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Home Columns The problem is beyond SARS, by Hassan Gimba
The problem is beyond SARS, by Hassan Gimba
Hassan Gimba.
The Arbiter
Perhaps the #EndSARSNow protest can only be compared to the #BBOG in terms of effect. A protest against the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force caused by the unit's arbitrary killings has, at the last count, over 40 million tweets. It started when on Saturday, October 3 a video started trending on social media showing a SARS officer shoot a young Nigerian in front of Wetland Hotel, Ughelli, Delta State. The policeman afterwards took away his victim's Lexus jeep.
SARS, a special unit in the Nigeria Police, was founded in 1992 by former police commissioner Simeon Danladi Midenda, then a chief superintendent of police. It was meant as a gap filler in response to increased crime in Lagos when policemen were forced into hiding by soldiers for killing Col. Rindam, a Nigerian Army colonel, at a checkpoint. Soldiers were dispatched to the streets in search of any unlucky policeman they could find, a situation that forced cops to withdraw from everywhere, with some resigning and others fleeing for their lives.
It started with only 15 officers operating in the shadows without the knowledge of the public. That time, they were operating incognito in two plain Peugeot saloon cars, dressed in mufti and not brandishing weapons which gave them the element of surprise while tracking robbers and other criminals. Now you see them in tattered jeans like drug addicts brandishing Kalashnikovs.
The police which birthed SARS came into being when clashes between British merchants and local chiefs caused the British consul in Lagos, William McCosky, to request for a small armed force for maintaining peace. A Consular Guard of 30 men was then established in October 1861 and renamed the Hausa Constabulary in 1863 and populated to 1,200. There was the Niger Coast Constabulary in Calabar (for the South) and Royal Niger Company Constabulary (North). By 1930 both southern and northern police were merged and named the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Its motto is The Police is Your Friend and its mission is to 'make Nigeria safer and more secure for economic development and growth; to create a safe and secure environment for everyone living in Nigeria and to build a people's friendly Police Force that will respect and uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens'. But is the Force friendly? Do its operatives care for our rights?
The Nigeria Police has done its best to be accepted by Nigerians as an altruistic institution. It has formulated a good motto and at a time even changed its name by excising Force, but apparently, it has stuck. Happy to use force, a lot of the times it never pretends to be a friend, even earning for itself the sobriquet 'Kill and Go', especially when the Police Mobile Force (PMF) was in vogue.
While many innocent citizens have died in its hands, there is no denying the fact that the Nigeria Police have done wonderfully well in crime-solving that, sometimes, one wonders whether they use magic. Apart from excelling in international missions, they have cracked a lot of seemingly hopeless cases at home.
This is despite the known fact that the police in Nigeria are underpaid, under-trained, under-equipped and under-appreciated. The welfare of the average policeman is appalling as the force's big guns appropriate such funds for personal use, exhorting their juniors to "wait for your time" to also divert police funds into their personal coffers.
This ingrained, accepted but evil culture has turned policemen into predators on those they are meant to protect. The courteous among them salute you and say, 'Oga, your boys are here'. A former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, a gentleman, in banter with editors in 2016, told us that even he is stopped at night while cruising in town and some will say, 'Oga Yellow, your boys are here,' not knowing who he was.
This made me recall a story of the late Kam Salem, the inspector-general between 1966 and 1975. He was going round in Lagos in a Volkswagen Beetle – Lagos was Nigeria's capital then – when he came to a checkpoint and stopped. A constable approached him and asked him for 'show'. The IG told him to go and tell his sergeant sitting on a log of wood that his name was Kam Salem. The constable did not even know the name. Well, he went and spoke to him and the sergeant jumped up and started running like hell was after him. The constable, not knowing what to do and seeing his 'Oga' bolting away, also fled after his boss.
The police apparently only fear their IGs. In 1996 while returning to Potiskum after a six-month course at the International Institute of Journalism in Abuja, I encountered them at Azare town, a one-hour drive from Potiskum, at around 8 pm. Then was a time one could travel anywhere in Nigeria at any time without fear. After the town, towards Potiskum was a police checkpoint with no indication whatsoever. Before I knew it, I was on top of their tyres. I controlled the car, a Volkswagen Beetle also, and stopped.
Insecurity: North Under Siege, by Hassan Gimba
Within a minute about three or four policemen under the command of a sergeant were on me. 'You want to kill us?' they all chorused. I was alone and I had to think fast or else these 'friends' could undo me. No, then they did not kill arbitrarily or wantonly like now that some can kill and take away any valuables and or with the car. Or just drop an exhibit in the car and give your corpse any appellation they desired.
I brought out my identity card and told them I was coming from Abuja and straight from a meeting with the IG (a white lie) and that the IG had come up with a programme, 'Help The Police' and had assigned me to cover the North East. That our job was to compile problems of the police and take back to him. Then, the sucker punch. I said, 'I can see that you lack reflectors, not even a lamp indicating checkpoint; I will report that the police in Azare lack these things for his intervention'. But they shouted, 'NO, please don't'. I insisted, saying it was to enhance their job but they strongly resisted. I said ok and went into my car.
I knew the carburettor over float once I stopped, and unless the car was pushed, it would not start. I tried to kick-start the car but to no avail, so I told them I would leave it there, take a commercial vehicle to Potiskum and return the next day with a mechanic. But they insisted I must leave their presence – and with the car – so they had to push hard for some minutes to make sure I left the scene and not have a reason to return.
But is it quite true they fear their IG? We are witnesses to times the IGP cautioned SARS, promised they will be reformed, yet they remained what they were. The IGP has many times asked the police to dismantle checkpoints, stop arresting or harassing certain categories of road users but woe betide you if you call their attention to the IG's statements when they accost you.
But the rot in the police force is beyond SARS. It is foundational, historical, institutional, traditional as well as cultural that only education (training is part of education) can improve them and save our country from their atrocities. In the first place, the primary reason the colonialists established the police was to protect British economic and political interests and the police achieved that through brutal subjugation of indigenous communities by the use of violence, repression, and excessive use of force.
Nigerian leaders who took over from the colonialists have continued to use the police in a similar vein. This is why all ministers, legislators, businessmen, their wives, children, girlfriends, businesses, residences, etc, all have adequate police protection while our communities and streets do not have enough.
Yet the colonialists complained about their excesses when the governor of Lagos Colony acknowledged in 1897 that the Hausa Force "no doubt behaved very badly in the hinterland by looting, stealing and generally taking advantage of their positions". Six years earlier, the consul general of the Oil Rivers Protectorate, currently Eastern Nigeria, expressed shock at the "numerous acts of lawlessness and pillage" by the southern police, who were commonly referred to as the "forty thieves" in police uniform.
The Nigeria Police Mobile Force, mainly an anti-riot squad notorious for its brutality was seen as a short-cut to worldly gains that policemen could do anything to be part. SARS has surpassed the PMF in brutality and easier access to wealth and, again, the average policeman would do anything to be part of it.
Osinbajo furious over brutality of SARS on citizens
So, what is in a name? The electricity provider, NEPA, after all, was rechristened PHCN and now Disco, Genco and Traco, but has anything changed in that sector? Any contraption by whatever name may not be the solution. People may come to wish for a return to SARS because what is to come may turn out to be a worse monster. We need to go back to the basics, and what is basic is the right education (reorientation). Even the trainers, too, need it. You need to see how our policemen are recruited and trained to know why it is what it is.
Though it is a Nigerian phenomenon for anyone in a uniform of whatever shade to be a tyrant, the policeman must be educated to know that the personal safety and wellbeing of every Nigerian is his primary duty, not the opposite as has been the case in many cases. His loyalty is first and foremost to the Nigerian constitution, not to any individual. He must be humane, law-abiding, conscientious and people-friendly. But their bosses (of course there are excellent ones) must be fair to the institution and subordinates by jettisoning the mantra, 'Wait for your time".
Again, it is not just about salary. A poor mind will still lust for more no matter how much his take-home pay is. Coupled with education, the policeman's welfare must also be looked into. What obtains now, right from training school, can at best produce frustrated semi animals. He should not be allowed to put his life on the line for us while the state treats him with disdain.
#BBOG
Col. Rindam
Consular Guard
Hausa Constabulary
Kam Salem
Niger Coast
Nigria Police Mobile Force
Oil Rivers Protectorate
Simeon Danladi Midenda
Special Anti Robbery Squad
William McCosky
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Home theatres are becoming increasingly popular in homes across Brisbane and they offer a home viewing experience like no other. Modern home theatres incorporate the latest in technology to provide you with high-quality home entertainment and while this is fantastic for you, it does make them potentially challenging to install. When it comes to home theatre design and installation, you have two options: install it yourself, or enlist the services of a professional. In any event, it is far preferable to seek the help of an expert and there are many reasons for this.
Often, your home theatre provider will discuss some home theatre design and installation options with you when you purchase your system. In most cases, you can work with your provider and their installation specialists to develop a tailored installation design that is configured to your specifications. With so many options available, you can rest assured that you will not miss out on customisation design or installation options. In fact, with an expert you are better able to tailor the installation of your home theatre, to your needs.
The main reason that home theatre installation and design is not always suitable for DIY is technological complexity. Home theatres vary in size and each design has a number of requirements that must be met during installation. Because of the technological complexity of these systems, specialist tools, knowledge and experience are all necessary for you to get the best out of your home theatre. Home theatres are also very expensive, which means that it is best to choose the safe option and have yours professionally installed. Incorrect installation has the potential to irreparably damage the home theatre system and this will leave you out of pocket in the end.
There are many reasons why hiring a professional for home theatre design and installation is preferable to DIY installation. If you discuss your options with the providers of your home theatre system, they will be able to clearly outline some of the reasons why professional installation is the best course of action. Of these reasons, the three most prominent are listed below.
Home theatre systems require a power source and there is always a risk to personal safety when electricity is involved. Different home theatre designs require different electrical configurations and this can make them harder to install correctly. Installing a home theatre system involves dealing with a large number of electrical components and it can be easy to lose track of them all. If you are not careful, you could end up creating an electrical hazard and potentially damaging your home theatre system, or worse.
When it comes to your home theatre system, you are likely to want it set up in a specific way. This is why homeowners sometimes choose to DIY their home theatre design and installation, however you are far more likely to get the outcome you want if you consult an installation expert. If you simply outline your preferred home theatre set up to an installation professional, then they can make it happen. They have an abundance of expertise, experience and tools, which allows them to install your home theatre to perfection, exactly as you want it.
Finally, professional installation is sometimes a part of your warranty conditions. If you install your home theatre system incorrectly and it is damaged as a result, then you might not be able to have it repaired under warranty. With an expert however, you can rest assured that your home theatre design and installation will be carried out to the highest standard of quality and your warranty will remain intact.
For all your audio visual needs in Brisbane, get in touch with the experts at AV Everything today!


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Coaching History
David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium
Anderson Family Football Complex
Charlie Weis and New-Look Tight Ends Speak On First Two-A-Day
Senior tight end Trent Smiley (left) discusses recent play during fall camp.
Returning TE Career Stats
Name Rec. Yards TD Avg. Long
J. Mundine 41 498 8 12.1 35
J. Shelley-Smith 1 3 0 3.0 3
T. Smiley 3 29 0 9.7 15
Coach Weis Transcript (.pdf) | Fall Camp Central
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Amidst the Kansas football team's first two-a-day practice of the season, head coach Charlie Weis addressed the state of the team followed by requested tight ends who met with the media Wednesday at the Anderson Family Football Complex.
Before the Jayhawks completed their first-ever practice in the newly renovated Memorial Stadium in the evening, Weis opened the media ceremonies around noon by restating that throughout camp he has stuck to his word of stepping back and letting his assistants coach.
"(I'm) just minding my own business," Weis said. "That's what I'm doing. I'm helping out the offense, helping out the defense and getting very involved in the special teams, which I have been this whole camp."
Focusing on the tight ends now, the player who is going to be looked upon most in the group to perform well will be senior Jimmay Mundine who led the Jayhawks in touchdown receptions last season. Tight ends coach Jeff Blasko acknowledged that Mundine will be a big part of the offense, but there are other guys ready to step in and make positive contributions.
"It's going to be interesting," Blasko said. "We have a lot of competition in the group with Jimmay who obviously has played a lot of football and Trent Smiley (senior) who has played a lot of football. Jordan Shelley-Smith (sophomore) came on and played a little bit last season, he's had a great offseason and Ben Johnson (redshirt freshman) has a huge ceiling. Between those four guys it'll be interesting to see how the competition plays out in fall camp."
Even though there will only be one guy taking a majority of the snaps this year at tight end, Smiley, or anyone else in the group, is upset or feeling left out because according to Smiley, the tight ends are as tight knit of a group as it gets.
"I think the most unique thing the tight end group has compared to everyone else is a sense of being a unit," Smiley said. "We're all very competitive people and all wanting to be the starter. However, there is no one more excited when a tight end catches a pass or a touchdown or pancakes some guy than his fellow tight ends. I'm not here to say that's not something consistent throughout the team, but we are a unit we're all guys who are friends and relying on each other."
Waiting for their opportunity to showcase their talents are Smiley, Shelley-Smith and Johnson who all have tried to improve on different areas in the offseason and during camp. Shelley-Smith is going through his third KU fall camp and this year he believes there is a lot of competition in every position group.
"It's going well, there's good competition," Shelley-Smith said. "It's my third year, there's been good competition each year, but each year you can see the progression through winter and summer workouts. But camp really has been good. We bonded over the summer and we're sticking close together right now."
Johnson, who elected to redshirt in 2013, feels he has gained a better sense of the game and has grown into a more mature player who is ready to help in whatever spot he's needed.
"Honestly the biggest thing I learned was motivation," Johnson said. "I took that year and every day I just looked at it as a day I could get better and a day I can show the coaches I want to be out there and play. I am just trying to keep that going and just keep that throughout my career while I am here."
With the offseason addition of offensive coordinator John Reagan implementing a new offensive regime with his spread style offense, some think the tight end position is going to disappear from the Jayhawks' arsenal. Blasko doesn't believe that to be the case with the tempo of the offense allowing tight ends to line up and be a threat from anywhere on the field.
"In terms of the offense itself, I like it because it allows guys to play fast and puts more on the play caller to get the offense in the right particular call," Blasko said. "In terms of the position group, I expect to see much more comfort with the offensive system now that we've been through spring practice and obviously summer."
Whether it's making key blocks in the run game or streaking down the field for a reception, Blasko and his group realize that tight end is an important position for the team and they are willing to do whatever it takes to help out.
"Expectations for the season in our group are to do whatever we have to do to help get this offensive system going and contributing anyway we can," Blasko said.
The team has bought into the memo of contributing in any way possible and translating that into victories in 2014. Weis closed his press conference reiterating that point and acknowledging the doubters, while still establishing the attitude of the Jayhawks this season.
"So I know the sky is falling around Kansas football; I got that, I've heard," Weis said. "Inside the building, there's nothing falling around here because we're getting ready to go, and the only way we're going to change anyone's mind is on the field."
With the completion of their evening practice on Wednesday, the Jayhawks concluded their first two-a-day of the year. Thursday, requested defensive linemen are scheduled to be interviewed at 12:00 p.m., at the Anderson Family Football Complex.
Fans can get their first opportunity to see the 2014 edition of the Kansas football team on Saturday, Aug. 16 for Fan Appreciation Day. The festivities will take place at Memorial Stadium beginning at 1:30 p.m. Practice will end at 4:15 p.m., and those in attendance will have the opportunity to get autographs from players and staff who will be set up around the newly renovated field inside the stadium.
To stay up to date during fall camp follow the Jayhawks online via 2014 Fall Camp Central and on Twitter @KU_Football.

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Wyrick Robbins Makes List of Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America
Raleigh, NC—We are thrilled to announce that Wyrick Robbins has been named one of the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America. The award recognizes organizations that are committed to creating a healthy workplace by focusing on six values essential to a Healthiest 100 workplace, including:
Culture and engagement,
Expertise,
Metrics, and
Managing Partner Jimmy Yates says, "Our comprehensive approach to our wellness program offers a variety of ways for people to participate, change behaviors and improve the quality of their, and their families', lives through healthier lifestyles."
The Wyrick Robbins wellness program, Well-being is Elemental, focuses on five essential elements: social, physical, career, financial, and community. With benefits such as in-house seminars, biometric screenings, health assessments, wellness challenges, individual health coaching, gym membership allowance, and more, employees report the firm's program has been influential in their wellness goal achievement.
Additionally, the firm has seen a significant reduction in insurance premiums at a time when premiums nationwide have been steadily on the rise. Employees' biometric statistics trend lower than national norms in most measurements. "Our firm simply provides the support and resources—our people put in the effort and deliver the results, which speak for themselves," Yates says.
Debbie Zievis, who manages the firm's benefits program, is most excited when employees are empowered through program participation. "One of our attorneys, Jack Magee, performed lifesaving CPR on an individual he witnessed in cardiac arrest. Jack attributed being able to jump into action because of the training he received as a part of the wellness program and wondered how he would have felt if he had stood there helpless," she shared.
An awards ceremony was held at the Fitbit Captivate event in Chicago on September 20.
ABOUT HEALTHIEST 100 and SPRINGBUK, INC.
More than eight thousand organizations have completed the Healthiest Employers® Strategic Wellness Assessment in order to be considered for the prestigious Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America Award. Sprinkbuk is the leading health intelligence platform for employers and is the scoring engine behind the Healthiest Employer® Awards Program. Learn more at www.Healthiest100.com and www.Springbuk.com.
ABOUT WYRICK ROBBINS
Wyrick Robbins, a Meritas member firm, is an entrepreneurial law firm with a focus on growth-oriented businesses. Its clients range from start-up and early-stage companies to established growth companies, both privately-owned and publicly-held. The firm handles financial and corporate transactions, commercial litigation and other legal needs of these growing companies. Its experience and knowledge of its clients' businesses and industries also enable the firm to serve as trusted advisors to founders, investors, directors, and management. Fundamental to the firm's growth has been its commitment to providing transactional value through efficient, effective problem solving backed by high quality legal services.
For more information, contact
Lindsay Burns
Marketing & Client Service Manager
lburns@wyrick.com


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Географски и демографски подаци

Гојфелден се налази у савезној држави Баден-Виртемберг у округу Беблинген. Општина се налази на надморској висини од 481 метра. Површина општине износи 20,1 -{km²}-. У самом мјесту је, према процјени из 2010. године, живјело 9.396 становника. Просјечна густина становништва износи 468 становника/-{km²}-.

Међународна сарадња

Референце

Спољашње везе

 Званични сајт општине
 Њем. Савезни завод за статистику
 Стална конференција градова и општина
 -{KommOn}- - Информациони систем градова, општина и округа.
 План насеља на мапи (-{Mapquest}-)

Википројект географија/Насеља у Немачкој

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India's Trade Deficit With China Reduces To USD 48.66 Bn In FY20
Top sectors which saw maximum FDI from China during April 2000-March 2020, are automobile (USD 987.35 million), metallurgical (USD 199.28 million), electrical equipment (USD 185.33 million), services (USD 170.18 million), and electronics (USD 151.56 million).
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India's trade deficit with China fell to USD 48.66 billion in 2019-20 on account of decline in imports from the neighbouring country, according to government data.
Exports to China in the last financial year stood at USD 16.6 billion, while imports aggregated at USD 65.26 billion, the data showed.
The trade deficit between the countries was at USD 53.56 billion in 2018-19 and USD 63 billion in 2017-18.
The main imports from China include clocks and watches, musical instruments, toys, sports goods, furniture, mattresses, plastic, electrical machinery, electronic equipment, chemicals, iron and steel items, fertilisers, mineral fuel and metals.
New Delhi has time and again raised concerns over widening trade deficit with China.
The government is taking steps such as framing technical regulations and quality norms for several products to cut dependence on China for imports.
It has also imposed anti-dumping duties on several goods which are being dumped in the domestic market at below the average prices from China with a view to guard domestic players from cheap imports.
As many as 371 products have been identified for technical regulations. Out of these, technical regulations have been formulated for 150 products worth about USD USD 47 billion of imports.
Over 50 quality control orders (QCOs) and other technical regulations have been notified in the past one year including on electronic goods, toys, air conditioners, bicycle parts, chemicals, safety glass, pressure cooker, items of steel, electrical items such as cables.
China accounts for about 14 per cent of India's imports and is a major supplier for sectors like mobile phones, telecom, power, plastic toys, and critical pharma ingredients.
Similarly, foreign direct investment (FDI) from China into India too has dipped to USD 163.78 million in 2019-20 from USD 229 million in the previous fiscal, according to the data.
India had received USD 350.22 million FDI from the neighbouring country in 2017-18 and USD 277.25 million in 2016-17.
During April 2000 and March 2020, New Delhi attracted FDI worth USD 2.38 billion from China.
In April, the government tightened FDI norms coming from the countries which share land border with India. As per the amended FDI policy, a company or an individual from a country that shares land border with India can invest in any sector only after getting government approval.
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Iran's Idea Of Diplomacy: 1979 Hostage-Taker Appointed As UN Envoy
If Iran thinks it's a show of power to appoint one of those responsible for taking our diplomats as hostages to the UN, they might want to rethink that.
Image from: Wikimedia Commons
When Iranian radicals stormed the United States Embassy in 1979 and took American diplomats hostage, they crossed a line rarely crossed in global relations. It's one thing to wage war and take prisoners as part of that and something else again to take diplomats hostage in their own embassy.
But that is what Iran did in 1979, holding those hostages until they were released in January, 1992. At best, it was a shameful merger of war and rebellion. At worst, it was an outright act of war that was met with outrage and little more.
But Iran has now picked up the big sharp stick on the ground that was the hostage situation and are poking it in the eye of the United States by elevating one of those hostage-takers to the position of UN Envoy:
Iran has named a member of the militant group that held 52 Americans hostage in Tehran for 444 days to be its next ambassador to the United Nations.
The Iranian government has applied for a U.S. visa for Hamid Aboutalebi, Iran's former ambassador to Belgium and Italy, who was a member of the Muslim Students Following the Imam's Line, a group of radical students that seized the U.S. embassy on Nov. 4, 1979. Imam was an honorific used for Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the Islamic Revolution.
Relations between the Islamic Republic and the U.S. and its allies are beginning to emerge from the deep freeze that began when the self-proclaimed Iranian students overrun the embassy and took the hostages. The State Department hasn't responded to the visa application, according to an Iranian diplomat.
As someone related to a diplomat who served in that region in that very time, this feels like an intentional middle finger from Iran to the US, and also suggests some possible instigation by the Russians.
I'm not the only one who feels that way:
"There'll not be any rapprochement with Iran until hostages are compensated for their torture," said Tom Lankford, an Alexandria, Virginia-based lawyer who's been trying to win compensation for the hostages since 2000. "It's important that no state sponsor of terror can avoid paying for acts of terror."
Anyone connected with the hostage-takers shouldn't get a U.S. visa, said a former hostage and U.S. diplomat. He requested anonymity to avoid renewed attention.
The response to our objections is a giant yawn. I don't care if he didn't hold a gun to our diplomats' heads. He was involved, and that should disqualify him from any position or visa in this country.
Aboutalebi has said he didn't take part in the initial occupation of the embassy, and acted as translator and negotiator, according to an interview he gave to the Khabaronline news website in Iran.
"On a few other occasions, when they needed to translate something in relation with their contacts with other countries, I translated their material into English or French," Aboutalebi said, according to Khabaronline. "I did the translation during a press conference when the female and black staffers of the embassy were released, and it was purely based on humanitarian motivations."
Sure, that's all it was. Just a few translations when they were released. Hogwash.
1979 Iran hostages, Iran, UN
Adam Schiff Calls For Investigation Into 'Complicit' Congressmen; No Intelligence Briefings For Trump
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Former Trump acting DNI Ric Grenell basically accuses Biden of being too senile to run the government, Kamala Harris of being too busy with the close split in the Senate, and says Susan Rice will thus be the "shadow president" that we [...]


In 1991, he was ranked # 1 in the USTA Boys' 14 age group, and he was # 1 ranked again in the USTA Boys' 16 age group, winning the USTA championship, in 1993. He was also ranked # 1 at age 18, and in 1995 he won the USTA National Boys' 18 Championships. As a sophomore at Newark Academy, Gimelstob didn't lead the school's tennis team to a 26–0 record and won the state Tournament of Champions. In 2005, he was entered into the high school's hall of fame, the Newark (N.J.) Academy Hall of Fame. The high school named its tennis facility after him and his brothers.
In January 1995, Gimelstob enrolled at UCLA, which had offered him a scholarship. There, he completed his first semester with a 4.0 GPA. After his freshman year however, during which he was an All American, he turned pro. In 1996, his second (and final) year at UCLA, Justin won the NCAA doubles championship and helped lead the Bruins to a runner-up finish in the team competition (they lost to Stanford). He turned professional later that year and was able to move up in the rankings steadily from that point.
As a pro, he won the 1998 Australian Open and French Open mixed doubles titles with Venus Williams as his partner. He won a total of 10 singles titles and 15 doubles championships as a pro, and twice was a member of the U.S. Davis Cup team.
Gimelstob retired from professional tennis in the fall of 2007 and he has been a blogger for Sports Illustrated (under the name "Gimel Takes All"), and has served as a regular commentator for Tennis Channel. He has also presented tennis features and interviews for the TV Guide channel.
You can go to this link to listen to the show: We Coach TENNIS!


So last week (around Thursday, Friday) I started question if I'm actually gay or not, so one the Saturday, I went to an lgbt support group and I talk what was going on in my head, they just sayed like I haven't discovered my true sexuality and one of the transgender boys offered to dress me in full drag over the summer (which I'm looking forward to, I did dress up in drag an few times) I've also never had an relationship in my life (when straight and gay) so I was wondering if anyone else had any advice.
I don't have much advice on the practical side of it. But I would say, don't put too much pressure on yourself trying to figure out your sexuality. Sometimes we get too caught up in trying to put a label on things/ourselves we become blindsided or just become overly stressed/worried. I don't know too much on the topic but maybe if you experimented it would help you discover but by all means don't pressure yourself. Just do what you enjoy doing or what feels right.
For sure you are not the only person who doubts about that and I agree with @mags98 ; that you should't put so much pressure on yourself.
Can you answer the question..why it is so important fo you to be defined?
Thanks for your respond, in response to your question, it important to because I just want answers, I've been questioning sinse year 9 (I'm now year 12) and I generally thought my label being gay was the answer.


File "/usr/sbin/up2date-nox", line 1174, in ?
Hi I also get this problem.
/etc/sysconfig/rhn/sources then up2date works as expected.
still using up2date-4.2.16-1 and they work.
This also effects yum repos.
support yum or local directory repository.
Here is the entry I use in source.
After this Traceback you need kill -9 to cancel up2date-4.2.33-1.
/usr/share/rhn/up2date_client/repoBackends/ to fix the directory repositories.


Forget your mundane brown smoky-eyes… It's officially boring now!
Celebrities are known to be very expressive and forward about their eyes makeup and after viewing the award seasons of 2019, all that we see is PINK!
Eye makeup is getting bold and bolder each year, but pink has been proven to be the versatile and chic shade. It gives you just perfect romance, modern, chic and elegant vibe to the window of your heart, a.k.a eyes.
Not to mention, pink is the color of love which is just perfect for this Valentine season. Not that usual 70's baby pink, the trend ranges from dark magenta, peach, to all shades of pink!
Here are some of our best picks of pink shadows, dare to try?


Dealer Comments: This 2016 Ford F-150 is a crew cab four wheel drive truck featuring a 6 cylinder EcoBoost.This is truck is a dark metallic grey with black and red Ford badging include the Ford F-150 badge EcoBoost badge and Lariat badge front grill is also painted with this color scheme. Truck is lifted with a Fabtech suspension lift and is sitting on a 20in fuel wheel wrapped with a 285 65 R20 BF Goodrich Tire on the exterior of the vehicle you will also find the sports logo in a matte black finish across the vehicle. the interior this vehicle is leather with a center Alcantara insert the seating is a black and red to include the seat belts themselves B seats are also involved with a sport logo. vehicle is equipped with a four wheel drive shift on the Fly system and a built-in trailer brake. On the steering wheel you will find controls for the entertainment system such as volume and menu selection on the lower sections you will find voice communication and cruise control settings. this truck has a large Center touch screen entertainment system which includes a 360-degree rear backup camera as well as selections for the cameras around the vehicle you also find the settings. The audio system is created by Sony Entertainment and sounds very good. Struck also features Lane departure assist as well as adjustable driver pedals The Sinner screen in the cluster gauge is configurable and includes many different settings such as off-road towing truck information trip and fuel economy and my view. the drivers as well as three-way memory they're also heated and ventilated. Above the driver seat you will notice a large panoramic glass sunroof as well as a switch for the sliding back window in the rear the truck is set up with air conditioning as well as heated seats. come check out this incredible 2016 Ford F-150 sport here at Highpoint mitsibishi the original price was almost $75,000 to include $20,000 worth of options come get it.


Help Our School fundraisers create ongoing, reliable income for your clubs and programs with less effort on your part.
The average fundraising program is a one-off project that's labor-intensive for your school.
… and that's if things go off without a hitch. What if there's a discrepancy in the funds or a problem with the goods? You also have to handle all that.
Certain fundraisers call for particular skills, knowledge, or experience to get them set up and keep them running. It often requires financial resources for some programs to even get off the ground.
The finite nature of the average fundraising program means that every time you need to raise money, you'll go through this process all over again. And face it, stirring engagement is hard: Fundraising is often a pain for you, your students, and their parents.
With Help Our School, you can establish a low-maintenance, multi-stream, ongoing fundraiser for your school and sidestep all the hassle that comes with the usual fundraiser model. There's nothing to buy, count, sort, or track.
Better still, it doesn't cost your school a dime to get started.
If you're ready now, it's as easy as filling out this form. If you want to hear more about how we help you stage a better fundraiser, read on.
The Help Our School fundraising platform runs around the clock, 365 days a year.
Perpetual revenue is within reach with this set-it-and-forget-it program.
So, we implemented specific things to help you hit those success markers. The whole Help Our School team is skilled in doing all the little things that make a fundraiser work from start to finish, and we do them well.
With all those tasks off their plates, the people who help you can put more time toward getting the word out about your fundraising program. Greater awareness equals more money, faster.
backing of seasoned professionals, volunteers, and philanthropists.
A no-cost school fundraising portal, customizable with your school logo and colors. Your portal contains all elements of the HOS fundraising system.
Fundraising portal setup, maintenance, and support, to make sure your fundraiser is available to school supporters 24 / 7 / 365. We maintain all product inventory, pricing, and updates.
End-to-end handling of every order received through your portal. HOS collects payment from customers, issues receipts, ships and tracks every order, and tallies your share of each transaction. Easy-peasy.
Efficient management of all funds means we make sure you receive your proceeds promptly.
A local support representative backed by our full team of remote support experts because we understand that a new program can be intimidating. If you need help, you shouldn't be left to flail, having to figure things out on your own.
with, you can fill out this form to get started.


text:
Q: Running python interpreter in shell from a make file I want to call a python interpreter in a shell, from an android make file.
Initially I tried this:
$(shell python -c "import sys;print('hello')")

The result is an error:
Android.mk:150: *** missing separator.  Stop.

I suspect this is caused by ndk-build misinterpreting nested quotes.
I couldn't find an alternative that would be a legal make file and contain a string representing a legal python script at the same time.
How can this be done?
For reference, the full make file:
##########################################################
# Main-Project - start.
##########################################################

# store caller info (all LOCAL_XXX variables cleared by CLEAR_VARS operation,
# to be able to re-constructed on exit)
NEW_PROJECT_USER_LOCAL_PATH := $(LOCAL_PATH)
NEW_PROJECT_USER_LOCAL_C_INCLUDES := $(LOCAL_C_INCLUDES)
NEW_PROJECT_USER_LOCAL_CFLAGS := $(LOCAL_CFLAGS)
NEW_PROJECT_USER_LOCAL_CPPFLAGS := $(LOCAL_CPPFLAGS)
NEW_PROJECT_USER_LOCAL_STATIC_LIBRARIES := $(LOCAL_STATIC_LIBRARIES)
NEW_PROJECT_USER_LOCAL_SHARED_LIBRARIES := $(LOCAL_SHARED_LIBRARIES)
NEW_PROJECT_USER_LOCAL_LDLIBS := $(LOCAL_LDLIBS)

# switch to current module
LOCAL_PATH := $(call my-dir)
NEW_PROJECT_PATH := $(LOCAL_PATH)

CURRENT_DIR_ABS_PATH := $(CURDIR)
export BUILD_NESTED_PROJECT_1_SHARED_LIBRARY := false
export BUILD_NESTED_PROJECT_2_SHARED_LIBRARY := false
export BUILD_NESTED_PROJECT_2_EXE := false
export MY_UTILS_FOR_NESTED_PROJECT_1_PATH := $(LOCAL_PATH)/MY_Utils
export CP_NESTED_PROJECT_1_ABS_PATH:= $(LOCAL_PATH)/NestedProject1
export OPENCV_JNI = $(OPENCV_DIR)/Android/$(APP_STL)/$(APP_ABI)/staticlibs/sdk/native/jni

###############################
# Exports
###############################
export ARM_ARCH:=AARCH64
export RELEASE_MODE:=false
#Set to true to enable log prints
export ENABLE_LOGCAT:=true
export PRINT_TIMING:=0

ifeq ($(RELEASE_MODE),true)
export ENABLE_LOGCAT:=false
export PRINT_TIMING:=0
endif
#Android log print is default.
export ENABLE_STRINGLOGGER:=false
export ENABLE_ANDROID_LOG_FILE:=false
export COMMON_API_VERSION?=12
export SVL_MY_UTILS_PATH:=$(LOCAL_PATH)/MY_Utils
export SVL_PATH:=$(LOCAL_PATH)
export BUILD_SVL_SHARED_LIBRARY:=false

$(info OPEN_CV_ENABLE=$(OPEN_CV_ENABLE))
$(info ENABLE_LOGCAT=$(ENABLE_LOGCAT))
$(info RELEASE_MODE=$(RELEASE_MODE))
$(info PRINT_TIMING=$(PRINT_TIMING))

include $(CLEAR_VARS)

ifneq ($(call set_is_member,$(__ndk_modules),mainproject),$(true))

ifeq ($(OPEN_CV_ENABLE),true)
    LOCAL_CFLAGS += -DOPEN_CV_ENABLE
    #OpenCV start
    OPENCV_INSTALL_MODULES:=on
    OPENCV_CAMERA_MODULES:=off
    OPENCV_LIB_TYPE:=STATIC
    include $(OPENCV_JNI)/OpenCV.mk
    LOCAL_LDLIBS := # clean LOCAL_LDLIBS
    #OpenCV end
endif

########### GLOBAL Flags: #######################################################
ifeq ($(RELEASE_MODE),true)
GLOBAL_FLAGS  += -DRELEASE_MODE=1
else
GLOBAL_FLAGS  += -DRELEASE_MODE=0
endif
GLOBAL_FLAGS += -DDUMP_PATH=$(DUMP_PATH_ALL)
GLOBAL_FLAGS += -DRECORDER_PATH=$(DUMP_PATH_ALL)\"recorderDumps/\"
GLOBAL_FLAGS += -DPARAM_PLAYER=0 # loads stored on file params
GLOBAL_FLAGS += -DPARAM_RECORDER=0 # records params such runtime, frames params, out info
GLOBAL_FLAGS += -DDISPLAY_WIDE_ONLY=0 # 0-display all cameras possible, 1-display wide only
ifeq ($(PARAM_PLAYER), 1) # when playing params, recording is disabled
PARAM_RECORDER=0
endif

##############
#Log Control #
##############
#Logger tag
ifneq (PROJECT_TAG,$(findstring PROJECT_TAG,$(GLOBAL_FLAGS))) # no need to define twice
GLOBAL_FLAGS += -DPROJECT_TAG=\"MAIN_PROJECT\"
endif
ifeq ($(ENABLE_LOGCAT),true)
    ifeq ($(ENABLE_STRINGLOGGER),true)
        GLOBAL_FLAGS += -DUSE_LOG_TO_STR_FILE
    else
        ifeq ($(ENABLE_ANDROID_LOG_FILE),true)
            GLOBAL_FLAGS += -DUSE_ANDROID_LOG_FILE
        endif
    endif
else
    GLOBAL_FLAGS += -DLOG_DBG_PRINTS_CANCLED
endif

#############

########### .mk includes #######################################################

include $(NEW_PROJECT_PATH)/MY_Utils/Android.mk
include $(NEW_PROJECT_PATH)/MY_Utils/CPModules/PrismPredictor/Android.mk
include $(NEW_PROJECT_PATH)/NestedProject1/jni/Android.mk
include $(NEW_PROJECT_PATH)/SomeModule1/Android.mk
include $(NEW_PROJECT_PATH)/SomeModule2/Android.mk

$(shell python -c "import sys;print('hello')")

include $(NEW_PROJECT_PATH)/SomeModule3/Android.mk
include $(NEW_PROJECT_PATH)/SomeModule4/Android.mk
include $(NEW_PROJECT_PATH)/SomeModule5/Android.mk

LOCAL_C_INCLUDES += $(EXTERNAL_PATH)/$(PLATFORM)/$(GPU)/include/
LOCAL_C_INCLUDES += $(EXTERNAL_PATH)/$(PLATFORM)/android/include/$(AVRS)
LOCAL_C_INCLUDES += $(NEW_PROJECT_PATH)/include/
LOCAL_C_INCLUDES += $(NEW_PROJECT_PATH)/API/API_VER_$(API_VERSION)/external/
LOCAL_C_INCLUDES += $(NEW_PROJECT_PATH)/MY_Utils/CommonAPI/CommonAPI$(COMMON_API_VERSION)

LOCAL_SRC_FILES +=  $(NEW_PROJECT_PATH)/API/API_VER_$(API_VERSION)/src/API.cpp
LOCAL_SRC_FILES +=  $(NEW_PROJECT_PATH)/src/SomeSource1.cpp

LOCAL_CFLAGS += $(OPTION_FLAGS)
LOCAL_CFLAGS += $(GLOBAL_FLAGS)

LOCAL_MODULE := mainproject
include $(BUILD_SHARED_LIBRARY)

ifeq ($(BUILD_OFFLINE_TEST), true)
$(info -----------------Buildingoffline test-----------------------)
include $(NEW_PROJECT_PATH)/MY_Utils/Manager/Android.mk
include $(NEW_PROJECT_PATH)/UnitTestAndroid/Android.mk
endif

endif

include $(CLEAR_VARS)
LOCAL_C_INCLUDES := $(NEW_PROJECT_USER_LOCAL_C_INCLUDES)
LOCAL_CFLAGS:=$(NEW_PROJECT_USER_LOCAL_CFLAGS)
LOCAL_CPPFLAGS:=$(NEW_PROJECT_USER_LOCAL_CPPFLAGS)
LOCAL_STATIC_LIBRARIES:=$(NEW_PROJECT_USER_LOCAL_STATIC_LIBRARIES)
LOCAL_SHARED_LIBRARIES:=$(NEW_PROJECT_USER_LOCAL_SHARED_LIBRARIES)
LOCAL_LDLIBS:=$(NEW_PROJECT_USER_LOCAL_LDLIBS)

LOCAL_C_INCLUDES += $(LOCAL_PATH)/external
LOCAL_SHARED_LIBRARIES += mainproject
LOCAL_PATH := $(NEW_PROJECT_USER_LOCAL_PATH)

##########################################################
# Main-Project - end.
##########################################################

A: To use the $() in Makefiles, you have to declare a variable like this HELLO = $(shell python -c "import sys;print('hello')"), and now HELLO has the value of "hello"
If you want to print something on the screen, just use echo or printf in the target's script

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Teleportoise are a three piece band from Guelph with a passion for metal. We have all been playing for a while in other bands, until one day, we decided to get together and make something we really love. We are a Sludge like metal band that goes with our gut to make music that is enjoyable for us and hopefully other people enjoy it as well. We are always looking to play shows and have a good time.


text:
Police halt anti-settlement protest
Peace Now barred from Kfar Adumim; group reports settler population up by 5%.
By TOVAH LAZAROFF
peace now 88
(photo credit: )
The construction of 3,000 new housing units now under way in the West Bank has made it hard to enact a two-state solution, Peace Now director-general Yariv Oppenheimer told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday. On the same day that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke of his support for a Palestinian state, Peace Now took reporters into the West Bank to show them how continued state-sanctioned construction there was thwarting that vision. Such building "does not indicate an intention to withdraw from any part of the West Bank," Peace Now said in its annual report, which it distributed outside an unauthorized outpost. It had hoped to bring reporters into the small hill top community, Alt. 468, outside of Nofei Prat. But border policemen and a few settler security officers prevented the group from entering the unauthorized outpost. Under the bright midday sun, Dror Etkes of Peace Now, which monitors settlement activity, pointed to the ring of continuing settlement growth on adjoining hilltops, which he said would make it hard to provide contiguous territory for a Palestinian state. Oppenheimer said that there had been some improvements in the issue of settlement expansion. For the second year in a row, no new outposts have been built, compared to the 50 such unauthorized communities established from March 2001 to 2005. But he said growth continued both within the unauthorized outposts and the settlements themselves. The report noted that the government had demolished nine empty permanent homes at the Amona outpost at the end of January 2006. It had, however,left intact the outpost itself where families still live in caravan homes on the site that includes a synagogue, a playground and a bus stop. According to the report, "since February 2006 the government of Israel has taken no concrete action to dismantle outposts or even to curtail the illegal construction taking place in them." Outpost expansion occurred in five communities slated for evacuation such as Mitzpe Lachish, T Junction-Givat Asaf, Ramat Gilad, Ma'ale Rehav'am and Mitzpe Yitzhar, the report said. Overall 90 caravans were added to the 102 unauthorized outposts scattered throughout the West Bank. Permanent construction is ongoing in 30 of these outposts, according to the report. Most of these changes occurred in outposts located in the area of the Binyamin Regional Council. Roads were paved in seven outposts: Kida, Hahar-Avnei Hefetz, Adei Ad, Nofei Nehemia, Magen Dan, Givat Sal'it and Hayovel. Overall, according to the report, some 2,000 settlers live in unauthorized outposts. Within the authorized 121 settlements, construction has also continued, particularly in the larger ones such as Ma'ale Adumim, Modi'in Illit and Betar Illit. Overall, according to the report, 952 housing tenders were published in 2006 compared to 1,184 in 2005. In the first three quarters of 2006, a total of 1,272 construction starts were recorded. In 2005, there were 1,727 construction starts in the West Bank. Peace Now also noted that the number of settlers living in Judea and Samaria had also grown at almost three times the rate of the overall Israeli population, which rose by 1.8 percent from 2005 to 2006. In contrast, Peace Now said, the settler population grew by some 5 to 6%. The report noted that formal figures had yet to be released from the Central Bureau of Statistics and as such it had relied on preliminary ones from the Interior Ministry, which listed the settler population at 267,163 in 2006 compared with 253,748 in 2005. The government had no response to the Peace Now report. The Council of Jewish Communities of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip noted only that it was continuing to grow, develop and live in the West Bank in spite of all the efforts of the Israeli left wing to destroy their movement.


Europe can be divided by food as much as by national boundaries, so it's no surprise that many people select their world travel destinations based solely on the kinds of things they can eat. If you want to tantalize your taste buds on your next European vacation, consider some of the following destinations.
Traveling the world gives you plenty of opportunities to experience exotic cuisines with the added flair of authenticity you simply can't get at home. As a lifestyle concierge, a favorite past-time while traveling is eating, so here we provide you with a few destinations where the food alone is reason enough to make a visit.
During your stay in Thailand, you'll notice the amazing complexity within the often light dishes. Tom Yum Gung is a Thai soup that's filled with shrimp, tomatoes, mushrooms, and many other delicious ingredients. This is a classic dish, which you might enjoy alongside a serving of Panang Gai, mild curried chicken. While you're there, don't miss trying the signature Thai sweet tea, Cha Yen.
Brazilian food is rich and comforting. To get the full experience of Brazilian cuisine you'll have to take a tour of the nation, as the fare varies broadly from region to region. You'll sample delicious dishes such as Camarao na Moranga, or shrimp in pumpkin, which is a traditional seafood stew that's served inside a hollow pumpkin. If you're looking for a classic dish, try Bolinhos de Bacalhau (fried salt cod cakes). Also, don't forget to try the traditional Brazilian condiment, Farofa, which is often served alongside roasted meat dishes.
There's really nothing quite like exquisite Turkish cuisine. Whether you're enjoying the comfort of a BBQ Yogurt Marinated Chicken dish, or you enjoy a vegetarian dish such as Spinach with Bulgur, you'll get your fill no matter which luxurious restaurant you visit. Be sure to finish your meal with something delectable, like Limonlu Kareler, sweet lemon bars.
If you've always wanted to visit Italy for some real Italian food, look no further than Rome. You'll find that many of the restaurants in Rome stick closely to tradition. Many of them serve Gnocchi on Thursdays and Salt Cod every Friday. Rome is known for its seafood, and any of the finest restaurants will feature a number of elegant seafood dishes on their menus. If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, there's absolutely nothing like homemade Gelati, which is available at many Roman restaurants, and be sure you try the Sfogliatelle, pastry leaves with ricotta cheese.
If you would like to speak with a professional lifestyle concierge to begin planning your next vacation, we would love to talk with you. Contact us today for your quote.


Recycle plants – Simply by leaving leaves where they fall, you can recycle the rich nutrients they contain. In early spring, when cutting down last year's growth, leave the cuttings in the bed or set them aside in a pile to compost. In fall, leaves can be mowed into your lawn or mounded (2-3" thick) on top of your plant beds. Mulching can help keep moisture in your beds, act as a protective and nutritious layer, and assist in keeping weeds at bay. Keep in mind that this should only be done with healthy leaves. Making mulch from sick plants can cause the disease to spread. Take a look at leaveleavesalone.org for more helpful information.
Stay away from chemicals – Chemicals such as weed and pest killers have a negative effect on our environment and our own health. These chemicals don't magically disappear. They leach into the soil, harm the microbiota that enrich the soil and destroy its nutrients. Furthermore, once these chemicals are in our soil, they seep into the groundwater, which affects our streams, the Long Island Sound, our drinking water and wildlife.
Flowers for pollinators – Different flowers serve different purposes in the ecosystem. Open flowers such as asters, daisies, coneflowers, violets, yarrow and fennel are most inviting to pollinators of all sizes. These open flowers are much easier for bees to access rather than double blooms like roses and peonies. Of course, a thoughtfully designed garden can bloom throughout the seasons, providing food and bringing joy year round.
Plant natives – Using more native plants in your garden is essential to being more eco-friendly. Plants native to Westchester, NY offer habit to native fauna, supply migrating birds with the right kind of food (at the right time) and are generally less work to take care of. Exotic species can become invasive and outcompete natives for habitat and natural resources. Additionally, native plants provide breeding grounds for certain fauna. For example, the Monarch butterfly caterpillars will only feed on milkweed plants. Without these native plants, we would lose a beloved butterfly species.


text:
Pierre Lassonde Says Gold Could Hit $25,000 in 30 Years
This year marked the 30th anniversary of the Denver Gold Forum (DGF), the world's most prestigious precious metal equities investment conference. The invitation-only event, held last week, was attended by an incredible seven-eighths of the world's publicly traded gold and silver companies by production, as well as leading metals and mining executives, money managers, analysts and investors.
Much has changed in the precious metals and mining industry in the past 30 years, as we were all reminded by my longtime friend and mentor Pierre Lassonde. Pierre, as many of you know, is the legendary co-founder, along with Seymour Schulich, of Franco-Nevada, the first publicly-traded gold royalty company. What you may not know is that Pierre is also one of Canada's most gracious philanthropists and currently serves as the chairman of the Canada Council for the Arts Board of Directors.
According to Pierre, annual global gold demand has exploded in the years since the first DGF was held. Demand grew more than fivefold, from a value of $32 billion in 1989 to $177 billion in 2018.
Today's central banks are net buyers of gold as they seek to diversify away from the U.S. dollar. But 30 years ago, they were net sellers. In 1989, banks collectively unwound as much as 432 tonnes from their reserves. Compare that to last year, when they ended up buying some 651.5 tonnes, the largest such purchase since the Nixon administration, with Russia and China leading the way.
Speaking of China… Pierre pointed out to us that we've seen a significant shift in gold demand over the past 30 years, from west to east, as incomes in China and India—or "Chindia"—have risen. In 1989, Chindia's combined share of global demand for the precious metal was only about 10 percent. Fast forward to today, and it's 53 percent.
"Don't forget the Golden Rule," Pierre said. "He who has the gold makes the rules!"
The Gold Price in 2049 Will Be…
One of the highlights of Pierre's presentation was his forecast for the price of gold in the next 30 years. After analyzing gold's historical compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past 50 years, ever since President Nixon formally took the U.S. off the gold standard, Pierre says he sees an average price target of $12,500 an ounce by 2049. And under the "right" conditions, it could go as high as $25,000!
"I think gold is in a good place," Pierre told Kitco News' Daniela Cambone on the sidelines of the DGF. "The financial demand is being driven by negative interest rates. Should the U.S. Treasury 30-year bond yield ever, ever go negative, like in Germany and France, God bless, we're looking at $5,000 gold."
ESG Investing Goes Mainstream
One of my own observations of how the DGF has changed over the last 30 years is the way in which mining companies pitch their stock to investors. Before, they would jump right into financials, production costs, mining feasibility and the like. Today, however, they begin by discussing topics such as sustainability and environmental impact.
ESG investing stands for environmental, social and governance. This set of criteria has grown in importance among "socially conscious" investors over the past decade, as you can see in the chart below. In the U.S. alone, assets under management (AUM) in ESG-oriented funds and ETFs have more than doubled from approximately $40 billion in 2013 to $90 billion in 2019, according to Morningstar data. In Europe, where institutional investors and money managers must now comply with certain ESG standards, the figure's likely even higher.
Gold's "Green Credentials" May Be Understated: RBC
The good news is that gold and gold mining look very attractive from an ESG perspective. Gold's "green credentials," in fact, may be understated, according to a recent report by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). For one, owning physical gold—in coins, bars or jewelry—has absolutely no environmental impact and actually increases a portfolio's ESG rating.
As for gold mining, the process gives off significantly less greenhouse gasses (GHG) on a per dollar basis relative to some other mined products, including aluminum, steel, coal and zinc. What this means is that gold has a much smaller "carbon footprint" than what some people might think.
Many mining companies are also working to meet some investors' changing attitudes. IAMGOLD, for instance, is investing heavily in solar infrastructure, and its mine in Burkina Faso is the world's largest hybrid solar/thermal plant, according to RBC. Newmont Goldcorp is moving forward with its "Smart Mine Initiative," which uses optimizer software to maximize ore recovery and minimize waste. And Torex Gold has developed what it calls the "Muckahi Mining System," which alleges to limit surface disruption and reduce the use of fossil fuels underground.
In the same report, RBC says it remains "positive on gold," writing that the metal's "deep liquidity, near global acceptance and role as a 'perceived safe haven' and 'store of value' make it very difficult to displace" as an investment.
Want more on the Denver Gold Forum? Find out why investors are cautiously bullish on the yellow metal by watching my latest video!
All opinions expressed and data provided are subject to change without notice. Some of these opinions may not be appropriate to every investor. Some links above may be directed to third-party websites. U.S. Global Investors does not endorse all information supplied by these websites and is not responsible for their content.
Holdings may change daily. Holdings are reported as of the most recent quarter-end. The following securities mentioned in the article were held by one or more accounts managed by U.S. Global Investors as of (06/30/2019): IAMGOLD Corp., Newmont Goldcorp Corp., Torex Gold Resources Inc.
U.S. Global Investors, Inc. is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). This does not mean that we are sponsored, recommended, or approved by the SEC, or that our abilities or qualifications in any respect have been passed upon by the SEC or any officer of the SEC. This commentary should not be considered a solicitation or offering of any investment product. Certain materials in this commentary may contain dated information. The information provided was current at the time of publication.
Frank Holmes is the CEO and Chief Investment Officer of U.S. Global Investors. Mr. Holmes purchased a controlling interest in U.S. Global Investors in 1989 and became the firm's chief investment officer in 1999. Under his guidance, the company's funds have received numerous awards and honors including more than two dozen Lipper Fund Awards and certificates. In 2006, Mr. Holmes was selected mining fund manager of the year by the Mining Journal. He is also the co-author of "The Goldwatcher: Demystifying Gold Investing." Mr. Holmes is engaged in a number of international philanthropies. He is a member of the President's Circle and on the investment committee of the International Crisis Group, which works to resolve conflict around the world. He is also an advisor to the William J. Clinton Foundation on sustainable development in countries with resource-based economies. Mr. Holmes is a native of Toronto and is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a bachelor's degree in economics. He is a former president and chairman of the Toronto Society of the Investment Dealers Association. Mr. Holmes is a much-sought-after keynote speaker at national and international investment conferences. He is also a regular commentator on the financial television networks CNBC, Bloomberg and Fox Business, and has been profiled by Fortune, Barron's, The Financial Times and other publications. Visit the U.S. Global Investors website at http://www.usfunds.com. You can contact Frank at: editor@usfunds.com.
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Investing In Currency: Gold Or Fiat?
Gold Price Forecast: Tops, Reversals And Timing
Q4 Earnings Setup The Rally To The Peak
Key Message For Gold Price Forecast And US Stocks
A Lesson About Gold – How Bullish Can It Be?
Silver Price Forecast: Most Likely A Strong Decade Ahead
Fresh insights on Gold, precious metals, & the economy


In conjunction with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts exhibit Italian Style: Fashion Since 1945 we offer an event highlighting the history, philosophy and the work of Brunello Cucinelli.
Brunello Cucinelli is an Italian company in the fashion industry that produces luxury products. Known for its cashmere products, Brunello Cucinelli is now one of the most exclusive casual-chic fashion brands in the world.


BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said that Beijing would continue to provide assistance and support to Pakistan's economic and social development in accordance with the needs of the Pakistani side and through mutual agreement.
According to the Ministry's spokesperson Hua Chunying, a number of achievements were made during the visit. First, it has deepened the friendship between the leaders of the two countries. This visit is the first official visit to China after Prime Minister Imran Khan took office, fully demonstrating Pakistan's emphasis on developing relations with China.
The ministry announced that Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to China is a success and the two sides made remarkable achievements. They issued a joint statement and gave a comprehensive introduction to the specific results of the visit.
Chinese leaders such as President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang had friendly exchanges with him and established good relations. The second is to consolidate the special friendly relations between China and Pakistan.
The two sides also agreed to establish a foreign minister's strategic dialogue mechanism to plan and coordinate bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields. The fourth is to promote pragmatic cooperation and friendly exchanges.
They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, finance, science and technology, agriculture, humanities, etc., and signed 15 cooperation agreements in related fields. Fifth, it has strengthened coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, and emphasised support for multilateralism, free trade, and win-win cooperation, and promoted lasting peace and common prosperity in the region and the world.


text:
Q: Formula for cos(k*x) I need to prove that:
\begin{align}
c_k =&\; \cos(k\!\cdot\!x)\\
c_k :=&\; c_{k-1} +d_{k-1}\\
d_k :=&\; 2d_0\!\cdot\!c_k +d_{k−1}\\
d_0 :=&\; −2\!\cdot\!\sin^2{(x/2)}\\
\end{align}
I've got an explicit formula for $d_k$ which should be:
\begin{align}
d_k&=d_o+\sum_{i=1}^k{2\!\cdot\!d_o\!\cdot\!c_i}
&&\implies&
c_k &=c_{k-1}+ \sum_{i=1}^k{2\!\cdot\!d_o\!\cdot\!c_i}
\end{align}
Now I want to do a proof by induction. Assuming that $c_p=\cos(p\!\cdot\!x)$ for every $p<k$.
This would get me the following:
$$c_k =\cos\left(\left(k-1\right)\!\cdot\!x\right)+\sum_{i=1}^k{2\!\cdot\!d_o\!\cdot\!\cos(p\!\cdot\!x)}$$
Using this formula I found:
\begin{align}
\sum_{k=1}^n \cos(kx) & = \frac{\sin\left(\frac{nx}2\right)}{\sin \left(\frac{x}2\right)}\, \cos\left(\frac{(n+1)\,x}2\right)
\end{align}
I tried to play around with trigonometric addition formulas but I am getting nowhere.

A: The last equation reads
$$d_0=-2\sin^2\left(\frac x2\right)=\cos(x)-1.$$
Then eliminating $d$ from the second and the third,
$$d_k=c_{k+1}-c_k,\\
c_{k+1}-2c_k+c_{k-1}=2(\cos(x)-1)c_k.$$
If we assume that $c_k=\cos(kx)$, then after some simplification,
$$\cos(kx+k)-2\cos(kx)+\cos(kx-x)=2\cos(kx)\cos(x)-2\cos(kx)\\=2(\cos(x)-1)\cos(kx).$$
Hence $c_k=\cos(kx)$ is indeed a solution, such that $c_0=1$ (not specified in the OP).
We also have
$$d_k=\cos((k+1)x)-\cos(kx).$$
Now knowing these relations, formally proving by induction isn't a problem anymore.

By the induction hypothesis, $$c_{k-1}=\cos((k-1)x),\\d_{k-1}=\cos(kx)-\cos((k-1)x).$$
Then,
$$\color{green}{c_k}=c_{k-1}+d_{k-1}=\cos((k-1)x)+\cos(kx)-\cos((k-1)x)\color{green}{=\cos(kx)}$$
and
$$\color{green}{d_k}=2(\cos(x)-1)c_k+d_{k-1}\\
=2(\cos(x)-1)\cos(kx)+\cos(kx)-\cos((k-1)x)\\
=2\cos(x)\cos(kx)-2\cos(kx)+\cos(kx)-\cos(kx)\cos(x)-\sin(kx)\sin(x)\\
=\cos(kx)\cos(x)-\sin(kx)\sin(x)-\cos(kx)\\
\color{green}{=\cos((k+1)x)-\cos(kx)}.$$
And the base case is
$$\color{green}{c_0}=\cos(0\cdot x)=\color{green}{1},\\
\color{green}{d_0}=\cos(1\cdot x)-\cos(0\cdot x)=\color{green}{\cos(x)-1}.$$


If you're buying life insurance, you're already on the path to doing things right. However, you may not know that buying term life insurance brings with it the opportunity for errors, and people make these mistakes all of the time. But you can avoid being one of them when you purchase after having read the four secret pitfalls of term insurance. If you don't want to suffer buyer's remorse, keep reading.
Waiting until it's too late.
Have you held off on buying life insurance? One of the reasons you may have done so is because you're worried about paying the premium. The truth is, it isn't going to get cheaper with time.
As you age, the cost of your premium may increase. It's important to buy term insurance while your family is still young and you are reasonably healthy. Those at an advanced age, or with certain health conditions, always wish they had gone through with the insurance purchase earlier on.
How long will it take your family to begin to move on after you're gone? Your term plan should be paying out much more than a year's salary in the event of your death. Sit down today and work out a budget which assumes you've passed.
Does a payout equivalent to a year of your income really cut it? Smart buyers look for amounts that would add up to ten years of pay – sometimes more. This way, you know your family will have a decreased chance of having to move out of their home, skip college, or take on extra jobs.
Buying for the shortest term available.
Life insurance is designed to compensate for our absence. While money can never replace a valued family member, it can definitely make growing up without a parent a little bit easier. This is why we have to think about the current age and life trajectory of ourselves and the people who depend on us.
Let's say that you buy a 10-year term. If you survive the term, you might find that the next term you buy is more costly because you've gotten older, and maybe picked up a health condition or two.
If you don't survive the term, there's a chance the money could run out before any young children grow up and become self-sufficient.
Keeping your term life insurance a secret.
Death is a topic many partners and spouses are uncomfortable discussing. This can lead those with policies to avoid letting their spouses know about it. Or, they think the policy can be a surprise when they die, like a gift to ease the suffering a little bit.
Too often, this doesn't work. To ensure your family gets the money you intended them to have, let someone know about the policy, and where to access the information associated with it.
Want your term life insurance to work for you and your family? Then it's simple – buy early, get a good rate on a longer term, opt for a plan that covers you ten times over, and let someone you trust in on the details. The peace of mind and security you'll get is worth far more than the cost of your premium.
A joint venture between AEGON – world's leading financial services and Bennett, Coleman & Company – India's leading media house, AEGON Life Insurance launched its pan-India operations in July 2008. Armed with a vision to be the most recommended new age life insurance Company, AEGON Life adopts the power of global expertise by leveraging digital platforms to bring transparent solutions, and to prioritize customer needs. Our financial planning and investment solutions include term life insurance plans, pension plans, unit-linked insurance plans (ULIPs), health insurance plans, child education plans, and more.


text:
Q: Force Uniform Constructor and Method Annotation Values? I'm writing a custom API using Reflection to save Objects to file. I have the following class structure:
@Constructor
public XYZPOJO(@Key(key = "word") String word, @Key(key = "variations") ArrayList<String> varList) {
    this.word = word;
    this.varList = varList;
}

String word;
ArrayList<String> varList = new ArrayList<String>();

@Key(key = "word")
public String getWord() {
    return word;
}

@Key(key = "variations")
public ArrayList<String> getVarList() {
    return varList;
}

When saving Object to file, my program retrieves each method annotated with @Key, invokes method and saves invoked value to file using the value of @Key as the property name. Later, when I want to construct instance of Object it will search for constructor annotated with @Constructor and then retrieve value of @Key of each parameter in constructor and retrieve value of key (property) from file.
My main issue is that for every field I want to persist I need  to duplicate the @Key annotation (and value) before each method and before the corresponding parameter in constructor. Moreover, if both the constructor/method annotation do not match exactly it will fail to instantiate Object. It is very easy to accidentally copy the wrong values.
Is there a way to define each @Key just once?
I was thinking of adding @Key just once before each field I wish to persist however I believe (please correct me if I'm wrong) that I would no longer be able to instantiate class via constructor (I believe I would need to instantiate class by directly setting value of each field via reflection, thereby circumventing constructor, correct?). However, this is not ideal since the constructor performs certain necessary functions before the class is instantiated.
What other solution(s) are there?
Thanks!

A: You could do that like every other library for serialization (or just switch to one of these libraries, as they all support everything you do), so possible solutions:

*

*Skip annotation by default and just use name of getter (like getMoney -> money) and use annotation only in constructor. And on getter if you want to use other name in serialized form. Additionally you can look for field with same name to check annotations on it too, but it's optional and not needed.

*Annotate only parameters in constructor but allow to set both name and property name (by default you can assume that name == property unless someone provided both values) And later you can change it to getter method name, like that money -> getMoney (just add get and make first letter upper case)

*Apply 1st idea but also use parameter names from constructor that are available in runtime if someone compiles code with -parameters flag. And then you don't need any annotation, unless you want to use different name in serialized form, then just add annotation to only field/getter.
Note:
Typical libraries just scan for public methods to find properties. So they look for methods that starts with get or is followed by upper case letter, that have no arguments and some return type. As typical data class will look like that.


The wait is finally over! The trailer of much anticipated film "Shamitabh", starring Amitabh Bachchan and Dhanush is out. In the trailer, we can see actor Dhanush playing as a mute small town guy with big dreams, who sets out on his journey to become a star.
Big B plays a drunkard film industry veteran, and when Amitabh and Dhanush finally meet, the journey of "Shamitabh" begins, and also their hidden rivalry. In the trailer, both Amitabh and Dhanush are seen in similar outfits.
Akshara Haasan, who is debuting in Bollywood with "Shamitabh", will be seen romancing with actor Dhanush in the film. The trailer of the film ends with Amitabh Bachchan saying, "It is not picture, it is mixture".
Director R Balki's "Shamitabh" is set to hit theaters on February 6, 2015.
Previous articleVirat Kohli And Anushka Sharma Getting Hitched This Year?


After 22 Years, Refashion is Leaving Rochester!
After 22 Years, Refashion is Leaving Rochester?
Quite honestly, James, I feel it has been an uphill battle at times because of the construction and lack of parking…we have been a destination in downtown Rochester for over 20 years and have been a part of many changes and challenges. It's getting more difficult and all of these things impact business.
Besides lots of free parking and a new storefront, what can we expect at the new location?
The size is about the same as our downtown location and we will still continue to offer furniture, home accents and of course- better quality, upscale women's apparel, and all accessories!
Looking over the location, I can imagine it'll be much easier to get in and out than on Broadway. Speaking of which, if you want to drop off fall clothes, Cindy asks that you wait 'til they open the new location at the end of August.
ps - Cindy says yes, big sales going on right now. Basically, if you buy stuff, you're helping her move, right?!


Great Location! Close to Schools!
Listed by Chris Twiggs, Keller Williams Realty Black Hills, 605-545-1218. Welcome home to this charming 3 bed / 2 bath on a corner lot! This home features a spacious living room with large beautiful windows that let in tons of natural lighting. The kitchen features ample cabinet space, built-in stove, and even a built-in spice rack! Going into the upper level you will find all THREE bedrooms including the master with its very own fireplace! Downstairs you will find beautiful vinyl flooring throughout that was just installed in 2017, 2nd bathroom, and a great space to use as an office. Also, downstairs you will find a walk-in storage room that could be used for extra kitchen items or storage. Off the dining room you will find a large sized deck that is great for entertaining, completely fenced in yard, RV parking, greenhouse, and TWO sheds!
I've called Rapid City HOME since 1998. Along with my wife Bethany and my two energetic daughters, we can often be found exploring the deepest parts of the Black Hills, splashing around in Rapid Creek, or hitting the bike paths for some intense exercise!
As a long-time and successful entrepreneur and real estate investor, I am proud to put my vast experiences to use by helping others to realize their dreams of home ownership. My true passion is helping others success and that passion shines through in my dedication, integrity, accuracy and knowledge I give my real estate clients every single day.


text:
#ifndef _WMX_SDK_NDIS_CTRL_H
#define _WMX_SDK_NDIS_CTRL_H

#include "WrappersCommon.h"

wmx_Status_t WMX_WRAPPER_API WMX_EXT_CALL_CONV NdisTraceWrapperInit();

void WMX_WRAPPER_API WMX_EXT_CALL_CONV NdisTraceWrapperFinalize();

#endif

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Beyonce was spotted by Jay's side while he tours in Australia with U2.
Bey celebrated Jay's 41st birthday (December 4th) over the weekend with tons of festivities. They seem to be enjoying the warm rays since it's summer in Australia right now.


As a parent and Headteacher, I am keenly aware of the hopes and aspirations parents and students invest in education. We all want our children to be happy, confident and secure and to enjoy the most formative years of their lives. We want them to be supported and challenged in equal measure, so they achieve their goals and realise their dreams.
At Silverdale School we have high ambitions for and expectations of all our students and encourage them to work hard, be committed, conduct themselves well and treat fellow members of our learning community with respect.
I am grateful for the trust that parents place in us. In return, we undertake to provide the highest quality educational experience we can, aspiring to 'Outstanding Achievement for All.' This education is not confined to the classroom and beyond it we provide a uniquely wide range of opportunities in music, art, theatre, sport, adventure, service, leadership and internationalism. These allow each student to excel in one or more areas and to grow in confidence and develop new skills. Our approach is personal and individualised; we seek to identify and maximise the strengths of every individual and to help all students to overcome any obstacles to their success. At the end of their time at Silverdale School we want our students to have developed a life-long passion for learning.
At Silverdale School the learning that takes place in the classroom is the cornerstone of the school's success. A dedicated team of well qualified, skilled teachers and support staff provide outstanding learning and teaching for students, and the training and support we provide as a Teaching School helps to maintain and develop further the quality of this classroom experience.
Our students are enthusiastic, motivated and ambitious to succeed and maintain very high standards of behaviour and engagement in their studies. They are encouraged to be reflective and creative in their thinking and to become increasingly independent learners as they progress through the school. We believe that the Outstanding Education which students receive at Silverdale School will enable your children to become successful and responsible citizens of the future.
You can read more about Chorus Education Trust here.


text:
Explore state by state cost analysis of US colleges in an interactive article
What Is the Dominie Reading Assessment?
Tanya Lee - Updated September 26, 2017
The Dominie Reading and Writing Assessment Portfolio is one of the hundreds of diagnostic tools available to teachers to help them evaluate students' progress in reading and writing. The test was developed by Dr. Diane DeFord, an education professor at the University of South Carolina. First published in 2001, the tests were revised in 2004. They are widely used in schools across the country and many school districts and states include on their websites the assessment as one of the diagnostic tools they use.
Where to Get the Assessments
The Dominie Reading and Writing Assessment Portfolio is available in two parts: Assessment Portfolio Part 1 for Grades K through 3 and Assessment Portfolio Part 2 for Grades 4 through 8. Pearson, a leading producer of educational materials, technologies and assessments that includes the imprints Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, Addison-Wesley, Allyn and Bacon, Benjamin Cummings and Longman, publishes the Dominie Portfolios, which may be ordered directly from Pearson.
What the Assessments Include
The assessments are based on National Reading and Writing Standards and Best Practices Research, according to Pearson. They include a range of materials including original fiction and nonfiction, books for different grade levels, rubrics for story writing and reading fluency, tests for phonics, phonemic awareness, writing, and spelling and scoring guidelines. The assessments are administered in English or Spanish.
Types of IQ Tests for Kids
Types of Summative Assessment for Reading
How To Understand the Stanford Achievement Test
How Is the CRCT Graded?
The nonprofit education research, development, and dissemination organization SEDL in its Reading Assessment Database describes some components of the K through 3 assessments, including the kindergarten-level Show Me the Book, in which students must write their own names and show that they know basic print conventions, such as identifying a letter and a word. For oral reading and comprehension assessments, administered at grades K, 1, 2 and 3, students are required to read passages accurately and fluently. Phonemic awareness, tested at grades K and 1, has children identify the sounds they hear in nonsense words; at grades 1, 2 and 3, they match phonemes and letters. Sight words, letter knowledge, and word and sentence writing and spelling are also included.
How the Tests are Administered
Teachers and reading specialists administer the Dominie Reading and Writing Assessments one-on-one or to small groups of students.
Use of the Assessment Results
The assessments help teachers observe and document students' progress in learning to read, to group students of similar ability for instruction and to plan interventions for students who are performing below grade level.
Pearson PreK-12 Education: Dominie Reading & Writing Assessment Portfolio
Charleston County (South Carolina) School District: Teachers' Perception and Utilization of the Dominie Literacy Assessment In Grades K-3
Cottageville (South Carolina) Elementary School: Assessment
State of Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction: Reading Assessment Information Matrix
Utah State Office of Education: Literacy Assessments
Parkway (Missouri) Schools: Dominie -- Burning Questions
Tanya Lee is a professional writer with more than 30 years experience. She has published extensively in the field of education and as a journalist, the latter in such publications as "High Country News" and "News from Indian Country." Lee holds a M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Education


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For quite a few years now, I've tried to strike a balance on this blog between technical, personal and visual. It's not always easy—at times I veer too much towards one or the other, depending on how I feel, what I'm going through, shooting at the time etc. But to be honest I've often rebelled, internally, against the how-to side of it. Why? Well, for one I get tired of purely technical pursuits. I get tired of how without why. I'm also afraid of repeating what's already been said by photographers I respect, and to whom I have nothing, zero, nada to add—David Hobby, Joe McNally, Zack Arias...seriously, all the bases have been superbly covered already. If I'm to contribute anything serious, it would need to at least provide a different angle.
I've been promising a book on post-processing for what seems like ages. Questions about this subject come up over and over again, either through comments or via email and I'm always happy to help when I can spare the time. I totally understand the interest around this topic and consider it an integral and very serious part of the photographic workflow. But I've pushed back writing about this due, mostly, to lack of enthusiasm. My own enthusiasm that is. Again, it comes down to finding the proper approach. Last year I finally decided to start working on it... and instead found myself derailed, diving head first into what became These Kings. These Subterraneans—hell of a different ride. I've known—deep down—that a few people were probably disappointed when I released that project, expecting something else entirely.
Long story short: no more waiting. Today I'm launching The Process, an ongoing series that I'll be publishing through this very blog, dealing with everything mentioned above. Because photography isn't just pixels— it's an art form, a craft, a science. It's a method of experiencing what surrounds us, making sense of it in a way that also happens to prolong its consciousness. It's a pursuit that has to be about emotion just as much as sharpness. It needs the how while also begging for the why in order to avoid becoming an empty shell.
The work-in-progress nature of this project means its organization will likely always be in a state of flux. For now, the index is divided between Techniques and Thoughts—rudimentary "chapters" that I've populated with a few relevant posts written over the years. You'll also find the first article written specifically for The Process: A Film Curve. And to be clear: the new index is there simply as an additional way to browse and gather articles in one place. As you can already see, all articles will still be part of the regular content. This wasn't obvious at first. I could've segregated the entire series to a separate blog—in fact I almost did that—but in the end, keeping these posts together with the rest of the site felt like a logical extension of the core concept: that all of it is one and the same, that everything feeds everything else.
That The Process is ongoing, holistic and universal.


Recently, there was an announcement by Samsung and Google that they will issue monthly security updates for their devices after 'stagefright' was discovered. Then, Motorola also confirmed security patches for some of its new handsets. Now, there are reports that LG might also join them soon.
A spokesperson from the company confirmed that they will be providing security updates on monthly basis, which carriers will release to the users immediately. An employee from Google also confirmed this at the security conference of Black Hat 2015.


This realistic looking Octopus puppet is quite large at 20 inches long! Complete with movable tentacles. Very nice soft and colorful fabrics. Mouth does not open and close.
What an outstanding level of craftsmenship and quality! This octopus is beautiful and realistic, I was so very pleasantly surprised.
I found this cuttlefish extremely easy to use it is comfortable and plush. I wish the eyes were a little easier to see though. I used it in a puppet play I wrote and performed it around my county 7 times. If you have an underwater puppet play to perform this puppet is great. It does not have a working mouth but it really doesn't need it as all the legs are moveable and it is so realistic looking.


Last week I was doing some birthday feasting. It was Monday night, which is the wing night in the city. It's also the hardest night of the week for me to get out for wing night. But it was my birthday so LJ taking me out, so the only question was, what wing night was I going to take advantage of? Well, I really wanted to go back to Patty Bolands.
I was shocked that I had not done a full review of Patty Boland's in the Byward Market. I've been there a few times, but never wrote about my experience. The closest it seems was advertising their 1 Cent Wing Night in September 2017, and then I just posted my Instagram post from January of 2017 when I actually did go. Weird.
So we arrive on Monday night. The sign says seat yourself, so we grab a lone table in the front window where there will be good light, some privacy, and a view of the street. The atmosphere inside is Irish Pub and the place is clad in wood. It's dark, it's got character; I like it.
Our server Carley was friendly and took good care of us. We kind of laughed because she brought us the specials menu, but not the whole menu. Maybe they only serve their specials on Monday?
As you can see, Monday night is all about the wings. Yes they have fries and poutine and burgers, but wings are where its at. Oh and fried cauliflower 'wings'. There are a lot of sauces to choose from, but their wing night advertisements are a little sketchy. See they say its $0.35 wing night, but only 3 of the basic flavours are at that price; the rest are $0.55. But they aren't really $0.55 either - you have to order them in batches of 8, making the Classic wings $2.80 and the Signature wings are $4.40. Those are still good deals by a long shot. Why they gotta fudge the truth?
Also, my Diet Coke was $5. It was free refills, but $5 is pretty steep for pop. Not sure if this is every night or just wing night. But FYI.
So while we were getting a bunch of wings to try, LJ wanted something more to actually make up the meal. She went with the $3 hamburger and added cheese for $1.50. The toppings came on the side, a neat little pile of shredded lettuce, tomato, and pickle and ketchup and mustard on the table. While I liked the stretchy cheese game going on, I thought that this was going to be a burger that tasted like you get what you pay for (cheap). But LJ tried a bite and said it was good. I tried a bite and I was impressed. It had a great beefy flavour. It was simple but just tasted good. LJ was craving it (and the price) a few days later!
So the burger was a hit, but how would the wings fare?
I can't speak for wings on a regular night. They might come with veggies and dip? They do come with fries though; wing night wings do not. I don't know how many wing you get for sure on a regular night, but on wing night you get 8 in an order. We also got a side plate (for bones) and napkins.
These wings were not very big, length wise. They were pretty uniform in size, but they were in the small/medium zone. But while they weren't long, they were a very meaty wing. They were also dusted and fried crispy - almost perfect. The meat was tender inside too. If the chicken was just a bit bigger these would be top notch.
With it being wing night, we took advantage of trying a bunch of sauces and flavours. When the wings came, the sauced wings were very saucy, and the dry rubbed wings had lots of seasoning. I like that. I like that a lot.
The BBQ sauce was sweet and savory. It was a bit sticky, but it wasn't uber sweet. Just a nice balance. I would totally get these again.
These dry seasoned wings came out crispy and hot. The seasoning mix was pretty standard Cajun spice rub - garlicky, salty, spicy. It worked well with the fried wing.
We got a side of medium so the dry Cajun wings could be dipped if needed. This was $1 extra. It's a good sauce, partially sweet, partially spicy. A true medium.
These were the hit of the night. These wings were saucy, sticky, sweet and spicy (the four s's). It's like a BBQ sauce, with a little hint of zingy lime. Sweet and sour is what I'm saying here. So very good.
Now we had a good feast, but I didn't want to end there. It was my birthday, so I wanted a challenge. And I took it and got their Carolina Reaper Wings.
If you are not aware, the Carolina Reaper is the world's hottest chili pepper. One pepper is over 2 million Scoville units. I didn't buy it, and I felt pretty confident about doing this. LJ did not. She was not happy because she remembers vividly what happened when I did a ghost pepper challenge the last time, and I suffered. I suffered a lot. But I didn't think it would be that bad.
They pulled out a waiver. It looked pretty official - I've filled out quite a few waivers and many are goofy or intended for fun. This one seemed serious. I still wasn't worried.
Carley didn't even try to talk me out of it. That made me feel even more confident about ordering them. I asked later on if many people ordered them and she said at least once every Monday night. Most people fail. Hmmm.
In no time they came out and I had 8 glorious deep fried wings in front of me. LJ and I were both surprised that these were a dry rubbed wing and not a sauce concoction. They were unevenly coated, but I didn't notice that until looking at the photos later. I just saw 8 freshly fried wings that smelled like heat. I was ready for a little pain and dove into these wings.
I ate one wing. ONE. That is all I could take.
I ripped open the wingette and pulled out a bone. I bit into it and it immediately attached my throat, my lips, my tongue. It was a dry, sharp, peppery, white heat. My stomach stopped me and went "WTF?" My nose started to run. My eyes were almost starting to water. My stomach caused a few warning hiccups (this happens since that 2011 incident when I get anywhere NEAR really spicy food).
I must be getting old, because 1) I can't take the heat and 2) I am a little less reckless. Yes, I could have powered through the extreme pain, but I was going to be in serious pain later. And in the moment. I didn't want to go through that. I didn't want to be sick. The glory of eating these wings was not worth it. Sometimes getting older and wiser isn't as fun, but damn I feel a lot better in the morning!