Quality House has been providing behind-the-scene assistance and improving software quality since its establishment in 2004. The QA company has successfully worked for multiple different businesses spanning from telecom giants to budding startups. It is entirely focused in the field of software testing with a rich portfolio of accredited testing courses following international standards and practices. Their courses are accredited by ISTQB who offer ISTQB Foundation Level and Advanced Level along with the more specialized Certified Mobile Application Professional (CMAP) and Certified Professional Requirements Engineering (CPRE) courses.
Mitko Mitev has dedicated his professional life to the promotion of the QA and Testing sector. As a part of ISTQB and President of SEETB, Mitko has been actively participating in their efforts in setting and improving international standards in Software Quality. The founder of Quality House is also the Chief Editor of the Quality Matters Magazine, which is distributed internationally with the focus on best leading practices and new trends in the QA area.
Mitko's commitment to the promotion of software quality is also demonstrated by taking the role of Chair of the SEETEST Conferences and participation in other software quality assurance conferences. He has been involved five times as a speaker for the SQA Days Conferences. All his talks had made a great impression on the public and provoked a lot of questions and debates. In the past few years, he has mainly focused on writing course materials and books.
Quality House provides a full and comprehensive software testing service as follows.
Test Management: The QA company acts as an impartial third party, which assesses the situation in detail and gives the clients' a thorough manual on how to adjust work in order to reach their projects' full potential.
Functional Testing: As a whole, functional testing is performed on every development lifecycle process and Quality House is well-versed in agile and sequential processes, and in creating a custom strategy that meets project specifications, time constraints and chief objectives.
Web & Mobile Testing: Quality House has built a mobile device lab with a wide range of tablets and phones covering the most common brands, models, OS's and combinations thereof.
Load & Performance Testing: Quality House specialists serve as impartial eyes to the intricacies of the client company's work processes and if need be, the team advises them on the proper tools and methodologies best suited for the clients' goals.
Test Automation: The software testing company also serves as а consultant when it comes to helping their clients' to choose a tool for test automation, its implementation and in which areas to use it.
Acceptance Testing: Quality House focuses entirely on the testing area, acting as an entirely independent party in the testing process without any conflict of interests.
The major factors behind Quality House's success is the variety of testing services they provide as well as the different profiles of the QAs. The software testing company currently offers assistance in the domains of banking, telecommunication, automotive, insurance, e-commerce, ERP systems, etc. To sum up, Mitko credits the people in the company and their constant desire to evolve. The policy of the company encourages its employees to never stop learning and deliver top rated results through the variety of testing services. The entire group at Quality House stays updated about the latest trends in the market and similarly, adapts those technological advancements in their solutions.
Quality House too, is facing challenges as every company in the industry. Since the projects are becoming more complex with each year, there is no simple solution to the client' needs. Along with that, the development of Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, the rapid growth of the IoT and the emergence of Virtual & Augmented Reality is making it even harder to remain at the top of the game in the competition. Along with Mitko, the management is very selective when it comes to hiring new people. They try to hire people that fit with the company's culture of teamwork and being an integral part of the Quality House family.


The V8 Vocal Ensemble's 2010 concert in Waikanae was immensely popular, so their return visit is eagerly anticipated.
This Auckland-based ensemble was formed in 1998 with most of its singers having been members of the New Zealand Youth Choir and Voices New Zealand. Renowned for theatrical presentation and quality singing, this slick vocal group sings a cappella eight-part harmony, in entertaining and varied programmes of classical pieces, vocal jazz and well-known folk arrangements. They perform at festivals, concert series and private events all over the North Island. Recent highlights include debuting with the NZSO in the March 2011 Auckland Festival; featuring in a master class with the internationally celebrated vocal ensemble, The King's Singers; and presenting an ANZAC concert series in Auckland and Tauranga featuring music from the two world wars.
V8's programme, titled "The Name of Valour" will feature music associated with two important anniversaries that fall in 2014. World War 1 began in August 1914 and on October 16, almost exactly 100 years before this concert, the New Zealand Expeditionary Force departed from Wellington for Egypt. A second contrasting theme for the concert marks 360 years since the birth of William Shakespeare in 1654 – an association which seems rather obscure until one realises that it was Shakespeare who coined the phrase "the name of valour". (Henry VI, Part 11).
Showtime and Venue: Memorial Hall, Pehi Kupa Street, Waikanae.
Sunday October 12 at 2.30pm.


Freshman setter Jyra Churchill, a former East Ascension standout, was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Week.
Churchill had 91 assists, 21 digs and three aces as the Texas Southern Tigers went 2-2 in Louisiana. She had 38 assists and nine digs in a 3-2 win over Mississippi Valley State, and had 29 assists in a loss to Alabama State at the Southern University Tournament.
Churchill ranks fourth in the SWAC in assists per set at 5.91. She has 390 assists in 66 sets this season. Her career-high is 40 assists, which came in a five-set match against Mississippi Valley on Sept. 4.
Texas Southern hosted Southern on "Volley for the Cure Night" Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Members from TSU's athletic department were honored for their fight against cancer, and t-shirts were given away to fans.


text:
Опанас Семенович Барабаш (, Процівка (Ромни) — 8 вересня 1996) — радянський офіцер, Герой Радянського Союзу, в роки німецько-радянської війни командир 22-го гвардійського окремого танкового полку 51-ї армії 4-го Українського фронту, гвардії підполковник.

Біографія
Народився 1 травня 1908 року в селі Процівка (нині в межі міста Ромнів Сумської області) в сім'ї робітника. Українець. Член ВКП(б) з 1930 року. Рано втративши батька, підлітком пішов працювати, одночасно навчався. Закінчив школу ФЗУ. У 1929 році, як найкращого працівника одного з роменських підприємств, його послали навчатися до Москви. У 1932 році закінчив індустріальний технікум.

У 1932 році призваний до лав Червоної Армії. У 1934 році закінчив бронетанкову школу. Потім став кадровим військовим. Спочатку був командиром взводу, потім — танкової роти, начальником полкової школи. У 1939 році О. С. Барабаш зарахований слухачем інженерного факультету військово-господарської академії в Харкові.

Учасник німецько-радянської війни з 22 червня 1941 року. Воював на Західному, Брянському, Сталінградському, Південному, 4-му Українському, 3-му Прибалтійському, 1-му Білоруському фронтах. Був контужений.

22-й гвардійський окремий танковий полк під командуванням гвардії підполковника О. С. Барабаша 9 квітня 1944 року, діючи з Сиваського плацдарму в Криму, атакував позиції гітлерівців на висоті і у взаємодії зі стрілецькими підрозділами захопив її. За три дні боїв прорвав оборону противника на глибину до 80 км. У боях за відвоювання Севастополя в травні 1944 року танк командира одним з перших увірвався в місто.

Указом Президії Верховної Ради СРСР від 16 травня 1944 року за мужність і відвагу, вміле керівництво танковим полком у боях за Крим, гвардії підполковнику Барабашу Опанасу Семеновичу присвоєно звання Героя Радянського Союзу з врученням ордена Леніна і медалі «Золота Зірка» (№ 2290).

Після війни продовжував службу у Збройних силах СРСР. У 1955 році закінчив Вищі академічні курси при Військовій академії бронетанкових військ. З 1957 року полковник О. С. Барабаш — в запасі.

Жив у Києві. Працював старшим інженером в одному з науково-дослідних інститутів Києва. Помер 8 вересня 1996 року. Похований на Міському кладовищі «Берківці» в Києві.

Нагороди, пам'ять
Нагороджений двома орденами Леніна (16 травня 1944; 5 листопада 1954), чотирма орденами Червоного Прапора (29 червня 1943; 6 серпня 1943; 14 червня 1945; 15 листопада 1950), орденами Суворова 3-го ступеня (8 березня 1945), Олександра Невського (6 жовтня 1943), двома орденами Вітчизняної війни 1-го ступеня (21 травня 1944; 11 березня 1985), двома орденами Червоної Зірки (20 червня 1948; …), медаллю «За бойові заслуги» (3 листопада 1944), іншими медалями, а також польським орденом «Хрест хоробрих».

У місті Ромнах на Алеї Героїв встановлено пам'ятний стенд О. С. Барабаша.

Джерела
 У подорож по Сумщині. Харків, 1979
 Герої боїв за Крим. — Сімферополь: Таврія, 1972.
 Герої Радянського Союзу. Короткий біографічний словник. Том 1. М.: Военіз., 1987
 Гриль О. М. Дніпро. Карпати. Крим. Москва, 1970.
 Гріченко І. Т., Головін Н. М. Подвиг. — Харків: Прапор, 19

Уродженці Ромен
Члени КПРС
Радянські офіцери Другої світової війни
Герої Радянського Союзу — українці
Померли в Києві

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Vancouver – Wednesday, November 15, 2017 – CRYSTAL EXPLORATION INC. (the "Company" and "Crystal") (TSXV: "CEI") (OTCQB: "CYRTF") is pleased to announce closing of the financing previously reported on October 20, 2017 for gross proceeds totaling $646,440. The Company issued 1,987,000 flow-through common shares at a price of $0.09 per common share. In addition, the Company issued 6,680,143 units ("Units") at a price of $0.07 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.11 per share, expiring on November 15, 2018.
The proceeds from the financing will be used for working capital and to advance the Muskox, Contwoyto and Hood projects located in Nunavut, Canada. The proceeds from the flow-through common shares will be used to incur Canadian exploration expenses as defined by the Income Tax Act (Canada) by December 31, 2017. All securities issued will be subject to a four-month hold period. The offering is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") and finder's fees may be payable in accordance with the policies of the TSXV.
Jim Greig, President & CEO commented, "The financing included participation from Management and the Board of Directors that re-asserts confidence in both our gold and diamond projects.Crystal anticipates corporate and exploration updates during Q4, 2017 and Q1, 2018".
Crystal owns 100% of the Contwoyto Gold Project located south of the Lupin Gold Mine in Nunavut, Canada. An exploration program is in progress to confirm historic gold intercepts from drilling at the Butterfly Gold Occurrence (see Press Release dated October 4, 2017). In addition, Crystal own's 100% of three diamond projects located near the past producing Jericho Diamond Mine, Nunavut, Canada. Crystal has identified 6 high priority kimberlite targets, that remain untested, which have the potential to be new diamond discoveries.
Crystal is a Canadian gold & diamond exploration company with its common shares listed for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange.Crystal is backed by proven and seasoned resource sector professionals, who have a track record of advancing exploration projects from grassroots through to production scenarios. The technical content of this news release have been reviewed and approved by Dean Besserer, P.Geol., the Technical Advisor of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.


text:
DELFI ENCulture
Lithuanian police to assist in dealing with migrants in Slovenia
Twenty Lithuanian police officers from mobile units of Police Headquarters of Vilnius, Klaipėda, Šiauliai and Alytus Counties will be sent to Slovenia following the request from Slovenia's Ministry of the Interior.
© DELFI (R. Achmedovo nuotr.)
According to the Police Department, their main objective will be carrying out joint patrols with Slovenian officers, patrolling the European Union's external borders, providing assistance to cope with the flow of migrants, preventing crimes and other law violations.
Officers will head to Slovenia in Lithuanian police vehicles, wearing Lithuanian police uniforms and carrying special equipment. Slovenia will cover the cost of the operation.
Saulius Gagas, the head of Public Police Board of the Police Department, says this is the first time when such numerous police force is heading to a foreign country to maintain public order.
The officers should be leaving in the coming days, their secondment will last for a month.
Archeologists find two column bases of Great Synagogue of Vilnius
Archeologists have found the bases of two columns of the Great Synagogue of Vilnius , Vilnius...
Exhibition and concert to commemorate liquidation of Kaunas Ghetto
The Kaunas Ghetto was burned in July 1944. Around 5000 people were transferred to concentration...
Music and beyond: Kaunas Piano Fest
The young yet ambitious event aims to bring young, emerging pianists from all over the world to...
Lithuanian films and talents will be seen in Karlovy Vary Festival
On Friday starts International Karlovy Vary Film Festival, which is full of Lithuanian accents: in...
Newest sculpture in Kaunas invites to visit Benedictine monastery and St. Nicholas church
The newest sculptural highlight in the city is dedicated to the Blessed Teofilius Matulionis ,...

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Christmas Planner | Make a plan ... to get ready for Christmas!
Looking over our site, do you have the idea that over-the-top embellishments are standard fare for a handmade holiday planner?
For a different idea, take a look at this simple handmade holiday planner. Shared online by Scribd user Menucca, it's a 10-page, hand-drawn set of holiday planning pages. Uploaded in December, 2009, Menucca's calendar is for a previous year--but what does it matter when her pages are so fresh and creative and fun?
Want a great way to kickstart planning for Christmas, 2010? Check out this handmade holiday planner from Becca at Amazing Paper Grace blog.
Looking at this lovely project made me itching to get out my Spellbinders dies and play! The cover ornaments, shaped and embossed, give a classic touch to this project.
Lush ribbon closures and a stamped title make this an elegant holiday planner that would be a joy to use.
Inside the planner, don't miss three notebooks for list-making. Becca's made her own notebooks and list pad; if you're not-so-crafty, adding a cover to a repurposed notebook would shortcut the project.
Sure, you can start with a pre-made notebook or composition book to create a Christmas planner--but making your own from scratch is easy, with this pretty tutorial from the Postcards from the Attic blog.
Sized at 6.25 inches square, this pocket-based planner is easy to assemble using a hole punch and O-ring binding.. With a subtle and pretty color scheme, rubber stampers will appreciate the easy-to-add stamping embellishments that make this project special.
Not to late to make this special holiday gift!
Ready to try your hand at an accordion pocket planner? At blog They Call Me Jammi, you'll find a lively example and video tutorial for this Christmas planner project.
While similar to a Christmas pocket planner, an accordion pocket planner sandwiches more than one set of file folder pockets into the planner cover. The expanded storage space offers more room and versatility for planner calendars, lists and planning pages.
Simple, sweet and oh, so organized!
Thanksgiving Day is on the way ... will you be ready?
Find a pretty bit of planning help with this free printable Thanksgiving planner from Web site Whaddya Lookin' At?
With menu planner and shopping lists, recipe cards and seating chart, these printable pages would be a nice addition to the Christmas planner or household notebook.
Creativity has taken a simple stack of paper sacks to a pearl of an organizer: meet Queen Cat's Christmas planner!
Posting from stamping blog Queen Kat's Stamping Castle, this talented stamper began with a base of everyday lunch sacks, then punched, stamped and embellished her way to a useful--and gorgeous--holiday organizer. I think she must have had a LOT of fun creating this planner, judging from the many different stamping techniques, products and embellishments used to create it.


text:
Nos países africanos de língua portuguesa, boi-cavalo é o mesmo que gnu — Antílope  do género Connochaetes de cabeça grande com chifres curvos.
Em partes do interior do Brasil, designa o boi de sela, isto é, o bovino usado como animal de montaria.

Plural: bois-cavalo ou bois-cavalos


ezimade will use whichever courier or freight company are offering the best service at the most economical price to deliver your order to your door.
Generally this will be either NZ Couriers or Courier Post.
We charge postage/delivery at a measly $10.00. Orders over $100.00 are freight free.
Well we shouldn't but we do …only charge $10.00 for delivery. Orders over $100.00 are freight free.
Should a parcel be returned due to non-delivery, i.e. nobody to receive and sign for the goods, you will be liable for all re-shipping costs.
We will endeavour to dispatch your order within 1-2 working days. However, at busy times there may be a delay of an additional day or two… Should this be the case we will notify you.
c) We can ship any out of stock items at a later date, freight free.
In the unlikely event of any items in your order being damaged, you must notify us within 24 hours of signing for the goods as to which items are damaged. We will then arrange for the damaged goods to be collected and will replace at our cost.
If we are not notified within 24 hours, we are unable to place a claim with our shippers and will not be able to replace the goods.
If we have inadvertently sent you the wrong item, please contact us within 24 hours of receiving your order and we will arrange for our carriers to collect the incorrect item. Once the incorrect item has been returned, we will despatch the correct item at no extra charge to you.
A. If the goods are damaged, please sign to accept but note that the goods are damaged. If you sign for the goods in 'Good Condition' we will not be able to process a claim and therefore we cannot refund.
Don't worry though. I will do whatever it takes to make your dealing with ezimade a happy experience.


Young adults (age 22-36) – join Israeli artist Hanoch Piven for a night of exploration and creativity! Piven is known for his whimsical portraits made of household objects, and we'll explore Jewish themes and Israeli culture while making our very own "junk" collages. Hearty apps, beer, and wine provided. Dietary laws will be observed.
JArts is proud to be part of this evening, along with CJP's Israel360 and the Consulate General of Israel to New England. Additional support from Temple Israel's Riverway Project, the Mem Project, and the Vilna Shul.
Hearty apps, beer and wine available. Dietary laws will be observed.
TICKETS sold through CJP. Click the "Tickets" button to be directed to their website!


The Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Complex, Balewadi, Mahalunge, Pune is an Indian sports complex, which includes the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium. The complex is situated in Balewadi, Mahalunge Pune, about 14–15 km from Pune downtown and 4–5 km from Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjewadi, Pune. This complex was the venue for the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games. The administrative office is open from 10am–5pm on Monday to Saturday except second and fourth Saturdays of calendar month and government holidays.
This complex was built in 1994 for the National Games 1994, which were hosted by Pune. The 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games were hosted here. In 2008 the World Junior Table Tennis Circuit was successfully held here. The 2009 FIVB Men's Junior World Championship was held here. It was won by Brazil. The city is also the host of FIBA Asia Under-16 Championship for Women 2009.
Beginning in fall 2012, the Athletics Stadium will undergo a retrofitting and become the host stadium for the Elite Football League of India and the home arena for the Pune Marathas.
The 2011 Rollball World Cup was held in this games village. This was the first world cup of Rollball. Denmark was the winner of this tournament. Also the 3rd Rollball World Cup in 2015 was organized here.
The 2009 FIVB Men's Junior World Championship was held on 31 July 2009 to 9 August 2009. Host India ended 4th in this tournament. This Tournament was conducted in Badminton Hall and Boxing Arena. Brazil won this championship.
The Athletics stadium has a seating capacity of roughly 20,000 people at a time, Flood lights and an 8 lane track.
The athletics stadium also hosts the I-League matches for Pune F.C.. It has also hosted matches for the India national football team. India played against Vietnam in a friendly match over here. India played their first match in the 2012 London Olympic Qualifiers (first round) against Myanmar. India won it by a score 2-1. India drew with Qatar in the 2012 London Olympic Qualifier (Second round) at the stadium by a score 1-1. Then during the 2011 Indian Federation Cup the Balewadi Sports Complex co-hosted with the Salt Lake Stadium the Federation Cup group-stages. The Federation Cup is the second most important football competition in India. This stadium will also be the host for upcoming Indian Super League for FC Pune City bought by Bollywood actor Hritik Roshan.
This Aquatics centre contains two 50 x 25m swimming pools, with a seating capacity of 3500 people. This has changing room for players. Seating and lounges are for VIPs. For public usage the pool timings are 6:00 AM – 9:00AM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM from Monday to Saturday.
The Badminton hall 6 competition courts and 4 warm-up courts, and has a seating capacity of 3800 people at a time. This hall is air condition and has wooden floor. It has changing room for players and sitting & lounges for VIPs. This venue is the home ground of Pune Pistons a franchise in Indian Badminton League (IBL). So far 3 IBL matches have been played on this venue.
The first edition of FIBA Asia Under-16 Championship for Women was played on this stadium from 30 November 2009 to 6 December 2009. Host India finished on fifth position..
The Boxing arena has 3 rings, and 5 warm-up rings, with a seating capacity of 3500 peoples. This hall is air conditioned and has changing rooms for players. This arena is the host of 2011 World Series Boxing.
The complex has 15 shooting ranges, with a seating capacity of 1500. The ranges are constructed according to ISSF rules world championship.
The hall, with a seating capacity of 1500 people, successfully held World Junior Table Tennis Circuit in September 2008. This has 4 competition tables and 4 warm up tables. This hall is air conditioned and has changing rooms for players. Seating and lounges are for VIPs.
The Tennis courts feature one central court and four competition courts, with six warm-up courts. Centre court has a seating capacity of 4200 people.
This hall seats 3000 people. It hosted the 2009 commonwealth bench press championships. The most famous athlete to compete was Britain's strongest man Paddy the Pac man Jumelle. The hall is air conditioned and has one competition podium and 10 warm-up platforms. Seating and lounges are provided for VIPs. There is also a changing room for competitors.
The wrestling hall has four rings, and six warm-up rings with a seating capacity of 4400 people. This has seating and lounges for VIPs. This also has change room for players. This is an air conditioned hall.
The 333.33 m or 1,093.6 ft velodrome is outdoor and the surface is made of concrete. While it was a prime venue for the 3rd Nationals Games in the year 1993-94 it has never been a place for any major events thereafter, and was left unused. In 2014 it was announced that with a Rs 10 crore maintenance grant from the governments for the entire complex, the facelift of the velodrome had top priority. At that time the velodrome was in dilapidated state.
This is a non sporting venue at the sports city with 400 rooms, ranging between three and five star.
This centre has equipment to develop physical and physiological attributes. This hall is air condition hall and has provision for Yoga and Meditation. This has provision for sauna and chill water bath for recovery.


text:
using namespace std;

class Vertex {

	public:
		Vertex();
		Vertex( int x, int y );

		int x;
		int y;

		int weight;
		int dist;

		Vertex* prev;
		bool visited;
};

bool operator!= ( const Vertex& a, const Vertex& b );
bool operator== ( const Vertex& a, const Vertex& b );
bool sort_function( Vertex* a, Vertex* b );

struct hash_vertex {
	int operator()(const Vertex &v ) const {
		return v.x ^ v.y;
	}
};

#endif

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
The Real Reason the Raptors Are Leading 3-1
Posted on June 9, 2019 by Eric Fenstermaker
When the Raptors traded for Kawhi Leonard, they were taking a major gamble. Leonard had proved in the past to be an extremely lethal player, but the turmoil around his relationship with the San Antonio Spurs worried some. To acquire such a major talent, there would also require a hefty return price; in addition, Leonard would be a free agent after the season, so there was no guarantee he would be there long term. The Raptors decided to trade a package that included DeMar DeRozan, who had been with the team for nine years and had been a major part of the nucleus of the team. The Raptors were a brand new team after losing a star and adding a new one. That calculated risk payed major dividends when the Raptors made the NBA playoffs as the #2 seed. The Raptors were happy with the way the team came together, but everyone knew they had been there before, and that the previous failures had left a bad taste in their mouths. The Raptors refused to be content with just being in the playoffs.
The Raptors made quick work of the Orlando Magic in the first round defeating the #7 seed in just 5 games including four straight wins. The next series proved to be much more difficult. The Philadelphia 76ers gave the Raptors just about all they could handle, but Leonard's game seven, "quadruple-doink" shot finally lifted the Raptors past the #3 seed in the East. The Raptors then found themselves facing off against the Milwaukee Bucks, the #1 seed in the East that boasted the best record in the NBA and one of the most dynamic scorers, Giannis Antetokounmpo. After dropping the first two games, the Raptors stormed back and took 4 straight games, and they found themselves in unfamiliar territory: the NBA Finals.
The Toronto Raptors had never been to the NBA Finals and their opponent, the Golden State Warriors, had owned the NBA Finals recently playing in the last four NBA Finals and winning three of them. So, naturally, the Warriors sweep the Raptors and that's the end of the story, right? Actually, the complete opposite is occurring; the Raptors are up 3-1 and even beat the reigning champions twice on their home floor.
This postseason, Leonard is leading the team per game in points, rebounds and steals, and he is second in blocks and assists per game. Leonard has been the best player in the NBA Finals so far, and his versatility on both offense and defense makes him so valuable. He continues to elevate his team every single game, and he has the Raptors on the cusp of greatness. With just one more win, Leonard can deliver the unthinkable to the Raptors: the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy. While Leonard should easily win MVP, the real reason the Raptors own a 3-1 series lead isn't because of their superstar; it's because of everyone else on the team.
The NBA is superstar driven. Usually, a NBA championship team features a few superstars or all-stars, but it's mostly comprised of average and above-average athletes. If we are talking about individual achievement, Leonard takes the cake, and it isn't even a debate. Going into each series, you expect each superstar to get their points. For example, I expect Steph Curry and Klay Thompson to get 25-30 points each night. I'm not shocked if Curry goes for 33 points because I know it is well within his capabilities due to his skill. If Curry has a phenomenal night, for example the 47 points he scored in game 3 against the Raptors, then I am surprised. The superstars can only carry so much of the load however. The rest has to fall on the supporting cast. The Raptors are dominating this series because of the other role players.
When you compare the Warriors roster for their first game vs. game four of the NBA Finals one thing jumps out: almost nothing changed. The Warriors made almost no moves this season. Now, the reigning two-time NBA Champions didn't have to make earthshaking lineup changes, but they barely adjusted their roster. The only difference from opening day to game four of the NBA Finals for the Warriors is that Damian Jones started for the then injured Demarcus Cousins, and they added Andrew Bogut later in the season to again supplement Cousins after injury. The Warriors felt their lineup was satisfactory enough to win them another title; however, the Raptors took multiple steps to ensure they continued to improve their lineup.
Marc Gasol (via SBNation)
The Raptors continually made moves all season to bolster their roster. I wouldn't considering adding Patrick McCaw or subtracting CJ Miles as groundbreaking movement, but the Raptors did make a major upgrade at the center position. In February, the Raptors sent Jonas Valanciunas and a couple secondary consolation prizes to the Memphis Grizzlies for Marc Gasol. They aquired a seasoned veteran for their lineup, and Gasol has played very well at times during the finals. Adding Leonard and Gasol while sacrificing DeRozen and Valanciunas showed one key trait of the Raptors: They were willing to do whatever it took.
Did the Raptors only get key contributions out of the pieces via trade? Of course not! Pascal Siakam has been electric this season and has my vote for most improved player. Siakam went from averaging 7.3 PPG last season to 16.9 PPG this season. He has proved himself to be a viable second option both in the regular season and in the playoffs. The Raptors rely on him to contribute in big ways, and he has delivered in many different situations. Fred VanVleet has also improved his game. While he wasn't a huge factor against the Magic or 76ers, VanVleet turned it up against the Bucks and Warriors. This adds another shooter off the bench and provides another outlet for the Raptors to boost their scoring. So let's examine just how impactful the Raptors supporting cast has been in the NBA Finals so far.
Fred VanVleet
In game 1, the stars continued to score at high volumes. Curry, Thompson and Green combined for 65 of the Warriors 109 points. Leonard scored 23 for the Raptors, but he didn't even have the biggest impact. Instead of Leonard, whom everyone was focused on, it was the entourage around him that propelled the Raptors past the Warriors. Siakam had 32 points and Gasol scored 20- these were both career highs for each of them in the playoffs. VanVleet added 15 points of the bench and Danny Green added 11. If you take Curry, Thompson and Leonard out of the equation, the Raptors win the game 95-54. The Raptors are more balanced, and it is showing just how critical that is.
Let's examine game two as well. Yes, the Raptors lost, but it still important to see how the supporting players are much better on the Raptors. In game two, Leonard scored 34 points and lead all scorers, but look at the bench differences. Again, Leonard, Curry and Thompson are going to be high scorers, but it's the players around them that ultimately dictate the game. The Raptors played 3 guys on the bench and got 31 points from them. The Warriors played six guys and got just 25 points. The bench from the Raptors greatly outperformed the Warriors bench in other categories besides points as well. Ultimately though, pieces like Siakam and Gasol that started didn't perform well enough, and the Raptors fell victim to a game 2 loss at home.
Kyle Lowry
Game three was different. The Warriors bench actually outscored the Raptors 26-17, but the Raptors' starters exploded. Curry was the leading scorer with 47 points, but Toronto held the next five scoring spots. Kyle Lowry broke out for 23 points, which was his high for the series so far. The Raptors' starters outscored the Warriors' starters 106- 83, and the Raptors beat the defending champions at home by 14. In game four, the Raptors' starters outscored the Warriors' starters, and the Raptors also had the higher scoring bench; as a result, the Raptors again secured a double-digit win on the road. The Raptors may have less superstars, but they are a much more balanced team.
The Warriors have better players on paper. When you look at individual players in a power ranking, the tendency is going to be to side with the Warriors. The Raptors are a much more balanced team across the board, and it's proving to be the deciding factor. If one player has an off night, they have other avenues to go down for scoring. Every player contributes and adds something. The Raptors are unlike the Warriors because they force you to at least respect each scorer. The Raptors know that although a player like Quinn Cook may make a three-pointer, there is a 95% chance he isn't going to explode for 25 points. Multiple different players on the Raptors have shined and had huge nights; thus, you have to play balanced defense instead of more double teams and traps.
In an era where "super teams" are looked at as biggest one of the biggest problems plaguing sports, the Raptors are utilizing a unique approach. Instead of having multiple major studs and relying solely on them for 70-75% of all scoring, they spread the ball around and play great team basketball. Of course Leonard is taking the most shots- after all he is the best player- but it's not nearly as lopsided as the Warriors. The Raptors built their team out of solid veterans and fundamental pieces; in turn, they show that balance can defeat even the brightest of stars. The Raptors are showing that under the right circumstances, a team of 7s and 8s will dethrone a team of 10s and 5s.
Previous Podcast 50: Analyzing Carson Wentz's Contract Extension
Next Podcast 51: Analyzing All Sides of Kevin Durant's Injury


THIS IS A LOVELY RICH LIP BALM MADE ONLY WITH NATURAL INGREDIENTS. IT WILL KEEP YOUR LIPS SOFT AND MOISTURIZED THANKS TO PURE COCOA AND SHEA BUTTER AS WELL AS ALOE VERA GEL. HAS A SLIGHT MINTY AND HERBY SMELL OF ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL. IDEAL FOR THE COLD WEATHER. WILL KEEP YOUR LIPS HAPPY ALL DAY! INGREDIENTS: BEES WAX, SHEA BUTTER, COCOA BUTTER, AVOCADO OIL, ALOE VERA GEL, ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL, SUITABLE FOR VEGETARIANS BUT NOT VEGANS, NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS, OUR PRODUCTS ARE 100% NATURAL AND HANDMADE IN SMALL BATCHES. SHAPE, COLOR, SCENT, SIZE AND APPEARANCE CAN VARY SLIGHTLY BETWEEN BATCHES AND IT IS IN THE NATURE OF THIS PRODUCT. AS THEY ARE ALL NATURAL SCENTS THEY MIGHT NOT BE AS STRONG OR DEVELOP WHEN IN USE.
Parma Violet Deluxe Gift Set Bath Bombs, Soap, Candle.Handmade by Fizzy Fuzzy.
Handmade Prosecco & Clementine Soap & Bamboo Soap Dish. Fizzy Fuzzy.


"She Wolf" - I wrote the string arrangement. We recorded at John Hill's studio.
"Spy" - I did some additional arranging on this track, originally written by Walter Murphy, and I conducted and produced the session. We recorded, and mixed the strings and brass, in Clinton Recording Studio's Studio A, with Ed Rak engineering.
"Long Time" - I played glockenspiel.
"Loba" - Spanish version of "She Wolf." I wrote the string arrangement...in Spanish.


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Home Sections Ecology and the Environment The Values We Live For
The Values We Live For
Sections - Ecology and the Environment
Written by Fr. Shay Cullen, PREDA
By Fr. Shay Cullen, PREDA<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Vested Interests File Court Cases against Brave Rural Folks and Missionaries Protecting their Lands, Crops and Forests from International Mining Juggernauts
(Fr. Shay's columns are published in The Manila Times, in publications in Ireland, the UK, Hong Kong, and on-line.
http://www.preda.org/main/archives/2011/r11011201.html)
W hile you might believe that the world is mired in a hopeless, all-powerful culture of greed and selfish pleasure, take heart and inspiration from the thousands of people who risk their lives daily in the unselfish and heroic service of the oppressed and endangered people of the developing world.
Last week Columban Missionaries Father Sean Martin and Sister Patty Dinare were ordered to stand before the Regional Trial Court in Aurora about 40 kilometers from Midsalip, Pagadian City, Mindanao, to answer charges that they were acting illegally in supporting the Subanen Indigenous people in holding a picket to block a mining company from drilling in the ancestral rain forest. There are three court cases against the brave rural folk who are trying to protect their lands, crops and forests from the relentless onslaught of the International mining juggernauts.
Driven by the surge in international prices of minerals, mining companies from the developed countries use local drillers to explore for the mineral deposits, then move in and take over. For more than 15 years the remaining beautiful forests, rivers and mountains of Midsalip have been the target of plunderers and illegal loggers.
Yet despite the alleged abuse of power by some local government officials and the Department of Environment Natural Resources (DENR) in giving permits and licenses to the mining corporations when they ought to be defending the people's rights and the environment, the farmers with church support and the missionaries have bravely withstood the incursions.
Crooks Grabbing Ancestral Lands
C rooked land grabbers out to takeover their ancestral lands and tear up the trees, mountains and rivers have been conniving with corrupt officials for years. The people need help. The untold damage this could cause would be catastrophic. No less than 15,000 hectares of rice land and 8,056 hectares of fishponds and the lives of almost 400,000 people depend on preserving the natural food and life-giving environment.
This is not to mention the benefits that the forests have as a carbon sink, absorbing the climate-changing co2 that is causing floods and natural disasters around the world. If the international conference on climate change in Cancun, Mexico, recently told us anything, it is to save the forests and replant what has been destroyed.
The poverty of the people is growing for the past 10 years since the local government of Midsalip began to appropriate for their own salaries, perks and benefits the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), which according to the General Appropriations Act must be used only for the basic services for the people. This is what President Aquino anti-corruption team must look into. "If there is no corruption there is no poverty" he says. Well there is much poverty in Midsalip and the surrounding countryside where people have to survive on their own.
The mining corporations as represented by the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce and the powerful rich Filipino families are plotting together with them to pressure President Noynoy Aquino and his officials to give into their demands to open up the lands, forest and mountains to them and their greedy destructive plans. They call it economic development but what the bankers did to the world economy these will do to the world's natural environment. The damage is well underway in the Philippines. And the people everywhere must unite to stop it, write to Greenpeace, send a copy of this article and help make this an international environmental issue.
Editor's Note: Our own Chicago-based columnist has written an exposé about an scandalous mining venture in Sorsogon Province in this article, Joseph Lariosa Takes Up the Cudgels for "Save Matnog, Stop The Iron Project"
In these epic environmental battles, no one can be neutral. The injustice is so appalling. We must stand in solidarity with the poor but resilient people like the brave missionaries who have given their lives working with the people, defending human rights, dignity and ancestral lands.
Being put on trial for defending human rights and the dignity of the poor is courageously following in the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth; it is the risk taking of the gospel and at the forefront of the ministry for justice.
What better way is there to live one's short life as a true Christian on this planet than to take a stand with the poor, preserve life and uphold moral values and ask nothing in return but the privilege of serving others. No greater love is there than to give your life in the unpaid service of others. # # #
E ditor's Note: To contact Fr. Shay Cullen at the Preda Center, Upper Kalaklan, Olongapo City, Philippines, please e-mail him at preda@info.com.ph
SEND US DONATIONS: You can now send us donations Online via PAYPAL. Please visit our website.
01/17/2011 12:09 - A Filipino Web-Channel© Newsvideo: Filipino Life in Canada and the U.S.A.
01/14/2011 16:01 - From an Ugly War of Words to Words of Poetic Beauty
01/07/2011 18:15 - Top Filipino Graduate Gets Belated Christmas Gift
01/07/2011 13:54 - Fil-Am White House Chef Pays Tribute to Her Mom
03/14/2011 18:09 - How and Why a 9.0-magnitude Quake May Wipe Out Metro Manila and Cause 5.530-million Deaths
03/13/2011 14:59 - A 9.0-Magnitude Quake Will Destroy Metro Manila and Kill At Least 5.53-million Inhabitants Even Without a Tsunami Following It
02/27/2011 14:24 - BLeSSED Reforestation Program Is a Lot Better than the PHL Government Latest Plan to Plant 500-million Trees
02/26/2011 12:16 - PHL to Plant 500-Million Trees in One-Million Hectares
01/17/2011 16:12 - Many Overseas Filipinos Now Refuse to Contribute to Any Philippine Disaster-relief Fundraiser
12/31/2010 15:14 - Joseph Lariosa Takes Up the Cudgels for "Save Matnog, Stop The Iron Project"
11/02/2010 13:37 - Is the Philippine Reproductive Bill Tied Up with ClimateGate?
10/25/2010 12:28 - RP Government Must Be Warned Again of Impending Catastrophic Earthquakes that Will Surely Hit the Philippines
10/19/2010 07:29 - "Kalikasan, Kaunlaran!" Talk Show Now Seen Online
09/02/2010 08:02 - Filipinos Serenade Their Underwater Kind
Last Updated on Saturday, 15 January 2011 07:53
Is the Philippines Beyond Redemption?
1 Friday, 14 January 2011 20:13
Dear Friends from Mindanao, Especially the Ateneo Graduates of Ateneo de Zamboanga, Ateneo de Davao and/or Xavier University:
Fr. Shay Cullen has written an exposé about some scandalous mining operations in Zamboanga del Sur, principally in Pagadian City.
To read Fr. Shay's article published in our website, please click on these links:
URL: http://www.mabuhayradio.com/ecology-and-the-environment/the-values-we-live-for
Since many of our Atenean friends from Mindanao are also some of the organizers and leaders of the Mindanao Federation of Southern California, can we get some input from them?
I have been disenfranchised as an "alumnus" of the Ateneo de Manila, as I failed to secure a diploma, having reached only the first semester of the fourth-year law proper (as Ateneans in Southern CA now require a diploma from an Ateneo school to be considered an alumnus). However, I am willing to help our friends from Mindanao in fighting land grabbing in their island and stop the operation of foreign mining cartels.
If Ateneans from Mindanao and other Overseas "Mindanawons" won't lift a finger in supporting or even leading the "epic environmental battles" and "standing in solidarity with the poor but resilient people like the brave missionaries who have given their lives working with the people, defending human rights, dignity and ancestral lands" (as Father Shay described it in his article), then perhaps the Philippines is beyond redemption.
What say you, Friends from Mindanao?
Mabuhay,
Lolo Bobby M. Reyes
www.mabuhayradio.com
PS: We have too a similarly-scandalous mining operation in Matnog town of Sorsogon Province, per our Chicago-based columnist, who has written an exposé about a mining venture in Sorsogon Province in this article, Joseph Lariosa Takes Up the Cudgels for "Save Matnog, Stop The Iron Project" Some Overseas Sorsoganons are up in arms and are talking with their kin and friends in Sorsogon Province about organizing a movement to recall the provincial governor.
URL: http://www.mabuhayradio.com/ecology-and-the-environment/joseph-lariosa-takes-up-the-cudgels-for-save-matnog-stop-the-iron-project


A portion of Hyuro's finished wall. Photo by Dustin Chambers.
Update: It looks like the latest news, as of August 27th, is that this mural is going to be removed.
My personal favorite mural at this year's Living Walls Conference (which took place in Atlanta last week and we'll be covering more from there soon) has to by Hyuro's mural in the Lakewood Heights neighborhood. It's also proved to be the most controversial mural of the conference to date, with some people worried that the mural is too lewd for having in a public space, particular a space nearby a church, a mosque, a lot of street prostitution and a federal prison. Personally, I think the mural brightens up an otherwise drab wall and parking area.
The way I read the mural, it was empowering to women, urging them to be strong and go out into the world with the strength of a wolf. The way I've heard Hyuro explain it, the mural is about shedding one's animal instincts for higher planes of thought. Either way, a great message.
But not every mural is for everyone, and any mural that everyone likes is almost sure to be a boring one. In a thread on the website i-Neighbors, some Lakewood Heights residents have complained that they find the mural offensive, with some even saying that they will now change their usual routes to work or school in order to avoid them or their children seeing it. I had a quick read through of the i-Neighbors posts, and while there are certainly some people who want the mural removed, most of the posts expressing in opinion one way or the other are from people who are okay with the mural or who love it. According to Alex Parrish, Living Walls' Director of Communications, the response to the mural over social media has been overwhelmingly positive.
Hyuro working on her mural. Photo by RJ Rushmore.
Unfortunately, the local news seems to be over-hyping a friendly discussion amongst neighbors into a full-blown controversy and now Hyuro's mural truly is at risk of being removed. Eeven though Hyuro had the permission from the owner of the wall to paint there, the city of Atlanta does still have some control over what goes there. The initial plans that were submitted to the city included a sketch by Hyuro, but upon showing up at the wall, the artist changed her mind about sample work by Hyuro, and upon showing up at the wall, she decided what to paint given the shape of the wall and how her animation could fit there perfectly, as well as provide an uplifting message for the neighborhood. As a result, the mural was not really approved by the city. On Wednesday, Living Walls resubmitted plans to the city based on the finished mural. The final decision is still pending.
If you want to voice your opinion on the mural, you can email Camille Russell Love, director of Atlanta's Director Office Of Cultural Affairs. Her email is CRLove -at- atlantaga.gov. Living Walls (and I) would really appreciate your support of this beautiful artwork. As I understand it, many of the people upset with the mural have contacted Love and other city officials, and so it's extremely important that those who are in favor of keeping the mural make their voices heard as well.


Today is a holiday here in the states. Veteran's Day.
I've heard the occasional person ask what the difference is between Veteran's Day, today, and Memorial Day, in May.
Both holidays celebrate those brave men and women who serve in the military, but the easiest way I know how to explain the difference is- Memorial Day is a day for remembering fallen military. Whether they died in combat, serving their country, or died peacefully in their beds of old age, many, many moons after serving their country, Memorial Day is for them.
Veteran's Day is to honor those who are still serving, or who have served, who are still with us.
I've always been a bit of a sap when it comes to those willing to lay their life on the line for what they believe. I tried to enlist, even. My scores were great, but it seems no one wanted someone who fainted as easily as I do. What? It's the south. We're known for our 'vapors,' lol.
As an erotica writer, who deals with what is and isn't acceptable to publish on various sites, who hears phrases like, 'freedom of speech' bandied about daily, this day effects us personally.
We are lucky to have the freedom of speech, the freedom to assemble, the freedom… well, the freedom to do damn near anything.
Look around at the rest of the world.
These are freedoms not everyone has.
These are freedoms men and women, young and old, have fought for. Fought life and limb for. So that among many other things, we can write and read what we want.
Granted, it isn't perfect. Nothing is. But damn it, we have it a hell of a lot better than some. And it is because of those who have gone before us. Period.
I'm not offering you any free reads today. I'm not going to try to sell you anything today.
I am going to ask though, that you take just a few seconds, left or right, conservative or liberal, for or against military, hell, for or against the USA, and give this holiday a little bit of thought.
Enjoy your day off if you've got it. But take a second to think about the why behind the holiday.
That's all I've got. Have a great day. Enjoy your freedoms, they didn't come cheap.


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Urraca Garcês de Pamplona (m. d. 1031) foi infanta de Pamplona e rainha consorte de Leão (1023-1028).

Era filha de Garcia Sanches II de Pamplona e de Jimena Fernandes, sendo irmã de Sancho Garcês III de Pamplona.

Em 1023 tornou-se a segunda esposa de Afonso V de Leão. Deste casamento nasceu a infanta Jimena de Leão.

Rainhas de Leão
Casa de Jiménez
Rainhas católicas
Mulheres da Espanha medieval


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Tuesday 29 October 2019 4:07 am
Happy birthday, internet – let's make the next 50 years just as innovative
By: Jim Boulton
Jim Boulton is a digital archaeologist.
A twenty-seven-year-old cat celebrates her birthday, 22nd August 1977. (Photo by Colin Davey/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
How do we define the birth of the internet?
As an ambiguous, shifting entity, it is often hard to define what the internet even is, let alone its beginning.
In my eyes, the date the first message was sent across the telephone network, from one computer to another – late on the evening of 29 October 1969 – seems the most significant. That makes today the fiftieth birthday of the internet's most enduring legacy: an unprecedented level of connectivity and communication.
The internet is so ingrained in our daily lives that it is easy to forget the macro picture of its significance. The power of this digital space has transformed political landscapes, created new economic models, and fuelled social uprisings around the world.
Most momentous political and social moments from the last two decades – from the Arab Spring to the #MeToo movement – all hinged on the power of the internet.
Digital disruption has undeniably changed the course of world history and radically influenced how we participate in society. This, however, did not happen overnight. Over the past half-century, we have seen the slow accumulation of smaller innovations, each contributing in their vital way to the world as we know it.
And British pioneers have been instrumental in that journey.
Donald Davies invented packet switching, the fundamental technology of data transmission that underpins the internet.
Peter Kirstein put the first computer on the internet outside of the US – and assigned Queen Elizabeth II her first email address.
Sir Tim Berners-Lee gave us the World Wide Web – a concept which has now become a casual, throw-away reference in everyday life.
Truly, the internet as we know it is a vital part of Britain's legacy on the global stage.
So now that the internet is 50 years old, what do we have to look forward to in the next 50?
Looking ahead, no bets are off the table. Bold innovations like quantum computing will continue to transform the internet over and over. Cutting-edge technology keeps pushing the parameters of its capabilities at a rapid pace.
The internet will be everywhere – on our phones, in our homes, underpinning out societies. 5G will bring us total connectivity, and with it huge challenges and opportunities.
But as we look to the future, I would offer a word of caution. The original vision for the internet was an open, collaborative, decentralised network, based on knowledge-sharing and trust.
The sad fact today is that many disenchanted users would describe it as the opposite. It is imperative that we bear this in mind as we race ever forward, with eyes set on the next "prize of progress", whatever it may be.
Tomorrow evening at Here East, London's technology and innovation campus, we will be hearing testimonies first-hand from those pioneers involved in shaping the course of the internet in its brief but vibrant history.
Perhaps, by visiting the forgotten narratives of the past, we can harness the positive energy that led to today's connected world, and offer a more optimistic future.
Main image credit: Getty
Lidl to invest £4bn in British food businesses in a move it claims will provide its suppliers with 'security' and 'certainty'
LIDL INVESTS IN UK
Rio Tinto apologises after losing radioactive capsule in Australia
FCA landed on 'suspiciously round numbers' to justify greenwashing rules, top MP claims
Howden's revenues jump 60 per cent as insurance broker looks to capitalise on 'very turbulent' market
Shell to combine oil gas and LNG divisions and slash boardroom numbers
Shell overhaul
Unilever appoints new Dutch boss to deliver "step up" in performance at embattled giant
TOP TABLE CHANGES
888 SHOCK DEPARTURE


Do you miss playing classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Tron until your fingers get sore? You're in luck, because the entire history of arcade games is now on your computer screen.
Heads up: The controls are still a little wonky. Since they're dependent on your keyboard's Ctrl, Shift, Alt and arrow keys, the games won't translate 100% from joysticks and colored buttons to computer keyboards. But hey, it's enough to get the job done.
This isn't the first time the Internet Archive has blessed video game fans. In late 2013, it opened the Console Living Room, similar to the Internet Arcade but with vintage console games instead. Favorites such as Donkey Kong and Frogger were available for throwback throw-downs with iconic game villains (e.g., those damn cars).
The timing of the Internet Arcade's release is somewhat prescient as the recreational combination of drinking and gaming has been made possible by the rise of barcades, which are exactly what they sound like. They're found in major cities all over the United States, because who doesn't want to sip a strong IPA while breaking a high score?
"And my hope is that a handful, a probably tiny percentage, will begin plotting out ways to use this stuff in research, in writing, and remixing these old games into understanding their contexts. Time will tell."
The concept of using this archive as a learning tool is quite nuanced. For some future game developers, they'll have never played these grandfather games in their lives. By being able to use the digital arcade as a studying resource, they can track how gaming entertainment has changed over decades and embed classic themes into their work. Again, thank you, technology.


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Weekly Planner: Town Hall Meeting, Gingerbread Making, and Wine Tasting
Sydney Hawkins December 7, 2020 at 3:30pm
The Weekly Planner is a roundup of interesting events coming up over the next week in the Tysons area.
We've searched the web for events of note in Tysons, Vienna, Merrifield, McLean, and Falls Church. Know of any we've missed? Tell us!
Tuesday (Dec. 8)
Great Books Discussion (Online) — 7-8 p.m. — Falls Church's "Great Books" Book Club meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of most months. Today, the group will discuss On Justice, Power, and Human Nature by Thucydides via Zoom. Email Marshall Webster, [email protected], to request the Zoom link.
Wednesday (Dec. 9)
Gingerbread Houses Crafternoon (Online) — 3-3:30 p.m. — The Mary Riley Styles Public Library will go live on its Facebook page to make gingerbread houses. Participants can pick up Grab and Go Kits at the library at 120 N. Virginia Ave. through Dec. 15, while supplies last.
Reopening FCPS Schools — 6 p.m. at Vienna Town Hall (127 Center St. S) — The Town of Vienna is hosting a town hall meeting with Hunter Mill School Board Representative Melanie Meren to discuss questions and concerns regarding reopening Fairfax County Public Schools.
"The Red Balloon" in Community Hall — 7 p.m. at McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave.) — MCC is hosting a free screening of the French short film The Red Balloon. Attendees must wear a face covering and practice social distancing. To register, use this link.
Virtual Improv Show (Online) — 7 p.m. — The Alden's professional teen improv company, The Unruly Theatre Project, will present an hour-long improv show. Tickets are free, but registrations must be made at least two hours in advance of the show's start time. To register, use this link.
Sunday (Dec. 13)
McLean Uncorked Part 2 (Online) — 5-6 p.m. — Participants can enjoy four pre-purchased, unique wines during a virtual wine tasting with The Wine Outlet in McLean. Participants can purchase the wines by visiting the store in person (6727 Curran St.) or by shopping online.
Holiday Wine Tasting (Online) — 3 p.m. — Participants can enjoy six wines and an Italian snack platter. The cost is $99 for two people. Tasting kits can be picked up from Thompson Italian (124 N Washington St.) between 12-1:30 p.m. on Sunday (Dec. 13).
Photo via Thompson Italian/Facebook
McLean Citizens Association to Talk Criminal Justice Reform with Top Fairfax County Prosecutor
The McLean Citizens Association will hold a virtual public forum with Fairfax County's head prosecutor in two weeks to discuss criminal justice policy and reform.
According to the event announcement, Fairfax Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano will be present to speak about several justice issues including:
The Fairfax County Police Department's body-worn camera program
The 2020 Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Resources Report
His request for additional funding to expand staffing for the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney and its implications for enforcement of criminal laws in Fairfax County
An update on criminal justice reform legislation from the 2020 Virginia General Assembly's special session and what the policy changes mean for Fairfax County
The virtual forum will take place Wednesday (Dec. 16). at 7 p.m.
Those who wish to attend can watch on MCA's Facebook page or register on its website.
Photo via McLean Citizens Association/Facebook
The Boro Ushers in the Holidays with Art, Elves, and More
Sydney Hawkins December 1, 2020 at 10:30am
The holiday season is here, but it will look a little different this year as communities try to create a festive environment while following public health guidelines for reducing the possible spread of COVID-19.
Starting this week, The Boro in Tysons (8350 Broad St.) will celebrate the holidays throughout December with a series of public events for all ages:
Festive Art Installation (Dec. 1-27) — The Boro Park will feature a variety of art, including gift boxes, festive cutouts, and holiday lights. Guests are encouraged to post their photos on social media and tag @theborotysons to be entered in a weekly raffle for a swag bag with items from local retailers.
Elves at The Boro Scavenger Hunt (Dec. 1-28) — Hidden elves will be spread out across The Boro all month long. People who find a hidden elf and post a photo of the elf on social media while tagging @theborotysons will automatically win a $5 Flower Child gift card. They will also be entered into a weekly raffle.
Make & Take Holiday Crafting with Paper Source (Dec. 2-16, 5-7 p.m.) — For $10, guests can obtain kits for seasonal crafts kits such as paper wreaths and 2D globes. The kits include all required materials as well as a $10 gift card to Paper Source. Those who wish to participate can sign up through this link.
The Boro Howliday Series (Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 11 a.m.) — Guests and their pets can visit The Boro Park's pop-up dog zone for fun events and treats for both humans and pets. This event is free, but preregistration is required. To register, use this link.
All events will practice social distancing, and guests 5 or older are required to wear a face covering. The Boro says there will also be sanitation measures taken at each event.
For more information about The Boro's schedule for this holiday season, visit the company's website.
Photo via The Boro Tysons/Facebook
Weekly Planner: Holiday Stroll, a Dog Pop-up Zone, and a Job Expo for Older Workers
Sydney Hawkins November 30, 2020 at 3:30pm
Updated on 12/1/2020 — The Church Street Holiday Stroll was moved online this year. The live stream of the event can still be viewed on the Town of Vienna's Facebook page. Tysons Reporter apologizes for any confusion or inconvenience caused by the outdated information in the Weekly Planner.
We've searched the web for events of note in Tysons, Vienna, Merrifield, McLean and Falls Church. Know of any we've missed? Tell us!
Monday (Nov. 30)
Church Street Holiday Stroll — 6-8:30 p.m. at Vienna's Historic Church St. (131 Church St.) — Enjoy favorite holiday tunes performed by school choruses and others, along with s'mores, children's activities, and more, the website says.
Holiday Gingerbread Decorating (Dec. 1-25) — 6:30-8 p.m. at McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave.) — McLean Community Center will provide a pre-built gingerbread house, traditional candy decorations, and frosting. To register, use this link.
Children's Book Writing and Publishing Workshop (Online) — 7-9 p.m. — Learn how to effectively write, publish, and market a children's book with a masterclass from Global Book Publishing CEO Sush Dutta. To register, use this link.
Thursday (Dec. 3)
The Boro Howliday Series — 5:30-7 p.m. at Boro Park (8350 Broad St.) — Pets and their owners can enjoy a dog pop-up zone. Toys and treats will be provided for the dogs, and guests can enjoy treats as well with specialty seasonal warm beverages, the website says.
Friday (Dec. 4)
Fairfax Virtual Employment Expo (Online) — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — In lieu of its usual employment expo in Fairfax County, the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington is hosting several virtual events. Job seekers of age 50 or more can attend workshops and network with employers. To register, use this link.
Saturday (Dec. 5)
McLean Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival (December 5-6) — 9 a.m to 5 p.m. — The McLean Holiday Art & Crafts Festival is a juried arts show. See behind the scenes and watch how these artists create their masterpieces. Support the arts and buy a unique gift for someone special, the website said. Admission is free. To register, use this link.
Cookies with Santa — 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Vienna Volunteer Fire Department (400 Center St. S.) — Share holiday wishes and Mrs. Claus's delicious holiday cookies with the jolly ol' elf, the website said. The cost is $5 per person. To register, use this link.
Staff photo by Ashley Hopko
Weekly Planner: Thanksgiving Wine Tasting, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and a Santa Scavenger Hunt
Monday Game Challenge (Online) — 3:30-6:30 p.m. — During this event hosted by the McLean Community Center, participants will play Call of Duty: Warzone. To register, use this link.
Tuesday (Nov. 24)
#WhereIsSanta Scavenger Hunt — 12 p.m. in Vienna — The Town of Vienna launches a weekly scavenger hunt today. Clues to Santa's location will be posted to the Town's Facebook page at noon every Tuesday until Dec. 22. Participants will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card if they take a photo with Santa and share it on social media, tagging @TownofViennaVa and #WhereisSanta.
Wednesday (Nov. 25)
Thanksgiving Wine Tasting — 12-4 p.m. at The Wine Outlet of McLean (6727 Curran St.) — Taste Thanksgiving wines while supporting the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner, the website said. The cost is $15 per person. Each 30-minute session is limited to 10 people. To register for one of the 30-minute time slots, use this link.
Friday (Nov. 27)
Mary Chapin Carpenter: One Night Lonely (Online) — 8-11 p.m. — Wolf Trap will stream a recording of the singer performing solo with no audience at the Filene Center. You can buy tickets, which start at $20, through Wolf Trap's website.
The Grinch's Grotto — 12-8 p.m. at Tysons Corner Center — Starting today through Dec. 31, families can reserve private meet-and-greet sessions with the Grinch at Tysons Corner Center. Tickets cost $50 for general admission or $200 for the VIP experience. One ticket covers admission for up to five people, and visitors are asked to arrive 15 minutes ahead of their scheduled time due to COVID-19 guidelines.
Saturday (Nov. 28)
Christmas Tree Sales — 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekends, 4-8 p.m. on weekdays at the corner of Maple Avenue and Branch Road — The Optimist Club of Greater Vienna will start selling Christmas trees, wreaths, tree stands, and roping this weekend. Sales fund awards, scholarships, and other honors for local students.
Photo via Wine Outlet/Facebook
Local Restaurants Entice Customers with Thanksgiving Dinners To-Go
Sydney Hawkins November 19, 2020 at 11:15am
With Thanksgiving around the corner, a number of local restaurants are preparing an array of possible feasts that can be taken home, as the COVID-19 pandemic forces families to rethink the usual communal celebrations.
Vienna's Clarity (442 Maple Ave. E.) will have ThanksgivingToGo, the website said. For $45, diners can enjoy a turkey, sweet potatoes, french beans, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
Clarity chef and owner Jon Krinn says he is happy to be able to provide this carryout service during this holiday season.
"We are thankful that we are in a position to provide for ourselves and our guests, and we want everyone to stay safe so we can all get through this," Krinn said. "Nothing can take away the relationships and bonds we have built and strengthened this year."
Other local Vienna restaurants offering Thanksgiving to-go specials include:
Caboose Tavern (520 Mill St. NE)
Social Burger (350 Maple Ave. W.)
In McLean, J. Gilbert's will serve its guests a three-course turkey dinner and assemble Thanksgiving carryout kits for those who choose to eat at home.
The restaurant's general manager, Jim Hetrick, says the health and safety of his customers during this holiday season will be the restaurant's top priority.
"Thanksgiving dinner will be the same great feast that our guests have travelled miles to enjoy in previous years," Hetrick said. "…This year we have adapted additional measures so our guests can be confident when they dine with us."
J. Gilbert's safety measures include socially distancing its tables, performing continuous sanitizing throughout the restaurant, requiring all employees to wear masks, and monitoring the team on a daily basis.
Kazan Restaurant (6813 Redmond Drive) is among the other McLean restaurants that will offer takeout Thanksgiving meals to-go.
Urban Plates in Tysons will serve Thanksgiving Dinner for both dine-in and take out. Chief Marketing Officer Steve Greer says its customers can expect the holiday dinner to be healthy with all offerings made from scratch, including organic produce and cage-free turkeys with no hormones or antibiotics.
"Thanksgiving this year may look different, but at Urban Plates, we're committed to offering healthy, wholesome meals at affordable prices throughout the holiday season," Greer said. "…We want to take the stress out of cooking a Thanksgiving meal so that you can enjoy meaningful time with those you're with, rather than with your kitchen."
A few other restaurants in Tysons that will provide Thanksgiving to-go includes:
Barrel & Bushel (7901 Tysons One Place)
Founding Farmers (1800 Tysons Blvd. at Galleria Drive)
Lebanese Taverna (2001 International Drive)
Local restaurants in Merrifield that will serve traditional and non-traditional Thanksgiving meals include:
Alta Strada (29111 District Ave. Suite 150)
JINYA Ramen Bar (2911 District Ave.)
Falls Church also have a few restaurants that will serve customers on Thanksgiving Day:
Open Road Grill (8100 Lee Highway)
Sheesh Grill – 8190 Strawberry Lane Suite 4)
2941 (2941 Fairview Park Drive)
Photo via Clarity Restaurant
Weekly Planner: Monday Game Night, Virtual Improv Show, and Photos with Santa
Light Up McLean Holiday Decorating Contest — (Nov. 16 – Dec. 9) — The Light Up McLean Holiday Decorating Competition is your opportunity to show off your home in all its holiday splendor, the website says. The competition is open to the first 15 registered households. To register, use this link.
Affordable Housing Community Conversation (Online) — 7 p.m. — Falls Church residents will have a conversation about affordable housing, featuring a panel of local experts on social equity, the website says. The conversation will take place via Zoom. Email Pete Sullivan, [email protected], to register.
Turkey in Trouble Crafternoon (Online) — 3-3:3o p.m. — Join the Mary Riley Styles Public Library on Facebook to talk about camouflage and strategies to keep turkey from being eaten. Craft kits are available for pick up at MRSPL (120 N. Virginia Ave.) through Nov. 24. The craft video will remain on the MRSPL Facebook page in the Crafternoon playlist.
Virtual Improv Show (Online) — 7 p.m.– The Alden's professional teen improv company, The Unruly Theatre Project, is dedicated to bringing comedic productions to the community, the website says. To register, use this link.
Photos with Santa (Nov. 20 – Dec. 24) — 12-8 p.m. at Tysons Corner Center (1961 Chain Bridge Road) — Santa will be in Tysons Corner Center's Fashion Court at the intersection of the Nordstrom and Bloomingdale wings starting Nov. 20, the website says. A visit with Santa will be free, and photo packages will be available for purchase.
Mayor's Walk — 9:30 a.m. at Vienna Town Hall (127 Center St. S.) — Enjoy a chat and stroll through the Town of Vienna with Mayor Linda Colbert, the website says.
Virtual Family Fun Night (Online) — 7-9 p.m. — Gather the whole family around the computer or tablet and get ready for some socially distant trivia, according to the McLean Community Center website. The cost is $5 for resident families and $8 for non-resident families. To register, use this link.
Photo via DrZ/Unsplash
Finding Hollywood in Vienna: Local Indie Filmmaker Fulfills Dreams with Debut Movie
After a decade of working day jobs in fields like risk management and travel insurance, Vienna filmmaker Giuseppe Lucarelli, 40, is hitting a career milestone with the release of his first film on Blu-ray and DVD today.
Checkmate, originally titled Bystander, is currently available on Amazon and Google Play. Last year, the film screened at the Action on Film Mega Fest in Las Vegas, where it won Best Editing, and the Hollywood Dreams International Film Festival, receiving nine award nominations between the two festivals.
Lucarelli also submitted a short, Malanak, at the two festivals that received a collective seven nominations, winning Best Title and Best Graphics at the Hollywood Dreams International Festival.
Lucarelli says he is excited to see his first film available in stores.
"Getting distribution was our goal," Lucarelli said. "We were so excited when Indie Rights partnered with us to distribute our film. It's a true accomplishment, and to do it with my very first film, it feels great. It's exciting that it will be available in stores around the country."
Though he still has a day job as a real estate agent for Weichert Realty in Vienna, Lucarelli has accrued an impressive range of skills and experience as a filmmaker.
In addition to writing, producing, directing, editing, and sometimes acting, he is the founder and owner of Mountain Wind Productions. The company has produced two independent films, including Checkmate and The First Seal, as well as small commercials for local companies.
Lucarelli is an alumnus of West Virginia University where he received a Bachelor of Science in exercise physiology in 2002 and Master of Science in industrial relations and rehabilitation counseling in 2006.
Lucarelli took acting classes while attending West Virginia University, but it wasn't until he was working in risk management with Liberty Mutual in 2007 that he began learning the business side of film during his free time.
"What I was doing was basically getting paid for education," Lucarelli explained. "I was sitting there watching the crews, the big crews, learning what they were doing right, especially from a structural standpoint, what they were doing doing poorly, learning the ropes that way."
In 2009, Lucarelli returned to West Virginia University, where he accepted a teaching position as a visiting instructor and pursued a Master of Business Administration. After obtaining his MBA in 2013, Lucarelli bought an LLC for Mountain Wind Productions.
After college, Lucarelli worked full-time for Travelers Insurance and part-time for Mountain Wind Productions. He left Travelers in 2016 and began working with his production company full-time.
Lucarelli compares being an independent filmmaker to being a soccer coach.
"So much of the coaching is done before the game that once they're out there, the players have to go," Lucarelli said. "You can yell and bark, but players have to make the decision. So, 80% of the directing is done in pre-production. I talk with my actors a lot. I'm very engaged, but I feel like if everybody's having a good time, they'll put their best foot forward."
Lucarelli says he enjoys being an independent filmmaker in Northern Virginia because of the large talent base, especially those he's interacted with through Women in Film & Video of Washington, D.C., a nonprofit that provides support and resources to media professionals. He serves as an at-large member on the organization's board of directors.
"We have a lot of accomplished documentarians and filmmakers in the area," Lucarelli said. "…[Women in Film & Video] is just a wonderful organization, and we do a lot of great things for members ranging from students to very, very, very accomplished people. It's a great network, it's been nice to be a part of, and [I've] found a lot of very good people in there."
When it comes to advice for aspiring independent filmmakers, Lucarelli suggests taking classes and learning the business side of the movie industry.
"Having an understanding of business is a really important thing," he said.
Photo courtesy Guiseppe Lucarelli
Weekly Planner: Winter Walk of Lights, Yoga and Beer and Snack and Paint
Sydney Hawkins November 9, 2020 at 3:30pm
On Deck with Mercury — 5-7 p.m. at Vienna Community Center's Southside Room (120 Cherry St. E) — This month's community forum with Vienna Town Manager Mercury Payton will focus on sidewalk projects, the Town says.
Mayor @ Your Service — 7:30 p.m. at Vienna Town Hall (127 Center St. S) — Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert will talk about volunteerism during the COVID-19 pandemic in a presentation and conversation about Town programs and initiatives, Vienna history, or other topics of interest.
Meadowlark's Winter Walks of Lights — 5:30-10 p.m. at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court) — Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights is open nightly starting Wednesday (Nov. 11) through Sunday (Jan. 3), the website says. The price ranges from $9 to $15.
Thursday (Nov. 12)
Cross Stitch Crafternoon (Online) — 3-3:30 p.m. — Join the Mary Riley Styles Public Library's Facebook page to get started on a cross stitch project, the City of Falls Church website says. Craft kits are available for pick up at MRSPL (120 N. Virginia Ave.) through Thursday (Nov. 19). The craft video will remain on the MRSPL Facebook page in the Crafternoon playlist.
Yoga and Beer — 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Solace Outpost (444 West Broad St.) — Roll out your mat on the spacious patio of Solace Outpost, in the heart of Falls Church, for an hour-long mindful movement experience, the website said. The cost is $25, which includes the yoga class and one beer. Participants should bring their own mat and wear a mask.
Sing Books with Emily (Online) — 11-11:45 a.m. — Join the Mary Riley Styles Public Library through its Facebook page for a morning of stories and songs with Ms. Emily, the website said.
Snack and Paint — 1-3 p.m. at McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave.) — Snack and Paint is an instructor-led painting class for teens that have painted before or not at all, the website said. The cost is $35. Participants will paint a fall-themed picture. To register, use this link.
Photo via Meadowlark Botanical Gardens/Facebook
Fairfax County Purchases Historic McLean Property
The Fairfax County Park Authority has purchased an historic property in McLean that previously belonged to President Jimmy Carter's national security advisor, Zbigniew Brzezinski.
The county park authority announced on Monday (Nov. 2) that it had acquired the 5.45-acre land known as Spring Hill for $2.4 million funded through park bonds. Located in the Dranesville District, Spring Hill sits near the intersection of Spring Hill Road and Old Dominion Drive in McLean.
Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust says he is grateful to the park authority for preserving the Spring Hill property and "many other beautiful properties in our county, for the use of current residents and future generations."
"I also appreciate the Brzezinski family's desire to protect the natural beauty and cultural significance of this property, and their willingness to work with the Park Authority to make sure that happened," Foust said.
As the longtime residence of former National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski, Spring Hill has hosted many foreign leaders, according to Fairfax County's Public Information Officer Judy Pedersen.
Brzezinski's wife, the renowned artist Emilie Brzezinski, previously worked on her signature wood sculptures out of a studio built in the house.
Spring Hill's former residents, size, and attractiveness make the property historic and a remarkable acquisition for the county.
"The attraction on that property is, first and foremost, the beautiful land," Pedersen said. "A piece that size in the McLean area is an unusual find."
Pederson says the county acquires land in advance and later makes plans for what to do with it.
"It's not on this year's work plan," Pedersen said. "Future work is going to be aligned to the availability of capital funding, and that'll be used for planning for the design and construction process."
Those plans also include inviting the community to voice their ideas on what to do with the property.
"That's the discussion that we'll go back and have with the community at some point, about what is the appropriate and most sought-after use for this lovely property," Pederson said.
Photo via Fairfax County Park Authority


text:
Q: Алгоритм Сапера на си шарп Написал консольное приложение сапер, но появились проблемы с реализацией. Мой алгоритм таков: есть массивы, один для показа клеток в консоли, в другом содержаться расположения мин(9-мина,0-8  соответственно кол-во мин рядом). При выборе одной из клеток, если клетка содержит 0, то проверяются все соседние клетки по порядку, а в массиве для показа этот ноль становится видимым, если те клетки содержат 0,то снова выполняется этот рекурсивный проход по клеткам и отображение в массиве для показа. Так вот, в случае если выбрана одна из клеток и она ноль, в клетке слева и сверху содержатся единицы,а в клетке сверху-слева находится ноль, то по идее этот ноль не должен отображаться,потому что к нему нет прямого доступа(то есть,с любых сторон кроме диагональных)Как мне реализовать это?

A: Очень просто. При открытии 0-клетки ищите 0-соседей не по диагонали, а только сверху, снизу, слева и справа.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Researchers at the Norwegian Institute for Energy Technology have found a way to improve the capacity of conventional batteries by 300-500%.
This advancement will allow boost performance of electric vehicles (EVs), allowing drive time to increase upwards of 1000KM on a single charge.
The new technology makes use of silicon nanoengineering, as the properties of silicon allow for greater energy capacity than normal graphite batteries.
The Norwegian scientists have discovered the correct proportions and structure of the engineered silicon- graphite mix, to maximise silicon content while minimising breakage, so that the battery is stable over time.
Researchers previously attempted to use silicon however, due to the highly variable mixture composition, the battery would degrade too quickly.
"You can say we've found the X-factor we've been looking for. This has enormous potential and is something scientists all over the world are trying to accomplish," research director Arve Holt at the Institute of Energy Technology says.
The batteries will undergo industrial testing before being fully commercialised by Kjeller Innovation under the project name SiliconX.
One of the most significant problems facing today's electric vehicles is limited range. Scientists and researchers are trying to identify the solution with highest capacity, lowest rate of degradation with least production costs.


text:
One Reason Apple's Computers Are Mostly Made In China: A Tiny Screw
KUT 90.5 | By Michael Marks
Published February 1, 2019 at 6:09 PM CST
Gabriel C. Pérez/KUT
Apple's Vice President of People, Deidre O'Brien speaks at a press conference announcing a major expansion of Apple's operations in Austin, including an investment of $1 billion to build a new campus.
From Texas Standard:
In a 2016 speech, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump used colorful language to urge Apple to build products in the U.S., rather than in China. In fact, the iPhone and Mac-maker had been doing that on a small scale, or trying to, since 2013, manufacturing the high-end Mac Pro in Austin.
Jack Nicas, who covers Silicon Valley for the New York Times, says making Macs in the U.S. was easier said than done.
"Apple contracted an Austin manufacturer called Plextronics to build that Mac Pro," Nicas says. "And as they designed and built and tested that new computer on this Austin factory line, they would iterate the design and sometimes need new screws."
Nicas says ordering new screws in the volume and turnaround time needed proved difficult. In China, creating new screws of this type is a straightforward task, Nicas says, but not in the U.S., where machine shops aren't set up to produce them. With a capacity of 1,000 screws per day, the Lockhart, Texas machine shop Plextronics contracted with could not meet the needs of mass Mac Pro production.
Nicas says that, ironically, the Lockhart shop had once been geared for the kind of mass production Apple needed, but that the company had changed its business model to focus on smaller-scale manufacturing, due to lower-priced competition from Chinese firms,
"[They] got rid of the old screw machines and bought what are called CNC machines that do far more precise manufacturing," Nicas says.
To fulfill Apple's needs, the Lockhart company produced more than 28,000 screws, many of which were delivered to Plextronics by the machine shop owner. But it wasn't enough.
Nicas says the Mac Pro project faced other difficulties in Central Texas.
"When I spoke to Apple managers that worked on the project, and also Plextronics folks, there was also a sense that the project was understaffed," he says. "In China, cheap labor is plentiful."
And because employees cost more in the U.S., Nicas says, there were fewer of them in place when it was time to begin building the Mac Pro.
"When production was ready to start, materials or supplies were often not there, or ready not ready on time, and that also contributed to delays," Nicas says.
In December, Apple announced it would build a $1 billion campus in Williamson County, on the edge of Austin. Nicas says the thousands of jobs it will bring – likely making the company Austin's largest private employer – will not be on a factory floor.
"These are going to be engineering jobs, R&D jobs, customer service jobs," he says. "And these are more the positions companies like Apple are looking to the U.S. for."
Written by Shelly Brisbin.
Copyright 2020 KUT 90.5. To see more, visit KUT 90.5.
AppleAustin
Michael Marks
Piece Of Old East Austin Preserved As Cisco's Restaurant Gets Historic Landmark Designation
Apple Will Build $1 Billion Campus in Austin, Adding 5,000 Jobs


text:
Q: Proof that $\sum_{k=0}^{n} {n\choose k}=2^n$ and implications Here is a case that I found very interesting:

Prove that $$\sum_{k=0}^{n} {n\choose k} = 2^n$$
where $n,k\in\mathbb Z^+$

So the proof for this statement is given by what I consider to be one of the most satisfying ones out there:
Proof
Consider $(x+1)^n$, by the binomial theorem we have: $$(x+1)^n=\sum_{k=0}^{n}\binom{n}{k} x^{n-k}1^k$$ $$(x+1)^n={n\choose0}x^{n-0}1^0+{n\choose1}x^{n-1}1^1+{n\choose2}x^{n-2}1^2+\ldots+{n\choose n}x^{n-n}1^n$$ given that $1^k=1$ holds  $\forall k \in \mathbb R$ $$(x+1)^n={n\choose 0}x^n + {n\choose 1}x^{n-1} + {n\choose 2}x^{n-2}+\ldots+{n\choose n}$$ now let $x=1$, hence $(x+1)^n = 2^n$ and $$2^n = {n\choose 0} + {n\choose 1} + {n\choose 2}+\ldots+{n\choose n}$$ $$\implies \sum_{k=0}^{n} {n\choose k}=2^n$$
The question that I've got is, since I found this case as intriguing as I did, I was wondering what implications this idea has (if any, of course) and whether or not there are any other interesting proofs that sprung from this one, or are similar to this one. Thank you!

A: Here a proof through induction using the recursive relation:
Base case: If $n=0$, then $\sum_{k=0}^n \binom{n}{k} = \binom{0}{0} = 1 = 2^0.$
Induction step: Suppose that the sum $\sum_{k=0}^n\binom{n}{k} = 2^n$, then
$$\sum_{k=0}^{n+1} \binom{n+1}{k} =2 + \sum_{k=1}^n\binom{n+1}{k} = 2 + \sum_{k=1}^n\binom{n}{k-1} + \sum_{k=1}^n\binom{n}{k}$$
$$= 2 + \sum_{k=0}^{n-1}\binom{n}{k} + \sum_{k=1}^n\binom{n}{k} = 2 +  2\sum_{k=0}^{n}\binom{n}{k} - \binom{n}{0} -\binom{n}{n}$$
$$=2 \sum_{k=0}^{n}\binom{n}{k} = 2^{n+1}.$$

A: This identity is in fact a weakened form of the Binomial theorem,
$$\sum_{k=0}^n\binom nk a^kb^{n-k}=(a+b)^n$$ where you just substitute $(1,1)$ for $(a,b)$.
$$\sum_{k=0}^n\binom nk=(1+1)^n.$$
Similarly,
$$\sum_{k=0}^n\binom nk(-1)^k=0.$$

The result can also be easily obtained from a well-known property of Pascal's triangle: every element is the sum of the two elements above it (Pascal's rule).
Then the sum of the elements of a row is twice the sum of the elements of the row above.

A: Here is another proof by double counting:
How can we create a committee of any size from a pool of $n$ candidates? We can separate this into the cases where the committee is of size $k$, of which there are $\binom{n}{k}$ such committees. Summing over all values of $k$ accounts for all sizes of the committee to obtain $\sum_{k=0}^n\binom{n}{k}$ total committees. Another answer to the question is to look at each candidate and decide whether or not they are on the committee. There are two options per person: on the committee or not, so there are $2^n$ ways to choose this committee of arbitrary size. Hence, $\sum_{k=0}^n\binom{n}{k}=2^n$.
I don't know of any proofs coming out of the one you give, but we can use the binomial theorem to develop more identities similar to what you have. For instance, putting $x=1,y=-1$ into the binomial theorem formula, we have $0=\sum_{k=0}^n\binom{n}{k}(-1)^k$.


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Connecting passage of ag-visa bill with mandatory E-Verify creates new opportunity
Fri, Oct 27th 2017 @ 7:41 pm EDT by Roy Beck
The U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee has approved mandatory E-Verify many times. But it has never reached the House floor for a vote.
So, what makes the committee's passage of another mandatory E-Verify bill on Wednesday night any more likely to succeed?
NumbersUSA activists were successful in pushing the House Judiciary Committee to pass similar E-Verify bills on Sep. 21, 2011, on Dec. 16, 2014 and on March 3, 2015.
But it was largely believed that Speaker Boehner and then Speaker Ryan kept those bills from floor votes because they were bowing to the wishes of the agri-business lobbyists who wanted to protect their ability to hire an illegal work force.
For years, the agri-business lobbies have been the main employer hold-out on mandatory E-Verify. Most businesses prefer to have a reliable verification system that makes it easy for them to obey the law -- and, most of all, one that ensures that their competitors obey the law, too.
But Congressional Republican leaders have been unwilling to allow a floor vote on E-Verify until agri-business lobbyists feel they have gotten the changes they want in guest ag-worker programs.
Well, they got their ag-visa bill on Wednesday just before the passage of the E-Verify bill.
The ag-visa bill attempts to cut red tape, streamline the process and make it easier and more reliable to send for guest ag-workers. Agri-business ought to be mighty happy with everything it got in the bill.
We have reason to be happy, too. UNLIKE WHAT THE AGRI-BUSINESS LOBBY ALWAYS WANTED IN THE PAST, this ag-visa bill will not give a permanent amnesty to the hundreds of thousands of current illegal ag workers. They will not be given lifetime work permits and a path to citizenship. If they want to continue to work in the U.S., they will have to enter the legal guest worker program which requires periodic trips back home and renewals, and which prohibits them from having their families here or working outside agriculture.
AG BILL CAN'T GO INTO EFFECT UNTIL E-VERIFY MANDATED
Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) may have made the most important change from the past with an amendment approved by the committee on a voice vote.
That amendment to the ag-visa bill includes a provision that requires the implementation of mandatory E-Verify before any of the ag bill's guest worker visas may be issued.
It is a good attempt to keep Republican leaders in the House and Senate from sabotaging the Judiciary Committee's good work by passing only the ag-visa bill and blocking the E-Verify bill from floor votes.
We know that the majority of Members in both Parties have ag interests in their Districts and states and will be under pressure to pass the ag-visa bill. The job of the NumbersUSA Activist Network will be to constantly keep passage of mandatory E-Verify in front of those Members.
WE HAVE TO CONTINUALLY REMIND CONGRESS THAT NO MATTER WHAT ELSE THEY MAY DO TO BEEF UP IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT, THEY WILL HAVE FAILED TO MAKE A SERIOUS DIFFERENCE IF THEY HAVEN'T TURNED OFF THE JOBS MAGNET.
NumbersUSA's endorsement of the E-Verify bill was entered into the committee record Wednesday and stated in part:
"NumbersUSA -- the nation's largest grassroots organization for controlled immigration, with an active network of more than 8 million U.S. citizens -- enthusiastically endorses the Legal Workforce Act (H.R. 3711) as the most cost effective and efficient way to improve the lives of millions of Americans who are still struggling at the bottom of the economic ladder.
" . . . millions more jobs would both be available and be improved for the American workers and legal immigrants already here who would be recruited and trained to fill them.
"Most of these jobs are in construction, manufacturing, hospitality and other service occupations in which millions of Americans already are seeking full-time jobs. ...
"In light of the proven reliability and the high customer satisfaction ratings of the E-Verify system, we particularly applaud the requirement in your bill that all businesses in the nation use the system for new hires within two and a half years.
"We also are pleased that the Legal Workforce Act ends the big weakness of the current E-Verify system that allows illegal workers who have stolen legitimate identities to get through the system and obtain a job. ...
"The Legal Workforce Act also respects that states and localities have a role in helping enforce immigration laws. We are pleased that the bill allows states and localities to use a variety of enforcement tools, including the Federal employment authorization enforcement system and the revocation of business licenses. ...
"The people who would most benefit from your legislation are those in demographic groups who are having the most difficult time in this economy: Black and Hispanic Americans, the disabled, people trying to rebuild their lives after incarceration, and Americans without college degrees, especially younger adults.
"In short, the Legal Workforce Act reflects the high moral principles on economic justice and fairness advocated by the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform chaired by the late Barbara Jordan. National governments owe their most vulnerable citizens protection from uncontrolled immigration.
"Finally, serious observers of the problems on our borders recognize that the most important action that Congress could take to reduce the illegal traffic there would be to eliminate illegal crossers' belief that they will be able to obtain employment. Thus, the Legal Workforce Act would likely be the most effective border security bill ever passed."
Our hope now will be that as agri-business lobbyists continue to fight for their SPECIAL interest, the PUBLIC interest will be advanced with mandatory E-Verify finally being implemented.
ROY BECK is Founder & CEO of NumbersUSA
Updated: Fri, Nov 10th 2017 @ 7:45pm EST
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