Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups leader during operations to disrupt criminal element networks today in the Al-Husayniyah area.
The targeted individual was reportedly the Special Groups recruiter for the Karbala Province. He allegedly helped facilitate the training of numerous criminals in activities including explosively formed penetrators, improvised explosive devices, operational security and computer security training. He is assessed as an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces.
When Coalition forces approached the target area, an unidentified man exited a building and displayed hostile intent. The unidentified man ignored verbal and visual warnings to cease movement. Responding in self defense, ground forces engaged the unidentified man, wounding him. The Coalition forces medical team administered on-site treatment to the individual. Ground forces continued on to the target area and captured the targeted individual without further incident. During the operation, Coalition forces also discovered a large amount of American currency.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Petty Officer 1st Class Victor W. Jeffries, 52, of Honolulu, Hawaii, died December 31st, 2007 as a result of injuries suffered December 24th in a vehicular accident in Kuwait. He was permanently assigned to the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, Kuwait.
For further information related to this release, contact Navy Public Affairs at 011 (965) 389-6335 or DSN (318) 430-6335.
An Afghan commando assigned to 203rd Corps Commando Kandak guards a weapons cache found during an early-morning raid Dec. 27, 2007, in Khowst province. The commandos led a combined force of Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and Afghan National Border Police.
Benazir Bhutto's party appointed her son and her husband to succeed the slain Pakistani opposition leader on Sunday and the party said it would take part in a Jan 8 election as Bhutto would have wanted.
Who Is Bhutto's Son Bilawal Zardari?
About video: The only son of assassinated Pakistani politician Benazir Bhutto has vowed to continue her struggle. Bilawal Zardari and his father will co-chair Ms Bhutto's party and said they will fight elections whenever they are held.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died December 26th in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds suffered from small arms fire during dismounted combat operations. They were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, III Corps, Fort Hood, Texas.
Capt. Rowdy J. Inman, 38, of Panorama Village, Texas.
Sgt. Benjamin B. Portell, 27, of Bakersfield, Calif.
For more information media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.
Sgt. Bryan J. Tutten, 33, of St. Augustine, Fla., died December 25th in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
For more information media may contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661.
* TIME.com...Bhutto: "She has been Martyred"
************************ About photo: President George W. Bush speaks to the nation from the Bush Ranch in Crawford, Texas, Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007, in response to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan.
.On behalf of the United States, I want to express our deepest sympathy on the tragic death of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. We extend our sincere condolences to the Bhutto family and to the families of others who were killed and wounded in the attack. We condemn in the strongest terms possible this cowardly and murderous attack.
Ms. Bhutto's passing is a great loss for Pakistan. I knew her as a woman of great courage and had been impressed by her dedication and commitment to democracy and to the future of Pakistan itself.
As President Bush said earlier today, the perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice.
The deadly results of this attack will no doubt test the will and patience of the people of Pakistan. We urge the Pakistani people, political leaders, and civil society to maintain calm and to work together to build a more moderate, peaceful, and democratic future.
About photo: Iraqi soldiers pass out backpacks to children at the Kawaryzmi Primary School in Adil, Iraq, Dec. 13, 2007.
Sgt. Peter C. Neesley, 28, of Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., died December 25th in Baghdad, Iraq, of an undetermined cause in a non-combat environment. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation.
For more information media may contact the Fort Stewart public affairs office at (912) 767-2479.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Senior Airmen Nicholas D. Eischen, 24, of Sanger, Calif., died December 24th in Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 60th Medical Operations Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif. The circumstances surrounding the death are under investigation.
For more information related to this release, contact the Travis Air Force Base Public Affairs at 707-424-2011, or email media@travis.af.mil.
Pfc. George J. Howell 24, of Salinas, Calif., died December 21st in Riyadh, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Infantry Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York.
For more information media may contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-8286.
An Afghan police officer poses with children in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, Dec. 17, 2007. The children were waiting to receive toys donated by Afghan national security forces, assisted by coalition forces.
Barney Cam VI: "Holiday in the National Parks"
"Holiday in the National Parks"
Could it be we would finally see Santa Claus at last?
He shouted, "Jay… Lock that dog up before I get back here next year!"
Violence is down about 60 percent in Iraq since the June troop surge, and the top military commander in Iraq said today that he wants the trend to continue in 2008.
"Every trend we watch is down roughly about 60 percent: civilian deaths, numbers of attacks, and thankfully our casualties are down as well," said Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, said on "Fox News Sunday." "As we go into the new year, we clearly want to build on the momentum that has been achieved by our forces working closely together with Iraqi forces."
Petraeus said Iraqi forces also had a surge this year, with 110,000 new Iraqi soldiers and police.
Petraeus appeared on the morning news program to discuss the release of this week's quarterly report, "Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq." With the success of the surges comes the question of reducing the number of U.S. forces in Iraq while maintaining the positive trends, he said.
"We want to reduce the strain on our ground forces as much as we can while recognizing that what has been achieved here remains tenuous and is still fragile in a number of areas," the general said. "We have laid out a plan that will take us through the end of July, and it will result in the reduction without replacement of about one-quarter of our combat forces."
Petraeus was cautious about committing to further troop reductions and reiterated that al Qaeda remains a significant threat. "Al Qaeda remains a very dangerous and very lethal organization, and it is one that will continually try to reconstitute and one that we must pursue tenaciously and relentlessly, and that is what we and our Iraqi partners are doing," Petraeus said.
When reporter Chris Matthews asked the general why success in Iraq is not newsworthy, noting a Media Research Center report that news stories from Iraq dropped in the evening nightly network newscasts from 178 news stories in September to 68 stories in November, the general said he sees that as a positive sign.
"In a sense, no news is good news, and we're not reluctant to see that," Petraeus said. "The only reluctance would be that America continues to remember its soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and civilians who are serving out here in this very important endeavor."
As the interview concluded, Petraeus praised the men and women he leads in Iraq. "Especially at this season, we all should be grateful for what these great young men and women are doing and for the sacrifices of their families who are enduring separations back home. It is a privilege to serve with America's new greatest generation here in Iraq."
Vanessa Redgrave came to the rescue of two former Guantanamo Bay detainees this week, paying thousands of dollars to help them walk free from a British court. The legendary actress said it was a "profound honor" to be able to help the terror suspects.
About Photo: Pentagon Press Conference - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates conducts a press conference with Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Pentagon, Friday, December 21, 2007.
1st Lt. Jeremy E. Ray, 26, of Houston, Texas, died December 20th in Kanaan, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an enemy attacked using an explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas.
During Operation Iron Reaper, Multi-National Division – North Soldiers killed 24 extremists, detained 37 suspects, and discovered an atrocity site, torture complex and nine weapons caches north of Muqdadiyah Dec. 8-11.
Intelligence provided by Iraqi tips led U.S. troops to a suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq safe haven and operating bases. Evidence of murder, torture, and intimidation against local villagers was found throughout the area.
During the operation, U.S. Forces and Iraqi Security Forces were involved in multiple engagements with groups of armed men. They discovered what appeared to be a detention facility. As they continued to clear the area, they found several bodies and eventually uncovered 26 human remains in multiple mass graves next to execution sites.
In the same area a torture complex was found, consisting of three detention facilities with one doubling as both a headquarters building and torture facility. The buildings contained chains on the walls and ceilings, a bed still hooked up to an electrical system, and several blood-stained items.
U.S. Forces also located and destroyed nine weapons caches anti-aircraft weapons, sniper rifles, more than 65 machine guns and pistols, 50 grenades, a surface-to-air missile launcher and platform, 98 personnel mines, 170 pipe bombs, 130 pounds of homemade explosives, 21 rocket propelled grenades, numerous mortar tubes and rounds.
Operation Iron Reaper has been ongoing over the last few weeks across northern Iraq."Operation Iron Reaper has been successful. We will continue to pursue al-Qaeda across our area, and they will find no safe haven in the north of Iraq," said Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commanding general, Multi-National Division - North.
His burial date is being set by his family.
Representatives from the Army met with Ferrell's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the secretary of the Army.
On February 12, 1951, Ferrell was assigned to Battery A, 503rd Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, then occupying a position about 70 miles east of Seoul, South Korea. The 503rd was providing artillery support for friendly units coming under heavy attack by Chinese Communist Forces. In danger of being overrun, the 503rd was forced to withdraw to the south. Records indicate that Ferrell was captured near Hoengsong, South Korea, during the fighting. He later died in captivity at the Suan Mining POW camp located about 40 miles southeast of Pyongyang, North Korea.
Between 1990 and 1994, the North Korean government repatriated what they claimed to be 208 sets of remains, including a 1991 turnover of several servicemen recovered near the Suan Mining POW camp. Ferrell's remains, along with cold-weather clothing and uniform buttons worn by U.S. infantry, were included in the 1991 repatriation.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of Ferrell's remains.
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, the commander of Multi-National Corps - Iraq, speaks with a group of local sheiks at Patrol Base Kemple in Owesat, Iraq, December 18, 2007. Patrol Base Kemple is situated on the banks of the Euphrates River and is home to U.S. Army Soldiers of Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
Extremists are intimidating Iraqi citizens less and less, thanks to security improvements in the country, a unit commander there said yesterday.
Army Col. Tom James, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team, is less than three weeks into his third tour in Iraq and said he sees marked improvements. "It's different here," he said in a conference call with online journalists and "bloggers."
"This is a population no longer being intimidated by the extremists," he said. "They are tired of being terrorized, and they are standing up and saying, 'That's it.' They want to provide information and secure their families."
James' unit is conducting Operation Marne Roundup, working to defeat al Qaeda extremists in the Euphrates River Valley, in northwestern Babel province. He said some 30 extremists have been terrorizing the population in the area but now have been forced out of their sanctuaries. "We are taking that area away now, and they are desperate," James explained.
James' team arrived in the region Dec. 1, and it already has uncovered 25 improvised explosive devices, 10 caches, and eight extremist fighting positions, and has stationed 80 to 100 "concerned local citizens" in Neighborhood Watch-type organizations to hold the area while the Iraqi army is put in place. Efforts now are aimed at securing a patrol base in Khidr.
James said he relies heavily on these concerned local citizens. Twenty to 30 percent of the concerned-citizen volunteers become Iraqi police if they can pass reading, writing, and other tests. In fact, 140 such former volunteers are graduating from an Iraqi police training course at the end of the month, he said.
The colonel noted specific improvements since his last tour. "Iraqi security forces have grown, with the Iraqi army and police in Babel conducting intelligence-based operations that have improved significantly."
In addition, James noted continued progress toward non-sectarianism. "Shiia policemen are going after Shiia extremists and are not influenced by governmental or party organizations."
He also described his unit's specific mission in its area of operations. "Our mission is to secure the population, block accelerants, and defeat sectarian violence, allowing the security situation to grow and the population to grow more secure."
A big part of establishing this security, James explained, is instilling continued confidence in the local population. "Our operational concept is to attack and clear areas where extremists have been and establish a combined control base -- coalition force, Iraqi army and Iraqi police -- to show the population that not only have we cleared your area, but we are here to stay, and we are here to help protect you."
As a result, James noted, local citizens are noticing this commitment and are eager to cooperate. When citizens are comfortable and secure, "actionable intelligence starts to flow," he said. "This results in economics and government that grows from the lowest level, which we call building local capacity."
Maj. Perry H. Jefferson, U.S. Air Force, of Denver, Colo.
He will be buried April 3, 2008 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
On April 3, 1969, Jefferson was an aerial observer on board an O-1G Bird Dog aircraft on a visual reconnaissance mission over a mountainous region in Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam. The pilot of the aircraft, then U.S. Army 1st Lt. Arthur G. Ecklund, radioed Phan Rang airbase to report his location, but contact was lost soon after. An extensive, three-day search and rescue effort began, but no evidence of a crash was found. Hostile threats in the area precluded further search efforts.
In 1984, a former member of the Vietnamese Air Force turned over to a U.S. official human remains that he said represented one of two U.S. pilots whose aircraft was shot down.
In 1994 a joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), interviewed two Vietnamese citizens regarding the incident. The witnesses said the aircraft crashed on a mountainside, the pilots died and were buried at the site. They said two other men were sent to the site a few days later to bury the pilots. The team excavated the crash site described by the witnesses and found aircraft wreckage. No human remains were found.
In 2000, the remains turned over in 1984 were identified as Ecklund's.
In 2001, a Vietnamese national living in California turned over to U.S. officials human remains that he said were recovered at a site where two U.S. pilots crashed. These remains were identified in 2007 as Jefferson's.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in identifying Jefferson's remains.
Sgt. Austin D. Pratt, 22, of Cadet, Mo., died December 15th in Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained in Baghdad, Iraq, from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), located at Fort Polk, La. The incident is under investigation.
For further information media may contact the Fort Polk public affairs office at (337) 531-4630.
Pvt. Daren A. Smith, 19, of Helena, Mont., died December 13th, in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Polk, La. The incident is under investigation.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Polk public affairs office at (337) 531-1344; after hours at (337) 208-2526.
Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan A. Lowery, 38, of Houlton, Maine, died December 14th, in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, III Corps, Fort Hood, Texas.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours at (254) 291-2591.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died in Afghanistan from wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade, Camp Ederle, Italy.
Cpl. Joshua C. Blaney, 25, of Matthews, N.C., who died December 12th at Forward Operating Base Curry, Afghanistan.
For further information related to this release, contact the Southern Europen Task Force public affairs office at 011-39-0444-71-7011 or 011-39-0444-71-8020.
Sgt. Samuel E. Kelsey, 24, of Troup, Texas, died December 13th in Tunnis, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Stewart public affairs office at (912) 767-2479.
Spc. Brynn J. Naylor, 21, of Roswell, N.M., died December 13th in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Fort Carson public affairs office at (719) 526-4143; after hours (719) 526-5500.
A cache of Iranian-manufactured rockets was turned over to Coalition Forces based at FOB Delta Dec. 4.
Iraqi Civil Defense Corps personnel delivered 14 107 mm Iranian rockets and fuses to Kazakhstani Soldiers, said 1st Lt. Almaz Mukashev, the Kazakhstani liaison officer. The rockets were manufactured in 2006.
ICDC personnel have turned over munitions to Coalition Forces before, but this was the first time Iranian weapons were turned over from the force to Coalition Forces, said Col. Peter Baker, the 214th Fires Brigade commander.
The ICDC specializes in explosive ordnance disposal. Its head is Iraqi Maj. Gen. Abdul Rasul.
Baker said this is a sign that Iraqis are taking ownership of their area to bring about better security.
The Kazakhstani unit gave the munitions to Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Three Battalion for analysis.
The Kazakhstani battalion provides EOD support to FOB Delta.
Chief Petty Officer Mark T. Carter, 27, of Fallbrook, Calif., died December 11th, as a result of enemy action while conducting combat operations in Iraq. He was permanently assigned as an East Coast-based Navy SEAL.
For further information related to this release, contact Naval Special Warfare Group Two public affairs at (757) 462-2282.
Staff Sgt. Gregory L. Elam, 39, of Columbus, Ga., died December 11th in Kandahar, Afghanistan, as a result of a non-combat related illness. He was assigned to the 54th Quartermaster Company, 49th Quartermaster Group, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), located at Fort Lee, Va. This death is under investigation.
For more information media should contact the Fort Lee public affairs office at (804) 734-7451.
Cpl. Tanner J. O'Leary, 23, of Eagle Butte, S.D., died December 9th in Musa Qal'eh, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Both were U.S. Air Force. Funeral dates have not been set by the families.
On April 12, 1951, Hatfield and Simpson were two of eleven crewmembers on a B-29 Superfortress that left Kadena Air Base, Japan, to bomb targets in the area of Sinuiju, North Korea. Enemy MiG-15 fighters attacked the B-29, but before it crashed, three crewmembers were able to bail out. They were captured and two of them were later released in 1954 to U.S. military control during Operation "Big Switch." The third crewmember died in captivity. He and the eight remaining crewmembers were not recovered.
In 2000, a joint U.S./Democratic People's Republic of Korea (D.P.R.K.) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) excavated an infantry fighting position in Kujang County where they recovered remains which included those of Hatfield and Simpson.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of the remains recovered in 2000.
Spc. Johnathan A. Lahmann, 21, of Richmond, Ind., died December 10th in Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds suffered in Bayji, Iraq, when a improvised explosive device struck his vehicle. He was assigned to the 59th Engineer Company, 20th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.
Spc. Randy W. Pickering, 31, of Bovey, Minn., died December 9th in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
For more information related to this release, the media may contact the U.S. Army, Europe, public affairs office at 011-49-6221-57-5816/8694.
The launch of NASA's space shuttle Atlantis will take place no earlier than Saturday, Dec. 8, at 3:43 p.m. EST. Thursday's scheduled liftoff from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., was postponed because of a problem with a fuel cutoff sensor system inside the shuttle's external fuel tank.
The fuel cutoff sensor system is one of several that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. Launch Commit Criteria require that three of the four sensor systems function properly before liftoff.
Space Shuttle Program managers will hold a Mission Management Team meeting Friday at 2 p.m. to discuss the issue and determine the steps necessary to start a new launch countdown. A news conference will be held at about 5 p.m. after the meeting's conclusion.
On Thursday morning, two of the four engine cutoff, or ECO, sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank failed a routine prelaunch check. Following the launch postponement, the tank's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen were drained. While the tank was being emptied, engineers monitored and collected data on the liquid hydrogen sensors that failed. During that process, another sensor gave a false reading, indicating that the tank was "wet," when it was dry. All ECO sensors are now indicating dry as they should be.
During Atlantis' 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the shuttle and station crews will work with ground teams to install and activate the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory. The new lab will expand the station's scientific research capabilities.
Space shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch Sunday, December 9th, at 3:21 p.m. EST, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Shuttle program managers made the liftoff decision after three days of reviewing data on a problem with fuel sensors.
Atlantis' scheduled launch on Thursday was delayed after two of the four engine cutoff, or ECO, sensors in the shuttle's external fuel tank gave false readings. A third sensor failed after the tank was drained of fuel. The sensor system is one of several that protect the shuttle's three main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low.
During a Mission Management Team meeting Saturday, NASA leaders decided to fuel the tank Sunday and monitor the status of the sensor system. If all four ECO sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank perform as expected, the countdown will proceed toward the planned liftoff. NASA Television coverage of the tank loading will start Sunday at 6 a.m., with launch coverage beginning at 10 a.m.
During Atlantis' 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the astronauts will install and activate the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory, which will expand the station's scientific research capabilities. Crew members for the STS-122 mission are Commander Steve Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter, mission specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Stanley Love and European Space Agency astronauts Hans Schlegel from Germany and Leopold Eyharts from France.
Of the four engine cutoff sensors, ECO sensor number three gave false readings. NASA's current Launch Commit Criteria require that all four sensors function properly. The sensor system is one of several that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low.
Atlantis' scheduled launch on Thursday was delayed after two of the four engine cutoff, or ECO, sensors in the shuttle's external fuel tank gave false readings. A third sensor failed after the tank was drained of fuel.
Next targeted launch will be no earlier than January 2nd.


This is an answer to a question on si-community, which timed out on me when I clicked Submit. So now it's my post for today. After struggling with Maya nParticles for an hour, I can't think hard anymore.
Yay! Two years worth of friday flashbacks!!
Friday Flashback #1 was posted on 14 Jan 2011.
Today's flashback is courtesy of Chris Marshall. Thanks Chris!
In this case, the Array of 3D Vector is an array of four elements (the number of meshes in the group).
The indexset used (per point of Trex.Trex in this case) is reduced to its smallest size (the number of 0D from the geometry in the group with the least amount of points). The cube has 8 points, so you end up with 8 points for each group member. Since there are four groups members, you get 32 total points.
Here's an alternate way to illustrate that. The Trex has 1814 points, but because of how Group.PointPosition is resolved by ICE, you get a filtered size of 8.


text:
<?php

/**
 * @file
 * Contains \Drupal\system\Tests\Asset\LibraryDiscoveryIntegrationTest.
 */

namespace Drupal\system\Tests\Asset;

use Drupal\Core\Asset\Exception\InvalidLibrariesExtendSpecificationException;
use Drupal\Core\Asset\Exception\InvalidLibrariesOverrideSpecificationException;
use Drupal\simpletest\KernelTestBase;

/**
 * Tests the library discovery and library discovery parser.
 *
 * @group Render
 */
class LibraryDiscoveryIntegrationTest extends KernelTestBase {

  /**
   * The library discovery service.
   *
   * @var \Drupal\Core\Asset\LibraryDiscoveryInterface
   */
  protected $libraryDiscovery;

  /**
   * {@inheritdoc}
   */
  protected function setUp() {
    parent::setUp();

    $this->container->get('theme_installer')->install(['test_theme', 'classy']);
    $this->libraryDiscovery = $this->container->get('library.discovery');
  }

  /**
   * Tests that hook_library_info is invoked and the cache is cleared.
   */
  public function testHookLibraryInfoByTheme() {
    // Activate test_theme and verify that the library 'kitten' is added using
    // hook_library_info_alter().
    $this->activateTheme('test_theme');
    $this->assertTrue($this->libraryDiscovery->getLibraryByName('test_theme', 'kitten'));

    // Now make classy the active theme and assert that library is not added.
    $this->activateTheme('classy');
    $this->assertFalse($this->libraryDiscovery->getLibraryByName('test_theme', 'kitten'));
  }

  /**
   * Tests that libraries-override are applied to library definitions.
   */
  public function testLibrariesOverride() {
    // Assert some classy libraries that will be overridden or removed.
    $this->activateTheme('classy');
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('core/themes/classy/css/components/button.css', 'classy', 'base', 'css');
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('core/themes/classy/css/components/collapse-processed.css', 'classy', 'base', 'css');
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('core/themes/classy/css/components/container-inline.css', 'classy', 'base', 'css');
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('core/themes/classy/css/components/details.css', 'classy', 'base', 'css');
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('core/themes/classy/css/components/dialog.css', 'classy', 'dialog', 'css');

    // Confirmatory assert on core library to be removed.
    $this->assertTrue($this->libraryDiscovery->getLibraryByName('core', 'drupal.progress'), 'Confirmatory test on "core/drupal.progress"');

    // Activate test theme that defines libraries overrides.
    $this->activateTheme('test_theme');

    // Assert that entire library was correctly overridden.
    $this->assertEqual($this->libraryDiscovery->getLibraryByName('core', 'drupal.collapse'), $this->libraryDiscovery->getLibraryByName('test_theme', 'collapse'), 'Entire library correctly overridden.');

    // Assert that classy library assets were correctly overridden or removed.
    $this->assertNoAssetInLibrary('core/themes/classy/css/components/button.css', 'classy', 'base', 'css');
    $this->assertNoAssetInLibrary('core/themes/classy/css/components/collapse-processed.css', 'classy', 'base', 'css');
    $this->assertNoAssetInLibrary('core/themes/classy/css/components/container-inline.css', 'classy', 'base', 'css');
    $this->assertNoAssetInLibrary('core/themes/classy/css/components/details.css', 'classy', 'base', 'css');
    $this->assertNoAssetInLibrary('core/themes/classy/css/components/dialog.css', 'classy', 'dialog', 'css');

    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('core/modules/system/tests/themes/test_theme/css/my-button.css', 'classy', 'base', 'css');
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('core/modules/system/tests/themes/test_theme/css/my-collapse-processed.css', 'classy', 'base', 'css');
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('themes/my_theme/css/my-container-inline.css', 'classy', 'base', 'css');
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('themes/my_theme/css/my-details.css', 'classy', 'base', 'css');

    // Assert that entire library was correctly removed.
    $this->assertFalse($this->libraryDiscovery->getLibraryByName('core', 'drupal.progress'), 'Entire library correctly removed.');

    // Assert that overridden library asset still retains attributes.
    $library = $this->libraryDiscovery->getLibraryByName('core', 'jquery');
    foreach ($library['js'] as $definition) {
      if ($definition['data'] == 'core/modules/system/tests/themes/test_theme/js/collapse.js') {
        $this->assertTrue($definition['minified'] && $definition['weight'] == -20, 'Previous attributes retained');
        break;
      }
    }
  }

  /**
   * Tests libraries-override on drupalSettings.
   */
  public function testLibrariesOverrideDrupalSettings() {
    // Activate test theme that attempts to override drupalSettings.
    $this->activateTheme('test_theme_libraries_override_with_drupal_settings');

    // Assert that drupalSettings cannot be overridden and throws an exception.
    try {
      $this->libraryDiscovery->getLibraryByName('core', 'drupal.ajax');
      $this->fail('Throw Exception when trying to override drupalSettings');
    }
    catch (InvalidLibrariesOverrideSpecificationException $e) {
      $expected_message = 'drupalSettings may not be overridden in libraries-override. Trying to override core/drupal.ajax/drupalSettings. Use hook_library_info_alter() instead.';
      $this->assertEqual($e->getMessage(), $expected_message, 'Throw Exception when trying to override drupalSettings');
    }
  }

  /**
   * Tests libraries-override on malformed assets.
   */
  public function testLibrariesOverrideMalformedAsset() {
    // Activate test theme that overrides with a malformed asset.
    $this->activateTheme('test_theme_libraries_override_with_invalid_asset');

    // Assert that improperly formed asset "specs" throw an exception.
    try {
      $this->libraryDiscovery->getLibraryByName('core', 'drupal.dialog');
      $this->fail('Throw Exception when specifying invalid override');
    }
    catch (InvalidLibrariesOverrideSpecificationException $e) {
      $expected_message = 'Library asset core/drupal.dialog/css is not correctly specified. It should be in the form "extension/library_name/sub_key/path/to/asset.js".';
      $this->assertEqual($e->getMessage(), $expected_message, 'Throw Exception when specifying invalid override');
    }
  }

  /**
   * Tests library assets with other ways for specifying paths.
   */
  public function testLibrariesOverrideOtherAssetLibraryNames() {
    // Activate a test theme that defines libraries overrides on other types of
    // assets.
    $this->activateTheme('test_theme');

    // Assert Drupal-relative paths.
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('themes/my_theme/css/dropbutton.css', 'core', 'drupal.dropbutton', 'css');

    // Assert stream wrapper paths.
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('public://my_css/vertical-tabs.css', 'core', 'drupal.vertical-tabs', 'css');

    // Assert a protocol-relative URI.
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('//my-server/my_theme/css/jquery_ui.css', 'core', 'jquery.ui', 'css');

    // Assert an absolute URI.
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('http://example.com/my_theme/css/farbtastic.css', 'core', 'jquery.farbtastic', 'css');
  }

  /**
   * Tests that base theme libraries-override still apply in sub themes.
   */
  public function testBaseThemeLibrariesOverrideInSubTheme() {
    // Activate a test theme that has subthemes.
    $this->activateTheme('test_subtheme');

    // Assert that libraries-override specified in the base theme still applies
    // in the sub theme.
    $this->assertNoAssetInLibrary('core/misc/dialog/dialog.js', 'core', 'drupal.dialog', 'js');
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('core/modules/system/tests/themes/test_basetheme/css/farbtastic.css', 'core', 'jquery.farbtastic', 'css');
  }

  /**
   * Tests libraries-extend.
   */
  public function testLibrariesExtend() {
    // Activate classy themes and verify the libraries are not extended.
    $this->activateTheme('classy');
    $this->assertNoAssetInLibrary('core/modules/system/tests/themes/test_theme_libraries_extend/css/extend_1.css', 'classy', 'book-navigation', 'css');
    $this->assertNoAssetInLibrary('core/modules/system/tests/themes/test_theme_libraries_extend/js/extend_1.js', 'classy', 'book-navigation', 'js');
    $this->assertNoAssetInLibrary('core/modules/system/tests/themes/test_theme_libraries_extend/css/extend_2.css', 'classy', 'book-navigation', 'css');

    // Activate the theme that extends the book-navigation library in classy.
    $this->activateTheme('test_theme_libraries_extend');
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('core/modules/system/tests/themes/test_theme_libraries_extend/css/extend_1.css', 'classy', 'book-navigation', 'css');
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('core/modules/system/tests/themes/test_theme_libraries_extend/js/extend_1.js', 'classy', 'book-navigation', 'js');
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('core/modules/system/tests/themes/test_theme_libraries_extend/css/extend_2.css', 'classy', 'book-navigation', 'css');

    // Activate a sub theme and confirm that it inherits the library assets
    // extended in the base theme as well as its own.
    $this->assertNoAssetInLibrary('core/modules/system/tests/themes/test_basetheme/css/base-libraries-extend.css', 'classy', 'base', 'css');
    $this->assertNoAssetInLibrary('core/modules/system/tests/themes/test_subtheme/css/sub-libraries-extend.css', 'classy', 'base', 'css');
    $this->activateTheme('test_subtheme');
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('core/modules/system/tests/themes/test_basetheme/css/base-libraries-extend.css', 'classy', 'base', 'css');
    $this->assertAssetInLibrary('core/modules/system/tests/themes/test_subtheme/css/sub-libraries-extend.css', 'classy', 'base', 'css');

    // Activate test theme that extends with a non-existent library. An
    // exception should be thrown.
    $this->activateTheme('test_theme_libraries_extend');
    try {
      $this->libraryDiscovery->getLibraryByName('core', 'drupal.dialog');
      $this->fail('Throw Exception when specifying non-existent libraries-extend.');
    }
    catch (InvalidLibrariesExtendSpecificationException $e) {
      $expected_message = 'The specified library "test_theme_libraries_extend/non_existent_library" does not exist.';
      $this->assertEqual($e->getMessage(), $expected_message, 'Throw Exception when specifying non-existent libraries-extend.');
    }

    // Also, test non-string libraries-extend. An exception should be thrown.
    $this->container->get('theme_installer')->install(['test_theme']);
    try {
      $this->libraryDiscovery->getLibraryByName('test_theme', 'collapse');
      $this->fail('Throw Exception when specifying non-string libraries-extend.');
    }
    catch (InvalidLibrariesExtendSpecificationException $e) {
      $expected_message = 'The libraries-extend specification for each library must be a list of strings.';
      $this->assertEqual($e->getMessage(), $expected_message, 'Throw Exception when specifying non-string libraries-extend.');
    }
  }

  /**
   * Activates a specified theme.
   *
   * Installs the theme if not already installed and makes it the active theme.
   *
   * @param string $theme_name
   *   The name of the theme to be activated.
   */
  protected function activateTheme($theme_name) {
    $this->container->get('theme_installer')->install([$theme_name]);

    /** @var \Drupal\Core\Theme\ThemeInitializationInterface $theme_initializer */
    $theme_initializer = $this->container->get('theme.initialization');

    /** @var \Drupal\Core\Theme\ThemeManagerInterface $theme_manager */
    $theme_manager = $this->container->get('theme.manager');

    $theme_manager->setActiveTheme($theme_initializer->getActiveThemeByName($theme_name));

    $this->libraryDiscovery->clearCachedDefinitions();

    // Assert message.
    $this->pass(sprintf('Activated theme "%s"', $theme_name));
  }

  /**
   * Asserts that the specified asset is in the given library.
   *
   * @param string $asset
   *   The asset file with the path for the file.
   * @param string $extension
   *   The extension in which the $library is defined.
   * @param string $library_name
   *   Name of the library.
   * @param mixed $sub_key
   *   The library sub key where the given asset is defined.
   * @param string $message
   *   (optional) A message to display with the assertion.
   *
   * @return bool
   *   TRUE if the specified asset is found in the library.
   */
  protected function assertAssetInLibrary($asset, $extension, $library_name, $sub_key, $message = NULL) {
    if (!isset($message)) {
      $message = sprintf('Asset %s found in library "%s/%s"', $asset, $extension, $library_name);
    }
    $library = $this->libraryDiscovery->getLibraryByName($extension, $library_name);
    foreach ($library[$sub_key] as $definition) {
      if ($asset == $definition['data']) {
        return $this->pass($message);
      }
    }
    return $this->fail($message);
  }

  /**
   * Asserts that the specified asset is not in the given library.
   *
   * @param string $asset
   *   The asset file with the path for the file.
   * @param string $extension
   *   The extension in which the $library_name is defined.
   * @param string $library_name
   *   Name of the library.
   * @param mixed $sub_key
   *   The library sub key where the given asset is defined.
   * @param string $message
   *   (optional) A message to display with the assertion.
   *
   * @return bool
   *   TRUE if the specified asset is not found in the library.
   */
  protected function assertNoAssetInLibrary($asset, $extension, $library_name, $sub_key, $message = NULL) {
    if (!isset($message)) {
      $message = sprintf('Asset %s not found in library "%s/%s"', $asset, $extension, $library_name);
    }
    $library = $this->libraryDiscovery->getLibraryByName($extension, $library_name);
    foreach ($library[$sub_key] as $definition) {
      if ($asset == $definition['data']) {
        return $this->fail($message);
      }
    }
    return $this->pass($message);
  }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Brendan Harrington
Name: Brendan Harrington
Sport: Rowing
Discipline: Pair, Eight
DOB: 3/16/1991
Birthplace: New York City, N.Y.
Hometown: Garden City, N.Y.
High School: Chaminade High School (Mineola, N.Y.) '09
College: Yale University '14, History and Political
2014 Canadian Henley Royal Regatta, 1st (lightweight eight)
2014 Eastern Sprints Championships, 2nd (lightweight eight)
2013 Princeton Chase, 1st (lightweight eight)
2011 IRA National Championships, 1st (lightweight eight)
2008 SRAA National Championships, 2nd (lightweight eight)
Personal: Son of Michele and Kevin Harrington… Coached by Jeremy Ivey and Cameron Kiosiglous…Affiliated with the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Oklahoma City, the Riverside Boat Club in Cambridge, Mass., and Yale University Boat Club…Began rowing with his high school team in 2005…Hopes to attend law school and work as a federal prosecutor after his rowing career...Speaks French and German.
U.S. Rowing Crews Claim Nine Medals Total In Toronto
USRowing July 16, 2015
The final day of racing was highlighted by Mary Jones' gold medal in lightweight single sculls.
U.S. Rowers Hope For Nail-Biting Finishes At Pan Am Games
Stuart Jackson July 10, 2015
Men's eight looks to defend its 2011 Pan Ams title with Olympic selection regattas on the horizon.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Undercolor/850105/Reviews
Home Articles Companies Publications Hardware People Software Timeline ... Emulators Internet Resources
(Don't see something listed? Click "edit" and add it! Together we can build this database. When making a new info page, refer to this InfoBox Template for guidelines.)
UnderColor, Volume 1, Number 5, February 20, 1985
Title: Reviews
Author: empty
Synopsis: empty
Page Scans: Link
By Arnold Kahn
SpectroSystems
11111 N. Kendall Drive, Suite A108
64K; One or more disk drives required
$27.95 + $2 shipping, Disk
ADOS is a package of enhancements for Disk Extended Color Basic. When entered as a program loaded from disk, it adds many new commands and conveniences to Microsoft Basic. But when installed as a ROM, in addition to providing enhancements it offers a solution to the software incompatibility problems that have caused so much disappointment to Color Computer owners with disk drives having version 1.1 ROM in the controller. It is the fix for the compatibility problem that makes this software of special importance to the Color Computer community.
To run ADOS from disk you must have a 64K computer; any version is satisfactory. To run it from a ROM in the disk controller you need not have 64K. However, in order to customize it properly, in advance of getting it put into a ROM, you must first run it from disk. So, for all practical purposes, 64K is required.
First some description of the enhancements:
When loaded from disk (or on power-up with the ROM version), Basic comes up with a new ADOS logo which can be altered by the user. The enhancements require no further loading. You can turn on automatic line numbering for Basic; output can be sent to the printer as well as the screen; commands can be accepted in lowercase; and up to 22 pre-programmed control keys are available.
Perhaps the most useful commands are connected with the-operating system. For example, RUN "PROG",&H1000 will offset load and execute the assembly language PROG/BIN, and your disk will not be left spinning, either. Two forms of DIR can l be used; the newer form is abbreviated and in a two-column display. Both forms give the number of granules. Assembly language disk file addresses can be listed, and ASCII files can be listed to the screen or printer. Most useful is the "repeat last command" function, which permits changes via the line editor. A faulty command can be corrected and re-issued.
There is an improved Copy function which lets you proceed even if the file already exists on the target disk. And the destination can be specified by a drive number.
In the 64K mode, disk or ROM, the greatest possible memory is given to Basic. You can do such things as PCLEAR 18 and PMODE 4,15! A Peep command lets you inspect and scan memory in text or graphics modes.
Provision is made for flexibility in controlling the disk drives. Custom step rates and access time changes may be installed by the owner. The RS drives run quietly at 20 millisecond stepping! Two-sided drives may be addressed. And the configuration is set up only once. For those with the newer
40 track drives or those with two-sided drives, formatting and drive addressing options are available.
Are the enhancements all perfect? Not quite, and users will surely differ here. Having cut my teeth on uppercase-only Teletype machines, and having put up with RS's reverse video, I have no love for lowercase, especially on the CoCo. Fortunately for me, ADOS's leanings toward lowercase can be overruled. The hex monitor function, like RS's ZBUG, is useful, but alas, there is no memory inspection/modify utility quite as convenient as MicroWork's CBUG M-command which displays the memory bytes in rows of eight across the screen. And most annoying to me is the key-press required before getting the prompt after a DIR. This reserves two extra screen lines for the directory, but my forgetting the key-press causes a lot of typing errors in the next command. (In a revision I received after preparing this review, it was shown how this, too, could be defeated.)
In addition to all the above built into ADOS, there are two more programs on the disk! One is a high resolution text screen, RSV, a version of RSVID, the public domain program by Steve Odneal, slightly revised to be acceptable to ADOS. The other is MENU, which allows execution of any program by placing a pointer next to it in the directory listing. It would be fine except that the pointer moves too fast; getting the right program is an arcade game in itself. (I later heard that this, too, could be changed.)
The package would certainly be worth the price for the disk form alone. However, the real attraction is that when the customized program is burned into an EPROM and installed in the controller, the user can run just about all software (including the popular Telewriter 64) compatible with Disk ROM 1.0. That is news! And the ROM version can boot OS-9 with its built-in DOS command.
What will this really cost'? The proper EPROMs now sell for about $25. There are people who will custom burn a program for less than $25. Or you can buy a burner for less than $75; then you can change your mind later, erase the EPROM, and re-customize the program at no further cost. So, a ROM implementation of ADOS can be had for a bit under $80; or with your own burner, for under $130.
Are there other cures for the incompatibility problem? Radio Shack will not re-issue the old 1.0 ROM, so that is out. You can load a disk version of the 1.0 ROM when in the 64K mode, but you must individually doctor each program to remove any calls for 64K, for they will recopy your ROMs and bring back the old problem. The software seller may be able to help. Whichever way you go, each program's adaptation will be an individual case. ADOS offers a blanket cure by organ transplant, so to speak.
This program is a well-prepared and carefully documented enhancement of Disk Extended Basic. When installed as a ROM it lets any Color Computer run software incompatible with the version 1.0 Disk ROM. It is very adaptable to individual owner's tastes and hardware requirements. This reviewer will demonstrate his enthusiasm by investing in one EPROM, with which he will install ADOS in his computer. But he does not advise discarding the old 1.0 Disk ROM. (end)
Retrieved from "http://www.cocopedia.com/wiki/index.php?title=Undercolor/850105/Reviews&oldid=4333"


Skilled services are provided by speech-language pathologists who have earned masters degrees, completed the rigorous certification process required by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, and developed skill-sets for therapeutically interventions that support patients' rehabilitation of abilities impaired from specific medical conditions.
Our speech-language pathologists secure National Provider Identifiers (NPI) as a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Administrative Simplification Standard.
Our practices are informed by regulations established by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists,Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 401, Texas Department of Health Services, Texas Telehealth Regulations, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Patients' Protected Health information is used for medically-necessary documenting and reimbursement purposes. Every effort has been made to ensure that our patients' personal information is protected as mandated by HIPAA and The Privacy Act.
We adhere to the Doctrine of Informed Consent, or Substituted Consent when patients are unable to make medical decisions about their care; to disclose the nature of the treatment or procedures; explain alternative treatments if available; explain risks; and explain benefits to treatment options.
We believe that privacy is a right belonging to patients and it is their right to be left alone or to control personal information.
We view confidentiality as a duty to protect patients' information from inappropriate release or disclosure.
We seek to gain the trust of patients and their families so that they are likely to engage in therapeutic activities that are medically necessary, to promote patients' honesty about their relevant symptoms so that treatment diagnoses may be accurate so that appropriate treatment options may be established.


text:
From Sankhya To Savarkar, Hindus Have Never Had Any Problem With Theory Of Evolution
by Aravindan Neelakandan - Jan 21, 2018 11:00 AM +05:30 IST
Satyapal Singh (Creative Commons/Photo by Praketarya)
A minister associated with the higher education department has spoken against the science of evolution.
In Tamil Nadu it is one of the most popular Puranic stories.
Brahma the creator deity becomes too conceited. He refuses to pay obeisance to infant Murugan/Skanda – the son of Shiva. Murugan summons Brahma and asks him who he is. Brahma answers that he is the creator. Murugan asks him what is the basis of creation. Brahma when confronted with this question becomes silent. He does not know. Amost as if he was expecting this answer Murugan knocks the 'creator' on his head and for good measure imprisons him.
Hearing this Shiva summons Murugan to enquire as to the reason behind his mischief and to perhaps deliver an admonishment. His children needed to behave better.
Murugan responds to Shiva that the god who claims himself to be creator does not even understand the real basis of creation and hence, what else to do with him, he has been locked up.
A stunned Shiva asks his son if he himself knows the secret and basis of creation. "Yes" says Murugan. Of course, Murugan knows. He is the deity of knowledge in Tamil lore.
But if Shiva wants to know, then he must request his son to impart him the knowledge in a proper fashion – as a humble disciple would seek from his guru. Shiva then kneels, bows in respect to Murugan, his guru for the time, and most humbly seeks to know. Murugan, perhaps chuckling a little to himself, reveals the basis and secret of creation: it is pranava - the sound symbol of the self in the Upanishads.
In others words, there is no external deity creating – it is at best an early pedagogic tool. The single self evolves into the entire variety of creation.
A popular depiction of the legend.
In countless devotional poems in Tamil Nadu this event is sung. For the devotees of Shiva and Murugan, this incident is of great importance in Tamil Nadu.
The story is narrated to emphasise many aspects.
One is that in the pursuit of knowledge, no matter what age or the social status of the one with knowledge is, the person who seeks knowledge should approach him/her with humility.
At another level, creation by a deity is repudiated. Instead, creation happens through the self – either it is Drishti-Srishti or Ajaathivada – the changes are apparent while there is one basic substratum.
Either way in the phenomenal world of existence, evolution is accepted in Indic darshanas and this puranic story is a beautiful way of conveying it to children and adults alike.
(Charles Darwin, with his 'tree of life')
When in 1859 Charles Darwin published his book Origin of Species it can be said it was West's exposition of the knock Murugan delivered to the creator deity.
It took two decades for Darwin to bring himself to publish the book. He had returned from his voyage in 1836 and by 1838 he had become convinced about his 'heretical' concept of the transmutation of species. He wrote:
There is one living spirit prevalent over this world, (subject to certain contingencies of organic matter & chiefly heat), which assumes a multitude of forms each having acting principle according to subordinate laws. — There is one thinking sensible principle, intimately allied to one kind of organic matter—have & which thinking principle seems to be given a assumed according to a more extended relations of the individuals, whereby choice with memory or reason? is necessary—which is modified into endless forms bearing a close relation in degree & kind to the endless forms of the living beings.
Charles Darwin, "Notebook C" (1838), pp. 196–197
By providing a naturalistic explanation to the origin of species and by challenging the immutability of life forms, Darwin created a revolution that was far more deeper than the Copernican revolution.
He changed fundamentally not only the way we look at the creation-evolution debate but also the way we see evolution itself. The idea of a ladder of life, that comes from Aristotle himself, with the 'low animals' at the bottom and the Caucasian male at the top was demolished by Darwin. That is why the popular depiction of evolution with the small monkey through other great apes culminating in human being (usually a white male) is wrong.
Darwin showed that the evolution, the origin of species, happens like the branching of the tree – the great phylo-genetic tree. We are one of the several branches. We are merely one of the several branches.
The ramifications of this revolution are felt even today each time a child learns that we are not the products of creation of a deity but a process of evolution.
When we see the incredible apparent complexity of natural world around us it is natural to intuit in a simple way about a creator deity. The knock of Darwin is the real and historic equivalent of the puranic knock of Murugan. In fact the polymath and evolutionist J B S Haldane half jokingly but rightfully said of the conceptual revolution brought by Darwin thus:
My wife has stated categorically that Darwin converted Europe to Hinduism. This is, I think, an exaggeration, but is nearer to the truth than it sounds. Hinduism is not a religion as this is term is understood by the adherents of proselytizing religious beliefs. It is an attitude to the universe compatible with a variety of religious and philosophical beliefs…. Darwin, then, from the Hindu angle, had some at least of the attributes of a saint.
J B S Haldane, What I Require From Life: Writings on Science and Life
Why do we find it very difficult to accept evolution?
(New Scientist cover)
In his recent cover story in New Scientist Graham Lawton speaks of how "the ideas that come most effortlessly to us" are often misguided. "Our childish intuitions haunt us," he says.
The so-called 'folk theories' or 'naive theories' are important in the context of creation-evolution debate. Lawton points out how as children we tend to see 'purpose everywhere': 'birds are "for" flying, rocks are for animals to scratch themselves on and rain falls so flowers can drink.' :
For most everyday purposes, these ideas are serviceable. Nevertheless, they aren't true. Children cling to their folk theories, and when they encounter difficult concepts, they cling even harder. For example, many intuitively see evolution as a purposeful force that strives to endow animals and plants with the traits they need to survive. Folk theories do get knocked back as we move through education, but they never go away.
'Thoughtlessly thoughtless', New Scientist, 16-Dec-2017
However, in the Indian context there is a saving grace. Thanks to Sankhya, evolution has always been accepted in Indian culture without the bitter and useless battles that are being waged in the West.
Again in Tamil Saivaite tradition, the great Saivaite saint Manickavaasagar (probably ninth century CE) in his Thiruvasagam sang a version of transmutation of life forms – becoming grass, small shrubs, worms, trees, various types of animals, birds, snakes and moving through the entire continuum of bio-cosmo of both moving and stationary forms of life.
This hymn is one of the earliest of hymns traditional Saivaite Tamil children learn in their houses. From darshanas to puranic stories to daily hymns, the appealing concept of non-mutability of species and creation has been removed in our minds by our culture.
Hindutva has also had a very positive interaction with evolution. Colonialism and Marxism used evolution to further their own agenda with the former opting for the pseudo-science of social Darwinism to justify racism and imperialism, Karl Marx first admired and later jettisoned Darwin for more racial ideas of evolution.
Interestingly, it was Veer Savarkar who applied the concept of sexual selection in human context to argue for the unity of human species against the artificial barriers of race, religion and culture. He wrote:
After all there is throughout this world so far as man is concerned but a single race, the human race, kept alive by one common blood, the human blood. All other talk is at best provisional, a makeshift and only relatively true. Nature is constantly trying to overthrow the artificial barriers you raise between race and race. To try to prevent the commingling of blood is to build on sand. Sexual attraction has proved more powerful than all the commands of all the prophets put together. Even as it is, not even the aborigines of the Andamans are without some sprinkling of the so-called Aryan blood in their veins and vice-versa. Truly speaking all that one can claim is that one has the blood of all mankind in one's veins. The fundamental unity of man from pole to pole is true, all else only relatively so.
Essentials of Hindutva
Recollecting all these becomes necessary now because a Union Minister – that too a junior minister associated with human resources and hence department of education as well as culture, has talked against the science of evolution.
Talking to the reporters at Aurangabad where the minister Satyapal Singh was present for attending 'All India Vaidik Sammelan', he is reported to have said:
Darwin's theory (of evolution of humans) is scientifically wrong. It needs to change in school and college curriculum. Since the man is seen on Earth he has always been a man. Nobody, including our ancestors, in written or oral, have said they saw an ape turning into a man and no books we have read or the tales told to us by our grandparents had such a mention.
Are we to forego our scientific tradition from Sankhya to Savarkar, because a minister is not able to comprehend the science of evolution and the greatness of his own culture?
What this minister deserves right now is a knock on the head from the hands of our very own Murugan – the Tamil deity of knowledge.
Aravindan is a contributing editor at Swarajya.
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Satyapal Singh
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One of the most distressing things in present-day churches is that whereas in the religious debates of earlier days they used to argue about what the Bible said, never for a moment doubting that what it said was true, groups within the various churches are now arguing as to whether or not the Bible is trustworthy. A short time ago the writer heard a sermon by a professor from a well-known theological institution in which he declared that the Bible contained historical, moral and literary errors. This is a serious charge and if it could be proved it certainly would destroy the Christian doctrine of inspiration.
That the Bible contains some statements which we in our present state of knowledge are not able to explain fully, is readily admitted. Our knowledge of the Hebrew and Greek languages is by no means perfect. There are a number of words or idioms, for instance, which occur only once or only a few times in Scripture, and it sometimes happens that even the best scholars are not in full agreement as to their exact meaning.
It gives us no little satisfaction, however, to know that as scholarship and archaeological discovery have advanced the great majority of the supposed 'Biblical errors' which were so confidently paraded by skeptics and atheists a few decades ago have been cleared up. Today scarcely a shred of the old list remains. It gives us even greater satisfaction to know that despite all of the merciless attacks which through the ages have been made on the Bible, and despite all of the fierce light of criticism which so long has been beating upon its open pages. not so much as one single error has been definitely proved to exist anywhere in the Bible. Without exception up to the present time where the conflict has been joined and the verdict rendered the skeptic has been proved wrong and the Bible right. Those supposed discrepancies remain today as only too readily forgotten warnings against those who in their eagerness to do violence to the Scripture doctrine of inerrancy throw historical and literary caution to the winds.
It is to be noted further that the alleged errors have been for the most part trivial. In no cases have important doctrines or important historical events been in question. When fuller light is turned on them most of them, like ghosts, melt away from sight. Few if any of them are anything more than mistakes on the part of copyists or translators; and certainly no one has a right to say there are errors in the Bible unless he can show beyond reasonable doubt that they were in the original manuscripts.
The few difficulties which still remain are so trivial that no one should be seriously troubled by them. There is every reason for believing that with additional knowledge they too will be cleared up. It is little exaggeration to say that on the whole they bear about the same relation to the Bible that a few grains of sandstone detected here and there in the marble of the Parthenon bear to that building. In view of past experience it is important to keep in mind that there is a strong presumption against any of them being real errors, a presumption which can be measured only by the whole weight of evidence which can be brought forward to prove that the Bible is a fully trustworthy guide in moral and spiritual matters.
When we remember that the Bible was in process of being written over a period of about fifteen hundred years, that some forty authors living in different ages with different points of view in life and' with diverse literary talents had a part in its production, that the religious and political history of the country was hopelessly complicated, and that confessedly accurate Roman historians have sometimes fallen into error in narrating contemporary events, the marvel is, not that there are a few things recorded in the Bible which are difficult to understand, but that the number is so few.
Even though it be admitted that the Bible contains some few statements which we in our present state of knowledge are not able to harmonize, that should afford no rational ground for denying the general doctrine of Scripture infallibility. We have the word of Christ Himself that 'the Scripture cannot be broken' (John 10:35); and more than that we should not ask. In the material universe we see evidences of design so manifold, and diverse, and wonderful, that the mind is driven to the conclusion that it has an intelligent Author. And yet here and there we find monstrosities. The fact that in our present state of knowledge we are not able to explain fully why snakes and mosquitoes and malaria germs were created does not prevent us from believing that the world had an intelligent and benevolent Creator. Neither should the Christian give up his faith in a fully inspired Bible just because he is unable to harmonize every detail with all of the remainder.
Perhaps no other science in recent times has done so much to confirm the Bible as has archaeology. The patient work of explorers and excavators in Egypt, Babylonia, Assyria and Palestine, with their picks and shovels, has opened volumes of ancient history for us, giving us graphic accounts of the languages, literature; institutions and religions of peoples who had long since been forgotten except as they were incidentally mentioned in the Bible. Here we have the records chiseled in stone, burnt into the clay brick tablets, recorded in one way or an other on the monuments, tombs, buildings, papyrus and pottery. With out exceptions these discoveries confirm the truthfulness of the Bible, – and time after time the theories and guesses of the destructive critics have been proved wrong. In fact the enemies of the Bible have met no more relentless foe than the science of archaeology. The evidence presented from this source is so impartial, unimpeachable and conclusive that it compels acceptance by friend and foe alike.
Space forbids us giving a detailed list of the 'errors' which have been pointed out in Scripture, yet our discussion would be incomplete if we did not give a few examples. At first sight there seems to be a contradiction between Acts 9:7 and Acts 22:9 concerning the conversion of Saul. In the former it is said that the men who traveled with Saul heard the voice which spoke to him, while in the latter it is said they did not hear the voice. The difficulty is solved, however, by the fact that the Greek word translated 'voice' may also mean 'sound' and is so translated in the marginal reference given with Acts 9:7. We conclude that the men who were traveling with Saul heard the sound, but did not understand the words.
It has been only a few years since the destructive critics had nothing but scorn for anyone who accepted Luke's statements that the island of Cyprus was ruled by a 'pro-consul' (Acts 13:7), and that Lysanias was a contemporary tetrarch with the Herodian rulers (Luke 3:1). Yet how quickly the scorn was forgotten when archaeological discovery vindicated the Biblical statements.
Whether in the healing of the centurion's servant the centurion himself went to Jesus and asked that his servant be healed, as Matthew leads us to believe (8:5), or whether he sent unto Him elders of the Jews as Luke says (7:3), is all the same so far as the point of the story is concerned. In our everyday language we ascribe to the person the thing which his agents or servants do at his command.
Whether on the resurrection morning the stone was rolled away from the tomb by human hands, as we might infer from the accounts given by Mark, Luke and John (although they are careful not to say that it was by human hands, but only that the stone was rolled away), or whether an earthquake was used to serve the purpose as Matthew more specifically tells us (28:2), makes no difference in regard to the essential point of the story that Christ arose and came forth from the tomb on that morning. Matthew has given the account in greater detail at this point, telling us that the Lord used the forces of nature to accomplish His purpose, while the other writers have simply recorded the important religious truth that the tomb was opened. It often happens that the sacred writers, like secular writers, describe events from different points of view or with different points of emphasis. In cases of this kind there is no more contradiction between the narratives than there is, for instance, between four photographs of the same house, .one of which is taken from the west, another from the north, another from the east, and another from the south, although they may present quite different views.
Matt. 27:5 says that Judas brought his money back to the priests, then went out and hanged himself, while Acts 1:18 says that he obtained a field with his money. But weaving together the two fuller accounts it appears that what really happened was that when the priests rejected the money Judas threw it down in the temple and then went out and hanged himself. But after his treachery and suicide such disgrace attached to him that no friends or relatives came to care for the body and that it had to be buried at public expense. The priests remembered that his money had been brought back, that it could not be put into the treasury since it was blood money; and now that his body needed burial they very appropriately decided to use the money to buy a burial ground, perhaps the very field in which he had committed suicide. Hence he is said to have obtained a field with the reward of his iniquity,– not that he personally bought it, but that it was purchased with his money and he was buried in it.
Many critics claim that the reference to Jeremiah in Matt. 27:9 is an error, and that the reference should have been to Zechariah (11:12, 13). This, however, seems to be a case of 'Subsequent Mention,' such as Acts 20:35 and Jude 14. Matthew says that Jeremiah 'spoke' these words, and certainly no one can prove otherwise. Apparently Jeremiah spoke them, Zechariah wrote them down, and Matthew, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, quoted them and assigned them to Jeremiah. Perhaps Matthew had other books which assigned them to Jeremiah but which have since been lost. The fact that Matthew's quotation is not quite the same as that found in Zechariah may also indicate that he possessed other books.
It is sometimes said that in Gen. 36:31 the reference to the 'king' (or kings) who ruled over the children of Israel proves that the book of Genesis was not written by Moses but by some later person. We are to remember however, that Moses was a prophet, that long before this the promise had been given to Abraham that kings would arise (Gen. 17:6; 35:11), that Moses himself predicted the rise of kings in Israel (Deut. 17:14-20), and that in Gen. 36:31 he simply says that kings were reigning in Edom before any had yet arisen in Israel.
In regard to Ex. 9:19 it is sometimes asked how the Egyptians could have had any cattle left to be killed by the hail, which was the seventh plague, when Ex. 9:6 declares that all of them had been killed by the murrain, which was the fifth plague. This is explained, however, by the fact that the fifth plague did not kill the. cattle which be longed to the Israelites, and that during the time which had elapsed between the fifth and seventh plagues the Egyptians doubtless had taken possession of many of those.
The fact that the Ten Commandments as given in Exodus 20:3-17 and Deut. 5:7-21 shows some variation in wording, or that in a number of instances where the New Testament writers have quoted from the Old Testament they have not given the exact words but only the general meaning, is no argument against verbal inspiration unless it can be proved that they intended to quote verbatim. A writer or speaker is entirely within his rights if he chooses to repeat his thoughts in a somewhat different form, and this is what the Holy Spirit has done. Human language at its best is too imperfect to express the fullness of the Divine Mind, and we should not limit the Holy Spirit to a stereotyped form of speech. The New Testament writers are often more concerned to give the basic truth, setting it forth with variety and rich ness, than they are to follow a stereotyped form. This consideration sets aside a large number of the contradictions which some critics profess to find in the Bible. Furthermore, if we find a passage which is capable of two interpretations, one of which harmonizes with the rest of Scripture while the other does not, we are duty bound to accept the former. Whether the statement in question be in Scripture, in historical records, or in legal documents, the accepted principle of interpretation is that the meaning which assumes the document to be self-consistent and reasonable is to be preferred to the one which makes it inconsistent and unreasonable. To act on any other basis is to act with prejudice and to assure error rather than to prove it. The critics of the Bible, however, have often been only too glad to neglect this rule.
Many of the so-called 'moral difficulties' of the Old Testament arise only because people fail to take into consideration the progressive nature of revelation. Much more, of course, is expected of us who live in the Christian era and who have the full light of the New Testament than was expected of those who lived in the former ages. Here too there is 'first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear.' Sometimes misunderstanding arises because of failure to distinguish between what the Scriptures record and what they sanction.
Probably the most serious problems arise in regard to matters such as the destruction of the Canaanites, the imprecatory Psalms, the substitutionary doctrine of the atonement, and the doctrine of eternal punishments. We may not be able to solve all the difficulties connected with these, but the objection that they are morally wrong proceeds on the assumption that there can be no such thing as retributive justice. We must remember, however, that while God is good and rewards righteousness, He is also just and most certainly punishes sin, and that the punishment of sin is as obligatory on Him and reflects His glory as truly as does the rewarding of righteousness. This is taught in the New Testament as clearly as in the Old, and it is at the basis of the doctrine that the punishment for our sins could not simply be canceled but had to be laid on Christ if we were to be saved. Furthermore, the Old Testament teaches that not only certain individuals but sometimes whole towns and tribes were so degraded that they were a curse to society and unfit to live. Even the religion of some tribes was desperately corrupt, that of Baal and Ashtaroth, for instance, being accompanied by lascivious rites, the sacrifice of new born children in the fire by their parents, and the kissing of the images of these heathen gods.
The Old Testament attitude toward polygamy, divorce, slavery, intoxicants, and kindred themes, is often ridiculed by present-day critics, but if seen in its proper setting is itself an argument for the divine origin of the Bible. In regard to almost all such questions we find that the design of the Bible is to set forth basic principles which shall be applicable to all peoples and races and in all ages rather than to give specific laws which while suited to one type of people under certain social conditions might not be equally suited to others. The making of specific laws governing social and civil affairs and suited to local conditions is left largely to later legislative bodies. Consequently the laws of the Bible are not as specific as many people would like them to be. In regard to the use of intoxicants, for instance, we certainly are told that 'Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; And whosoever erreth thereby is not wise,' Prov. 20:1; that no drunkard shall inherit the kingdom of God I Cor. 6:10; that we are not to spend our money for that which is not bread, Is. 55:2; and many other similar statements. On the basis of these we should be able to frame suitable legislation dealing with the liquor traffic. The wisdom which the Bible showed in dealing with those evils in a primitive age — giving laws and principles which regulated them, and in regulating destroyed them — is strong evidence in itself that the law is of superhuman origin.
The Bible, of course, was not written from the scientific point of view, and the person who attempts to deal with it as if it were a text book on science will be badly disappointed. Written long before the rise of modern science, it was intended primarily not for scientists and intellectuals but for the common people. Its language is that of the common people, and its subject matter is primarily religious and spiritual. Had it been written in the language of modern science or philosophy it would have been unintelligible to the people of earlier ages, and in fact would also be unintelligible to multitudes in our own day. Moreover, while we certainly have no desire to disparage the scientific accomplishments of our day but wish rather to accept them and use them to the full, we must point out that textbooks on science have to be rewritten at least once every generation and that so rapidly is scientific research progressing in our day that most books on scientific subjects are obsolete within ten years, But in the Bible we have a Book which has had no revision for multiplied centuries and which appeals to the heart and intelligence of people today as strongly as it has ever done in the past. Those who go to the Bible for spiritual and intellectual inspiration find it as fresh and inspiring as if it had been written but yesterday.
One of the most marvelous things about the Bible is that although it was written in a day of ancient ignorance and superstition it does I not contain the popular errors and fallacies of that day. Moses as the Crown Prince of Egypt attended the best of their schools and 'was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians' — most of which is considered pure nonsense today — but he did not write that in his books. The weird and fantastic theories held by the Egyptians concerning the origin of the world and of man were passed over completely; and in the first chapter of Genesis in majestic language which has never been surpassed to this day he gives an account of God's creation of the world and of man, no statement of which is disproved by modern science. Other prophets who were in contact with the Chaldean and Babylonian science were equally guided so that while personally they may have believed many things which were erroneous they wrote only what was in harmony with the truth.
Some of the prophets may have believed, for instance, that the world was flat. But nowhere in their writings do they teach us that it is flat. When they speak of the sun rising and setting, or of the four corners of the earth, or of the ends of the earth, we are not to take those expressions literally. We use the same expressions today, but we do not mean to alarm that the sun goes around the earth, or that the earth is fiat or rectangular. In our everyday speech we often describe things as they appear, rather than as they are known to be. And while skeptics as a class are ever ready to affirm that the Bible teaches that the world is Hat, hardly one can be found who is honest enough to quote the one particular verse in which the Bible does make a statement about the shape of the earth. In describing the greatness and majesty of God Isaiah says that 'He sitteth above the circle of the earth,' – the Hebrew word translated 'circle' literally means 'roundness' (40:22). Nor are the skeptics any more anxious to quote Job's statement when in contrast with the popular ideas of his day he wrote, 'He stretcheth out the north over the empty space, And hangeth the earth upon nothing' (26:7).
In the year 1861 the French Academy of Science published a list of fifty-one so-called scientific facts, each of which, it was alleged, disproved some statement in the Bible. Today the Bible remains as it was then, but not one of those fifty-one so-called facts is held by men of science.
Distinction should always be made between the speculations in the realm of science and its clearly proven facts. The speculations of science are like the shifting currents of the sea, while the Scriptures have breasted them like the rock of Gibralter for two thousand years. The Bible has not been shown to contradict so much as one proven fact of science; on the contrary the account which it presents of the origin and order of the world, as contrasted with that found in other ancient books, corresponds with the findings of modern science to a degree that is perfectly marvelous. The conflict which some people suppose to exist between the Bible and science simply does not exist.
Perhaps the primary reason there has been so much confusion regarding the relationship between religion and science is the failure on the part of so many people to discriminate between facts and opinions. True science deals only with established facts; opinions may be as varied as the people who express them. Organic evolution, for instance, as it is usually set forth rules out the supernatural and contradicts the Bible. But it must be remembered that organic evolution is not science, but only a theory, an hypothesis. Not one of the five arguments usually advanced to support it is sound, and many distinguished scientists do not believe in the theory of organic evolution but in fiat creation as taught in the Bible. A minister who has not studied science has no right to invade the domain of science and speak freely about it. Neither does a scientist who has had no experience in the motivating and regenerating power of the Holy Spirit have any right to invade the field of religion and speak freely about that. There have been numerous instances in recent years where outstanding scientists, with no special religious training, have presumed to write or speak their minds quite freely on religious subjects. But their opinions concerning religion are worth no more than are those of any other person – for the simple reason that they are assuming to speak concerning things outside of their legitimate field. The mere fact that a man is an authority within his own field does not entitle him to speak authoritatively on subjects outside of that field. True religion and true science never contradict each other but individual ministers and individual scientists will differ endlessly. Science has indeed done many marvelous things. But its domain is strictly limited to the material side of life. It has no authority to speak concerning spiritual things. Where it has been made a substitute for religion it has invariably turned out to be a false Messiah.
'It is one thing to say that the Scriptures contain statements out of harmony with the teachings of modern science and philosophy and a distinctly different thing to say that they contain proved errors. Strictly speaking there is no modern science and philosophy but only modern scientists and philosophers — who differ endlessly among themselves. It is only on the assumption that the discordant voices of present-day scientists and philosophers are to be identified with the voice of Science and Philosophy that we are warranted in saying that the Bible contains errors because its teachings do not always agree with the teachings of these scientists and philosophers. Does any one really believe that Science and Philosophy have yet reached, even approximately, their final form? May it not rather be contended that they are so far removed from their ultimate form that if the teachings of the Bible were in complete harmony with present-day science and philosophy it is altogether certain that they would be out of harmony with the science and philosophy of the future? If, for example, the anti-supernaturalism of the dominant science and philosophy of today is to be characteristic of science and philosophy in their final forms, then, unquestionably the Bible contains many errors. Who, however, is competent to assert that this will be the case? But unless it is certain that the science and philosophy of the future will be essentially one with the dominant science and philosophy of today, we go beyond the evidence when we say that the Bible contains proved errors on the ground that its teachings contradict the teachings of present-day scientists and philosophers' (Christianity Rightly So Called, p. 217).


On the other side of the coast another company named Salt releases their second eyewear collection of the year adding new sunglass styles as well as new optical silhouettes.
The second collection goes heavy with the aviator styles frames with traditional teardrop styles made from lightweight and flexible beta titanium while others mix alloy and acetates. One the acetate side Salt releases a big and bold frame with the Ray and aclassic round shape with the Eddie from their optical range. Salt's new styles hit shelves on August 15th.


text:
Hill helps Texas State hold off Arkansas State 24-22
Nov. 27, 2021 2:57 PM PT
JONESBORO, Ark. —
Freshman Calvin Hill rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown and Texas State held off a fourth-quarter rally by Arkansas State for a 24-22 victory in a Sun Belt Conference finale on Saturday.
Hill's 6-yard TD run capped a six-play, 83-yard drive midway through the third quarter and gave the Bobcats (4-8, 3-5) a 24-13 lead heading into the final period.
Blake Grupe kicked a 22-yard field goal early in the fourth to pull the Red Wolves (2-10, 1-7) within 24-16. Layne Hatcher connected with Corey Rucker for a 26-yard score to get Arkansas State within two points, but the 2-point try failed. The Red Wolves forced a three-and-out and Hatcher used five plays to get ASU to the Texas State 31-yard line, but Grupe missed a 48-yard field goal on the final play.
Tyler Vitt completed 11 of 25 passes for a 121 yards for Texas State with a 31-yard TD pass to Travis Graham Jr. that gave the Bobcats a 14-7 lead after one quarter.
Hatcher connected on 25 of 37 passes for 277 yards and two TDs for Arkansas State.
More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25.
Sign up for the AP's college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25
Kyler Murray's first NFL playoff start quickly turned into a nightmare
Column: San Diego helped ex-broadcaster John Tesh mend after cancer treatments
San Diego State basketball team goes on COVID pause
Doncic's triple-double leads Mavericks past Thunder 104-102
Cards' Baker evaluated for concussion following collision


text:
package me.zhang.bingo.data.local;

import android.content.ContentUris;
import android.net.Uri;
import android.provider.BaseColumns;
import android.support.annotation.StringDef;

import static android.content.ContentResolver.CURSOR_DIR_BASE_TYPE;
import static android.content.ContentResolver.CURSOR_ITEM_BASE_TYPE;
import static me.zhang.bingo.data.local.ImageProvider.PARAMETER_LIMIT;
import static me.zhang.bingo.data.local.ImageProvider.PARAMETER_RESOLUTION;

/**
 * Created by Zhang on 4/2/2017 1:38 PM.
 */
public class ImageContract {

    public static final String CONTENT_AUTHORITY = "me.zhang.bingo";
    public static final Uri BASE_CONTENT_URI = Uri.parse("content://" + CONTENT_AUTHORITY);
    public static final int ONE_WEEK = 7;
    public static final String PATH_IMAGE = "image";
    public static final String PATH_VIDEO = "video";
    public static final String PATH_SOURCE = "source";
    public static final int NO_LIMIT_QUERY = -1;
    public static final String RESOLUTION_NORMAL = "mp4";
    public static final String RESOLUTION_HD = "mp4hd";
    public static final String RESOLUTION_MOBILE = "mp4mobile";
    public static final String NO_RESOLUTION_QUERY = "-1";

    @StringDef({RESOLUTION_NORMAL, RESOLUTION_HD, RESOLUTION_MOBILE})
    public @interface Resolution {
    }

    public static final class ImageEntry implements BaseColumns {

        public static final String TABLE_NAME = "images";

        public static final String COLUMN_STARTDATE = "startdate";
        public static final String COLUMN_URL = "url";
        public static final String COLUMN_COPYRIGHT = "copyright";
        public static final String COLUMN_COPYRIGHTLINK = "copyrightlink";
        public static final String COLUMN_HSH = "hsh";

        /**
         * Projection map for the query.{@link android.database.sqlite.SQLiteQueryBuilder}
         */
        public static final String IMAGE_ID = "image_id";
        public static final String IMAGE_COLUMN_STARTDATE = "image_startdate";
        public static final String IMAGE_COLUMN_URL = "image_url";
        public static final String IMAGE_COLUMN_COPYRIGHT = "image_copyright";
        public static final String IMAGE_COLUMN_COPYRIGHTLINK = "image_copyrightlink";
        public static final String IMAGE_COLUMN_HSH = "image_hsh";

        public static final Uri CONTENT_URI =
                BASE_CONTENT_URI.buildUpon().appendPath(PATH_IMAGE).build();
        public static final String CONTENT_TYPE =
                CURSOR_DIR_BASE_TYPE + "/" + CONTENT_AUTHORITY + "/" + PATH_IMAGE;
        public static final String CONTENT_ITEM_TYPE =
                CURSOR_ITEM_BASE_TYPE + "/" + CONTENT_AUTHORITY + "/" + PATH_IMAGE;

        public static Uri buildImageUri(long id) {
            // /image/1
            return ContentUris.withAppendedId(CONTENT_URI, id);
        }

        public static Uri buildImageUriWithLimit(int limit) {
            return CONTENT_URI.buildUpon()
                    .appendQueryParameter(PARAMETER_LIMIT, String.valueOf(limit)).build();
        }

        public static Uri buildImageUriWithHsh(String hsh) {
            return CONTENT_URI.buildUpon().appendPath(hsh).build();
        }

        public static Uri buildImageUriWithHshAndVideoResolution(String hsh,
                                                                 @Resolution String resolution) {
            Uri uri = buildImageUriWithHsh(hsh);
            return uri.buildUpon().appendQueryParameter(PARAMETER_RESOLUTION, resolution).build();
        }

        /**
         * Get image hash.
         *
         * @param uri Request uri.
         * @return Image hash.
         */
        public static String getHshFromUri(Uri uri) {
            // /image/23afae33b355253c35e53bb23a6a0020 -> 23afae33b355253c35e53bb23a6a0020
            return uri.getPathSegments().get(1);
        }

        /**
         * Get days N from uri.
         *
         * @param uri Request uri.
         * @return Days.
         */
        public static int getLimitFromUri(Uri uri) {
            // e.g. "content://me.zhang.bingo/image?limit=7" returns 7.
            String limitStr = uri.getQueryParameter(PARAMETER_LIMIT);
            if (limitStr == null) {
                return NO_LIMIT_QUERY; // This uri contains no limit query.
            }
            return Integer.parseInt(limitStr);
        }

        public static Uri buildImageUriWithLimitAndVideoResolution(int limit,
                                                                   @Resolution String resolution) {
            Uri uri = buildImageUriWithLimit(limit);
            return uri.buildUpon().appendQueryParameter(PARAMETER_RESOLUTION, resolution).build();
        }

        public static String getResulutionFromUri(Uri uri) {
            // e.g. "content://me.zhang.bingo/image?resolution=mp4" returns mp4.
            String resolutionParameter = uri.getQueryParameter(PARAMETER_RESOLUTION);
            if (resolutionParameter == null) {
                return NO_RESOLUTION_QUERY; // This uri contains no resolution query.
            }
            return resolutionParameter;
        }
    }

    public static final class VideoEntry implements BaseColumns {

        public static final String TABLE_NAME = "vid";

        public static final String COLUMN_IMG_KEY = "img_id";
        public static final String COLUMN_IMAGE = "image";
        public static final String COLUMN_CAPTION = "caption";

        /**
         * Projection map for the query.{@link android.database.sqlite.SQLiteQueryBuilder}
         */
        public static final String VIDEO_ID = "video_id";
        public static final String VIDEO_COLUMN_IMG_KEY = "video_img_id";
        public static final String VIDEO_COLUMN_IMAGE = "video_image";
        public static final String VIDEO_COLUMN_CAPTION = "video_caption";

        public static final Uri CONTENT_URI =
                BASE_CONTENT_URI.buildUpon().appendPath(PATH_VIDEO).build();
        public static final String CONTENT_TYPE =
                CURSOR_DIR_BASE_TYPE + "/" + CONTENT_AUTHORITY + "/" + PATH_VIDEO;

        public static Uri buildVideoUri(long id) {
            // /video/1
            return ContentUris.withAppendedId(CONTENT_URI, id);
        }

    }

    public static final class SourceEntry implements BaseColumns {

        public static final String TABLE_NAME = "sources";

        public static final String COLUMN_VID_KEY = "vid_id";
        public static final int INDEX_RESOLUTION = 0;
        public static final String COLUMN_RESOLUTION = "resolution";
        public static final int INDEX_URL = 2;
        public static final String COLUMN_URL = "url";

        /**
         * Projection map for the query.{@link android.database.sqlite.SQLiteQueryBuilder}
         */
        public static final String SOURCE_ID = "source_id";
        public static final String SOURCE_COLUMN_VID_KEY = "source_vid_id";
        public static final String SOURCE_COLUMN_RESOLUTION = "source_resolution";
        public static final String SOURCE_COLUMN_URL = "source_url";

        public static final Uri CONTENT_URI =
                BASE_CONTENT_URI.buildUpon().appendPath(PATH_SOURCE).build();
        public static final String CONTENT_TYPE =
                CURSOR_DIR_BASE_TYPE + "/" + CONTENT_AUTHORITY + "/" + PATH_SOURCE;

        public static Uri buildSourceUri(long id) {
            // /source/1
            return ContentUris.withAppendedId(CONTENT_URI, id);
        }
    }

}