The heart-stopping moments before Apollo 11 landed on the moon as the world watched


text:
New Mexico kids need a high-functioning school system, now
By Submitted | Jul 10, 2021 | Guest Columns, Opinion
Another year, another 50th ranking for New Mexico in the Kids Count report.
This doesn't even take into account the impact of COVID, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's lockdowns and over a year of lost schooling.
The average child has lost five to nine months of learning, according to a report from McKinsey & Company. With high poverty rates and lack of broadband access relative to other states, combined with more lost classroom time than all but five other states, the picture is bleak for New Mexico's youth.
Normally, this is when some people are thankful for Mississippi ranking lower. But at 50th, we can't say that anymore.
While the Magnolia State shares many of New Mexico's deep-seated problems, in fourth-grade reading, Mississippi is rapidly improving while New Mexico remains stuck.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress is the recognized "gold standard" for educational performance. It is implemented in every state every two years.
While all aspects of learning are important, fourth-grade reading scores are critical. Before fourth grade, students are learning to read; after, they read to learn.
In 2013, Mississippi's fourth-grade reading scores were comparable to New Mexico's, with Mississippi holding a slight advantage: 209 to 206. By 2019, Mississippi's fourth-grade reading scores rose to 219 while New Mexico's barely budged to 208.
Mississippi has opened a growing gap between itself and New Mexico in reading skills acquisition.
What happened in Mississippi that didn't happen here?
We talked to experts in Mississippi and heard about reform efforts that may sound familiar.
Mississippi's reforms included a 2013 law called "third grade reading gate," which included resources for early childhood reading and teacher training in phonics-based teaching. Mississippi also stopped social promotion, with intensive intervention for failing students, and adopted an A-F school grading system based on improving student outcomes.
Mississippi's reforms are based on successful reforms in Florida more than a decade ago under then-Gov. Jeb Bush. Florida's reforms were also the basis for former New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez's reforms when she came into office in 2010.
The difference between Mississippi and New Mexico is that the former had the political will to implement the reforms, while Martinez and her Education Secretary Hanna Skandera had to fight tooth and nail against legislators and the unions. The Florida model was abandoned immediately upon Michelle Lujan Grisham taking office.
The Florida model may not work in New Mexico, but it would be nice to try. Unfortunately, New Mexico students missed a lot of class time relative to their peers in other states during the pandemic due to political decisions made by the current administration.
New Mexican children need a high-functioning school system now. New spending proposals aside, we can't be myopic about solutions that have worked elsewhere.
This approach has left the Land of Enchantment dead last in educational outcomes. We must be open to new approaches.
Perhaps the governor could try her own version of the Florida/Mississippi model?
(Edwin Aybar Lopez is director of Education Coalitions at Opportunity for All Kids New Mexico, oaknm.org, an organization dedicated to reforming New Mexico's education system.)
Tags: education, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, New Mexico
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text:
Korean Orchestra will hit the right note in Hà Nội
Classical: The Korean Symphony Orchestra will perform at the Hà Nội Opera House tonight (Jan 14). Photos courtesy of organisation board
HÀ NỘI — A concert featuring musicians of South Korea and Việt Nam performing with the Korean Symphony Orchestra will take place at Hà Nội Opera House tonight.
Chi-Yong Chung will conduct award-winning artists including pianist Đặng Thái Sơn and soprano Sunyoung Seo. It is the first Sơn has performed with the orchestra under conductor Chung.
Sorprano Sunyoung Seo
The concert entitled Korea - Việt Nam New Year Concert will be a mix of master pieces and Korean folk music. The master will be Piano Concerto by Norwegian Edvard Grieg and Radetzky March by J. Strauss I and opera extracts Pace, pace mio Dio from La Forza Del Destino by Verdi; Overture from Die Fledermaus by J. Strauss II and Russian Dance from The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky.
Korean folk pieces Seya Seya and Sin Arirang are arranged by musicians Chae Dong Sun and Kim Dong Jin for the symphony orchestra.
Conductor Chung is music director and principal conductor at Korean Symphony Orchestra. He used to be chairman of Korean Conductors' Association and has performed as guest conductor with many orchestras in the world such as Radio Symphony of Leipzig, Russian Philharmonic and Michigan State Symphony. The conductor also receives Austrian Culture Ministry Award and Music Association of Korean.
Pianist Đặng Thái Sơn
Sơn is Việt Nam's world-renowned concert pianist who was the first Asian to win first prize and the gold medal at the X Warsaw International Chopin Piano Competition in 1980.
He was presented with the Golden Medal for Merit to Culture from Poland and is currently piano faculty member of Oberlin Conservatory of Music in the US and guest professor at the Universite de Montreal in Canada.
Leader: Conductor Chi Yong Chung. Photos courtesy of organisation board
Soprano Seo won first prize at International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow in 2011, one of the three biggest competitions in the world. She also won the Maria Carras Grand Prize in Athens, Greece in 2010.
The Korean Symphony Orchestra has been working to elevate its standing since it started in 1985. For the past 30 years the orchestra has more than 90 performances each year both domestically and abroad.
Hà Nội-concert is the first event to be held in Việt Nam by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in co-ordination with Korean embassy. It kicks off a wide range of cultural and art exchange activities between the two countries. — VNS
Đặng Thái Sơn
Hà Nội Opera House
New Year concert


text:
/*
 * Copyright (c) the original author or authors
 *
 * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 * You may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
 * You may obtain a copy of the License at
 *
 *        http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
 *
 * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
 * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
 * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
 * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
 * limitations under the License.
 */
package com.proliming.commons.utils;

/**
 * Static convenience methods that serve the same purpose as Java
 * language assertions, except that they are always enabled.
 */
public /*final*/ class Verify {

    /**
     * Ensures the truth of an expression.
     *
     * @param expression a boolean expression
     *
     * @throws VerifyException if {@code expression} is false
     */
    public static void isTrue(boolean expression) {
        if (!expression) {
            throw new IllegalArgumentException();
        }
    }

    /**
     * Ensures the false of an expression.
     *
     * @param expression a boolean expression
     *
     * @throws VerifyException if {@code expression} is true
     */
    public static void isFalse(boolean expression) {
        isTrue(!expression);
    }

    /**
     * Ensures the truth of an expression.
     *
     * @param expression   a boolean expression
     * @param errorMessage the exception message to use if the check fails; will be converted to a
     *                     string using {@link String#valueOf(Object)}
     *
     * @throws VerifyException if {@code expression} is false
     */
    public static void verify(boolean expression, Object errorMessage) {
        if (!expression) {
            throw new VerifyException(String.valueOf(errorMessage));
        }
    }

    /**
     * Ensures the truth of an expression involving one or more parameters to the calling method.
     *
     * @param expression           a boolean expression
     * @param errorMessageTemplate a template for the exception message should the check fail. The
     *                             message is formed by replacing each {@code %s} placeholder in the template with an
     *                             argument. These are matched by position - the first {@code %s} gets {@code
     *                             errorMessageArgs[0]}, etc.  Unmatched arguments will be appended to the formatted
     *                             message
     *                             in square braces. Unmatched placeholders will be left as-is.
     * @param errorMessageArgs     the arguments to be substituted into the message template. Arguments
     *                             are converted to strings using {@link String#valueOf(Object)}.
     *
     * @throws VerifyException if {@code expression} is false
     * @throws VerifyException if the check fails and either {@code errorMessageTemplate} or
     *                         {@code errorMessageArgs} is null (don't let this happen)
     */
    public static void verify(
            boolean expression,
            String errorMessageTemplate,
            Object... errorMessageArgs) {
        if (!expression) {
            throw new VerifyException(format(errorMessageTemplate, errorMessageArgs));
        }
    }

    /**
     * Verify that an object is {@code null} .
     *
Verify.isNull(value);

     *
     * @param object the object to check
     *
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if the object is not {@code null}
     */
    public static void isNull(Object object) {
        isNull(object, "[Assertion failed] - the object argument must be null");
    }

    /**
     * Verify that an Object is {@code null} .
     *
Verify.isNull(value, "The value must be null");

     *
     * @param obj     the reference to check
     * @param message the exception message to use if the assertion fails
     *
     * @throws IllegalArgumentException if the object is not {@code null}
     */
    public static void isNull(Object obj, String message) {
        if (obj != null) {
            throw new IllegalArgumentException(message);
        }

    }

    /**
     * Ensures that {@code reference} is non-null, throwing a {@code VerifyException} with a default
     * message otherwise.
     *
     * @return {@code reference}, guaranteed to be non-null, for convenience
     *
     * @throws VerifyException if {@code reference} is {@code null}
     */
    public static <T> T notNull(T reference) {
        return notNull(reference, "expected a non-null reference");
    }

    /**
     * Ensures that an object reference passed as a parameter to the calling method is not null.
     *
     * @param reference    an object reference
     * @param errorMessage the exception message to use if the check fails; will be converted to a
     *                     string using {@link String#valueOf(Object)}
     *
     * @return the non-null reference that was validated
     *
     * @throws VerifyException if {@code reference} is null
     */
    public static <T> T notNull(T reference, Object errorMessage) {
        if (reference == null) {
            throw new VerifyException(String.valueOf(errorMessage));
        }
        return reference;
    }

    /**
     * Ensures that an object reference passed as a parameter to the calling method is not null.
     *
     * @param reference            an object reference
     * @param errorMessageTemplate a template for the exception message should the check fail. The
     *                             message is formed by replacing each {@code %s} placeholder in the template with an
     *                             argument. These are matched by position - the first {@code %s} gets {@code
     *                             errorMessageArgs[0]}, etc.  Unmatched arguments will be appended to the formatted
     *                             message
     *                             in square braces. Unmatched placeholders will be left as-is.
     * @param errorMessageArgs     the arguments to be substituted into the message template. Arguments
     *                             are converted to strings using {@link String#valueOf(Object)}.
     *
     * @return the non-null reference that was validated
     *
     * @throws VerifyException if {@code reference} is null
     */
    public static <T> T notNull(
            T reference, String errorMessageTemplate, Object... errorMessageArgs) {
        if (reference == null) {
            // If either of these parameters is null, the right thing happens anyway
            throw new VerifyException(format(errorMessageTemplate, errorMessageArgs));
        }
        return reference;
    }

    /**
     * Substitutes each {@code %s} in {@code template} with an argument. These are matched by
     * position: the first {@code %s} gets {@code args[0]}, etc.  If there are more arguments than
     * placeholders, the unmatched arguments will be appended to the end of the formatted message in
     * square braces.
     *
     * @param template a non-null string containing 0 or more {@code %s} placeholders.
     * @param args     the arguments to be substituted into the message template. Arguments are converted
     *                 to strings using {@link String#valueOf(Object)}. Arguments can be null.
     */
    static String format(String template, Object... args) {
        template = String.valueOf(template); // null -> "null"

        // start substituting the arguments into the '%s' placeholders
        StringBuilder builder = new StringBuilder(template.length() + 16 * args.length);
        int templateStart = 0;
        int i = 0;
        while (i < args.length) {
            int placeholderStart = template.indexOf("%s", templateStart);
            if (placeholderStart == -1) {
                break;
            }
            builder.append(template.substring(templateStart, placeholderStart));
            builder.append(args[i++]);
            templateStart = placeholderStart + 2;
        }
        builder.append(template.substring(templateStart));

        // if we run out of placeholders, append the extra args in square braces
        if (i < args.length) {
            builder.append(" [");
            builder.append(args[i++]);
            while (i < args.length) {
                builder.append(", ");
                builder.append(args[i++]);
            }
            builder.append(']');
        }

        return builder.toString();
    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Biography: Hugh Michael Jackman is the youngest of five children. His mother left the family and returned to England when he was 8 years old. Hugh attended Knox Grammar School which is elite all boys school in Wahroonga, New South Wales. He graduated from the University of Technology, Sydney with a B. A. in Communications. His major was Journalism. In 1994, Hugh graduated from WAAPA in Perth.
Hugh married Deborra-Lee Furness in February, 1996. They met on the set of an Australian television program called Correlli. Hugh and Deborra have two children, both of whom are adopted. Oscar Maximilian Jackman, born on May 15, 2000 was their first and Ava Eliot Jackman, born on July 10, 2005 was their second.
Hugh was a last minute addition to the 2000 X-men cast. Dougray Scott was the first choice for the character of Wolverine but was not able to leave the filming of Mission Impossible II to fill the role. Despite the fact that Hugh is almost a foot taller than the Wolverine character, hisHugh Michael Jackman is the youngest of five children. His mother left the family and returned to England when he was 8 years old. Hugh attended Knox Grammar School which is elite all boys school in Wahroonga, New South Wales. He graduated from the University of Technology, Sydney with a B. A. in Communications. His major was Journalism. In 1994, Hugh graduated from WAAPA in Perth.
Hugh was a last minute addition to the 2000 X-men cast. Dougray Scott was the first choice for the character of Wolverine but was not able to leave the filming of Mission Impossible II to fill the role. Despite the fact that Hugh is almost a foot taller than the Wolverine character, his performance was highly praised and he enjoyed a substantial amount of success due to the film's popularity. Hugh went on to star in films such as Swordfish with John Travolta and Halle Berry, Kate and Leopold with Meg Ryan, and Van Helsing.
Hugh won a Tony Award in 2004 for his Broadway portrayal of Australian songwriter and performer Peter Allen in The Boy From Oz. He also hosted the Tony Awards in 2004 and 2005 and in 2009 hosted the 2009 Acadamy Awards.… Expand
Hugh Jackman's Scores
77 Happy Feet
18 Movie 43
Mixed: 13 out of 32
32 movie reviews
68 Missing Link Apr 12, 2019 Sir Lionel Frost 7.4
61 The Front Runner Nov 6, 2018 Gary Hart 6.0
48 The Greatest Showman Dec 20, 2017 Producer / P.T. Barnum / P.T. Barnum 7.4
77 Logan Mar 3, 2017 Logan / Logan/Wolverine / Logan/X-24 / Logan 8.4
52 X-Men: Apocalypse May 27, 2016 Logan/Wolverine 6.5
54 Eddie the Eagle Feb 26, 2016 Bronson Peary / Chuck Berghorn / Bronson Peary 7.2
36 Pan Oct 9, 2015 Blackbeard / Blackbeard 5.2
56 That Sugar Film Jul 31, 2015 Himself 6.2
41 Chappie Mar 6, 2015 Cast / Vincent / Vincent Moore / Vincent Moore 7.2
75 X-Men: Days of Future Past May 23, 2014 Logan/Wolverine / Logan/Wolverine 8.3
74 Prisoners Sep 20, 2013 Keller / Keller Dover / Keller Dover 8.6
61 The Wolverine Jul 26, 2013 Producer / Logan/Wolverine / Logan / Logan/Wolverine 6.7
18 Movie 43 Jan 25, 2013 Cast / Principal Cast / Davis (Segment "The Catch") 3.1
63 Les Miserables Dec 25, 2012 Jean Valjean / Jean Valjean 7.4
57 Rise of the Guardians Nov 21, 2012 Bunnymund/The Easter Bunny / Bunny / E. Aster Bunnymund 7.4
40 Butter Oct 5, 2012 Boyd Bolton / Boyd Bolton 6.1
56 Real Steel Oct 7, 2011 Charlie Kenton 7.1
42 Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Jul 15, 2011 Cast / Cast tbd
30 Oh My God Nov 13, 2009 Himself 6.6
40 X-Men Origins: Wolverine May 1, 2009 Producer / Logan/Wolverine 5.3
31 Deception Apr 25, 2008 Producer / Producer / Wyatt Bose / Wyatt Bose 4.9
51 The Fountain Nov 22, 2006 Tomas/Tommy/Tom Creo 8.0
77 Happy Feet Nov 17, 2006 Memphis / Memphis tbd
74 Flushed Away Nov 3, 2006 Roddy 7.6
66 The Prestige Oct 20, 2006 Robert Angier 8.9
58 X-Men: The Last Stand May 26, 2006 Logan/Wolverine 6.0
35 Van Helsing May 7, 2004 Van Helsing 6.1
68 X2: X-Men United May 2, 2003 Logan/Wolverine 8.7
44 Kate & Leopold Dec 21, 2001 Leopold 8.7
32 Swordfish Jun 8, 2001 Stanley Jobson 6.5


The "Matures" are the generations that came along between 1909 and 1945. Born to and tempered by economic uncertainty, older Matures were nurtured by the New Deal and served in the mightiest armed force fielded by any nation.
Marketing is a business process about which much is written, however is often not completely understood. Many think that "marketing" and "advertising" are interchange-able words.
Marketing is a vital aspect of a business' operations. It has been said that, "Nothing happens in business until a sale is made".
Multicultural marketing mirrors the changed face of America and is getting the attention of small-business and other organizations looking for an edge in diverse ethnic markets. "Gone are the days when businesses succeed with a 'one size fits all' approach to marketing.
Rule Number One when writing marketing materials is "Know Your Target Market." There's a lot of foundational work to do before you ever put a word on paper but this is the place to start.
Price is an often overlooked marketing strategy, as many tend to focus on promotions or advertising. Pricing strategies, however, can have a large impact on sales and (more importantly) profit.
A powerful consumer market with annual spending power exceeding $350 billion, Hispanics-or should that be Latinos?-have become the largest minority group in the United States, and a marketplace well-worth looking into and with plenty to see--once you get the labels straight.Is it "Hispanics" or "Latinos"?Hispanics and Latinos have hotly debated that question for years, and apparently, picking one answer over the other means drawing political, social, and generational lines in the sand.
What Can Star Wars Teach You About Creating a Buzz for Your Business?
Many people think marketing is some type of mystery that only a few select people know the secret too. In fact if you look at the entertainment industry you will find some of the best models to follow.
When marketing your practice, as well as designing your brochure, website, business card, flier, advertisement, or other marketing effort, I recommend investing the time and effort needed to effectively address the following:Tip #1: MARKET FOR YOUR DESIRED PROSPECTS, NOT YOURSELFWhat looks good to you is not necessarily effective for your desired audience. Do your market research and test your strategies on your target market.
Generation Y--The second-largest crop of young people in America's history, offspring of the Boomers-80 million of them, nearly 27 percent of the U.S.
Client Attraction Technique #3: Study the Competition!
One very powerful and cost-effective marketing strategy is to study the competition. This is an important exercise, as essentially it allows you to find out as much as possible about the opposition - how best they operate, what they lack and then how to capitalise on it!Study the Competition OfflineStart by reviewing the Yellow Pages, the Thomson Local or even go online to determine what you're up against locally (and if applicable nationally).
The difference between a successful business and one that just gets by is that the business that is just getting by thinks that the marketing is over when the sale has been made.One of the main reasons customers leave, change suppliers, or stop buying is because of apathy on the part of the company.
Too often we small business owners get caught up in our day-to-day bottom line, and miss the needs of the community outside our door. By doing this, we miss an opportunity to include "socially responsible marketing" -or sponsorship- in our yearly promotional plan.
Starting a new online business, developing a new product,launching a new marketing campaign, buying advertisingcan all depend on how well you are able to research yourmarket.All business is based on demand.
As the owner of a creative services boutique - I have realized that at least 9 out of 10 prospects/clients have suffered from one or all of the following (very detrimental) symptoms of trying to grow their businesses:Trouble defining their "BIG PICTURE"Little to no understanding of "evolution focus"Overwhelming feelings of "being stuck", "spinning wheels", "not knowing what to do next"Not enough information about options, alternatives and solutions to common strategiesNot enough knowledge or support to ask the right questions when researching opportunitiesChallenges in differentiating between "good advice" and "bad advice"Difficulty bouncing back from ill advised decisionsExhausting unnecessary dollar amounts for otherwise less expensive projectsNot enough resources to avoid future mistakesUnrealistic expectations about each unique component of the marketing mix and how enlisting one does NOT guarantee another.Somehow along the way the corporate mentality of "delegate everything" has convoluted the fact that small-mid sized businesses don't always have the resources to do this.
I had a telemarketer call me recently. Here's a rough transcript of the conversation.
You want your prospect to make the decision to buy your product or service. So you show him what you have to offer in your sales letter, web page, ad or commercial.
Make Your Mailing a Home Run, Not a Strike Out!
You can use great design and copy to get a better response.When you send a mailing to your customers or prospective customers you are counting on making considerably more money in new business than you spend on the mailing, right? It is obvious that if you were not going to profit from the mailing, you wouldn't send it out.
The Building Blocks to Successful MarketingIt's More than Sales and AdvertisingBy Julie ChanceWhether you're a Fortune 500 company or a one person shop, to be successful, you must have a marketing strategy and you must implement it consistently. However, it doesn't have to cost a fortune and you don't have to be a creative genius.
If you want to learn how effective Niche Marketing can be,I suggest you "don't" take the route I did.Back in 1983 I started a company offering general Electronics Subcontract Assembly services to just about anyone who made Electronic products.
What benefits will you get from flyers?Flyers are much different from postcards in that they convey product sales to the consumer. Safeway, Costco, Albertsons and other grocery chains are excellent at putting out flyers.
Gain the exposure you need to succeed with these ten tips:1.	Present yourself as a specialist and/or an authority in your field.
Preparing a Marketing Plan for your product or service is a real eye-opening experience. While we all hope that our product or service will appeal to the masses, the truth is, that may not happen.
Your business success depends on your ability to promote your services, your products, and yourself. Fortunately, promotion is simple.
Marketing is like rowing a boat. When you know how thepointed bow moves smoothly forward through the waterencountering the least amount of resistance.
Before I compare today's online advertising with traditional media advertising I will make an analogy.If you've been on the Internet for as long as I have, you probably noticed that things have changed dramatically.
So how do you do it?Direct mail marketing. When it comes to marketing your product or services there are two basic challenges:1.
Marketing your cleaning business is something that you will already have an idea about when you start your business plan. Nothing is better for an emerging cleaning business than a really good marketing strategy.
So you have a Web site. And so does most every business these days.
The marketing decisions you make for your new business are the most important part of making your business a success. Marketing is about building a strong presence, name recognition and credibility through various methods.
Let's talk about how to keep your postage costs down.So far you have been following my advice and mailing to the same list more than once.
Use a business card as a note pad for recording important information.I am sometimes asked why I make such use of business cards.


text:
al barclay
StarShipSofa No 519 Hannu Rajaniemi
January 10, 2018 by Jeremy Szal
Main Fiction: "Elegy for a Young Elk" by Hannu Rajaniemi
Originally published in Subterranean, reprinted in Invisible Planets
Hannu Rajaniemi was born in Finland. At the age of eight he approached the European Space Agency with a fusion-powered spaceship design, which was received with a polite "thank you" note. Hannu studied mathematics and theoretical physics at University of Oulu and Cambridge and holds a PhD in string theory from the University of Edinburgh. He co-founded a mathematics consultancy whose clients included UK Ministry of Defence. Currently, he works as a co-founder of HelixNano, a synthetic biology startup. Hannu is the author of four novels including The Quantum Thief (translated into more than 20 languages), the forthcoming Summerland (July 2018), and several short stories. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Narrated by Al Barclay
Al Barclay has worked extensively over 15 years, most notably playing opposite James McAvoy and Michael Sheen in Stephen Fry's Bright Young Things, and with David Thewlis in Luc Besson's The Lady. He will be in the West End at The Arts Theatre this December playing Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.
He also once drank two bottles of gin with Peter O'Toole, and danced the night away in Camden with Amy Winehouse.
Fact: Looking Back at Genre History 100!!! by Amy H Sturgis
https://media.acast.com/starshipsofa/starshipsofano519hannurajaniemi/media.mp3
Categories: Podcast | Tags: al barclay, finnish fiction, finnish SF, Hannu Rajaniemi, international author, international narrator, theatre narrator, west end
StarShipSofa No 463 Neal Asher
December 7, 2016 by Jeremy Szal
Main Fiction: "Strood" by Neal Asher
Originally appeared in Asimov's
Neal Asher was born in Billericay, Essex, and divides his time between here and Crete. His previous full-length novels are Gridlinked, The Skinner, The Line of Polity, Cowl, Brass Man, The Voyage of the Sable Keech, Polity Agent, Hilldiggers, Prador Moon, Line War, Shadow of the Scorpion, Orbus and The Technician. His Owner series novels include The Departure, Zero Point and Jupiter War. Dark Intelligence is the start of a new series set in the Polity universe.
http://rss.acast.com/starshipsofa/starshipsofano463nealasher/media.mp3
Categories: Podcast | Tags: actor narrator, al barclay, cyberpunk, dark intelligence, luc besson, neal asher, owner series, polity, space opera, the skinner, theatre actor, UK author, UK narrator, west end


text:
sap.ui.define(["sap/ui/webc/fiori/thirdparty/illustrations/UploadCollection"], function() {
	"use strict";
});


Young Willow was born in the Iron Settlement, one of several save zones built after the world as we know it was destroyed by war. He's been pining after someone, a man who will finally acknowledge having feelings for Willow.
Handsome Jay is known as a traveler, a man familiar with all the dangers outside the safety of the settlements. This time, however, Jay's battle is to overcome the injury that left him walking with a limp, which alienated him from people in the settlements.
Will Jay and Willow be able to move from a steady friendship to budding romance while they explore the dangerous ruins from before the end times? How will Jay react when Willow presents him with a rare gift? Can Willow learn to barter with Jay and earn the love he craves?


Starting October 1, 2014, small employers in Maryland (those employing 15-49 employees) will be required to provide employees with unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child under the Maryland Parental Leave Act ("MPLA"). Pursuant to the MPLA, eligible employees are entitled to six workweeks of unpaid parental leave during any 12-month period for the birth of the employee's child or the placement of a child with the employee for adoption or foster care.
To be eligible for MPLA leave, an employee must have been employed for at least 12 months and have worked 1,250 hours prior to the start of the leave. Additionally, the employee must be employed at a work location in Maryland at which at least 15 employees work within a 75-mile radius in Maryland. Employees eligible for MPLA leave may also be eligible for leave under the FMLA when their Maryland worksite is within 75 miles of a work location outside of Maryland, and the FMLA threshold of 50 employees is met between the two locations. Although not expressly addressed in the MPLA, it is likely that the employee's MPLA leave and FMLA leave for the birth or adoption of a child would run concurrently.
where the leave has already begun, the employee elects not to return to employment after receiving notice.


The grid CSS media feature can be used to test whether the output device uses a grid-based screen.
Most modern computers and smartphones have bitmap-based screens. Examples of grid-based devices include text-only terminals and basic phones with only one fixed font.
The grid feature is specified as a <mq-boolean> value (0 or 1) representing whether or not the ouput device is grid-based.
The definition of 'grid' in that specification. Candidate Recommendation No change.
The definition of 'grid' in that specification. Recommendation Initial definition.


(Generic Requirement-303) A Telcordia standard interface to a Class 5 telephone switch from a digital loop carrier (DLC). This is the primary interface to the telco switch from the outside world. In order to connect directly to the PSTN, IP phones and IP telephony gateways must adhere to GR-303. See Class 5 switch and IP telephony.