text:
All told, we humans have discovered more than 5000 mineral types. I challenged myself to list the five most important minerals when it comes to the formation of rocks and their subsequent weathering and erosion into landscape.
Rock, which makes up our planet, consists of different minerals. This granite is made of, Q=quartz, O=orthoclase feldspar, P=plagioclase feldspar, B=biotite mica (IP18-1012ce)
It's an impossible task –and subjective, of course –and I fudged a bit by grouping some minerals together. But here they are: the silicate minerals quartz, mica, feldspar, and mafic minerals, and the carbonate mineral, calcite. I invite you to take me to task in the comments section. Even so, these five minerals are easy to identify and are critical to any discussion about rocks –which makes them important to understanding weathering and erosion. And, I'm adding them to my already packed curriculum for my introductory class on surface processes next term, so five seems to be a good upper limit on the numbers.
Oh! Click on any image to see it enlarged on a separate page.
The five awesomest minerals
Weathering, by the way, is the in-place physical and/or chemical breakdown of rock; erosion is its removal –so they go hand-in-hand. A lot goes into how susceptible a rock is to these processes—not just the mineral content—and when it comes to chemical breakdown, the main factors always involve water. If a rock is accessible to water, it will break down more quickly; if it's not accessible to water, it will be more resistant.
Fractures in granite collect water and host vegetation, focusing weathering along the fracture. Acadia National Park, Maine. (100608-59)
Because some rocks will weather and erode more quickly than others, landscapes form with cliffs and valleys and steep slopes, gentle slopes –all sorts of variation you can imagine—depending in part on the bedrock. We call the phenomenon "differential erosion". You can find more detail on the processes in one of my earlier posts, called "Shaping of Landscape".
Differential weathering and erosion: Mexican Hat, Utah (9OtR-049)
Ok… the minerals:
Quartz –most people have come to know quartz because of its pretty crystals –especially the purple variety called amethyst—but they might not realize that it's a hugely important component of many igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, and it forms the cement of many sedimentary rocks. When it comes to weathering, quartz is practically inert chemically, so a strongly quartz-cemented sandstone will be more resistant to weathering and erosion than most other sedimentary rocks. The sandstone will stand out in relief, likely as cliffs or even overhangs. By contrast, weakly cemented, often finer-grained rocks tend to form slopes or even valleys.
Differential erosion along the Front Range of Colorado: resistant, inclined sandstone beds form ridges while intervening shale forms a valley. (131025-52)
If you look closely at a sandstone like the one below, chance are you'll see mostly quartz grains. Quartz grains might break up into little pieces as they're being transported by rivers, for example, but they won't turn into clay like most other minerals. The result? Sediment gets increasingly rich in quartz the farther it's transported from its source –and so if it travels a great distance, quartz is just about the only thing left!
Close-up views of quartz sandstone and cement. Photo on right is enlarged approx 3x. (click on it to see it even larger) Nearly all those little sand-sized particles are quartz! (201120-10i)
And if you're one of those people who really love this mineral, check out this post by Roseanne Chambers, which is all about quartz!
Micas are those shiny sheet-like minerals we see catching the light in a whole host of rocks. The best known micas are muscovite (white mica) and biotite (black mica). In metamorphism, they grow larger with increases in temperature, providing a handy way to distinguish between slate, phyllite, and schist — a nice thing to know in a geology class. The diagram below illustrates the process.
With increasing temperature, the clay within shale will recrystallize to microscopic mica to make slate a hard, metamorphic rock with a dull luster. Even hotter and the micas grow larger to produce phyllite, which has a reflective sheen, and then become easily visible in schist. Hotter still and coarse minerals segregate into layers to make gneiss. (201119-12e)
When it comes to weathering and erosion, those little mica sheets allow infiltration of water. Metamorphic rocks overall are pretty resistant because of their crystallinity –but slates or schist, for example, degrade much more quickly than gneisses because of their prevalence of mica minerals, which together create a fine-scale layering in the rock. Gneisses are coarse-grained, and their layering tends to be thicker and less permeable.
Collectively, feldspars are the most common minerals of the Earth's crust –and there are numerous varieties, the most common being orthoclase and plagioclase, which often occur together. For the purposes of landscapes, I grouped them together as one: they're all kind of chunky looking and are generally light-colored. Feldspars are the main components of igneous rocks, making up 60-70% (or even more) of most granitic rocks, which tend to form distinctive landscapes marked by cliffs and large rounded boulders.
Spheroidal weathering in Cretaceous granitic rock, SE California. Mt. Whitney and the Sierra Nevada in background. (180314-91)
The "mafic minerals" are named so because they're generally rich in iron and magnesium and poor in silica when compared to a lot of other common minerals –and they're typically dark green to black in color, so "mafic rocks" like basaltic lavas also tend to be darker colored. The main mafic minerals are olivine, pyroxene, and amphibole. Olivine, as it turns out, is our planet's most common mineral! It's the main stuff of the mantle, which depending on where you are, lies some 10-40km below the surface.
Hikers on basalt flow on Mauna Loa Volcano in Hawaii; cinder cone (also basalt, but weathered red from oxidized iron) in background. Inset shows large olivine crystals in basalt surrounded by mostly pyroxene and calcium-rich plagioclase feldspar. (170917s-14) and 200517-4) Please click the link for a post on this amazing volcano!
The physical properties of these mafic minerals explain all sorts of things like why oceanic plates subduct beneath continental ones (being made of mafic minerals, they're denser so they sink) to the shapes of volcanoes (mafic lavas, being less viscous than silicic ones, tend to form broad, low-relief shield volcanoes). For surface weathering and erosion, the mafic minerals tend to break down into clay more quickly than most other silicate minerals –which means that all else being equal, rocks with more mafic minerals will weather and erode faster than rocks with the other silicate minerals described here.
Mauna Kea Shield Volcano, Hawaii (left), made from basalt, which is more fluid (less viscous) than more silicic lavas like andesite, which make steeper cones such as Mt. Shasta in California. (170918s-83 and 140617-114)
Finally, calcite, the sole non-silicate on this list, is hugely important because it's what makes up the very common sedimentary rock limestone. Limestones occupy a separate class of sedimentary rock than sandstones: they're "biogenic", having formed through the precipitation of calcite through biological processes, as opposed to "clastic", which are just broken particles. As a result, they're important to understanding sedimentary rocks, and because of the biology connection, Earth history and evolution. For landscapes, limestones are also really important because the calcite will dissolve in slightly acidic water to form caves and sinkholes–there's a whole class of landscape called "Karst", which results from the dissolution of limestone.
The "fizz test": calcite crystal (left) and limestone (right) both react with a weak solution of hydrochloric acid to give off carbon dioxide gas –because they're both made of the same material (201122-11 and 201111-17)
And re-precipitation of calcite within caves forms the beautiful speleothems we so love –stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone… the list goes on. That rock, called travertine, occupies a third class of sedimentary rock called "chemical sedimentary rocks".
Stalagmite, Carlsbad Caverns NP, New Mexico. (100131-63)
Phew! My apologies to those mineralogy people who might read this and think, "but she missed that important idea! And that one too! And what about that mineral?" Maybe that's the point though –this is just a start. There is so much these five minerals can teach us –and there are so many other wonderful minerals I didn't even mention. So here's to reading more info that somebody might've put into the comments section. Here also to all the geology majors out there who take upper level geology courses that delve into all the amazing detail and make connections that I wasn't able to in this little space!
Olivine. I already know that I didn't do olivine justice. (201119-20)
And if you want to download any of these photos for your own –just type in the photo id into the search function of my geology photo website.
Also, I posted a primer on rock types –if you're interested, please have a look –and thanks for reading!
Posted in Uncategorized and tagged calcite, crystals, differential erosion, erosion, erosion and weathering, feldspar, geology, landforms, mafic minerals, mica, minerals, muscovite, olivine, quartz, rocks, weathering
8 thoughts on "Five Awesome Minerals –for rocks and landscapes"
Tom Hanley on November 30, 2020 at 5:34 pm said:
A very well organized and accessible post. Nice photos.
STeve Carlson on November 30, 2020 at 11:04 pm said:
Nicely done. Did you see my Bowens activity at NAGT? It needs to be cleaned up but would like to show it to you sometime.
Thanks! and no, I didn't see it –but I would love to –might really help explain that concept to intro classes!
Chas Rogers on December 1, 2020 at 3:25 am said:
Marli, good to read your overview of these common and famous minerals types with fine photos. I do think you left out the connection between the silicate minerals and the carbonates. The silicate/carbonate cycle is the most profound process in mineral varieties the earth has to offer. Relying on liquid water and atmosphere gasses this process connects rock types from all catagories and drives the evolution of mineralogy. Okay, maybe another discussion…
Thanks for bringing that up Chas!
Roseanne Chambers on December 2, 2020 at 3:42 am said:
Interesting post with great choices of minerals and beautiful photos! I'm a quartz fan, and I like thinking about how many eons quartz sand has been blown around our planet and recycled over and over into rocks and landscapes. I particularly appreciate the white sand of ocean-front beaches, sand of the Sahara Desert, and sand that formed the giant dune fields that covered much of the western US some 200 -150 million years ago (now in the sandstones that form the fabulous landscapes of Arches NP, Zion NP and many other parks). Thanks for this post!
Thanks for the note! I guess I'm a bit of a quartz fan myself. 🙂


text:
Q: Is there a better way to Calculate remaining time until open - Timer? I am coding a countdown timer and I have got an issue when the close is reached I am trying to display the timeremaing until the openof the next day. Right now I have done the codebut it is calculating on openof the same day and not on the next day.
Below is a part of the entire code.

var current = new Date();
var day = current.getDay();
var nextday = (nextday) = current.getDay(+1);
var currentTime = (currentTime) = (current.getHours() * 60) + current.getMinutes();
var remainTime = 0;
var closeTime = (openTime[day].close *60);
var openNextday = (openNextday) = nextday - (openTime[nextday].open *60);
var openTime = (openTime[day].open *60);

else if (closeTime - currentTime <= 0) {
     remainTime = currentTime - openNextday;
document.getElementById("hours").innerHTML = "open in " + Math.floor(remainTime/60)+ " hours " + Math.floor(remainTime%60) + " Mins";

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Trail end points: High Line Canal Trail at DeLaney Community Farm and E. Quincy Ave.
The Toll Gate Creek Trail begins on the south end of DeLaney Community Farm, a 158-acre scenic property that educates and allows members to sustainably grow agriculture. Here, it connects to the High Line Canal Trail.
Recreational opportunities abound as the trail continues south along a picturesque creek, and passes Tollgate Park, Horseshoe Park and Hampden Run Park. In Horseshoe Park, the trail connects to the Cherry Creek Spillway Trail, the Powerline Trail and the West Toll Gate Creek Trail.
The pathway ends at E. Quincy Avenue, just north of the Quincy Reservoir, a scenic place to boat, fish or watch birds.
At its northern tip, parking can be found nearby at the Aurora Municipal Center (15151 E. Alameda Parkway); at its southern end, park at the Quincy Reservoir, off Quincy Avenue. Mid-trail, parking is available at Horseshoe Park.


Natural dairy goodness for the whole family. 100% pure full cream milk. It is the ultimate option for convenience, stays farm fresh for up to 9 months and is free from preservatives.
Ingredients: Milk. Store in cool, dry place. Once opened keep refrigerated between 1 and 4°C.


text:
Q: How do I loop a function after receiving user input? I'm a newbie and am working on this Dictionary program. After receiving a word the program retrieves the definition and then the program ends. How do I get the program to loop back to receive another input?
I've tried using a while True: but it doesn't seem to work...thanks!
**data = json.load(open("Teaching/data.json"))
**def dictionary(word):
    word = word.lower()
    if word in data:
       return data[word]
    elif len(get_close_matches(word, data.keys()))>0:
        yn = input("Did you mean %s instead? Enter 'Y' for yes, 'N' for no: " % get_close_matches(word, data.keys())[0])
        if yn == 'Y':
            return data[get_close_matches(word, data.keys())[0]]
        elif yn == 'N':
            return "The word doesn't exist. Please try again!"
        else:
           return "I don't understand."
    else:
       return ("Please try again.")
word = input("Enter a word: ")
output = dictionary(word)
if type(output) == list:
    for item in output:
        print(item)
else:
    print(output)****

A: You can do it by using the while loop. After receiving an input it will go through the full code, then will wait for another input and that goes in infinity. Note that the input() must be under the while True:
def dictionary(word):
        word = word.lower()
        if word in data:
           return data[word]
        elif len(get_close_matches(word, data.keys()))>0:
            yn = input("Did you mean %s instead? Enter 'Y' for yes, 'N' for no: " % get_close_matches(word, data.keys())[0])
            if yn == 'Y':
                return data[get_close_matches(word, data.keys())[0]]
            elif yn == 'N':
                return "The word doesn't exist. Please try again!"
            else:
               return "I don't understand."
        else:
           return ("Please try again.")
while True:
        word = input("Enter a word: ")
        output = dictionary(word)
        if type(output) == list:
            for item in output:
                print(item)
        else:
            print(output)


text:
package org.apache.helix.integration.paticipant;

import java.util.Arrays;
import java.util.Collections;
import java.util.List;

import org.apache.helix.HelixDataAccessor;
import org.apache.helix.HelixManager;
import org.apache.helix.HelixManagerFactory;
import org.apache.helix.InstanceType;
import org.apache.helix.PropertyKey;
import org.apache.helix.TestHelper;
import org.apache.helix.ZkTestHelper;
import org.apache.helix.common.ZkTestBase;
import org.apache.helix.integration.manager.ClusterControllerManager;
import org.apache.helix.integration.manager.ClusterManager;
import org.apache.helix.integration.manager.MockParticipantManager;
import org.apache.helix.messaging.DefaultMessagingService;
import org.apache.helix.model.CurrentState;
import org.apache.helix.model.LiveInstance;
import org.apache.helix.model.Message;
import org.apache.helix.model.StateModelDefinition;
import org.apache.helix.tools.ClusterStateVerifier;
import org.apache.helix.util.MessageUtil;
import org.testng.Assert;
import org.testng.annotations.AfterClass;
import org.testng.annotations.BeforeClass;
import org.testng.annotations.Test;

public class TestParticipantFreeze extends ZkTestBase {
  private HelixManager _manager;
  private HelixDataAccessor _accessor;
  private PropertyKey.Builder _keyBuilder;
  private String _clusterName;
  private int _numNodes;
  private String _resourceName;
  private String _instanceName;
  private MockParticipantManager[] _participants;
  // current states in participant[0]
  private List<CurrentState> _originCurStates;
  private String _originSession;

  @BeforeClass
  public void beforeClass() throws Exception {
    _clusterName = "CLUSTER_" + TestHelper.getTestClassName();
    _numNodes = 3;
    _resourceName = "TestDB";
    _participants = new MockParticipantManager[_numNodes];
    TestHelper.setupCluster(_clusterName, ZK_ADDR, 12918, // participant port
        "localhost", // participant name prefix
        _resourceName, // resource name prefix
        1, // resources
        1, // partitions per resource
        _numNodes, // number of nodes
        3, // replicas
        "MasterSlave", true);

    _manager = HelixManagerFactory
        .getZKHelixManager(_clusterName, "Admin", InstanceType.ADMINISTRATOR, ZK_ADDR);
    _manager.connect();
    _accessor = _manager.getHelixDataAccessor();
    _keyBuilder = _accessor.keyBuilder();

    // start controller
    ClusterControllerManager controller =
        new ClusterControllerManager(ZK_ADDR, _clusterName, "controller_0");
    controller.syncStart();

    // start participants
    for (int i = 0; i < _numNodes; i++) {
      String instanceName = "localhost_" + (12918 + i);
      _participants[i] = new MockParticipantManager(ZK_ADDR, _clusterName, instanceName);
      _participants[i].syncStart();
    }
    _instanceName = _participants[0].getInstanceName();

    Assert.assertTrue(ClusterStateVerifier.verifyByZkCallback(
        new ClusterStateVerifier.BestPossAndExtViewZkVerifier(ZK_ADDR, _clusterName)));

    // We just need controller to rebalance the cluster once to get current states.
    controller.syncStop();

    _originSession = _participants[0].getSessionId();
    _originCurStates =
        _accessor.getChildValues(_keyBuilder.currentStates(_instanceName, _originSession), false);
  }

  @AfterClass
  public void afterClass() {
    _manager.disconnect();
    Arrays.stream(_participants).forEach(ClusterManager::syncStop);
    deleteCluster(_clusterName);
  }

  /*
   * Live instance is not frozen and does not have a frozen status field
   */
  @Test
  public void testNormalLiveInstanceStatus() {
    LiveInstance liveInstance = _accessor.getProperty(_keyBuilder.liveInstance(_instanceName));
    Assert.assertEquals(liveInstance.getStatus(), LiveInstance.LiveInstanceStatus.NORMAL);
    Assert.assertNull(
        liveInstance.getRecord().getSimpleField(LiveInstance.LiveInstanceProperty.STATUS.name()));
  }

  @Test(dependsOnMethods = "testNormalLiveInstanceStatus")
  public void testFreezeParticipant() throws Exception {
    freezeParticipant(_participants[0]);
  }

  // Simulates instance is restarted and the in-memory status is gone.
  // When instance comes back alive, it'll reset state model, carry over
  // and set current state to init state.
  @Test(dependsOnMethods = "testFreezeParticipant")
  public void testRestartParticipantWhenFrozen() throws Exception {
    String instanceName = _participants[1].getInstanceName();
    List<CurrentState> originCurStates = _accessor
        .getChildValues(_keyBuilder.currentStates(instanceName, _participants[1].getSessionId()),
            false);
    String oldSession = _participants[1].getSessionId();
    freezeParticipant(_participants[1]);

    // Restart participants[1]
    _participants[1].syncStop();
    _participants[1] = new MockParticipantManager(ZK_ADDR, _participants[1].getClusterName(),
        instanceName);
    _participants[1].syncStart();

    Assert.assertTrue(TestHelper.verify(() ->
            _gZkClient.exists(_keyBuilder.liveInstance(instanceName).getPath()),
        TestHelper.WAIT_DURATION));
    LiveInstance liveInstance = _accessor.getProperty(_keyBuilder.liveInstance(instanceName));

    // New live instance ephemeral node
    Assert.assertEquals(liveInstance.getEphemeralOwner(), _participants[1].getSessionId());
    // Status is not frozen because controller is not running, no freeze message sent.
    verifyLiveInstanceStatus(_participants[1], LiveInstance.LiveInstanceStatus.NORMAL);

    // Old session current state is deleted because of current state carry-over
    Assert.assertTrue(TestHelper.verify(
        () -> !_gZkClient.exists(_keyBuilder.currentStates(instanceName, oldSession).getPath()),
        TestHelper.WAIT_DURATION));

    // Current states are set to init states (OFFLINE)
    List<CurrentState> curStates = _accessor
        .getChildValues(_keyBuilder.currentStates(instanceName, _participants[1].getSessionId()),
            false);
    Assert.assertEquals(curStates.size(), 1);
    Assert.assertTrue(TestHelper.verify(() -> {
      for (CurrentState cs : originCurStates) {
        String stateModelDefRef = cs.getStateModelDefRef();
        for (String partition : cs.getPartitionStateMap().keySet()) {
          StateModelDefinition stateModelDef =
              _accessor.getProperty(_keyBuilder.stateModelDef(stateModelDefRef));
          String initState = stateModelDef.getInitialState();
          if (!initState.equals(curStates.get(0).getPartitionStateMap().get(partition))) {
            return false;
          }
        }
      }
      return true;
    }, TestHelper.WAIT_DURATION));
  }

  // Simulates session expires but in-memory status is still kept.
  // No state model reset or current state carry-over
  @Test(dependsOnMethods = "testRestartParticipantWhenFrozen")
  public void testHandleNewSessionWhenFrozen() throws Exception {
    // there are current states for the resource
    Assert.assertFalse(_originCurStates.isEmpty());

    ZkTestHelper.expireSession(_participants[0].getZkClient());
    String currentSession = _participants[0].getSessionId();
    Assert.assertFalse(_originSession.equals(currentSession));

    Assert.assertTrue(TestHelper.verify(() ->
            _gZkClient.exists(_keyBuilder.liveInstance(_instanceName).getPath()),
            TestHelper.WAIT_DURATION));
    LiveInstance liveInstance = _accessor.getProperty(_keyBuilder.liveInstance(_instanceName));

    // New live instance ephemeral node with FROZEN status
    Assert.assertFalse(_originSession.equals(liveInstance.getEphemeralOwner()));
    Assert.assertEquals(liveInstance.getStatus(), LiveInstance.LiveInstanceStatus.FROZEN);

    // New session path does not exist since no current state carry over for the current session.
    Assert.assertFalse(
        _gZkClient.exists(_keyBuilder.currentStates(_instanceName, currentSession).getPath()));
    // Old session CS still exist.
    Assert.assertTrue(
        _gZkClient.exists(_keyBuilder.currentStates(_instanceName, _originSession).getPath()));
  }

  @Test(dependsOnMethods = "testHandleNewSessionWhenFrozen")
  public void testUnfreezeParticipant() throws Exception {
    Message unfreezeMessage = MessageUtil
        .createStatusChangeMessage(LiveInstance.LiveInstanceStatus.FROZEN,
            LiveInstance.LiveInstanceStatus.NORMAL, _manager.getInstanceName(),
            _manager.getSessionId(), _instanceName, _participants[0].getSessionId());
    List<PropertyKey> keys = Collections
        .singletonList(_keyBuilder.message(unfreezeMessage.getTgtName(), unfreezeMessage.getId()));

    boolean[] success = _accessor.createChildren(keys, Collections.singletonList(unfreezeMessage));
    Assert.assertTrue(success[0]);

    // Live instance status is NORMAL, but set to null value in both memory and zk.
    // After live instance status is updated, the process is completed.
    verifyLiveInstanceStatus(_participants[0], LiveInstance.LiveInstanceStatus.NORMAL);
    // Unfreeze message is correctly deleted
    Assert.assertNull(
        _accessor.getProperty(_keyBuilder.message(_instanceName, unfreezeMessage.getId())));

    // current state is carried over
    List<CurrentState> curStates = _accessor
        .getChildValues(_keyBuilder.currentStates(_instanceName, _participants[0].getSessionId()),
            false);
    Assert.assertFalse(curStates.isEmpty());
    // The original current states are deleted.
    Assert.assertFalse(
        _gZkClient.exists(_keyBuilder.currentStates(_instanceName, _originSession).getPath()));

    // current states should be the same as the original current states
    // with CS carry-over when unfreezing
    Assert.assertTrue(verifyCurrentStates(_originCurStates, curStates));
  }

  private void verifyLiveInstanceStatus(MockParticipantManager participant,
      LiveInstance.LiveInstanceStatus status) throws Exception {
    // Verify live instance status in both memory and zk
    Assert.assertTrue(TestHelper.verify(() -> {
      LiveInstance.LiveInstanceStatus inMemoryLiveInstanceStatus =
          ((DefaultMessagingService) participant.getMessagingService()).getExecutor()
              .getLiveInstanceStatus();
      return inMemoryLiveInstanceStatus == status;
    }, TestHelper.WAIT_DURATION));

    Assert.assertTrue(TestHelper.verify(() -> {
      LiveInstance liveInstance =
          _accessor.getProperty(_keyBuilder.liveInstance(participant.getInstanceName()));
      return liveInstance.getStatus() == status;
    }, TestHelper.WAIT_DURATION));
  }

  private boolean verifyCurrentStates(List<CurrentState> originCurStates,
      List<CurrentState> curStates) {
    for (CurrentState ocs : originCurStates) {
      for (CurrentState cs : curStates) {
        if (cs.getId().equals(ocs.getId())
            && !cs.getPartitionStateMap().equals(ocs.getPartitionStateMap())) {
          return false;
        }
      }
    }
    return true;
  }

  private void freezeParticipant(MockParticipantManager participant) throws Exception {
    Message freezeMessage = MessageUtil
        .createStatusChangeMessage(LiveInstance.LiveInstanceStatus.NORMAL,
            LiveInstance.LiveInstanceStatus.FROZEN, _manager.getInstanceName(),
            _manager.getSessionId(), participant.getInstanceName(), participant.getSessionId());

    List<PropertyKey> keys = Collections
        .singletonList(_keyBuilder.message(freezeMessage.getTgtName(), freezeMessage.getId()));

    boolean[] success = _accessor.createChildren(keys, Collections.singletonList(freezeMessage));
    Assert.assertTrue(success[0]);

    // Live instance status is frozen in both memory and zk
    verifyLiveInstanceStatus(participant, LiveInstance.LiveInstanceStatus.FROZEN);
    // Freeze message is correctly deleted
    Assert.assertTrue(TestHelper.verify(() -> !_gZkClient.exists(
        _keyBuilder.message(participant.getInstanceName(), freezeMessage.getId()).getPath()),
        TestHelper.WAIT_DURATION));
  }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Drawing a Dialogue, Episode 10: The Canon — Comic Art Ed!
Episode 10: In this episode, Cathy + e examine the art historical idea of "the canon." They discuss definitions of the word, the history of the practice, canonization's criticisms, and how comics are understood within the framework.
Locher, H. (2012). The Idea of the Canon and Canon Formation in Art History. In Art History and Visual Studies in Europe: Transnational Discourses and National Frameworks (pp. 29-40).
Belting, H. (1987). The End of the History of Art? (2nd ed.). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Mitter, P. (2008). Interventions: Decentering Modernism: Art History and Avant-Garde Art from the Periphery. Art Bulletin, 90(4), 531-548.
Piotrowski, P., & Wilczynski, M. t. (2008). On the Spatial Turn, or Horizontal Art History. Umeni / Art, 56(5), 378-383.
Correction: In this section, Cathy mixes up the words "horizontal" and "vertical;" Piotrowski's call is for a horizontal art history, where a vertical one has a hierarchy, horizontal does not.
Fox, A. (2013). Exploring the Art in Sequential Art: An Art Historical Approach to Teaching Comics. In Graphic Novels and Comics in the Classroom (pp. 91-100). McFarland.
Roeder, K. (2008). Looking High and Low at Comic Art. American Art, 22(1), 2-9.


Paintball is a very exciting sport that is above all pure fun! It is a chance to escape your everyday obligations and renew your adventure spirit. Once when the adrenaline surges, there's nothing you can do but dive into paintball.


kCgsQdxmxvPgfTKwvdg » Eventamu Kenya Events: Kenya Events Portal & Shop.
I have my own business can you get a prescription for viagra online Medina's post about the killing occurred at 11:11 a.m. Thursday. A subsequent post, also at 11:11 a.m. Thursday, was titled "Rip Jennifer Alfonso" and contained a gruesome photograph depicting a bloodied woman in black leotards slumped on the floor. It appeared as if Alfonso had fallen backward from a kneeling position, with her legs bent to her sides and blood on her arm and cheek. The macabre photograph was posted for more than five hours before Facebook removed the page late Thursday afternoon.


Dude, you are so right. Again.
"Program Administrator expenditures on costs other than customer rebates appear excessive, as they have come to represent approximately half of portfolio expenditures." Yeah, that makes sense to keep things the same.


text:
Alleged smuggler faces prosecution in Mexico under 'Fence Cutter Initiative'
by: Fernie Ortiz
A suspected human smuggler was apprehended during a joint operation between the U.S. Border Patrol and the Government of Mexico on Nov. 25. The individual being charged in Mexico for cutting the border barrier facilitated the illegal entry of multiple individuals. (CBP)
EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) — In less than two months, U.S. and Mexico authorities have identified nearly 200 breaches in the border barrier in the El Paso Sector.
The latest incident involved a 20-year-old Mexican man, who, along with three other people, attempted to enter the U.S. illegally on Nov. 25 near the Santa Teresa port of entry in New Mexico.
U.S., Mexico team up to prosecute border fence cutters
Juarez police said the suspected smuggler had bolt cutters in his possession at the time of the arrest.
He faces charges under the Fence Cutter Initiative that U.S. and Mexican authorities launched in August to prosecute individuals caught damaging the border barrier with the intent of smuggling people and contraband into the United States.
Criminals use cutting tools, grinders, and acetylene torches to breach the border barriers daily, the U.S. Border Patrol said, adding that barriers represent a challenge to transnational criminal organizations.
If left unrepaired, barrier breaches become an exploitable access point. However, they have become a growing and costly problem for border authorities. Depending on the type of barrier, the average cost to repair the breaches can range from $300 to $400.
Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the United States-Mexico border
So far this fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, officials in the El Paso Sector have identified more than 198 breaches. In the fiscal year 2021, officials identified a total of 922.
"Our partnership with the Government of Mexico has been invaluable, and we are increasing accountability one breach at a time," said El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. "The Fence Cutter Initiative is ground roots level effort enacted by officers and agents keeping our shared border safe and secure."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
The brewery opened in May 2016 with homemade beers from HOOP and Breugem. The brewery was the first in the Netherlands to have a brand new Caspary breeding plant of 20 hectolitres from Bavaria, Germany. In whole, it consists of 16 fermentation/ lager tank: 7 with a capacity of 6 hectolitres, 4 with 4 hectolitres and 4 with 2 hectolitres. The total capacity of the brewery produces approximately 850,000 litres a year. The installation has been completely customized with intricate pipelines and semi-automatic machines. In the adjacent building is the storage and drainage line, where a 50-meter-long pipeline has been placed. The beers are racked into bottles and kegs and then finished with the necessary label.
Green beer
One of the most significant concerns when constructing the brewery was the sustainability theme. Thus, there were more than 300 solar panels placed on the roof of the brewery and restaurant (and also on the office space across the road). Enough to provide you with an 'energy neutral beer' that tastes the same, but feels better!
The Brewery can be easily spotted from the restaurant through the glass windows, which makes a constant connection between the two. The brewery itself has been arranged so that the entire brewing process can be followed along by a specially constructed footbridge. Those who want to know more about the brewing process can participate in one of the tours and tastings that the brewery offers.
The brewing process is beautifully illustrated by a mural of Spek & Jerry's. Check out the 'making of' here and come and see it with your own eyes!


text:
The Status of Health Information Exchange (HIE) Networks in the U.S.
See the following -
A Pledge That Promises To Keep Seeds Free For All To Use
Zoe Loftus-Farren | Earth Island Journal | July 22, 2014
...Inspired by the concept of open source software, a group of plant scientists and food activists, led by the University of Wisconsin, have launched the Open Source Seed Initiative – a campaign to protect the right of farmers, plant breeders and gardeners to share seeds freely...
Atrazine: Syngenta's Herbicide Doesn't Just Poison Frogs - It Could Give You Cancer
F William Engdahl | Ecologist | June 2, 2014
Tyrone Hayes has fought a 15-year battle with Syngenta following his discovery that its herbicide Atrazine scrambles sex in frogs, writes F William Engdahl. Now he wants to know - is Atrazine the cause of the US's 2-fold reproductive cancer excess among Blacks and Hispanics?...
Did Scientists Just Solve The Bee Collapse Mystery?
Tom Philpott | Mother Jones | May 20, 2014
It's a hard-knock life, scouring the landscape for pollen to sustain a beehive. Alight upon the wrong field, and you might encounter fungicides, increasingly used on corn and soybean crops, and shown to harm honeybees at tiny levels. [...] Read More »
Follow The Honey: 7 Ways Pesticide Companies Are Spinning The Bee Crisis
Michele Simon | Civil Eats | April 28, 2014
If you like to eat, then you should care about what's happening to bees. Two-thirds of our food crops require pollination–the very foods that we rely on for healthy eating–such as apples, berries, and almonds, just to name a few. That's why the serious decline in bee populations is getting more attention, with entire campaigns devoted to saving them. Read More »
Gates Foundation Spends Bulk Of Agriculture Grants In Rich Countries
John Vidal | The Guardian | November 3, 2014
Most of the $3bn (£1.8bn) that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has given to benefit hungry people in the world's poorest countries has been spent in the US, Britain and other rich countries, with only around 10% spent in Africa, new research suggests...
GMO Debate Grows Over Golden Rice In The Philippines
Miles O'Brien | PBS | September 17, 2014
Vitamin A deficiency is a deadly threat to kids and pregnant mothers in the Third World. In the Philippines, the best nutrient sources are rarely part of the daily diet, so researchers have tried adding vitamin A to rice, a staple food...
GMO-Free Food Sales Explode Amid Public Awareness
Christina Sarich | Natural Society | January 5, 2015
Americans are speaking with their wallets like never before in order to voice our true collective opinion of how corporations and Big Food are working with our food. One critical example of how we are demanding change can be seen where the sale of non-GMO Project Verified foods have more than doubled since 2013...
How "Open Source" Seed Producers from the U.S. to India Are Changing Global Food Production
Rachel Cernansky | Ensia | December 12, 2016
Frank Morton has been breeding lettuce since the 1980s. His company offers 114 varieties, among them Outredgeous, which last year became the first plant that NASA astronauts grew and ate in space. For nearly 20 years, Morton's work was limited only by his imagination and by how many different kinds of lettuce he could get his hands on. But in the early 2000s, he started noticing more and more lettuces were patented, meaning he would not be able to use them for breeding...
Open-Source Agriculture: The Sprouting Of A New Food Movement?
Jessica Leber | Fast Company | June 10, 2014
Walk through the produce aisle today and you can find labels for organic, fair trade, and local items. For shoppers who oppose the practices of seed agri-giants like Monsanto, one day there may be a new option to consider: open-source. Read More »
The Open-Source Seed Movement In Wisconsin
Mary Sussman | Isthmus | February 20, 2014
Farmers have traditionally gathered and saved seeds from one growing season to plant in the next. But this age-old tradition is being threatened by corporations that are increasingly restricting access to seeds through patents. Read More »
'Field To Market' Program Is Not Sustainable: It's Big Ag's Latest Lie
Jill Ettinger | Organic Authority | January 14, 2014
For those individuals interested in healthy living and a healthier planet, ears perk up at words like "sustainable agriculture." A program named "Field to Market" conjures visions of a local food economy—small-scale bucolic farming in truly sustainable fashion—not corporations posturing towards global processed food empires. But that's exactly what the program is. Read More »
'Open-Source' Seeds Released to Nurture Patent-Free Food
By Zoraida Portillo | June 27, 2014
An 'open-source' seed initiative has released 36 varieties of 14 food crops, which the project's leaders say could help poor farmers get access to better quality seeds. The new seed varieties have been available for delivery globally from mid-May, says Irwin Goldman, a vegetable breeder and horticulturalist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who was involved in the release. Read More »


Watch the new dialogue promo from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. The promo stars Ranbir Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and their views on relationships.
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil also stars Anushka Sharma and Fawad Khan. It is directed by Karan Johar and it is slated to release on 28th October, 20116, clashing with Shivaay.


An experimental "Trojan-horse" cancer therapy has completely eliminated prostate cancer in experiments on mice, according to UK researchers.
The team hid cancer killing viruses inside the immune system in order to sneak them into a tumour.
Once inside, a study in the journal Cancer Research showed, tens of thousands of viruses were released to kill the cancerous cells.
Experts labelled the study "exciting," but human tests are still needed.
Using viruses to destroy rapidly growing tumours is an emerging field in cancer therapy, however one of the challenges is getting the viruses deep inside the tumour where they can do the damage.
"There's a problem with getting enough virus into the tumour," Prof Claire Lewis from the University of Sheffield told the BBC.
She leads a team which uses white blood cells as 'Trojan horses' to deliver the viral punch.
After chemotherapy or radiotherapy is used to treat cancer, there is damage to the tissue. This causes a surge in white blood cells, which swamp the area to help repair the damage.
"We're surfing that wave to get as many white blood cells to deliver tumour-busting viruses into the heart of a tumour," said Prof Lewis.
Her team takes blood samples and extract macrophages, a part of the immune system which normally attacks foreign invaders. These are mixed with a virus which, just like HIV, avoids being attacked and instead becomes a passenger in the white blood cell.
In the study, the mice were injected with the white blood cells two days after a course of chemotherapy ended.
At this stage each white blood cell contained just a couple of viruses. However, once the macrophages enter the tumour the virus can replicate. After about 12 hours the white blood cells burst and eject up to 10,000 viruses each – which go on to infect, and kill, the cancerous cells.
At the end of the 40-day study, all the mice who were given the Trojan treatment were still alive and had no signs of tumours.
By comparison, mice given other treatments died and their cancer had spread.
She said it was a "ground-breaking" concept, but cautioned that many remarkable advances in treating mice failed to have any effect in people.
She hopes to begin human trials next year.
Dr Emma Smith, from Cancer Research UK, said: "Harnessing the body's own immune system to deliver a deadly virus to tumours is an exciting approach that many scientists are pursuing.
"This study shows it has the potential to make chemotherapy and radiotherapy more effective weapons against cancer.
She said the research was still at an early stage and tests to show it is safe and effective in humans are still needed.
Dr Kate Holmes, head of research at Prostate Cancer UK, said: "It demonstrates that this innovative method of delivering a tumour-killing virus direct to the cancer site is successful at reducing the development of advanced prostate tumours in mice which have been treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Firstly, I would like to say a BIG thank you to all who have supported me on my year without beer.


text:
MPEG-DASH: Struggling for Adoption?
MPEG-DASH, and particularly the DASH264 spec, will help standardize and unify online video delivery, but the move to embrace has been slower going than the hype might suggest
By Adrian Pennington
It may be early days for MPEG-DASH, the format intended to unify the various adaptive bit-rate (ABR) specifications, but there are already concerns of slower than expected take-up.
"There are several trials and lots of noise about MPEG-DASH, but we've yet to see concrete demand that point to DASH being the great unifier," warns Bruce Devlin, CTO of AmberFin. "In fact, unless there is some operational agreement on how to use the standard between different platform operators, then it might become yet another format to support."
MPEG-DASH was ratified as an international standard in November 2011 and published as by ISO a year ago. If 2012 was a proving-in year for the technology, with a number of proof-of-concept trials, the coming year may prove critical for widespread adoption.
"DASH has taken quite a while to gather a following among consumer electronics and software technology vendors, delaying its adoption," argues RGB Networks' senior director of product marketing Nabil Kanaan.
"The various profiles defined by DASH have aded too much flexibility in the ecosystem, at the cost of quick standardisation. We still believe it's a viable industry initiative and are supporting it from a network standpoint and working with ecosystem partners to make it a deployable technology."
Elemental Technologies' vice president of marketing Keith Wymbs says, "To date the impact of MPEG-DASH has been to spur the discussion about the proliferation of streaming technologies."
Digital Rapids marketing director Mike Nann says, "MPEG-DASH isn't in a position where people are thinking that it will be the only spec they'll need to support in the near to mid-term, but most believe that it will reduce the number of adaptive streaming specifications that they'll need to prepare their content for."
Jamie Sherry, senior product manager at Wowza Media Systems, also thinks DASH has had very little impact to date other than to re-emphasise that for high-quality online video to really become profitable and widespread, "issues like streaming media format fragmentation must be addressed."
"If the ideals of MPEG-DASH become a reality and traction occurs in terms of deployments—perhaps with the help of the proposed DASH264 deployment guidelines—the impact to the market will be positive as operators and content publishers in general will have a real opportunity to grow their audiences while keeping costs in line," he says.
Nann also looks to the recommended interoperability and deployment configurations of DASH264 to give renewed impetus.
"As an analogy, look back at the evolution of MPEG-2 and transport streams," he says. "If every cable operator, encoder, middleware vendor, and set top box vendor supported a different subset of parameters, profiles, levels, and features, they might all be within the MPEG-2 and TS specs, but we probably wouldn't have the widespread interoperability (and thus adoption) we have today. DASH264 is a means of doing the same for MPEG-DASH, providing a constrained set of requirements for supporting DASH across the devices that support it, and giving vendors interoperability targets."
Digital Rapids expects to see increased adoption in 2013 with "considerably more pilot projects as well as commercial deployments", with growing device support particularly consumer viewing devices.
"The client device support is going to be one of the biggest factors in how quickly MPEG-DASH rolls out," says Nann.
Telestream product marketing director John Pallett concurs: "The primary driver for adoption will be the player technology to support it. The companies that develop players are generally working to support MPEG-DASH alongside their legacy formats. Most of the major player companies want to migrate to DASH, but real adoption will come when a major consumer product supports DASH natively. This has not yet happened, but we anticipate that it will change over the next year."
Elemental Technologies' Wymbs believes the discussion will evolve in the next twelve months "to one centering on the use of MPEG-DASH as a primary distribution format from centralized locations to the edge of the network where it will then be repackaged to the destination format as required."
Featured Articles: MPEG-DASH: Why it Matters, Where it Goes From Here
DASH will play a huge part in the future of online video delivery. Learn how the standard was developed and the obstacles it still faces.


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Just keep swinging
Ferris men's and women's tennis approach a competitive stretch of matches
Posted by Danny Collins on March 15, 2018 in Sports, Tennis, Top Stories.
The Ferris men's and women's tennis teams are currently coming off two huge victories against Southern Indiana, March 2 and Salem International, March 4.
The men defeated Southern Indiana 6-3 and the women were victorious 5-4. Against Salem International, the men dominated 7-2 and the women swept 9-0.
The men's team has been on a tear since their spring season opening loss to the University of Indiana Feb. 3, winning nine of their last 10 matches including six straight. The team is currently 9-2 overall on the season.
"After winning three or four in a row it can be easy to get relaxed and want to just coast through the next couple, so going into every match, we are focused on what we need to do to get it done," Ferris junior Stew Snell said.
The six-match win streak consists of wins against Southern Indiana and five straight road wins in Hilton Head, S.C.
"Coach has been stressing for us to be ready and make sure we stay focused because all the matches were outside so adjusting from indoors to outdoors is very tough and it is completely different," Ferris sophomore Austin Debruyne said.
The team opened up a three-match homestand starting on Feb. 23 against Lewis University and finished up with Lake Superior State University on Feb. 25 at the Ferris Racquet and Fitness Center.
"I think coming together as a team is very important and we proved it showing a lot of energy on the court. We have been practicing a lot on our body language when we play and when we practice," Ferris sophomore Pablo Munoz Baroja said. "The whole team is focused on going one match at a time but if there is a match we want to do well against it is Grand Valley, our biggest rival."
Meanwhile, the Ferris women's tennis team is focusing on find consistent play.
The team has dealt with many injuries this season and getting healthy is on the minds of all the players and coaches of the Bulldogs.
"We just came back from our spring break trip down in South Carolina where our coach had to deal with both the men's and the women's team at the same time. This was the first time doing so while being at Ferris," Ferris sophomore Silvia Verebes said. "We had matches going on at the same time and I think he did a good job making sure everyone had what they needed and focusing on the specifics of each player."
The women's team has shown flashes of dominating play against Salem International and Southern Indiana. However, there has also been inconsistent play in their losses against Hillsdale 8-1, Feb. 24 and 7-2 against Newberry University, March 6.
"The key for our team is coming together and realizing that we can control the outcome and in what direction the team is going," Ferris junior Nika Hein said. "Over the past weeks we have become a true team, on and off the court. We are all on the same page and by being determined and giving our practice and play one-hundred percent every, we are moving in the right direction."
The team is currently 2-3 in their first five spring matches and will return home to the Ferris Racquet and Fitness Center to host Lewis University, March 23.
Click here for more coverage of Ferris State tennis.


Posted on Sunday, February 24th, 2013 at 5:00 pm.
The Taiwanese American Organization (TAO) at UC Irvine is proud to host its 4th Annual Lantern Festival and Night Market on Sunday, February 24th, 2013 at Student Center Pacific Ballrooms ABCD. With over 50 food and game booths and live entertainment, the festival aims to bring the authenticity of Taiwan's night markets to the campus community and also celebrate the festivities of the Chinese New Year.
Traditionally held in Taiwan on the fifteenth day of the first month of the Lunar calendar, the Lantern Festival marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations. It is a night where children go out to temples carrying all types of paper lanterns and families celebrate with traditional food. This year, Chinese New Year falls on Sunday, February 10. Thus, our Lantern Festival is exactly on the fifteenth day of Lunar New Year celebration!
TAO UCI once again brings the festivities over to the UCI campus, as we invite you for a night of delicious food, exciting games and activities, and amazing performances.Our numerous food booths will feature traditional Taiwanese dishes such as minced pork rice (魯肉飯), green onion pancake (蔥油餅), Taiwanese Sausage (香腸), 3 cup chicken (三杯雞), steamed buns (包子), Ba Wan (肉圓), egg rolls (春捲), Tastea, and so much more! Popular game and activity booths such as lantern painting, basketball shooting, darts, and Bean Bag Tic-Tac-Toe Toss will also be at the Festival so you have the opportunity to win PRIZES! And of course, come try your luck at fishing for live goldfish with paper nets! Regardless of what you come here for, you will be wowed by our wide selection of activities, food, and live performances that celebrates the Taiwanese culture!
Admission is completely free! Tickets, however, must be purchased for food, games, and activities. Tickets can be bought on the day of at the table outside of Pacific Ballroom. So, invite your friends and family and come out to celebrate this night with us! We can't wait to see all of you there!
For more info, please visit our website www.taouci.com or message us on Facebook!


Short and sweet, what to do after the interview.
do it as quick as you can after the interview.
Ms. Note-taker, did I have the conversation with the person right?
Was there anything you noticed that I didn't notice that would have helped us?
Did we get 2 referrals?
be fresh in your mind, so on the way back from the interview, whatever.
But a good post-mortem is absolutely essential, and it has to be quick.
It has to be soon after.
And then how do you extract insights?
Okay, you ask yourself a bunch of questions.
Is this a kind of person that we've met before in our interviews and discussions?
Were they who we thought they were?
They weren't who we thought they were, why not?
What is their Tower of Woes and Wishes look like?
What's at the top, what's their number one worry, what are their top three worries?
the top three things that concern them in their job or in their role.
you'd be surprised [LAUGH] how often the thing you're pushing isn't in the top.
What hypotheses did they disprove?
Did they disprove any of the hypotheses we came in there with?
have confirmation bias about, that they tell us is just not so?
So what hypotheses did they just confirm?
Nursing operations has to approve that.
We never heard of them.
What new roles are there, and how can we find out more about those roles and types?
And the more you know about that, the better off you're going to be.
of things that you want to do after every interview, and work through the checklist.
So like I said, short and sweet.
because your memory is going to fade, you'd be surprised how quickly it does.
Because you're always going to have to be hustling to get more and more interviews.


text:
#include "after_initialization_fixture.h"

using namespace webrtc;
using namespace testing;

class RtpRtcpBeforeStreamingTest : public AfterInitializationFixture {
 protected:
  void SetUp();
  void TearDown();

  int channel_;
};

void RtpRtcpBeforeStreamingTest::SetUp() {
  EXPECT_THAT(channel_ = voe_base_->CreateChannel(), Not(Lt(0)));
}

void RtpRtcpBeforeStreamingTest::TearDown() {
  EXPECT_EQ(0, voe_base_->DeleteChannel(channel_));
}

TEST_F(RtpRtcpBeforeStreamingTest,
       GetRtcpStatusReturnsTrueByDefaultAndObeysSetRtcpStatus) {
  bool on = false;
  EXPECT_EQ(0, voe_rtp_rtcp_->GetRTCPStatus(channel_, on));
  EXPECT_TRUE(on);
  EXPECT_EQ(0, voe_rtp_rtcp_->SetRTCPStatus(channel_, false));
  EXPECT_EQ(0, voe_rtp_rtcp_->GetRTCPStatus(channel_, on));
  EXPECT_FALSE(on);
  EXPECT_EQ(0, voe_rtp_rtcp_->SetRTCPStatus(channel_, true));
  EXPECT_EQ(0, voe_rtp_rtcp_->GetRTCPStatus(channel_, on));
  EXPECT_TRUE(on);
}

TEST_F(RtpRtcpBeforeStreamingTest, GetLocalSsrcObeysSetLocalSsrc) {
  EXPECT_EQ(0, voe_rtp_rtcp_->SetLocalSSRC(channel_, 1234));
  unsigned int result = 0;
  EXPECT_EQ(0, voe_rtp_rtcp_->GetLocalSSRC(channel_, result));
  EXPECT_EQ(1234u, result);
}


text:
Interfaith Neighbors' Rights of Passage II Dedication
Covenant House Operated Transitional Home for Women Opens on Prospect Avenue in Asbury Park
Members of the New York Giants will be on hand Nov 14 for the dedication of Rights of Passage II, a collaborative homeless prevention program between Interfaith Neighbors of Asbury Park (IFN) and Covenant House NJ (CHNJ), the latter has confirmed.
It is star running back Saquon Barkley who helped rally his team's support for Covenant House by not only choosing CHNJ as his charity of choice but by hosting three program participants at every home game.
photo courtesy of Covenant House NJ
"Over the last year, Saquon has taken a special interest in CHNJ and been a terrific supporter of ours," Executive Director Jim White said. For the last two years, he has provided us with tickets and an on-field experience for 3 youth and a staff member. Earlier this year, he hosted a bowling/dinner party for roughly 40 of our youth."
Thursday's dedication comes one year after Rights of Passage I, a mirrored transitional home for young men on Prospect Avenue in the city's southwest neighborhood, opened its doors.
"The Rights of Passage homes are special places, intended to ease the transition from homelessness to independence for Asbury Park youth," Interfaith Neighbors Executive Director Paul McEvily said. "They exist today courtesy of the support of many but most especially because of the compassion and decades-long commitment of Meg Flores to those less fortunate among us."
CHNJ began working with Asbury Park's homeless youth population in 2012, often through collaboration with Flores, IFN's youth program specialist. The 28-year employee also serves as operations manager at Kula Café, roles that helped her identify a need to address youth homelessness in a more direct manner.
"Their safety is always a concern because of where they are, who they hang with, but also because of what their next step could be," Flores said. "As a community, we need to believe in the youth. They have a great spirit and we need to trust them so they can trust us."
Rights of Passage II will open its doors to five young women; just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, IFN Director of Real Estate Development Patrick Durkin said.
"This is a transitional living home for young women in the community who have been experiencing unstable housing conditions," Durkin said of the new home. "The whole idea is to take young people who have been
struggling with their housing situation and give them the tools to be able to move on and live independently in a successful manner."
Administered by CHNJ, Rights of Passage is an 18-month long, semi-independent, life skills training program that requires its residents to return to school and/or seek stable employment.
"Asbury Park is clearly on a path of revitalization," said White said. "How extraordinary it is that the concerned citizens and leadership of this city have included homeless youth in their plan to improve the [community].
"We are excited about the early success that our Covenant House program in Asbury Park has achieved," he said. "Today, all of our young people are working or going to school; some are doing both. We know that if young people who experience homelessness are given a safe and supportive environment, they can move beyond homelessness and go on to live a productive life."
Designed by Shore Point Architecture of Ocean Grove, the Rights of Passage homes are constructed by IFN and leased to CHNJ. The neighboring homes consist of five en-suite bedrooms, two sets of washer/dryer units on the second floor, a large kitchen with secured lockers for nonperishables, communal living and dining rooms, and a 24-hour Covenant House manned office.
Along with the New York Giants, program supporters include Provident Bank Foundation; Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce; WithumSmith + Brown, PC; St. John's Episcopal Church in Little Silver; Covenant House Asbury Park Program Board; and Bob's Furniture, who donated furniture for the home. Support also came from members of the community, who joined the Sleep Out movement by hosting a series of overnight awareness campaigns across Monmouth County and beyond.
For Flores Rights of Passage I and Rights of Passage II are exactly what she envisioned 13 years ago.
"There's a house and there's a home," she said. "A home is something that's filled with love, and I felt the love there before it was even done."
[This piece is by Monmouth University intern Alyssa Kelly, a senior majoring in English with minors in psychology and journalism. Kelly also works as a peer tutor at the college's writing services lab and hopes to pursue a career as an editor.]
For more about Interfaith Neighbors, visit interfaithneighbors.org, and for more about Covenant House NJ, visit covenanthousenj.org.
Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.
Sleep Out Raises Over $42K In Support Of Covenant House
Bring Joe Leone and Marilyn Schlossbach Home
New Home Offers Help and Hope


"Many of our members here in the Northeast provide group therapy to the indigent, the chronically mentally ill, those with life threatening medical illnesses, children and adolescents, the incarcerated, addicts, and veterans. Others provide groups for the disconnected, anxious, and depressed. Our world is a better place because of their compassion and dedication."


If your kids start eating fruits for dessert, they would be much healthier! Fruits, with their natural sweetness, low calorie content, and ample nutrition make for a perfect dessert option for your kids. So what are you waiting for, add this delicious recipe to your dessert menu today!
• Wash the apple thoroughly.
• Cut it into six pieces.
• Take a bowl of cold water and add a few drops of lime juice to it.
• Soak the sliced apple pieces in it for a few minutes.
• Dry the pieces thoroughly before applying the toppings.
• Now coat the pieces with cream cheese/melted chocolate/peanut butter.
• Top each slice with dried raisins/chopped nuts/coconut shreds/roasted peanuts etc.


text:
UK Government Announces Ban on Combustible Materials for High-Rise Residential Buildings
ROCKWOOL welcomes Secretary of State James Brokenshire's confirmation that he plans to ban combustible materials from new high-rise residential buildings as well as hospitals, residential care premises and student accommodation above 18 metres.
The ban will not be applied retroactively to existing buildings. However, when the facades of such buildings are refurbished, they will not be able to use combustible cladding or insulation.
This announcement is a major step forward for public safety in the aftermath of the Grenfell tower tragedy. ROCKWOOL has long advocated for these changes and commends the UK government for taking this step. Public safety demands regulatory clarity and simplicity.
We encourage the government to extend these measures further and include all high risk buildings to ensure the safety of people living, working, studying and recovering in hospitals, residential care premises, student accommodation and schools.
Michael Zarin
Vice President, Group Communications
Email: michael.zarin@rockwool.com
Contact us for an interview, to talk about energy efficiency in buildings or to talk about energy and climate as growth drivers.
About the ROCKWOOL Group
At the ROCKWOOL Group, we are committed to enriching the lives of everyone who experiences our product solutions. Our expertise is perfectly suited to tackle many of today's biggest sustainability and development challenges, from energy consumption and noise pollution to fire resilience, water scarcity and flooding. Our product range reflects the diversity of the world's needs, while supporting our stakeholders in reducing their own carbon footprint.
Stone wool is a versatile material and forms the basis of all our businesses. With more than 11,600 passionate colleagues in 39 countries, we are the world leader in stone wool solutions, from building insulation to acoustic ceilings, external cladding systems to horticultural solutions, engineered fibres for industrial use to insulation for the process industry and marine & offshore.
UK parliamentary committee endorses high-rise combustibles ban
Committee urges government to expand ban to also include high-risk buildings such as hospitals, hotels, and student accommodations.
ROCKWOOL welcomes UK intention to ban combustible materials on tall buildings
Prompt action required; no need to delay further
New polling data confirms UK public support for stronger fire safety regulations
A new survey shows overwhelming support (90 percent) among the British public for all new high-rise and high-risk buildings to be clad and insulated in non-combustible materials only. This news comes less than two months before the first anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, and ahead of Dame Judith Hackitt's independent review of building regulations and fire safety, anticipated in May 2018.


Sunday was the day to stay near the telephone, the computer too for that matter. Robert was not about to go anywhere before receiving his phone call. He always stayed where he could hear the phone. The computer was also a possibility for calls but in truth Robert only received one call on it and that was more in the way of a test. His son, Corey, set him up with Skype and then called him when he got home just so they could test it out. That was the only time Corey called him via Skype in the six months since their brief trial run. Now he either called on the landline or not at all.
Robert tried diligently to be a good father to Corey after his divorce from Corey's mom. Corey was in his mid teens then and the boy seemed to follow the divorce with making his own plans and avoiding family obligations. Robert could never figure out whether this was a teenage thing or a reaction to the divorce, but either way Robert did his best to be a dad whenever Corey needed him. Corey needed him less and less as time went on.
Now that Corey was in his twenties, Robert and Corey had hatched a plan to keep in touch. This was more Robert's doing, of course. If they did not get together on the weekend, then they would at least share a call on Sunday afternoon. The problem with this plan was Corey rarely called and he preferred that dear old dad not call him as he was usually "busy." So Robert waited patiently in his small four room apartment for a call that was not likely to come. Perhaps if Robert had been more outspoken, even demanding, maybe Corey would be more dependable. At least that is what Robert thought. But it was not in Robert's demeanor to be pushy so he waited patiently every Sunday for the call.
In Robert's own mind he had convinced himself that waiting on Sunday's was a good thing. It would keep him at home to take care of the often neglected chores. He did the dishes, made the bed, swept the floor, looked at all that junk mail he tossed aside all week, but he never took out the garbage. That would mean leaving the apartment for a few minutes and Robert certainly did not want to do that. What if the phone should ring and he did not hear it?
Finally in late afternoon on this super cold, super Sunday the phone rang. Robert was on it like a shot. "Hello," Robert announced in his cheeriest voice.
"Uh, OK," Robert said reluctantly.
In truth, Robert was not in the middle of anything. He just wanted to leave extra time for Corey to call. He never gave a thought to the possibility that Corey had already gotten together with his friends to watch the big game. He just figured that if he left too soon, he would miss his Sunday call. So he placed his coat, scarf and hat on a chair near the door and sat down to wait for Corey. Robert worried about missing the call and not having enough time to talk. He thought of the most important things he should say if they only had a short time. He thought of nice questions to ask, without prying too much into Corey's personal life. After all, Corey was all grown up now and he needed to be treated like an adult. At least, that was thought running through Robert's head.
"Yes," Robert said. "I will be out in a minute." "Poor Corey," Robert mumbled. "If he calls I won't be here." Although he felt a little guilty, Robert threw on his outer wear and headed out the door.
"Yes," Robert replied. "I think so too." He obviously was not listening to Robert, his mind was on Corey.
As they drove away, Robert did not hear the phone ring in his apartment. It rang seven times before it went silent. Robert never even knew there was a call as the caller did not leave a message.
Cool story! Can't wait for the next instalment!
Another gem, Rich. It certainly resonates here. Trust me, it does.
Thanks, I am glad you liked it. I think it will resonate with a lot of people. I wonder if it would have with my dad.
Ach, a heartbreaker. Love the story!
Thanks. It is a bit of a heartbreaker.
A short story for your Sunday night.


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North Korea Bows To Another Trump Demand, Saving American Lives
By Ben Dutka|May 3, 2018
President Donald Trump has made tremendous strides in North Korea.
He has done what none of his predecessors managed to do, and that is to get North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un talking.
Prior to Trump, that guy rarely – if ever – negotiated with anyone. He certainly never bowed to pressure or made concessions.
And now, he's already talking about denuclearization, which would cause the entire world to heave one giant sigh of relief. It's all due to Trump, too.
But our President isn't done.
Now, three U.S. citizens can thank Donald Trump for their rescue; they're going home. And if Obama was still in charge, these citizens would still be rotting in a North Korean prison camp.
From The Washington Times:
"North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has released three U.S. citizens detained for years in his horrific prison camps, surrendering to another of President Trump's demands in advance of a planned historic summit between the two leaders whose countries have long been adversaries."
The three Americans can also thank National Security Advisor John R. Bolton for making this happen, as "has pressed for the release of the detainees."
Thankfully, all three were released from one of North Korea's infamous labor camps this week and are currently recovering in a hotel outside Pyongyang, South Korea.
And though they technically still remain in Kim Jong-un's grasp as part of a new "tourist" program, the former prisoners are expected to return home shortly.
And as for the nuclear weapon fiasco, the article does mention that while the North Korean dictator is talking, we're still a long way from the dangerous country actually giving up all their nuclear weapons.
However, former CIA chief Mike Pompeo repeated the Trump administration's dedication:
"…one thing is certain: This administration will not repeat the mistakes of the past. Our eyes are wide open.
It's time to solve this once and for all. A bad deal is not an option."
It's long past time, in fact. And who has managed to spearhead this entire operation? That's right: President Donald Trump!
Source: The Washington Times
Ben Dutka
Ben S. Dutka is a journalist, writer and editor with over two decades of experience. He has worked with three newspapers and eight online publications, and he has also won a Connecticut short story contest entitled Art as Muse, Imaginary Realms. He has a penchant for writing, rowing, reading, video games, and Objectivism.
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One woman, the mysterious "Eve Black," is immune to the blessing or curse of the sleeping disease. Is Eve a medical anomaly to be studied? Or is she a demon who must be slain? Abandoned, left to their increasingly primal urges, the men divide into warring factions, some wanting to kill Eve, some to save her. Others exploit the chaos to wreak their own vengeance on new enemies.
All turn to violence in a suddenly all-male world. Set in a small Appalachian town whose primary employer is a women's prison, Sleeping Beauties is a wildly provocative, gloriously dramatic father-son collaboration that feels particularly urgent and relevant today.


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Home News Harris Introduces Bill to Ensure Access to Affordable Clean Water for Working Families
Harris Introduces Bill to Ensure Access to Affordable Clean Water for Working Families
U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris introduced the Water Affordability Act of 2018, legislation that would help low-income families across the country pay for rising sewer and water bills. As municipalities work to comply with The Clean Water Act, the cost of compliance is placing a high burden on low-income families who pay for sewer and water utilities. The Water Affordability Actwould direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a pilot program, named the Low Income Sewer and Water Assistance Program (LISWAP), to award grants for public water utility companies to assist low-income households with bill repayment. Eligibility for grant assistance would consider environmental risk factors and inequitable environmental burdens as part of the eligibility criteria.
"No family should have to choose between paying for safe, clean drinking water and putting food on the table. Access to affordable clean water is a fundamental right," said Senator Harris. "In California alone, rates for water have risen by as much as 71% in Los Angeles and as much as 127% in San Francisco within the past decade. That places a huge burden on families just trying to make ends meet, and it's our responsibility to act."
"Across the country, far too many communities are dealing with insufficient wastewater and drinking water that harm their health and well-being," said Jenifer Collins, Associate Legislative Representative for Earthjustice. "The Water Affordability Act is an important step in addressing this urgent need and we look forward to continuing to work with Senator Harris and our community partners to ensure that all communities across the country have access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation services."
"We commend Senator Harris for addressing such a critical issue. Access to safe, clean water, and reliable wastewater and stormwater systems, should not be a privilege for the few," said Rosemary Enobakhare, Director for Clean Water for All Coalition. "No one should have to suffer from lead contamination, untreated sewage, or polluted runoff, as these problems have severe impacts on the health, safety, and economies of our communities. Water infrastructure funding must be prioritized for communities that have critical infrastructure needs and lack the ability to meet those needs. Senator Harris saw the need and is working to address one of our country's greatest challenges by creating meaningful water infrastructure legislation that provides and promotes clean, affordable water for all while protecting our environment and our communities."
"Every human has a right to safe, clean and affordable water," said San Francisco Public Utilities Commission General Manager Harlan L. Kelly. "In San Francisco, we work hard every day to provide high-quality public utility services that are affordable for all of our customers, including ratepayers in our most vulnerable communities. But local government can't do it alone. As a country, we must come together and leverage federal partnerships and resources to make this life sustaining resource available and affordable to everyone. This proposed grant program will bring us one step closer to making that a reality."
"The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) is pleased to support The Water Affordability Act by U.S. Senator Kamala Harris," said Tim Quinn, ACWA Executive Director. "This bill establishes a grant based pilot project to help those most in need pay their sewer and drinking water bills. ACWA represents 440 public water agencies that together supply over 90 percent of the water delivered in California for residential, agricultural, and industrial uses. Ensuring access to safe, reliable water is a priority for ACWA member agencies."
Text of the bill is available here.
Civil Engineers at Coachella Valley Water District (Coachella, CA, USA)
Principal Information Technology Analyst Nintex Limited Term at Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA)
Senior Real Estate Representative at Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA)
Power, Treatment, and Transmission Maintenance Supervisor at East Bay Municipal Utility District (Oakland, CA, United States)


Britain's cyclist hit the world with the fastest speed. Guinness record completed in 78 days, 14 hours and 40 minutes.
A cyclist from London UK has set a new guinness record for the world's rotation at the fastest speed. He completed his journey in 78 days, 14 hours and 40 minutes. Mark Beaumont, traveling through 16 different countries, traveled about 28,968 kilometers. In the first 29 days of his journey, he set a distance of 11,315.29 kilometers in a month from the cycle, breaking the record for the longest distance.
Guinness World Record Breakthrough Anna Orphord, giving official certification to Beaumont, announced that this has broken the record of the world by the extraordinary difference of 43 days (by man) at the fastest pace of the world. The record of world travel at the fastest pace of cycling (by women) is the name of Paola Gianotti of Italy, who had traveled 295595 km in 144 days.


Movistar Yamaha MotoGP's Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales are crossing the Atlantic Ocean on their way to the second Grand Prix of the season, held in Argentina this weekend.
After his strong third place podium finish in Doha, Rossi is full of energy and raring to commence the Gran Premio de la República Argentina, where thousands of local fans will be rooting for him.
The Doctor is the Argentinian crowd's favourite and their cheers have spurred him on to claim several podium finishes. He secured the victory in 2015 and took second place in 2016 and 2017 (making it a double podium for Yamaha last year).
Viñales is also eager to get back aboard his YZR-M1 in front of the Argentinian fans. He showed a superb race pace in Qatar a little more than two weeks ago, riding from 15th to 6th place. However, this weekend he aims to challenge amongst the front-runners right from the start of the race weekend.
The Spaniard could hardly wait to hit the track again after wrapping up the previous round, especially as he has fond memories of last year's race at Termas de Río Hondo. In 2017 he secured a dominant win, and this time round he will aim for nothing less than a duplication of that performance.
The 4.8km long Termas de Río Hondo Circuit was added to the MotoGP calendar in 2014, two years after the track was remodelled and it became Latin America's most modern and safest circuit. With an exciting lay-out that includes a mixture of fast corners (five left, nine right) and a 1076m longest straight, the Argentinian fans can be assured that this round will be another showstopper.
"I'm happy that we found a really nice set-up in Qatar, the team did a really great job during the last race weekend and now we are looking forward to this week's Grand Prix in Argentina. I can't wait to race in Termas de Río Hondo, where I won the race last year - I felt really strong and confident. I hope to have the same feeling again, to fight for the victory. I really think that we can do a good job this weekend and that we will be at the front during the entire race, with many possibilities to win it. I'm quite motivated."
"We ended the first round in Qatar with a good feeling, so this weekend we aim to draw on that experience. It's quite a journey to Argentina for the team, but it's more than worth it when we see how happy the local fans are to be able to enjoy the action right in front of them. Termas de Río Hondo Circuit is also a good circuit for us usually. It suits our YZR-M1, and our riders both like the track. Last year's 1-2 finish by Maverick and Vale makes us all the more excited to start working towards another strong result this weekend."
Following a successful debut in 2018, Johann Zarco and Hafizh Syahrin are excited to head to South America this week for the second round of the season at the Termas de Río Hondo Circuit. With a stunning performance during the Qatar GP a fortnight ago, the fast Frenchman is determined to build on his brilliant achievements, while premier class rookie Syahrin aims to further improve aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1 of the French outfit ensuing a remarkable first MotoGP race.
The Gran Premio Motul de la República Argentina is set to commence with the first Free Practice at 10:55 local time this Friday. The lights for the second Grand Prix of 2018 will switch off at 15:00 local time on Sunday the 8th of April.
"I'm happy to be back on the bike soon. After Qatar we had two weeks of rest and I tried the best to prepare myself and thought about everything that happened during the first race of this year's championship. I'm highly motivated to repeat the fastest lap and I want to lead the race again, plus take the opportunity to win this time. At the moment, our first target is to push for the victory and then, if we feel good or not, we can see which goal we can set on Sunday, but I think we are ready to have a great result in South America."
"I tried to focus on my physical condition and also my mind for the next race in Argentina. I'm ready for the second round and so excited to ride my crazy horse again. Since Qatar I tried to learn more. I watched some MotoGP action from last year to see what they did during Qualifying and the race. I think I could gain some experience in seeing this and now I want to try to adapt it on the weekend. I trained hard, so I'm more than ready for Argentina and thrilled to ride the big machine in Termas de Río Hondo."


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Army chief Gen M. M. Naravane calls scrapping of Article 370 a 'historic step'
The move would disrupt plans of the 'western neighbour and its proxies', he said
By PTI in New Delhi
Published 15.01.20, 3:12 PM
Updated 15.01.20, 3:12 PM
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Army chief General Manoj Mukund Narawane, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria and Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh pay tribute at the National War Memorial on Army Day 2020, in New Delhi, Wednesday, January 15, 2020. PTI
Army chief Gen M. M. Naravane on Wednesday hailed the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 as a "historic step" and said the move has disrupted plans of the "western neighbour and its proxies".
The armed forces have "zero tolerance against terrorism," he said at the 72nd Army Day function in the Cariappa Parade Ground in New Delhi.
"We have many options to counter those who promote terrorism and we will not hesitate to use them," he said.
On August 5 last year, the Centre abrogated provisions of Article 370 that gave special powers to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories.
The army chief said, "Abrogation of Article 370 is a historic step. It will prove to be important in integrating Jammu and Kashmir in the national mainstream. This decision has disrupted the plans of our western neighbour and its proxies".
Gen Naravane said the country had to face some security challenges last year.
"Not only it countered proxy war but other situations. Whether it is LoC (Line of Control) or LAC (Line of Actual Control), we have ensured security with activeness and strength," he said, adding the situation at northern borders (China border) is relatively peaceful.
The army chief said the situation along the LoC is linked with situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Today, we remember those who have made ultimate sacrifice for the country. It will keep inspiring the coming generations," he said.
Mentioning his visit to Siachen last week, he said he was extremely happy to see all the ranks brimming with confidence at the post.
"In last few days, some of our soldiers achieved martyrdom due to avalanche. We will always remember their sacrifice," he noted.
Dhanush and K-Vajra gun systems were showcased for the first time in the army parade.
General M.M. Naravane
Army Day


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Amazon Retaliated Against Activist Employees: Labour board
Amazon delivery at home | Image credit: Super Straho/Unsplash
HMM promises to invest $11 billion by 2026 disregarding privatization plans
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The National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) in the US has found that Amazon retaliated against two of its employees when the company fired them last year, The New York Times reported.
The two activist employees, Emily Cunningham and Maren Costa, organised the Amazon Employees for Climate Justice group last year to protest Amazon's links with the oil and gas industry.
South Kor...
Cunningham and Costa also criticized the working conditions of the company's warehouse workers and raised safety concerns of workers amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
"NLRB confirmed what we've known since last year: @Amazon illegally fired our brave coworkers @emahlee and @marencosta for speaking out about major gaps in Amazon's climate and worker record," Amazon Employees For Climate Justice said in a tweet.
However, this finding by the board is not a ruling against Amazon. It is part of the board's ongoing response to a labor complaint against Amazon.
According to a report in The Verge, the board's finding might put pressure on Amazon to settle the case with the sacked employees.
"Being part of @AMZNforClimate has been one of the biggest joys in my life. When thousands of workers come together, we make BIG CHANGE possible. @marencosta is a sister to me now and I couldn't have asked for a better person to be in the struggle with. Solidarity," Cunningham said in a tweet on Monday.
Elon Musk thinks Hyperloop can put a full stop to traditional transportation
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The pressure for lifelong learning programs to grow revenue and generate a positive bottom-line is more prevalent than ever.
Although mission is important, without money, mission is not possible. As institutions have reduced dollars for lifelong learning efforts, staff needs to be more creative about how to become and remain financially self-sufficient.
One way is to do a better job of planning. Winning lifelong learning programs have a one-year business plan and a two-to-five year strategic plan.
An outstanding example of a comprehensive and functional strategic plan based on LERN benchmarks and industry best practices is Northeast Iowa Community College's Business & Community Solutions (BCS) Strategic Plan.
After a LERN Program Review, the BCS staff committed to implementing both short-term and long-term open enrollment programming, contract training, marketing, and operations changes to increase revenue, operating margin, and net. Change is not easy, but the BCS' leadership team remained focused on their vision and over three years, made significant progress.
One output of their work was the development of a BCS Strategic Plan. The plan follows LERN strategic plan best practices, but also, utilizes LERN benchmarks and best practices for goal setting and performance measurement. All staff was involved providing input; thus, generating full-program buy-in.
BCS' Strategic Plan now serves as a guiding light for the BCS team and also, demonstrates to their institution the impressive work they are doing and their long-term focus. With a future target and strategies in place to reach the target, all staff understands the big picture and the probability that the target will be met is very high.
The role of leadership in lifelong learning programs has become more important and BCS is an excellent example of an engaged leadership team dedicated to staying three years ahead of their open enrollment customers and contract training clients while ensuring week-to-week metrics are being met and functional tasks are completed per schedule. Successful lifelong learning programs need to run their programs more like businesses.
If you want to review an excellent example of a strategic plan, we recommend the BCS strategic plan.


摘要: Different rendering styles induce different levels of agency and user behaviors in virtual reality environments. We applied an electroencephalogram-based approach to investigate how the rendering style of the users' hands affects behavioral and cognitive responses. To this end, we introduced prediction errors due to cognitive conflicts during a 3-D object selection task by manipulating the selection distance of the target object. The results showed that, for participants with high behavioral inhibition scores, the amplitude of the negative event-related potential at approximately 50-250 ms correlated with the realism of the virtual hands. Concurring with the uncanny valley theory, these findings suggest that the more realistic the representation of the user's hand is, the more sensitive the user becomes toward subtle errors, such as tracking inaccuracies.
國立臺灣大學 - Akt1 deficiency modulates reward learning and reward prediction error in mice / Chen, Y.-C.; Chen, Y.-W.; Hsu, Y.-F.; Chang, W.-T.; Hsiao, C.K.
國立臺灣科技大學 - Visual behavior and cognitive load in augmented reality learning environment / Lin W.-Y., Tsai M.-J., Wu A.-H.