text:
<?php

/**
* @ignore
*/
if (!defined('IN_PHPBB'))
{
	exit;
}

/**
* mcp_warn
* Handling warning the users
* @package mcp
*/
class mcp_warn
{
	var $p_master;
	var $u_action;

	function mcp_warn(&$p_master)
	{
		$this->p_master = &$p_master;
	}

	function main($id, $mode)
	{
		global $auth, $db, $user, $template;
		global $config, $phpbb_root_path, $phpEx;

		$action = request_var('action', array('' => ''));

		if (is_array($action))
		{
			list($action, ) = each($action);
		}

		$this->page_title = 'MCP_WARN';

		add_form_key('mcp_warn');

		switch ($mode)
		{
			case 'front':
				$this->mcp_warn_front_view();
				$this->tpl_name = 'mcp_warn_front';
			break;

			case 'list':
				$this->mcp_warn_list_view($action);
				$this->tpl_name = 'mcp_warn_list';
			break;

			case 'warn_post':
				$this->mcp_warn_post_view($action);
				$this->tpl_name = 'mcp_warn_post';
			break;

			case 'warn_user':
				$this->mcp_warn_user_view($action);
				$this->tpl_name = 'mcp_warn_user';
			break;
		}
	}

	/**
	* Generates the summary on the main page of the warning module
	*/
	function mcp_warn_front_view()
	{
		global $phpEx, $phpbb_root_path, $config;
		global $template, $db, $user, $auth;

		$template->assign_vars(array(
			'U_FIND_USERNAME'	=> append_sid("{$phpbb_root_path}memberlist.$phpEx", 'mode=searchuser&form=mcp&field=username&select_single=true'),
			'U_POST_ACTION'		=> append_sid("{$phpbb_root_path}mcp.$phpEx", 'i=warn&mode=warn_user'),
		));

		// Obtain a list of the 5 naughtiest users....
		// These are the 5 users with the highest warning count
		$highest = array();
		$count = 0;

		view_warned_users($highest, $count, 5);

		foreach ($highest as $row)
		{
			$template->assign_block_vars('highest', array(
				'U_NOTES'		=> append_sid("{$phpbb_root_path}mcp.$phpEx", 'i=notes&mode=user_notes&u=' . $row['user_id']),

				'USERNAME_FULL'		=> get_username_string('full', $row['user_id'], $row['username'], $row['user_colour']),
				'USERNAME'			=> $row['username'],
				'USERNAME_COLOUR'	=> ($row['user_colour']) ? '#' . $row['user_colour'] : '',
				'U_USER'			=> append_sid("{$phpbb_root_path}memberlist.$phpEx", 'mode=viewprofile&u=' . $row['user_id']),

				'WARNING_TIME'	=> $user->format_date($row['user_last_warning']),
				'WARNINGS'		=> $row['user_warnings'],
			));
		}

		// And now the 5 most recent users to get in trouble
		$sql = 'SELECT u.user_id, u.username, u.username_clean, u.user_colour, u.user_warnings, w.warning_time
			FROM ' . USERS_TABLE . ' u, ' . WARNINGS_TABLE . ' w
			WHERE u.user_id = w.user_id
			ORDER BY w.warning_time DESC';
		$result = $db->sql_query_limit($sql, 5);

		while ($row = $db->sql_fetchrow($result))
		{
			$template->assign_block_vars('latest', array(
				'U_NOTES'		=> append_sid("{$phpbb_root_path}mcp.$phpEx", 'i=notes&mode=user_notes&u=' . $row['user_id']),

				'USERNAME_FULL'		=> get_username_string('full', $row['user_id'], $row['username'], $row['user_colour']),
				'USERNAME'			=> $row['username'],
				'USERNAME_COLOUR'	=> ($row['user_colour']) ? '#' . $row['user_colour'] : '',
				'U_USER'			=> append_sid("{$phpbb_root_path}memberlist.$phpEx", 'mode=viewprofile&u=' . $row['user_id']),

				'WARNING_TIME'	=> $user->format_date($row['warning_time']),
				'WARNINGS'		=> $row['user_warnings'],
			));
		}
		$db->sql_freeresult($result);
	}

	/**
	* Lists all users with warnings
	*/
	function mcp_warn_list_view($action)
	{
		global $phpEx, $phpbb_root_path, $config;
		global $template, $db, $user, $auth;

		$user->add_lang('memberlist');

		$start	= request_var('start', 0);
		$st		= request_var('st', 0);
		$sk		= request_var('sk', 'b');
		$sd		= request_var('sd', 'd');

		$limit_days = array(0 => $user->lang['ALL_ENTRIES'], 1 => $user->lang['1_DAY'], 7 => $user->lang['7_DAYS'], 14 => $user->lang['2_WEEKS'], 30 => $user->lang['1_MONTH'], 90 => $user->lang['3_MONTHS'], 180 => $user->lang['6_MONTHS'], 365 => $user->lang['1_YEAR']);
		$sort_by_text = array('a' => $user->lang['SORT_USERNAME'], 'b' => $user->lang['SORT_DATE'], 'c' => $user->lang['SORT_WARNINGS']);
		$sort_by_sql = array('a' => 'username_clean', 'b' => 'user_last_warning', 'c' => 'user_warnings');

		$s_limit_days = $s_sort_key = $s_sort_dir = $u_sort_param = '';
		gen_sort_selects($limit_days, $sort_by_text, $st, $sk, $sd, $s_limit_days, $s_sort_key, $s_sort_dir, $u_sort_param);

		// Define where and sort sql for use in displaying logs
		$sql_where = ($st) ? (time() - ($st * 86400)) : 0;
		$sql_sort = $sort_by_sql[$sk] . ' ' . (($sd == 'd') ? 'DESC' : 'ASC');

		$users = array();
		$user_count = 0;

		view_warned_users($users, $user_count, $config['topics_per_page'], $start, $sql_where, $sql_sort);

		foreach ($users as $row)
		{
			$template->assign_block_vars('user', array(
				'U_NOTES'		=> append_sid("{$phpbb_root_path}mcp.$phpEx", 'i=notes&mode=user_notes&u=' . $row['user_id']),

				'USERNAME_FULL'		=> get_username_string('full', $row['user_id'], $row['username'], $row['user_colour']),
				'USERNAME'			=> $row['username'],
				'USERNAME_COLOUR'	=> ($row['user_colour']) ? '#' . $row['user_colour'] : '',
				'U_USER'			=> append_sid("{$phpbb_root_path}memberlist.$phpEx", 'mode=viewprofile&u=' . $row['user_id']),

				'WARNING_TIME'	=> $user->format_date($row['user_last_warning']),
				'WARNINGS'		=> $row['user_warnings'],
			));
		}

		$template->assign_vars(array(
			'U_POST_ACTION'			=> $this->u_action,
			'S_CLEAR_ALLOWED'		=> ($auth->acl_get('a_clearlogs')) ? true : false,
			'S_SELECT_SORT_DIR'		=> $s_sort_dir,
			'S_SELECT_SORT_KEY'		=> $s_sort_key,
			'S_SELECT_SORT_DAYS'	=> $s_limit_days,

			'PAGE_NUMBER'		=> on_page($user_count, $config['topics_per_page'], $start),
			'PAGINATION'		=> generate_pagination(append_sid("{$phpbb_root_path}mcp.$phpEx", "i=warn&mode=list&st=$st&sk=$sk&sd=$sd"), $user_count, $config['topics_per_page'], $start),
			'TOTAL_USERS'		=> ($user_count == 1) ? $user->lang['LIST_USER'] : sprintf($user->lang['LIST_USERS'], $user_count),
		));
	}

	/**
	* Handles warning the user when the warning is for a specific post
	*/
	function mcp_warn_post_view($action)
	{
		global $phpEx, $phpbb_root_path, $config;
		global $template, $db, $user, $auth;

		$post_id = request_var('p', 0);
		$forum_id = request_var('f', 0);
		$notify = (isset($_REQUEST['notify_user'])) ? true : false;
		$warning = utf8_normalize_nfc(request_var('warning', '', true));

		$sql = 'SELECT u.*, p.*
			FROM ' . POSTS_TABLE . ' p, ' . USERS_TABLE . " u
			WHERE p.post_id = $post_id
				AND u.user_id = p.poster_id";
		$result = $db->sql_query($sql);
		$user_row = $db->sql_fetchrow($result);
		$db->sql_freeresult($result);

		if (!$user_row)
		{
			trigger_error('NO_POST');
		}

		// There is no point issuing a warning to ignored users (ie anonymous and bots)
		if ($user_row['user_type'] == USER_IGNORE)
		{
			trigger_error('CANNOT_WARN_ANONYMOUS');
		}

		// Prevent someone from warning themselves
		if ($user_row['user_id'] == $user->data['user_id'])
		{
			trigger_error('CANNOT_WARN_SELF');
		}

		// Check if there is already a warning for this post to prevent multiple
		// warnings for the same offence
		$sql = 'SELECT post_id
			FROM ' . WARNINGS_TABLE . "
			WHERE post_id = $post_id";
		$result = $db->sql_query($sql);
		$row = $db->sql_fetchrow($result);
		$db->sql_freeresult($result);

		if ($row)
		{
			trigger_error('ALREADY_WARNED');
		}

		$user_id = $user_row['user_id'];

		if (strpos($this->u_action, "&f=$forum_id&p=$post_id") === false)
		{
			$this->p_master->adjust_url("&f=$forum_id&p=$post_id");
			$this->u_action .= "&f=$forum_id&p=$post_id";
		}

		// Check if can send a notification
		if ($config['allow_privmsg'])
		{
			$auth2 = new auth();
			$auth2->acl($user_row);
			$s_can_notify = ($auth2->acl_get('u_readpm')) ? true : false;
			unset($auth2);
		}
		else
		{
			$s_can_notify = false;
		}

		// Prevent against clever people
		if ($notify && !$s_can_notify)
		{
			$notify = false;
		}

		if ($warning && $action == 'add_warning')
		{
			if (check_form_key('mcp_warn'))
			{
				add_warning($user_row, $warning, $notify, $post_id);
				$msg = $user->lang['USER_WARNING_ADDED'];
			}
			else
			{
				$msg = $user->lang['FORM_INVALID'];
			}
			$redirect = append_sid("{$phpbb_root_path}mcp.$phpEx", "i=notes&mode=user_notes&u=$user_id");
			meta_refresh(2, $redirect);
			trigger_error($msg . '

' . sprintf($user->lang['RETURN_PAGE'], '', ''));
		}

		// OK, they didn't submit a warning so lets build the page for them to do so

		// We want to make the message available here as a reminder
		// Parse the message and subject
		$message = censor_text($user_row['post_text']);

		// Second parse bbcode here
		if ($user_row['bbcode_bitfield'])
		{
			include_once($phpbb_root_path . 'includes/bbcode.' . $phpEx);

			$bbcode = new bbcode($user_row['bbcode_bitfield']);
			$bbcode->bbcode_second_pass($message, $user_row['bbcode_uid'], $user_row['bbcode_bitfield']);
		}

		$message = bbcode_nl2br($message);
		$message = smiley_text($message);

		// Generate the appropriate user information for the user we are looking at

		define('IN_PHPBB', true);
		require_once(dirname(__FILE__) . '/../index.php');
		$UserID = \Model\UserOperationsModel::IDFromUsername($user->data['username']);

		get_user_rank($user_row['user_rank'], $user_row['user_posts'], $rank_title, $rank_img, $rank_img_src);
		$avatar_img = '';

		$template->assign_vars(array(
			'U_POST_ACTION'		=> $this->u_action,

			'POST'				=> $message,
			'USERNAME'			=> $user_row['username'],
			'USER_COLOR'		=> (!empty($user_row['user_colour'])) ? $user_row['user_colour'] : '',
			'RANK_TITLE'		=> $rank_title,
			'JOINED'			=> $user->format_date($user_row['user_regdate']),
			'POSTS'				=> ($user_row['user_posts']) ? $user_row['user_posts'] : 0,
			'WARNINGS'			=> ($user_row['user_warnings']) ? $user_row['user_warnings'] : 0,

			'AVATAR_IMG'		=> $avatar_img,
			'RANK_IMG'			=> $rank_img,

			'L_WARNING_POST_DEFAULT'	=> sprintf($user->lang['WARNING_POST_DEFAULT'], generate_board_url() . "/viewtopic.$phpEx?f=$forum_id&p=$post_id#p$post_id"),

			'S_CAN_NOTIFY'		=> $s_can_notify,
		));
	}

	/**
	* Handles warning the user
	*/
	function mcp_warn_user_view($action)
	{
		global $phpEx, $phpbb_root_path, $config, $module;
		global $template, $db, $user, $auth;

		$user_id = request_var('u', 0);
		$username = request_var('username', '', true);
		$notify = (isset($_REQUEST['notify_user'])) ? true : false;
		$warning = utf8_normalize_nfc(request_var('warning', '', true));

		$sql_where = ($user_id) ? "user_id = $user_id" : "username_clean = '" . $db->sql_escape(utf8_clean_string($username)) . "'";

		$sql = 'SELECT *
			FROM ' . USERS_TABLE . '
			WHERE ' . $sql_where;
		$result = $db->sql_query($sql);
		$user_row = $db->sql_fetchrow($result);
		$db->sql_freeresult($result);

		if (!$user_row)
		{
			trigger_error('NO_USER');
		}

		// Prevent someone from warning themselves
		if ($user_row['user_id'] == $user->data['user_id'])
		{
			trigger_error('CANNOT_WARN_SELF');
		}

		$user_id = $user_row['user_id'];

		if (strpos($this->u_action, "&u=$user_id") === false)
		{
			$this->p_master->adjust_url('&u=' . $user_id);
			$this->u_action .= "&u=$user_id";
		}

		// Check if can send a notification
		if ($config['allow_privmsg'])
		{
			$auth2 = new auth();
			$auth2->acl($user_row);
			$s_can_notify = ($auth2->acl_get('u_readpm')) ? true : false;
			unset($auth2);
		}
		else
		{
			$s_can_notify = false;
		}

		// Prevent against clever people
		if ($notify && !$s_can_notify)
		{
			$notify = false;
		}

		if ($warning && $action == 'add_warning')
		{
			if (check_form_key('mcp_warn'))
			{
				add_warning($user_row, $warning, $notify);
				$msg = $user->lang['USER_WARNING_ADDED'];
			}
			else
			{
				$msg = $user->lang['FORM_INVALID'];
			}
			$redirect = append_sid("{$phpbb_root_path}mcp.$phpEx", "i=notes&mode=user_notes&u=$user_id");
			meta_refresh(2, $redirect);
			trigger_error($msg . '

' . sprintf($user->lang['RETURN_PAGE'], '', ''));
		}

		// Generate the appropriate user information for the user we are looking at

		define('IN_PHPBB', true);
		require_once(dirname(__FILE__) . '/../../../index.php');
		$UserID = \Model\UserOperationsModel::IDFromUsername($user_row['username']);

		get_user_rank($user_row['user_rank'], $user_row['user_posts'], $rank_title, $rank_img, $rank_img_src);
		$avatar_img = '';

		// OK, they didn't submit a warning so lets build the page for them to do so
		$template->assign_vars(array(
			'U_POST_ACTION'		=> $this->u_action,

			'RANK_TITLE'		=> $rank_title,
			'JOINED'			=> $user->format_date($user_row['user_regdate']),
			'POSTS'				=> ($user_row['user_posts']) ? $user_row['user_posts'] : 0,
			'WARNINGS'			=> ($user_row['user_warnings']) ? $user_row['user_warnings'] : 0,

			'USERNAME_FULL'		=> get_username_string('full', $user_row['user_id'], $user_row['username'], $user_row['user_colour']),
			'USERNAME_COLOUR'	=> get_username_string('colour', $user_row['user_id'], $user_row['username'], $user_row['user_colour']),
			'USERNAME'			=> get_username_string('username', $user_row['user_id'], $user_row['username'], $user_row['user_colour']),
			'U_PROFILE'			=> get_username_string('profile', $user_row['user_id'], $user_row['username'], $user_row['user_colour']),

			'AVATAR_IMG'		=> $avatar_img,
			'RANK_IMG'			=> $rank_img,

			'S_CAN_NOTIFY'		=> $s_can_notify,
		));

		return $user_id;
	}
}

/**
* Insert the warning into the database
*/
function add_warning($user_row, $warning, $send_pm = true, $post_id = 0)
{
	global $phpEx, $phpbb_root_path, $config;
	global $template, $db, $user, $auth;

	if ($send_pm)
	{
		include_once($phpbb_root_path . 'includes/functions_privmsgs.' . $phpEx);
		include_once($phpbb_root_path . 'includes/message_parser.' . $phpEx);

		$user_row['user_lang'] = (file_exists($phpbb_root_path . 'language/' . $user_row['user_lang'] . "/mcp.$phpEx")) ? $user_row['user_lang'] : $config['default_lang'];
		include($phpbb_root_path . 'language/' . basename($user_row['user_lang']) . "/mcp.$phpEx");

		$message_parser = new parse_message();

		$message_parser->message = sprintf($lang['WARNING_PM_BODY'], $warning);
		$message_parser->parse(true, true, true, false, false, true, true);

		$pm_data = array(
			'from_user_id'			=> $user->data['user_id'],
			'from_user_ip'			=> $user->ip,
			'from_username'			=> $user->data['username'],
			'enable_sig'			=> false,
			'enable_bbcode'			=> true,
			'enable_smilies'		=> true,
			'enable_urls'			=> false,
			'icon_id'				=> 0,
			'bbcode_bitfield'		=> $message_parser->bbcode_bitfield,
			'bbcode_uid'			=> $message_parser->bbcode_uid,
			'message'				=> $message_parser->message,
			'address_list'			=> array('u' => array($user_row['user_id'] => 'to')),
		);

		submit_pm('post', $lang['WARNING_PM_SUBJECT'], $pm_data, false);
	}

	add_log('admin', 'LOG_USER_WARNING', $user_row['username']);
	$log_id = add_log('user', $user_row['user_id'], 'LOG_USER_WARNING_BODY', $warning);

	$sql_ary = array(
		'user_id'		=> $user_row['user_id'],
		'post_id'		=> $post_id,
		'log_id'		=> $log_id,
		'warning_time'	=> time(),
	);

	$db->sql_query('INSERT INTO ' . WARNINGS_TABLE . ' ' . $db->sql_build_array('INSERT', $sql_ary));

	$sql = 'UPDATE ' . USERS_TABLE . '
		SET user_warnings = user_warnings + 1,
			user_last_warning = ' . time() . '
		WHERE user_id = ' . $user_row['user_id'];
	$db->sql_query($sql);

	// We add this to the mod log too for moderators to see that a specific user got warned.
	$sql = 'SELECT forum_id, topic_id
		FROM ' . POSTS_TABLE . '
		WHERE post_id = ' . $post_id;
	$result = $db->sql_query($sql);
	$row = $db->sql_fetchrow($result);
	$db->sql_freeresult($result);

	add_log('mod', $row['forum_id'], $row['topic_id'], 'LOG_USER_WARNING', $user_row['username']);
}

?>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Tags: Kenya | circumcision | afrkica | aids
Male Circumcision Helps Africa Fight AIDS
Greg Warner, GlobalPost Monday, 30 November 2009 09:28 AM
WAKULA BEACH, Lake Victoria, Kenya — Mfangano Island on Lake Victoria, two hours by motorboat from mainland Kenya, is a popular destination spot for honeymooners on safari: a verdant fishing outpost without electricity or running water.
But this remote locale is the epicenter of Kenya's AIDS crisis. And so, besides the honeymooners, this island also attracts NGO-workers armed with pamphlets and condoms and behavior-change slogans. The residents are used to the visitors. Samuel Gabari, a 21-year-old fisherman, answers my questions about his sexual habits as if reciting from a script.
"I only have one sexual partner," he says. "And I always use condoms."
The truth is more complicated. Sex here, like anywhere else, is often a mixture of business and pleasure. Gabari says fishermen can make $7-$25 a day, a kingly salary in this region. He's constantly traveling from beach to beach, following the fish, sailing far from his girlfriend. At each beach there are temptations. "You have money, the women don't have money, so they fall for you!" says Gabari. "That is part of the game!"
Even though everyone on this island seems to have memorized the catchphrases of AIDS prevention — "Abstinence, Be faithful, use Condoms" — those messages haven't had much impact. About 21 percent of people on this island are infected with HIV, three times the national rate of 7 percent.
Now NGO-workers are offering fishermen like Gabari a new prevention tool: circumcision. The link between circumcision and reduced HIV susceptibility has been suspected since the mid-1980s, when AIDS researchers observed that circumcised Kenyan men who engaged with prostitutes were less likely to get infected. By 2007, three random clinical trials [GW1] in sub-Saharan Africa showed that circumcision reduced the risk of female-to-male HIV transmission by 50 to 60 percent.
Kenya,circumcision,afrkica,aids
Monday, 30 November 2009 09:28 AM

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Visit Runners-edge.co.uk - Runners Edge | Running Specialists > Shoes > Clothing > Accessories.
Runners Edge is a specialist sports and running store offering expert advice, gait analysis and a full range of shoes, clothing and accessories. For the beginner runner to the elite..
Runners-edge.co.uk: visit the most interesting Runners Edge pages, well-liked by users from United Kingdom, or check the rest of runners-edge.co.uk data below. Runners-edge.co.uk is a low-traffic web project, safe and generally suitable for all ages. We found that English is the preferred language on Runners Edge pages. Their most used social media is Facebook with about 99% of all user votes and reposts. Runners-edge.co.uk uses Apache HTTP Server.
Runners Edge is a specialist sports and running store offering expert advice, gait analysis and a full range of shoes, clothing and accessories. For the beginner runner to the elite.


text:
Alaskan Fisherman Survives Night at Sea in Plastic Fish Bin After Boat Sinks
By Chad Love
An Alaskan fisherman thrown into the sea when his boat sank survived a night adrift by turning a four-foot plastic tub into an impromptu lifeboat.
From this story in the Seattle Times_:_
A fisherman who spent a night adrift in a 4-by-4 foot plastic fish bin after his boat sank off Alaska says he gave himself pep talks and sang "Rudolf, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" to keep his spirits up.
His fellow crewmember managed to get into a survival suit and washed ashore on a beach after his own night afloat. A Coast Guard helicopter hoisted Ryan Harris, 19, of Sitka, from his plastic "lifeboat" on Saturday, more than 24 hours after the boat sank on Friday, the Daily Sitka Sentinel reported Monday.
According to the story, Harris and fellow fisherman Stonie Huffman were fishing for coho salmon when the hydraulics failed on their 28-foot boat. The two men fixed the problem, but when they decided to return to port they ran into high waves, one of which flipped the boat and dumped the men into the sea. Huffman, who had managed to put on a survival suit, was later found alive on a beach. Harris, meanwhile, had managed to climb into a four-foot plastic fish bin, spending the night bobbing on the waves before being rescued by the Coast Guard the next day.


text:
Валерій Степанович Жидков (нар. 4 вересня 1939) — радянський, український та російський шахіст.  (1962), міжнародний майстер (1993). Учасник чемпіонату CРCР (1972), неодноразовий призер командних першостей CCCP.

Біографія
Представляючи в шахових змаганнях місто Запоріжжя, став майстром спорту у 1962 році за результатами турніру в Одесі, в якому п'ять кандидатів у майстри грали в три кола проти п'яти майстрів, набравши 8 очок з 15. Чемпіон Української РСР (1967), призер першостей Української РСР (1966, 1972).

Учасник фінального турніру 40-го чемпіонату CРCР (1972). У 1973 році на міжнародному турнірі в Варні показав результат на рівні міжнародного майстра, проте офіційно це звання було присвоєно ФІДЕ через 20 років.

Представляв Українську РСР на командних першостях СРСР. У складі збірної УРСР був бронзовим призером першості СРСР між командами союзних республік з шахів у 1967 та 1969 роках, на Всесоюній олімпіаді у 1972 році. Призер командної першості СРСР у 1966 році у складі команди ДЗГ «Спартак».

Працював тренером з шахів у Москві, залучався до роботи із збірною СРСР. Один з найсильніших гросмейстерів Росії Дмитро Володимирович Андрійкін в одному з інтерв'ю після успішного виступу в Кубку світу і виходу в турнір претендентів з шахів 2014 згадував його як свого наставника: «Останній мій тренер - Жидков Валерій Степанович. З ним було дуже цікаво, він багато мені дав».

Діаграма

Примітки

Література

Посилання

Радянські шахісти
Українські шахісти

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Mark got me a bike for my birthday last year (pictured above). My first thought: it is blue and beautiful. Then the cynicism set in and I speculated that he was gearing up for the mountain biking season and wanted to drag me along so he didn't feel guilty going out gallivanting all day. You see, John Backiel was having a busy year, so Mark needed a new biking buddy, so he bought me a bike. What a selfless gift!
In all seriousness, Mark foresaw the fun that we would having biking together. Surely you have read about some of my biking expeditions, namely when Sarah came to visit. Some of our biking highlights in Massachusetts included the Apple Street Loop, a quick ride after work, and riding to Cranes Beach, only 12 miles round trip. However, since we moved to DC, we have been in a riding slump. We made the mistake of storing our bikes on the Eastern Shore and missed opportunities where we may have gone for a ride.
The last few weekends we have gotten out more and I hope in continues. We went for a leisurely ride with Ben on the Eastern Shore and this past weekend we rode to and around Hains Point. We estimated that ride at about 13 miles. None of these rides are very long. We aren't training for any big race/triathlon. We just like to ride our bikes together. Now all we have to do is make the time.


The Accuride 7957 12 2 includes a 19.1mm slide thickness, a 100% extension and a load rating of up to 140kg.
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Martin Burkhardt, born in 1981, has a degree in Communication Design from the University Mannheim. As an illustrator, he works for PR agencies, cultural institutions, publishing houses, and other business branches. He has been known as a court sketch artist.


text:
Global Indicators
Global Publics: Economic Conditions Are Bad
But Positive Sentiment Rebounding in Europe, Japan, U.S.
By Bruce Stokes
Seven years after the beginning of the global financial crisis, a Pew Research Center survey of 40 nations finds that publics in fewer than half the countries have a positive view of their economy. A median of just 40% in advanced economies say economic conditions are good, as do 45% in emerging economies and 46% in developing nations. Such overall sentiment is largely unchanged from economic sentiment in comparable countries in 2014.
However, the survey also finds that people in emerging economies and developing countries are more likely than publics in advanced economies to believe that economic conditions will improve over the next 12 months. And while only about a quarter of publics in advanced economies think that those in the next generation will be better off financially than their parents, about half or more of respondents in emerging and developing countries see a bright future for the next generation.
There are also signs of growing public faith in an economic recovery in some of the largest economies. Roughly four-in-ten Americans (40%), Europeans (38%) and Japanese (37%) say economic conditions are good in their countries. Such sentiment is up 30 percentage points in Japan from the low point in 2012; up 23 points from the low in the United States in 2009; and up 23 points from the low in 2013 for the median of five European Union nations. European and Japanese views, while far from positive, have now returned to or exceed pre-financial-crisis levels. But American attitudes, while rebounding, are still more negative than they were in 2007. This modest recovery in public economic sentiment parallels a gradual pickup in economic growth in many of these economies.
And economic attitudes have swung dramatically in a number of nations in just the past year. In Nigeria, views of economic conditions have brightened 18 points. Meanwhile, economic sentiment has darkened in Malaysia (down 26 points), Chile (down 24 points) and Russia (down 20 points).
In the 40 nations surveyed, a median of 45% say economic conditions in their country are good. And just 39% believe that their economy will improve over the next year, a pessimism that echoes projections by the International Monetary Fund that 2015 global growth will be marginally slower than in 2014. Only in developing nations does a majority (58%) expect conditions to get better.
Nor are publics that optimistic about prospects for the next generation. Just 45% around the world express the view that today's children will be better off financially than their parents. But such doubt is largely centered in advanced economies, where only 27% think kids will be better off. About half or more of those surveyed in emerging markets (51%) and developing nations (54%) expect the next generation to exceed their parents financially.
The most optimistic about prospects for the next generation are the Vietnamese (91%), Chinese (88%), Nigerians (84%) and Ethiopians (84%). The most doubtful about the next generation's prospects are the French (14% optimistic), Italians (15%) and Japanese (18%).
In many countries, the young – those ages 18 to 29 – are more likely than their elders – those 50 and older – to believe that economic conditions are good. But the greatest generational divide is over prospects for today's children. In 18 of 40 nations, young people are significantly more likely than older people to believe that when children today grow up they will be better off financially than their parents.
Americans are sharply divided along partisan lines about the economy. Democrats are far more upbeat than Republicans. A majority of Democrats (55%) say the economy is doing well, but only 25% of the GOP agrees. More than half of Democrats (53%) believe the U.S. economy will improve over the next 12 months, while just 23% of Republicans are optimistic. And while 41% of Democrats say those in the next generation will be better off financially than their parents, just 24% of Republicans hold this view.
These are among the main findings of a new Pew Research Center survey, conducted in 40 nations among 45,435 respondents from March 25 to May 27, 2015.
Many View National Economic Conditions Negatively
The world economy is growing at a moderate pace, according to the IMF. Much of this growth is being driven by economic activity in advanced economies at a time when expansion in emerging and developing economies is slowing.
Such modest growth has not impressed many global publics, who are fairly gloomy about the current state of their economies. A median of 56% in advanced economies say economic conditions are bad, while 55% in emerging markets and 54% in developing countries share this negative view.
Half or more in seven of the 11 advanced economies surveyed say their economy is performing poorly. The most negative views are in Italy (88%), France (85%), South Korea (83%) and Spain (81%). In contrast, 75% in Germany, 57% in Canada and 55% in Australia believe their economy is doing well.
In emerging markets, half or more in 14 of 21 countries see their economy as negative. The gloomiest are Ukrainians (94%), Lebanese (89%) and Brazilians (87%). At the same time, 90% of Chinese, 86% of Vietnamese and 74% of Indians think economic conditions are good.
In developing economies, half or more in six of eight nations say their economy is performing poorly. The most downbeat are Ghanaians (73%) and Palestinians (67%). Only Ethiopians (89%) and Senegalese (60%) think economic conditions are good.
There is even greater disparity in economic perceptions between geographic regions. A median of 51% in the Asia-Pacific region say economic conditions are good, as do 48% in Africa. But just 36% in Latin America, 31% in the Middle East and 28% in the European Union believe their economy is doing well.
Publics' perception of their economy has improved significantly in just a handful of countries over the past year. In 2014, only 39% of Nigerians said their economy was in good shape; now, 57% voice a positive view. In Argentina, the proportion saying economic conditions are good is up 12 percentage points, from 26% to 38%. Views have also improved in Spain, India and Pakistan.
The revival in economic sentiment is more pronounced compared with views in the immediate wake of the financial crisis. In spring 2009, just 17% of Americans thought their economy was doing well. Now, 40% are upbeat. Similarly, in Germany, 28% said in 2009 that economic conditions were good; 75% now say the economic situation is good. And in the United Kingdom, the story is the same: 11% in 2009, now 52%.
But in many nations, the economic mood has darkened in the past year, in some cases quite dramatically. Positive assessment of the economy is down 26 points in Malaysia, from 72% in 2014 to 46% in 2015. It has fallen from 69% in Chile a year ago to 45%, and from 44% to just 24% in Russia. And in South Korea, public sentiment about the economy is down 17 points, from an already-dim 33% to only 16%.
In 11 of the 40 nations surveyed, those ages 18 to 29 are significantly more upbeat about current economic conditions than people ages 50 and older. This generation gap is particularly strong in Peru: 61% of younger Peruvians say the economy is doing well, but only 45% of older ones agree. This age-related difference, with the young notably positive and the old more negative, also exists in countries such as Malaysia, South Africa, Kenya and Australia. Notably, however, in a handful of nations – Italy, Vietnam, Venezuela and Turkey – it is older respondents who are more pleased with economic conditions than are the young, though in both Italy and Venezuela, both age groups are nonetheless quite dissatisfied.
Men and women around the world generally see their economy in the same light. But there is a gender gap in economic perceptions in some key countries: in the U.S., 44% of men but just 36% of women say their economy is good; and in Japan, 46% of men but only 30% of women are positive about economic conditions.
Publics in Emerging, Developing Nations Expect Economy to Pick Up
The	predominant view among emerging and developing countries is that their economies will improve over the next 12 months. But a plurality in advanced economies expects economic conditions to remain about the same. Relatively few around the world foresee their economies worsening.
A median of 25% in advanced economies expects an economic uptick. But such sentiment varies widely. The Israelis (47%) and Spanish (42%) are the most optimistic. The French (20%), Australians (21%) and South Koreans (21%) are the least likely to expect conditions to improve.
In advanced economies, a median of 42% expect conditions to remain about the same, with the strongest such sentiment in Germany and Japan (both 54%). It is notable that the IMF expects Germany to grow by only 1.6% in 2015 and Japan to expand by a mere 0.8%.
Publics in emerging markets are far more optimistic: a median of 40% believe economic conditions will improve. Majorities in six of the 21 countries expect their economy to do better.
Those in developing nations have even higher hopes for the future. Half or more in six of eight such countries voice the view that their economy will do better over the next year. People in Burkina Faso (85%) and Ethiopia (84%) have the greatest optimism. Palestinians (30%) are the least upbeat about the future.
Overall, the most optimistic are people in Nigeria (92% say the economy will improve), Burkina Faso (85%), China (84%), Ethiopia (84%) and Peru (83%). The most pessimistic about the near future are the Lebanese (44% say the economy will worsen), French (42%) and Turks (42%).
In 12 of the 40 countries surveyed, people ages 18 to 29 are more optimistic about economic conditions in the next year than are people ages 50 and older. This is particularly true in Africa and Latin America. For example, 53% of young South Africans expect economic conditions to improve, but only 35% of older South Africans agree. Similarly, 59% of young Kenyans say the economy will pick up in the next 12 months, while just 44% of older Kenyans share that view. More than half (53%) of young Mexicans are upbeat about the economy's prospects, but only 38% of their elders are optimistic.
Notably, the group of countries in which young people are more pessimistic about their financial future than their elders includes two advanced economies. Younger French (16%) and South Koreans (14%) have an even bleaker view of the near future than their elders.
Advanced Economies Pessimistic about Next Generation's Prospects
Public expectations of the economic prospects for the next generation are a telling indicator of a society's optimism or pessimism about the future.
About half or more of the publics in both emerging economies (51%) and developing nations (54%) believe that when today's children grow up they will be better off financially than their parents. This includes more than half in 11 of 21 emerging markets and five of eight developing countries.
The	most hopeful for the next generation are publics in some of the world's fastest-growing economies: Vietnam, which grew 6% in 2014 and where 91% expect children to be better off; China, which expanded by 7.4% in 2014 and where 88% have similar expectations for the next generation; Ethiopia, whose economy grew by 10.3% in 2014 and where 84% expect a brighter future for the next generation; and India, which grew at 7.3% and where 74% anticipate that children will outdo their parents financially.
However, there is not always a relationship between recent economic performance and optimism. The most downbeat about the financial future of the next generation among publics in emerging and developing countries are the Poles (53% say today's kids will be worse off) and the Turks (52%), despite the fact that Poland grew by 3.3% in 2014 and Turkey by 2.9%. Neither has experienced Asian-style growth rates, but nonetheless they are doing fairly well for their regions.
Publics	in advanced economies are almost uniformly pessimistic about prospects for the next generation. A median of 64% anticipates that today's kids will be worse off in the future, including half or more in 10 of 11 nations. Of the 40 countries surveyed, the pessimism found in nine advanced economies exceeds the negativity seen in all 29 emerging and developing economies. Only in Israel (51%) does roughly half the public voice the view that today's children will be better off financially than their parents.
By	far, the French (85%) are the most pessimistic about prospects for the next generation. The French economy grew by only 0.2% in 2014, among the worst performances in Europe. But the French are not alone. The Japanese economy shrank by 0.1% in 2014, and 72% of Japanese expect today's kids to be worse off in the future.
Regional differences in perception about the financial future for today's children are quite stark. In Latin America, a median of 58% believe the next generation will be more prosperous than their parents, as do 56% in Africa and 51% in the Asia-Pacific region. But a median of just 32% in the Middle East and 28% in six European Union countries are optimistic.
In a number of nations, those ages 18 to 29 are significantly more likely than those ages 50 and older to expect today's kids to be better off financially than their parents. Young Spaniards (47%) are far more likely than older ones (21%) to believe that the next generation will be better off. There is a comparable 24-point generation gap in such views in Peru and a 21-point difference in Brazil and Germany. But the opposite generational divide exists in Turkey, where just 34% of young people are optimistic about the financial prospects of the next generation, while 56% of older people think children's future is bright.
Next: Methodology
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Complete Report PDF Topline Questionnaire Global Indicators Database Spring 2015 SurveySpring 2015 Survey Data Dataset
World EconomiesNational Economy
Global Publics More Upbeat About the Economy
Economies of Emerging Markets Better Rated During Difficult Times
Global Public Downbeat about Economy
A Decade After the Financial Crisis, Economic Confidence Rebounds in Many Countries
A Rising Tide Lifts Mood in the Developing World


Undergraduate departmental representatives are responsible for opening avenues of communication between undergraduates and departmental faculty.
They also provide academic and career information to majors, minors and prospective students; organize meetings and information sessions on topics related to the program; disseminate information on current department events and activities; and serve as ambassadors for the department at university-wide events such as admitted students day and the academic fair.
Matthew Reeves is a junior, double majoring in philosophy and history. In addition, he is the captain of the rowing team. His favorite philosophy class is Phil 126A (What Does It Mean to Be a Global Citizen?), with Professor Teuber, because it is a broad view of ethical issues around the world.
Matthew Schecter is a junior, double majoring in philosophy and politics. He is president of MEOR, a Jewish engagement group on campus; vice president of the Brandeis Israel Public Affairs Committee; sports coordinator at campus radio station WBRS; and communications coordinator at bVIEW, Brandeis Visions for Israel in an Evolving World. His favorite philosophy class is Phil 125B (Philosophy of Law) because it combines his passions of philosophy and law.
Sonia Pavel, a Brandeis Wien Scholar from Bucharest, Romania, is a sophomore majoring in philosophy and anthropology. She is currently most interested in questions pertaining to the nature and development of normative communities, personhood and its ethical dimensions, as well as moral and political obligations. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a doctorate in moral, social and political philosophy.


text:
Q: How to create a WAV file from a sqlite BLOB field with python I get a blob out of a ms access database which contains mono wav data from an instrument. It's just 1 second. It begins with different values, so I mean it is pure wav Data
b'\\f_?\xb2\xca^??;]?\xa9(Z?\xf8\x87V?\x8e\x11S?PCP?\xcc\x06O?\xf1RN?a\x07M?\x83DK?\xa9hH?\x94\nE?\x9d.B?mb??\xf9\x05=?\xf5X;?\xeb|:?M\xc7:?Qg;?\xbd\x0c<?\x8c\x05=?\x85I>?v\xd2??/`B?\xfe\xafF?\xafFL?b3S?,\x8dZ?\xc1}`?\x16Le?\xef\xb2h?@#j?a\x02k?\xb3\xcck?D\xd2l?\xec\xaen?\x19\xccp?\x9e\xdfr?\x82Uu?\x81\x03x?tCz?\xa5E{?\xec\xecz?5\xcey?\x08\x82x?\x83\xd2v?\xec\xb3t?\x8f\x04r?\xce\x08n?\x8d3h?\x11@a?\x1e\xfbX?\x9b\x11P?\xfc}G?\x08\'

...
I used the packages wave and soundfile to create a wav file, but it never meets the original format. I could export a file from the original software, so it should work.
import wave

    wav = wave.open(wavfile, 'rb')
    print("filename :", wavfile)
    print("channels :", wav.getnchannels())
    print("sampwidth:", wav.getsampwidth())
    print("framerate:", wav.getframerate())
    print("nframes  :", wav.getnframes())

The output is:
filename : c:\DATEN\TS_org.wav
channels : 1
sampwidth: 2
framerate: 32768
nframes  : 16384

I did set these parameters to th new file and added the BLOB:
def create_audiofile(blobin, saveto):
    nchannels = 1
    #ok to read in another analyser, but wrong sound sampwidth = 1
    sampwidth = 2
    framerate = 32768
    nframes = 16384

    audio = wave.open (saveto, 'wb')
    audio.setnchannels (nchannels)
    audio.setsampwidth (sampwidth)
    audio.setframerate (framerate)
    audio.setnframes (nframes)
    audio.writeframes(blobin)

    #also no success
    #audio.writeframesraw(blobin)

I checked serveral websites and answers here in SO. There is a good description here, but I never got a working wav file.
The first 36 bytes of the original file look like this:
Bytenr :0       1       2       3       4       5       6       7       8       9       10      11      12      13      14      15      16      17      18      19      20      21      22      23      24      25      26      27      28      29      30      31      32      33      34      35
integer:82      73      70      70      36      128     0       0       87      65      86      69      102     109     116     32      16      0       0       0       1       0       1       0       0       128     0       0       0       0       1       0       2       0       16      0
hexcode:0x52    0x49    0x46    0x46    0x24    0x80    0x0 0x0 0x57    0x41    0x56    0x45    0x66    0x6d    0x74    0x20    0x10    0x0 0x0 0x0 0x1 0x0 0x1 0x0 0x0 0x80    0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x1 0x0 0x2 0x0 0x10    0x0
ASCII  :R       I       F       F       $                               W       A       V       E       f       m       t               #                               #               #                                                               #               #               #

How can I use these information to build a new wav File?
Edit
This is the funny script from @mivk as python script to test conversion:
import subprocess
infile =("e:\\data\\wav\\raw.pcm")
ffmpeg = "e:\\data\\wav\\ffmpeg.exe"
samples = [8000, 11025, 22050, 16000, 32000, 22050, 44100]
formats = ['alaw', 'f32be', 'f32le', 'f64be', 'f64le', 'mulaw', 's16be', 's16le', 's24be', 's24le', 's32be',
              's32le', 's8', 'u16be', 'u16le', 'u24be', 'u24le', 'u32be', 'u32le', 'u8']
for ar in samples:
    for f in formats:
        outfile = infile[:-4] + "_%s_%s.wav"%(f, ar)
        order = '%s -f %s -ar %d -ac 1 -i %s %s'%(ffmpeg, f, ar, infile, outfile)
        subprocess.call(order)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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If you read Evolution and Us, you may be tempted to think that I am a staunch Atheist that has lived my life reliant on the wisdom of science and wholly separate from religion and faith. That assumption does not even approach the truth.
While I do consider myself an Agnostic, I was not always of this mind. In fact, I was raised and lived the majority of my life (into my early thirties) as a member of a very strict, although slightly askew, Christian faith. And, I structured my life, including my marriage, around the tenants of that faith.
It wasn't until I left the faith tradition of my family that I began to have a desire to understand how the world really works. After all, prior to leaving my religion, I thought I understood everything. The world seemed pretty simple, and, lucky for me, I had it all figured out.
It turns out that when you base every aspect of your life on a dogmatic architecture, you can become very confused and even depressed, when you decide to set that architecture aside.
I was left questioning everything in my life — my education and career choice; my nationality and sense of patriotism; my family history; my place in the world; and even my marriage. Fortunately, I was able to get through most of this relatively quickly (only took me about a year) and I was able to discover a sense of purpose in my life that I had never actually felt before.
Also, I discovered a renewed energy for learning and obtaining knowledge. This passion for new information eventually led me to the study of evolution. I began to read printed books, and to listen to both audio books and some very interesting discussions that have taken place on various podcasts.
You can check out the resources I've found informative here.
I've continued on in my pursuit to understand evolution and, rather than becoming satiated, my appetite for information about the evolutionary process and its affects on us continues to grow.
I thirst for it as if it were water. Darwin summed it up well in the quote below.
What I've found is that many of the questions I've struggled with about life, myself, and society in general can be answered either directly through the theory of evolution and the research related to it, or indirectly through the principles of evolution, which I have outlined here.
While I do consider myself an Agnostic that does not mean that I am closed off to the idea of a higher intelligence, oneness with the universe, or an unexplained power beyond my own.
When I first lost my faith, I found it difficult to feel anything but disdain for religion. I saw religion as an elaborate lie used to control people in a way that was extremely burdensome and unhealthy. In my specific experience, I even felt a strong sense of betrayal at the hands of my religion.
But, as I've studied evolution, a strange thing has happened — I've began to see the evolutionary value of religion. And, based on the principles of evolution that I've come to understand, I see how evolution helps to explain the continued success of religions.
This is not to say that I believe the tenants of any religion are true. I'm just saying that from a survival perspective, I get it.
I've also had some experiences since abandoning my faith that I would consider spiritual. They were as powerful or perhaps even more powerful than anything I experienced in Christianity. However, I don't believe they are related to an all-powerful being. Rather, they seemed to be more about my connection with the natural world, my genetic ancestors, and myself.
If you're interested in reading more about how I see that evolution explains religion, let me know by highlighting this paragraph.
Now that I have found an appreciation and a passion for evolution, I am intent on pursuing a deeper understanding of the principle and how it affects me (and you) every day. Please take the time to read through the various pages and articles I have shared here on Evolution and Us, and let me know your thoughts.
Hopefully something I have to say will help you along your way (that rhymed!). If you have questions or comments please share — I love it when people share.
And, if you feel inclined to share you own story, I would love to read about it. You can always contact me by visiting the Contact Page.
Since this publication is built on the Medium platform, please follow Evolution and Us, clap for our posts, and highlight the sections that connect with you.
And again, welcome to Evolution and Us. Thanks!


Why are many people unaware of all NASA does?
Kravenhead	 In a nutshell?.... Poor marketing.
They do a better job promoting the exploration aspect of NASA, but not by much.
When's the last time you saw an ad on TV touting all of what NASA has given us in an exciting way?
In fact, you may not have ever seen one.
They need to hire a good PR firm.
Plus, science teachers should cover all of NASA's accomplishments. Not just space projects.
You've heard the expression.. Location... Location... Location. For operations like NASA it's Marketing... Marketing... Marketing.
Question Title Why are many people unaware of all NASA does?


text:
Q: Google Chrome extension run as if in console? I'm trying to make a Google Chrome extension that pauses/plays the payer in DEEZER (www.deezer.com). I i manually run the code "playercontrol.doAction('next')" in the Google chrome JavaScript console, I can manipulate the deezer player, so i looked at the possibility of injecting the code into the Deezer web page with an extension but I haven't managed to do so successfully.
Is it possible to run JavaScript code in Deezer web page as if it were coming from the console in Google Chrome?
If so how?

A: The problems that you are facing here are the following:

*

*You need to use content_scripts instead of running code from the background page.

*Code run from the background page and code run as content scripts are "Sandboxed". This means that your code doesn't have access to the global variables created by the page. Your extension doesn't have access to it. THE GOOD NEWS IS that you can still do it. You have to be clever, though.

In your extension, you have to inject a new Script tag into the "head" of the page. You have to create a new script tag and append it to the head of the page. Before you append it, you need to set the "innerHTML" of the script tag to be the JavaScript that you want to run. Here is the gist of what you need to do.
var myJavaScript = "alert('hey guys');";    //You need to put your JS here.
var scriptTag = document.createElement("script");
scriptTag.innerHTML = myJavaScript;
document.head.appendChild(scriptTag);

This will put the new script tag into the head, which bypasses the security of the Chrome Extension. This will give the new script access to the regular global variables on the page, ie: you will have access to the 'playercontrol' object.

A: This feature has been deprecated by Chrome's security policy.


The 3D Animation Program offers a course of study in an exciting and rapidly expanding field. Students will be preparing for a career in industries ranging from commercial art to video games to special effects. Students will learn to model, texture, animate, light, composite, and edit. Students will leave the program not only with industry-standard animation skills but also with a demo reel to be able to display their work.
The Associates Degree Program prepares students to enter the exciting field of 3d Animation. Emphasis is placed on realizing a creative vision using many different techniques ranging from drawing and painting to digital animation. Students will develop their artistic abilities while training in the latest software.
The Certificate Program is geared towards students who wish to take strictly animation courses. This often includes students who are returning to school for retraining and students who already have degrees and want specific software training.


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ECHONC
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About NCCEI
NCCEI Constitution
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Advertisement Analysis Project
This classroom application of authentic, problem-based learning was presented by Tami Sloane Thrasher, English instructor at Piedmont Community College at the North Carolina Conference of English Instructors' Fall Conference 2001 at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, on October 29, 2001. This presentation provides practical examples of collaborative activities for ENG 111 using real-world writing. Assignments are designed to integrate higher-order abilities (analysis, synthesis, and evaluation) and multiple assessment strategies.
Climbing Mt. Sinai in English
"A wall of mountains rose around us, black as night itself, their tops only faint lines against a paler sky. Somewhere in the darkness was Mt. Sinai, which we would climb at midnight, hoping to reach the summit by sunrise." So begins this essay in which the author attempts to climb Mt. Sinai...but discovers on the way that her English composition class is in her pack.
Film Report
"Film Report Assignment: Plot, Structure, and Meaning" by Rick Lewis of Sandhills Community College describes an assignment for students to look for different types of film narrative patterns and use those to find the meaning behind the conflicts and resolution in a film. The assignments includes evaluation criteria and resources for researching a film and narrative patterns used in films. Writing About Film
The Freshman Course Novel
"The Freshman Course Novel: An All-campus Read to Create Community" by JoAnn Buck explains how Guilford Technical Community College created community within its college and the Greater Greensboro Area through involving students and community in the study of one novel and its author.
I Hate English
Do you remember your first days as an English teacher? Can you remember the first time you heard a student say, "I hate English"? Award-winning author and English Professor Barbara Cole remembers her early days as an English teacher and remembers also why she became an English teacher in the first place.
Real People, Real Writing: Learning Theory and Applications
Tami Sloane Thrasher, English instructor at Piedmont Community College, presented a demonstration of authentic learning, or problem-based learning, at the North Carolina Conference of English Instructors' Fall Conference 2001 at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, on October 29, 2001. She provided learning theory and practical examples of collaborative activities for ENG 111 using real-world writing. She designs all her assignments to integrate higher-order abilities (analysis, synthesis, and evaluation) and multiple assessment strategies. Group Form Peer Analysis
Statement of Principles and Standards for the Postsecondary Teaching of Writing
In October 1989, the Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC) adopted this statement on commitment to educational quality, professional standards that promote quality education (tenure-line faculty, graduate students, part-time faculty, and full-time temporary faculty), and teaching conditions necessary for quality education.
Throw Your Students Out of the Classroom!
This teaching assignment was presented by Clemellyn H. Welch, lead English instructor at Central Carolina Community College at the North Carolina Conference of English Instructors' Fall Conference 2001 at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, on October 29, 2001. The presentation is a three-phase English 114 assignment during which students move beyond the college setting to explore their chosen careers. The project requires students to accomplish multiple tasks: setting up and conducting an interview, preparing a written report of interview results, and making an oral presentation of these results.
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Updated 1 June 2021


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Naples All Destinations
Naples Tours
Top Naples Skip-the-Line Tours
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20 results | All Naples Tours
Skip the Line: Herculaneum Ruins Ticket
Wander amid the ancient ruins of Herculaneum with this entrance ticket to the archaeological site. Buried by the Mt. Vesuvius eruption of AD 79 like the nearby city of Pompeii, the ancient city was preserved for centuries by volcanic mud and dust, so exploring it today is like stepping back in time to Roman days. Skip past the main entrance line with your fast-access ticket, then explore the ruins of Roman bakeries, thermal baths, and houses at your own pace.
Skip the Line: Entrance Ticket to National Archaeological Museum of Naples
The National Archaeological Museum in Naples, home to one of the world's finest collections of Greek and Roman artifacts in the world, is among the city's highlights. Avoid the long line at the museum entrance by booking your ticket in advance and use the time you save to admire the 3,000 artifacts recovered at Pompeii and Herculaneum. Redeem your ticket at a dedicated ticket window with your smartphone.
Tour of the Archaeological Museum of Naples
Step back in time on this 3-hour tour of the Archaeological Museum of Naples and discover a trove of ancient Greek and Roman art. Accompanied by an expert guide, browse archaeological treasures unearthed in Pompeii and Herculaneum; marvel over colorful mosaics and ancient frescos; and see iconic sculptures like the Farnese Bull and Atlas.
Capodimonte Art Gallery Private Tour
One of the largest and most important art museums in Italy, Capodimonte can be daunting to first-time visitors. Avoid feeling overwhelmed and instead enjoy the highlights of its impressive collection of works by Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio, and others with this private tour. Skip-the-line tickets will avoid delays to enter, so you can dedicate more time to the masterpieces inside.
Sansevero Chapel Naples Skip the Line ticket ONLY with Transfer
Sansevero's Veiled Christ is one of the greatest sculptures of all time. Since the eighteenth century, travellers of all levels of distinction have come to contemplate this artistic miracle, to be disconcerted and enraptured by it. One of its innumerable admirers was Antonio Canova, who tried to buy it during his stay in Naples, and legend has it that he swore he would have given ten years of his life to have been the sculptor of this incomparable marble. The fame of the Veiled Christ is growing every day. A survey carried out during the seventeenth edition of the Galassia Gutenberg Book Fair (April 2006) raised it to the level of monument symbolising Naples. Lastly, in the spring of 2008, the Campania Regional Authority chose the photo of Sansevero's Christ for its publicity campaign aiming to give new impetus to the city's image, severely damaged by the well-known refuse emergency.
30 minutes to 1 hour
$12.29 savings
Skip the Line: Royal Palace of Caserta e-Ticket
The UNESCO-listed Royal Palace of Caserta is the largest royal residence in the world and and among the most-visited monuments in southern Italy. Lines can be long to enter, so book your ticket in advance to avoid a delay and instead dedicate your time to exploring the opulent palace and grounds. Show your voucher via your smartphone at the dedicated ticket window to avoid the hassle of a printed ticket.
Skip the Line: Certosa di San Martino ticket
Set in on Vomero Hill overlooking Naples and its bay, the Certosa di San Martino is home to the city's most important collection of Neapolitan art from the 15th and 19th centuries. Book your ticket in advance and skip past the line at the entrance of this former monastery to spend more time taking in the collection. Redeem your ticket directly from your smartphone without the hassle of printing.
Skip the Line: Capodimonte Museum Tickets
The spectacular Capodimonte Museum—home to over 100 paintings by artists including Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio—is one of Naples' premier collections of art. Skip past the crowd at the entrance to this popular museum by booking your ticket in advance and take in the vast palace filled with paintings, sculptures, porcelain, and decorative arts at your own pace. Redeem your ticket directly from your smartphone at a dedicated ticket window.
tour of Naples
my decade of experience, accompanied by the innate passion for art and the history of my city, make me a professional guide, always available to satisfy the customer, so that he receives not just any tour but an unforgettable experience.
Pompeii Ticket with Optional Guided Tour
Did you reserved your tickets to Pompeii? You can do it now by assuring your pass with us. An additional guided tour is available in different languages and hours.
National Gallery: Capodimonte Museum with an Art Historian
The National Museum of Capodimonte, inaugurated in 1957 in Naples, displays valuable masterpieces of Italian art and focuses in particular on the major exponents of painting in Naples from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century. Re-opened in 1995 after major adjustment, it repeats the original layout of the Farnese collection of the royal apartment of Charles I of Bourbon, and it is home to major exhibitions. Mastepieces are: Caravaggio, Andy Warhol, Baroque, Renaissance, Modern Art, Raffaello, Royal Palace.
Private Excursion to Pompeii and Amalfi Coast from Naples Cruise Port or Hotel
Visit the archaeological site of Pompeii and gorgeous places around the Amalfi coast with the convenience of your own private driver from Naples. Your tour includes a skip-the-line admission ticket to Pompeii and a private guided 2.5-hour tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also stop at picturesque destinations along the Amalfi coast and hear live commentary from your private driver before returning to Naples.
The Skull with the Ears: the Cult of the Dead in the Church of S. Luciella
The cult of the Souls in Purgatory is one of the main faces of the city of Naples. Visiting the Church of Santa Luciella means getting to know the bowels of the city and supporting a social project of great value. The church with its basement is a hidden gem, off the beaten track.
Skip the Line: Doll Hospital Visit with Artisan Ice Cream Tasting
Plan some kid-friendly fun in Naples with a visit to the "Ospedale delle Bambole"—a historic doll's hospital and toy workshop where well-loved toys can get a fresh start. Bring your child's favorite doll, teddy, or stuffed animal for a checkup, and see how skilled artisans have been serving Naples children and their beloved toys for generations. The visit ends with a delicious double-scoop of Italian gelato.
Naples Skip-the-Line San Martino National Museum and Charterhouse Ticket
Widen your sightseeing net while making the most of your time in Naples with skip-the-line entry to the San Martino National Museum and Charterhouse. Save time with priority admission to this 14th-century monastery complex, perched on a city hilltop. Admire the cloisters and stunning religious art and architecture; trace Naples' history through the rich museum collection; and enjoy sweeping views from the terraced gardens.
Luxury Shopping Experience: McArthurglen La Reggia Outlet Fashion Passport
The tour begins with the pick-up from the meeting-point at the scheduled time and transfer to McArthurGlen La Reggia Designer Outlet where you can find your favourite brands from 35% to 70% off, all year round. With its architecture, cafes and restaurants, children's play area, free parking and more than 140 boutiques, La Reggia Designer Outlet offers something for everyone. Upon arrival, collect your fashion passport at the information office to enjoy an additional 10% discount on purchases. Enjoy on your own a shopping day among the most important luxury brand such as Armani, Versace, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli and haute couture brands such as Isaia, Ragusa and Gutteridge. Also, relax in the many cafes and restaurants using the break time card. At 2.30pm depart from the mall to reach Naples.
Capodimonte Royal Palace Museum and Park Guided Tour with Optional Transfer
If you have time for one attraction in Naples, the Capodimonte Royal Palace Museum and Park is a must. This historic gallery — once the summer residence of the kings of the Two Sicilies — is home to masterpieces by artists including Botticelli, Correggio, Parmigianino, and Titian. Your package includes the standard admission ticket and guide, and showcases the best of the museum's collection. Upgrade your ticket to include round-trip travel from the airport, cruise terminal, or your hotel in Naples.
Skip the Line:Caravaggio,The Martyrdom of Saint Orsola-Ticket @ Palazzo Zevallos
The Baroque Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano set along Naples' bustling Via Toledo is home to Caravaggio's spectacular "Martyrdom of Saint Ursula" (1610), thought to be the painter's final work. Book your ticket in advance to visit the gallery and take in this and other masterpieces without the delay of purchasing tickets at the entrance. Redeem your ticket easily directly from your smartphone at a dedicated ticket window.
The Royal Palace of Capodimonte is now home to one of Naples' most important art collections, including works by Bellini, Caravaggio, Parmigianino, Warhol, and more. On this tour, enjoy the undivided attention of a private guide as you admire the historic artworks. Gain insight into the palace's magnificent architecture and antique furnishings; admire the Capodimonte porcelain collection; and enjoy time to explore the royal gardens.
Herculaneum & Volcano Vesuvius Tour with Private Guide & Skip-the-line Tickets
Discover Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius on a full-day, private tour that explores a fascinating ancient city—and the volcano that buried it in ash. Door-to-door service by private, climate-controlled vehicle ensures a comfortable day, with tours that spotlight each site's highlights. A private tour of Herculaneum features frescoed houses, a gym, and Roman baths, and you'll join a geologist-led group tour while taking in the volcano's dramatic crater.
What are the best Skip-the-Line Tours in Naples?
The best Skip-the-Line Tours in Naples according to Viator travelers are:
See all Skip-the-Line Tours in Naples on Viator.
What Skip-the-Line Tours in Naples are taking additional safety precautions?
These Naples experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Skip-the-Line Tours in Naples are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in Naples may have limited interaction with crowds:
More Tours in Naples
Attractions in Naples
Saint Elmo's Castle (Castel Sant'Elmo)
La Reggia Designer Outlet
Path of the Gods (Sentiero Degli Dei)
Mitigliano Beach (Cala di Mitigliano)
Capodimonte Museum (Museo di Capodimonte)
Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore
San Carlo Opera House (Teatro di San Carlo)
Naples Zoo (Lo Zoo di Napoli)
Saint Lucia Neighborhood (Quartiere Santa Lucia)
Pio Monte della Misericordia
Piazza del Plebiscito
Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore (Basilica di San Domenico Maggiore)
Bourbon Tunnel (Galleria Borbonica)
Church of Sant'Anna dei Lombardi (Chiesa di Sant'Anna dei Lombardi)
Naples Piazza del Mercato
La Mortella Gardens (Giardini La Mortella)
Bay of Naples (Golfo di Napoli)
Things to do near Naples
Things to do in Lake Bracciano
Recommended for Naples
Naples and Pizza
Pompeii Tours from Naples
Amalfi Coast from Naples
Nightlife in Naples
Caravaggio Art in Naples
Top Day Trips from Naples


Which Office 365 tools do your team need?
If you're one of the millions of business users enjoying Office 365, you probably already know how great it is for productivity and communication. But some will be more suited to your specific organisational needs than others, so choosing the right ones can be tricky. This simple guide highlights some of the most popular choices with businesses that want to boost team work and collaboration.
Digital credentials such as email addresses, usernames and passwords connect you and your employees to critical business applications, as well as online services. Unfortunately, cyber criminals know the value of your digital identity, and can traffic and purchase stolen user credentials to infiltrate your network and steal data – which is often difficult to detect until it's too late.
You need to know your business-critical data is safe. That means making sure everyone is up to speed with the latest internet scams and knows how to recognise the tell-tale signs.


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Please click here to read our official press release regarding the launch of our women's first team!
The Brooklyn City F.C. women's first team will represent Brooklyn and NYC women's soccer on a national level, while also providing a pinnacle to the Brooklyn City F.C. female player development path. The team reflects our comprehensive commitment to girls' and women's soccer.
The team will compete in the East division of United Women's Soccer, a national second-tier league for competitive female players, including college players, aspiring and former professionals, and international stars. The United Women's Soccer league season runs from May through July, culminating in a national playoff and championship match.
The team's coaching staff will be led by Head Coach Kim Wyant, current head coach of the NYU men's soccer team. Wyant has vast coaching experience with high-level women's programs, most recently coaching teams at NYAC and Long Island Lady Riders. Wyant is also a former goalkeeper with the US women's national team. Coach Wyant is currently working with the club, to build out our 2021 coaching staff, with more details to be announced in the immediate future.
Amy Marron will serve as assistant coach, working closely with Coach Wyant. Marron is currently an assistant coach with the St John's University women's soccer team, and a former player in the UWS.
Home games will be played in Brooklyn, NY, at locations to be announced shortly. The team will train weekly in Brooklyn.
Interested in playing for the Brooklyn City F.C. women's first team?
Interested players should fill out the following player prospect form by clicking here.


The International Maritime Organization agreed Friday on its first ambitious strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the international shipping sector to meet the Paris Agreement goals. The agreement benefited from input and analysis from the International Energy Agency, specifically being in line with projections from the IEA's Beyond 2°C Scenario (B2DS).
The IMO strategy includes a target to reduce carbon emission by at least 50% compared with 2008 levels by 2050. This strategy will have far-reaching consequences for a sector that has traditionally faced significant barriers to innovations.
To meet this target, the shipping industry will need to optimize maritime trade operations and capacity utilization, improve energy efficiency much faster than it has done to date, and transition towards low and zero-carbon fuels. The IMO is the United Nations regulatory agency for the maritime industry.
The IEA participated in the IMO Intersessional Working Group on greenhouse gas emissions tasked with negotiating and writing the Initial IMO GHG Strategy, representing the OECD delegation together with the International Transport Forum. The IEA contributed to the activities of the group, outlining the result of the B2DS scenario that was developed in the Energy Technology Perspectives 2017 report.
The target of at least 50% emission reductions by 2050 is in line with the results of the IEA B2DS (reaching a 50% reduction in the 2050 to 2060 framework). It is closely aligned to the proposal from Japan, proposing a target of 50% emissions reduction by 2060, relying on the IEA analysis. And it was adapted as a compromise solution between a group of European countries and Pacific island states, aiming for a 70-100% reduction target, and a group of countries emphasizing that it is less urgent and feasible to adopt an absolute GHG reduction target at this time.
The adoption of the IMO Strategy will have a large impact on the international shipping sector's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. According to IEA statistics, the international shipping sector is currently responsible for about 5% of global oil demand, similar to the combined demand for oil from Germany, France and the United Kingdom. The international shipping industry also accounts for about 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions, a share that is currently larger than international aviation. Without this agreement, shipping emissions would keep increasing in a stark contrast with expected improvements from other sectors.
Meeting the ambition of the IMO Strategy does not come without challenges. IEA analysis pointed out that this would not be possible without substantive policy support. The Initial IMO Strategy contains an indicative list of "candidate short-, mid- and long-term measures", but still needs to determine which measures will actually be implemented.
The IEA analysis outlined in the OECD submission to the IMO Intersessional Working Group on GHG emissions of September 2017 emphasized the need to adopt enhanced efficiency standards (including a revision of the ambition of the current Energy Efficiency Design Index), stimulate investments for retrofits and the adoption of efficient operational practices with the introduction of an operational efficiency standard. In addition, the IEA pointed out the need to develop a mechanism enabling the adoption of a CO2 price for shipping fuel and a policy framework – such a low-carbon emission standard – allowing to reduce the overall carbon intensity of shipping fuels.
Taking action in future work of the IMO to ensure that the Strategy is supported by adequate implementing measures will be crucial to ensure that shipping emissions can be effectively reduced, ensuring that this important first step for "a pathway of CO2 emissions reduction consistent with the Paris Agreement temperature goals" is achieved. The IEA is ready to continue to engage in this process and support these important developments with additional analytical inputs.


Nothing feels so right like walking with your head high into your stunning office furnished with warm wood, pop art photographs, sweeping counters, a polished floor, and a big TV somewhere at the corner of the complex.
This is a dream come true office and I bet you smile at its impressive walls every day.
What baffles the mind is when your Doctor tells you that your very own mind-blowing workspace is the reason you feel tiredness before lunchtime. It is the cause of your mental fatigue, daily headaches, itchy irritable eyes and that it is generally why you get unproductive at work as the day unfolds.
Have you been feeling this way lately?
Your office is stubbing you to death and you won't notice it because its brightly coloured warm walls are smiling at you as you softly die.
The problem is that you are not getting good air quality in your office but are instead breathing in toxins from that lovely piece of pressed wood furniture, the dusty carpet and the wall painting that you stare at each day.
A study by Harvard, Syracuse University found that the biggest cause of office unproductivity is poor air quality. The research further says that chemicals known as volatile organic compounds emitted from paints, flooring and pressed furniture are the major cause of office poor indoor quality.
Other issues such as insufficient ventilation where little fresh air replaces used air are also a concern. Sometimes this may happen because your air conditioner isn't enough to cover your workspace. Other times it may be that the air conditioner is not functioning well and therefore producing humid instead of fresh air-humid is a pollutant to indoor air quality.
Offices located near the highway or near factories are also disposed to bad air quality. Before you rent an office space, or if you are purchasing land to build your own, you must check to ensure that you do not build near highly carbon dioxide producing places such as factories. If you get the chance, go for a place that is not near the highway either.
To enjoy productivity in the office, there needs to be consistent entry of fresh air, Â reasonable space and natural light among others to invigorate the ability to think and reason.
By using a VOC sensor: This tool has the capacity to measure organic compounds. It can detect the bad odour that is coming from a carpet and the components coming from the people filling a room.
By using a carbon dioxide meter: This special tool works best in carbon houses for which it was created. However, when put in your office space, it will perfectly measure the carbon dioxide put out by people. To use this tool, you need to have another VOC tester to help measure chemicals.
To get the best out of your testing, it is better to employ professionals to do the job. Professionals have better facilities to carry out accurate tests in a laboratory.
There are hundreds of ways to improve indoor air quality but the most effective way is to bring nature into the workspace. There are several ways you can connect with nature in your office without carrying mud on your shoes.
One great way to do so is to plant plant and plant! Â If you fear to be attacked by organisms from the plants grown indoors, then it is better to kill the micro-organisms but continue benefiting from the freshness of the plants because indeed your office can suffer from organisms crawling into your drawers and tables.
Plant small trees in your office's relaxing area so that you feel like you are in the middle of a forest. Plant Beanbags, smooth grass, beautiful plants and colorful flowers.
One way companies are encouraging green in the indoors is by getting their staff to get involved in the planting. You may ask each of your staff to plant something and tag their names to it to honor them for their green efforts.
The beauty of bringing green into the office space is that if you can stay in touch with nature all day, your productivity will increase five times fold.
· Vacuum twice a week: While at it, vacuum each area for longer. Make sure that your vacuum has a strong suction and alternating brushes. Don't forget to clean your filter by washing it at the end of each vacuum.
· Mop every after you vacuum: Mopping with clean water-no need for detergents will clear off the dust that may have remained from the vacuuming.
· Have doormats at every entry point: Never undermine the power of a doormat. Doormats will help minimize the dirt brought into the office by trapping some of it from the shoes.
Some things don't need any effort yet they can save us a big deal. If our productivity increases when we connect with nature, then why not take our office meetings in the outdoor? After all, during a meeting is when our brains need to be most productive so that we can brainstorm ideas. Let's take nature walks or even jog as we meet with clients. The world is ours, we don't always have to meet in suits over breakfast in closed doors. We can change the rules! And save our lives.
I know not everyone bought the idea of meeting in the outdoors which is fine because I have another brilliant idea for you. Let's have engineers construct green friendly structures. Buildings with bigger space, lots of ventilation, less indoor toxins and even running water so that the indoor lovers can still breath perfectly while at work behind closed doors.
What other ways can we bring nature indoors? Is there something you tried that worked perfectly at your office? Let me know in the comments. Let's take the green workspace conversation to places.
She writes about fitness, travel, technology and gathers news stories for large media outlets in her part of the World. She has been doing this for the past 11 years and enjoys every bit of it.
Esther is a wife and mothers two adorable girls and one brilliant boy.
When she's not writing, she loves to relax by the beach with her family.
Why Changing Your Relationship With Your Breath Will Increase Athletic Performance, Reduce Anxiety and Increase Overall Well-being.


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John J. Cronan, III, Associate
John J. Cronan, III
jcronan@preti.com
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Alert: Maine WC Board Appellate Division Addresses Several Cases Dealing with the Application of the "Retirement Presumption"
Maine Workers' Compensation Alert April 21, 2016
Under the "retirement presumption" (Section 223 of the Act), an employee who terminates active employment and is receiving nondisability pension or retirement benefits is presumed not to have a loss of earnings as the result of compensable injury or disease under this Act. This presumption may be rebutted only by evidence that the employee is medically totally incapacitated.
In Wing v. NewPage, WCB App. Div. No. 16-5 (March 7, 2016) the employee was working modified-duty, receiving partial incapacity benefits, when he retired from active employment. The employee argued that his retirement was "compatible" with his work restrictions, that the work he was performing before retirement exceeded his restrictions and that he was essentially "forced" to work beyond those restrictions. The ALJ and Appellate Division rejected these arguments. The presumption was found to apply because the employee continued working, albeit light-duty, up to the date of retirement from active employment.
In Hallock v. NewPage, WCB App. Div. No. 16-6 (March 7, 2016) the employee retired from active employment at NewPage but first used accrued vacation time. The employee argued that the presumption did not apply because he had stopped working before retirement, because he had been on vacation. The Appellate Division rejected this, finding that the employee was actively employed at the time of retirement and the he was receiving a nondisaiblity pension: "Mr. Hallock was performing his customary work when he decided to utilize accrued vacation to get him to his retirement date. . . [he] did not take sick leave or otherwise request workers' compensation benefits . . . . [he] was performing his customary work of his job, albeit with some difficulty, as of the date that he left work and took advantage of accrued vacation." Judge Stovall dissented, arguing that Hallock was not "actively employed" when he actually retired and that the presumption should not apply because the employee technically did not work a day after he went on a scheduled vacation.
In Casey v. NewPage, WCB App. Div. No. 16-9 (March 22, 2016), the employee claimed she was not "actively employed" when she retired because she was working with restrictions for financial reasons despite her injuries, which constituted coercion by the employer. The Appellate Division affirmed the ALJ's denial of incapacity benefits finding the retiree presumption applied because the employee was actively employed at the time of retirement.


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INCA RELIGION
Home > Peru destinations > INCA RELIGION
Whereas the pre-Columbian cultures of Mesoamerica developed systems ofwriting, their Andean counterparts did not. As a result, only two Incan accounts by Native American authors survive. Both authors wrote in the second decade of the 17th century, in a mixture of Spanish and native languages. Neither man was ethnically Incan; both traced their ancestry to tribes that had been conquered by the Incas. Nueva Coronica y Buen
Gobierno (translated as Letter to a King, 1978), by Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala, is a 1200-page letter addressed to the King of Spain, illustrated with the author's own line drawings. It was lost for nearly 300 years and was discovered in the royal library of Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1906. The second work is Relación de Antigüedades deste Regno del Pirú (about 1615; An Account of the Antiquities of Peru, 1873), by Joan de Santacruz Pachacuti Yamqui Salcamaygua, much of which is virtually incomprehensible because the author was only semiliterate.
A third figure who could be considered a native author is Garcilaso de la Vega, called El Inca (Spanish for "The Inca"). He was born in Peru, the son of a Spanish father and an Incan mother. However, he went to Spain at the age of 21 and did not write Comentarios Reales de los Incas (1609; Royal Commentaries of the Incas and General History of Peru, 1966), an account of Incan culture and history, until he was an old man.
The Nature of the Universe
Like the Mayas and Aztecs, the Incas believed in previous creations and destructions of the universe. However, the division of cosmological time into major epochs of creation was not a central concern of Incan religion. Instead, the Incas emphasized the arrangement of space into a sacred geography. A crucial aspect of this sacred geography was the concept of huaca. This term referred to any person, place, or thing with supernatural power; almost anything unusual was considered a huaca. Examples ranged from prominent features of the landscape (mountain peaks, stone outcroppings, springs) to oddly shaped or colored pebbles and plants. There were countless huacas in the Incan world, and major ones defined the organization of sacred space.
Cusco, the Incas' capital, was the center of their universe. More than 300 of the most important huacas in the area around Cusco were conceived of as lying along 41 lines called ceques. These lines radiated outward from the Coricancha, the principal temple of Incan state religion, and extended to the horizon or beyond. Like the Mayas and Aztecs, the Incas also saw the earth as being composed of four quarters, whose dividing lines intersected in Cusco. The ceques subdivided the four quarters. Each ceque belonged to one of the quarters, and the care of each huaca on each ceque was assigned to a particular group of people. In this way the ceques helped to coordinate social relations among people, as well as to organize sacred space.
Above the earth were the heavens, while the underworld lay below. Neither the heavens nor the underworld seems to have had the elaborate vertical layering common in Mesoamerican conceptions, but the heavens had a complex geography. Like the earth, the heavens were divided into four quarters, separated by a giant cross formed by the Milky Way as it passed through its zenith. The movement of astronomical bodies through the four quadrants determined the Incan agricultural and ceremonial calendars, and the ceques also served as sight lines for astronomical observations.
As in other pre-Columbian religions, Incan gods and goddesses actually represented a number of shifting and overlapping divine powers. The upper pantheon contained a creator-sky-weather complex with three principal components: Viracocha, the creator; Inti, the sun god and ancestor of the ruling dynasty; and Illapa, the thunder or weather god. The most important female supernaturals were Pachamama, the earth; Mamacocha, the sea; and Mamaquilla, the moon. The core of Incan religion was ancestor worship. Ancestors were venerated as protective spirits, and the bodies and tombs of the dead were treated as sacred objects. Many other important huacas were also explicitly identified with the ancestors. For example, some of the most important shrines around Cusco were believed to be the petrified forebears of the Incas. The bodies of dead rulers were among the holiest huacas in the Inca realm. As sons of Inti and embodiments of Illapa, the mummies of past rulers were the direct, visible links between the Incas and their pantheon. Maintaining these links, and through them the proper order of the universe, required perpetual care of the royal mummies.Religious
Leadership and Rituals
The Incan ruler and the mummies of his predecessors were the most important religious leaders. They were assisted by a hierarchical priesthood headed by the high priest of the Coricancha.
Important shrines also had staffs of female attendants who wove cloth and brewed chicha (maize beer) for use in festivals. Most ceremonies involved sacrifices of cloth, chicha, plants, or animals. Human sacrifice was practiced, but only on the most solemn occasions and in times of disaster.
An elaborate ritual life surrounded the mummies of deceased rulers, who were treated as if they were still alive. They were maintained in state in their palaces, and they continued to own the property they had accumulated during their lifetimes. Their descendants managed the mummies' property for them, consulted them as oracles (bearers of messages from the gods), made sacrifices to them, ate and drank with them, took them to visit one another, and brought them out of their palaces to participate in major ceremonies. Much simpler rituals of ancestor worship were practiced in rural areas.
The Destination of Souls
The Incas had a more optimistic view of the afterlife than the Mayas or Aztecs. As protective ancestral spirits, dead Incas continued to play an active role in the world of the living. They revealed themselves through the huacas and were cared for and worshipped by their descendants. The Incas were strongly moralistic, and they believed the souls of virtuous people joined the sun in heaven. Those souls had plenty to eat and drink. They remained connected to their descendants, and their lives continued much as they had on earth. The souls of evildoers went to the underworld, a cold and barren place where there was nothing to eat but stones.
NATIVE RELIGIONS TODAY
In the centuries following the Spanish conquests of Mexico and Peru most Native Americans were at least nominally converted to Catholicism (see Roman Catholic Church). The blending of native and Catholic beliefs was a complicated process, and it followed different courses in different areas. In general, the Aztecs made Catholicism the core of a new religion that also incorporated native beliefs, while the Mayas retained native beliefs as the core of their religion and added Catholic elements. The Incan case, perhaps the most complicated of the three, represented an intricate blending of native and Catholic beliefs, aided by certain parallels between the two. In essence, the Spanish conquest of 1519-1521 destroyed the core of Aztec religion—the cult of warfare and human sacrifice. The Aztecs were no longer able to feed the sun, yet the universe survived, and Huitzilopochtli was discredited.
Aztec religion had lost its focus by 1531, when, according to Catholic tradition, the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared to an Aztec man named Juan Diego. Devotion to the Virgin spread rapidly, and within six years 9 million Indians had been baptized as Catholics in central Mexico.
Worship of some Aztec gods and goddesses, most notably ancient agricultural deities, persisted. These deities were blended with Catholic saints in the new religion. In contrast to the Aztec case, when the Spanish began their conquest of the Maya area, Maya religion was already fragmented. The great religious and political centers of the Classic period had been abandoned more than 600 years earlier, and even the Post-Classic centers were in decline. The religion practiced in hamlets and villages emphasized ancient agricultural deities—such as the rain gods (Chacs)—who proved to endure. Maya folk religion still centers on these agricultural deities, and Catholic and native beliefs are more distinct from each other than they are among the descendants of the Aztecs. The Incas, like the Aztecs, had a central imperial cult: the worship of the royal mummies. However, the Incan imperial cult, like the Mesoamerican worship of agricultural deities, was an expression of the ancient and widespread religious tradition of ancestor worship. The Spanish destroyed the royal Incan mummies and their cult, but not the underlying tradition of ancestor worship. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Incan and Catholic beliefs were blended, revealing parallels between the two traditions. For example, both the Incas and their Spanish conquerors made special commemoration of the dead during the month of November and had penitential rites that involved confessing sins to priests. In recent decades evangelical Protestantism, especially in the form of Pentecostalism (see Pentecostal Churches), has been spreading rapidly among Latin American Indians. At the same time, community-based social action movements are a growing force within Latin American Catholicism. Whether these are short- or long-term trends, and what effects they will have on native religious traditions, are unresolved questions.
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Future's 'Monster' Is Now on Streaming Services
The acclaimed mixtape was first released in 2014
Five years ago today, Future kicked off an unprecedented run of releases with his Monster mixtape. Now, the acclaimed release has arrived on streaming services for the first time.
You can revisit the 13-track effort in the players below. For the new digital release, Monster's tracklist no longer features a pair of skits and "Fuck Up Some Commas," a single that would go on to appear as a bonus track on Future's DS2 album in 2015.
"I've always spoke through my music and the people championed my trials and tribulations whole heartedly with no regards," Future wrote on Instagram. "Remember #MONSTER 5years later this classic is available on all platforms,Thanks for the love #RIPSETH"
Executive produced by Metro Boomin, Monster is beloved by Future listeners both for its forceful raps ("Monster," "2 Pac") and more touching material ("Throw Away," "Codeine Crazy").
The mixtape was the first in a series of releases leading to the aforementioned DS2, including the Zaytoven-helmed Beast Mode and 56 Nights.
This year has seen Future release album The WIZRD and EP SAVE ME. He has also teased new projects with Drake and some Super Slimey collaborators.
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