The Whakapiki Ake Project engages with rangatahi Māori enrolled in secondary schools to promote health as a career.
The Whakapiki Ake Project is a recruitment programme that actively engages with rangatahi Māori enrolled in secondary schools to promote health as a career and entry into Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences' professional programmes.
WAP operates within a kaupapa Māori framework across the recruitment pipeline (Year 9 to first year tertiary study).
You are eligible for the Whakapiki Ake Project (WAP) if you have verified indigenous New Zealand Māori whakapapa/ancestry and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand. . You can register with WAP by completing the Whakapiki Ake registration form online.
The WAP team visits secondary schools across the North Island. WAP presents to rangatahi who may be interested in a career in health and ideally taking Applied Sciences, (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Maths and English. These presentations are student-centered and focus on academic pathways to a career in health.
academic exam preparation wānanga prior to external examinations.
others. The aim of these regional hui is to share key information about achievement in NCEA, retention of academic subjects at Level 2 and 3 required for a career in health, and transitioning information from secondary into tertiary study within FMHS.
WAP rangatahi who attend MASH or COACH are offered academic support via an individual plan. This support is inclusive of online academic assistance, credit mapping and study planning templates, preferred learning styles testing and information. Academic support is also available to eligible WAP Year 12 and 13 students who are unable to attend MASH/COACH. Please contact us for more information.
MASH is a four-day, Year 12 academic enrichment programme held at Waipapa Marae, The University of Auckland. Māori students who are interested in a career in health, and have exposure to NCEA Level 2 Applied Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Maths and English (IB or CIE equivalent) are eligible to apply.
COACH is a four-day, Year 13 transitioning programme held at Waipapa Marae, The University of Auckland. Māori students who are interested in a career in health, and have exposure to NCEA Level 2 and Level 3 in Applied Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Maths and English (IB or CIE equivalent) are eligible to apply.
Whakapiki Ake host all their MAPAS applicants on one day for the MAPAS General Interviews, this gives us the opportunity to further faciliate a "Next Steps" Session at the Halls of Residence later that night and following morning.
Accommodation for Next Steps is provided at a small cost to the whānau.


Credit risk is a major issue for lenders and borrowers, threatening the reliability of global logistics operations. Enhanced mechanisms of credit risk analysis are needed to safeguard banks and the flow of goods in supply chains. Little emphasis has been given to the contextual examination of such factors, either in terms of market conditions or the particular characteristics of different industries. This paper investigates the varying importance of a number of factors connected with the performance of corporate bank loans during times of financial turbulence in the shipping industry. Little extant literature exists on default risk drivers for loans made to shipping companies for new build vessels or second-hand ship purchases. A binary logit model is used to examine the criteria for assessing the security of shipping loans issued by banks. Thirty shipping loans made during the period 2005–2009 are examined. Results suggest that financial factors, non-financial factors, shipowners׳ experience, and employability and market risk indicators are the best criteria for evaluating the performance of shipping loans during turbulent market conditions and periods when financing options are restricted. The paper makes a specific contribution to the literature on risk management with regard to credit risk analysis by highlighting shipping specific factors and their importance for risk measurement. The results are of interest to banks seeking to accurately assess the credibility of shipping loans; shipowners, who can identify credit risk factors on which to focus; and supply chain participants where unfulfilled bank financing can cause disruptions to their logistics operations.


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text:
'Black Lives Matter' movement, COVID-19 top Courier stories of improbable 2020
Rob Taylor Jr. - Courier Staff Writer
by Rob Taylor Jr.
Courier Staff Writer
What a difference a year makes.
The front pages of the New Pittsburgh Courier's January and February 2020 editions discussed what one might expect: Pittsburgh African American women doing amazing things in their professions; Pittsburgh's Black lawyers denouncing discriminatory comments allegedly made by a White Common Pleas judge; A Black basketball coach taking Vincentian Academy high school to a WPIAL championship; The crippling effect Black-on-Black homicides continue to have on Pittsburgh's African American communities.
But then, the city, county, state, nation and world pivoted in a direction it never could have expected.
A pandemic has struck.
Somehow, word began to spread among some African American circles that Blacks were "immune" from getting the coronavirus, the culprit behind the pandemic responsible for 355,000 U.S. deaths as of Jan. 5.
That rumor obviously was far from the truth. Actually, health experts in the States soon realized in March 2020 that African Americans would be disproportionately affected by COVID-19's wrath. The virus could easily be spread between those in close quarters, and have a damaging effect on those with underlying health conditions. Many African Americans fell into those two descriptions.
We at the New Pittsburgh Courier also realized that it was time for us to pivot —and fast.
EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH, in conjunction with state Reps. Jake Wheatley and Ed Gainey, Manchester Citizens Corporation, Mount Ararat Baptist Church, Rivers Casino, Iota Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., A. Phillip Randolph Institute, Eat Initiative, City Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle, and County Councilmembers DeWitt Walton and Olivia Bennett, held a food drive on April 10, 2020, to help those during the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
Gone were our upcoming feature stories and the happenings in the Cultural District—we plastered a four-word phrase on our March 25, 2020, front page that's become our mantra during this unprecedented time:
"TAKE THIS VIRUS SERIOUSLY."
Directly under those four words, we wrote: "African Americans are at risk of contracting coronavirus just like everybody else."
We realized that this coronavirus, whatever it was, however it got to America, and to Pittsburgh, was real. And deadly. And we had to do everything we could to let our African American readership here and across the nation know how serious this virus was.
THE GREATER PITTSBURGH COMMUNITY FOOD BANK held one of its many food drives on April 10, 2020, outside PPG Paints Arena, as hundreds of cars lined the streets to receive the offerings. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
As March went into April, and cases of those with coronavirus began increasing in Allegheny County, we just knew the coronavirus pandemic would be the top story of the year for 2020.
The only top story. Nothing else could even come close, we thought at the time.
REV. GLENN GRAYSON SR., pastor of Wesley Center AME Zion Church in the Hill District, passed out palms and communion to people riding along Centre Avenue on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020. It was a way for people to receive communion and palms in a safe manner during the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
We focused on different aspects of the pandemic in our April and May editions: How the pandemic was affecting Black postal workers, those who delivered the mail and interacted with the public, as well as mail sorters who had no way to "work from home"; How the pandemic was affecting Port Authority bus drivers, many of whom contracted the virus (including at least three deaths); How the pandemic affected "essential" workers at grocery stores, banks, nursing homes and hospitals; and how the pandemic affected small businesses owned by African Americans, many of which had to close during the early months of the pandemic.
THE PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY had this sign inside all of its buses during the early stages of the pandemic last spring. As of Jan. 5, 2021, three PAT employees have died due to coronavirus complications. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
Let's not forget how much the pandemic affected the kids…in a definite first, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf ordered the closure of all K-12 schools for two weeks on March 13 due to the oncoming pandemic. Parents were left having to answer their kids' questions about the virus, such as how the virus is spread, why couldn't their friends come over to the house, and so forth. And for the 23,000 students in Pittsburgh Public Schools, they haven't returned to a physical classroom yet.
Then came May 25, 2020, which was Memorial Day. But for so many Americans, it wasn't a day to remember due to the event that transpired in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A White Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, unbearably subdued a 46-year-old Black man, George Floyd, by placing his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest. The ordeal was captured on cell phone video by a 17-year-old Black girl who methodically had walked with a younger family member to the store. Darnella Frazier had no idea she would be at the "right place at the right time," to record an officer's unthinkable actions against a Black man, prompting a national outcry against racial injustice in the U.S.
But this was no normal national outcry. There was outcry when Trayvon Martin was killed by community vigilante George Zimmerman in Florida in 2012. And when a White police officer shot and killed 12-year-old Tamir Rice in Cleveland two years later. And when Freddie Gray died in police custody in Baltimore. And when Eric Garner was placed in a now-banned chokehold by a New York City police officer as Garner told officers, "I can't breathe." He later died. And when 32-year-old Philando Castile was killed by a Minnesota police officer in 2016.
But evidently, the George Floyd death was the straw that broke the camel's back. Protests occurred in hundreds of U.S. cities, including Pittsburgh, where thousands marched from Downtown to PPG Paints Arena in Uptown the Saturday after Floyd's death. Hundreds of people at the rally held signs denouncing police violence and racial injustice, but the Courier's front page on June 3, 2020, showed a photo of a young Black girl at the rally holding a sign that simply said: "Stop Killing Us."
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE descended upon Downtown and the area around PPG Paints Arena, May 30, 2020, to protest the unjust killing of George Floyd, a Black man, by a White Minneapolis police officer, who was fired and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. The Courier captured this photo of a Black girl at the protest with a sign that read: "Stop Killing Us." (Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)
Throughout the summer, as the Fahrenheit temperatures rose, America's top corporations were also feeling the heat. Shouting "Black Lives Matter," tens of millions of Americans demanded that companies rid of racial discrimination and bias that permeated within its illustrious skyscrapers.
Netflix, the gigantic movie-streaming platform, responded by giving $100 million to Black-owned banks. IHeartMedia, the nation's largest radio broadcasting company, started the "Black Information Network," a 24-hour outlet dedicated to news affecting the Black community. The soda company Sprite made a sugary $500,000 donation to the Black Lives Matter Global Network, then ran a TV commercial that stated the "American Dream" left out Black America. The Bill Gates tech goliath Microsoft committed $750 million to diversifying its workforce, partners and suppliers.
Simultaneously, companies and other entities were forced to cut ties with anything deemed racially insensitive. Quaker Brands got rid of its "Aunt Jemima" image of a Black woman from the slavery days. The owners of the Uncle Ben's Rice and Mrs. Butterworth Syrup brands said those images would be removed, too.
In Mississippi, after 126 years, the governor there finally signed a bill to replace the state flag, which sported an emblem of the Confederate flag. The symbol was a long reminder of White Mississippians' role in the Civil War and an inference that Whites there would never cede social or economic power to any other race.
Statues of once-revered figures were torn down by protesters, including, ironically, Christopher Columbus, in the city for which he was named, Columbus, Ohio. Christopher Columbus, who was credited by some historians with discovering America in 1492, had ties to the mistreatment of Native Americans. And Confederate general J.E.B. Stuart's statue was removed in July after protesters in Richmond, Va., where the statue stood for 113 years, demanded its removal.
In Pittsburgh, mainly peaceful marches continued throughout the summer and into the fall. You could find the rallies in East Liberty, the South Side, Downtown, Uptown, and even in Washington, Pa. As the names of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor (who was killed by Louisville police in March 2020) were incessantly mentioned, there were many calls for "Justice for Antwon," in memory of Antwon Rose, the 17-year-old unarmed Black teen who was shot three times (and later died) by a White East Pittsburgh police officer in 2018. That officer, Michael Rosfeld, was cleared of all charges in March 2019.
Alexis Johnson is the Black reporter who, in June 2020, was banned from covering protests for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
And on the North Shore, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newspaper found itself in hot water nationally after top editors refused to let a Black reporter, Alexis Johnson, and a Black photographer, Michael Santiago, cover the local protests that were occurring. Both employees have since left the newspaper.
Turns out, we were wrong. There were, in fact, two top stories in 2020 in the Courier's assertation. The level of awareness for racial diversity and inclusion currently in this country is soaring higher than a NASA space shuttle. Here in our region, we reported in late 2020 on the energy company Duquesne Light's renewed commitment to Pittsburgh's Black community; Port Authority of Allegheny County on the hunt for an Equity and Inclusion director; Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew becoming Allegheny Health Network's first Chief Clinical Diversity and Inclusion Officer; and Sutonia Boykin becoming the first African American to hold the title of VP of Student Affairs at Community College of Beaver County. Don't forget about Richard Witherspoon, the CEO and Treasurer of the Hill District Federal Credit Union, who told the Courier that he's fielded calls from all over the country from people wanting to support his Black-owned financial institution.
JORDAN MALLOY, of Wilkinsburg, was among the protesters demanding that more inmates were released from the Allegheny County Jail due to health and safety concerns during the coronavirus pandemic. The protest was held, April 22, 2020, in Downtown Pittsburgh. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
As the voice of Pittsburgh's African American community for now 111 years, it is our hope and desire that African Americans in Pittsburgh and throughout the country continue to rise. At the same time, we hope that our other top story of 2020, the coronavirus pandemic, takes a nose dive right out of our lives. Thankfully, there are vaccines for this terrible virus, but it still will be months before everyone can get the vaccine.
PITTSBURGH RESIDENT Ja'Ray Gamble, 29, was among the first UPMC employees to receive the first part of the new COVID-19 vaccine, which arrived Monday morning, Dec. 14, 2020, at UPMC Children's Hospital. (Photo courtesy UPMC)
Pittsburgh, 2020 is no more. It's 2021. COVID, you can't mess up our lives for much longer. We're going to "stay safe, practice social distancing, and mask up!" And then, we'll be back to the way it used to be, but with a new twist, a new attitude. We'll be ready to go after our dreams, reach our highest professional and personal highs, all with the sense that if we survived 2020, we can survive anything.
Tags: top Courier stories, TOP STORIES OF 2020

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Notorious Z approved for Zangersheide!
Notorious Z approved for Zangersheide! Last weekend our homebred 3yo stallion Notorious Z (Norton d'Eole x Coriano Z) is approved for Studbook Zangersheide. Granddam Restless (s.Lovari) was competing on 1.60m level with Erika Lickhammer and that makes Notorious Z closely related to the international showjumper Casuality Z (s.Cassini II) and the promising 7yo AES approved stallion Gentleman (s.Guidam) as well. On the Zangersheide stallion inspection Notorious Z made an impression with his quick reflexes, scope and outstanding hind leg action. He was trained by Georg Wilbers of Hengststation Ferienhof Stücker .


If you can zoom in with your computer you'll see 2000 photos!
Saw your Birthday Song. Now, I will never forget your voice doing the meow meow song... And what's more amazing is that nice gentleman who sung it with you. Kudos for the teamwork ^^.
Erm Katie? Does Glogirly have too much time on her hands?
Its called "The Worship of Katie" great work!
Purrfectly pawsome. We see you're still out of the "slammer". Did you haf to put up your toys fur bail money?
Wow, that is pretty awesome!
Now that is interesting. How long did it take Glogirl to put 2000 pictures on there. That is something. Have a great weekend.
2000 photos - are they all yours?
Wow! That's amazing! How long did it take you to do this?
That's impressive!! Maybe Glogirly needs a job! Just teasing - we're actually jealous be cause she's so creative.
That is creative and impressive Katie!
Can't think of the artist/photographer but that is exactly like a Van Gogh print that we have...they are so cool. I also have John Lennon one that was done the same way. Wish I could remember the name of who does those. Great job!
What an awesome mosaic!! Truly the most creative thing I have seen for quite some time.
Allie: *giggle* Oh Katie! You're looking quite creative today! So FUN! AndreaMosaic?
That's awesome Katie!! I'm guessing that took a lot of work!!
Now that's showing some creativity!
Pawsome! I remember when the Admiral's creative bother did something like that of her. Katie looks, er, (cough cough) stunning.
Just fabulous like you Katie.
That photo collage is amazing! Very creative!
Glowgirly, you blow me away!


text:
SEX CENTRE SQUARE: New office complex approved for town centre
Councillors have approved another modern office building for Middlesbrough town centre.
Six Centre Square will replace the former Melrose House office block, on Melrose Street, and is being built by developer Ashall Projects to a similar design and standards as nearby One and Two Centre Square, which were completed in 2019.
The new four-storey building was approved unanimously by members of Middlesbrough Council's planning and development committee and will come with a 72-space car park.
Councillor David Coupe said: "As far as I can see this is the perfect fit for the town centre and I do not see anything to detract from it.
"It will be a great benefit for the town."
Councillor Carolyn Dodds added: "It is a really lovely building and better than the rubbish one they demolished last year."
A report to councillors, which recommended approval, said: "The proposed development – along with the completed buildings of Centre Square One and Two – would act as an anchor in realising the vision for the wider Centre Square area, which currently is not utilised to its potential and almost acts as incidental space rather than open space with a primary function.
"Although not facing Centre Square, additional office space near to Centre Square is considered to help bring further skilled workers to the location and assist to provide a renewed vibrancy for Centre Square and re-define its function as a civic space central to the town and being immediately adjacent to the retail and cultural areas of the town centre."
The report said a vehicular point closure would be created on Grange Road, which would mean traffic associated with the new office will use Marton Road/Melrose Street to access the site.
This would insulate nearby residents from office and commercial through traffic and enable a north/south pedestrian/cycle route to continue through to Centre Square unfettered so users would not have to stop and give way to traffic.
Agent Sarah Savin, from architects Seymour Architecture, said: "It is a common misconception that there is not the demand for office spaces in Middlesbrough town centre due to the number of empty units.
"This isn't the case – it is just that those empty units are not fit for purpose and even with extensive investment to improve them they would not meet the standards of a modern grade 'A' office and the requirements of most modern occupiers.
"As One and Two Centre Square has demonstrated there is a market for these high quality developments in the town, about 85% of the 100,000 sq ft that was available there has now been let to varying tenants.
"Although Six Centre Square has been proposed as a speculative office building by the developer they are currently in discussions for a pre-let of over 60% of the building."
Four new tenants have committed to moving into One and Two Centre Square – built on the site of the old register office, and opposite Teesside Crown Court – which are GBB bank, XPS Pensions Group, global technology company Causeway and call centre group Firstsource.
Words: Stuart Arnold, Local Democracy Reporter


The best flag—'cause it's ours!
I feel my heart soar.
So they made a big sound!
And made a new nation.
But our leaders stood tall.
And our leaders they led.
Over all our long years.
And friends not a few.
Selfish, cruel, and quite mean.
Our freedom like we do.
To make our great nation.
It's quite far from all done.
And it's still not today.
Come fight, you and me!
In fact she's quite bad.
Then anywhere I could roam.
This is so sweet and true. Well done!!
Also, I just had to say that I found it hilarious and adorable that you quoted Captain America alongside Reagan (I personally consider Reagan to be one of the greatest political leaders America has been blessed to have). Captain America is great, though.
Thank you! I'm glad you both liked it :).
"I Bid You Stand With England!"


Our Mission Statement: To provide the children of this community the opportunity to play a beautiful sport within a holistic environment, to develop good players, to teach discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship on and off the field, and to promote academic excellence. All children welcome.
To consistently create a fun-filled, positive experience for every girl and boy in the program.
To promote sportsmanship, respect, and sensitivity to the other players, coaches, parents, and referees.
To enhance player self-esteem, confidence, emotional development and overall character.
To always put the best interest of the player above all others.
To provide equal access to the highest quality and most appropriate of programs of development for both girls and boys.
To assure that all adults associated with the program are exemplary role models of sportsmanship, leadership, and support.
To provide an environment for coaches to develop skills and techniques needed to teach the game of soccer.
To maintain a balanced perspective on the outcome of games and sportsmanship.


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Benay Client, Soho Press Launches a Revamped Website
There's some more breaking news regarding Soho Press this week. According to an article in Publisher's Weekly, they've just launched their website with a new goal in mind. The site now allows users to buy titles, sign up for subscription services, and even includes an interactive map with the featured locations in their crime series.
"The new hub was created, the publisher said, 'with an eye toward direct-to-consumer digital sales,' and is offering titles at a discount." Purchased individually, the books are at a discounted price of 30%, with the subscription service, the titles are 50% off retail and arrive monthly. The subscriptions are available for their Soho Teen and Soho Crime imprints.
Brick and mortar stores will still be supported says publisher Bronwen Hruska. "'We will continue to maintain a strong presence in traditional retail markets and libraries, supporting our books there any way we can,' she said. 'We will always continue to print galleys for trade shows, mail books to booksellers and librarians, and regularly tour our authors.'"
You can check out their website and newly discounted books here.
- Marcie Gainer


we kindly would like to introduce ourselves as a trading company located in Lebanon dealing in Lubricants and Charcoal.
we have got on your address from the Indonesian chamber of commerce .
we are interesting in your products exactly about the Tamarind charcoal.


text:
Hotel Internet Services Showcases Latest Enhancements in In-Room Television Casting, Voice Control and Wi-Fi Network Solutions at Stay Boutique Live Trifecta
Home Hotel & Lodging Hotel Internet Services Showcases Latest Enhancements in In-Room Television Casting, Voice Control and Wi-Fi Network Solutions at Stay Boutique Live Trifecta
Los Angeles — Hotel Internet Services (HIS), a full-service provider of Internet services and solutions for the hospitality industry, is set to exhibit the latest technological advances in guestroom television casting, voice-activated amenity control and secure hotel Wi-Fi functionality at this year's Stay Boutique Live Trifecta conference, taking place February 11-13, in Los Angeles, CA. Exhibiting at booth #303, HIS will showcase the latest solutions currently available to the boutique hotel industry, with live demonstrations of innovations that include advanced Wi-Fi and BeyondTV, an industry leading platform that caters to guest demands for streaming online content, hotel amenities and enhanced convenience via voice-activated guestroom control.
Also making its debut at Stay Boutique is BeyondTV GuestCast™, an affordable single-purpose casting solution that allows guests to securely cast content onto guestroom televisions. GuestCast ™ is the newest addition to BeyondTV's line of products and services, which provides hoteliers with the ability to allow guests to wirelessly cast their personal content, including subscriptions to online streaming services, social media accounts and music.
Leveraging a software integration with Volara, a leader in voice-based solutions for the hospitality industry, HIS will also demonstrate to Stay Boutique attendees how guests interacting with BeyondTV can control guestroom amenities using only their voice. When paired with Amazon's Alexa, BeyondTV's voice control features include the ability for guests to control virtually any television function without the need for a remote control. Other guestroom amenities that can be managed through voice control include thermostats, lighting and drapes. The cloud-based integration between Volara and BeyondTV also allows guests to use voice as a more convenient and faster method of requesting amenities, such as room service or toiletries. Guests can additionally use their voice to instantly locate specific hotel information, such as details on restaurant hours, Wi-Fi passwords, local activities or ongoing promotional offers.
"Today's guests now expect to find services that can offer enhanced personalization, instant satisfaction and seamless connectivity regardless of the type of property where they are staying, says Gary Patrick, CEO of Hotel Internet Services. "We are pleased to demonstrate to Stay Boutique Live Trifecta attendees that online, voice-based and casting solutions now exist that are not only able to be customized to meet specific guest and property needs, but are also able to be implemented in a cost-effective manner."
With HIS also showcasing BeyondTV GuestCast™ during Stay Boutique, attendees will further have the opportunity to observe a cost-effective, yet data secure casting solution that allows guests to instantly cast their own content to the guestroom TV hassle-free from personal computers, iOS or Android-based devices. Guests can also rest assured that their sensitive data is never at risk of theft or being accidentally shared, due to GuestCast's™ device isolation capabilities that prevent cross-room communication.
HIS booth representatives will additionally be demonstrating how state-of-the-art Ruckus Wireless access points provide a secure and high-speed guest internet connection and can be implemented despite budget or structural limitation concerns. Attendees will also be able to learn about the HIS Property Dashboard, a proprietary portal that provides clients with the unmatched ability to maintain direct control over every aspect of internet performance at all times. Dashboard features include the ability to view and analyze vital data, such as the number of users online, support tickets, revenue generated through Wi-Fi purchases, tiered bandwidth plans, the amount of broadband being utilized or the operational status of each segment of a property's network; thus, maximizing the potential to consistently deliver the highest quality in hospitality Internet service and maintain complete satisfaction.
For more information about the full range of technology solutions available from Hotel Internet Services, please visit booth #300 at Stay Boutique, contact Gary Patrick at 866-265-7575 Ext. 705 or email gary@hotelwifi.com.
About Hotel Internet Services, Inc.
Founded in 2003, Hotel Internet Services, Inc. (HIS) is a leading solution provider for secure wired and wireless Internet services, IPTV VOD Systems, BeyondTV Wireless Streaming Player, and convention services, all supported with 24/7 guest service monitoring and support. HIS provides equipment and services to casinos, hotels, resorts, military and student housing, timeshares, condos, conference centers, apartments and many other commercial venues.
HIS has deployed numerous small to large-scale facility-wide wired, wireless, and in-room entertainment solutions across the U.S. They currently maintain hundreds of properties with over 100,000 guest rooms. Based in Clearwater, Florida, and Simi Valley, California HIS maintains two offices in the U.S. For more information, please visit www.hotelwifi.com and www.beyondtv.com.
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At the beginning of the night, it was the Milky Way leaning gently across the horizon. Pinks, purples and greens danced quickly around us not long after. And to end the night, we focused some binoculars just above the tree line toward the horizon where the moon began climbing into the sky. If you didn't know any better, you could have mistaken it for sunrise.


Statistics show that about 30 to 40 million Americans suffer from dental anxiety or fear of going to the dentist, which means it is very common for a lot of people to miss and delay dental appointments until they have no other choice but to go.
When this happens, however, the dental problems are, unfortunately, quite serious already.
While exhibiting nervous habits when going to the dentist may seem like a small issue, it impacts one's overall health, in the long run, considering the strong association between oral problems and life-threatening conditions like heart and lung diseases.
If you are one of the many individuals who feel nervous and scared going visiting us even for a routine dental check-up, you should not keep it to yourself but tell us your concerns.
Try to explain why going to the dentist is such a huge ordeal for you. Feel free to ask questions also and to share your thoughts on how we can make you feel more comfortable.
You can also learn how to focus on something else, so you do not have to think too much about your dental visit. You can bring earphones and listen to your favorite music or audio book while you are sitting in the dental chair. You can also have a stress ball that you can squeeze any time you feel nervous.
If you have experience in meditation or deep thinking, you can also control your thoughts and imagine your "happy place" while you go through the necessary dental procedures. This way you will be more relaxed and calm. Carrying out simple breathing exercises before your turn might also help you.
These are just some of the easiest ways to ease your dental anxiety. Ultimately, just remember that we are here to help you achieve good oral health, nothing less. By focusing on the benefits of visiting us instead of your unfounded fears, you may slowly gain the courage to set an appointment and meet with us.


This morning, Rita was kicking up a fuss over something she spied outside from her perch on the shelf above my kitchen sink. I pushed her aside to find a little cottontail bunny eating the grass in the back yard, brown and old as it was. I have never seen rabbits in my yard. Looks like the Easter bunny came a week and a day early!


text:
Q: How to aggregate this data more efficiently? I am using Rail 3 with Mongoid as my ODM.
I have imported the following documents into MongoDB:
{ "make" : "Make A", "model": "Model 1", "variant" : "Variant 1" }
{ "make" : "Make B", "model": "Model 3", "variant" : "Variant 1" }
{ "make" : "Make A", "model": "Model 2", "variant" : "Variant 2" }
{ "make" : "Make A", "model": "Model 2", "variant" : "Variant 1" }

The following code produces a nested hash of sorted distinct values:
@makes = Item.all.distinct(:make).sort

@models = {}
@makes.each do |make|
  @models[make] = Item.where(:make => make).distinct(:model).sort
end

@output = {}
@models.each_pair do |make, models|
  @output[make] = {}
  models.each do |model|
    @output[make][model] = Item.where(:make => make, :model => model).distinct(:variant).sort
  end
end

The resulting hash looks like this:
{
  "Make A" => {
    "Model 1" => ["Variant 1"],
    "Model 2" => ["Variant 1", "Variant 2"]
  },
  "Make B" => {
      "Model 3" => ["Variant 1"]
  }
}

This all works fine, but is very inefficient as it involves so many queries. Is there a better way of achieving this, perhaps by having MongoDB perform the aggregation?

A: I solved this using MongoDB's MapReduce function with the following paramaters:
map = function() {
  emit( 1, { make: this.make, model: this.model, variant: this.variant } );
}

reduce = function(key, values) {
  var result = {};
  values.forEach(function(value) {
    if (!result[value.make]) result[value.make] = {};
    if (!result[value.make][value.model]) result[value.make][value.model] = [];
    result[value.make][value.model].push(value.variant);
  });
  return result;
}

This returns a single MongoDB result in the same format as the Ruby hash above.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


T2: Trainspotting 2 trailer is up!
This is just INTENSE. They're all back! Danny Boyle's Trainspotting, based on the novel by Irvine Welsh, is a cult classic and there is probably no way that it can live up to the original. But with Boyle's directing track record which includes 28 Days Later, Sunshine, The Beach and Slumdog Millionaire, I'm pretty sure we're in for a treat.
The original cast is back, and they don't look that bad considering it's been 20 years since the original was released. This trailer is nostalgic to the max. All it takes is a bit of Underworld's 'Born Slippy' to take us all back 20 years. Who on earth is going to be on the soundtrack for this one? Choose Underworld, choose Iggy Pop, choose Leftfield! The original was probably one of the best soundtracks of 90s, this sequel has countless big shoes to fill.
T2 will be in cinemas from the end of January, 2017.


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Urakkam Varaatha Raathrikal is a 1978 Indian Malayalam film,  directed by M. Krishnan Nair and produced by M. Mani. The film stars Madhu, KPAC Lalitha, Jose and Jose Prakash in the lead roles. The film has musical score by Shyam.

Cast
Madhu as Jayan
KPAC Lalitha
Jose as Venu
Jose Prakash
Manavalan Joseph
Kunchan
Reena as Malathy
Seema as Kavitha

Soundtrack
The music was composed by Shyam and the lyrics were written by Bichu Thirumala.

References

External links

1978 films
1970s Malayalam-language films
Films directed by M. Krishnan Nair

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater, Austin, TX is going to be hosting Nate Feuerstein concert on February 25. This event is a part of popular US Christian hip hop singer and songwriter's 2018 tour across the United States and Canada.
Nate Feuerstein (NF) concert tickets for Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater, Austin, TX are here already. Popular US Christian rap singer and songwriter is likely to perform his best hits.


Americert International, per USDA National Organic Program regulations, annually conducts testing of 5% of all certified organic clients, for compliance with the USDA National Organic Program regulations. In 2013, Americert International focused on pesticide residue testing, and conducted residue testing of 2 certified organic operations or applicants. Samples were collected onsite from the respective operations and tested at a laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standards, using a methodology intended to detect pesticide residues of specific concern as determined by USDA NOP guidance. The two operations tested in 2013 by Americert International were both reported by the lab to free of residues of prohibited pesticide residues.
If you are interested in viewing the lab test results, you may review them here and here.
If you are interested in reading a list of prohibited pesticides for which residue tests were conducted, please review the list here.


The halftones used in the set varies in terms of the elements used to create them. These elements referred as dots differs in terms of size, shape and spacing from one set to another. Source files are in vector format, ai files.
A set of 6 incredibly useful halftone pattern texture specially made for illustrators who creates or like to play around retro designs.


Given the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade's past history with wayward balloons, it wouldn't seem like a good idea for a giant Energizer Bunny balloon to run amok. But run amok it did on Thursday morning — at least in a very controlled, premeditated, police-approved way — to promote the bunny's 20th birthday.
At the end of the parade route, as the rest of the procession (including Dora the Explorer) turned north onto Seventh Avenue, the Energizer Bunny continued on its merry way westward on 34th Street.
"It ran away because it doesn't want to be with the rest of the balloons!" said a delighted 10-year-old, Miguel Peguero, who was watching the procession from 34th Street.
This was the third year the bunny was in the parade, but the first year he's pulled such a stunt. "The idea was to celebrate him by bringing his first commercial to life," said Samantha Fisher, an Energizer spokeswoman.
The bunny/battery concept was not originally an Energizer creation at all, but rather came from a Duracell commercial that showed a number of mechanical rabbits banging on snare drums and gradually slowing to a halt. It was Duracell's attempt to show that its new batteries lasted longer than their older ones.
For years you've seen a commercial where one battery company's toys outlast the other toys. So you may have assumed that their batteries outlast Energizer's batteries. Fact is Energizer was never invited to their playoffs. And today's Energizers won't be invited either. Why? Because no battery lasts longer than Energizer… A word to the wise: Energize.
When the account moved to Chiat/Day, the advertising company extended the concept. The Energizer Bunny burst into "commercials" that seemingly had nothing to do with batteries at all, but appeared to be for mouth wash, financial services and even cold cuts. It also dueled with Darth Vader, was chased by Boris and Natasha and outwitted Wile E. Coyote. In 1996, the campaign jumped into print.
The bunny evidently struck a chord with consumers. When the brazen bunny first appeared, Eveready has been inundated with requests from people who wanted to know how they could get an "E.B." of their own. A line of Energizer Bunny products was spawned.
Over the years, the bunny has become a symbol of longevity, landing on Ad Age's list of top 10 ad icons of the 20th century. And "Energizer Bunny" has entered the American lexicon a a symbol of perseverance. The bunny has been used to to poke fun at Cal Ripken Jr.. George H. W. Bush compared Bill Clinton to the fuzzy pink rabbit.
The ears were the first to go.
"Bunny's melting!" said a little boy who walked by and saw the collapsing bunny. Indeed, the bunny did not look very energetic at that point.
What, nothing about the US of A getting RickRolled today?
One things fo sure…the Energizer Bunny wasn't headed for the Battery!
Put Obama into a pink suit and give him a drum……and his success is guaranteed.
Hail that robot rabbit incarnation!


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Q: ExoPlayer: remove redundant spaces between playback buttons and timeline row I have custom ExoPlayer control bar. It takes quite a lot of space and I want to make it a bit narrower.
Here is what I want to remove/narrower (highlighted with red):

As you see I managed to remove some spaces already by playing around with paddingTop, layout_marginTop, layout_height parameters (it used to be even larger).
But it is not enough, it still takes a lot of space.
Question: How to narrower empty areas marked on the picture?
Here is what my custom exo_player_control_view.xml looks like (removed most of the elements for the purpose of simplicity):
<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="wrap_content"
    android:layout_gravity="bottom"
    android:background="#CC000000"
    android:layoutDirection="ltr"
    android:orientation="vertical">

    <LinearLayout
        android:layout_width="match_parent"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:gravity="center"
        android:orientation="horizontal">
        <ImageButton
            android:id="@id/exo_play"
            style="@style/ExoMediaButton.Play" />
    </LinearLayout>

    <LinearLayout
        android:layout_width="match_parent"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:gravity="center_vertical"
        android:orientation="horizontal">
        <com.google.android.exoplayer2.ui.DefaultTimeBar
            android:id="@id/exo_progress"
            android:layout_width="0dp"
            android:layout_height="18dp"
            android:layout_weight="1" />
    </LinearLayout>

</LinearLayout>

Note: I fully understand that by narrowing those areas I might make the control panel less usable. It is ok. I want at least to have an ability to change them and test how it works.

A: First thing you should do is define height and width of ImageButton to wrap_content so it can behave properly.
The padding above play button is due to lack of height and width
Now the main thing. if you want to remove padding of TimeBar you need to set app:touch_target_height this height increasing the padding between your play button and time bar.This height is the touch area for inner bar, you can use this to increase the user touch area without increasing bar size and this will look like padding. make size 0dp and padding will be gone
well there is one more padding that is image padding..i pulled this play button image from exoPlayer library and i found this image also have some default padding. if you want to remove that padding also then change this image.
this play button image have size in square and as you can see the play button is a  triangle, so they added padding to make this image in center and square.
Extra:- you can also define the size of inner bar by using app:bar_height but remember app:bar_height cannot cross  app:touch_target_height. even if you define it more then  app:touch_target_height you will see no effect. you can increase these size and see more by yourself below is the final result that i got (also edited and removed image padding). the button touching the bar(button background is null time bar background is #9e0c26)

<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
xmlns:app="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res-auto"
android:layout_width="match_parent"
android:layout_height="match_parent">

<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="wrap_content"
    android:layout_gravity="bottom"
    android:background="#CC000000"
    android:layoutDirection="ltr"
    android:orientation="vertical">

    <LinearLayout
        android:layout_width="match_parent"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:gravity="center"
        android:orientation="horizontal">

        <ImageButton
            android:id="@id/exo_play"
            style="@style/ExoMediaButton.Play"
            android:layout_width="wrap_content"
            android:layout_height="wrap_content" />
    </LinearLayout>

    <LinearLayout
        android:layout_width="match_parent"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:gravity="center_vertical"
        android:orientation="horizontal">

        <com.google.android.exoplayer2.ui.DefaultTimeBar
            android:id="@id/exo_progress"
            android:layout_width="match_parent"
            android:layout_height="wrap_content"
            app:bar_height="2dp"
            app:touch_target_height="2dp" />
    </LinearLayout>

</LinearLayout>


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package org.dswarm.controller.resources.job;

import javax.inject.Provider;

import com.fasterxml.jackson.databind.ObjectMapper;

import org.dswarm.controller.resources.ExtendedBasicDMPResource;
import org.dswarm.persistence.model.job.Function;
import org.dswarm.persistence.model.job.proxy.ProxyBasicFunction;
import org.dswarm.persistence.service.job.BasicFunctionService;

/**
 * A generic resource (controller service) for {@link Function}s.
 *
 * @param <POJOCLASSPERSISTENCESERVICE> the concrete {@link Function} persistence service of the resource that is related to the
 *                                      concrete {@link Function} class
 * @param <POJOCLASS>                   the concrete {@link Function} class
 * @author tgaengler
 */
public abstract class BasicFunctionsResource<POJOCLASSPERSISTENCESERVICE extends BasicFunctionService<PROXYPOJOCLASS, POJOCLASS>, PROXYPOJOCLASS extends ProxyBasicFunction<POJOCLASS>, POJOCLASS extends Function>
		extends ExtendedBasicDMPResource<POJOCLASSPERSISTENCESERVICE, PROXYPOJOCLASS, POJOCLASS> {

	/**
	 * Creates a new resource (controller service) for the given concrete {@link Function} class with the provider of the concrete
	 * {@link Function} persistence service, the object mapper and metrics registry.
	 *
	 * @param pojoClassArg                  a concrete POJO class
	 * @param persistenceServiceProviderArg the concrete persistence service that is related to the concrete POJO class
	 * @param objectMapperProviderArg       an object mapper
	 */
	public BasicFunctionsResource(final Class<POJOCLASS> pojoClassArg, final Provider<POJOCLASSPERSISTENCESERVICE> persistenceServiceProviderArg,
	                              final Provider<ObjectMapper> objectMapperProviderArg) {

		super(pojoClassArg, persistenceServiceProviderArg, objectMapperProviderArg);
	}

	/**
	 * {@inheritDoc}<br/>
	 * Updates the name, description, parameters and machine processable function description of the function.
	 */
	@Override
	protected POJOCLASS prepareObjectForUpdate(final POJOCLASS objectFromJSON, final POJOCLASS object) {

		super.prepareObjectForUpdate(objectFromJSON, object);

		object.setFunctionDescription(objectFromJSON.getFunctionDescription());
		object.setParameters(objectFromJSON.getParameters());

		return object;
	}
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


I had told myself I wasn't going to do resolutions this year, but 2017 goals I can get behind.
Also, I have been in kind of a slump lately and I feel like putting my goals down will actually help me accomplish them. It's been months since I last hit the gym (I know, I really have no excuse…), and I have come up with every excuse in the book, so my goals definitely include the obligatory "it's January and so I will commit to workout out more" bullet point.
And that one is numero uno. As for the other goals? Read on!
Focus on my health. My health hasn't been a huge focus for the past couple of years, to be honest. My weight has fluctuated quite a bit, and I just feel … soft. I want to work out 2-3x/week consistently, adding in runs and hikes on the weekends. I want to be stronger and overall healthier, both physically and mentally, and working out consistently will be a big part of that. I'd love to get my 5K time down from where it is, even though I don't think I'm meant to be a runner like T (he'll go out for a 6-7 mile run and barely break a sweat!). But even if I don't get a better 5K time, a focus on my health is something that is really important.
Read. I actually think I did a good job reading in 2016, but I started quite a few books that I didn't finish because I just couldn't get into them. For that reason, I'm starting to use Goodreads a lot more and am marking books that others have recommended so I'm not just choosing based on what the cover looks like. (not that I would do that….) I found some really great books in 2016, like Brooklyn, Modern Girls, and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, among others!
Streamline my wardrobe. Not that I'm against trends (clearly, as evidenced by the cold shoulder situation over the summer), but I want to invest in basics rather than buying 4 or 5 of the same thing because I know it will fall apart in a short time period. As I've gotten older, I've thought more about investing in certain pieces, but I have a hard time justifying a high price tag for certain items. I used T as a guinea pig, though, and convinced him to go toward these designer jeans rather than the ones he was buying. They last a little longer and look a little nicer, so I'm taking the plunge for myself!
Go hiking. This is something T and I have started doing much more of since our trip to Utah in the fall, seeking out state parks and other places where we can go for a few miles' hike. I would like to do another big hiking trip in 2017.
Drink water. When I was fresh out of college, I made a point to drink a certain number of bottles of water each day and was pretty good at sticking to it. But now, for whatever reason, I tend toward soda rather than water, and that's just a really bad habit that I need to break. So I ideally would like to drink half of my weight (in ounces) in water each day.
Raise the number of steps I walk each day. I currently work full-time at a desk job, which means that getting to the gym and even walking a lot during the day kind of just doesn't happen. Some days I don't even get to 2500 steps, which is miserably bad. I'd like to hit 6k or more each day, so I'm building in 10-15 minute breaks during the day so I can walk around, even if it's just within the building. Wish me luck, people.
Maintain my volunteer schedule. A few months ago (mid-October) I started volunteering 1-2 days at the local animal shelter. It has been extremely fulfilling, even though what I do there is clean up after puppies. When a puppy goes from crying to fast asleep in your arms snoring, or when families come to pick up their new family member, it makes it so worth it.
Relaunch my personal website for freelance work, complete with digital courses. I do some freelance marketing work on the side, and I have had a personal site for a little while, but it really needs to be redone. I want to get that complete this year, as well as launch a couple of digital courses to help people learn how to do their own Facebook advertising. I didn't realize until about halfway through 2016 that things I thought were common knowledge actually aren't. (It's so easy to be ingrained in a world and forget that others aren't constantly in that same world!) When I finally do this, I'll be sure to announce it here in some way!
Stay organized. Ever since I can remember, I've had a paper planner that I carry around with me. I do track certain things on my phone and use the Notes app, but I also always have my paper planner. There's something about writing down your "to do" list and being able to check everything off that is so much more satisfying than just deleting a line from the Notes app!
This year bloom planners sent me a new planner (in my favorite colors!), a to do list notepad, and a weekly meal planner pad, which will all help me stay organized as the year goes on. (I started to meal plan but found it hard to keep track of everything, so this meal planner pad is going to be a game changer!) They have a ton of other awesome products, so check them out here! Btw if you're a student, the planner has a class schedule section that I wish I had a couple of years ago when I was still in grad school! I still have nightmares about not being able to find my classes/remember my locker combo/know which class was when.
I haven't watched the movie yet! The ending of the book was shocking enough! And thanks – I was so psyched to see a planner with my favorite-ever Pantone colors on it!
My intention for 2017 is to be more present. By that I mean, put down my phone when I am with people and interact, actually do things instead of think "that would be fun", look around me and take more photos, reach out to people that impact my life and send cards/notes and try some things that are out of my comfort zone. I love the planner too. I picked one up that is a pretty light teal this year. Something different for me. I enjoy the paper planner but never seem to use it all year long. Hopefully this is the year.


At Cape Town airport parking is made easy with ParkVia. Here you can find valet parking for Cape Town, which is bookable online. At Cape Town airport parking valet, simply drop your car off at the terminal, where a driver from the chosen car park will meet you and drive your car to a secure car park, where it will be parked for the duration of your stay. Upon your return, the car park will be tracking your flight, so they know when you arrive back at the airport. Give them a call once you have collected your luggage and they will have your car ready for you to collect.
Booking online is quick and easy. To receive great service at an attractive price book parking with ParkVia now. Cape Town airport parking doesn't get any easier!
Cape Town airport opened in 1954, making it one of the oldest airports South Africa. It is the largest and most important on the West Cape.
Cape Town Airport is the second busiest airport in South Africa and one of the busiest on the continent. The airport has more than 8 million passengers, flying both within South Africa and internationally.


text:
Q: Read/write the contents of an array of doubles to internal storage I have used sample code from developer.android.com. I was planing to change the code to see if it would accept this: writeObject(123.456). I can't get it to compile even with out my added code...
//converted to Kotlin
val fos = FileOutputStream("t.tmp")
val oos = ObjectOutputStream(fos)

//original Java code
oos.writeInt(12345)
oos.writeObject("Today")
oos.writeObject(Date())

oos.close()

// original Java code
FileOutputStream fos = new FileOutputStream("t.tmp")
ObjectOutputStream oos = new ObjectOutputStream(fos)

oos.writeInt(12345)
oos.writeObject("Today")
oos.writeObject(new Date ())

oos.close()

A: The problem is that the file name must be preceded by context.getFilesDir()
   fun WriteData(context: Context) {
        val appFilesDirectory: File = context.getFilesDir()
        val file = File(appFilesDirectory, "data.dbl")
        val fos = FileOutputStream(file)
        val oos = ObjectOutputStream(fos)
        for (i in regs.indices) {
            oos.writeObject(regs[i])
        }

        oos.close()
        var OK = ""
    } catch (e: Exception) {
        var notOK = ""
    }
}


text:
Friday night games moved to Thursday; Chiefs shut out, Salem game cancelled
By Editor | October 12, 2020 | 0
Friday night football games were moved ahead in this area of Mississippi due to the threat of Hurricane Delta in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Salem-Lumberton game was bumped ahead but heavy rains and the threat of lightning caused school officials to cancel the game.
Meantime, Tylertown's Chiefs went ahead with their game against Seminary, although the game was postponed for over an hour-and-a-half while heavy rain peppered the field.
The schools had to delay the game's start because of the Mississippi High School Activities Assn. rule requiring a half-hour wait following a lightning strike.
Once play got underway the Seminary Bulldogs managed to spoil an already soggy homecoming for THS, shutting down the Chiefs 21-0.
The rain and fumbles affected both teams, but Seminary managed to hold onto the ball when it counted, scoring twice in the first half and once toward the end of the game for the win.
THS was hit with penalties, including several personal foul calls toward the end of the game, resulting in one Chief being removed from the game.
Posted in Sports
Chiefs advance to second round playoffs
Chiefs regular season ends 10-0; first playoff Friday
Salem falls to Taylorsville; play Enterprise Friday
Chiefs spoil Franklinton's homecoming


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Chuck (2010) – Versus the Tic Tac, and Versus the Final Exam
Posted by TD Rideout on September 9, 2020 August 20, 2020
Casey (Adam Baldwin) lands himself in some trouble this week, in Chuck (Zachary Levi) Versus the Tic Tac. Written by Rafe Judkins and Lauren LeFranc, this story first aired on 15 March, 2010.
When Casey helps our a former commander, Col. James Keller (Robert Patrick) Casey finds himself jailed for treason.
While on a mission with Chuck and Sarah, he did a little extra work for Keller, which Chuck sees and offhandedly mentions to General Beckman (Bonita Friedericy), leading to Casey's arrest. Now, it's up to Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) and Chuck to help get him out, especially after they learn that the Ring is involved with Keller's mission, while Keller himself is a Ring recruiter.
The plan is to break Casey out and clear his name. But what if the Ring goes after him first? And what will the pill do that they asked Casey to steal?
In terms of continuity, we learn Casey's real name in this episode (Alex Cosburn), and that he has a daughter.
Meanwhile, Awesome (Ryan McPartlin) is having trouble keeping Chuck's secret from Ellie (Sarah Lancaster), especially after she gets offered a fellowship in a neurological unit at USC, that has been her dream job. Awesome, meanwhile, wants to do Doctors Without Borders.
And it's fun to see Morgan (Joshua Gomez) and Awesome dance around who knows what about Chuck, and then compare notes about it. We also learn the Morgan hates the original Planet of the Apes.
It's a fun episode that continues to build the series, and shows that the characters are still growing and can still surprise you, and the cost of what Casey does heavily impacts his character. But for how long?
Chuck Versus the Final Exam was written by by Zev Borow and first aired on 22 March, 2010.
Sarah and Shaw (Brandon Routh) must evaluate Chuck on his final test before he can become a CIA operative. If he succeeds he may become a real spy, but it may mean breaking up the team, and he'll be working solo.
But he's hoping that if he passes the test, there won't be anything in the way of beginning something real with Sarah, who is divided between her feelings for Chuck and Shaw.
But when Sarah learns that Chuck's final test is a red test (an assassination) she's not sure she can help, and not sure she wants that for Chuck if it means he's going to be a spy. But maybe he'll get some unexpected help.
Meanwhile Casey has a hard time dealing with civilian life causing problems with Jeff (Scott Krinsky) and Lester (Vik Sahay), but Chuck is determined to get help him back on the job.
There's a nice pop reference to Rocky IV, with Ivan Drago getting a mention that makes even Chuck question it.
The episode ends with Sarah recalling her own red test, and knowing what that must mean for Chuck, now. But Chuck didn't kill anyone, he had a little help, but he's still officially a spy, and that means everyone will be going their separate ways…
More spycraft, laughs, and love next week when I continue with Chuck!
2010adam baldwinawesomeCaseychuckdoctors without bordersjames kellerlauren lefrancmarch 2010rafe judkinsrecruitersarah lancasterthe ringtreasonuscversus the final examversus the tic taczachary levi
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text:
Happy Birthday, Voyager 1: An Animated Adaptation of Carl Sagan's Pale Blue Dot
Carl Sagan's Pale Blue Dot, Animated in Motion Graphics
The Pale Blue Dot: A Timeless Valentine to the Cosmos
"The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena."
On February 14, 1990, the Voyager 1 spacecraft — which carried The Golden Record, Carl Sagan's love letter to Annie Druyan — turned its revolutionary camera around and took the iconic "Pale Blue Dot" photograph that later inspired the famous Sagan monologue of the same title. The image, composed of 640,000 individual pixels, depicts Earth, a mere 12% of a single pixel, at the center of a scattered ray of light resulting from taking an image this close to the Sun. It endures, even in an age when the future of space exploration hangs in precarious balance, as a timeless Valentine to the cosmos.
The Pale Blue Dot: Captured from 3.7 billion miles away, Earth appears as a tiny dot halfway down the orange stripe on the right.
Image: NASA / JPL
The "Pale Blue Dot" was part of a Family Portrait series of images exploring the Solar System.
The Family Portrait: These six narrow-angle color images were made from the first ever 'portrait' of the Solar System taken by Voyager 1 at 3.7 billion miles from Earth and about 32 degrees above the ecliptic. The spacecraft acquired a total of 60 frames for a mosaic of the solar system which shows six of the planets. Mercury is too close to the sun to be seen. Mars was not detectable by the Voyager cameras due to scattered sunlight in the optics, and Pluto was not included in the mosaic because of its small size and distance from the sun. These blown-up images, left to right and top to bottom are Venus, Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
But we owe the actual recognition of Earth in the legendary photograph to Candice Hansen-Koharcheck, one of the two University of Arizona scientists who developed the command sequence that controlled the timing for each photograph's exposure. That day, she was sitting in front of a computer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab with her shades drawn when she noticed the tiny speck on an image sent back by the camera she had helped design, which was now 4 billion miles away. She told NPR a few years ago:
It was just a little dot, about two pixels big, three pixels big, so not very large. … You know, I still get chills down my back because here was our planet, bathed in this ray of light, and it just looked incredibly special.
The Pale Blue Dot: This blown-up image of the Earth was taken through three color filters — violet, blue and green — and recombined to produce the color image. The background features in the image are artifacts resulting from the magnification.
And yet photograph almost never happened — the NASA imaging team feared that aiming the camera at the Sun would damage it. But Sagan himself lobbied long and hard for an attempt. Vice Adm. Richard Truly, former head of NASA, recalls:
I did get a visit from Carl Sagan. We talked about a lot of things. And somewhere in that conversation he mentioned this idea. I thought, heck, with Voyager so far away, if it could turn around and take a picture of the different planets including the Earth, that that would really be cool. And so I was a great advocate of it, although I can't take any credit for it.
(Those were the golden days when NASA made historic decisions simply because something seemed "cool.")
Fortunately, it did happen. And four years later, Carl Sagan wrote of the iconic image in the preface to his book titled after it, Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space (public library):
From this distant vantage point, the Earth might not seem of any particular interest. But for us, it's different. Consider again that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every 'superstar,' every 'supreme leader,' every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there — on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.
The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that in glory and triumph they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot. Think of the endless cruelties visited by the inhabitants of one corner of this pixel on the scarcely distinguishable inhabitants of some other corner. How frequent their misunderstandings, how eager they are to kill one another, how fervent their hatreds. Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark. In our obscurity — in all this vastness — there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves.
The Earth is the only world known, so far, to harbor life. There is nowhere else, at least in the near future, to which our species could migrate. Visit, yes. Settle, not yet. Like it or not, for the moment, the Earth is where we make our stand. It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character-building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known.
Earthrise, December 24, 1968
Image: NASA
But Sagan's beautiful and timeless words might not be entirely his own — perhaps a manifestation of neurologist Oliver Sacks's insights on memory and (inadvertent) plagiarism. As historian Robert Poole notes in Earthrise: How Man First Saw the Earth (public library), after the equally iconic Apollo 8 "Earthrise" photograph made its debut in 1968, the poet Archibald MacLeish penned an essay 'Riders on the Earth,' in which he articulated a strikingly similar sentiment:
For the first time in all of time, men have seen the Earth. Seen it not as continents or oceans from the little distance of a hundred miles or two or three, but seen it from the depths of space; seen it whole and round and beautiful and small… To see the Earth as it truly is, small and blue and beautiful in that eternal silence where it floats, is to see ourselves as riders on the Earth together, brothers on that bright loveliness in the eternal cold—brothers who know that they are truly brothers.
The essay appeared in The New York Times on Christmas Day that year.
Then again, the similarity in language might simply be an inevitable expression of the overview effect. Whatever the case, the "Pale Blue Dot" endures as a sublimely beautiful cosmic Valentine that reminds us, more than two decades later, of the ineffable relativity of our human scale.
Celebrate the "Pale Blue Dot" and its legacy with some stunning animated adaptations of Sagan's words.
https://www.brainpickings.org/2013/02/14/happy-birthday-pale-blue-dot/
astronomyhistoryphotographysciencespace


text:
Q: Exception CSRF check for routers node js I am using webook to call one of my routers in my node js application.
I want to not use 'csurf' which is a library for CSRF token when that specific router is called.
The router is called ch and it is not the index router
My code for the CSRF expection is like this
var csrf = require('csurf');
var csrfProtection = csrf();

var csrfExclusion = ['/check-ch'];
var conditionalCSRF = function (req, res, next) {
    if(csrfExclusion.indexOf(req.path) !== -1){
        next();
    } else {
        csrf(req, res, next);
        next();
    }
}
router.use(conditionalCSRF);

router.post('/check-ch',(req, res, next) => {
    console.log(req.body);
    console.log('i am here');
});

Normally I searched stackoverflow but all answer shows that the method above should work but in my terminal I end up getting invalid csrf token, and I am not sure why.
The CSRF token is also being used in the index.js router, by the same method, where I load it first and then directly use router.use(csrfProtection), no conditionalCSRF is being used.
It looks like the conditionalCSRF is not even getting called, when I try to use a webook, so I am not sure what is stopping it to run.


Like Hall of Famers Laffit Pincay, Jr. and Braulio Baeza, Ricardo Santana is a native of Panama. Santana came to the United States to ride in 2009 at the age of 16, making Delaware Park his home track. His work ethic and ability contributed to his success as leading rider there in 2012 and in 2013 at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., where he would become a staple at the top of the rider standings.
In 2013, Santana won his first career graded stakes, the Count Fleet, aboard Justin Phillip for one of his main clients, Steve Asmussen. Santana won the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes and the Southwest Stakes with Tapiture, who was his first mount in the Kentucky Derby.
Santana guided Creator to an 11.60-1 upset win in the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby in 2016, a year in which he earned the jockey title for the fourth straight year and established a new benchmark for earning in a single season with $4,064,073. Santana added leading rider titles at Oaklawn in 2017 and 2018, the latter a year in which he set new career bests with 189 wins and $14,036,047 in purse earnings. Santana also earned his 1,000th career win in 2018 when he guided Westfest to a clear victory in the sixth race April 12 at Oaklawn Park and earned three more Grade 1 wins on Unbridled Mo, Bee Jersey, and Whitmore. Santana finished third in the 2018 Preakness aboard Tenfold and second in the 2018 Twinspires.com Breeders' Cup Sprint on Whitmore.


Technically, a siphon is a bent tube or pipe forming unequal legs made from plastic, glass or other materials which draws out liquid through the use of pressure. There are a number of different types of siphons, including the siphon bottle.
Also known as a soda syphon or seltzer bottle, this is a pressurized bottle equipped with a valve and vent. Originally designed to contain carbonated water, the aerated liquid is pushed out of the tube due to the pressure within the bottle that becomes present when the valve is opened.
In modern cooking, siphons are used for more than preparing carbonated drinks. These are often used to prepare culinary foams and other aerated dishes.
Today's siphons are no longer made from glass cylinders, but from stainless containers. These come equipped with a variety of attachments that allow for the creation of various culinary preparations such as whipped cream, filled dishes, sugar blown concoctions and more.
It can be filled with a variety of liquid substances including juices and purees. The use of a siphon for preparations makes way for more creative dishes with variations in texture and deeper flavors.


Sword of Justice is one of the Expert Paladin Cards.
Whenever your summon a minion, give it +1 / +1 and this loses 1 Durability.
Efficiency: The Sword of Justice (SoJ) has two different methods of giving mana value. The first method is by attacking a minion for 1 damage and 1 Durability. Each attack is worth only 0.5 mana value when compared to the Rogue's Hero Ability. The second method is using a Durability to increase the stats of a minion by +1/+1. This adds 1 mana value of basic stats to the affected minion. Therefore, it is more mana efficient to buff minions than to attack with the SoJ. Furthermore, you must buff at least 3 minions to be cost efficient with the SoJ (or do some combination of attacking and buffing that equals 3 mana value).
SoJ synergizes well with cards that summon multiple minions because 2 Durability can be used up quickly and you can also gain board control.
The Silver Hand Recruit is an easy minion to summon and buff with the SoJ.
Try to use the Durability as fast as possible so that your opponent does not have an opportunity to destroy your weapon.


In nearly every student's academic lifetime will come a moment every time a really want to jot down a examine paper occurs like grand waves while in a violent storm. It is always a very relevant and complicated endeavor that needs rather a lot of your time, stamina, and abilities. But, ahead of even establishing on digging for sources and heading undercover within the library, you will want to place ahead a study proposal.
In buy to comprehend the goal of a exploration proposal, its definition are advised to be recognized first of all. A groundwork proposal is mostly a document that sums up the ask for you file together with your supervising professor or professors.


text:
Days of Our Lives Spoilers: Stefano's Bombshell Revealed – Is The Real Steve Gone Forever?
Days Of Our LivesSpoilers
By Taylor Rios	 On Feb 17, 2020
Days of Our Lives spoilers reveal Stefano DiMera (Stephen Nichols) will make a shocking confession to Dr. Kayla Brady (Mary Beth Evans). Afterward, he holds her hostage so she can't warn Salem of the truth. Is the villain being honest when claiming that the real Steve "Patch" Johnson is gone forever? Also, Evans explains why Kayla lied to Justin Kiriakis (Wally Kurth) and if her new romance can survive.
Days of Our Lives Spoilers – Stefano DiMera's Bombshell
DOOL spoilers indicate while Kayla is helping "Steve," he tells her that he is really Stefano DiMera. She thinks it's ridiculous and doesn't believe him. However, Evans explained to Soap Opera Digest that she finally realizes it's true when Stefano goes into detail about certain incidents.
Days of Our Lives Spoilers: Julie Collapses, Health Crisis Creates Wedding Horror
"… Steve was on his way back to her when his goons abducted him and put Stefano's essence into Steve… She starts to accept that maybe it's [true] because he's been such a jerk to her."
Stefano also takes off the eye patch and shows off how he has two eyes, thanks to Dr. Rolf (William Utay).
DOOL Spoilers – A New Hostage
It is indicated that while "Steve" didn't have to force Kayla to help him, now she knows the truth. He can't risk others finding out that he is really Stefano. At least, not right now. So, he ties her up and holds her hostage.
Days of Our Lives Spoilers – Is Steve Johnson Really Gone Forever?
Days of Our Lives spoilers reveal Kayla gets the idea that her many years of loving Steve will be the key to fixing this situation. She even tries looking deep into the man's eyes, but nothing happens. This is when Stefano tells her that "Patch" is gone forever, which is what Princess Gina (Kristian Alfonso) said about Hope Brady. However, it seems unlikely. There is a way, but Stefano and Gina don't want anyone knowing that. It's much easier for the villains to continue their reign of terror if the Salemites just give up.
Days of Our Lives Spoilers: Sarah Horton Running Out Of Time – Who Will Step Up To Save Baby Mickey? #days #dool #daysofourlives https://t.co/6z55QNAg5G
— SOS/CTS/HH (@SoapOperaSpy) February 16, 2020
DOOL Spoilers – Kayla Brady's Lie
In a separate interview, Evans explained why she lied to Justin in order to protect "Steve." The actress told Soap Opera Digest,
"Her relationship with Justin is just so solid and grown-up. It kills her to lie to him, She does not want to lie to him but she does it because she's going to do this for Steve."
As for what happens next, fans can expect Justin to become worried about Kayla. He and Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) try to track down the missing doctor. She was supposed to operate on Julie Williams (Susan Seaforth Hayes) and put in the new pacemaker. However, she didn't show up and nobody can reach her, which is setting off alarm bells.
Will they be able to find her in time or can she somehow escape? Keep watching the NBC soap opera to find out.
Be sure to catch up on everything happening with DOOL right now. Come back here often for Days of Our Lives spoilers, news, updates and rumors!
Taylor Rios
Taylor has watched Days of Our Lives for 25 years and loves to read, write and breath the soap. When not watching Salemite shenanigans, she enjoys reading mystery novels, listening to music, laughing at her own jokes and exploring the great outdoors. She also spends plenty of quality time with her kids and Pitbull Doxie, Pongolicous Pongo Puff.
Days Of Our Lives Spoilers: Gwen Tells Abigail The Truth About Her Passionate Night…
Days Of Our Lives Spoilers: Five Things To Know About Laura Horton (Jamie Lyn Bauer)
Days Of Our Lives (DOOL) Spoilers: Kristen Dimera Sabotages Relationship With Brady…
Days Of Our Lives Spoilers: Kate Interrogates Gwen As To Her Motives, But Gwen Is…


Welcome, please be invited to contact us.
Poltegor-projekt sp. z o.o. has been operating for over 60 years as a state-owned mine planning and designing company. In 1992 we became a limited liability company whose all shares are owned by private individuals.
Currently the company's activities are concentrated on designing and engineering services. Until 2007 the company executed also turn-key projects.
POLTEGOR dates back to 1950. At that time, Wroclaw Branch of Central Design Office for Mining Industry in Katowice was established. In 1955, it was transformed in the independent Lower Silesia Mining Design Office, which in 1957 took over their duties as leading engineering institution of quick developing lignite industry. In 1971 we became a leading institution in the research and design works for opencast mining of all minerals. At that time, its name was changed for Central Research and Design Institute of Opencast Mining POLTEGOR.
1991 - division into two entities: Poltegor-projekt and Poltegor-instytut.
1992 - privatization of Poltegor-projekt resulting in the establishment of Limited Liability Company.
2006 - sell out of real estate at Powstancow Slaskich St. and start up of office construction at Wyscigowa St. in Wrocław.
2007 - commissioning of new site and settlement.
We shall be very glad if you take an interest in our services. For more details please further explore our website.
Management Board of Poltegor-projekt sp. z o.o.


"A Way Home" is a love letter to Oregon and an ode to living in the present moment. Living for several years in Minnesota, Scott Parker finds himself longing for the Oregon of his youth. He explores this longing by returning to his home state both over the course several visits and through the unfolding of memory, to find out what he is capable of understanding about time, home, and himself.
The following highlights are from a conversation with Scott Parker about his book, "A Way Home: Oregon Essays." To hear the full conversation, click the link above or subscribe to our podcast.
Sarah Aronson: What is the West of your desire?
Scott Parker: The West of my desire? It's so hard because I don't know what the West is. One of the things I'm trying to think about in the book is that if we turn away from definitions of the West that we've had in the past—the mythological definitions that we're probably familiar with as a place of destiny, dreams fulfilled, and all of that—what is going to replace that? I don't know the answer to that, but it's one of the things I try to think and wonder about.
You write about the West as a place between history and destiny. What occupies that space in your mind?
I remember in fourth grade we did a unit on the Pioneers and looking back, they indoctrinated us with the mythology of the Oregon Trail: free land, infinite possibility, all of that. The East Coast or Minnesota. . . those just seemed like places I couldn't even imagine. It's like we were there, however many generations ago (I wouldn't have known at the time) and then we're here. That's kind of the end of the line, right? You end up in the Willamette Valley and then where are you going to go? So what's between history and destiny?
Beyond destiny? That's one of the questions I ask in the book. For my generation, if you're born in the place that everyone is trying to get to, where do you go from there? As a practical matter, one of the solutions that presents itself is Alaska, because it's the Final Frontier. But if you just see that one more place to go is just one more place to go, it really begs the question: what are we running from, what are we running for? That's a harder question and I think that's a psychic question and not even a geographic or even a historical one. How do we find peace with ourselves and with our environments? I think those are the questions that are facing us more pressingly so now. When you take environmental considerations into account, it's even more pressing and our failure to answer those kind of questions is more and more alarming all the time.
That was the question that pierced me: where's our generation going to go?
I have to imagine that if you have a legitimate sense of infinite horizons that it can be a wonderful feeling. The other place people go is online. . . you're never going to run out links to click on. I think people are in the process of spending lifetimes that way. I'm not sure that satisfies, finally, but it is one way people are answering the question. If we're looking for better answers, I'd have to start sounding either like I'm advancing some kind of utopian vision or going back to much older traditions. But I think it's going to be about community, relationships, sustainability.
A Way Home is a love letter to Oregon and an ode to living in the present moment. Living for several years in Minnesota, Scott Parker finds himself longing for the Oregon of his youth. He explores this longing by returning to his home state both over the course several visits and through the unfolding of memory, to find out what he is capable of understanding about time, home, and himself. The temptation of nostalgia is regarded from many angles—rueful, ironic, yet always still beckoning. Its antidote: being present in the actual moment, with its paradoxes and mixed blessings. Parker's passion for his subject is apparent, and his meditations prove him to be a nimble and penetrating thinker on absence and presence.
Scott F. Parker is the author of A Way Home: Oregon Essays and Running After Prefontaine: A Memoir and the editor of Conversations with Joan Didion, among other books. His writing has appeared in many publications, including Tin House, Philosophy Now, Fiction Writers Review, and Rain Taxi Review of Books. Scott teaches writing at Montana State University.
A Pulitzer Prize finalist and the author of the New York Times bestseller Grandma Gatewood's Walk, Ben Montgomery shares this unforgettable journey in THE MAN WHO WALKED BACKWARD: An American Dreamer's Search for Meaning in the Great Depression. Montgomery's book sheds light on an era that reshaped how Americans saw their place in the world. It was the back side of the boom years, the golden days of Al Capone and fast-talking swindlers, the Dust Bowl and lines of hungry families. It was a time when the American heartland was a patchwork of small towns, some of which welcomed Wingo with open arms while others sent him packing. It was the time that spawned the phrase "the American Dream" and a dark period in European history.