Corner Talk: Southern Soul takes no break during the holidays – the music just keeps on coming. I have a ton of first time entries on my Smokin' Top 45 chart this month. Also here are reviews on some of the latest CD releases that have made the album charts. Perhaps most significant is a piece about where we are and how we got there with regard to the all important female solo artists in today's Southern Soul.
Betty Padgett has been in the music business for roughly forty years. She started singing professionally while growing up in Florida, having her first album release in 1976. It has only been in the last few years, however, that her strong resonating vocals have made their mark on the Southern Soul scene. 2006 was the year for her breakout hit with Never Coming Home. Since that point in time, Betty has scored with several charting tunes including Sneaking Around, I Made It, Old Man Young Man and You Made My Day.
Betty's latest just released, I Didn't Take Your Man (You Gave Him To Me) on the Brimstone label is her fourth album drop since 2004 and her strongest end-to-end effort to date. Upbeat grooves include Nobody Like You, He Do Things Your Money Can't Do, Do It In The Name Of Love, Feelin Real Good and At The Downbeat. Mid tempo joints with a whole lotta bounce: I'm Available, Sorry (We Couldn't Make It Work), I'm A Brand New Me as well as the title track. A slow and low track that is just slammin' is Your Time To Cry. There is quite a bit of volume in the rhythm tracks on most of the album but Betty has the vocal strength to sing with and through them with relative ease. A stellar release that debuted at #8 on Blues Critic's latest Top 40 Albums Chart!
Ah yes, Mr. Sam. An accomplished and versatile musician who has written or co-written and/or produced and arranged several tunes for artists in recent years: The Bar-Kays (What Goes In Da Club Stays In Da Club, Is The Party Tight, My Everything, Let's Get Bizzy), the late J. Blackfoot (Same Woman, I'm Just A Fool For You), Archie Love (Loving On Borrowed Time, One More For The Lonely), Lacee (Ooh Wee), Jerry L (Daily Love, Girls In Da Hood), O.B. Buchana (That Thang Thang). Sam has also had three previous album releases of his own material since 2007 with charting tracks such as 12 Steps 4 Cheaters, Dirty South Steppin', Voicemail and Put Yo Foot In It . Sam was voted as the Best New Male Artist in Southern Soul for the year 2007.
Moving over to Ecko Records for his latest album, Just Like Dat, was released in November. The hard driving title track has been popping up on the charts as well as the bluesy shuffle entitled Cheatin'. The extended range found in Bring It Back may very well be the best example of Sam's vocal talents. I also like the pure soulfulness of Certified Lady and the steppin' groove Down At Cee Cee's. O.B. Buchana and Archie Love provide strong background vocals on Good Good Love. Ten tracks in all, another strong production effort from John Ward at the Memphis based house of Southern Soul sound!
The latest soulful samplings from Lina is a prime example of how a mainstream R&B style singer can sometimes cross over into Southern Soul. Lina, who was born Shelina Wade in Denver, Colorado, got her start by composing a song (Ain't Nothin' Like A Jones) for R&B singer Tyrese's debut self-titled album in 1998. She was signed by Atlantic Records in 2000, releasing her first album, Stranger On Earth, the next year. It was rated as one of the Top 10 R&B albums of 2001 by Billboard magazine. A couple of years later, Lina created her own label, Moodstar Recordings, releasing self-penned compositions on The Inner Beauty Movement in 2005 and Morning Star in 2008. The former included a solid duet, Around The World, with Anthony Hamilton.
Lina's entry point to Southern Soul was a stellar single in 2010, I Won't Let My Baby Down (My Man), which was recorded at least a year earlier, receiving almost immediate radio air play once it broke. The tune is included on her latest album, the highly acclaimed Love Chronicles Of A Lady Songbird. Lina also does a righteous job on the Jackie Moore written Precious Precious, which was Jackie's first big hit forty two years ago. I'm digging the mellow old school grooves of Love (Live) and the girl group sound of Other Girls. The slow dancer I Won't Go Down stands up strong as an indication of Lina's true vocal talent. For fifteen years, she has been classified as R&B with some neo-Soul and hip/hop in the mix. Perhaps Southern Soul is the musical home Lina has been seeking all along!!
'Total Package Band has been together for 18 years playing R&B, Old School, Motown, and Beach music for real music lovers across the southeastern, and northern United States and Europe'.
Taken from their website, the above statement indicates that this high energy band, based in Atlanta, can really turn it out. With two alternating female lead singers (Vernay Jackson and Phyllislorena Smiley) and a horn section, Total Package Band hits the stage hard and doesn't slow down.
Their latest album, T's Groove, was released this past fall on the Wilbe Records label. The first hit out of the shoot has been Lifestyles Of The Poor And Unknown, a mellow mid-tempo groove written by the one and only William Bell. A kicking version of Babysitter, made popular many years ago by Betty Wright, stands up strong here. Another killer cover is Girls Night Out, co-written by Bell and Jacqueline Harrison and previously released by Harrison as Jacquel in 2003.The band takes us through some strong funky soulful grooves on the album title track as well as Them Changes and Seven Day Lover. There is a bit of hard edge to the lead vocals of Jackson on Too Many Cooks In The Kitchen and Smiley on Playing Hard To Get. The two ladies compliment each other very well when singing together. I can't stop listening to this album, it is just full of great straight ahead Soul music!
Sometime last year, there was a good article in Daddy B. Nice's column regarding the difficulties that our female artists have in making it in Southern Soul, and the music industry in general for that matter. Certainly agreed, there have been several that have tried it over the last several years and are no longer active, but there are many more who have persevered. There are also some that still perform in their respective locales on occasion but no longer record, therefore, they get very little recognition.
Fortunately, we still have the well known mainstays – the core of ladies who have been the backbone of the female presence since the beginning of what we now call Southern Soul. I am talking about matriarchs such as Barbara Carr, Denise LaSalle, Shirley Brown, Dorothy Moore, Millie Jackson and Lynn White. I would think I should also include Peggy Scott-Adams in that group as well. All of these ladies got their start in the old school era of Soul music that dominated the '60's and '70's. They faced and overcame the often biased opinions and roadblocks along the way in the industry. We have also had several female singers over the years heavily steeped in Blues that have been right on the edge of Southern Soul. Trudy Lynn, Francine Reed, Ruby Andrews, Sandra Hall and the late Keisa Brown, as examples, have all crossed over at times.
Following those legendary pioneers there was a brave handful that broke in the Southern Soul market ten to fifteen years ago and are still getting it done. Big Cynthia Walker, Pat Brown, Toni Green, Vickie Baker, Sheba Potts-Wright and Stephanie McDee are the names that come to mind. The late Jackie Neal in this group was also a huge influence in the business until her life was tragically ended in 2005.
In more recent years (particularly since 2005-06), there has been an explosion of female artists (which is consistent with the overall growth of genre) to establish themselves in the world of Southern Soul. The list is long (and I apologize if I left anyone out): Nellie 'Tiger' Travis, Betty Padgett, Joy, Roni, Stephanie Pickett, Karen Wolfe, Monique Ford, Lacee, Pat Cooley, Lady Audrey, Ms. Jody, Sweet Angel, Diedra, Bobbye 'Doll' Johnson, Little Kim Stewart, Lola, Ms. Monique, Uvee Hayes, Miz B, Michele Miller, Bertha Payne, Raine, Ladi Kandhi and Chandra Calloway. Now not all of these ladies are young (Soul Dog ain't calling nobody out as being old!), but they are all young at heart and in spirit! Most if not all keep right on plugging with a dogged determination.
There is another newer group of ladies stepping into the business that are coming on as well: LGB, Gina Brown, Lina, Jesi Terrell, Falisa Janaye, Ms. MeMe, T. Honey Brown, Margo Thunder, Queen Emily, Katrenia Jefferson, Adrena, Monro Brown, Jureesa McBride, Val McKnight, Angel Sent, Ms. Charli, The Real Brown Sugar, Equanya, Avana, Greta Prince and Sharnette Hyter (again, I apologize for any omissions) are all potential up and comer names in the industry. Here's hoping all the female artists that want to be a part of the ever growing genre of Southern Soul are able to stay encouraged, get the fan and industry support they need and keep right on rolling.


text:
Hokes Bluff police search for vehicle after three-vehicle crash
Times Staff
Two adults and two children were taken to a local hospital after crash involving three vehicles — including one that left the scene — Monday morning in the area of Rocky Ford Road and Posey Road, according to Hokes Bluff Police Chief Tyler Roe.
Roe said he and Capt. Richard Garmon were dispatched to the area at 7:30 a.m. to find a head-on collision between a red 2012 Chrysler 200, driven by Christopher Neal Thompson of Hokes Bluff, and a silver 2007 Cheverolet Silverado, driven by Bryan William Crowder of Glencoe.
After talking to both drivers, Roe said in a press release, officers determined that a white SUV ran the stop sign at the intersection of Posey road and Rocky Ford Road, hitting Thompson's vehicle and knocking it into oncoming traffic so that it struck Crowder's vehicle.
Both drivers and Crowder's two children were taken for medical treatment.
Roe said the white SUV left the scene of the accident, leaving behind front portions of the vehicle.
Hokes Bluff police are actively searching for the vehicle and ask anyone with information about it to call 256-492-2414.
The white SUV should have moderate damage to the front end and side quarter panel.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


LAKEWOOD RANCH, Florida (Dec. 11, 2017) – The U.S. Under-20 Women's National Team came into the 2017 Women's Nike International Friendlies finale against Brazil needing a win to take the tournament title, but instead dropped a 2-0 decision while giving up a goal in each half.
With the result, England wins the tournament with seven points from two wins and a tie. Brazil, a 1-0 loser to England on Dec. 9, finished second with six points and the USA was third with four points. Finland finished fourth with zero points.
Both teams struggled to create quality chances on the night, but Brazil found the net on a penalty kick and a counter-attack to earn the victory.
The USA started the game well, knocking the ball around and creating several scoring opportunities, but the match turned in the 11th minute when the USA lost the ball deep in its own half and Brazilian forward Kerolin raced in on goal. She was brought down in the penalty area and Victoria converted the penalty kick for the 1-0 lead. Brazil then played an excellent first half, controlling possession while playing at a high pace and taking the game to the USA.
The USA once again came out strong after halftime, exerting some intense pressure in search of an equalizer, but Brazil scored via a counter attack in the 59th minute to provide the final margin.
U.S. forward Civana Kuhlmann won the tournament's Golden Boot award as the top scorer for her four goals scored against Finland on Dec. 9. Brazil's Kamelli, who along with her defense allowed just one goal over the three games, won the Golden Glove as the top goalkeeper.
Next up for the USA is a training camp in Florida at the end of the year which will mark its final preparations for the 2018 CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship taking place from Jan. 18-28 in Trinidad & Tobago. The top three finishers from that tournament will earn berths to the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in France.
BRA – Victoria (penalty kick), 11th minute: The USA was dominating the game, but then committed a costly turnover in the back, giving Kerolin the chance to race into the penalty area where she was bundled down by Zoe Morse. Victoria stepped up to take the kick and plowed her shot into the lower left corner to give Brazil and early lead. USA 0, BRA 1.
BRA – Kerolin (Ana Victoria) 59th minute: The USA was pushing for an equalizer the entire second half, but as often happens, got caught on the counter attack as Kerolin raced in on goal on a breakaway and lifted a chip over charging U.S. goalkeeper Amanda McGlynn. USA 0, BRA 2. FINAL.
Had the USA not given up a 90th minute goal in its first match of the tournament on Dec. 7 to tie England 3-3, and instead had won that match, it would have won the tournament.
U.S. forward Jordan Harr went down with what looked to be a serious injury early and had to be subbed off in the 20th minute. She was replaced by Taryn Torres, who was herself replaced by Kelsey Turnbow in the 78th minute.
U.S. head coach Jitka Klimkova used all six subs while trying to claw back into the match. She sent on midfielder Jaelin Howell and forward Abigail Kim at halftime and both added some spark to the attack. Midfielder Brianna Pinto and defender Tara McKeown also saw action.
2017 Nike International Friendlies - Dec. 7-11, 2017 - Premier Sports Campus; Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
Dec. 7 Finland vs. Brazil 0-4 Premier Sports Complex; Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
Dec. 7 United States vs. England 3-3 Premier Sports Complex; Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
Dec. 9 Brazil vs. England 0-1 Premier Sports Complex; Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
10-1 Premier Sports Complex; Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
Dec. 11 Finaland vs. England 0-6 Premier Sports Complex; Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
Dec. 11 United States vs. Brazil 0-2 Premier Sports Complex; Lakewood Ranch, Fla.


Allover sequins add instant shine and subtle glamour to this striped dress by Lauren Ralph Lauren.
Sweeping bell sleeves and feminine florals define the effortless appeal of this jersey dress.
In the season's soft tones, ethereal florals decorate this airy crepe A-line dress for a timeless finish.
Detailed with two asymmetrical ruffles that create sweeping movement with every step, this elegant georgette dress is finished with a floral print in the season's soft hues.
Delicately embroidered with feminine florals, this lace dress features sheer detailing and puffed sleeves, lending to its timeless appeal.
This sleek jersey dress is printed with monochromatic springtime blooms for a striking finish.


This shimmering bridal ring set will add sophisticated sparkle to your style. The gorgeous engagement ring features an amazing round cubic zirconia that shines like the sun. More glittering cubic zirconia rounds surround the center stone in a halo, while lining the split shank and delicate wedding band. 1.52 carats T.W. Lavishly plated in 14k yellow gold. Sizes 6-10.


FYI, this November's SBL online program booklet is now available.
I was thrilled to learn some weeks ago that following the retirement of Dr. Dennis Dirks, who served as Dean of Talbot School of Theology for an impressive 20 years, Talbot has named as Dirks' replacement the school's own Clint Arnold, a Professor of NT. As one of Dr. Arnold's former students, I believe he is eminently qualified for the position. Not only has he spent the vast majority of his adult life at Biola/Talbot (Biola, B.A., '80; Talbot, M.Div. '83; on faculty since '87), but he possesses the enthusiasm for and experience in both the church and academy to direct Talbot into the next chapter of the school's ministry. So, congrats to Dr. Arnold!


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Q: Vector weak SIMD Performance I am optimizing an algorithm and I am considering using Vector over double for a multiply and accumulate operation. The implementation the closest is obviously a Vector.dot(v1, v2);... BUT, why is my code so slow?
namespace ConsoleApp1 {
    class Program {
        public static double SIMDMultAccumulate(double[] inp1, double[] inp2) {

            var simdLength = Vector<double>.Count;
            var returnDouble = 0d;

            // Find the max and min for each of Vector<ushort>.Count sub-arrays
            var i = 0;
            for (; i <= inp1.Length - simdLength; i += simdLength) {
                var va = new Vector<double>(inp1, i);
                var vb = new Vector<double>(inp2, i);
                returnDouble += Vector.Dot(va, vb);
            }

            // Process any remaining elements
            for (; i < inp1.Length; ++i) {
                var va = new Vector<double>(inp1, i);
                var vb = new Vector<double>(inp2, i);
                returnDouble += Vector.Dot(va, vb);
            }

            return returnDouble;
        }

        public static double NonSIMDMultAccumulate(double[] inp1, double[] inp2) {
            var returnDouble = 0d;

            for (int i = 0; i < inp1.Length; i++) {
                returnDouble += inp1[i] * inp2[i];
            }

            return returnDouble;
        }

        static void Main(string[] args) {
            Console.WriteLine("Is hardware accelerated: " + Vector.IsHardwareAccelerated);

            const int size = 24;
            var inp1 = new double[size];
            var inp2 = new double[size];

            var random = new Random();
            for (var i = 0; i < inp1.Length; i++) {
                inp1[i] = random.NextDouble();
                inp2[i] = random.NextDouble();
            }

            var sumSafe = 0d;
            var sumFast = 0d;

            var sw = Stopwatch.StartNew();
            for (var i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
                sumSafe =  NonSIMDMultAccumulate(inp1, inp2);
            }
            Console.WriteLine("{0} Ticks", sw.Elapsed.Ticks);

            sw.Restart();
            for (var i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
                sumFast = SIMDMultAccumulate(inp1, inp2);
            }
            Console.WriteLine("{0} Ticks", sw.Elapsed.Ticks);

//            Assert.AreEqual(sumSafe, sumFast, 0.00000001);
        }
    }

}

The SIMD version needs around 70% more ticks compared to the nonSIMD version. I am running a Haswell architecture and imho. FMA3 should be implemented! (Release build, x64 prefered).
Any ideas?
Thanks guys!

A: Using BechmarkDotNet, I get almost double performance with SIMD Vector assuming that the input arrays have length (ITEMS = 10000) that is a multiple of Vector.Count:
    [Benchmark(Baseline = true)]
    public double DotDouble()
    {
        double returnVal = 0.0;
        for(int i = 0; i < ITEMS; i++)
        {
            returnVal += doubleArray[i] * doubleArray2[i];
        }
        return returnVal;
    }

    [Benchmark]
    public double DotDoubleVectorNaive()
    {
        double returnVal = 0.0;
        for(int i = 0; i < ITEMS; i += doubleSlots)
        {
           returnVal += Vector.Dot(new Vector<double>(doubleArray, i), new Vector<double>(doubleArray2, i));
        }
        return returnVal;
    }

    [Benchmark]
    public double DotDoubleVectorBetter()
    {
        Vector<double> sumVect = Vector<double>.Zero;
        for (int i = 0; i < ITEMS; i += doubleSlots)
        {
            sumVect += new Vector<double>(doubleArray, i) * new Vector<double>(doubleArray2, i);
        }
        return Vector.Dot(sumVect, Vector<double>.One);
    }

    BenchmarkDotNet=v0.10.14, OS=Windows 10.0.17134
    Intel Core i7-4500U CPU 1.80GHz (Haswell), 1 CPU, 4 logical and 2 physical cores
    Frequency=1753758 Hz, Resolution=570.2041 ns, Timer=TSC
    .NET Core SDK=2.1.300
      [Host]     : .NET Core 2.1.0 (CoreCLR 4.6.26515.07, CoreFX 4.6.26515.06), 64bit RyuJIT
      DefaultJob : .NET Core 2.1.0 (CoreCLR 4.6.26515.07, CoreFX 4.6.26515.06), 64bit RyuJIT

                Method |      Mean |     Error |    StdDev | Scaled |
---------------------- |----------:|----------:|----------:|-------:|
             DotDouble | 10.341 us | 0.0902 us | 0.0844 us |   1.00 |
  DotDoubleVectorNaive |  5.907 us | 0.0206 us | 0.0183 us |   0.57 |
 DotDoubleVectorBetter |  4.825 us | 0.0197 us | 0.0184 us |   0.47 |

For completeness, RiuJIT will compile the Vector.Dot product on Haswell to:
vmulpd  ymm0,ymm0,ymm1
vhaddpd ymm0,ymm0,ymm0
vextractf128 xmm2,ymm0,1
vaddpd  xmm0,xmm0,xmm2
vaddsd  xmm6,xmm6,xmm0

Edited to add case with Dot product outside loop as per comment and ASm for dot product..

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Most of us turn 70 this year. Let's get together and celebrate with great friends, great conversation, and a great time!
Vikings Lodge - 3132 Lakeshore Drive – 5:00 PM - ?
Will do pizza orders; drinks can be purchased at club; of course there will be a big birthday cake; can view beautiful Muskegon Lake through large windows; can sit outside or in (tables/umbrellas); can boat up to dock if wish; & we promise sunshine (sometime in weekend just before 4th)!
Please bring: Whatever/whomever you like!
RSVP not necessary - Know a lot of us will be there celebrating our 7th decade!
This website was created by your classmates to assist with organization of reunions and special events like our UPCOMING 70th Birthday Party in 2019! This is a place just for you - to reconnect; to keep in touch with everyone; to obtain the most up-to-date information; to share memories; to create new memories; and to let everyone know what's changed and what's stayed the same. PLUS THIS WILL BE YOUR MAIN SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THE 70TH BIRTHDAY PARTY AND FOR FUTURE REUNIONS!
Supply your home address (for snail mail invite); your email address (for quicker contact); and your phone number (if we have any questions). PLEASE NOTE - ONLY ADMINISTRATOR CAN ACCESS THIS INFORMATION!
NOTE: If you would like to contact a classmate but have not registered/created a profile, we may be able to help. We keep info confidential, but if you contact John Usmial (jusmial@aol.com), he can email the person you are attempting to contact and they can decide whether or not to contact you.
LIST OF THOSE WHO ATTENDED BIG 5OTH!!!!!
PLEASE NOTE: Over 43 of those registered for the Big 50th ALSO donated an additional amount or gave an in-kind donation to help with costs for the events. A BIG THANK YOU GOES OUT TO ALL!!
The reunion committee has been meeting regularly for many years. The current committee consists of Bill Bouwman, Brenda (Syperda) Bouwman, Sharon (Hatch) Lindgren, Carmen Dykema, Karen (Olson) Bramen, Carol (Pierce) Ross-McRoberts, Judy (Hale) Townsend, Linda (House) Kekic, Barb (DeVries) Brink, John Usmial, Pam (Stanton) Van deVeire, Al Mell, Joe Stapel, Char (Lange) Richardson, Robin Howard, Dave Kooi, Donna (DeVries) Kooi, Lois (Vanderwest) Balcom, Larry deJong; Lynell (Dostert) Brown, and Steve Allen. Others who wish to help will have their names added as they come forward.


text:
Down Beat Aims to Beat Women's Stigmatized Roles in Filmmaking
by Mary Galloway and Katherine Ramdeen	| May 22, 2014
filed under Can-Con, Racism
by Mary Galloway and Katherine Ramdeen
Down Beat is a feature film that focuses on two dynamic female characters who are dedicated to their profession and justice rather than the rules their chief and society gives them. Our story revolves around the "The Highway of Tears", the stretch of highway between Prince George and Prince Rupert in B.C., where dozens and perhaps even hundreds of murders and disappearances of women, mostly Aboriginal, have occurred since 1969.
As our characters tackle this Canadian tragedy, we will also explore what it means to be a woman in a position of authority and service, touching on the topics of sexism, racism, and gender roles.
So we have our film idea, and have nearly finished writing the script. We also have $2,000,000 to get this movie made – that is, with your help. We have entered the filmmaking contest "Let's Make a Movie", where, based on votes by the public, the top five films will be judged by industry professionals. The winner will be granted a budget up to two million dollars!
We are two young female emerging artists in the film industry, and have found it challenging to find acting opportunities that break from the stereotypes of what a woman's place is in relationships, the workforce and society. This is our chance to break that mould and create a barrier-breaking movie that has the potential to be seen by millions.
As the first stage of the contest is based on popularity (we thought high school was over?), we're asking for your support via voting and sharing our story with your friends and family to get us to the judging round. We are being granted the opportunity to choose our creative team and it is our goal to employ a female director, and as many female and ethnically-diverse crew members as possible, to perhaps start a catalytic effect in the film world of Vancouver, and help the growh of women behind the camera that is currently happening.
Watch our pitch video and then click here to vote for Down Beat.
Down Beat on Breakfast Television Vancouver:http://www.btvancouver.ca/videos/3563191214001/
Down Beat on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/DownBeatMovie
Katherine Ramdeen's IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4103401
Mary Galloways's IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4746089
aboriginal women, down beat, filmmaking, gender roles, highway of tears, indigenous women, katherine ramdeen, mary galloway, missing and murdered aboriginal women, Women Directors, women in film
The new Ghostbusters action figures are revolutionizing toy store shelves
Paul Feig's Ghostbusters has done what no other movie – definitely no other movie in recent memory – could do: generate a wave of all-female action figures, tied to a big-budget film, that is widely available in mainstream toy stores.
Gender Issues in the Canadian Census: Beyond Question 2
The census needs to represent a broader spectrum of physical/biological sex than a male/female binary, but this is not the only space where sex, gender, and sexuality are defined by the Canadian state through the census.
Ticket Giveaway: Catch 'Trapped' at DOXA
The new documentary Trapped by Dawn Porter follows clinic workers and lawyers in the United States, on the front lines of […]


Report by Peter Volz, September 2015.
The Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) movement is being increasingly recognized for offering an alternative to the unsustainable industrial food system and thus a concrete approach in the transition towards agroecology and food sovereignty.
Out of 2 European CSA meetings in 2011 and 2013, a group of people that are involved in farming and CSA projects as well as in research have formed a "European CSA Research Group". This group has met in Freiburg, Germany in August 2015 to organise a CSA overview report in Europe and agreeing on a common methodology in the framework of the "Common Ground for CSA in Europe" project.
28 participants from 21 countries came to the meeting. The meeting took place in the beautiful black forest close to Freiburg. It became clear that the context of farming is still very different in Europe but that the same threats to peasant farming exist. It became obvious that also the CSA solutions differ in various countries so that the meeting began – after a presentation of the participants – with work on a common understanding of CSA.
After this definition the frame of the research project was explained. This refers to the institutional background as well as the content and context. For this, organisers Peter Volz and Philipp Weckenbrock as well as Jocelyn Parot gave presentations on the project and its partners and funders, the concept of agroecology and the work of the international CSA network, Urgenci.
The meeting then went on to discuss the planned census and report.
To gather data for the census a questionnaire was developed that will be translated and distributed by all country representatives (1 per country) to all CSAs. On the basis of the Census, a coherent, well-informed image of the movement to other actors and institutions can be created. The census will be used to inform the report.
The "CSA in Europe overview" is the first effort of the European CSA research group that combines the knowledge of people at the crossroad of research and farming from about 25 countries giving us account of the dynamic movement of Community Supported Agriculture in Europe. This unique approach to research enables to get better insights into what has emerged as an alternative economic approach to agriculture.
Apart from presenting the results of the Europe wide census this report, due to be released in spring 2016, will analyse the agro-ecological dimension of CSA practice. Agro-ecology as outlined in the recent Nyéléni agro-ecology declaration outlines a common understanding of Agroecology as a key element in the construction of Food Sovereignty that goes beyond biodiversity on the field. It also addresses topics like territory, knowledge, politics and spirituality and poses an alternative to industrial agriculture and economic system.
The group worked hard in the full 2 days that were scheduled for this purpose. There were however enough breaks for informal exchanges, for walks and for the occasional dip in the nearby lake. Regional, organic food was cooked on site and there even was a party at the end of the meeting.
After this successful meeting the group is keen to finalize the census and report and continue to work on improving knowledge gaining and sharing amongst CSAs in Europe as well as informing the public and policy makers that there are existing alternatives to industrial food dependency.
Call for global mobilization for Food Sovereignty on October 16th!


The Change of bond contributors is used when there is a change of bond ownership in an ongoing tenancy.
It is important the RTA's bond records are accurate so the bond is paid to the correct tenants at the end of the tenancy.
Please contact the RTA if this is not possible.
If a tenant is leaving the property, they need to get their share of the bond from the tenant moving in or those remaining. The RTA is not responsible for any exchange of money between tenants.
Contact the Department of Housing and Public Works if the bond involves a bond loan.


Back in the day when I lead the Phoenix VMUG the other leaders and I put our attention on the quality of the event vs. trying to drive attendance. We knew producing quality events would lead to more users wanting to attend. Man were we right. Our first VMUG in 2008 drew a crowd of 65, not too bad for our first showing. However we worked hard, listened to our attendees, and in just 2 years time we built an event framework to support 300-500 users and 20+ sponsors ever quarter! The framework we created was so successful it was key in creating the framework for the VMUG UserCon.
Flash forward to October-30-2015 and one of the most EPIC VMUG events ever is about to take place in Phoenix! I never use the word epic unless there is something absolutely stunning. Example – Me doing a selfie drinking a soda is not epic. However – when VMware COO Carl Eschenbach, Principal Architect Rawlinson Rivera, Senior Technical Marketing Architect Doug Baer, Chris Wahl, Josh Atwell, Instructor lead labs, 30+ Partners/Sponsors, multiple breakout sessions, and cocktails at the end of the day come to your VMUG, then this is EPIC!
I know that was quite a bit to take in but like it said EPIC, for now I'd recommend registering for the event and downloading the VMUG UserCon App.
The overall agenda should be posted soon, and when it does I'll post up my recommendations around this event!
This entry was posted in Phoenix, VMUG, vmware.


text:
Since 1976 Paul has worked as a Songwriter, Composer, Producer and Performer in the UK and around the world. He has received an Ivor Novello Award from the British Academy of Songwriters and Composers and a Dove Award (and two nominations) from GMA in Nashville along with numerous other awards from ASCAP in the USA. He has had #1 chart success with his songs in the UK, USA, Holland, South Africa and Germany and has received many Platinum and Gold records for his songs.
He's also worked as a part time Lecturer at Bath Spa University on their MA Songwriting course, critiquing students work and leading several Master classes. He also runs his own Songwriting workshops.
Recently he's written & produced 'The Stolen lives project' in collaboration with The Wilberforce Institute at Hull University.
www.stolenlives.co.uk
'Being Myself' is the current solo CD
Paul continues to perform informal 'singer songwriter' concerts, and to write and produce for other artists.
He lives on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon with his wife Ruth and has two sons and 2 Grandchildren.
His songs have been recorded by many international artists including :
Cliff Richard : Avalon : Elkie Brooks : Tammy Wynnette : Michael English : Natalie Grant : Katie Meluah : Rebecca St James : Sharon Kipps : Jacky : Jennifer Knapp : Kees Krajenoord : KWS : LA 'The Voices' : Ralph van Manen : Rob de Nys : Romanz : Pam Sheyne :
The Techno Twins : Jaqui Velasquez : Wynonna.
As a performer he's worked with many different artists live and in the studio including :
Cliff Richard : Rick Wakeman : Gloria Gaynor : Phil Everley : Paul Jones : Amy Grant : Lesley Ashe, David & Carrie Grant : Chris Rea :
Andre Crouch : Jessy Dixon : Katy Meluah.
As a Music producer and arranger he's recorded projects for a wide range of different artists and clients. From Pop and Country to Classical, Heavy Rock to Children's songs, Dalit drumming in India to Sea Shanties in Devon, Corporate Videos for Companies to the Lambeth Conference for the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Some of the organizations & events who've used Paul's Music are :
The BBC : Sky Television : American Apollo Astronauts orbiting the moon : The opening of the 2000 Paralympics : World Youth day in Australia : The Archbishop of Canterbury : The Queen's Christmas message 2004 : Buckingham Palace Olympic Concert 2012 : British Rail : The Heinz Corporation : The Cabbage Patch Kids (USA) : Christian Aid : Astrofarm : Guinness : The European News Network : Japanese TV and the Tokyo Motor Show.
Some of the Publishers of Paul's songs & music are :
EMI (Nashville & London) : Windswept Pacific : Sony : ATV : Virgin :
Universal Songs : Song solutions : Out of the Ark Music : De Wolfe Music : RSM Music.


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Forums > General > General Discussion >
Poll - What type of game and setting - 2020
Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by RoyS, Jan 28, 2020.
What kind of game are you making and what setting - 2020
RoyS
What type of game are you making? What is the setting of your game? (I already have my game planned out and am working on it, but just curious to see what everyone else was doing.) The last poll was done around 2015.
You can choose several choices.
I used up all the poll choices, so couldn't add more.
--Horror
--Prehistoric Tropical (ever see the movie "The Sound of Thunder"?)
--Steampunk/Cybersetting
--Retro
--Victorian
--Low Poly
--PC
--Android
--Single Player
--MMO
--Anything else you can think of
You can also list what your favorite game is. You're probably making the type of game that you also like to play?
RoyS, Jan 28, 2020
I am making a game that is basically in two parts. Part one is a RPG in a modern city setting and is non-linear. Part two (on the same story line) is a multi-setting dungeon-crawler type - old sewers, abandoned towns, subway tunnels, abandoned asylums. This is a bit more linear because of the settings. It is more of a puzzle, but not like the android "escape" games that have mini-game puzzles or puzzles that are too hard to solve and don't make sense. My game is single player for PC.
I have yet to find a good adventure or escape game for android that doesn't have mini-puzzles.


The cigars are rather on the medium to long size with a gauge size of 56. The exterior is beautifully made, having little oil but still a very fine and velvet-like touch. The Cohiba Behike BHK 56 have a full strength thanks to the rare Medio Tiempo tobacco used. The first smoke has a taste of natural tobacco mixed with wood and the second and third parts go on the cedar and creamy side of aroma. They are fine and enjoyable for all smokers.


[Bulldog75] 11:40PM CST. Evening everyone. OK, We have a much wider window than ever before and you all know the 33 Reasons we have come to this point.
[Bulldog75] Before we get deep into this: I want to thank each of you here; and many who are asleep and can't be here. Everyone at GET has contributed all the way up and down the ladder. Everyone needs a pay raise.
[Bulldog75] As you know banks love the Tuesday- Thursday window of opportunity to do their postings, international changes.
[Bulldog75] and most alignments take place around 2pm ish daily.
[Bulldog75] You know of the O, Senate/House chambers squabbles. What hasn't been discussed? You all know what the hype is; we can spare that conversation.
[Bulldog75] We have been serious about the $8 Dinar here but based on the GBP $5 ish range.
[Bulldog75] IQD will still come in around $8 ish and the Dong .25 (and that Dong is a real sleeper and that story is not over yet and Congress loaded the trailor on that one).
[Bulldog75] Remember the James Bond movie "The World is not Enough". Well, the world powers have had enough.
[Bulldog75] O has been passing and giving out "chips". Some times the bank just runs out of chips.
[Bulldog75] Your gonna have to read between the lines on some of this; cause some it just can't be said. Period. You are intelligent enough to know the jest .
[DallasSinger] Bulldog75 What does that mean ?
[Bulldog75] bill1950 DallasSinger :Just listen please.
[Bulldog75] I will take questions at the end . TY!
[Bulldog75] There is more going on at the Capitol than just what you see on TV. thats the smoke.
[Bulldog75] This is more serious than most of the populace can imagine. A tug of war is a vast understatement.
[Bulldog75] This country is at high risk.
[Bulldog75] From the top to the bottom of Govt.
[Bulldog75] Critical $$$ from local, county, state, fed budgets are in harms way. Look at unions, teachers, state govt......everything you know and seen and heard is mostly true but so many of the pieces of the puzzle are untold; and for many reasons. Some to create fear; some to hide the truth.
[Bulldog75] Our site is about your currency.
[Bulldog75] We are to talk about your investment. And thats exactly what we are about to do.
[Bulldog75] Understand there are so many, many issues here that affect you and your investments but somethings cannot be said for the reasons of safety, precaustion and protection of the site and our workers and participants.
[Bulldog75] The % of RVD Rate Post is upon us ; greater than ever before.
[Bulldog75] For many of you who have been around for years; the struggle and foresight to stay in has been tuff.
[Bulldog75] Please understand that probabilities can be based on issues, facts, predictions, probabilites from the present, past, future. There is now a 97% Rate Post probability from NOW midnight thru the next 72 hours due to all factors present. Never before have YOU been in such a beautiful position to capitalize and cash in.
[Bulldog75] The greatest three factors surrond : 1. O, Congress 2. World Powers Pressure 3. BIS and other country individually posting their own rates.
[Bulldog75] Understand never before in the History of the World has there been such an historic UNPREDICTABLE SITUATION involving : 1. Power 2. Money 3. Oil and the 4. Timing of the Event.
[Bulldog75] Of the few chosen million that are involved in the Historic Episode of an RV, having it been kept so quiet, is historic in itself, especially base on the instant communications that we have.
[Bulldog75] With NO one guaranteeing any thing as fact until it actually occurs, IMHO, You have a 97% probability of that RATE POST occuring between now and midnight Thursday.
[Bulldog75] I have relatives who have served in Iraq for years; relatives in law enforcement; contacts that share. so much info/intel comes third hand. The Goal Posts move during the game; rules change in the middle of the game and humans make errors or pass erroneous info. This will come to pass soon. Only HE knows the rate and date. Count your Blessings for you have been chosen to participate in the greatest transfer of Wealth ever known to man.
[Bulldog75] jam777 : Banruptcy, its already happening in counties and states.
[Bulldog75] Markets are volatile and UNPREDICTABLE in these times. Be careful.
[9 BALL] Bulldog75 In Your Humble Opinion do you think the dinar is tied to the GBP???
[Bulldog75] 9 ball : yes.
[9 BALL] Bulldog75 Thank you.
[NEWLIFE2] Bulldog75 Bulldog75 do you think the ust locations are set up?
[Bulldog75] Two baskets; countries not disclosed or discussed by Big Brothers.
[Bulldog75] NEWLIFE2 dinomatic : the rates are locked.
[Bulldog75] no one can unlock the rates.
[msjeta1] Bulldog75 how far down do you think that the value of the USD will go?
[Bulldog75] msjeta1 : The greatest situation here are the facts and factors that surrond the timing. Virtually unpredictable. USD could drop 20% maybe, IMO.
[birdcrazy] Bulldog75 Do you feel we need to prepare for very difficult times and therefore getting preparied with food etc?
[Bulldog75] birdcrazy : I do want to stay positive here; but a 30 day supply of everything would be wise just in case.
[Midnight Blue] If all going up, that's the same as USD going down, right?
[Bulldog75] Midnight Blue : If GBP goes up, USD goes down.
[Believer2] Bulldog75 the drop in the USD by 20%.. is that in the event of a credit rating downgrade for the US?
[Bulldog75] Believer2 : Factors here surrond the timing of these events. Tuff to calculate odds in this historic possible situation.
[Agent 007] I would suggest that everyone should always have a 30-day supply of food and water - whether you live in an area that has tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, floods, etc. - you need to always be prepared for an emergency so that you can take care of your family and yourself.
[Bulldog75] Agent 007 : TY!
[pcbguy] Bulldog75 once this RVS were do you think is the safest place to put our money to be protected long term??
[Bulldog75] pcbguy : Stay cash liquid as much as possible. No serious investing into something until the dust settles maybe 30-90 days out. Other currencies might be considered as well.
[Bulldog75] SSO_Scooby : International investors who specialize in that category are flocking to Iraq.
[jam777] Bulldog75 … Does "Congress loaded the trailor on that one," mean the US government loaded up on Dong ?
[pcbguy] Bulldog75 when you say stay cash liquid .... do you think our money will be safe in the banks then ....?
[Bulldog75] pcbguy : Yes your money will be safe; Factors surronding USA debt ceiling; downgrades; and budget approval lingers on and unless solved can be a major situation. TY!
[Believer2] Bulldog75 so the need for preprations for lack of food etc... what plausible events will trigger these conditions?
[Bulldog75] pcbguy : Lots of asterisk * on that answer too; so many factors.
[Bulldog75] Believer2 : This is no different than a Hurricane making landfall ; Now we are talking economics here of congress, debt ceiling, budgets. The IQD Rate Post is a Blessing to All.
[Bulldog75] pcbguy : Commodities will sway; there will be many long and short postions trying to make big plays here. ONE has already been made.
[Bulldog75] OK: Its been a good time to share with friends. blessing to all. and a Good Night. Amen.


Pours a clear dark orange/copper with a little head. Smells of sweet, caramel bready malts. Taste is alright for this style. I was a little underwhelmed. I feel like it would have had more flavor coming from this company.
Off white head but leaves quickly. Ok lacing. Decent malty aroma. Ok kind of burnt flavor - more bitter but sweet after.
A nice amber looking beer but the beer leaves a bad taste in your mouth.


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