text:
Is tourism turning Mount Everest into an open cesspit?
Mount Everest of excrement
6 March 2015 • 12:00am
Reports claiming that human faeces is blighting the base camp and the slopes of Everest and threatening to spread disease should cause pause for thought. That the world's highest peak and an object of religious significance to Nepalese people could become an open cesspit is a sad indictment of how commercialisation is destroying the environment of the mountains.
Each year, several hundred people arrive at Everest, intent on reaching the summit of the world. Many are hardened climbers who have made the progression from rock climbing to mountaineering through years of developing their skills. However, there has been a steady increase in the number of people who have simply purchased a ticket to get them to the top.
More than anything else, it is the sheer number of people who are now making ascents of the mountain that is causing the problems. It is true that there are no real toilet facilities at the base camps on Everest. It is also true that there are a number of toilet systems that could reduce the issues, in much the same way as ships' toilet systems have been developed to prevent sewage being discharged directly into the sea. This will only deal with the problem at base camp, however. Higher on the mountain, the need to perform normal bodily functions will still exist.
Although 2014 saw the introduction of a new law requiring climbers to bring down some of their waste, enforcing such rules on the mountain is problematic. The idea that people will agree to do their business in a bag and then carry their waste off the mountain is a dubious one. Those who seek to ascend the mountain for the sheer joy of climbing could perhaps be persuaded to do so, but for those whose aim is simply to "bag" the world's highest peak, maintenance of the mountain is unlikely to drive their behaviour.
Things could be improved through investment and regulation. The Nepalese government has a responsibility to provide some form of sanitation at the base camps. There also needs to be some agreement with those companies providing the guiding that they will take greater responsibility for managing their clients in the mountain environment. Ultimately, it is down to those who climb Everest and the other great peaks to understand that they have the greatest responsibility in the stewardship of the mountains they climb.
A rubbish pit dug for trekkers at 4,903m
Follow Telegraph Travel
The Best Hotels In Nepal
The Pavilions Himalayas
Pokhara, Kaski, Nepal
Not only is The Pavilions one of the loveliest boutique resorts in Nepal, it is founded on rock s... Read expert review
inc. tax
Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge
Majestically situated, thoughtfully appointed, peerlessly run; Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge has s... Read expert review
Shivapuri Heights Cottage
Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
This is more like staying at a friend's country pad than a hotel. It's incredibly peaceful, locat... Read expert review
16 Aug 2017, 3:15pm
Gap years for grown-ups - because you're never too old for an adventure
18 Oct 2016, 11:48am
Pilot abandons landing after 'airport security goat' escapes onto runway
'Life's like mountaineering – never look down': the wisdom of Sir Edmund Hillary
Climbers document their journey to Everest's summit on Snapchat… nearly
Avalanche warnings for Mount Everest as climbing season gets underway
Escorted tours Explore great destinations with inspiring itineraries and knowledgeable guides
See Europe with Telegraph Travel
Nepal latest
Nepal: The return of the mountain kingdom
05 Jan 2016, 12:00am
Mount Everest unconquered for first time since 1974
'Everest climbing ban is hurting Nepal recovery'
Kate Humble: Living with Nomads - Nepal
Nepal prays for return of tourists after earthquakes
29 Apr 2015, 12:00am
Nepal earthquake: What does the future hold for tourism?
Nepal earthquake: tour operators cancel trips as Britons warned not to travel
Mount Everest to be cleaned up by Indian army
04 Mar 2015, 12:00am
Mount Everest 'of excrement'
Nepal's new trekking safety rules 'could save lives'
14 Feb 2014, 12:00am
Everest fees cut in Nepal
Taking on Mount Everest - with cystic fibrosis
Trekking in Nepal: Guerrillas in our midst
Sixty fascinating Everest facts
Just Back: a gruelling trek in Nepal
Everest climbers accused of doping
Joe Simpson remembers ending his mountaineering career on a high in 2009
07 Dec 2012, 12:00am
Just back: a magical glacier in Patagonia
Just back: hi-tech issues in the Himalayas
Tour operator to run anniversary Everest trek
06 Aug 2012, 12:00am
Nepal to ban independent trekking


text:
Doftspår är molekyler av doftämnen som sjunkit till marken eller fastnat på föremål där djur eller människor rört sig. Man skiljer på doftspår som stannat kvar på underlaget och vittring som förs med vinden eller ligger kvar i luften. Doftspår hjälper djur att finna artfränder eller förfölja ett byte.

För att följa doftspår används spårhundar. Brukshundar spårar människor. Vid drevjakt används löshundar som kan vara av två slag; drivande hundar och ställande hundar.

Hundars förmåga att följa doftspår testas i bruksprovsgrenen spår samt jaktprovsgrenarna drevprov för drivande hundar och löshundsprov för ställande hundar.

Jakthundar
Brukshundar
Luktsinne

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Reading List: How Google Works
By Jessica Krampe | October 4, 2014 | 0
When Google Executive Chairman and ex-CEO Eric Schmidt joined the company, he wanted to hire Sheryl Sandberg, who is now Facebook's chief operating officer. Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page weren't in favor of the idea "because she wasn't an engineer," write the authors. Today, roughly half of all Google employees (aka Googlers) are engineers, some degreed and others not. Regardless of their education, all Googlers are "smart creatives," the company's label for employees who are "multidimensional, usually combining technical depth with business savvy and creative flair."
In their absorbing tour through the land of Google, Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg, former senior vice president of products, describe how Google attracts smart creatives, builds great teams, develops consensus, supports communication and nurtures innovation. They entertain readers with amusing anecdotes and Google management-isms such as: "Consensus requires dissension," "Exile knaves but fight for divas" and "Think 10X, not 10%." The authors pledge that the insights and principles in the book "apply to anyone who is starting a new venture from scratch or from within an existing organization."
How Google Works is fascinating and full of food for thought that just may realize the authors' wish to inspire readers to create something new.
by Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg, with Alan Eagle
Grand Central Publishing; $30
Jessica Krampe
Jessica Krampe is the digital managing editor for SUCCESS.com. A graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, Jessica has worked for news, entertainment, business and lifestyle publications. Outside of the daily grind, she enjoys happy hours, live music and traveling.
https://www.success.com/author/jessica-krampe/
Microcredit 101
Songs of SUCCESS: Top songs voted to get you pumped!
Shed Your Uniform and Show Some Personality
Helping Young Entrepreneurs Say 'Help Wanted'
← Tank Talk: A Q&A with 'Shark Tank' Star Daymond JohnTalk to Strangers—It's Good for Your Body and Soul →

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The Celts of ancient Ireland celebrated Halloween as Samhain, or "End of Summer." During this annual festival of fire, the dead were said to revisit the mortal world, and large communal bonfires were lit to ward off evil spirits.
At Virtual Season, every day – or at least every Friday biweekly – is Halloween, and Halloween officially marks the end of virtual summer. Old questions are answered, new ones posed, and our heroes of televisic legend revisit the mortal world for another brace of tales fantastic, horrific, and often more than a tinge romantic. In the interest of public safety, no bonfires are ignited to chase off bad spirits. Rather, we light up the screen with stories of demonic cunning.
no candy (we're better for your teeth), and no soaped windows (that's a guarantee). Stay in tonight – Michael Myers may still be out there swinging that blade, and we pledge to deliver scares without scars. Happy end of summer – you'll feel the first chill of fall in a few paragraphs.
DISCLAIMER: Well, this is our seventh season, Chris and we're still not making any money off this little tribute. Don't intend to this year, either. No copyright infringement intended.
ARCHIVE: Two weeks exclusive for VS14 and then anywhere.
SUMMARY: Waverly Hills is considered one of the most haunted places in North America. No wonder Scully would pick it to spend a night near Halloween — after all, it was a hospital.
DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended.
DISTRIBUTION: VS14 for 2 weeks, then to Gossamer, Ephemeral, and the mailing lists!
CATEGORIES: SRA — Story, Romance, Angst.
SPOILERS: Up to Je Souhaite; VS12 Displacement; various VS spoilers.
DISCLAIMER: Mulder, Scully, and Margaret Scully belong to Chris Carter.


THE death of Love Island contestant Mike Thalassitis proves mental health can affect everyone.
That was the message from Barrow mental health campaigner Dan Webber after Mr Thalassitis was found dead in a park in London.
His death came as The Mail launched its 'Time to Talk' campaign urging young men to speak out if they are struggling.
Mr Webber said: "Unfortunately, this proves that mental health is a national issue not just a local one.
"You may appear to have everything in the public eye but no matter who you are, you still need to understand that you are loved and can speak out.
"Local bereavement support teams, like those at The Living Well Centre in Duke Street, can help and support not just at the time of a loss but the aftermath when you need it most."
Former Love Island contestant Montana Brown said Mr Thalassitis, who died on Friday aged 26, had been in a "dark place" in recent months.
She wrote on Instagram: "Now I know you were in a dark place a few months back and I thought you were past it and that you were on the up.
The Metropolitan Police said a man was found hanged in a park in Edmonton.
A spokesperson said: "Police were called to a park near Latymer Way, N9 at 0928hrs on Saturday, 16 March to reports of a man found hanged.
The Mail's campaign aims to highlight the support and advice that is widely available for anyone in crisis.
It comes after five young men have reportedly taken their lives in Furness since Boxing Day.


Fjällräven is a Swedish company specialising in outdoor equipment—mostly clothing and rucksacks. Fjällräven was founded in 1960 by Åke Nordin (1936–2013).The original product was an external frame rucksack. The Fjällräven rucksack proved comfortable, durable, and, along with outdoor clothing made from tent fabric, it made the brand well known in just a decade. The company has a strong market presence in the Nordic countries. It is also represented in other European countries, especially Germany. Among its more well-known products are Greenland jackets and various versions of the Kånken rucksack.


In a report issued on March 11, Jeanine Wai from Barclays maintained a Buy rating on Diamondback (FANG), with a price target of $189. The company's shares closed yesterday at $100.50.
According to TipRanks.com, Wai 's ranking currently consits of no stars on a 0-5 ranking scale, with an average return of -7.8% and a 27.0% success rate. Wai covers the Basic Materials sector, focusing on stocks such as Centennial Resource Development Inc, Jagged Peak Energy Inc, and Continental Resources.
The word on The Street in general, suggests a Strong Buy analyst consensus rating for Diamondback with a $147.50 average price target, a 46.8% upside from current levels. In a report issued on March 11, J.P. Morgan also resumed coverage with a Buy rating on the stock with a $148 price target.
The company has a one-year high of $140.78 and a one-year low of $85.19. Currently, Diamondback has an average volume of 2.19M.
Based on the recent corporate insider activity of 54 insiders, corporate insider sentiment is neutral on the stock.


text:
OPINION: 'Nothing can stop Brexit now, we will all feel foreign on February 1st'
Boris Johnson's resounding victory means nothing will stop Brexit now, writes columnist John Lichfield. But it's still the biggest blunder the UK has ever made and will leave the hundreds of thousands of Brits across Europe feeling like foreigners on February 1st.
Published: 13 December 2019 11:40 CET
In the name of greater democracy our future has been decided without us. Once again.
I speak of the 1.2 million (at least) British citizens living in the other countries of the European Union. We were almost completely forgotten, and denied a vote, in the Brexit referendum in 2016.
We were entirely forgotten and many of us were denied a vote in the disgraceful and dispiriting general election campaign which has just ended.
Nothing now can stop Brexit. We will become foreign on February 1st, or more completely foreign, in countries that many of us have come to regard as or home.
There was an angry reaction in parts of the UK media last week – and glee in other parts – to one of Boris Johnson's most crassly xenophobic remarks of the campaign. "For too long", he told Sky News, people from other parts of the EU have been "able to treat the UK as though it's basically part of their own country".
Johnson ignored the huge contributions made by the 3,000,000 or so EU-27 nationals in the UK. He implied, deliberately and mendaciously, that most EU residents in Britain were milking the system.
He made no reference to the fact that 1.2 million UK citizens (at least) have equally come to regard their EU-27 host states as "basically part of their own country". He ignored the contribution that they – we – have made to our host countries and often also to the UK. This is just as true for the Sun-reading Brexiteer retired on the Costa del Sol as the Europhile British Erasmus student in Denmark or Germany.
READ MORE: Brits in Europe urged to look at bright side of 'devastating' election result
Johnson also ignored the fact that, under the UK withdrawal agreement that he filched with detailed changes from Theresa May, both the "3,000,000" and the "1.2million" will have a continuing right to live and work in our homes from home.
This will probably come as a surprise to those British people – not all but many – who voted Johnson to "get rid of" the Poles and Romanians and Estonians who are propping up the National Health Service.
Given his Trump-like attention to detail, it is probable that Johnson has never bothered to read this important text, largely negotiated by Mrs May's government in March last year.
We (the 800,000 and more) are lucky in this at least. Johnson and the hard Brexiteers had nothing to do with the "citizens' rights" clauses of this text which will go "oven ready" through the House of Commons in the next couple of weeks.
The document, enforceable in both EU and UK law, has many gaps or limitations. It means, however, that we can continue to live in our adopted countries beyond 31 December next year – even if Johnson's government fails to reach a long-term trade deal with the EU and even if Britain "crashes out" with no deal on 1 January 2021.
This, for the 1.2 million, is one of the silver-linings in yesterday's election result. It happened too late for the extremist Brexiteers to impose the most extremist possible Brexit.
The pressure group British in Europe describes the withdrawal agreement as a "mixture of good news, bad news and unfinished business."
The good news is, briefly, as follows:
If you are, or become, legally resident in any of the EU27 countries before the end of next year, you have an absolute right to stay.
If you've lived in the host country for less than 5 years, you must be employed, self-sufficient, a student or family member. This is also the case within the EU now.
After five years, you will be entitled to permanent residence without these conditions.
You can then move away and come back.
Existing, reciprocal health care rights will still apply.
The bad news is:
Depending on decisions made country by country, you will probably have to take steps to prove that you hold the above rights.
Some countries, such as France, will insist that you have a residency permit (Carte de séjour).
You will not, at present, have a right to move residence from one EU country to another. This may be re-examined in negotiations on the final EU-UK relationship this year.
Some professional qualifications will be automatically recognised. Others not.
Non-British, non-EU partners, who are not married or not civil partners, are not automatically considered "family members".
On the whole, however, there is no legal reason why legal UK residents in the EU-27 should think they have to leave their homes. Life may be more complicated for the Brits in Spain, France or elsewhere (numbers unknown) who have always avoided contact with local officialdom.
There may be another silver lining in the sheer scale of Johnson's election victory.
It will free his hands to negotiate a sensible, final trade deal with the EU in the next few months. He no longer has to please the hardest of the hard Brexiteers. He can, if he wishes, break a campaign promise and extend the negotiations and the transition period for another year, or more, after the end of next year.
Since agreement on final trade deal will take many, many months, an extension of this kind is now likely. That is good news for UK businesses, big and small, based in the EU-27 which trade with Britain.
For the rest of us – thanks to Mrs May's withdrawal agreement – it will make little practical difference whether the transition agreement is extended or not.
Any other silver linings?
None that I can think of. It is my belief that Britain is now committed to the most serious blunder that the country has ever made.
The Local [email protected] @thelocalspain
ELECTIONBREXIT
Tony - 13 December 2019 at 12:13 CET
What a load of bollocks….. The UK voted to leave the EU as an organisation, not set sail from Europe and move to another part of the world.
After many years it is about time people accepted the vote and got on with life. The UK wants to be friends with Europe as it is in everybody's interest to do so. The overwhelming majority that Boris got will enable a proper deal to be arrived at.
No Brit in Europe should feel a foreigner – if they do it shows the extent that they have not integrated.
The only difference in the end will be that the UK controls its own borders and laws. Mainland Europe is different than the UK and political union was always going to be a problem. This way we can get a good trade deal and still remain politically separate.
Boggy - 13 December 2019 at 13:09 CET
You're an idiot or can't read. What the writer is saying is that the British living here now will be classified as foreigners and certainly not members of the EU as is the case before January. Free movement between other EU countries has gone and has gone back to pre 74′ which I remember all too well. As has the movement of goods.
Goods are yet to be decided – it's called a trade agreement! Obviously leaving the EU will mean that UK citizens will be foreigners in EU countries, but if you currently live in an EU country then you will not be a foreigner if you have integrated!!
And as for blunder, remember that the UK was a country for many years longer than the EU has existed – It seemed to do OK before!
Bustermac - 13 December 2019 at 18:06 CET
Really? Do you not remember the 3 day week, regular power cuts etc?
Seb - 14 December 2019 at 01:43 CET
What a load of bollocks indeed 'Tony'. What is a 'proper deal'? What was wrong with the deal we already had?? We already had control of our borders (do your homework) and please tell me ONE EU law that you were really unhappy with? Yep – takes a while to find one dunnit.
And how were we not 'politically separate already? We never lost our sovereignty (do your homework) and any trade deal will inevitably be worse than what we already had. It can't DE FACTO be any better.
As for the UK doing 'OK' before joining the EU – you obviously weren't there, or need some reminding old chap. The UK in the early 1970s was dull, prudish, hypocritical, boring and, depressing. The banks closed at three, the shops closed at five and the pubs closed at 10.30. On Sundays and on Wednesday afternoons everything was shut. Late night television finished at midnight, and that was only on Friday and Saturday. Food was bland, beer was warm, lager was trendy and wine was for the wealthy. British cars looked awful, were badly built and you usually had to wait months for delivery because the car makers were on strike; or the trains or the power stations etc.
Still it was the good old days:eh? Women, children, foreigners, homosexuals and blacks still knew their place. There was no domestic violence, although a lot of women accidently walked into doors. There was no rape or child abuse or, if it did happen, it was the "slut's" own fault "for leading men on". Everybody trusted bankers, businessmen, doctors, journalists, policemen, politicians, priests, and Rolf Harris.
Oh and if you were rich, white and a man the UK was great place to live in the early 1970s. Boris Johnson would have loved it in fact.
So please do get a life Mr Tony. You have absolutely no idea what you are banging on about, like all the other leavers.It's just a feelin' innit. Yeah. Bloody foreigners. Blah blah blah.Zzzzzzzzz.
Daniela - 15 December 2019 at 21:32 CET
Whew Seb, you put it so fantastically. Well done, and I totally agree.
Nick - 19 December 2019 at 12:07 CET
"We already had control of our borders (do your homework)"
To be fair not entirely. Yes the UK is not a part of Schengen zone but they have to let all the EU citizens in by law. It means that they cannot deny a right to live and work in their own country to citizens of another 27 countries. It's a big number of people.
No other "developed" county has that. It's almost exclusive to the EU. Most other "developed" countries outside of the EU have such agreements with 3-4 countries tops.
Bella - 16 January 2020 at 22:37 CET
The people voted, period.
Danish government could 'look closer' at post-Brexit residence rejections
The majority of Britons who live in the EU, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland and are protected under the Brexit agreement feel European and intend to remain in Europe permanently, but many have concerns about travel problems, a new survey reveals.
The research also shows that problems exist and "travel is where most issues relating to the new status currently occur". For instance, border officials are still stamping passports of UK citizens with residence rights under the EU UK withdrawal agreement, even though they shouldn't.
"There is constant confusion around passport stamping. I was 'stamped in' to France on a short trip… but could not find anyway to be 'stamped out' again. I think I can only spend 90 days in other EU countries, but have no idea how anyone can check or enforce that – until someone decides to try. It's a mess," was one of the answers left in an open question.
"Every time I go through a Schengen border control, I need to provide both my passport and Aufenthaltstitel card [resident permit in Germany] and watch to check that they don't stamp my passport. As I am currently travelling a lot that's been 20-odd times this year…" another respondent said.
The survey was carried out by Professor Tanja Bueltmann, historian of migration and diaspora at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, between October and November 2022. About 1,139 UK citizens replied.
Of these, 80 per cent found acquiring their new status easy or very easy, 60.7 per cent feel their rights are secure, while 39.3 per cent have concerns about their status going forward.
Staying permanently
More than three quarters (76.6 per cent) of respondents said they plan to live permanently in the EU or the other countries of the European Economic Area and Switzerland. In fact, 65.7 per cent said that Brexit has increased the likelihood of this choice.
For some, the decision is linked to the difficulty to bring non-British family members to the UK under new, stricter immigration rules.
"My German wife and I decided we no longer wanted to live in UK post Brexit referendum. In particular, we were affected by the impact of immigration law […] We cannot now return to UK on retirement as I cannot sponsor her on my pension. We knew it was a one-way journey. Fortunately, I could revive an application for German citizenship," was a testimony.
"My husband is a US citizen and getting him a visa for the UK was near impossible due to my low income as a freelance journalist. We realized under EU law, moving to an EU country was easier. We settled on Austria as we had both lived there before… we could speak some German, and we like the mountains," said another respondent.
Professor Bueltmann noted that the loss of free movement rights in the EU could be a factor too in the decision of many to stay where they are.
Citizenship and representation
Among those who decided to stay, 38.2 per cent are either applying or planning to apply for a citizenship and 28.6 per cent are thinking about it.
A key finding of the research, Bueltmann said, is that the vast majority of British citizens do not feel politically represented. Some 60 per cent of respondents said they feel unrepresented and another 30 per cent not well represented.
Another issue is that less than half (47.5 per cent) trust the government of their country of residence, while a larger proportion (62 per cent) trust the European Union. Almost all (95.6 per cent) said they do not trust the UK government.
Feeling European
The survey highlights the Brexit impacts on people's identity too. 82.6 per cent of respondents said they see themselves as European, a higher proportion than those identifying as British (68.9 per cent).
"Brexit has really left me unsure of what my identity is. I don't feel British, and I certainly don't identify with the mindset of a lot of British people who live there. Yet, I am not Danish either. So, I don't really know anymore!" said one of the participants in the survey.
Professor Bueltmann said the survey "demonstrates that Brexit impacts continue to evolve: this didn't just stop because the transition period was over or a deadline for an application had been reached. Consequently, Brexit continues to shape the lives and experiences of British citizens in the EU/EEA and Switzerland in substantial, sometimes life-altering, ways."
Considering the results of the study, Professor Bueltmann recommends policy makers in the EU and the UK to address the issue of lack of representation, for instance creating a joint UK-EU citizens' stakeholder forum.
The report also recommends the UK government to rebuild trust with British citizens in the EU introducing voting rights for life and changing immigration rules to allow British-European families to return more easily.
This article was prepared in cooperation with Europe Street News.
Claudia Delpero, Europe Street [email protected] @EuropeStreet
REVEALED: Hundreds of Britons in Denmark could be impacted by unsent Brexit residence letters


text:
module Dte
  module CacheFile
    extend self

    def store file, expiration
    end
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Hoping To Unlock Bigger Budgets, Adap.tv Begins Selling Viewable Impressions For Video Ads
by David Kaplan // Thursday, January 31st, 2013 – 3:35 pm
As competition for brand campaign dollars heats up in the video space, Adap.tv has introduced its version of the "viewable impression" for streaming media with the introduction of its Certified Viewability feature, which promises to verify whether a video placement has been seen in real-time and blocks impressions that do not appear to the user.
The hope for Adap.tv and its CEO/founder Amir Ashkenazi is that its Certified Viewability will not only buttress the reach and frequency metric known as the Gross Rating Point for online, but that its viewability tool will become the industry standard, as its rivals in the video space develop and market their own similar tools.
"It doesn't make sense for buyers to pay for impressions that haven't been viewed," Ashkenazi said in an interview with AdExchanger, echoing sentiments of his agency partners. "The idea around viewability is so basic. We believe that any brand advertiser that is paying on an impression basis should pay for only what's viewable. You wouldn't pay Amazon for an empty box. Why should media buyers?"
Adap.tv has completely rolled out the viewability function and already has been praised by media agency partners including Universal McCann, Starcom MediaVest Group/VivaKi, and Horizon Media. To help spur adoption and use, Ashkenazi said that participating agencies and publishers will not be charged extra for the additional layer of service.
"We have technology embedded on both the buy and sell sides and that allows us to develop not only reporting capabilities, but targeting, filtering in real-time," Ashkenazi said, emphasizing that this tool goes beyond the sort of after-the-fact ad effectiveness software that's offered almost universally these days. "We can – and we do – monitor for every impression, the size of the player, as well as the position and placement in the window, so we can ensure that only viewable impressions are delivered."
Citing comScore figures, Ashkenazi said that the shift of premium budgets into video has been slowed due to the fact that 31% of ads are never viewed, either because they are on a part of the page that is below the fold, or because of deceptive or fraudulent practices.
It's not clear that Adap.tv's solution can be adapted to the wider display world – among the problems highlighted by a recent Interactive Advertising Bureau/Media Ratings Council study is the blockage created by iFrames that contain a publisher's content. But Chris Paul, VivaKi's general manager, tells us that, as advertisers pressure agencies to reduce waste and drive more ROI, the pressure to develop solutions to the barriers of viewability will come down. In addition to the technological hurdles, the self-interested reluctance of publishers to acknowledge and address obstacles to optimal ad visibility will also be erased.
"I believe video, more than any other format, has the ability to shift perceptions of the value of programmatic buying by showing the effectiveness and engagement of the marketing on top of the efficiency of making these kinds of buys," Paul said.
But will this unlock premium inventory from publishers? we asked.
"There are plenty of opposing forces," Paul said. "If publishers are seeing greater demand for viewable impressions, they'll be more likely to want to sell that directly, rather than programmatically, because they can demand a higher price. In terms of addressing that natural self-interest that publishers have, if advertisers have more confidence about how effective their ad spending will be, they will press their agencies to spend more on RTB/programmatic. And as more money flows through programmatic channels, that will influence publishers to follow that money. That's why I think offering the kind of clear knowledge of ad effectiveness with viewability is so important."
Ashkenazi and Paul agree that replacing the GRP is appealing right now, and is why online viewability metrics will catch on.
"The GRP made sense at the time," Paul said. "We can do better now. It is the burden of the digital communications space to let advertisers know how effective their spending can be. Once we can build grassroots support for a standard for viewability, that's when you'll see a dramatic shift in budgets to premium online video."
alec January 31, 2013
I think you're referring to Chris Paul, General Manager @ VivaKi
Don't know any Chris Ball's at VivaKi.........


We introduce a generalization of the set of completely positive matrices that we call "pairwise completely positive" (PCP) matrices. These are pairs of matrices that share a joint decomposition so that one of them is necessarily positive semidefinite while the other one is necessarily entrywise non-negative. We explore basic properties of these matrix pairs and develop several testable necessary and sufficient conditions that help determine whether or not a pair is PCP. We then establish a connection with quantum entanglement by showing that determining whether or not a pair of matrices is pairwise completely positive is equivalent to determining whether or not a certain type of quantum state, called a conjugate local diagonal unitary invariant state, is separable. Many of the most important quantum states in entanglement theory are of this type, including isotropic states, mixed Dicke states (up to partial transposition), and maximally correlated states. As a specific application of our results, we show that a wide family of states that have absolutely positive partial transpose are in fact separable.


text:
By TronFAQ on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 7:01 PM
Variety reports that Disney Interactive is beginning to make plans for a new TRON game, to tie in with the upcoming movie sequel.
This news follows up on an earlier report: where it was revealed that Disney Interactive has laid off staff, and the sequel to their critically-panned shooter Turok has been cancelled due to disappointing sales.
To say that the release of another TRON game to tie in with the sequel is a "no-brainer", as mentioned in the Variety article, is definitely an understatement. As soon as it was known that the movie sequel had become a reality, it was mind-numbingly obvious that a game announcement would follow. Hell, TRON pioneered the idea of the game tie-in to go with a movie.
The only thing that does surprise me, is mention that DI is "talking to developers". Considering that Disney has gone out of its way to acquire or build-up its own game development studios . . . to hear that they're seeking outside help on this, is somewhat surprising.
Then again, the same could be said of the fact that Digital Domain will be handling the CGI work on the TRON sequel. Considering that Disney also has Pixar: who you think could, and would, want to handle that project, as well. I can only guess that in both cases, these internal Disney studios have their plates full already and can't take on the film and game projects. Or, perhaps, because of the current economic climate, it's more economical to let another development house handle the game.
It's currently unknown what form the game will take. But based on speculation and some prior inside knowledge I have, it will probably end up being similar to the cancelled TRON 3.0 game project. What was TRON 3.0? A game that was to be based on the Unreal Engine, and would involve the electronic and real worlds crossing over. Where the threat of a virus from the computer entering the real world, became a possibility.
Even though I know this will probably fall on deaf ears, here's a plea from a fan dedicated to both TRON and the previous TRON game. Disney, this is your chance to make or break yourselves in the world of video game publishing. Based on your past actions, your previous track record in this area is quite abysmal.
I'm begging you . . . try harder this time. Make sure that not only is the game the best that it can possibly be, but give it the first-class support it deserves and work with the fans this time. Make sure they know the game exists, and make them happy customers. Allow them to properly create maps and mods for the game. If you don't, you'll only end up hurting your reputation again: like you did the last time, with TRON 2.0.
If you are shopping around for a developer, perhaps bringing Monolith back to do the next TRON game wouldn't be a bad idea. Despite their being owned by a competing studio (Warner Bros.) now. Since their execution on TRON 2.0 was so well done. The only thing that held back that game, was poor marketing, support, and relations with the customer base. You shot yourselves in the foot, not us.
Thanks to TRON.dll for the tip!
February 3rd UPDATE: Conflicting information from Joystiq now states that Disney Interactive's Propaganda Games studio, may be responsible for developing the next TRON game after all.
While this seems like a more sensible business decision, you'll forgive me if I don't jump for joy if it turns out that Propaganda is indeed working on the game. Since Turok was a less-than-spectacular game, that received an even worse PC port. I, personally, will not buy the next TRON game if there is no PC version or if it's a poor PC port.
In fact, I'm already prepared for the fact that there will probably be no support for editing the game at all, this time around. Meaning, that it will be extremely difficult to create maps and mods again. Though, if the game will be based on the Unreal Engine — like I suspect, if the game is indeed in Propaganda's hands — then there is some small hope, as there is a wealth of knowledge out there about modding Unreal engine games.
Thanks again to TRON.dll for the tip.
By TronFAQ on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 9:21 PM
The TRON Wiki has a new interview with Frank Serafine, who created virtually all of the sound effects for the original TRON film.
In the interview, Serafine reveals exactly how he created the sound effects for the Light Cycles, Recognizers, Identity Discs, Tanks, and more. He also shares a few tantalizing tidbits about the upcoming TRON sequel. (To read what Serafine revealed, and for plenty of other news about the sequel: please visit this previous article.)
Congratulations to TRON Wiki founder Mr. Sinistar for scoring this great interview with Mr. Serafine.
TRON 2.0 Ranked Third On Top 10 Sci-Fi Games List
By TronFAQ on Friday, January 09, 2009 at 12:33 PM
On the new sister site to Sci-Fi Wire, called Fidgit, the game TRON 2.0 has been ranked third in a list of titles that "redefine science-fiction" in gaming.
The author of the article (Tom Chick, a well-known and popular games journalist) states that "Monolith's under-appreciated 2003 TRON 2.0 did a superlative job recreating the world of the movie". Damn right, it did. It's truly an under-appreciated gem of a game that flew under most people's radar, thanks to poor promotion and support from its publisher.
There also seemed to be a resentment among a significant number of fans, that it wasn't exactly the same as the movie and instead chose to update the world of TRON. They wanted TRON: The Arcade Game, Next Gen Edition. Which I thought was grossly unfair. The game is very respectful in its new take on the original source material, paying great homage to the film despite the changes made. One can only hope that the TRON sequel film will be as thoughtful in its treatment of the first film, as the game has been. (TRON 2.0: Killer App's pointless alterations, notwithstanding.)
TRON 2.0 did very well on the list, even managing to top such classic titles as Multiwinia (an obviously TRON-inspired game, if there ever was one), Myst, Out of this World (a classic that I still love to this day), and Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri.
And it's right behind the Fallout series and Bioshock, no less. (Bioshock, frankly, does not deserve to occupy that top spot, IMHO. I was so looking forward to Bioshock as a title that would uphold Irrational's 2K Boston's tradition of producing intelligent games. What we got, instead, was a mediocre title: with fantastic visual and audio production, decent storytelling, but poor gameplay. Anyway, I digress . . .)
No Blu-ray TRON Release In 2009
As I had already suspected, TRON will likely not see a Blu-ray release for 2009. RopeofSilicon has an article featuring a press release by Disney, listing all of their known Blu-ray releases for 2009. TRON isn't among them.
While purely speculation on my part, I am certain that we won't see TRON on Blu-ray until shortly before the release of the TRON sequel. Probably no more than six months prior to the release of the sequel in theaters. (You can find up-to-date news about the progress of the sequel, in this previous article.) This makes perfect "marketing" sense, despite how much TRON fans will probably remain disappointed and impatiently await a newer, high-definition release.
You have to wonder, though, how much additional expense and effort will be made for a Blu-ray release of TRON. One would think that Disney will pull out all the stops, of course. Let's hope so.
TRON Places Ninth On Top 50 Movie Special Effects List
The site Den of Geek has listed TRON in ninth place, for its Top 50 Movie Special Effects list. The choice was made, based on the Solar Sailer escape sequence in the film.
TRON managed to place higher than other classic special effects laden films, such as: Metropolis, Return of the Jedi, The Last Starfighter, The Ten Commandments, Terminator 3, Aliens, Forbidden Planet, Blade Runner, 2001: A Space Oddyssey, and many more.
Thanks to LDSO member Load "*",8,1 for the tip!
Disney Interactive Beginning Work On New TRON Game...
TRON Places Ninth On Top 50 Movie Special Effects ...


"They might need me out there."
Will Smith could be about to swap Hollywood for the White House, after he revealed that he might decide to pursue a career in politics.
The actor made the declaration while speaking on The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast.
"I'm a climber, so if I see a mountain, I have to climb it. I'm not a camper; I don't like hanging in one place too long," he said.
"So I think, at this point, I'm elevating my ability to be useful in the world. I think that that's what my grandmother always hoped, that I would make myself useful to people in this lifetime."
He added: "And, you know, as I look at the political landscape, I think that there might be a future out there for me. They might need me out there.
"This is the first year that I've been incensed to a level that I can't sleep, you know? So I'm feeling that at some point, in the near future, I will have to lend my voice to the conversation in a somewhat different way."
Meanwhile, Smith recently said that he thinks I Am Legend is his biggest success.


Booking.com: Hotels in Ilford. Book your hotel now!
PremierLux Serviced Apartments is located in London, a 10-minute walk from Ilford Station and a 20-minute walk from Barking Underground Station.
Woodlands Lodge it is located in a quiet area of Ilford. The hotel is at only a 5-minute walk from Redbridge Central Library, Museum and bus station, and 0.4 miles from Ilford Station..
Located in Ilford, Ilford Tower Apartments provides self-catering accommodations with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV and a kitchen.
OYO Townhouse 16 Ilford Hill is located in Ilford, 1969 feet from Redbridge Central Library and Museum. This 3-star hotel offers free WiFi. The accommodations provides a 24-hour front desk.
Located in Ilford, a 10-minute walk from Redbridge Central Library and Museum, York Hotel has a shared lounge. This 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk.
Offering free WiFi, Lucky 8 Hotel is set in Ilford. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a terrace. At the hotel, the rooms are fitted with a desk and wardrobe.
Ilford's Best Western Greater London enjoys a town center location just 3 minutes' walk from the train station.
Signature London offers a modern accommodations in Ilford, within a 2-minute walk from Ilford Train Station.
In Ilford town center, this modern hotel features a 24-hour front desk, free high-speed Wi-Fi and limited free on-site parking.
Arran Guest House, located a 5-minute walk from Ilford Town Center and Ilford Main Line Train Station, offers wide range of rooms with free Wi-Fi and free parking.
London 2 Bedroom Apartment, Kitchen, Reception and Private Garden in London has accommodations with free WiFi, 5 miles from Olympic Stadium, 7 miles from Victoria Park and 10 miles from O2 Arena.
MANOR PARK APARTMENT offers accommodations in London, 4.3 miles from Olympic Stadium and 7 miles from O2 Arena. The property is 8 miles from Victoria Park.
9,771 properties found in "lat: 51.55165 long: 0.076912".


text:
Home National Fox News accuses Biden of abandoning Americans in Afghanistan amid mass evacuations
Families board a U.S. Air Force plane during an evacuation at the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 23, 2021. (Sgt. Samuel Ruiz/U.S. Marine Corps via AP)
Fox News accuses Biden of abandoning Americans in Afghanistan amid mass evacuations
'We are committed to bringing Americans who want to come home, home,' said White House press secretary Jen Psaki.
Peter Doocy, a White House correspondent for Fox News, on Monday accused the Biden administration of leaving Americans in Afghanistan "stranded," even as tens of thousands have been evacuated from the region.
During a White House briefing, Doocy asked press secretary Jen Psaki, "Does the president have the sense that most of the criticism is not of leaving Afghanistan, it's the way that he has ordered it to happen, by pulling the troops before getting these Americans who are now stranded?"
Psaki responded that she thought it was "irresponsible to say Americans are stranded," noting, "We are committed to bringing Americans who want to come home, home."
Doocy then asked if her reply meant it was the White House's "official position" that "there are no Americans stranded."
She responded, "I'm just calling you out for stating that we are stranding Americans in Afghanistan."
Doocy's accusation comes a day after the Department of Defense reported that at least 37,000 people had been evacuated from the region since Aug. 14, with 10,400 of those evacuations happening Saturday and Sunday.
President Joe Biden told reporters on Sunday that the United States is currently executing a plan to transport Americans in Afghanistan to the airport in Kabul for evacuation. U.S. forces have expanded the existing perimeter of the "safe zone" around the airport in order to accomplish the mission, Biden said.
From the Aug. 23 White House press briefing:
PETER DOOCY, Fox News: Does the president have the sense that most of the criticism is not of leaving Afghanistan, it's the way that he has ordered it to happen, by pulling the troops before getting these Americans who are now stranded? Does he have a sense of that?
JEN PSAKI: First of all, I think it's irresponsible to say Americans are stranded. They are not. We are committed to bringing Americans who want to come home, home.
We are in touch with them via phone, via text, via email, via any way that we can possibly reach Americans to get them home if they want to return home.
DOOCY: There are no Americans stranded is the White House's official position on what's happening in Afghanistan right now?
PSAKI: I'm just calling you out for stating that we are stranding Americans in Afghanistan when I said – when we have been very clear that we are not leaving Americans who want to return home. We are going to bring them home, and I think that's important for the American public to hear and understand.
Peter Doocy
Previous articleCrenshaw demands federal employees stop teleworking as COVID cases surge
Next articleCartoon: Full approval vs. full-on crazy


Check the below portions and know about the Secova Walkin. From 26th To 31st October 2018, the Secova e-Services Private Limited is ready to conduct the Secova Walkin Interview. FreshersNow.Com have provided all the information related to the Secova Walkin Drive on this page. By signing up for free you can check and know all the particulars of the Secova Walkin In Chennai. Refer to the whole article and get the Job Description, Venue Of Walk-In, etc.
1.2 Why Secova e-Services Private Limited?
Are you looking for Jobs In Chennai? Then attend the Secova Walkin In Chennai for Associate, Senior Associate – (NonTechnical) job role. To crack the Secova Walkin Interview you need to prepare well. To help you out at the time of preparation, we have provided the Placement Papers on our web portal. Check the above tabular format and know more information about the Secova Walkin In Chennai.
Why Secova e-Services Private Limited?
At Secova we provide the entire scope of solutions to support modern employee benefits administration from online benefits enrollment and decision support to full-service call center solutions, data management, ACA compliance, leave management, eligibility audits and more. Our customized solutions don't aim to put you into a box but build a set of solution perfectly designed to meet your needs. ISO 27001:2013- CHECK; Ultra Secure client data – CHECK; In-house Call Center – CHECK. Leave your year-round, 24/7 benefits administration needs in our hands while you focus on tasks that increase your organization's bottom line.
Perform requirement analysis and document the requirements.
Check this portion and know the required documents to carry for the Secova Walkin. Before participating in the drive check all the details that are presented on the certificates.
Candidates need to carry a copy of Latest Resume.
You need to carry three passport size photographs.
Hope, the given info related to the Secova Walkin is useful to all candidates. To get more clarification about the walk-in you can leave a comment in the below section.


EMMO THE X USER MANUAL Pdf Download.
View and Download EMMO The X user manual online. The X Scooter pdf manual download.
FCI ST75 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL Pdf Download.
View and Download FCI ST75 installation and operation manual online. MASS FLOW METER. ST75 Measuring Instruments pdf manual download. Also for: St75v.


text:
Q: New to theano. Trying to add a term to a loss function to penalize negative weights To be clear, by weights I mean the entries in the matrices (Ws) of the affine transformation in a node of a neural net.
I start with categorical_crossentropy as my loss function. And I want to add an additional term to penalize negative weights.
To this end I want to introduce a term of the form
theano.tensor.sum(theano.tensor.exp(-10 * ws))
Where "ws" are the weights.
If I follow the source code of categorical_crossentropy:
     if true_dist.ndim == coding_dist.ndim:
         return -tensor.sum(true_dist *tensor.log(coding_dist), axis=coding_dist.ndim - 1)
     elif true_dist.ndim == coding_dist.ndim - 1:
         return crossentropy_categorical_1hot(coding_dist, true_dist)
     else:
         raise TypeError('rank mismatch between coding and true distributions')

Seems like I should update  the third line (from the bottom) to read
crossentropy_categorical_1hot(coding_dist, true_dist) + theano.tensor.sum(theano.tensor.exp(- 10 * ws))

And change the declaration of the function to be
my_categorical_crossentropy(coding_dist, true_dist, ws) Where in calling for my_categorical_crossentropy I write
loss = my_categorical_crossentropy(net_output, true_output, l_layers[1].W)
with, for a start, l_layers[1].W to be the weights coming from the first layer of my neural net.
With those updates, I go on writing:
 loss = aggregate(loss, mode = 'mean')
 updates = sgd(loss, all_params, learning_rate = 0.005)
 train = theano.function([l_input.input_var, true_output], loss, updates = updates)
[...]

This passes the compiler and everything runs smoothly, the training of the network completes. However, for some reason the additional term " theano.tensor.sum(theano.tensor.exp(- 10 * ws)) is ignored, it seems not to effect the loss value.
I was trying to look into Theano documentation, but so far I could not figure out what might be wrong? The weighs l_layers[1].W are shared variables, so I could not pass those as
train = theano.function([l_input.input_var, true_output, l_layers[1].W], loss, updates = updates)
Any comments are welcome. Thanks!
Solution
Though, I didn't find why what I did, didn't work, adding the penalty term outside the 'categorical_crossentropy' as suggested in the comments did solve the problem:
 loss = aggregate(categorical_crossentropy(net_output, true_output) + theano.tensor.sum(theano.tensor.exp(- 10 * l_layers[1].W))

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
by Kevin Helms
Russia's Largest Online Retailer Ulmart to Accept Bitcoin in September
Leading Russian online retailer Ulmart on Wednesday announced its plans to start accepting bitcoin payments beginning on September 1.
Also read: Russia Considers Recognizing Bitcoin in 2018 to Fight Money Laundering
Largest Russian Online Retailer
Founded in 2008 and headquartered in St. Petersburg, Ulmart has over 450 infrastructure facilities including fulfillment centers and pick-up points. The Russian version of Amazon.com is present in more than 240 cities and towns across Russia.
A study by Trackad shows that Ulmart is the largest online retailer in Russia with 20 million monthly visitors, 30,000 daily orders, and 12 million items of goods and services. Trackad is a data management company used by the top 100 e-commerce Russian websites.
According to Ulmart's announcement on Wednesday:
Ulmart, Russia's largest online retailer, plans to start accepting bitcoin as a form of payment from 1 September 2017.
In addition to items listed on its website, the company also has a marketplace with growing inventory. "By year-end, an additional one million items could be on offer from third-party sellers," the announcement reads.
Bitcoin payments will not be available for all products listed on the website and the company has not decided which products can be purchased with bitcoin. However, higher-priced items are likely to be targeted first, Ulmart revealed, adding that:
Items such as used cars and apartments, which may soon be sold via the marketplace, will be well positioned for purchase by bitcoin.
Russian's Regulatory Environment
Russia has a long history of changing its mind about the legality of Bitcoin. At times, it even considered an outright ban of the cryptocurrency, punishable by jail time for those holding bitcoins. In February 2014, Russia issued warnings against using bitcoin citing how it could be used for money laundering or financing terrorism.
After several years without legal exchanges available to the Russian people, face-to-face bitcoin trading at markets like Localbitcoins have flourished, boosting Russia up among the largest bitcoin trading markets by volume. Then last month, Russia considered recognizing bitcoin as a legitimate financial instrument starting in 2018, in order to fight money laundering.
The Chief International Officer of Ulmart, Brian Kean, said: "we welcome the willingness that the Russian government has demonstrated with regards to the review of the Bitcoin technology." He looks forward to cooperating with the government in order to "play a major role" in making Bitcoin part of "the efforts to develop 'smart' economy and cities."
Dmitry Kostygin, the Chairman and majority shareholder of Ulmart said that the company started closely monitoring the market and regulatory environment for bitcoin use in Russia since March 2014. He added:
Life is ever in flux. Bitcoin was created to offer security against fluctuations in hard currency. As the technology behind the crypto-currency slips unseen into our everyday lives via the Internet of Things, it has become one of those 'why not' moments.
What do you think of Ulmart accepting bitcoin? Let us know in the comments section below.
Images courtesy of Shutterstock and Ulmart
accept bitcoin, amazon.com, ecommerce, Marketplace, Merchant Adoption, Online, Online Shopping, Retailer, Russia, trackad, ulmart
Kevin Helms
A student of Austrian Economics, Kevin found Bitcoin in 2011 and has been an evangelist ever since. His interests lie in Bitcoin security, open-source systems, network effects and the intersection between economics and cryptography.


text:
Djokovic wins the Australian Open
Man on trial over death of Cecilia Haddad
When do old stamps expire when the deadline is extended and how are they exchanged?
Luke Bryan is coming to St.Louis in 2023
Alert: Missing Persons Unit Season 1 Episode 5 Summary "Miguel"
Long waits, $90 gap fees preventing access to mental health services
"Unconditional" Khawaja's emotional tribute to family
Shoppers Drug Mart customer spends $41 for 3 items
In the Herald: January 31, 1968
Home/Local/Investigations into the double death are ongoing in Missouri
Investigations into the double death are ongoing in Missouri
Sarah Y. KimNovember 30, 2022
LAWRENCE COUNTY, Mo. – Lawrence County authorities are currently working on an investigation into the double death.
Sheriff Brad Delay has reported that a man and woman were found dead at a private home about a mile west of Miller, Missouri.
911 mix-up: St. Louis County drowning call goes to Colorado
Neither their names nor the cause of death are being released at this time.
Authorities say there is no danger to the community.
This is an evolving story and additional information will be updated as it becomes available.
https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/double-death-investigation-underway-in-missouri/ Investigations into the double death are ongoing in Missouri
Kim Kardashian, Kanye West's Relationship Timeline
Stowaways survived 11 days on the helm of an oil tanker at sea


text:
Q: How to parse TwitchTV Api? $json = file_get_contents('https://api.twitch.tv/kraken/streams');
$jsonDecoded = json_decode($json);

$fp = fopen('results.json', 'w');
fwrite($fp, json_encode($jsonDecoded));
fclose($fp);

I need only 2 field from https://api.twitch.tv.
It's streams->channel->name and streams->viewers;
How can I create good for each construction?

A: You can simply iterate over it and copy like that:
$streams = array();
foreach ($jsonDecoded->streams as $stream) {
    $streams[$stream->channel->display_name] = $stream->viewers;
}

Then you can operate with it like with others key=>value php array, i.e.:
foreach ($streams as $stream => $viewers) {
    echo $stream.": ".$viewers."\n";
}

A: foreach ($jsonDecoded->streams as $stream) {
    $streams[$stream->channel->display_name] = $stream->viewers;
}

This didn't work for me. I had to change it to this for it to work:
foreach ($jsonDecoded->streams as $stream) {
    $streams[$stream->channel->display_name] = $stream->viewers;
}


text:
Share this Story: Toronto Star Parent Gets Offer From Two Canadian Families
Toronto Star Parent Gets Offer From Two Canadian Families
Derek Decloet and Kevin Orland
(Bloomberg) — The company that owns the Toronto Star and more than 70 other newspapers agreed to be taken private by two prominent Canadian business families.
NordStar Capital LP, owned by the Rivett and Bitove families, has offered to buy Torstar Corp. for 63 Canadian cents a share in cash, according to a statement released Tuesday night. Based on about 81 million class A and B shares outstanding, the deal values Torstar at roughly C$51 million ($37 million). The offer represents a 58% premium to the closing price on Tuesday.
Toronto Star Parent Gets Offer From Two Canadian Families Back to video
Torstar shares jumped 50% to 60 Canadian cents on Wednesday morning.
The deal represents the end of an era for one of Canada's largest newspapers, which has been controlled by a voting trust of several Toronto families for decades. Torstar has been unable to turn around years of steady losses in advertising revenue and circulation. As of Tuesday's market close, the shares had fallen 77% since the end of 2017.
The proposal has the support of Torstar's board and its largest independent shareholder, Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. Torstar Chief Executive Officer John Boynton is expected to continue in his role following the deal and former Ontario Premier David Peterson will serve as vice chair, the companies said. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter.
Nordstar is controlled by Jordan Bitove and Paul Rivett. Rivett was a senior executive at Fairfax, a Toronto-based insurance and investment holding company, when it built its 40% stake in Torstar's Class B shares. He announced his retirement from the firm in February.
Bitove is a private equity executive whose family was part of the ownership group that brought the Toronto Raptors basketball franchise to the city in the 1990s.
"They definitely have one wheel in the ditch a bit — but with all traditional media that's the case," Rivett said. The company has strong brands and a CEO who has begun its transformation to digital platforms, he said.


Ethically handmade brass snail bookmark. With a snail at the top of the bookmark, it is great for anyone who loves creatures great and small. Or someone who loves their garden.Arrives wrapped in ethically sourced tissue.
Ethically handmade brass snail bookmark. With a snail at the top of the bookmark, it is great for anyone who loves creatures great and small. Or someone who loves their garden. Beautiful stationery collection and a lovely way to save your place in your book.
Arrives wrapped in ethically sourced tissue. Perfect if for yourself, or as a little gift.
Provenance: Ethically made by artisans.


It really depends on the dog's weight and the disposal option selected. A private cremation (where you get the ashes back) costs more than a communal cremation, (where you will not get the ashes back). If the dog is small it may range from 93.00 to 150.00, medium to large dogs may cost between 100.00 to 250.00. Of course, this varies from pet clinic to pet clinic, expect to pay more if the vet will come to your home. Shelters and low cost clinics may charge less and it never hurts to ask around if finances are an issue.
time to put dog to sleep?
How Old Is Too Old To Put Your Dog To Sleep? Should You Just Wait For Your Dog To Die A Natural...Death Or Do You Just Kill The Dog?
When do you "know" that it is time to put a loved pet to sleep?
Why do people keep dogs who kill pets? Should the dog be put to sleep?
Why do people keep dogs who kill pets? Should the dog be put to sleep?Neighbours dog killed all their pets twice now whilst being left outside whilst owners out. Also 18 months ago, one came over our 1800mm fence and killed my young daughters pet bantams.


text:
News, Reviews and Features 'Clive Owen makes a superb return to the stage': THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA – West End
'Clive Owen makes a superb return to the stage': THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA – West End
In London theatre, Opinion, Plays, Reviews by Maryam Philpott 17th July 2019 Leave a Comment
Buy tickets for The Night Of The Iguana
Noel Coward Theatre, London – until 28 September 2019
The Night of the Iguana rounds off what has been a fascinating mini season of American drama in London in which the lesser-known works of Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams have appeared alongside and been treated with the same reverence as their most famous plays. Williams in particular is rarely out of fashion and recent productions have shed new light on the depth and quality of his writing. The Glass Menagerie transferred from Watford Palace to the Arcola Theatre, recasting the struggling Wingfields as an African-American family, while at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Theatre Clywd's vibrant production of Orpheus Descending breathed life into this under-appreciated work.
Fringe and regional theatre is in love with Tennesse Williams at the moment, a further one-act double bill to come at the King's Head Theatre as part of its Southern Belles season later this month, but there's also a big West End revival this summer that's not be missed. The Noel Coward Theatre has lured Clive Owen back to the stage for the first time in 18 years to play another messed-up character called Larry in The Night Of the Iguana, often described as Williams' "last great play" based on his own short-story written in 1946.
Williams brings together an assorted collection of personalities who under normal circumstances would never form a connection and only through travel can ever really be thrown together in such an intimate setting; Larry Shannon the feverish former-priest turned tour guide stricken with panic attacks, the sexually predatory widow Maxine Faulk who owns the hotel, Hannah Jelkes the sedate New England artist and her verse-writing grandfather Nonno trying to write his final poem, all set for collision course as a physical and emotional storm brews between them.
Described by the playwright as a story about "how to live beyond despair and still live", there is a sense in James Macdonald's production of various strands coming to an end, of the conclusion of a particular chapter in the characters' lives as they arrive at the ramshackle Mexican hotel on the hill. By the conclusion of the play the life they have known before will have ended, and a new (not necessarily) better phase will begin. This focus on endings is multi-various, it is the end of the holiday season in Mexico where Maxine's former life has ended with the death of her much-older husband Frank. When Larry appears at the "end of his rope" what follows explores the end of road for him in particular as he experiences the end of both his faith and his desire.
Through these various interconnections Williams's concept of spiritual endings plays out across the story using the idea that both sex and religion can be a salvation as well as the ultimate destructive force. So, like the captured iguana of the title, there is a contained wildness in all of these characters who in this transitory place away from their real lives will come to a kind of reckoning within themselves and because of themselves. Macdonald's production brings an intense slow-burn effect to the competing forces of life and death that drive the play, giving Williams time to weave his magic and the result is compelling and satisfying.
There are plenty of plays that never justify a three-hour runtime, but James Macdonald's production has an enthralling quality that keeps momentum in a story with relatively little plot, most of which remains in the background as different conversations slowly reveal the backstories and viewpoint of the guests, focusing on a faltering and unlikely connection between polar opposites Larry and Hannah. But through these repeatedly broken conversations, interrupted by the encroaching outside world of passing tourists, Larry's busload of angry passengers and the natural environment, Macdonald draws out strands of loneliness and isolation for two people entering middle age, losing the freedom of their youth and living unmarried beyond normal social expectations.
An experienced director of American drama who's worked extensively on Broadway, Macdonald knows well how to marshal these long discursive plays. As with Annie Baker's John and Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf – both of which Macdonald has directed in the UK in the last two years – he is particularly attuned to the subtle changes of tone in the writing that slowly reposition the emotional direction of a scene, knowing precisely when and how to emphasise the small crescendos of drama and subsequent calm in each Act, building the layers to create a powerful and climatic overall effect that changes the characters' lives unalterably as the curtain comes down.
Unlike more recent stripped back productions this is a bold, almost cartoon-like depiction of Mexico with its simple guest huts, backdrop of rockery and plants, and roped staircase carved into the hillside. Night of the Iguana talks about life having a "realistic and a fantastic level" realised through Rae Smith's hyper-real and unchanging set where every conversation takes place, so the stage is filled with ephemera that it doesn't really need. The props and scenery look pretty, creating an idea of the alfresco beauty and wildness of Central America that unleashes and reflects Larry's turmoil, but it's also a bit heavy-handed in its suggestion of claustrophobia, a distraction from the intensity of the conversations that the actors and Macdonald have to work against rather than within.
But this they do superbly. We have certain expectations of Williams's characters, they are often fragile, repressed and trapped in their own lives, unable to overcome the limited expectations of society that forces them to cage the natural passion they can barely contain. Williams tends to be more critical of men than women, burying themselves temporarily in alcohol and lust until the pressure and emptiness of their encounters breaks them into conformity. We see this in Summer and Smoke as doctor John seeks solace from the pain of being alive in the local club, a desperate love for his neighbour Alma crushed by the increased numbing of his emotional and sexual life.
Here, Larry starts the play sullied by his many encounters with very young women on his tour and during his single year as a working priest. Recently deflowering a 16-year old who's now obsessed with him, Larry is bent on self-destruction, a figure loathsome both to the audience and himself. Clive Owen's performance is full of nervous energy as the strung-out and anxious Larry treads around his own imminent breakdown for most of the play. The nervy disposition he suggests as his unhappy tour group endlessly blast the bus horn, meets a rising panic, hoping that a few days of recuperation at the hotel will soothe him all the while knowing deep down that he is trapped there.
Everyone in Williams's plays is seeking some kind of salvation and purification, and Owen's Larry needs it more than most as the weakness of his flesh collides against his version of Christianity that sent him fleeing from the unpalatably mild view of God in the American church. His Old Testament belief in the power of the deity, expressed through the raging violence of tropical storms, entirely reflects the weather-like nature of his own moods – a pattern of behaviour in which a passion for young women clouds his judgement with a violent aftermath.
In a superb return to the stage, Owen's Larry is a haunted man, pursued by his "spook", a kind of depression or devil that he can never escape. As his breakdown advances and he waits for "the click" in his head like Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof to restore rationality, Larry seeks solace in his growing friendship with Hannah, a need to be understood by another person that is desperate but never pitiable. Larry is an unforgivable character and Owen embraces his many sides while still retaining a humanity that makes his need for someone to truly see him rather than his office one of the most engaging aspects of the play. What we see in Owen's performance is the slow entrapment and reduction of the wild iguana, the taming of a man's spirit and, like many a Williams hero, the acceptance of a conventional, emotionally confined future, the easy option.
By contrast the leading female characters in Williams's plays have a towering inner strength that only grows within the crisis of the play, leaving them free to become another kind of being despite their seemingly fragile exterior shell. The chameleonic powers of Leah Williams have delivered some exceptional performances in recent years and here she adopts the saintly placidity of the hustler-artist Hannah Jelkes, travelling the world by selling art to fund her adventures. The unrufflable and saint-like demeanour is reflected in Williams's carefully controlled refined New England accent, suggesting a woman whose physical passions are almost non-existent in an life driven by intellectual and artistic pursuits that have a spiritual gratification. Slowly she comes into view, the prim restraint replaced with a clear compassion for lonely middle-aged men and a surprising non-judgemental worldliness that makes her the ideal confident and the only person who can bring respite to Larry.
Williams's Hannah has purity and serenity but there is a resourcefulness in her, a deep-rooted fight that prevents anyone taking advantage of her. Her conversations with Larry are brief at first, invested with so much potential chemistry from Williams and Owen that they tantalise the audience with what's to come. When they finally speak at length in the long third act it is enthralling. Both actors are mesmerising as the conversation morphs constantly from a polite friendship to something more complex, an almost spiritual connection loaded with unfulfillable desire. Hannah's long monologue about her romantic encounters is delivered in pin-dropping silence by Williams lost in the memory of the past and while her current existence also ends in this shabby hotel, unlike Larry you know she will continue to grow, to emerge stronger and fuller for the experience.
As hotel-owner Maxine, Anna Gunn is a woman who knows exactly what she wants and before the play begins has determined that Larry will stay with her. Maxine may be openly provocative and blunt, but Gunn also shows her hidden vulnerability and a subtly in her dealings with Larry, knowing not to push him too quickly. There seems to be genuine affection for her late husband despite her dismissal of their marriage in public, and, as with the other characters, while Maxine is not exactly likeable, Gunn suggests a loneliness under the surface, a determination to keep others at arms-length emotionally.
Like the tethered iguana, James Macdonald's fascinating production shifts and bucks at its restraints until the characters can no longer contain their inner selves. We could do without the comedy Germans and perhaps a slightly less cliched way to present the Mexican staff could have been found, a set of Williams's creations that feel awkward in the twenty-first century. Nonetheless, gripping performances from Clive Owen and Lia Williams, and Macdonald's slow-burn direction allows Williams's writing to cast its spell.
Night of the Iguana is at the Noel Coward Theatre until 28 September with tickets from £17.50. Follow this blog on Twitter @culturalcap1 or Facebook: Cultural Capital Theatre Blog
Maryam Philpott
Maryam Philpott has run the London-based Cultural Capital blog since 2013, predominantly reviewing theatre, but also exhibitions and special film screenings with a more in-depth and discursive approach. Since 2014, Maryam has also written regularly for The Reviews Hub, reviewing all forms of professional theatre including Fringe and West End, as well as contemporary dance, ballet and opera. She has a background in social and cultural history, and tweets as @culturalcap1.
Read the full article from Maryam Philpott, published on 17 July 2019
Tags: Anna Gunn, clive owen, Cultural Capital, James Macdonald, Lia Williams, Maryam Philpott, NOEL COWARD THEATRE, Rae Smith, tennessee williams, The Night Of The Iguana


text:
Up In Smoke Showdown Mode Added To Red Dead Online
Plunder Showdown Mode Available In Red Dead Online
Home > News > Red Dead Redemption 2 Epic Games Store Leak Is A Hoax
Red Dead Redemption 2 Epic Games Store Leak Is A Hoax
One of the hottest topics in PC gaming, and also one of the most controversial, is the Epic Games Store and its ongoing efforts to snatch as many AAA exclusive deals as possible.
Since bringing up this issue is a guaranteed way to attract hordes of incensed enthusiasts it has been exploited to this end occasionally, and that's exactly what happened just recently when a supposed leak suggested that Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC will be Epic Games Store (EGS) exclusive.
The leak apparently revealed the release date of Red Dead Redemption 2's as-of-yet unannounced and unconfirmed PC port. Based on a leak from 4chan - which, really, should have been clear enough indication that this is a hoax - the PC port was to be announced on the 22nd of April at 9 AM PST. The game would then be launched as an Epic Game Store exclusive on the 9th of July.
In a rather bizarre move of self-outing however, the same leaker then went on to claim that Super Mario Odyssey would also be coming to PC via the Epic Games Store. Given that Nintendo has not released any of its first-party games to PC full-stop, this seems like a case of one "leak" too far and we are calling any and all claims by this person fake.
That won't stop us dissecting the fake leak further though (we've come all this way).
So with that said, according to the leaker, the exclusivity supposedly wouldn't be timed either. One of the most controversial recent exclusives, Borderlands 3, will only be exclusive to the EGS for 6 months before hitting Steam. The leaker reported that Epic would allow Take-Two to retain 100% of profits from the game and all additional content. Valve takes a 30% cut from all profits made by games that are on Steam.
4Chan is a common source of game leaks, with arguably the majority of leaks - both fake and legitimate - originating on the site. Most leaks that end up being true, especially related to Nintendo titles, appear on 4Chan first, but for every legit leak the site produces, there are hundreds of fake ones.
This is just one of these hoaxes.
The poster no doubt banked on the current furor over the Epic Games Store giving this particular rumor a large audience. That said, while this particular leak was fake, we wouldn't be too surprised if an eventual Red Dead Redemption 2 PC port does end up being an Epic Games Store exclusive, following the likes of Metro: Exodus, the aforementioned Borderlands 3, The Outer Worlds and more.
Many gamers are angry about Epic's aggressive exclusive-oriented strategy. Metro Exodus had been on sale, with pre-orders available for a long time, when Epic swooped in and gained exclusivity rights. Fans who bought their copies on Steam already would get the game there, but it was no longer for sale on the storefront. Epic has been gaining both AAA and Indie games by taking less of a cut than Valve.
While Valve finally having true competition in the digital market is ultimately good for consumers, Epic's aggressive strategy isn't winning them any goodwill, especially considering how feature-bare their platform is compared to Steam, lacking many functions that gamers have come to consider base. However, based on the sales of Metro Exodus, the majority of players are willing to use the Epic platform regardless of any misgivings.
We hope that Red Dead Redemption 2 will be available on a wide selection of stores if it launches on PC in the future, giving customers a choice where they purchase it, however games being Epic exclusive isn't the tragedy many critics make it out to be. We'll see how things turn out should a PC port ever be announced.
A pretty convincing leak showing off a possible PC version's menus made the rounds online some time ago.


text:
What is Network Throughput and How to Measure & Monitor it!
On October 6, 2015, close to Beijing, China, thousands of cars were stuck in one of the biggest traffic jams in history. It happened near a toll station in a 50-lane highway. Thousands of drivers trapped for hours in an endless hair-pulling journey back home.
Fifty lanes merged into twenty lanes after a newly constructed toll, and it was also the end of an important National Holiday in China.
Do you think a 50-lane highway is the fastest? Apparently not…
So why does this story relates to throughput?
Imagine that the highway is a network connection and each car is a bit of data. The highway's bandwidth was at its full capacity (before the toll and the holiday) and was able to handle millions of cars per hour. In optimal conditions, cars would use all lanes and move at average speed.
But in real life highways are busy. There are tolls, rush hour, roads under maintenance, accidents, and many more factors that affect how a car moves from point A to point B.
China's highway probably had the best bandwidth in the world but the poorest throughput at that time. Concerning all these factors, the highway's throughput was 1000 cars per hour.
What is Throughput exactly?
Throughput is the actual capacity of a system to send data to another, counting additional factors.
In other words, it is the exact amount of data passing through the media from point A to point B in a determined amount of time.
When referring to communications, network throughput is the rate of message delivery over a single channel. Throughput shows its results as an average and uses "data units per time" metrics such as bits per second "bps" or packets per second "pps."
Although the concept of throughput is similar to bandwidth, they are not the same.
How is Bandwidth different than Throughput?
Bandwidth is the Total Capacity of a system to send data to another over a single media. It is like the size of the pipe or the highway, two lanes, three lanes, 50 lanes, etc.
The concept relates to perfect and theoretical conditions.
But in real life, it is affected by countless factors, such as:
Traffic load
The hardware power
Bit errors on the interface
RF interference
Encryption/Decryption
CSMA/CA, and many more
When adding up all these factors, the bandwidth turns into a throughput. In common practices, the actual throughput should be at least 50% (or more) of the total bandwidth.
Throughput vs Connection Speed.
Throughput is often confused with bandwidth and in worst cases with Internet Speed. When you buy an Internet connection at a certain speed, you are theoretically getting a specific bandwidth connection. But in real life, you'll be affected by other factors and will end up getting the throughput.
Internet Speed is a general term, that refers to the amount of data transferred per second through a specific connection.
A good example is AT&T's Internet Fiber connection offers. To get the 1000Mbps speed, the ISP will likely install powerful network devices, optical cabling, and open up a wider bandwidth connection.
The concept of "Internet Connection Speed" is often used by marketers or sales representatives and is used by default to mean throughput, which is the actual rate of packet delivery over a specific medium.
In the following Speed Test performed in speedtest.net, the total connection speed (100Mbps) provided by AT&T reduced to about 80%, which is not bad.
According to Speedtest from Ookla, the result of this test is an accurate measurement of HTTP throughput between the web server and the client.
But a speed test results such as this one will vary when you do the same test on different devices, at different times, and over various media. Not only the ISP will be a bottleneck, but also your infrastructure.
It is critical to measure network throughput with precision to guarantee that the SLA (Service-Level-Agreement) between provider or client is being met and also to make the network ready for any regulatory compliance.
Best Network Throughput Software & Tools Testing & Measuring Bandwidth:
Network administrators and Engineers use throughput as a metric to indicate the performance and health of a network connection. Instead of thinking in terms of bandwidth, they use throughput to see the real amount of bits or packet delivered from a network device to another.
Let's take a look at a couple of tools used by professionals that can measure network throughput effectively.
Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack from SolarWinds.
IxChariot
LAN Speed Test from TotuSoft
Iperf3
TamoSoft Throughput Test
NetStress
1. Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack from SolarWinds.
The Network Bandwidth Analyzer Pack from SolarWinds is an advanced bandwidth analyzer. This pack is an add-on to two popular SolarWinds software, Network Performance Monitor "NPM" and the SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer "NTA."
This tool is not only capable of measuring throughput, but it can also find the root causes of a slow network. It accomplishes this, by identifying network faults, monitoring Network ans server availability, and tracking the performance of devices across the flow of data.
The SolarWinds Bandwidth Analyzer Pack allows you to find, diagnose and solve network, bandwidth, and traffic performance issues that might be causing your low throughput.
When the network is too slow, you can use this tool as a throughput monitor (with the help of NetFlow, sFlow, and other protocols) to find users or applications that are consuming your precious bandwidth.
Only compatible with Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows Server 2012, and 2012 R2 Windows Server 2016.
30 Day FREE TRIAL!
Downloa:
a free fully functional trial of the SolarWinds Bandwidth Analyzer Pack for 30 days.
2. IxChariot
IxChariot is a product developed by Ixia, which is a side business of the Keysight Technologies group. IxChariot is a comprehensive performance monitoring and analysis software. It is aimed at enterprise-size networks and can scale up to 10,000 connections that represent hundreds of thousands of end-users.
The software is one of the best for monitoring Wireless LAN and VoIP traffic. It gives rich details and graphics.
This product does not only keeps track of your throughput but also of other key performance metrics such as packet loss, jitter, delay, MOS, and OTT video analytics.
IxChariot uses throughput as one of the primary data points for testing and gathering information.
For example in WiFi monitoring, the wireless standard 802.11 and the distance to the Base Station "BS" will influence throughput and response time. If throughput changes over time, IxChariot can monitor signal strength.
IxChariot can evaluate:
Peak TCP Throughput:
The maximum network throughput of the network.
Peak UDP Throughput:
It is an indicator of basic network performance.
You can run the performance endpoints on a variety of environments all from a central platform, such as PCs, mobiles, VMs, to cloud deployments.
Windows XP, 2000, ME, NT4 (SP3 and above) Minimum hardware: Pentium 300, 64 MB Memory, 23 MB Disk Space.
Obtain the total cost by requesting a formal quote.
Get a Free Online Demo by registering on the ixChariot website.
3. LAN Speed Test from TotuSoft
LANSpeed Test is a speed evaluation software developed by TotuSoft. It is a simple tool capable of measuring file transfers, drives, and LAN speeds, either on wired or wireless networks. The tool is easy to use and highly portable. No installation is required.
LAN Speed Test is capable of evaluating the speeds of LANs by testing shared folder transfer. It can also check the speed of USB drives and hard drives. You can transfer up to 1000 packets and files of 9 GB in size, and the tool will still perform all calculations smoothly.
When testing the speed, the tool is capable of showing the results on average, maximum, and minimum throughput.
To start testing network speed with this tool, choose a folder or file and begin to transfer it. Lan Speed Test will create a file in the memory, move it without caching, keep track of time, and perform all necessary speed calculations.
This tool is compatible with LST Server (LAN Speed Test Server) for network performance results, and despite the name, it is also capable of testing WAN Internet speeds.
It is only compatible with Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 or later. And also with Mac 10.7.5 (Lion) or later.
The cost for the Full License (Single) is $10.00 per user. For the "5 pack" license ($45.00), for the "10 Pack" license ($85.00), and the unlimited license ($150.00).
Download Free LAN Speed Test Server with limited features and start testing your throughput today.
4. Iperf3
Iperf3 is a free an open source command line tool for measuring network bandwidth & throughput in real time. It is based on the Iperf series software that performs active measurements to find the maximum attainable bandwidth.
The Iperf3 can test the maximum bandwidth and throughput in IPv4 or IPv6 networks.
As we learned before, to improve overall network performance, we need to enhance throughput and reduce latency. Iperf3 allows you to perform tests and to produce statistics so that you can tune up the TCP or UDP connections in a particular flow.
Fortunately, the Iperf3 allows you to adjust the testing parameters like timing, buffers, or protocols (TCP, UDP, SCTP). As a result, the tool can report insightful information such as:
Max/Min Bandwidth (Transfer Rate).
Max/Min Throughput.
Packet loss.
Jitter.
It is cross-platform. IPerf is compatible with Windows, Linux, Android, MacOS X, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, VxWorks, Solaris, etc.
Free and Open Source.
Get iperf3 for free by downloading it from its official site.
5. TamoSoft Throughput Test
TamoSoft Throughput Test is a simple yet powerful throughput testing tool. It is a 100% free utility capable of measuring the throughput of either UDP and TCP data streams.
TamoSoft can calculate and report upstream or downstream throughput statistics, packet loss, and Round-Trip-Time "RTT."
The tool shows the results both in numeric form and in graphics.
It supports both IPv4 and IPv6.
Modify port, either UDP or TCP.
Evaluate performance based on QoS traffic type.
Displays a status log.
TamoSoft uses a client/server application approach to measure the connection. The Server listens for connections, the client and server exchange information, and the client calculates and sends the final metrics.
It is supported by Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS.
The TamoSoft Throughput Test is a freeware.
Throughput test from TamoSoft official site.
6. NetStress
NetStress is a free throughput testing tool for UDP and TCP connections, developed by Nuts about Nets.
It specializes in measuring throughput for 802.11(Wi-Fi) networks but can work on wired networks. Although NetStress is a Client/Server-based tool, you can also use it as a single instance.
NetStress can produce real-time graphics of your network's throughput.
Although you can run TCP or UDP streams simultaneously, you can only do upstream or downstream tests separate. NetStress just run tests on IPv4 networks.
NetStress uses a performance benchmark to test the network and track changes.
This benchmark is defined when the network is running smooth. Later it is used as a reference to compare when the network's performance is declining.
Important Features & Capabilities:
It can be installed as a single instance. (Server or Server/Client).
It supports up to eight TCP and UDP data streams.
Auto-discovers hosts.
Modify TCP/UDP segment size
Set data flow direction, display units, and MTU.
It displays results in KBps, Kbps, MBps, or Mbps.
It shows the packet transmission rate.
Only compatible with Windows.
Get NetStress from its official website.
Now that you understand throughput, you know that the time it takes for bits going from point A to point B will depend on many factors. Just like the cars running in a five-lane highway towards a destination, they will have delays, tolls, accidents, etc.
The width of the highway (bandwidth) can provide a total rate but does not give you the actual rate.
When referring to communications, network throughput is the actual rate of messages successfully delivered over a single channel.
The problem is that throughput is often confused with bandwidth and even worst with Internet Speed. When you buy an Internet connection at a certain speed, you are theoretically paying for a specific bandwidth connection. But in real life, you'll be affected by other factors and will ultimately get a throughput.
But no problem, you can still optimize it.
The idea of throughput optimization is to bring it up as close as possible to the total bandwidth. A high ratio of successful message delivery will cause a high throughput which will ultimately improve performance and the network's capacity.
Some of the tools listed above will help you measure and create benchmarks. Some others will go beyond and even help you optimize it. Measuring as soon as possible is the best way to create a reference point, and use it for comparison later.
Start testing it today!
James Cox is the Editor at ITT Systems and has a Long History in the IT and Network Engineering Field. He Boasts a long list of Credentials ranging from CompTIA Certifications up to Cisco and VMWare points on his Resume.


Citylights is a 99-year Leasehold condominium located at Jellicoe Road in District D08. Citylights is close to Lavender MRT EW11.
Citylights is a short drive to Eminent Plaza and City Square Mall. It is also not far from several schools such as Hong Wen School, Stamford Primary School and Bendemeer Primary School.
Hey Quek Yee Yong! Would like to check the availability for Citylights, 80 Jellicoe Road (For RENT S$3,400 - 2 Bedrooms, 689 sqft, S$4.93 psf). Please acknowledge. Thank you!


This game is a submission for the Pizza Jam (Pizza Prize!) by ComputerJames.
Follow the journey of a circle who wants to be someone else. Will he fulfill his wish or will he be able to overcome his doubts and accept his flaws?
That was a great concept. It kept me engaged and the ending made me laugh.
I don't know how deep this game is meant to be, but it really resonated with me. Having had gone a horrible breakup a year ago, the uphill battle in accepting myself and realizing my self-worth was... well. It was hard--it still is. This game captured every aspect of that.
Sorry to hear about that, it was hard for me too, finding my own self-worth but I pulled through and I believe you will too . Thanks for your support for this game!


Going through the Singapore education system in neighbourhood schools, from Jiemin Primary School to Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School to Anderson Junior College, I entered National University of Singapore (NUS) under the NUS Undergraduate Scholarship. I majored in Electrical Engineering and minored in Technopreneurship. While in NUS, I interned at Data Storage Institute (DSI) for 3 months and at a start-up in Silicon Valley (California, USA) for 1 year. While in the US, I also had the opportunity to read modules in Stanford University.
I graduated top of my cohort as valedictorian from NUS, with a major in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Technoprenership. In addition, I was also awarded the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal, Institution of Engineers, Singapore Gold Medal and the National Semiconductor Book Prize for displaying excellence throughout the course of study.
For a more complete list of awards that I have gotten, read here.
I primarily teach the following subjects.
I am currently teaching/have taught students from universities such as National University of Singapore, Singapore Institute of Technology and Nanyang Technological University. In additional, I also have students from Polytechnics.
They are from Engineering (mostly Electrical and Electronic) and are taking modules like Digital Electronics, Electromagnetic Fields & Waves, Programming, Mathematics, Physics and Signals & Communications.
Occasionally, students taking the IB exam also come to me for Mathematics and Physics.
© Samuel Math and Science Tuition 2019, All rights reserved.


text:
MediAnswers Adds Vice President of Agency Solutions To Build Bridge Between Ad Agencies and Media Organizations
By Dimension PR 07 March 2017
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado,March 7, 2017 —Global workflow optimization firm MediAnswers has expanded its expertise on the 'buy side' of the media business with the addition of Ron Levy as Vice President of Agency Solutions. With Levy's nearly 30 years of experience in the agency space, MediAnswers becomes one of the few companiesable to bridge the often-disparate worlds of advertising management and media delivery to consumers.
MediAnswers and its industry-leading team of experts excelin developing standards, products and processes to solve many of the biggest challenges on the 'sell side' of the broadcast and media business, including the emerging OBID open binding standardization effort to strengthen multiplatform audience measurement. With the Levy appointment, MediAnswers adds the necessary depth to tackle the spacewhere ad agencies and media organizations intersect.
"Technology solutions have not advanced to the stage where efficient communications have been established between these two worlds," said Chris Lennon, President and CEO of MediAnswers. "It's essential that this gap be closed, as the fragmentation caused by multiplatform content distribution creates dramatically higher transaction volumes that are increasingly difficult to manage."
While some programmatic systems have attempted to bridge this divide, they have typically evolved from either the agency or media outlet viewpoint, focusing primarily on the pain points of that particular businessaspect. The addition of Levy's agency perspective and expertise will be invaluable as MediAnswers strengthens the two-way interaction between systems and people on both sides of ad transactions.
"Our goal is to improve efficiencythrough an open, free-flowing exchange of data acrosstheir systems, enabling each side to make the best decisions from their own perspective," continued Lennon. "Ron'sextensive experience, technical proficiency and deep agency relationshipswill help guide our technology direction and achieve our vision."
As a senior vice president and partner of Datatech – acquired by MediaBank and then merged to become Mediaocean – Levy played a lead role in the creation of what is known today as Mediaocean OX Network, among the largest dollar-volume media buying systems in the United States. He also held executive leadership roles at Rentrak (now comScore) and Broadway Systems (now Sintec), and in his own consulting practice he has secured top-tier clients in the agency, system vendor, media audit and data analysis spaces.
"The rise of programmatic buying and selling is opening up a lot of possibilities, and it's time to move beyond exchanging simple transactions to a unified experience where buyers and sellers can efficiently work off the same data in the same place," said Levy. "I'm excited to join this talented team in working towards this goal."
Formed in 2013 by Lennon – a respected visionary known as the 'father' of the widely-used Broadcast eXchange Format (BXF) standard –MediAnswers offers services in the areas of media systems integration, standards leadership, custom software development and education, as well as market, product, and sales development.
Contact clennon@medianswers.tv or rlevy@medianswers.tv to schedule a private meeting with the experts from MediAnswers before or during the 2017 NAB Show, which will take place April 24-27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
About MediAnswers
MediAnswers is a ground-up new approach to broadcast consultancy, specializing in software interconnectivity, workflow optimization, and the integration of old and new media. Its team of experts bring a wealth of knowledge to bear on a wide array of media topics.


Commercial establishment, located in the city centre of Lagos, Algarve.
Lisboa | Refined restaurant and bar.
Restaurant/bar located in the heart of the city of Lisbon, Portugal.
Algarve is the most visited and one of the most developed in the country.
Our mission is to provide a high-quality real estate service to foreign investors who wish to buy or sell real estate in Portugal and ensure in the whole process of buying and selling as well as legalization of investors.
The Blini is a restaurant with author cuisine for lovers of seafood and fish, with the best views over the city of Oporto, with private parking located 30 meters and open 24 hours a day.