text:
'use strict';

// Inspired by:
//   https://github.com/angular/protractor/issues/156
//   http://www.thoughtworks.com/insights/blog/using-page-objects-overcome-protractors-shortcomings

// Prerequesite:
//   The tests expect a clean system that is then loaded with the "data.sh" testdata in advance of each run
//
//   Start the webdriver (once!) with:
//
//      ./node_modules/.bin/protractor
//
//   use:
//
//      rm -rf ./target/events/
//
//   to clean out durty data. Then launch application with:
//
//      mvn spring-boot:run
//
//   and start protractor with
//
//      ./node_modules/protractor/bin/webdriver-manager start
//
// TIP:
//   Add an extra 'd' to 'descripe(...)' to test only those senarios!
//   Also, be aware that many scenarios need for the log-in scenario to have run
//   in advance, so remember to also enable that.

// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
// HELPERS
// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

browser.addMockModule('mcp.e2e.protractor', function () {
  angular.module('mcp.e2e.protractor', [])
      .run(function () {
        // Raise a e2e test flag to allow for protractor unfreindly elements like carrousel to be removed during testing
        window.protractorE2EtestIsRunning = true;
      });
});

var expectIsEnabled = function (element) {
  return expect(element.isEnabled());
};

var isDisabled = function (element) {
  // HACK: apparently protractor (or selenium?) cannot read the correct
  // isEnabled-state of some elements, instead it always resolves to true?!!
  // (It might be due to the transcluded nature of these elements, like buttons
  // in panels-directive!?!)
  // Explicitly look for the "disabled"-attribute:
  return element.getAttribute('disabled').then(function (result) {
    return result === 'true';
  });
};

var echo = function (element) {
  element.getOuterHtml().then(function (data) {
    console.log(data);
    console.log("Data: " + data);
  });
  element.isEnabled().then(function (data) {
    console.log(data);
    console.log("Data: " + data);
  });
  element.getAttribute('disabled').then(function (data) {
    console.log(data);
    console.log("Data: " + data);
  });
};

// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
// PAGE OBJECTS
// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

var Menu = function () {
  browser.get('app/index.html#/');
  this.brand = element(by.id('brand'));
  this.joinItem = element(by.id('menuLogin'));
  this.loginItem = element(by.id('menuLogin'));
  this.logoutItem = element(by.id('menuLogout'));
};

var LandingPage = function () {
  browser.get('app/index.html#/');
  this.loginButton = element(by.id('login'));
  this.joinButton = element(by.id('join'));
};

var LoginDialogPage = function () {
  // Init page
  var navbar = new Menu();
  navbar.loginItem.click();

  this.loginDialog = element(by.id('loginDialog'));
  this.usernamefield = element(by.id('usernamefield'));
  this.passwordfield = element(by.id('passwordfield'));
  this.forgotPasswordLink = element(by.id('forgotPasswordLink'));
  this.login = element(by.buttonText('Log In'));
  this.close = element(by.buttonText('x'));
  this.cancel = element(by.buttonText('Cancel'));
  this.signUpLink = element(by.id('signUpLink'));
  this.typeEscape = function () {
    var e = this.close;
    e.sendKeys(protractor.Key.ESCAPE);
    // broken in safari (escape does not work!?) ...use close button instead
    browser.getCapabilities().then(function (data) {
      if (data.caps_.browserName === 'safari') {
        e.click();
      }
    });
  };
};

var LoginHelper = function () {
  var logoutItem = element(by.id('menuLogout'));
//  if(logoutItem.isDisplayed()){
//    logoutItem.click();
//  }
  // Init page
  var loginPage = new LoginDialogPage();
  function typeUsername(keys) {
    return loginPage.usernamefield.sendKeys(keys);
  }
  ;
  function typePassword(keys) {
    return loginPage.passwordfield.sendKeys(keys);
  }
  ;
  this.login = function (username, password) {
    typeUsername(username);
    typePassword(password);
    loginPage.login.click();
  };
  this.isLoggedIn = function () {
    return logoutItem.isDisplayed();
  };
};

var LoginDialogForgotPasswordPage = function () {
  // Init page
  var loginDialogPage = new LoginDialogPage();
  loginDialogPage.forgotPasswordLink.click();
  browser.waitForAngular();

  this.dialog = loginDialogPage.loginDialog;
  this.forgotPasswordLink = element(by.id('forgotPasswordLink'));
  this.email = element(by.id('email'));
  this.typeEmail = function (keys) {
    return this.email.sendKeys(keys);
  };
  this.backToLoginLink = element(by.id('backToLoginLink'));
  this.send = element(by.buttonText('Send'));
  this.cancel = element(by.buttonText('Cancel'));
};

var SupplyPasswordSnippet = function () {
  this.newPassword = element(by.id('newPassword'));
  this.repeatedPassword = element(by.id('repeatedPassword'));
  this.typePassword = function (keys) {
    return this.newPassword.sendKeys(keys);
  };
  this.retypePassword = function (keys) {
    return this.repeatedPassword.sendKeys(keys);
  };
};

var JoinFormPage = function () {
  browser.get('app/index.html#/join');
  this.preferredLogin = element(by.id('preferredLogin'));
  this.isValidLogin = function (keys) {
    return this.preferredLogin.getAttribute('mcp-invalid-input').then(function (result) {
      return result === 'true';
    });
  };
  this.typePreferredLogin = function (keys) {
    return this.preferredLogin.sendKeys(keys);
  };
  this.email = element(by.id('email'));
  this.typeEmail = function (keys) {
    return this.email.sendKeys(keys);
  };
  // import password snippet
  var supplyPasswordSnippet = new SupplyPasswordSnippet();
  this.newPassword = supplyPasswordSnippet.newPassword;
  this.repeatedPassword = supplyPasswordSnippet.repeatedPassword;
  this.typePassword = supplyPasswordSnippet.typePassword;
  this.retypePassword = supplyPasswordSnippet.retypePassword;
  this.submitButton = element(by.id('submitButton'));
};

var JoinConfirmPage = function () {
  browser.get('app/index.html#/join-confirm');

  this.panelBody = element(by.css('.panel-body'));
};

var ResetPasswordPage = function () {
  browser.get('app/index.html#/users/admin/reset/some-unique-verification-code-XYZ-123');
  // import password snippet
  var supplyPasswordSnippet = new SupplyPasswordSnippet();
  this.newPassword = supplyPasswordSnippet.newPassword;
  this.repeatedPassword = supplyPasswordSnippet.repeatedPassword;
  this.typePassword = supplyPasswordSnippet.typePassword;
  this.retypePassword = supplyPasswordSnippet.retypePassword;
  this.changePasswordButton = element(by.id('changePasswordButton'));
  this.loginButton = element(by.id('loginButton'));
  this.closeButton = element(by.id('closeButton'));
};

var CreateServiceInstancePage = function () {
  browser.get('app/index.html#/orgs/dmi/createServiceInstance');

  this.operationalService = element(by.model('selection.operationalService'));
  this.specification = element(by.model('selection.specification'));
//  this.id = element(by.model('service.id'));
  this.name = element(by.model('service.name'));
  this.primaryAlias = element(by.model('service.primaryAlias'));
  this.description = element(by.model('service.summary'));
  this.submitButton = element(by.css('.btn-success'));
  this.openCoverageEditorButton = element(by.id('openCoverageEditorButton'));
  this.submitCoverageButton = element(by.id('submitCoverageButton'));
  this.map = element(by.css('.angular-leaflet-map'));

  // (on services page)
  this.serviceInstanceList = element.all(by.repeater('service in serviceInstances'));
};

var SearchServiceMapPage = function () {
  browser.get('http://localhost:8080/app/index.html#/search/service/map');

  var svgElement = '//*[local-name()="svg" and namespace-uri()="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"]',
      svgPathElementXpath = svgElement + '//*[local-name()="path"]';

  this.searchmap = element(by.id('searchmap'));
  this.svgPathElementXpath = svgPathElementXpath;
  this.svgPathElements = element.all(by.xpath(svgPathElementXpath));
  this.anyText = element(by.id('anyText'));
  this.providerOpen = element(by.buttonText('provider'));
  this.provider = element(by.model('$select.search'));
  this.providerList = element.all(by.repeater('provider in $select.items'));
  this.reset = element(by.id('mapFilterResetAll'));
};

// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
// Specs
// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

describe('menu bar', function () {

  var menu;

  beforeEach(function () {
    browser.get('app/index.html#/');
    menu = new Menu();
  });

  it('should logout before testing', function () {
    menu.logoutItem.isPresent().then(function (present) {
      if (present) {
        console.log("Logging out to be in a clean state");
        menu.logoutItem.click();
      }
    });
  });

  it('should have a brand, a join and a login', function () {
    expect(menu.brand.isPresent()).toBe(true);
    expect(menu.joinItem.isPresent()).toBe(true);
    expect(menu.loginItem.isPresent()).toBe(true);
    expect(menu.logoutItem.isPresent()).toBe(false);
  });

});

describe('maritime cloud portal landingpage', function () {

  var page;

  beforeEach(function () {
    page = new LandingPage();
  });

  it('should have a title, a brand, a join and a login', function () {
    expect(browser.getTitle()).toEqual('Maritime Cloud Portal');
    expect(page.joinButton.isPresent()).toBe(true);
    expect(page.loginButton.isPresent()).toBe(true);
  });

});

describe('login dialog', function () {

  var page;

  beforeEach(function () {
    page = new LoginDialogPage();
  });

  it('should require both username and minimum 4 characters password', function () {
    expectIsEnabled(page.login).toBe(false);
    page.usernamefield.sendKeys('admin');
    expectIsEnabled(page.login).toBe(false);
    page.passwordfield.sendKeys('tes');
    expectIsEnabled(page.login).toBe(false);
    page.passwordfield.sendKeys('t');
    expectIsEnabled(page.login).toBe(true);
  });

  it('should have a link "forgot password"', function () {
    expect(page.forgotPasswordLink.isPresent()).toBe(true);
    page.forgotPasswordLink.click();
    expect(page.usernamefield.isPresent()).toBe(false);
  });

  it('should close dialog on cancel', function () {
    expect(page.loginDialog.isPresent()).toBe(true);
    // should have enabled cancel button
    expect(page.cancel.isPresent()).toBe(true);
    expectIsEnabled(page.cancel).toBe(true);
    page.cancel.click();
    expect(page.loginDialog.isPresent()).toBe(false);
  });

  it('should close dialog on close-x-button', function () {
    expect(page.loginDialog.isPresent()).toBe(true);
    // should have enabled cancel button
    expectIsEnabled(page.close).toBe(true);
    page.close.click();
    expect(page.loginDialog.isPresent()).toBe(false);
  });

  it('should close dialog on escape', function () {
    expect(page.loginDialog.isPresent()).toBe(true);
    page.typeEscape();
    //page.loginDialog.sendKeys(protractor.Key.ESCAPE);
    expect(page.loginDialog.isPresent()).toBe(false);
  });

  it('should navigate to the sign up page', function () {
    expect(page.signUpLink.isPresent()).toBe(true);
    page.signUpLink.click();
    expect(browser.getLocationAbsUrl()).toMatch("/join");
  });

});

describe('login dialog forgot password', function () {

  var page;

  beforeEach(function () {
    page = new LoginDialogForgotPasswordPage();
  });

  it('should require email', function () {
    // should have a link "back to login"
    expect(page.backToLoginLink.isPresent()).toBe(true);
    // should have enabled cancel button
    expect(page.cancel.isPresent()).toBe(true);
    expectIsEnabled(page.cancel).toBe(true);
    // should have visible but disabled send button
    expect(page.send.isPresent()).toBe(true);
    expectIsEnabled(page.send).toBe(false);
    // when providing invalid email
    page.typeEmail('e@');
    // then send button is still disabled
    expectIsEnabled(page.send).toBe(false);
    // when completing to a valid email
    page.typeEmail('mail.com');
    // then send is enabled
    expectIsEnabled(page.send).toBe(true);
  });

});

describe('reset password page', function () {

  var page;

  beforeEach(function () {
    page = new ResetPasswordPage();
  });

  it('should require at least 4 character password', function () {
    expect(page.repeatedPassword.isDisplayed()).toBe(false);
    page.typePassword('abc');
    expect(page.repeatedPassword.isDisplayed()).toBe(false);
  });

  it('should require password different from username', function () {
    // HACK: apparently protractor (or selenium?) cannot read the correct
    // isEnabled-state of this element, instead it always resolves to true?!!
    // (It might be due to the transcluded nature of the button!?!)
    // Explicitly look for the "disabled"-attribute:
    expect(isDisabled(page.changePasswordButton)).toBe(true);
    page.typePassword('admin');
    page.retypePassword('admin');
    expect(isDisabled(page.changePasswordButton)).toBe(true);
  });

  it('should verify password', function () {
    expect(page.newPassword.isDisplayed()).toBe(true);
    expect(page.repeatedPassword.isDisplayed()).toBe(false);
    expect(isDisabled(page.changePasswordButton)).toBe(true);
    page.typePassword('secret');
    expect(page.repeatedPassword.isDisplayed()).toBe(true);
    page.retypePassword('secret');
    expect(isDisabled(page.changePasswordButton)).toBe(false);
  });

  it('should deny change of password with expired reset-id', function () {
    expect(page.closeButton.isDisplayed()).toBe(false);
    page.typePassword('secret');
    page.retypePassword('secret');
    page.changePasswordButton.click();
    expect(page.closeButton.isDisplayed()).toBe(true);
  });

});

describe('join form', function () {

  var page;

  beforeEach(function () {
    page = new JoinFormPage();
  });

  it('should sign up', function () {
    page.typePreferredLogin('JohnDoe');
    page.typeEmail('john_doe@email.com');
    page.typePassword('secret');
    page.retypePassword('secret');
    // TODO: add httpCallback mock to intercept registration
    // in order to prevent duplicate username errors when testing
    // with multiple browsers
    //page.submitButton.click();
    //expect(browser.getLocationAbsUrl()).toMatch("/join-confirm");
  });

  it('should require unique username', function () {
    page.typePreferredLogin('admin');
    expect(page.isValidLogin()).toBe(false);
    //    page.typePreferredLogin('somethingElse');
    //    expect(page.isValidLogin()).toBe(true);
  });

});

describe('Join confirmation', function () {

  var page;

  beforeEach(function () {
    page = new JoinConfirmPage();
  });

  it('should inform that an email has been sent', function () {
    expect(page.panelBody.getText()).toContain('email has been sent');
  });

});

// --------------------------------------------------------------------
// LOG IN as 'Tintin'
// ...for testing protected pages
// --------------------------------------------------------------------

describe('HELPER: Log in to test protected pages', function () {

  var page;

  it('should log out if already logged in', function () {
    var menu = new Menu();
    var logoutItem = menu.logoutItem;
    logoutItem.click().then(function () {
      //console.log('Logged out');
    }, function (err) {
      //console.log('Never Logged in');
    });
  });

  it('should log in', function () {
    page = new LoginHelper();
    page.login('Tintin', 'test');
  });

  it('should still be logged in', function () {
    expect(element(by.id('menuLogout')).isDisplayed()).toBe(true);
  });

});

// --------------------------------------------------------------------
// TEST PROTECTED PAGES
// --------------------------------------------------------------------

describe('create service instance', function () {
  var page;

  beforeEach(function () {
    page = new CreateServiceInstancePage();
  });

  it('should create service instance', function () {

    expect(page.submitButton.isEnabled()).toBe(false);

    page.operationalService.sendKeys('M');
    page.specification.sendKeys('M');
//    page.id.sendKeys('id1');
    page.name.sendKeys('A Service Name');
    page.primaryAlias.sendKeys('id1');
    page.description.sendKeys('a very long description');

    // openCoverageEditorButton
    page.openCoverageEditorButton.click();
    browser.sleep(1000);
    // Draw circle on map
    element(by.css('.leaflet-draw-draw-circle')).click();
    browser.actions().mouseDown(page.map).mouseMove({x: 30, y:30}).mouseUp().perform();

    element(by.css('.leaflet-draw-draw-rectangle')).click();
    browser.actions().mouseDown(page.map).mouseMove({x: -30, y:-30}).mouseUp().perform();

    element(by.css('.leaflet-draw-draw-polygon')).click();
    browser.actions()
        .mouseDown(page.map).mouseUp()
        .mouseMove({x: 10, y:10}).mouseDown().mouseUp()
        .mouseMove({x: 10, y:-10}).mouseDown().mouseUp()
        .mouseDown(page.map).mouseUp()
        .perform();
    //browser.sleep(5000);
    page.submitCoverageButton.click();

    expect(page.submitButton.isEnabled()).toBe(true);
    expect(browser.getLocationAbsUrl()).toMatch("orgs/dmi/createServiceInstance");
    page.submitButton.click();

    // should be on services list page
    expect(browser.getLocationAbsUrl()).not.toMatch("orgs/dmi/createServiceInstance");
    expect(browser.getLocationAbsUrl()).toMatch("orgs/dmi");

    // should see service on list
    expect(page.serviceInstanceList.count()).toBe(6);
    expect(page.serviceInstanceList.get(5).element(by.css('h4')).getText()).toContain('A Service Name - WWW');

    //browser.sleep(10000);
  });

});

describe('search on map', function () {

  var page;

  beforeEach(function () {
    page = new SearchServiceMapPage();
  });

  it('should load a marker when clicked on the map', function () {

    // wait until the first svgPath element is present
    browser.wait(function () {
      //return element(by.css('img.leaflet-tile-loaded')).isPresent();
      return page.svgPathElements.first().isPresent();
    });

    //    element(by.css('img.leaflet-tile-loaded')).click().then(function () {
    //      browser.sleep(100);
    //      expect(element(by.css('img.leaflet-marker-icon')).isPresent()).toBe(true);
    //    });

    //    element(by.css('img.leaflet-tile-loaded')).click().then(function () {
    //      browser.sleep(100);
    //      expect(element(by.css('img.leaflet-marker-icon')).isPresent()).toBe(true);
    //    });

    //expect(page.svgPathElements.count()).toBe(1);
    expect(page.svgPathElements.count()).toBeGreaterThan(5);

    //    page.svgPathElements.each(function (element) {
    //      // Will print First, Second, Third.
    //      console.log(element);
    //      element.getAttribute('d').then(function (data) {
    //        console.log(data);
    //      });
    //    });

    // find circle coverage of west Greenland
    //expect(element(by.xpath(page.svgElement + '//*[local-name()="path" and @d="M271 634L271 74L641 74L641 634z"]')).isPresent()).toBe(true);
  });

  it('should filter list by provider', function () {

    // hack: reset provider dropdown
    page.providerOpen.click();
    page.anyText.click();
    expect(page.svgPathElements.count()).toBeGreaterThan(6);

    // when I focus the provider
    page.providerOpen.click();
    // I should see a dropdown list with more than 3 elements
    expect(page.providerList.count()).toBeGreaterThan(3);

    // when I start to enter something (as 'meteoroligical')
    page.provider.sendKeys('dan');
    // then the list should be reduced
    expect(page.providerList.count()).toBe(3);
    page.provider.sendKeys('ish me');
    // ... reduced to 'Danish Meteoroligical Institute'
    expect(page.providerList.count()).toBe(1);

    // when I click the only item on the list
    page.providerList.first().click();
    // then the number of visible services on the map should be reduced to 9
    expect(page.svgPathElements.count()).toBe(9);

    // when I click the reset button
    page.reset.click();
    expect(page.svgPathElements.count()).toBeGreaterThan(9);
  });

  it('should filter list by any text', function () {

    // hack: reset provider dropdown
    page.providerOpen.click();
    page.anyText.click();
    expect(page.svgPathElements.count()).toBeGreaterThan(1);

    page.anyText.sendKeys('id1');
    expect(page.svgPathElements.count()).toBe(3);

    page.reset.click();
    expect(page.svgPathElements.count()).toBeGreaterThan(3);
  });

});

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Tenth Circuit to Utah: "Stop Illegally Prosecuting Indians. Or Else."
"Because of the local ill feeling, the people of the States where [Indians] are found are often their deadliest enemies." U.S. v. Kagama, 118 U.S. 375 (1886).
In a scathing opinion, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday condemned the State of Utah for ignoring decades-old law preempting state prosecution of tribal members on Ute tribal lands.
Thanks in part to hard-fought legal battles in the 1990s, it is well settled that federal and tribal authorities alone may prosecute tribal members for offenses committed in Indian country in Utah. Those same cases helped adjudicated the boundaries of Ute lands.
In 2012, Utah brazenly ignored the precedent by arresting Ute member Lesa Jenkins for alleged traffic offenses inside reservation boundaries. In response, the Tribe initiated the federal suit that culminated in Tuesday's decision.
The panel further suggested that the patently unlawful prosecution of Jenkins undermined foundational legal concepts like finality.
State and county officials have yet to disclose whether they intend to challenge the ruling—or follow it.
Jared Miller is an Associate in the Seattle office of Galanda Broadman. His practice focuses on tribal court litigation and representing businesses and tribal governments in public affairs. Jared is licensed in more than a dozen tribal jurisdictions, where he litigates civil matters.


First, there are the kind that celebrate nature all by itself. And then, there are flower photographs that include a human element. Both of them are valid and both of them can be extraordinarily powerful and beautiful. Flowers alone can feel like a celebration of life itself. When you include something in your photographs that's man-made, there's a hint of a relationship happening— and a wonderful relationship it is. Should I include a human element or not? It's a personal, creative decision. There's no right or wrong here—it's just something to keep in mind. It's two different feelings.
This is practically the most important flower photo tip. You have to keep your eyes on the background—all the time; it will steal the show if you let it. Perhaps the easiest way to deal with a distracting background is to put it out of focus. There are a few ways to do that. Getting closer to the flower will put the background more out of focus. Using a larger aperture or a longer lens will also help. Knowing how to combine all three is what you need to master. (That's what my Going Manual Course is all about). But make no mistake about it, you need to seriously consider the background every time you photograph a flower. There's no getting around it.
Another way to eliminate anything you don't want your viewer to see is to find the right angle. Sometimes putting your camera at a very low angle looking up at the flowers can do the trick. This, however, may not be as easy as it sounds. If your camera is looking straight up it's a little difficult to put your head under the viewfinder. Many newer cameras have the swivel viewfinder on the back that allows you to see what the camera is seeing even if the camera is lying on the ground. This is a terrific flower photography tool and if you've got a camera like that you should take advantage of.
Flower photography can be an uphill battle when the wind is blowing. When you get in close to flowers that are swaying back and forth you can get actually get a little seasick looking through your camera viewfinder. Generally speaking, the wind kicks up in the middle of the day. Fortunately, the light is generally nicer earlier or later in the day, so when you combine still air and the beautiful light of early morning or evening, it's flower photography time. Flower photographers often go to bed early.
If you really decide you're going to be a flower photographer there is an almost mandatory piece of equipment you need. It's called a Plamp. (It's a clamp for plants – hence its name, Plamp.) It's a way to stabilize flowers and position them exactly as you want them. It gives you tons of control over the exact position of a flower—especially on a windy day. One end of the plamp clamps to a tripod leg—or any other stable object and the other end clamps to the stem of the flower without damaging it. You might think you could make one, but there's really no substitute for it. They are a joy to use. Highly recommended.
There are certainly opportunities for flower photography in the middle of a bright sunny day, but you are probably going to be thrilled with the light you find early or late in the day. Solid colors being hit by a direct blast of sunlight can be gorgeous, for sure. Most flower photographers love a cloudy day—there are simply fewer variables and fewer challenges. But generally speaking, you want to wait for the light to be right—whenever that is. The mid-day sunlight in the top photo is a good example of light that you may have to wrestle with. If you wait until later in the day or earlier in the morning—like in the bottom photo—you may get to where you want to be much quicker.
Knowing when your flowers are budding and blooming is key to capturing those pristine buds and petals. You want to get to a fresh new flower before the bugs and the wind and the rain do their damage. The magic window for whatever flower you may want to photograph may be as little as 12 hours. Having a flower pose for your camera at the height of its glory can be as thrilling as capturing any animal in the wild. But you have to be there at the right time. A little time spent reading and researching about individual flowers can enhance your experience and give you some photo ideas. Even a flower that hasn't opened up its petals for the day can be a pristine celebration of life—if you know when to be there in the life cycle.
It's hard to put into words exactly what I mean by this, but the very best flower photographs are more than simple record shots of something beautiful. They practically tell a story. They move us. They touch us. Maybe the flower looks vulnerable. Maybe it's full of hope. Maybe it has to do with weather or the last days of its life. As hard to believe as it is, a good flower photograph can tell a story. Maybe it's something as simple as the flowers are overcoming the huge obstacle of existence – just like you and me.


text:
José Palet cuyo nombre completo es Josep Palet i Bartomeu (Martorell, 7 de junio de 1877 — Milán, 1 de febrero de 1946) fue un tenor español.

Biografía
Tomó algunas lecciones en Martorell con el maestro Paredes y seguidamente fue presentado al industrial Ramón Batlló; éste, una vez comprobadas las aptitudes de Palet, pasó a convertirse en su protector. Realizó sus estudios de canto en Barcelona con Joan Goula, y a los 23 años debutó en el Gran Teatro del Liceo con la ópera La favorita de Donizetti con un éxito muy remarcable.

Trayectoria
Hizo una carrera internacional por los principales teatros de Europa y América. Fue aplaudido en teatros como el Teatro Real de Madrid, donde cantó varias temporadas. En Italia, donde fue un ídolo mientras estuvo en activo, recorrió sus centros operísticos más importantes. Vivió en Milán durante muchos años y debutó en el Teatro de La Scala en 1911, lo que significó su consagración definitiva. El mismo año, Palet se casó con Luisa Erivigio.

Fue fundamentalmente un intérprete del repertorio romántico italiano y también cantó con frecuencia óperas españolas como Marina, participando en la primera representación de esta obra en el Liceo.

La clave del éxito de Palet fue la de poseer una voz que modulaba a voluntad. Su dicción era muy buena, igual en los tonos altos y agudos, como en los tonos bajos y cadenciosos; esta virtud le daba un carácter personal y una gran naturalidad interpretativa. Además, Palet poseía uno de los repertorios operísticos más extensos de la época; alguien llegó a decir que conocía más de noventa óperas. De hecho, triunfó en óperas en las que otros profesionales fracasaban, como fue el caso de Les Huguenots, de Meyerbeer, o Los maestros cantores de Núremberg, de Wagner.

A partir de 1936, Palet se retiró en la ciudad de Milán, donde alcanzó un gran renombre. Murió repentinamente mientras viajaba en tranvía, en 1946. Dejó grabaciones de gran calidad.

Referencias

Nacidos en Martorell
Fallecidos en Milán
Tenores de España
Tenores en el Teatro Real
Músicos clásicos del siglo XX de España

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Power & Energy Africa in Nairobi is an international trade fair for power generation, electrical engineering and alternative energy sources. It is a meeting place for the entire African market. The fair attracts visitors from numerous countries and gives visitors the opportunity to get an overview on the international market offering. Exhibitors can use the fair to introduce their products to new markets.
The eighth Power & Energy Africa takes place on 3, Thur. in 25.07.2019.
Upload a picture from your booth on the Power & Energy Africa or other fair impressions!


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If Wishes Were Horses, Beggars Would Ride!
What If...you could form an investment with known future earnings for the next twelve months? Could you make money? What if...you could structure your exact desired interest rate? Could you make money? What if...your cash flow could be insured, barring nuclear war? Could you make money? What if...you could interchange components of your investment at will, and get paid additional fees for doing so? Could you make money? What if...you could not be sued for making money, because you don't even exist? Could you make money? What if...you owned every legislator and every judge in creation, so you could change any rule you desired as the situation changed? Could you make money? What if...your investment components performed lower than expectation, and the US Government would print extra money just for you? Could you make money? What if...you could invent a special language, and special rules, and they would remain secret only to your masters? Could you make money? What if...you didn't have to define your investment under mathematical laws, but only a system of data entry? Could you make money? What if...you could value your investment internally and external Good Faith Accountants would underwrite your scheme? For a fee. Could you make money? What if...you could fold up your investment for cash at any point, and not have to go to jail? Could you make money? What if...you could lease office buildings, computers, and temporary staff for whatever you needed to run your scam, and you could fund your operation with fees rather than profits? Could you make money? What if...you never made a profit, and never paid a tax, and only paid yourself according to your own defined performance metrics? Could you make obscene amounts of money? What if...you get caught? Do you have to go to the Graybar Hotel and learn a vocation? Not a chance. Just Call Barack.
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Blending fashion with social awareness.
The introductory line, the Equal Hardt Collection, is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting acceptance through jewelry. The designs are a stylish, yet significant statement; a symbol of support, pride, and commitment to all forms of equality.


THE FIRST PERSON TO COME BUY THE NEW KOPEK CD "WHITE COLLAR LIES" WILL RECEIVE A FREE T-SHIRT AND AUTOGRAPHED POSTER!
The first person to come down to The Record Exchange and purchase Kopek's new album White Collar Lies will receive a free t-shirt(large) and an autographed poster from the band!
Previous RECORD EXCHANGE INDIE STORE EXCLUSIVES: BOOKER T DOES ABBEY ROAD, CONAN, DUNGEN AND MORE!


More than 50 members from SPAA – faculty, students, and alumni – attended or presented at the annual ASPA conference held March 8-12, 2019 in Washington D.C.
Do Nonprofit Organizations Diversify Their Revenue Sources over Time?
Does Government Punish Nonprofits for High Administrative Costs in Contracting Decisions?
The Political Economy of Municipal Government Dissolution in New York: When Does a Village Become Unnecessary?
Have Anti-Corruption Measures Failed? Why?
SMART City Initiatives in India: A Case of Devolution or Disenfranchisement?


583,012. Magnetic compasses. WATTS & SON, Ltd., E. R., and WHIPPLE, G. A. Sept. 21, 1944, No. 18043. [Class 97 (ii)] A compass comprises a dial 4, which may be a disc with degrees ongraved or printed on it or star-shaped to indicate the cardinal and intermediate points, formed wholly of magnetic material and magnetized so that its polarity agrees with the N-S lines printed on it and mounted on.a pivot 6 for rotation in a casing 1 which has at least its two opposite faces formed of transparent material. The casing may be moulded in transparent plastic in which case one face is integral therewith and the other face carrying the pivot is secured in position.


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Early voting underway for runoff elections
By KGNS Staff
LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - Early voting for the runoff election is officially underway in Webb County.
After a busy November election, there are a few races that need the voters to narrow down a winner.
The races that are headed for a runoff are district one, district six, and the mayoral race.
Early voting started on Nov. 30 and ends on Dec. 13.
While runoff elections are typically slower than the general election, Jose Luis Castillo with the Webb County Elections Office said roughly 100 people started showing up at 9 a.m.
"The trend normally for runoffs is a little low but I do expect it to be higher than normal," said Castillo. "We do have some contested races, I was looking at some numbers already this morning. It's higher than what I anticipated especially where we have in areas of the city where we have contested council member races, the turnout is a little higher than in other areas."
Just a reminder, hours will be extended from monday through saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Election Day is Dec. 17.
For more information on early voting click here.
For more headlines. click here.
Copyright 2022 KGNS. All rights reserved.


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FGCU women's soccer defeats Jacksonville 2-0 on senior night
EN Photo / Brad Young
After allowing two late goals in the last 20 minutes of the match to earn a 2-2 draw against Lipscomb, the FGCU women's soccer team defeated Jacksonville 2-0.
Honoring their six seniors, Tabby Tindell – Ali Rodgers, Paulina Speckmaier, Yazmin Velez, Lauren Knight and Sarah Lowikcki – prior to the matchup, the Eagles rode second half goals from Tindell and Lauren Greene to put them two points behind Stetson in the Atlantic Sun Conference table.
"I like the way we played tonight," head coach Jim Blankenship told FGCU athletics. "I felt like we had a good start, Ali (Rodgers) had a really nice look early on, but hit the post. Credit to them, their keeper made some really good saves and they were really well prepared. "
It looked like Rodgers was going to give FGCU an early lead in the seventh minute, but her 30-yard-out effort struck the post.
The Eagles continued to dominate possession in the early going of the match, pressuring the Dolphins defense and earning seven corner kicks as well as firing off nine more shots before going into the half deadlocked at zero.
"It was scoreless at half, but we had a chance to get our feet underneath us again and we were able to talk more about how to break them down," Blankenship told FGCU athletics. "We got rewarded with two really nice goals. Tonight was a big night for us, it's one of the senior's last nights in front of their friends and Dirty Birds so it's good to get a win."
Keeping their foot on the gas in the second half, Tindell scored the Eagles' break-through goal, heading the ball in the back of the net off of a cross from Rodgers.
After earning an assist earlier in the second half, Rodgers had a chance to increase FGCU's lead to two after Meaghan Mulligan was brought down in the box, but Sara Wicks kept Rodgers effort out of the back of the net.
In the 83rd minute, the Eagles earned the game-sealing goal, thanks to Lauren Greene's first goal of the season.
FGCU will now face ASUN leader Stetson, Monday at 6 p.m. in a contest that could potentially decide the ASUN regular-season title and the number one seed in the ASUN Women's Soccer Championship.
FGCU Women's Soccer vs. FSU Recap
FGCU Women's Soccer Grabs First Win in Overtime
Shak Adams selected by Nashville SC in MLS Superdraft
Late goal sees FGCU lose 2-1 to NJIT in ASUN Championship
Men's Soccer advances to ASUN Championship with win over UNF
Kennesaw State upsets FGCU in ASUN semifinals
Men's soccer wins regular season finale against Stetson


At some point you might log into your Convention Master console to discover a screen that tells you that there are updates available.
Log into the shell (command line) of your server.
Make a backup of your database! - To do this you can use the command "mysqldump -uusername -p database_name > filename.sql" replacing the "userame" with your valid username, and "database_name" with your database name.
Type the Subversion Update Command - "svn up"
Verify that the upgrades all read "SUCCESS"


Ahh, FINALLY! After months of torture, spy photos and general and literal teasing from various media outlets (including ourselves) and even General Motors, Chevrolet has bestowed upon us the 2016 Camaro in all of it glory.
Unveiled on the 16th of May in Detroit, Michigan, the automotive press went ecstatic when Chevrolet rolled out a group of the latest iteration of Chevrolet pony car, minus camouflage, everyone was ecstatic. Taking the evolutionary styling route, as opposed to a more radical design change that we've become accustomed to in past generations of Camaro.
With all of the changes that's happening in the world, GM understands that the next era of performance will not only include V8 power and prestige, but will have to also reach out to V6 and turbocharged I-4 tuners as well.
Already shaping up to be the best well-sported Camaro ever built, the 6th-gen car is already making waves in the automotive press and in the enthusiast community. The Chevrolet brass understands the historic and passionate signifigance of the Camaro, and that's why Mark Ruess, Al Oppenheiser and Alan Batey are interviewed by Dennis Pittesenbarger, one of the most-recognized faces in automotive media.
What the three individuals from General Motors point out, are the prominent changes in the car. While they all admit that the styling standpoint is more evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, there's not a single component attached to this car that's carried over from the previous generation. Just a fresh approach at a proven formula, using the latest technology that's currently available for our time. Provided the changes and improvements that 5th-gen car had underwent over the years, we're excited to see what Camaro Six will bring!


Los Angeles, California - The sun broke through the clouds at the StubHub Center in Carson, California as gaffer Bruce Arena put the U.S. Men's National Team through the paces. New faces were given a brief opportunity to show just why they belong on the national team, and youngsters like Vancouver Whitecaps FC winger Kekuta Manneh have been given a chance to show what they can offer.
Manneh was buzzing all over the pitch as he acclimated himself to his new surroundings. He had a smile from ear to ear as it was announced that his U.S. citizenship has finally been granted. A long journey with plenty of ups and downs. The news being so new to Manneh, that he has not yet found the time to phone his family in Texas to celebrate.
"(I found out) very recently, just a few days ago," said Manneh. "It was exciting news. Something I've been waiting for, for a long time. Finally getting it was very exciting."
The 22 year-old Manneh will have to wait a little while longer to represent the United States in an official match. It could take up to two months for his FIFA player visa certificate to be completed. While he awaits that news, he dreams of his first match.
"It would mean a lot, it's a dream come true," admitted Manneh. "I'm just really excited to be here. If I get a chance to play, it would definitely mean a lot to me."
Manneh had to live in the U.S. for five years consecutive years to gain his residency status. He moved to Texas from his native Gambia at the age of sixteen. Once the Whitecaps drafted Manneh in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, he began the long commute to and from his home in Point Roberts, Washington. He would travel in from across the Canada/ U.S. border to Vancouver for training sessions and matches.
"No, I don't have to do that anymore," revealed Manneh. "I've got the citizenship now, and all that commute is over. It's back to Vancouver now."
First impressions make a big impact and Bruce Arena has kept a close eye on Manneh. He doesn't want to rush him into anything too quickly, or bolster expectations. Manneh is coming back from a broken fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot. The July 9th injury has been a gruelling process of recovery. Arena knows what Manneh is capable of when fully healthy.
"He's a good young player," said Bruce Arena. "He obviously missed a good part of the season, and he's returned from an injury. I don't think we're going to expect too much from him early. Hopefully he can through the next week healthy, and start showing what he's capable of doing. Obviously he's one of the players that had a difficult 2016 with his injury and he's a little bit behind the rest of the group right now."
Veterans in the U.S. national team camp have also taken notice of Manneh. Jermaine Jones had his arm wrapped around Manneh as the U.S. players entered training. Toronto FC skipper, Michael Bradley, has competed against Manneh in several of tumultuous Whitecaps FC and Toronto FC matches. Bradley is excited to get to know Manneh better.
"Playing against him in the league," said Bradley. "He's a guy who is very gifted athletically, in terms of his speed, agility, the way that he can put defenders on the wrong foot. I'm excited to be around him for a few weeks, up close."
Not a lot of footballers get an opportunity to put on the kit of a national team. It's something players dream of, but only a few get the opportunity. Kekuta Manneh's skill set, work ethic, perseverance, and determination have helped him in an immense way. He's living proof that you don't always have to take the stack of cards dealt to you.


Agona Swedru (C/R), March 24, GNA- Samuel Ninkyi deputy secretary of the Gomoa West constituency branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was on Wednesday jailed six months by a Magistrate's court at Agona Swedru for double registration.
Ninkyi, 28, is a teacher at Gomoa Abamkwaam near Gomoa Mozano in the Central Region.
He pleaded guilty and explained that he did that "under the influence of alcohol".
The court ordered the Electoral Commission (EC) to expunge the name of the accused person from the voters' register. It also banned him from exercising his franchise in the December general elections.
Prosecuting, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Charles Bortse told the court presided over by Mr. Abdul Fatawu Yakubu, that the accused is a professional teacher at Gomoa Abamkwaam, his hometown. DSP Bortse said since the registration exercise began on March 16, the accused person tried to register at Gomoa Akyempim and Gomoa Mozano, even though the two areas do not fall under his polling station. The prosecution said on March 18, the accused first went to Gomoa Akyempim, where he registered with the name Kweku Afadi Akyen.
The prosecution said after that, the accused person came back and registered again with the name Samuel Nkye at Abamkwaam.
He said a registration agent of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who knew the accused person by the first name he registered with, suspected foul play and quickly ran to his hometown to verify whether he had registered.
The prosecution said when the NPP agent enquired at the registration centre he discovered that the accused person had registered with the name Samuel Nkye at his hometown.
DSP Bortse said the agent immediately informed the police and the accused was arrested and searched.
Police found two registration slips bearing different names on him, the prosecution said.


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This Windows 95 system collects data from 4 scales used to weigh reprocessed cotton bales.


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Ази́льская культу́ра — археологическая культура (или технологическая традиция) эпохи эпипалеолита на севере Испании и юге Франции.

Вероятно, азильская культура относится к периоду аллерёдского климатического потепления около 8 тысячелетия до н. э., и следовала за мадленской культурой. По мнению археологов, азильская культура представляла собой финальную стадию мадленской, в то время, как потепление климата привело к изменениям в образе жизни людей в регионе. Таяние льдов уменьшило пищевые ресурсы и могло привести к обеднению производителей орудий мадленской культуры. В результате азильские орудия и искусство — более грубые и имеют меньшее распространение, чем их предшественники Ледникового периода, или же просто совершенно иные.

Диагностические артефакты данной культуры — это, в частности, азильские наконечники (микролиты с закруглёнными спинками), грубые плоские костяные гарпуны и галька, раскрашенная абстрактными декоративными рисунками. Последнюю чаще всего обнаруживают в районе реки  на типовом памятнике данной культуры в пещере Мас-д'Азиль во французских Пиренеях. 145 таких галек известны по швейцарскому памятнику Бирсматтен-Эремитаж. По сравнению с поздним этапом мадленской культуры возрастает количество микролитов.

В пещере Офнет около города Нордлингена (Германия) в двух ямах целыми гнёздами лежали одни черепа, густо засыпанные красной охрой. Такой же обычай устраивать коллективные захоронения черепов в пещерах существовал в недавнее время у веддов на Цейлоне, он был связан культом почитания духов умерших сородичей.

Азильская культура сосуществовала с другими ранними мезолитическими культурами Европы, такими, как тёнгерская культура Северной Европы или свидерская культура северо-восточной Европы, совтерской и последующей тарденуазской в ряде регионов Франции, Бельгии и Швейцарии, культурой Маглемозе в Дании и на востоке Британии.

На последней стадии существования азильская культура испытала сильное влияние соседней тарденуазской культуры, что проявилось в наличии большого количества геометрических микролитов вплоть до наступления неолита , которые в ряде западных областей появились намного позднее, ближе к эпохе халколита.

Очень похожая на азильскую культура существовала в средиземноморской Испании и на юге Португалии. Поскольку у данной культуры отсутствуют изделия из кости, её условно обозначают как «иберский микроламинарный микролитизм». Её наследником стал «геометрический микролитизм», родственный тарденуазской культуре.

Палеогенетика
У представителя азильской культуры из Бишонского грота в Швейцарии, жившего 13,56–13,77 тыс. лет назад, была обнаружена Y-хромосомная гаплогруппа I2a и митохондриальная гаплогруппа U5b1h. У представителей азильской культуры из Бальма де Гилания или Бальма де ла Гвинеу (Balma Guianya) в Пиренеях (испанская провинция Льейда) определены Y-хромосомные гаплогруппы C1a1a (BAL003, 12830—10990 лет до настоящего времени) и I1 (BAL0051, 11095 лет до настоящего времени) и митохондриальные гаплогруппы U5b1, U5b2a, U2'3'4'7'8'9. Кластер Виллабруна (Villabruna Cluster) из
15 особей послеледникового максимума (14000—7000 л. н.) связан с азильской культурой и культурами эпипалеолита и мезолита.

Примечания

Мезолит Европы
Археологические культуры Германии
Археологические культуры Испании
Археологические культуры Италии
Археологические культуры Румынии
Археологические культуры Украины
Археологические культуры Франции
Археологические культуры Швейцарии


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Home › Advocacy › Ideas for boosting Sutton's cycling aspirations
Ideas for boosting Sutton's cycling aspirations
Posted on August 31, 2016 by Charles Martin — 1 Comment
Back to basics: some ideas for boosting Sutton's cycling aspirations
In September 2015 we announced, in "Major cycle schemes for TfL roads to be presented to councillors", the very welcome news that Sutton Council officers had produced a report recommending that councillors agreed to certain Space for Cycling proposals, relating to the A24, A217 and A232, be presented to Transport for London for consideration. It was clear that if any of the schemes that were proposed came to fruition, then Sutton could truly be on the way to become a cycling borough of distinction. (Unfortunately, shortly afterwards, St Helier effectively said no to cycling and, as far as we are aware, a report outlining these proposals has yet to be presented to TfL).
At the time, and despite the heightened anticipation that progress was being made, there was some concern that the council's focus on TfL roads came at the expense of acknowledging the 'ward asks' for borough roads (a formal review of which we have still not received). We suggested that the council needed to do more to demonstrate a commitment to cycling, and that this commitment would not be achieved by seemingly ignoring the borough roads (however challenging the borough roads may be). Furthermore, we advocated that there were certain current and on-going issues that, until addressed, would do little to boost Sutton's reputation as a cycling borough that means business. By dealing with these types of issues, the Council's aspirations for cycling would be seen as more genuine.
So, what are these issues? Well, it's time to go back to basics. Here are four scenarios to illustrate what needs to be done in our own back yard, through decisions made by our own councillors and proposals formulated by council officers. If we get this right, we will be in a much better position to get the "big money" from TfL.
Start to replace cycling infrastructure that fails to impress
Development of the London Cycle Network (LCN) started in 1994. Much of the "infrastructure" that accompanied this network may have seemed acceptable twenty, or even ten, years ago. But now it is simply not fit for purpose.
LCN route 76 passes within 300 metres of Stanley Park High School, a new state-of-the-art school that opened on its present site in January 2012. The route here works well, in so far as it allows cyclists and pedestrians (but not motor vehicles) to access two quiet residential streets (East Drive with Dingwall Road across Diamond Jubilee Way), but in terms of usability, design, public realm appeal or accessibility, it's about as bad as it gets.
Diamond Jubilee Way from Dingwall Road (LCN 76). Consider this: you are cycling along Dingwall Road (so that's the street behind the view of the photo) on your way to Stanley Park High School (to the left, on the street ahead). In order to turn left, and head for the school, you first need to manoeuvre yourself around the barriers (mixing with people on foot), then turn right along the pavement (trying to miss the garbage bin), turn 90 degrees left to join the "raised table", and then turn 90 degrees left again to join the street. Of course, anyone actually wishing to continue straight ahead into East Drive has to be even more of a contortionist! This is about as bad as it gets! It really does not have to be like this. This is an opportunity to vastly improve the public realm (and an opportunity to make cycling and walking less marginalised activities). Photo Charles Martin, 13 October 2015
It's not particularly new of course (unlike the school), but it certainly is "old thinking". Designs like this make cycling difficult and unattractive, and give a strong negative message about cycling. This location features in our 'ward ask' for Carshalton South and Clockhouse. Addressing issues such as this will require a bit of cash, and will require making the case to residents. But addressing issues like this will demonstrate to Transport for London that there is a commitment to the bigger picture.
Recognise that a cycle path through a park does not necessarily make a cycle route
In the autumn of 2014, a path was constructed in Overton Park for shared-use by those on foot or on bicycle. Apparently, parents of young children have found the path to be very useful because it links residential areas with a nursery and newly extended playground in the park, as well as providing improved access to Overton Grange School. Sutton Council, though, promoted this path as a cycle route, an alternative "route" for cyclists to avoid the busy Brighton Road. A shared-use path it certainly is, but in its current manifestation it cannot be described as part of a cycle route.
Overton Park. A welcome new path that "cyclists" can use. But would a welcome new road for "motorists" include a feature such as a gate that required the driver to stop, put the hand-brake on, get out of the car, open the gate, get back in the car, drive through the gate, stop again, get out again, close the gate, get in the car again and drive away? Unlikely, especially if the new road was being promoted as a new route! But in Sutton this is what is currently considered a cycling facility, and this is what we are currently spending our (derisory level of) cycle funding on. The message here is that there is a lot of potential, so let's make the most of it. (At the very least, don't automatically call a cycle path a cycle route for utility (as opposed to recreational) cycling when this is clearly not the case). Photo Charles Martin: 15 October 2015
To be part of a cycle route, proper access is required. The gate on the southern side of the recreation ground at Moore Way does not facilitate proper access, neither does the pavement on the other side of the gate. Therefore, the new path is a cycle path, but it does not provide a cycle route. It would only form part of a cycle route if the gate was removed, and if unhindered, clearly delineated, access was provided. Even then, the alignment would not provide an alternative route for the majority of journeys that people, who would rather avoid Brighton Road, actually wish to make. (We know this from correspondence received from staff at the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research, and there will be more on this in a forthcoming post).
Overton Park from Moore Way. This is what things look like the other side of the fence (and gate). The pedestrian gate (a great improvement on the previous, slightly narrower, wooden gate that was replaced at the same time as the pathway was constructed) leads onto a pavement. Of course it does! The pedestrian gate is essentially providing an entrance, and exit, for people on foot. But what do you do if you are cycling? That's right, get onto the pavement too. Not good, even if a dropped kerb was provided. So what needs to be done? It is difficult to think of any reasons why the centre panel in the fence at the end of the road could not be removed, a bollard placed in the centre of the resultant gap, and a link constructed to connect the street to an extended path. It would mean that the park was always open of course, but given that the main gate to the recreation ground from Overton Road is rarely closed, would this matter? Again, the message is make the most of the potential, and do not automatically describe a cycle path as a cycle route. Photo Charles Martin: 15 October 2015
It tends to raise the question, why should TfL provide millions of pounds worth of funding for cycling if the Council cannot address these sorts of issues in its own back yard? Is it lack of aspiration, or is it due to the derisory funding currently provided through the LIP process?
Other examples in the borough exist at Carshalton Park (at Ruskin Road and at Ashcombe Road), Reigate Avenue Recreation Ground (on the west side of Reigate Avenue and at Forest Road – noting that these are on the alignment of Sustrans "Route" 208), Rosehill Recreation Ground (on the east side of Reigate Avenue, again Sustrans Route 208) and Cuddington Recreation Ground (on St Clair Drive). None of the paths here provide anything other than, at best, recreational routes. None of the paths here provide routes for inclusive cycling or for utility cycling. And that really has to change.
Review schemes and address what does not work
Who remembers the Wallington Integrated Transport Package? In 2009, it was all about putting in "infrastructure that makes walking, cycling and public transport the preferred way to travel and cuts congestion on our roads".
Woodcote Road, Wallington. Bays designated as "loading only" used by every Tom, Dick and Harry. Does this look like infrastructure that makes walking, cycling, and public transport the preferred way to travel? Does it even look like infrastructure that will help cut congestion on our roads? To me, it looks more like a car park. And, talking of car parks, there's a car park just 50 metres away, where it is free to park for the first 30 minutes.(It wasn't free before the Wallington makeover, it cost something like 20p. However, it was felt that a concession had to be made for taking parking spaces away from the High Street. I suppose 20p for half an hour's worth of parking is quite a lot, when you consider that LIP funding for cycling in the borough currently amounts to about 70p per person per year). What can be done here? Either wave the white flag and remove the painted cycle lane and allow people to park their vehicles in the loading bay (and then look again at ideas for the next makeover of Wallington), or enforce the existing parking conditions (and also look again at ideas for the next makeover of Wallington). Photo Charles Martin: 19 June 2015
Seven years later, and it would probably be fair to say that not everything has quite turned out as expected. Parking continues to take priority, and cycling (and walking) continues to loose out. Evidently, therefore, driving to Wallington remains the preferred way to travel, and congestion on the roads is unlikely to be cut. You can read more about this in the post, and in a comment to the post, "No more tax-payer funded facilities until they obey traffic laws", which caused a bit of a flurry on Twitter when published in January 2015. And part of this is all because, for whatever reason, the Council appear to be unable, or unwilling, to enforce parking restrictions on Wallington's High Street (Woodcote Road). The painted cycle lane is pretty useless anyway, but not addressing the issue of parking enforcement is adding insult to injury. What confidence does this give about the Council's ability to deliver well-intended outcomes? Is this the best we can do? There must be room for improvement.
Parking on Woodcote Road was further discussed with Tom Brake, MP Carshalton and Wallington, in February 2016. Meanwhile, if only Wallington could look a bit more like Waalinden.
Make the most of opportunities when they are presented
For a week or so during the Easter 2015 school holidays, Robin Hood Lane in Sutton was closed to through motor traffic. We would like to think that this was as a result of our Sutton West 'ward ask'! Unfortunately it wasn't, although it was for a good cause – the closure was necessary to enable contractors to construct an enhanced and improved crossing by the gates to the Robin Hood Infants' School.
Robin Hood Lane (Sutton West). The street closed for the construction of an improved crossing facility adjacent to Robin Hood Infants' School. It is true that the closure took place during the school holidays, but residents managed somehow. But how difficult did the closure make life? Was the price to pay, whether that be the need to change behaviour, or a slightly longer journey time, or a negative impact on traffic levels on nearby streets, too high? Very few people like change, so in the sort term things may not appear good. What would happen if the closure was made permanent though? Are the long term gains, worth the short-term pains? How appealing is the idea of an instant cul-de-sac? Would residents living on streets that are already closed to through motor traffic want then opened again? The message here is that temporary closures are as much an opportunity to make the case as they are an opportunity to seek the views of residents and parents. Photo Charles Martin: 3 April 2015
This temporary closure would have been an ideal opportunity for the Council to ask residents their views, in light of the commitments in the Sustainable Transport Strategy perhaps, on the possibility of a more permanent closure. Was the opportunity taken? We don't think it was. In the summer, Green Lane in Worcester Park was temporarily closed too. This forms part of the LCN 75 and is likely to become a 'Quietway'. Were residents consulted on the longer-term view? If they had been, the Council could have used this as evidence of its intentions.
Also, of course, it would be good to have the conversations first in order to hopefully head off the chants "no to road closures" – see "Council Leader says 'no turning back' on Mini Holland Cycle Scheme" in the Walthamstow Echo, 23 October 2015.
Green Lane (Worcester Park). Currently part of the LCN route 75, and potentially a future Quietway (provided, of course, this link satisfies the criteria in the Cycling Level of Service assessment tool outlined in Chapter 2 of the new London Cycling Design Standards (and the park hour traffic levels may suggest otherwise)). It's August, it's the school summer holidays, and it's raining. But hey, for a few days it was not possible to drive on a street where so many people usually do. And yet life went on. Or did it? Although it is unlikely that this particular location would be top of the list as a contender for a permanent closure (at least, initially), the temporary closure would, nevertheless, have been an opportunity to start the conversation. Ensuring that the aims outlined in the borough's new Cycling Strategy are debated with residents has to be an essential prerequisite for the aims to be realised. Photo Charles Martin: 14 August 2015
We can do better, and we need to do better
What will Transport for London make of all this? We pose this question because, although all boroughs are guaranteed a certain amount of cycle funding from TfL in terms of the LIP process (regardless, it would appear, of how the borough (officers and councillors) decides to spend that funding), TfL can, and will, refuse to give additional funding if boroughs are not prepared to do things properly. This is a point that Andrew Gilligan, former Cycling Commissioner to former mayor Boris Johnson, made on several occasions, including at the Hackney Cycling Conference in June 2015. Therefore, in order to increase our chance (or, better still, to ensure our chance) of receiving the levels of funding required to facilitate the type of schemes required on TfL roads (and indeed some borough roads such as Park Lane and Brighton Road), the Council needs to convince TfL first that it is worthy of the investment. And the best way of doing that is to demonstrate a commitment to cycling on our own streets.
At the Haringey Cycling Conference in September 2015, Haringey Councillor Stuart McNamara, Cabinet member for Environment, said "do not judge us by where we are, judge us by where we want to be". At the moment, here in Sutton, we can only judge Sutton Council on cycling by considering "where we are". Without a review of our 'ward asks' for borough roads, it is difficult to conclude where the Council "wants to be". TfL may not come to the same conclusion of course, but can we chance it?
In recognising that we can do better, and that we need to do better, it is hoped that the ideas outlined here will help deliver the aspirations set out in the borough's Cycling Strategy. Only time will tell.
‹ Notes from our June 2016 meeting
Notes from our September 2016 meeting ›
Posted in Advocacy
One comment on "Ideas for boosting Sutton's cycling aspirations"
Great summary Charles. Whether I ride into London or out to the countryside, Sutton is the worst part of my journey. The facilities are non-existent and the driving is aggressive.
There is no aspiration to increase cycling from the council. As you mention, parking is the number one priority. And why does everyone feel they have to drive half a mile into town? Because the roads don't feel safe for people, especially if they have kids. However, we have National Express flying through town on an hourly basis seemingly immune from speed restrictions.


Glastonbury, a small town in Somerset, England, is likely not on most people's 'to do' lists when they cross the channel; however, it's a magical place, rich in history, myths and legends. Well worth a visit, and you can combine it with a trip to Stone Henge.
There are traces of civilisation in this area dating back to Neolithic times (5,200 and 4,500 years ago!), but in more recent times, the settlement of Glastonbury was recorded from the 7th or 8th century. Glastonbury Abbey, which dominated the town for 700 years, was one of the most important abbeys in England and was the coronation site of the Edmund Ironside as the King of England in 1016 and visiting the ruins is like a step back in time. The Abbey claims to be the oldest 'above ground' Christian Church in the world. In 1191, monks at the abbey claimed to have found the graves of the famous King Arthur and Guinevere to the south of the Lady Chapel of the Abbey Church – and in some literature Glastonbury is identified with the mystery island of Avalon.
The second legend involves Joseph of Arimathea, who it is said, arrived in Glastonbury by boat over the flooded landscape. On disembarking, he struck his staff into the ground and it flowered miraculously into the Holy Thorn, which became a pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages. According to myth, Joseph requested the construction of the Abbey to house the Holy Grail after the death of Jesus. Legend has it that Jesus also visited Glastonbury with Joseph.
Glastonbury has been considered a spiritual centre since the megalithic era, and now attracts fascinated tourists and the 'new age' crowd. This quaint town is nestled in the green, rolling hills of the Somerset countryside, in the lea of the famous Tor, which is topped by the remains of an old church and once a Mecca for Druid Priests.
Glastonbury is a festival town, with plenty of arts and music events taking place during the year; and a great place to spend Summer Solstice.


ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman Brooks Orpik to a five-year, $27.5 million contract, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.
Orpik, 33, ranks first among defensemen in Pittsburgh franchise history in games played (703), fifth in penalty minutes (734) and ninth in assists (119). The 6'2", 219-pound defenseman has registered 132 points (13 goals, 119 assists) and 734 penalty minutes in 703 career NHL games. He has served as an alternate captain for the team since 2008, was named the Penguins' Defensive Player of the Year three times (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12) and won the Player's Player Award four times (2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14), given to the player that exemplifies leadership on and off ice and is dedicated to teamwork.
Orpik played in 72 games for the Penguins in 2013-14, earning 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) and 46 penalty minutes and ranked first on the team in blocked shots (143) and first among Pittsburgh defensemen in hits (221). Orpik was drafted by the Penguins in the first round, 18th overall, in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.
The San Francisco native has represented the United States at the Winter Olympics twice (2010, 2014), the World Championships once (2006) and the World Junior Championships once (2000). Orpik earned a silver medal with Team USA at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. He played three seasons at Boston College from 1998-01 and helped the Eagles win the NCAA Division I National Championship in 2001.


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Ipswich Star
You've got a friend - in East Anglia
Naomi Cassidy
Published: 3:35 PM August 8, 2008
IF YOU are in need of a mate, look no further than right here in Suffolk because this region is the friendliest in the country.
One in 20 East Anglians claim to have no less than ten best friends according to a new survey, and after taking to the streets of Ipswich, this certainly seems to be the case.
However those questioned around town seemed to have mixed feelings about the latest assertion that East Anglia is the cheeriest region in the whole of the UK.
The survey of 2,000 people nationwide, also revealed that three out of four East Anglians said they could trust their best friend 100 per cent.
Sergi Jarques, who is the insight manager at the East of England Tourism Board in Suffolk, first moved from Barcelona to the UK in 1993. He first settled in Swansea before moving to East Anglia, which he claims is the best place to live.
He said: "The east has one of the best climates in the UK. It has got the lowest rainfall in the whole country and is the first to greet the sun every summer morning.
"Plus, the locals are friendly and the countryside is beautiful."
Dr Susan Quilliam, a relationship psychologist based in Cambridge, said: "I live in East Anglia myself. It's a wonderful place to live, especially since I'm originally from Liverpool, which the survey has shown is one of the unfriendliest regions to live in the UK.
"If you're from East Anglia, that's wonderful - you must be lovely people and have loads of friends."
Only one per cent of people surveyed in the north east of England said they had more than ten best friends and Londoners also scored low in this category, with just two cent claiming their group of friends exceeded ten.
Despite those in East Anglia rating honesty and dependability as the most important attributes in a friendship, one out of 20 admitted betraying their best buddies in the past.
Yet according to statistics, those living in Yorkshire and Scotland are more likely to betray their friends.
- Do you think Suffolk is a friendly place to live? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
- Frances Grimwood, 72, of Bentley, said: "A lot of people around here are friendly. It is a nice place. I suppose there are always going to be people that are not as friendly.
"I have quite a few friends. I think I probably have about 45 friends-some are from way back when I was at school."
- Maurice Green, 73, from Broke Hall, said: "I have no complaint about the people in this area. People are generally friendly.
"I don't know if people would say I was a friendly person but I think I have at least ten friends.
"Some are not that friendly here but that is down to lifestyles rather than the area, I think."
- Beryl Rice, 71, from Stoke Park, said: "Wherever you go here, it is generally friendly. It is always the way that some people are not friendly at first but once you become friends with them, it is for life."
- Janis Clarke, 56, from Kesgrave, said: "I would say it is a very friendly area. There are about 14 in our circle of friends-all couples.
"Kesgrave is friendly because it has its own community."
- Alexander Webb, 25, of Wherstead Road, said: "I wouldn't say it is especially friendly here. There are probably other friendlier places in the country. I haven't been everywhere in the region.
"There are probably more friendly people up north."
- Keith Scott, 22, from Grange Farm, Kesgrave, said: "It is quite friendly here but I don't know if it is the friendliest place.
"When I went on a lad's holiday to Magaluf, everyone was really friendly when they were coming out of the clubs. If you bumped into someone, they were really nice when you said sorry but over here that would never happen."


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Moral Stories in English - The Empty Jar That Was Not Empty
The Empty Jar That Was Not Empty
In Israel of bygone days lived an old man. His wife and his two daughters used to spin yarn from cotton. The old man used to sell them in the market. With the money he got, he bought food for his family. They lived on this daily meagre income. They had not saved any money. The two daughters were of marriageable age. But the old man was in no position to arrange for their marriage for money would be needed because of the ceremony. One day the old man felt too tired to go to the market to sell the yarn. So they sent their elder daughter to do the needful. The elder daughter sold the yarn for the expected price and bought loaves of bread and was on her way back home. She took to a shortcut. In a lane, there was a small hut. She heard moaning coming from the hut. Curious, she peeped in and saw a woman and her small children lying on the floor. It was the woman who moaned. "What torments you?" asked the girl.
"Hunger. We had had no food for the past three days," replied the woman. "If I give you some food, will it be of much help to you? What will you do for tomorrow?" asked the girl. "Only if we could gather little strength, we will go over to the next town. My kinsmen are there and they are well to do people." The girl gave them all the loaves she had bought. The woman thanked her much and said, "Friend, I have nothing to give you in return but this old jar. Please take this with you. It is not empty." The girl looked into the jar. It was empty. She said, "Empty or full, I have no need for your jar. Thanks." "Please take this. I tell you, it is not empty." The girl took the jar, more to satisfy the woman than to benefit out of it anyway. At home she narrated what befell her on the way, but not without some embarrassment. All were going to starve for her charity. But nobody made any adverse comment on her action. Said her mother, "True we have to pass the night without food, but we had had some food in the morning, after all!" "That is right. Let us try to sell the jar. It may fetch money enough to buy at least one loaf of bread," said the old man. The younger sister was sent to the market with the jar. She sat down in a corner of the market waiting for some customer to buy her jar. Dozens of people looked at the jar, but nobody even cared to ask her what its price was. When the market was about to close, an old fisherman came near her and said, "I have only one fish left in my basked. Why don't you buy it? I'll give it cheap."
"I have no money to buy your fish. But if you are willing to exchange it for this jar, you are welcome to do so!" said the girl. The fisherman cast a look at the jar and said, "I don't mind. Something is better than nothing." They exchanged their wares. The girl returned home with the fish. "Something is indeed better than nothing," said her mother as she sat down to cut the fish. Lo and behold, pop came a sizable pearl out of the fish. All looked at it with wonder. In their joy, they forgot their hunger. In the morning the old man went to his childhood friend who was a jeweler. Examining the pearl, the jeweler said, "This is the finest pearl I have ever seen. I cannot buy it because it is beyond my means. I will take you to my friend, another jeweler, who can pay the right price for it," said the friend. The other jeweler was happy to pay a price which made the old man rich. His daughters were married off and the old couple found enough money left with them to spend their last days in comfort. "I understand the mystery of that hungry woman's assertion that her jar was not empty!", one day the old man told his wife, daughters, and sons-in-law as they sat for dinner. "What do you mean?" asked his wife. "The jar was full of love," explained the old man. They had a hearty dinner and lived happily.
Chandamama Stories English stories Moral Stories


The M.Sc.in Petroleum Geoscience Programme is an excellence driven Oil and Gas sector support graduate programme of the University of Port Harcourt.
UNIPORT's effort at developing the Centre is driven by the critical national and regional need to further enhance the professional realm of the academic Master's Degree Programme to provide graduates with requisite competence and adequate skills that can deliver the geoscience support needs of the Petroleum Industry.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION: Students shall be prepared and presented for certification as Associate Environmental Professional (AEP) by the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP), USA and the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON).
Candidates must possess a minimum of Bachelor's Degree, Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in Geoscience, Petroleum and Gas Engineering or relevant Petroleum Geoscience related field, and should have completed their NYSC by December, 2017.
Consideration for admission may be given to Company sponsored students with a minimum of three (3) years relevant experience with Second Class Honours (Lower Division) Degree, but with a CGPA of at least 3.00 (on a 5.00 scale).
A non-refundable application fee of twenty-one thousand naira (N21,000) will be required to be paid to Centre for Petroleum Geosciences (CPG) on-line through e-transact to start the application procedure. The approved receiving banks for the payment are: First Bank, Access Bank, Fidelity Bank, UBA. FCMB and ECO Bank.
Completed Application Forms must be returned to the Director, Centre for Petroleum Geosciences, University of Port Harcourt, on or before Friday, 20th October, 2017.
Admitted candidates will be communicated and also names will be displayed on the CPG Website www.cpguniport.com on or before Friday, 24th November, 2017.


Objectives: An ice breaker used to help participants gain meaningful knowledge and enhanced understanding of others.
Introduce the exercise by referencing Morris Massey's book, What You Are is Where You Were When, which suggests that where we were raised has a profound effect on life choices and who we become. Explain that this exercise involves self-disclosure and individuals may choose not to participate.
Ask participants to state their name, a brief description of where they were raised, and what influence that has on them now. Individuals may choose to reveal any number of things, such as location, time, family structure, significant events, or relationships with peers.
Debrief by asking what participants thought was the point of the exercise, what they learned, and how they are feeling about the group now.
Facilitator Tips: Be sure to emphasize that participants should self-disclose to their comfort level — revealing only information they do not mind having the group know — and participation is strictly voluntary. Be sensitive to individuals who may be dealing with issues of the past and, for follow-up, announce that you or counseling staff are available to explore any upsetting issues after the session.
Variations: If working with a large group, have participants break into smaller groups, adjusting the size of each group to the time available. Once the self-disclosing portion of this exercise is complete, ask participants to answer the debriefing questions within each of the smaller groups. Bring the large group back together and ask for a few volunteers to share their debriefing discussion. You can also conclude with a few ideas from the Massey book or show a video that embodies the such principles.
Cami Bishop is Student Leadership Coordinator at Portland Community College. She can be contacted via e-mail: cbishop@pcc.edu.


Tatiana Trouvé's The Shaman, 2018. Courtesy of Kamel Mennour.
Whether it was the air conditioning or an increased number of windows, there was much talk about how enjoyable people are finding Frieze London this year.
While there are the usual blue chip, big hitters on view there was also a good showing from up-and-coming galleries like Arcadia Missa and Union Pacific. A sense of emerging trend redressed the balance of the marketplace. These fresh visuals and ideas were a good reminder of why we all flock to Regents Park year on year. Here are some of the best booths and standout artists this year.
Nancy Spero, Galerie Lelong, Social Work, Frieze London 2018. Photo by Linda Nylind. Courtesy of Linda Nylind/Frieze.
This new section of the fair is dedicated to female artists who were prolific during the 1980s and '90s when male artists dominated the scene. Featuring Mary Kelly, Sonia Boyce, Helen Chadwick, Ipek Duben, Tina Keane, Faith Ringgold, Berni Searle and Nancy Spero, this section is a must.
Mathilde Rosier's Blind Swim 11, 2017. Courtesy The Breeder, Athens.
Athens-based gallery The Breeder has a fantastic selection of contemporary sculpture, painting and installation. On view you can see work by artists Maria Hassabi, Jannis Varelas, Alexandros Vasmoulakis and Mathilde Rosier, giving a snapshot of artists working both within and outside of Greece.
Artist Sean Steadman's work at Project Native Informant. Courtesy of the gallery.
Steadman's accomplished paintings comprise both technical ability and forward-leaning abstraction. Nodding to the trend of complex uses of color, Steadman has his own visual language that is developing into something really exciting.
Royal Academy graduate Rebecca Ackroyd is a star on the rise. Not only is she showing both painting and sculpture with her gallery Peres Projects at the fair, she also has a permanent work installed in Selfridge's department store. Her layered work encompasses humor, surrealism and a feminist message.
The Shaman by French conceptual artist Trouvé is a literal oasis in the midst of the intensity of Frieze. A tree pushing up through concrete and flowing water creates a sense of peace and a thinking point in the chaos. If you have the space for this work, it will set you back just a cool €650,000.
Installation view Stephen Friedman Gallery at Frieze London 2018. Courtesy Stephen Friedman Gallery. Photo by Mark Blower.
Stephen Friedman's solo booth, featuring the deadpan illustrator David Shrigley, is the Instagram moment of the fair. Incorporating film, illustration and news slogan posters from the beloved British artist, this concept was destined to be a winner. The booth also features outward facing neons of Shrigley's slogans such as "Distractions, Distractions, Distractions" and "My Artwork is Terrible and I am a Very Bad Person" that are attention-seeking yet endearingly self-deprecating.
Gypsum booth at Frieze London 2018. Photo by Renato Ghiazza.
This Cairo-based gallery is one of few dealing in conceptual art in Egypt. As the country rebuilds its museum and gallery infrastructure, Gypsum gives us a taste of the contemporary scene.


Randall Davies CollectionRandall Davies Collection: Albums And Folders Of RecordsPhotocopied notices requesting tenders and applications for various council contracts and posts, issued by the Town Clerk11 April 1853. Notice of vacancy for a public weigher to attend the machine on the quay, with request for applications in person.
11 April 1853. Notice of vacancy for a public weigher to attend the machine on the quay, with request for applications in person.


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Qualcomm CES 2014 Live Blog
by Brian Klug, Jarred Walton 16 comments
We're seated at Qualcomm's CES 2014 press conference, which is getting underway shortly at noon PT. Stay tuned for our live coverage.
A Look at SkyCross and their Actively Tuned VersiTune Smartphone Antenna
On the last day of CES, while still getting over some of the death curry that we foolishly ingested the night before, I had a meeting with SkyCross, who...
9 by Brian Klug on 1/20/2013
Vizio's AMD Z60 Hondo-based Windows 8 Tablet PC at CES 2013
Even with the comprehensive overhaul of their notebook lineup, the big news out of Vizio's CES booth was definitely their new Windows 8 tablet. The Vizio Tablet PC is...
32 by Vivek Gowri on 1/15/2013
So, Google TV is still happening. Indeed, more players are getting into the game than ever. Hisense is a Chinese OEM/ODM that's seen steady growth in the television market...
Vizio's New Touch Notebook and AIO PCs at CES
Vizio used CES as the platform to debut the third revision to its PC lineup, which currently consists mostly of ultrabooks and all-in-ones. The first revision was the initial...
Razer Edge: Impressions and Thoughts
I spent a fair amount of time at CES playing with the Razer Edge, mostly because it was one of the more intriguing new products on the show floor...
G.hn and HomePlug Head for Showdown
It has been a while since we covered PLC (powerline communication) technology here, but we took the opportunity to check up on the latest and greatest in the area...
Buffalo Technology Updates NAS and DAS Lineup at CES 2013
Brian already updated readers on the new products from Buffalo in the networking and Thunderbolt space. There were updates on the NAS front too. The primary announcement was the...
Acer Shows Off 2880x1620 Panel
We visited with Acer at this CES, and they didn't specifically have anything that we were told we could discuss, but after seeing another publication with pictures of Acer's...
27 by Jarred Walton on 1/14/2013
Interacting with HTPCs: Adesso, IOGear & Rapoo Demonstrate Options at CES 2013
Media Center remotes are a dime a dozen, but, judging by the threads which frequently pop up on AVSForum, it appears as if full-sized keyboards are preferred by a...
Seagate and LaCie Demonstrate Complementary Product Lineups at CES 2013
Seagate is well on its way to complete the acquisition of LaCie, and the two companies had a joint presence at CES 2013. For the most part, the companies...
IOGear Demonstrates HDMI Switching Solutions at CES 2013
We visited IOGear's booth at CES and saw a variety of devices including HDMI switching solutions, I/O devices and other A/V gear. This post covers the HDMI switching solutions...
Swiftech and Steiger Dynamics: German Engineering Comes Home
I don't know about you, but for me, the word "engineering" gets a lot more enticing when it's preceded by the word "German" (or the phrase "Commander LaForge, please...
8 by Dustin Sklavos on 1/14/2013
CES 2013: Cases and Cooling in the New Year
I'm pleased to report that this year's visit to CES bore promising fruit for the new year of desktop PC cases along with cooling and even desktop machines in...
Ambarella Announces A9 Camera SoC - Successor to the A7 in GoPro Hero 3 Black
I've been playing around with and trying to review the GoPro Hero 3 Black since the holidays, a small sports-oriented portable camera which can record up to 4K15 video...
Brian's Concluding Thoughts on CES 2013 - The Pre-MWC Show
Anand asked each of us to write up some final thoughts on CES 2013, something which is honestly a daunting task at best, and a potentially controversial or rage-inducing...
CES 2013 LTE Throughput Face-Off - AT&T versus Verizon Wireless
Last year I ran a series of speedtests on both AT&T and Verizon Wireless LTE during CES, the results of which were pretty interesting. My friends continue to poke...
25 by Brian Klug on 1/13/2013
Wilocity Bringing WiGig To Your Desk, Lap, Home and Office
We had a chance to meet with Wilocity to take a look at their progress in bringing WiGig to market. Let's start with a primer. WiGig (802.11ad) is an...
10 by Jason Inofuentes & Cara Hamm on 1/12/2013
USB-IF Announces USB 3.0 10 Gbps Development, Demos Power Delivery and Display Driving
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A Look at Samsung's Curved Smartphone Concept and 4.99-Inch 1080p AMOLED Display
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Randy moved to Richmond, Virginia, at age thirteen and played rock music as a teenager. He studied at the University of Miami late in the 1970s, occasionally involved in jam sessions at a Unitarian Church with Ira Sullivan. In 1981 he moved to New York City and spent the rest of the decade working as a sideman. During these years, he accompanied Etta Jones and Houston Person.
In 1991 he signed with Muse Records; his first two albums were produced by Person and engineered by Rudy Van Gelder. He has recorded steadily as a leader since then and has also played as a sideman on albums with Lionel Hampton, Lou Donaldson, Jack McDuff, Lonnie Smith, and Joey DeFrancesco.
Tom Moore Graduated from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in 2009 where he is currently based, Tom has since been regularly performing around the U.K with a variety of bands and musical projects. Starting at a young age on guitar, quickly moving to the electric bass and joining local youth bands, he was able to perform at prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall and The North Sea Jazz Festival and more recently supporting Jools Holland with singer-songwriter Purdy.


GOAL! Kyle Wilkie heads home the equaliser!
Scott Linton steps up to take the free-kick . . ..
. . . . and almost bursts the net with the equaliser!
In the dying seconds, Nathan Flanagan sends in a terrific shot from eighteen yards . . . .
. . . only to see the ball incredibly come back off the post, hit the back of the Raith 'keeper and rebound wide!!


To ensure delivery by Christmas, please order by Nov 6, 2011.
Every child needs a piggy bank! These banks make a great baby shower, birthday, or anytime gift. These fun themed piggy banks are hand-painted, custom made just for you so there might be slight variations on pattern/color. Piggy banks are equipped with a rubber stopper on the bottom for easy access. Paints used are non-toxic and lead free. We can coordinate with your bedding, room décor, colors or something special, just ask. To ensure delivery by Christmas, please order by Nov 6, 2011. Comes wrapped in a cellophane bag with bow and gift card. Shipping within the US $12.50 (HI and AK more). Piggy size is approx. 8 1/2" x 7 5/8"


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namespace Very\Contracts\Encryption;
interface Encrypter
{
    /**
     * Encrypt the given value.
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     * @param  string  $value
     * @param  bool  $serialize
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    public function encrypt($value, $serialize = true);
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     * Decrypt the given value.
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     * @param  string  $payload
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}


text:
Home People & Inspiration
The Six Fix: Feel-Good K-Pop Songs That Will Turn Your Day Around
Almira Blancada
Whether you had a misunderstanding with someone or just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, we all had those days when we just need someone to hold us and tell us everything's going to get better. In those moments when you feel alone, it has been proven that music has been one of the best options that could absolutely lift your mood.
It would give you the power you need to reflect not only on your mood, but also realign your perspective for the day. One of the things that makes K-pop so popular is the sound and the meaning of their songs that always make the listeners feel like they're being transported to a place filled with positivity and hope. So if you feel a bit gloomy today, listed down below are the songs you should definitely listen to!
1. "ICY" by ITZY
Full of upbeat sounds and cheerful lyrics, "ICY" is the K-pop song you would want to listen to if you need to take a break from your rough day. The song is all about ignoring all the negative comments and gaining confidence about who you really are. It gives the right amount of funky and hip-hop vibe that makes anyone who listen to it get hooked and dance right away.
2. "Umpah Umpah" by Red Velvet
Red Velvet is known for their unique and meaningful songs that would make you dance, but at the same time think about what they're trying to present. "Umpah Umpah" is no exception. Full of sass and attitude, this fresh track from RV will turn you into a Reveluv in no time. Plus, their perky vocals will give you instant joy! (And Irene, Wendy... You get the drift.)
3. "As If It's Your Last" by BLACKPINK
Overall a mixture of modernized and old-school K-pop, BLACKPINK's "As If It's Your Last" is the group's iconic summer song that would totally give you that extra bliss in just one listen! This song is made to make us bop and groove with its bright and fast composition. Although, it's not about making someone happy or a self-love type of song since it talks about persuading someone to love you as much as you love them, still, the beat wouldn't make you lift you up, and that's what we love most about it.
RELATED: In Focus: Moments Only Broke K-Pop Fangirls Would Understand
4. "Dope" by BTS
One of the things that makes "Dope" stand out from all of BTS' songs is the astonishing beat drop at the beginning of the song that makes for a great pick-me-up, ironically. With the rap parts from RM, Suga, and J-Hope and the rhythmic vocals from Jungkook, Jin, Jimin, and V, the song makes you want to conquer just about anything that's right in your face. Lezzgetit!
5. "Sunset Glow" by BIGBANG
Probably one of the first few upbeat songs that topped the Korean charts for a long time, BIGBANG's "Sunset Glow" is probably what happy chemicals sound like. Unlike BIGBANG's hit songs like "Bang Bang Bang" and "Fantastic Baby," this track is on a league of its own because of its refreshing beats that would totally turn your day from gloomy to bright!
6. "Get Cool" by Stray Kids
When we're at our low point, we tend to forget that most days aren't like this and there's still a possibility that you can turn it all around. If you're still having a hard time in reminding yourself that it can get better, listen to Stray Kids' "Get Cool" which is a mixture of individual stories that pinpoints why their day is a good one! The members' vocals are filled with excitement that's way too contagious. Plus, the piano in the background just makes it more of a happy bop!
Listening to fun and inspiring music is a fail-proof way to boost your mood. And don't you resist the urge to sing or dance to these hits because they were made to put a smile on everyone's face including yours. Aja!
ALSO READ: Daily Diaries: K-Pop Fan Girl Problems When Your Parents Aren't Supportive
TAGS: As If It's Your Last BIGBANG BLACKPINK BTS Chalk Magazine DOPE Get Cool Icy ITZY K-Pop Red Velvet Stray Kids Sunset Glow Umpah Umpah
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