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Q: How to Instantiate a Vst3 plugin in code? For a vst3 host app I am trying to create a Vst3 plugin from a simple host app.
Here I have a simple code just to create an instance of a Vst3 plugin from a *.vst3 file.
    auto proc = (GetFactoryProc)GetFunction(hmodule, "GetPluginFactory");
    Steinberg::IPluginFactory* rawFactory = proc();

    // Get factory info.
    Steinberg::PFactoryInfo factoryInfo;
    rawFactory->getFactoryInfo(&factoryInfo);

    // Get classes.
    for (size_t i = 0; i < rawFactory->countClasses(); i++)
    {
        Steinberg::PClassInfo info;
        rawFactory->getClassInfo(i, &info);

        // ------------------------------------
        // ----------HOW TO USE THIS IDs-------
        // ------------------------------------
        Steinberg::FIDString cid = info.cid; // Is this correct?
        Steinberg::FIDString iid = Steinberg::Vst::IComponent::iid; // I dont know what I am doing...

        // ------------------------------------
        // HOW TO USE THE createInstance FUNCTION?
        // ------------------------------------
        void* instance(nullptr);
        Steinberg::tresult result = rawFactory->createInstance(cid, iid, &instance);
    }

The questions is: What are this ids for? I can guess that cid stands for class-id. But what is the iid for and how can I get it to create an instance of a plugin class?
Every iid I take from any classes, IPluginFactory, IComponent and so on, I get unresolved external symbol.
The createInstance function return Steinberg::kNoInterface by the way so no classes is found when I try to insert an empty iid.
Anyone who know anything about Vst3 from Steinberg?
Any code example or documentation how to use the Vst3 for plugin hosting?
Thanks // Alex.

A: About module initialization.
A *.vst3 module may require additional initialization.
If a module exports some predefined functions, you should call it before getting the IPluginFactory.
The exported function names are "InitDll" and "ExitDll" for Windows platform.
    // after the module is loaded.
    auto initDll = (bool(*)())GetFunction(hmodule, "InitDll");
    if(initDll) { initDll(); }

    auto proc = (GetFactoryProc)GetFunction(hmodule, "GetPluginFactory");
    Steinberg::IPluginFactory* rawFactory = proc();

    // before the module is unloaded.
    auto exitDll = (bool(*)())GetFunction(hmodule, "ExitDll");
    if(exitDll) { exitDll(); }

You can also use VST3::Hosting::Module class defined in public.sdk/source/vst/hosting/module.h for this purpose.
About IDs.
The CID is the class-id (a.k.a. component-id) which is used for identifying the actual plugin component class in a vst3 module file.
A *.vst3 module file can contain multiple plugins however a host application can't identify a plugin by its actual C++ class name (because the host never knows it).
That's why the VST3 SDK provides the way to identify a actual plugin component class with CID.
The IID is the interface-id which is used for specifying a interface class.
In plugin loading context, IID represents which type of Interface class you want to get the created plugin as, normally it will be Vst::IComponent.
VST3 SDK is based on VST Module Architecture (VST-MA) which is very much like Component Object Model (COM) of Microsoft.
Learning COM will help you understand VST-MA.
Additionally, each plugins in a *.vst3 module file normally consist of two components: The Processor component and The EditController component.

*

*The Processor component provides basic plugin APIs and DSP APIs.

*

*The Processor component derives two interface classes: Vst::IComponent class and Vst::IAudioProcessor class.

*The EditController component provides parameter management APIs and UI APIs.

Basic Conception
  A VST 3 audio effect or instrument basically consists of two parts: a processing part and an edit controller part.
  The corresponding interfaces are:
Processor : Steinberg::Vst::IAudioProcessor + Steinberg::Vst::IComponent
  Controller : Steinberg::Vst::IEditController
  The design of VST 3 suggests a complete separation of processor and edit controller by implementing two components. Splitting up an effect into these two parts requires some extra efforts for an implementation of course.
  But this separation enables the host to run each component in a different context. It can even run them on different computers. Another benefit is that parameter changes can be separated when it comes to automation. While for processing these changes need to be transmitted in a sample accurate way, the GUI part can be updated with a much lower frequency and it can be shifted by the amount that results from any delay compensation or other processing offset.
A Plug-in that supports this separation has to set the Steinberg::Vst::kDistributable flag in the class info of the processor component (Steinberg::PClassInfo2::classFlags). Of course not every Plug-in can support this, for example if it depends deeply on resources that can not be easily moved to another computer. So when this flag is not set, the host must not try to separate the components in any way.
  Although it is not recommended, it is possible to implement both, the processing part and the controller part in one component class. The host tries to query the Steinberg::Vst::IEditController interface after creating an Steinberg::Vst::IAudioProcessor and on success uses it as controller.
-- VST3 API Documentation (VST_SDK 3.6.13)

A plugins consists of two components, so you will call createInstance() twice.
This is the step to load a plugin from a *.vst3 module file:

*

*Create the Processor component of the plugin from the module file, as Vst::IComponent class.

*Initialize the Processor component.

*Get the CID of the EditController component corresponding to the Processor component.

*Create the EditController component from the module file with the CID.

*Initialize the EditController component too.

*Connect and setup them.

    // Get classes.
    for (size_t i = 0; i < rawFactory->countClasses(); i++)
    {
        Steinberg::PClassInfo info;
        rawFactory->getClassInfo(i, &info);

        // info.category will be kVstAudioEffectClass for Processor component.
        // skip this component if not.
        if(info.category != kVstAudioEffectClass) {
            continue;
        }

        Vst::IComponent *comp(nullptr);
        Steinberg::tresult result
            = rawFactory->createInstance(info.cid, // tell factory which plugin to be created.
                                         Vst::IComponent::iid, // tell factory which type of interface you want.
                                         (void **)&comp // get the pointer to `comp`, and pass it as (void **)
                                         );
        if(result != kResultTrue) {
            // TODO: error handling
            return;
        }

        // now `comp` shall be valid pointer of Vst::IComponent.

        // initialize comp
        comp->setIoMode(Vst::IoModes::kAdvanced);

        // you should define host context object before and pass it here as `FUnknown *`.
        // the host context object is the class which normally derives Vst::IHostApplication,
        // Vst::IComponentHandler, Vst::IPluginInterfaceSupport, etc.
        comp->initialize(host_context);

        TUID edit_cid;
        comp->getControllerClassId(edit_cid);
        // (in detail, IEditController interface may be obtained from IComponent directly if the plugin
        //  derives SingleComponentEffect.
        //  For such plugins, do not use this method and obtain IEditController with `comp->queryInstance()`
        // )

        Vst::IEditController *edit(nullptr);
        result = rawFactory->createInstance(edit_cid,
                                            Vst::IEditController::iid,
                                            (void **)&edit);
        if(result != kResultTrue) {
            // TODO: error handling
            return;
        }

        // initialize the EditController component too.
        edit->initialize(host_context);

        //...

        // now the two components are created.
        // connect and setup them.

        // use the plugin.

        // ...

        // don't forget destruction after using it.
        edit->terminate();
        comp->terminate();

        edit->release();
        comp->release();
    }

FYI, I develop an open-source VST3 Host Application called Terra.
https://github.com/hotwatermorning/Terra
It is still alpha version now. But it may be helpful for you.
Thank you.


text:
CSDR
Sections & Standalone pages
L.4569/2018
Forced sales
Adopted in the aftermath of the financial crisis, the European Central Securities Depositories Regulation (CSDR) aims to:
increase financial stability through a strong and consistent regulatory framework for all Central Securities Depositories (CSDs) in the European Union (EU)
improve cross-border efficiency and harmonisation by reforming securities settlement within the EU
promote competition and consolidation within the EU Single Market by:
allowing EU CSDs to compete on a level playing field
introducing 'passporting' rights for CSDs
giving issuers freedom of choice over where to issue securities
CSDR can be seen as contributing to the EU's Capital Markets Union agenda to sustain the EU's global competitiveness based on stable and liquid capital markets, and it is complementary to other EU financial markets regulations, such as the Market in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) in respect of trading platforms, the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR) in respect of CCPs and the Shareholders Rights Directive II (SRD II) as regards the encouragement of long-term shareholder engagement.
In particular, CSDR covers two main areas:
1. Common and consistent regulation of CSDs
a complete review and standardization of the regulation and supervision that currently applies to EU CSDs to increase their operational efficiency and help them keep assets as safe and secure as possible:
a) new CSD definition : To qualify as a CSD, a company must operate a Securities Settlement System (SSS) under the Settlement Finality Directive (SFD) and offer one of the two other 'core' services:
initial recording of securities ("notary service")
maintaining securities accounts at top tier level ("central maintenance service")
b) definition of 'core' and 'ancillary' services: in addition to the 'core' services above, CSDs can also operate and offer a range of relevant 'ancillary' services, as well as limited purpose banking services,
c) new 'passporting' regime for a CSD to provide services in another Member State, as well as recognition of CSD's access right to other CSDs or market infrastructures (e.g. Trading Venues or CCPs) in any other country,
d) increased capital requirements for CSDs,
e) operational, risk, prudential and business conduct rules inspired by CPMI-IOSCO Principles, as well as requirements for all CSDs to apply for a universal "CSD license to operate":
Corporate governance rules
Record keeping, outsourcing, conduct of business rules
Transparency and securities accounts segregation rules
Integrity of the issue and asset protection rules
Risk, capital and investment policy rules
Third country rules
Rules established for all cross-border CSD links
2. Changes to the structure of the EU securities market
a) mandatory dematerialisation and immobilisation (already in place)
b) mandatory settlement discipline regime to incentivise timely settlement by introducing a mandatory cash penalty and buy-in mechanism for all financial instruments not delivered within a set period following the intended settlement date
c) T+2 settlement (already in place)
d) freedom of choice for issuers
e) transparency rules and reporting requirements for non-CSD 'settlement internalisers'
CSDR was enacted on 17/9/2014 and the Level 2 regulatory and technical standards required for the CSD authorization process were entered into force on 30/3/2017. Following the deadline of 30/9/2017 for all CSDs to submit an application for CSDR license to the competent authorities, the relevant authorization process and licensing of all CSDs is expected to be concluded within six (6) months from the submission of a complete application. Furthermore, the CSDR settlement discipline measures will have to be implemented by all licensed CSDs until 14/9/2020, within two years from the enactment of the relevant Level 2 regulatory and technical standards (13/9/2018).
Hellenic Central Securities Depository (ATHEXCSD) applied for authorization under CSDR to Hellenic Capital Market Commission in 29/9/2017. The authorization process is expected to be completed during the second semester of 2019. An important milestone towards the compliance of the Greek Capital Market to CSDR was reached on 11/10/2018 when Law 4569/2018, implementing various adjustments to domestic legislation to comply with CSDR, was published in the Official Government Gazette.
- Hellenic Republic Laws
Law 4569/20018 I) Central Securities Depositories, II) Adaptation of Greek Legislation to the provisions of Directive (EU) 2016/2258 and other provisions, III) Other Provisions
- European Parliament and Council Regulation
REGULATION (EU) No 909/2014 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 23 July 2014 on improving securities settlement in the European Union and on central securities depositories and amending Directives 98/26/EC and 2014/65/EU and Regulation (EU) No 236/2012.
- European Commission Regulations
COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2017/389 of 11 November 2016 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 909/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the parameters for the calculation of cash penalties for settlement fails and the operations of CSDs in host Member States.
COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2017/390 of 11 November 2016 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 909/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards on certain prudential requirements for central securities depositories and designated credit institutions offering banking-type ancillary services.
COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2017/391 of 11 November 2016 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 909/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards further specifying the content of the reporting on internalized settlements.
COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2017/392 of 11 November 2016 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 909/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards on authorization, supervisory and operational requirements for central securities depositories.
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2017/393 of 11 November 2016 laying down implementing technical standards with regard to the templates and procedures for the reporting and transmission of information on internalized settlements in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 909/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2017/394 of 11 November 2016 laying down implementing technical standards with regard to standard forms, templates and procedures for authorization, review and evaluation of central securities depositories, for the cooperation between authorities of the home Member State and the host Member State, for the consultation of authorities involved in the authorization to provide banking-type ancillary services, for access involving central securities depositories, and with regard to the format of the records to be maintained by central securities depositories in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 909/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2018/1229 of 25.5.2018 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 909/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards on settlement discipline.
All Level 2 Standards in a single document.
- ESMA Guidelines
Guidelines - CSD Participants default rules and procedures, 08/06/2017, ESMA70-151-294
Guidelines - Access by a CSD to the transaction feeds of CCPs and trading venues, 08/06/2017, ESMA70-151-298
Guidelines - Cooperation between authorities under Articles 17 and 23 of Regulation (EU) No 909/2014, 11/07/2017, ESMA70-151-435
Final Report - Guidelines on Internalized Settlement Reporting under Article 9 of CSDR, 28/03/2018, ESMA70-151-1258
Practical Guidance - For the Recognition of Third-Country CSDs by ESMA, 26/10/2017, ESMA70-153-3
Guidelines - On the Process for the Calculation of the Indicators to Determine the Most Relevant Currencies in which Settlement Takes Place Template for reporting CSDR relevant currencies indicators, 28/03/2018, ESMA70-708036281-66
Guidelines - On the Process for the Calculation of the Indicators to Determine the Substantial Importance of a CSD for a Host Member State Template for reporting CSDR substantial importance indicators, 28/03/2018, ESMA70-708036281-67
Questions and Answers - Implementation of the Regulation (EU) No 909/2014 on improving securities settlement in the EU and on central securities depositories, 28/03/2018, ESMA70-708036281-2

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
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Leeds Man Receives Compensation For Injuries Following Taxi Collision
An Irwin Mitchell client has received £126,800 in compensation following injuries sustained in a car crash. Our client was injured when travelling as a back seat passenger in a taxi, which was hit by a vehicle that was being chased by the police. There was no fault or issue with the police chase.
In addition to his physical injuries including soft tissue injuries and an injury to his jaw, our client also sustained a mild head injury. The effects of the head injury were subtle; however, they affected his performance in ongoing professional examinations. This curtailed his career plans and subsequently had an impact on our client's career prospects.
Cathryn Godfrey, a lawyer in Irwin Mitchell's expert serious injury team represented the client and commented that the compensation awarded covered not only the injuries sustained, but also his expenses incurred as a consequence of the accident. In addition, the sum reflects the fact that our clients earning potential in the future has been reduced as a consequence of the injury that he sustained.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a passenger in a vehicle, our personal injury lawyers could help you claim compensation. Visit our Passenger Injury Claims page for more information.
Back to Client Stories
How can we help?* Enquiry type Personal Injury Claims Holiday Accidents & Illness Claims Air, Rail & Sea Related Claims Asbestos Compensation Claims Product Liability Claims Group Claims Military Injury Compensation Claims Abuse & Criminal Injury Claims Personal Injury Claims In Scotland Road Traffic Accident Claims Serious Injury Compensation Claims


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Cliche Entertainment
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2@
Tony Cokes
2000 | 00:06:00 | United States | English | Color | Stereo
Tags: Consumer culture, Language, Music
2@ is part of the Pop Manifestos series, a five-video project realized in collaboration with Cokes' former students Seth Price and Damian Kulash, and originally conceived as part of a series for the conceptual band SWIPE.
"2@ rehearses a subjective, skeptically positioned history of rock to a generic song by the noise-pop band SWIPE. My approach was inspired by Dan Graham's videotape Rock My Religion, which deploys a punk-influenced documentary technique to construct a consumer-discourse about rock history. I borrow Graham's desire to put rock music's history of production and reception in a critical context. This work has been shown at the Museum of Modern Art, the Rotterdam International Film Festival, the Impakt Festival and the Ottawa Art Gallery."
--Tony Cokes
2002 Whitney Biennial


Our very own Executive Editor Christine Stoddard is currently working as an assistant producer on the national documentary, "Lawless America." (It's one of her first freelance gigs out of college--not bad, huh?) Find out more about the project at LawlessAmerica.com and be sure to 'like' it on Facebook. As always, The QB Crew appreciates your support!


text:
Get your own personal stylist to help you find clothes you love. All online, completely free
Style Tips > Knitwear & Sweaters
Four ways to wear: A hoodie
If you think grey hoodies are just for trips to the gym, it's time to think again. There are many more ways than you'd think to wear one plain grey hoodie—on the weekends, of course, but even during the week.
"Everyone likes wearing hoodies, for obvious reasons: they're just so easy and comfortable," says Thread's lead stylist, Kasia Katner. "But they're also more versatile than you'd think—particularly if you opt for plain grey, which goes with every other colour."
Below, Kasia talks us through four different situations in which a grey hoodie works well—sometimes surprisingly so.
1. When you're not quite sure if you need a jacket
Outfit: Grey hoodie, white t-shirt, navy chinos and black slip-on trainers
Why this works: "A hoodie makes a great jacket alternative, especially when the weather's just short of chilly. It's substantial but breathable, it doesn't look weird indoors as a coat would, and it's easy to chuck in your bag if you don't need it (obviously it won't crease). This wouldn't be mistaken for a post-gym outfit because everything from the slip-on trainers to the navy chinos is minimal and fits well."
Photographed: Reiss grey hoodie (£85), Research Garments white t-shirt (£15), Norse Projects navy chinos (£100)
2. When you're sick of the usual smart casual
Outfit: Grey hoodie, black overcoat, white t-shirt, indigo jeans and black leather boots
Why this works: "Overcoats can look quite smart and tailored on their own, so the hoodie adds a sporty contrast without seeming out of place. One reason the outfit works is that all the clothes are in neutral colours: black, navy, grey and white will always go together. This outfit wouldn't look as smart without the coat, so it's certainly on the casual extreme of smart casual."
Photographed: MKI black overcoat (£165), Reiss grey hoodie (£85), Research Garments white t-shirt (£15), RRL selvedge jeans (£215), Jigsaw black boots (£249)
3. When you want your leather jacket to look less intense
Outfit: Grey hoodie, black leather jacket, white t-shirt and grey jeans
Why this works: "Leather jackets make a statement, particularly biker styles like this that have quite a rocker feel to them. The hoodie helps to relax the whole thing because it's soft and laid back. A hood goes well with leather jackets' flat collars, too."
Photographed: Whistles leather jacket (£395), Reiss grey hoodie (£85), A.P.C. grey jeans (£129), Research Garments white t-shirt (£15)
4. On Saturdays
Outfit: Grey hoodie, white t-shirt, black jersey shorts and trainers
Why this works: "No one needs to be told how to wear a hoodie with shorts and a t-shirt. However, the reason this looks laid back—but not like gym garb—is that all the fabrics are cotton rather than technical materials, plus they're in simple, classic cuts. Vintage-y or minimal trainers make it clear you're not about to hit the track."
Photographed: Reiss grey hoodie (£85), Research Garments white t-shirt (£15), Aquascutum sweat shorts (£45)
Plus: What to look for in a great hoodie
Simplicity. "What you lose in logos and prints, you'll gain in versatility."
Neat fit. "You want a hoodie to fit the way your favourite comfortable jumper does: relaxed, but not baggy."
Classic cotton fabric. "Cotton gives it a matte finish that will mix well with things like denim."
Related style tips
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Thread senior stylist Alice Watt offers advice for guys at different points in the smart-to-casual spectrum.


> network, then install base from the installer over the network.
Great, no need for base at all in my case.
Ah, I got it running right off, thanks.
it's not mentioned there either.
anyone trying to boot without this floppy image!
the boot loader unless I know 100% things will be OK.
defaults to the screen and keyboard, but I haven't yet.


Kuwait: It was a fantastic morning on Friday 5th April 2019 when the Kite Festival was celebrated with eagerness and enthusiasm by all BSK kids and families at the Marina Beach, Salmiya, Kuwait. The program started with a prayer rendered by Kumari Navya and launching of the iconic BSK kite by President Krishna Poojary.
The shades of the kites were very attractive with the kids' favorite cartoon characters. Kids enjoyed flying kites and parents recalled their childhood memories and played along with them. The gathered public in the beach was busy clicking photographs of the sky filled with colorful kites.
Face painting was another special attraction for the kids. Multi-talented, Sports Secretary, Amarnath Suvarna did the magic on the kids face. The programme was well hosted by Ashwita Surendra. Refreshment snacks and Juice was served during the event.
This was another successful event organized by the Billava Sangha Kuwait for the families and kids residing in Kuwait.


Lover of the written word, the way words transport you to worlds far away, imaginable or make belief. A firm lover of all things Merlin, Fairies, magic and dragons. The way people, small, tall, real or whisperings of reality act, react and interact. Love a good read.


text:
You are here: Home Documents Speech by Princess Laurentien in honor of the completion of the Omotemonbashi bridge in Nagasaki
Search within English part of Royal House of the Netherlands
Speech by Princess Laurentien in honor of the completion of the Omotemonbashi bridge in Nagasaki
Speech | 24-11-2017
Your Imperial Highnesses, ladies and gentlemen,
Congratulations on the completion of the Omotemonbashi of Dejima. I am honoured and humbled to be back in the beautiful country where I lived for three years when I was a teenager and to attend the opening of this very special bridge. This bridge is so much more than just a connection between Dejima and Nagasaki; it connects Nagasaki with the world. For many it is the fulfilment of a dream and we are lucky to be witnesses of this moment.
On behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I would like to convey my heartfelt appreciation for the efforts made by the Nagasaki government and population in restoring and reconstructing the Dutch trade post on Dejima to its former glory. Together with the Dutch Cemetery at Goshinji Temple it marks an historical example of our shared history.
This city has been working on this unique project for more than sixty years. The story of Dejima is your heritage, but the rebuilding of Dejima is your legacy! You have revived the Dejima of the early 19th century by reconstructing buildings and restoring the original atmosphere. Today, you are connecting Dejima to the outside world. And through this bridge you are demonstrating the multi-faceted value of culture and cultural heritage.
This moment, here, today, exemplifies that, by reviving the past and connecting it with the now, we inspire the future. The message of Dejima and the Omotemonbashi is inspiration: knowledge of Dejima will help future generations to have a better understanding of what once was and, even more importantly, what can be.
Nagasaki no Minna-sama, hontou ni otsukaresama deshita, soshite arigatou gozaimashita. Omotemonbashi no kansei wo ki ni, Nagasaki to oranda no kizuna ga sara ni tsuyoi mono ni natta koto to omoimasu.
Sate, watashi-tachi no senzo no ashi-ato wo tadotte, heiwa de, akarui mirai ni mukatte, kono hashi wo issho ni watarimashou.*
I look forward to meeting you all in Dejima! Thank you for your attention.
*"To all those in Nagasaki, I pay respect to your hard work, and thank you very much. The completion of the Omotemonbashi is the occasion on which the bond between Nagasaki and the Netherlands has become a stronger one. Let's now follow the footsteps of our ancestors and pass the bridge together on our way to a bright and peaceful future."
Princess Laurentien


Golf Vacations UK hosted an event at St Andrews Old Course for the Premier League Managers Association.
12 league managers were present for the tournament, including Gus Poyet, Glen Hoddle, Sean Dyche, Gary McAllister and David O'Leary.
The event was held over 3 days on the St Andrews Old Course, The St Andrews New Course and the Dukes. The players were hosted by the Old Course Hotel St Andrews.


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Beetlejuice is an American-Canadian animated television series which ran from September 9, 1989 to October 26, 1991 on ABC and, on Fox from September 9, 1991 to December 6, 1991. Loosely based on the 1988 film of the same name, it was developed and executive-produced by the film's director, Tim Burton. The series focus on the life of goth girl Lydia Deetz and her undead friend Beetlejuice as they explore the world, called The Neitherworld, a wacky afterlife realm inhabited by monsters, ghosts, ghouls and zombies. Danny Elfman's theme for the film was arranged for the cartoon by Elfman himself.
Genre: Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Comedy
Casts: Steven Ouimette, Alyson Court, Susan Roman, Len Carlson, Don Francks
Production: Nelvana Limited, Geffen Pictures, Warner Bros. Television
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A liability consent form is used to waive the liability or give consent to any event. It is mostly used by school or other educational institutes with minor students where the authorities often have to take permission from the parents so that the children can participate in various activities. Evens like field trips or excursions may see some unfortunate incidents even though the authorities are careful, and as a result of this parents may sue the school. By signing this form, the guardians give their consent and do not hold the educational institute liable for any damages of expenses taking place during that particular activity.
You can Download the Liability Consent Form, customize it according to your needs and Print. Liability Consent Form is either in MS Word and Editable PDF.


Two women in Quaker dress and bonnets are seated in a room in front of a bookcase.
This Wright Center for Science Education lesson plan (PDF) uses pasta as an analog to teach students how deep sea sediments are collected and analyzed to identify different foraminifera species in order to interpret global paleo temperature change. It includes National Science Education Standards as well as background information and images, a list of materials needed, a step-by-step photo-guided walk-through of the activity, evaluation questions, and reference list.


2.0. 2. Compatible with 9V 2A and 5V 2A.
3. For devices don't support Hisilicon Fast Charge or Quick Charge 2.0, the charging output will be 5V 2A.
4. Compact and lightweight, easy to carry.
5. AC 100-240V wide voltage, suitable for different needs.
6. Over-voltage / Over-current / Overheat / Overpower / Thunder strike / Electromagnetic field / Short circuit / Static protection.


Speaker Cable 100 ft, 16 Gauge, 2 Conductors oxygen free copper. Super flexible for easy installation, increases dynamic range, improves bass response, extends frequency response, provides highest quality sound, flame retardant for in-wall applications. UL listed. Connects speakers to amplifier/receiver. Oxygen-free copper wire provides maximum conductivity for signal transfer.


text:
/**********************************************************************/
/* Image Object */
mpld3.Image = mpld3_Image;
mpld3_Image.prototype = Object.create(mpld3_PlotElement.prototype);
mpld3_Image.prototype.constructor = mpld3_Image;
mpld3_Image.prototype.requiredProps = ["data", "extent"];
mpld3_Image.prototype.defaultProps = {
    alpha: 1.0,
    coordinates: "data",
    drawstyle: "none",
    zorder: 1
};

function mpld3_Image(ax, props) {
    mpld3_PlotElement.call(this, ax, props);
    this.coords = new mpld3_Coordinates(this.props.coordinates, this.ax);
}

mpld3_Image.prototype.draw = function() {
    this.image = this.ax.paths.append("svg:image")

    this.image = this.image
        .attr('class', 'mpld3-image')
        .attr('xlink:href', "data:image/png;base64," + this.props.data)
        .style('opacity', this.props.alpha)
        .attr("preserveAspectRatio", "none");
    this.updateDimensions();
};

mpld3_Image.prototype.elements = function(d) {
    return d3.select(this.image);
};

mpld3_Image.prototype.updateDimensions = function() {
    var extent = this.props.extent;
    this.image
        .attr("x", this.coords.x(extent[0]))
        .attr("y", this.coords.y(extent[3]))
        .attr("width", this.coords.x(extent[1]) - this.coords.x(extent[0]))
        .attr("height", this.coords.y(extent[2]) - this.coords.y(extent[3]));
};

// mpld3_Image.prototype.zoomed = function() {
//     this.updateDimensions();
// };

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Tonle Sap River, located in Cambodia's Kampong Chhnang Province, connects the mighty Mekong River to the Tonle Sap Great Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Tonle Sap River flows into the lake when the Mekong rises, and back out from the lake when the Mekong's water level is low. The water, nutrients, and fish carried by the Tonle Sap River from the Mekong are critical to the health of the lake's floodplains where flooded forests and shrubs provide critical habitat for aquatic life. The Tonle Sap ecosystem is one of the world's most productive and fish-abundant, and provides Cambodia with almost half of its total fish production. But the Tonle Sap River is threatened by illegal fishing activities, flooded forest deforestation, domestic waste, untreated industrial effluent, agrochemicals, and low water levels mainly due to large hydrodam development on the upstream Mekong. Tonle Sap River Waterkeeper will strengthen and mobilize community groups to protect the river from all threats by effectively conducting evidence-based advocacy programs that respond to harmful development policies and programs, and build a strong, unified voice for watershed protection.
Mr. Vouth Veurn is the Tonle Sap Waterkeeper and Acting Executive Director of Community Capacities for Development (CCD), sponsor of the Waterkeeper Organization. CCD is active in the efforts to save the Tonle Sap's fisheries from pollution and development threats as a member of the Fisheries Action Coalition Team led by Tonle Sap Lake Waterkeeper Senglong Youk. Since 2008, Vouth has been working with communities living around and on the Tonle Sap River, improving sustainable management of fishery resources, increasing opportunities for fishing communities to access alternative and better livelihoods, and increasing access to improved sanitary facilities. Vouth has served as a deputy program manager at International Relief & Development, and as a project manager for the Cambodia Climate Investment Fund of Live & Learn Cambodia. He is an active member of the Cooperation Committee for Cambodia, an NGO-membership organization, and serves as the deputy leader of the network in Kampong Chhnang Province. Vouth has a Bachelor's degree in Education Science from Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University.


text:
package de.v13dev.designpatterns.abstractfactory.products;

import de.v13dev.designpatterns.abstractfactory.factories.IPartsFactory;

public class ProductB extends AProduct {

    private final IPartsFactory partsFactory;

    public ProductB(IPartsFactory partsFactory) {
        this.partsFactory = partsFactory;
    }

    @Override
    public void prepareProduct() {
        this.name = "B";
        this.parts = partsFactory.createParts();
    }

}


There's no denying it: we are more connected to the rest of the world than ever before.
While it is amazing that we can hop on a flight and be on the other side of the world a day later, globalization and increasing travel have brought serious consequences to Mother Nature. However, keeping the environment in mind doesn't have to be so hard as long as you choose the right country to travel to. Here are our top choices for an eco-friendly escape, where you can both have fun and know you are doing something great for Planet Earth.
PHOTO: View from the top of Pulpit Rock.
Quite possibly the most beautiful country we have ever visited, Norway is full of eco-adventures for any time of the year. During the winter, try your luck at photographing the Northern Lights over the snowcapped mountains and fjords of the Lofoten Islands. There are also numerous opportunities throughout the country for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding, activities which can have minimal environmental impact.
During the warm and sunny summer months, enjoy the endless hiking opportunities in the south of the country. Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten are two of Norway's most famous treks. Pulpit Rock rises 600 meters above Lyesfjord and is said to have some of the best views in all of Norway; Kjeragbolten is a unique, five-meter boulder wedged into a mountain crevasse.
From captivating cloud forests to blissful beaches, nobody does eco like Costa Rica. And with 26 National Parks, there is no shortage of environmental experiences to discover. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, then head south to the Osa Peninsula—and more precisely to Corcovado National Park. The park is dubbed one of the most biologically intense places on Earth with some thirteen different ecosystems, and 2 percent of the world's biodiversity is contained on this tiny peninsula.
La Fortuna is another hot spot for adventure in Costa Rica. Here you can find all sorts of tours from horseback riding to whitewater rafting to spending an evening in a natural hot spring river. And don't miss the opportunity to indulge in a locally grown chocolate tour and tasting!
A Note: Many businesses have picked up on the ecotourism trend and claim to be eco-friendly when, in fact, they are not. Make sure to do your research beforehand to ensure you are booking responsibly.
Grab your tent and hit the road because New Zealand is calling your name. You won't want to spend a minute indoors with all the trails and spectacular surrounding scenery. New Zealand has a much less extreme climate compared to Norway or Costa Rica, so you'll be able to enjoy more of your time outdoors without worrying about freezing to death or getting a heat stroke. There are also loads of campsites all around the island making it easy to maximize your time in nature.
Some of New Zealand's unique eco-attractions are its glaciers. At the heart of Southwest New Zealand is the UNESCO World Heritage Area that includes Glacier Country. A visit to Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers will certainly not disappoint.
Another one of New Zealand's claims to fame is the birth of the Bungy Jump. Take the leap off of Kawarau Bridge the 'World Home of Bungy Jumping.' Or if you're feeling bold, tackle the Nevis, a 134-meter fall from a cable car positioned between two mountains.
Nothing says eco quite like an African safari. If you are looking to catch a glimpse of the classic African animals, go no further than Tanzania. You'll find all sorts of environmentally friendly accommodation here, from eco-huts to our personal favorite—glamping. Serengeti National Park, the oldest and most famous of Tanzania's 14 National Parks, has been recently proclaimed a World Wide Wonder. You'll have a chance to see thousands of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle as well as enormous elephants and grazing giraffes. The Serengeti also has the impressive cats, which include the speedy cheetahs, lazy lions, and solitary leopards.
World-renowned for its environmental policies and commitment to sustainability, taking care of the environment is a way of life in Australia. A couple of must-see attractions include a visit the Australia Zoo an hour north of Brisbane and a swim among the largest coral reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef.
One of my most memorable eco-experiences was sailing through the Whitsunday Islands. The epitome of the natural beauty of the 74 pristine islands is at Whitehaven Beach, named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by CNN.
The world's largest rainforest may get all the hype, but there is much more to Brazil than the Amazon jungle alone. We combined our Amazon experience with a trip to the Pantanal, the world's largest wetland, where the main attraction is an opportunity to see South America's largest cat, the jaguar.
On the border of Argentina and Brazil is Iguazu Falls, a massive cascade of 275 waterfalls stretching 2.7 kilometers. The 1200-meter trail on the Brazilian side will take you adjacent to the falls, providing a fabulous panoramic view. At the end of the path is a platform that offers a look into the Devil's Throat, a large u-shaped chasm where nearly half of the rivers water drops over 80 meters.
These are just a few of our favorite destinations for an eco-friendly trip, but the truth of the matter is that almost any vacation can be made environmentally friendly, if you take the time to do your research. Next week we'll be sharing a few of our favorite eco-travel tips, so stay tuned for more!
Where is your favorite destination for an eco-friendly trip?


In this series we'll introduce you to the business buffs, the innovative thinkers, and the practical jokers who have kept Cedar Fort in business for so long. We'll also discuss some of the principles and ideas that have helped us succeed. We feel blessed to have grown so much, especially in the past few years while publishing as an industry has faced some serious challenges.
There will always be obstacles ahead, but we've found that when we combine new ideas and technology with the proven principles of the book business, we continually recreate our own niche in the market and develop products that significantly change lives.
In essence, we take the best of both the old and new and put those ideas to work for our customers: our authors, our readers, our buyers, and our employees.
Cedar Fort, Inc. officially began operating on May 23, 1986, off Geneva Road in Orem, Utah. At the time, we had only two employees. We started as a printing broker and distributor. After working with other publishers, we realized that we could produce books more efficiently than the competition. By our second year of business, we were setting and exceeding goals in the sales and production of our own titles.
1986 – Cedar Fort, Inc., began business with the idea of serving our customers more efficiently.
1987 – Lyle Mortimer became the first publisher in Utah, possibly in the nation, to typeset a book on a Mac.
1988 – Beyond the Veil Vol. 1 by Lee Nelson debuted to instant success.
1992 – Moved to a new location on Main Street in Springville.
1993 – Began using Acumen software to track inventory, calculate author royalties, and manage payroll.
1994 – Began using Adobe Photoshop to create covers.
1996 – Incorporated the idea of short runs and print-on-demand for our backlist titles by collaborating with a local printer.
1996 – Began selling to Barnes and Noble.
1997 – Hired our first bookkeeper for AP/AR, Cindy Bunce. She still works with us but will retire in 2015.
1998 – Put heavier emphasis on publishing and increased number of titles published annually.
2000 – Began selling to Walmart.
2001 – Hired our sales manager, Angie Harris.
2002 – Published Isaiah Made Easier by David Ridges, which resulted in the Gospels Made Easier series.
May 2004 – Acquired Horizon Publishers, which was then the oldest existing independent LDS publisher.
Nov. 2004 – Acquired Pioneer Plus Gifts, which was the oldest LDS jewelry company in the marketplace.
June 2006 – Bryce returned from London England, after serving a full-time mission for the LDS church and began working full-time at Cedar Fort as the PR manager.
Nov. 2006 – Moved into our own building at 2373 W 700 S, Springville.
2007 – Grew to roughly 13 employees.
2008 – Published The Shell Game by Steve Alten, selling 40,000 copies in one month. Reached #31 on NYT Bestseller list.
2009 – Published Shattered Silence by Melissa Moore, who was featured three times on Oprah, three times on Dr. Phil, and also featured on Gerald, 20/20 and Good Morning America.
2010 – Bryce Mortimer named as Vice President.
2011 – Welcomed New York Times bestselling romance writer Carla Kelly as a Cedar Fort author.
2011 – Bryce Mortimer named as President and Katreina Eden as Vice President.
Aug. 2011 – Divided our team into genre facets (work groups) to provide a better experience for our authors and increase workflow efficiency.
Nov. 2013 – Completed construction on an additional 16,000 square feet of warehouse space.
2014 – Distributed The Saratov Approach on Blu-ray and DVD as our debut in the film industry. Pre-sold 100,000 copies, non-returnable.
2014 – Grew to 62 employees.
2015 – Listed in Publisher's Weekly as one of the top 12 fastest-growing publishing companies.
As we look to the future, we know it will require us to think creatively and continue to innovate. We're excited to keep growing and developing a wide range of products that will entertain, enlighten, and educate.
You may have noticed a few familiar names in the timeline above. Cedar Fort's vision and execution would not have been possible without Lyle Mortimer, Lee Nelson, Bryce Mortimer, and Katreina Eden. They and their families have contributed countless hours to the success of our company. At our core, Cedar Fort is a family business, so we'd like to introduce you to our publishers and their families.
Lyle and Sheila Mortimer have seven children and 22 grandchildren. They have lived in Springville for 25 years. Lyle is a marathon runner and recorded personal records for the last two years in a row. Lyle is also passionate about scouting. In February 2015, he was awarded The District Award of Merit for his work on a Klondike that included 600 scouts and leaders. We think he picked up his skills as a rubber-band shooter from his boy scouts. As a young man, Lyle served an LDS mission in Samoa, serving his entire mission on the island of Niue; he and Sheila look forward to serving a mission together. Each of Lyle's children has worked for Cedar Fort in some capacity.
Lee and Sharon Nelson are the parents of eight children. They live in Mapleton, Utah. As a bestselling author, Lee has long enjoyed working in publishing and helping others succeed in telling their own stories. His historical novels have sold hundreds of thousands of copies since his first novel was released in 1981. Lee has also published a score of non-fiction works including the top-selling Beyond the Veil series. He was born in Logan, Utah, but spent most of his childhood in California. After serving an LDS mission in Germany, he earned a bachelor's degree in English and a Masters Degree in Business, both from Brigham Young University. Each of Lee's children has spent time working for Cedar Fort.
Bryce Mortimer and his wife, Jessica, have one son, Lyam. They have been married since 2007 and recently moved from Spanish Fork to Santaquin. Like his dad, Bryce loves scouting and spending time outdoors. He's also passionate about aviation and is close to getting his pilot's license. Bryce served a mission in London, England. We all look forward to the day we can put Lyam to work at Cedar Fort, just like his father and grandfather before him. But for now he serves as our unofficial mascot and chief cuteness officer.
Katreina Eden grew up in the Midwest, eventually landing in California where she went to law school and then ran her own law firm for a number of years. In addition to working as Cedar Fort's executive vice president, Katreina also owns and operates Organiwic, LLC, an all-natural candle company, with her sister. She enjoys being out in nature and spending time with family. In 2014, Katreina published her first book with Cedar Fort, Bible Bands.
Whether you're an author, a book seller, a reviewer, or just a fan stopping by to read our blog, we want to welcome you into our Cedar Fort family and invite you to join us as we continue to combine the best of the old and new in publishing and look forward to a future full of opportunity.
We've passed your inquiry on to one of our acquisitions editors.
What a heartwarming success story! Thanks for sharing your history.


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Tulum: Why Mexico's favourite celebrity getaway is also great for a family holiday
Half the charm of Tulum is its split personality. Part adventure holiday destination, part Instagrammable yoga retreat, much of its appeal is its ability to make everyone feel it's the holiday destination of their dreams.
Tulum, Mexico. Photo: iStock
The first time we visited it was a happy accident whilst looking for a reprieve from the stifling heat of Austin, Texas. Friends who had recently returned from Cancun recommended we check out the quieter areas of Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Desperate for a sea breeze we flew the very next day with our two pre-school children.
The strip between Cancun and Tulum is littered with large resorts, so cheap during the off-season it seems as if you're making a profit in guacamole alone! Competition is fierce amongst these resorts, resulting in excellent casual Mexican food, formal dining restaurants, cafes, ice-cream parlours and as much corn chips, guacamole and margaritas as you can shake a lick of salt at (top shelf tequila being one of the only things you need to pay extra for). The kids clubs feels reassuringly Americanised (if it's good enough for litigious Yanks!) and the all-inclusive price makes it completely relaxing.
The author's sons meet a local iguana, 2016. Photo: supplied
The pristine resort was by no means cut-off from nature's wonders though, and enormous iguanas roamed the paths to the many restaurants and pelicans dive bombed the ocean while we swam.
The gated compound wasn't easy to leave, but we rented a car to visit the beautiful Mayan ruins (hot work carrying small children but worth it) and explore the outskirts of town and beginnings of the jungle. A highlight was seeing a spider the size of a dinner plate crossing the road in front of us on the way back from Coba.
It was an amazing holiday full of wonderful memories, and alarmingly well-priced considering what we would've spent on Fiji at the same time of year (October school holidays). Whilst super relaxing, the all-inclusive resort made me aware we'd seen a heavily sanitised version of Tulum and I wanted more.
The first Tulum holiday, 2014. Photo: supplied
So two years later we went back. Adventurous spirits buoyed by advancing age (children now aged 5 and 6), we ventured out into Tulum proper.
Tulum Beach is a curious mix of honeymooners and wanderlusters, all vying to capture the most instagrammable holiday ever. The beachfront resorts range from the eye-wateringly expensive to the very basic. All have a beautifully quaint feel and many are still happily without WIFI and using generator power. Much of this accommodation bills itself as eco-resorts and many places offer dedicated yoga retreats or at the very least offer daily yoga classes and meditation.
Away from the beach, Tulum Pueblo is where those in the know head for a more genuine Mexican experience. Here, you can get carne asada with all the trappings for 30 pesos (around NZD$2). Of course, sitting on slightly grubby plastic furniture isn't quite the same as dining in a beautifully situated resort. Luckily there are some happy mediums along the strip of beach down from the ruins. Here you will find some of the best ceviche you'll ever eat and delicious cocktails served in the ubiquitous coconut. Be aware that these beachfront cafes close before 7pm – one of the differences between Tulum and its hard-partying neighbour Cancun!
Along the other end of the beach, past most of the resorts, lie several world-class restaurants. The most well-known of these, Hartwood, has sadly been closed for the off-season both times we have visited. That and the cheaper prices are really the only signs we've seen of an off-season – the weather has been glorious during each visit, although the warm sea was rather wild (and alas, no signs of nesting or hatching turtles in October).
The author and her family pedal-boating an underwater cenote pool, Tulum. Photo: supplied
It's not all coconut water and beach yoga; Tulum is action station both in the water and on-land. The Yucatan Peninsula is home to many fresh water cenotes ('sacred wells'). The Mayans settled around these water sources and considered them spiritual, and it's hard to imagine the water being any clearer then than it is now. They've been meticulously protected and are stunning pools of sparkling jade, absolutely freezing but teeming with life. Dos Ojos is one of the better known; the 'two eyes' in the name refer to two pools – one light and open and the other cavernous and spooky. Both offer incredible fresh water snorkelling opportunities. Those with more adventurous tastes can look up any number of diving excursions through underground cenotes.
For an open-air freshwater snorkelling experience you can't go past Yal Kul Lagoon. Partway between Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, it's a large lagoon seething with colourful fish and plant life. It's possible to swim out to sea from Yal Kul but not particularly appealing; as the freshwater hits the salt water it gets incredibly murky. As with the cenotes, you are prohibited from wearing sunblock in the lagoon and must shower before entering.
Swimming a cenote near Tulum. Photo: iStock
In a similar vein to Australia's Gold Coast there are theme parks along the highway between Cancun and Tulum. Of these, X-Plor is easily the best; so good in fact that we would go back to Tulum just to go again! Upon arrival you are fitted with a helmet and harness, everything else is locked away including wallets and phones. You zip-line over jungle tops, crash into water and swim through cenotes. Whenever you need it, you crawl out of the water, lie in a hammock and order a smoothie. The buffet restaurant is brimming with wholefoods and it's one inclusive price. Plus, your helmet records photos that you receive at the end. I've never been to Disneyland but I have a hard time believing it could be better than X-Plor!
We are revisiting Tulum for a third time next April when we are attending a Noma restaurant pop up. Now that our children are older again we will aim to head further inland after we have our beach fix, to see what the jungle has to offer us. Hopefully tarantulas and howler monkeys are on the itinerary.
beach Central America Family Holidays jungle Mexico resort theme park travel tulum Uncover
Rebecca Wadey
Rebecca Wadey is an Auckland-based fashion writer, PR manager and wellness advocate.
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An Incident at Perkins
An experience that Sassafras and I had a few years ago in Kalamazoo, MI, is worth relating. We had stopped at a Perkins and noticed they had a new menu with new items. I explained to our server that my wife was allergic to MSG and we knew the Perkins menu pretty well, but we would like to ask some questions about the new items. She said that Perkins didn't use MSG. "He looked kind of shocked... [over their use of] MSG"We had heard this at a couple of other Perkins locations in Michigan and I took umbrage to it. She very pleasantly said that her Regional manager was in the store. She asked if I would like to talk to him since he was the one that had told them that in a meeting. Well, I went and met him and he assured me that Perkins used no MSG. I questioned him on this and told him what would happen if my wife ate something that had MSG in it. He said that he had just returned from a training seminar in Tennessee and they had told him that Perkins did not use MSG. When I started to tell him the dishes that I knew for sure contained MSG, he took his cell phone off of his belt and made a call, asking me to hold on a minute. He started to talk to somebody and told him what I had said about MSG being in his menu. He looked kind of shocked and when he hung up, apologized to me. He said the Corporate Trainer he talked to clarified it for him. Perkins did not add any MSG, and they did not use any products like Lowry's or Mrs. Dash at their restaurants, but much of the food they serve is prepared and frozen at a regional center and that this center did use MSG to enhance the flavor so that it could be frozen and then microwaved.
This gentleman was so apologetic I felt sorry for him. He willingly accepted a couple of pages of information concerning MSG. They were a copy of the list of ingredients that contain MSG and the list of symptoms that can come from its use. As an addendum to this story, we bumped into him in an East Grand Rapids, MI location a few months later and he recognized us. He said he had something to show us. In the restaurants operations manual he had added the handouts we gave him and said he had put it in every operations manual in his region. He also said that he had shared it with other regional managers, but couldn't attest to if they were going to use it as well. We thanked him. By the way, this didn't make the food safer at Perkins. 80% of their menu still contains excitotoxins, but it made the experience of eating there safer because their management and wait staff were now aware of excitotoxins and that they were found in the Perkins menu.


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5 Great Math Books for Middle School Students
Home/Teachers/5 Great Math Books for Middle School Students
Answering the question "When will I ever use this?" is much easier when math books for middle school students are great reads that show mathematics in the real world.
Ten math books for middle school students have been declared the 2018 winners of the Mathical Book Prize, given by the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute in Berkeley, California, to inspire a love of math in kids' everyday world. The books recognized are fiction and non-fiction publications of all types that link literature and math. The Institute's mission is "to advance mathematical research, foster talent, and further the appreciation and understanding of mathematics."
Five of this year's award winners for students aged 11-13 are:
Giant Pumpkin Suite
Written by Melanie Heuiser Hill, this is a fictional coming-of-age story about Rose Brutigan. Math becomes a theme as Rose grows seven inches in eight months and becomes even more different from her twin brother, Thomas. He is devoted to growing a giant pumpkin in the neighbor's yard while Rose concentrates on her music and winning a cello competition. But growth and change challenges Rose throughout the summer and a serious accident is a turning point in this math book for middle school students that tells a story of a community and friendships.
By Sue Hamilton|2018-03-08T11:35:35-05:00March 8th, 2018|Teachers|Comments Off on 5 Great Math Books for Middle School Students
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Cricket World Cup 1987. Classic matches and memorable performances. Excerpts from Indra Vikram Singh's book 'The Big Book of World Cup Cricket'
By singhiv May 10, 2019 Allan Border Allan Lamb Chetan Sharma Courtney Walsh Cricket World Cup 1987 David Boon David Houghton Graham Gooch Martin Crowe Prince Indra Vikram Singh of Rajpipla (Teddy) Reliance World Cup 1987 Steve Waugh The Big Book of World Cup Cricket 1975-2011 Vivian Richards
Steve Waugh
Reigning champions India crash to 1-run defeat in opening encounter https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/reigning-champions-india-crash-to-1-run-defeat-in-opening-encounter-of-world-cup-1987
Allan Lamb
The Caribbean tale of woe https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/caribbean-tale-of-woe-1987-world-cup-allan-lamb
Vivian Richards
Awesome power of record-breaker Richards https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/sk-flashback-awesome-power-of-record-breaker-richards-in-the-reliance-world-cup-1987
Courtney Walsh
The incredible last over in the West Indies vs Pakistan face-off https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/incredible-last-over-west-indies-vs-pakistan-face-off-world-cup-1987
Martin Crowe
Narrow escape for Kiwis, glory to Houghton https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/sk-flashback-narrow-escape-for-kiwis-glory-to-houghton-in-the-world-cup-1987
Chetan Sharma strikes three out of three https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/sk-flashback-chetan-sharma-strikes-three-out-of-three-in-the-world-cup-1987
Thrills galore in a truncated game between Trans-Tasman rivals https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/sk-flashback-thrills-galore-in-a-truncated-game-between-trans-tasman-rivals-in-the-world-cup-1987
Graham Gooch
Gooch outsmarts Indians in the semi-final https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/gooch-outsmarts-indians-in-the-world-cup-1987-semi-final
(Author Indra Vikram Singh can be contacted on email singh_iv@hotmail.com).
Follow his blogs: https://singhiv.wordpress.com/ https://indravikramsingh.blogspot.com/
The Big Book of World Cup Cricket 1975-2011
Published in India by Sporting Links
ISBN 978-81-901668-4-3 Available on Amazon at an attractive price https://www.amazon.in/dp/8190166840
Posted in Books, Cricket, Sports


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Home > Uncategorized > The 10 Things We're Most Excited to See at Comic-Con
The 10 Things We're Most Excited to See at Comic-Con
Let's get this out of the way right off the bat: It's kinda hard to get stoked about this year's Comic-Con International. The annual San Diego confab is typically a bellwether of everything coming to screens big and small. There are usually sneak peeks of future blockbusters and surprise announcements about comic-book heroes getting their own movies. Often, big-name actors come out to surprise fans. This year, though, the con feels downsized. Warner Bros., the studio typically responsible for one of the biggest panels in the convention's legendary Hall H, isn't putting on a big show. If Lucasfilm is bringing anything—like J. J. Abrams and a massive orchestra—it has done a remarkable job keeping it quiet. Marvel announced somewhat last-minute that there would be a presentation on the future of its cinematic universe, but with Avengers: Endgame in the history books, it's unclear what the studio will have to show. That said, the absence of some big players leaves room for unexpected surprises. As WIRED packs up for sunny Southern California, here are the panels and presentations we have our eyes on.
The Batwoman CW Show
Fans of Kate Kane, aka Batwoman, have been eagerly—and nervously—awaiting an adaptation of her comic-book run for some time now. This fall they'll get their wish when Batwoman, which stars Orange Is the New Black actor Ruby Rose as the lesbian superheroine, premieres on The CW. Attendees at Comic-Con, however, will get a chance to see the premiere early; they'll also be treated to Q&As with the cast and an appearance from Rose on the Women Who Kick Ass panel on Saturday.
The Marvel Hall H Panel
Marvel skipped Comic-Con in 2018, but it's coming back this year to bring fans … something. It's expected that head honcho Kevin Feige will be laying the groundwork for Marvel's next phase, but what that means is anyone's guess. Perhaps a look at The Eternals movie? Or Shang-Chi? We likely won't know until it's happening.
The Game of Thrones Reunion
So, the Game of Thrones panel is a bit of an anomaly. The show is over, so it's not like HBO needs to drum up hype for a new season. Presumably, this will be a big "Wasn't that cool, guys?" reunion panel—Isaac Hempstead Wright (Bran Stark), Maisie Williams (Arya Stark), Jacob Anderson (Grey Worm), John Bradley (Samwell Tarly), Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister), and others are all expected to attend—but whether it'll be a victory lap or an apology tour to address fans' disappointments over the finale remains to be seen.
Lots of Star Trek
Star Trek is Comic-Con canon. People come to celebrate the franchise even when it's in somewhat dormant phases. This year, though, the Enter the Star Trek Universe panel on Saturday will feature not only the current fan-beloved show Star Trek: Discovery but also Star Trek: Picard and the upcoming animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks. Beam up.
Terminator: Dark Fate Scaring Chauvinists
It's easy to be skeptical about a new Terminator film. It's a beloved franchise, but it's been awhile since there was a good movie in the franchise. This skepticism immediately evaporates when one hears director Tim Miller (Deadpool) say that Mackenzie Davis' character, Grace, will "scare the fuck" out of misogynists. This panel happens early in the con but could easily end up ruling the show.
The Witcher Attempting to Bewitch Hall H
The Witcher is one of a few high-profile projects Netflix is bringing to Comic-Con this year, and everyone will be watching to see how the crowd responds. The series, based on the fantasy books by Andrzej Sapkowski, will focus on a monster hunter named Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) in "an epic tale of fate and family." The new Game of Thrones? We'll see. Added bonus: Henry Cavill in a wig.
A Glimpse of His Dark Materials
Speaking of fantasy adaptations, HBO's small-screen version of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials books has been in the works for a while. Hopefully the show's panel, which will feature James McAvoy (Lord Asriel), Dafne Keen (Lyra), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Lee Scoresby), and Ruth Wilson (Mrs. Coulter), will have some footage to show beyond the short tease HBO released earlier this year.
A Sneak Peek at Westworld's Next Season
Also on HBO's slate: Westworld. The last season of the sci-fi drama was whiplash-inducing, and season three promises to be even more of a brain-bender. Producers Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy will be on hand—along with most of the cast—to shed some light.
An Early Look at The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
Netflix is promising a look at its prequel series for Jim Henson's classic 1982 film at Comic-Con. The show, which is being done with classic puppetry and modern VFX, could be magical—or not. Fingers crossed that it's a wonderful journey and not a trip into the uncanny valley.
The New Snowpiercer Show
Hey, remember how cool Snowpiercer was? Great, because TBS is making a whole show out of it. The network is bringing stars Jennifer Connelly, Daveed Diggs, Alison Wright, and others to the convention to offer "an exclusive first look" at the series premiere, which hits TBS in early 2020. TBS is also bringing "bug bars." So there's that.
Read more: https://www.wired.com/story/comic-con-anticipation/
Tagged Comic-Conculturemoviestv
Demi Lovato Back To Her Old Ways! Mariah Carey Debuts With A Dud! AND… | Perez Hilton – Perez Hilton
Disney to pull all its movies off Netflix
'Marvel's Spider-Man' is actually a lesson in becoming a good boyfriend
How Potentially Great Movies Got Derailed By Offscreen BS


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Poinsettias, California
The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection
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Date Issued: 1903 - 1904
Place: Detroit
Publisher: Detroit Publishing Company
Shelf locator: MFY 95-29
Content: 1903-1904.
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Postcard series number: DPC# 7005
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The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. "Poinsettias, California" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1903 - 1904. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-9c1e-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
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The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. "Poinsettias, California" New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed January 28, 2023. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-9c1e-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. (1903 - 1904). Poinsettias, California Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-9c1e-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
<ref name=NYPL>{{cite web | url=https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-9c1e-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 | title= (still image) Poinsettias, California, (1903 - 1904) |author=Digital Collections, The New York Public Library |accessdate=January 28, 2023 |publisher=The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox, and Tilden Foundations}}</ref>


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Etikett: Biologi
Nature-Culture Sociology; Constructivism, Realism and Molecular Biology.
Publicerat av Daniel Holm den 3 november, 2015
MacNaghten & Urry states that they are "concerned" with the relation of sociology and nature/environment – how the latter has been focused on and "conceptualised" (MacNaghten & Urry, 1995, p. 203). MacNaghten & Urry find that "nature Is elaborately entangled and fundamentally bound up with the social and the cultural." (Ibid.), and describes sociology as a autonomous discipline that can be applied on other areas, such as biology or environmental studies – but that the social side of it for a very long time has been distinct. What they seem to mean is that there was a though of nature ans culture as being separated, as in the environmental realism way, and has over time moved over to a more environmental constructivistic idea, where they stay and which Lidskog talks about and I will come back to. But later the social scientist has to address for "the social impacts and implications of environmental problems", which was initiated by natural scientists (A.a., p. 204). MacNaghten & Urry therefore talks about the social scientist's failure of breaking the ice with the study of environmental change.
Woodgate & Redclift (1998) tries to offer a way between constructivism and realism in their article. They, to begin with, thinks that the "agenda of constructivist sociology" is too 'restrictive', and that it needs a more 'balanced' view of the "relationship between society and its underlying material or natural conditions" (Woodgate & Redclift, 1998, p. 7). They also state that we need to accept nature as both material and as a set of culturally generated symbols – one side "implies the other" – as without the physical environment we would have nothing to construct socially, and the constructions are the element of the social construction (ibid.). Although being more set in realism. By citing Hannigan, they state that environmental problems are materialized, not by themselves, but by constructing them, defining them, just as other social problems such as domestic violence (Woodgate & Redclift, 1998, p. 4). They then go on asking "to what extent is this a problem of their own making?" (referring also to MacNaghten & Urry), meaning that these issues are constructed socially and then not really a problem to everyone. – not necessary over time and across societies. What they mean is cited back from Lutzenhiser saying that natural science tend to 'exclude' human behaviour, as do sociologists tend to exclude "the physical and environment" (A.a., p. 5). The environment cannot only be "represented trough social construction" but also "the creation of human activity", which in turn affects the environment. This, according to Woodgate & Redclift, leads us to "consider not only the claims that are made against nature, but also the material transformation of nature" (A.a., p. 6).
Woodgate & Redclift does, however, also cite Dunlap & Catton stating that "deconstruction does not render the environment any less real" (A.a., p. 7; emphasizes added). That everything is actually socially constructed and that there is nothing before the social moment, but moving onto even discusses that an constructivistic approach also is critical of the realists. This, by referring to Buttel, is presented as the knowledge of the environment is not a 'mirror' of the natural world, but a social observation. (A.a., p. 9). What they are concerned with is the material part of the nature or environment, meaning that a stone is a stone in the realism way, but that we still do a sociological observation of this material and define it as being a stone. (A.a., p. 8, Realism). Or, like they talk about later, the "difference between natural ecosystems and those that have been modified for the production of food" in agriculture by human society (A.a., p. 9).1 By linking "ecological understanding with mainstream sociological though", Woodgate & Redclift, shows that society and human conditions 'bears' the structure and provide context to the relation between society and nature (A.a., p. 18). That there is like self-evolving circle between society and nature.
Lidskog, on the other hand, tries to 'alleviate' the dichotomy between (environmental) realism an constructivism. Environmental realism is the attempt to bring ecology into sociology. However, nature do have an impact on us as a society as well, and nature has a social space of interpretation (Lidskog, 2001, p. 129). Lidskog also states the the lack of progress in the overall, global, transformation against a more environmental friendly development, the idea of a sustainable development with less environmental problems is "deeply embedded" in our modern society's fabric. If no changes in our social fundamental and structures are made, the problems will instead increase (A.a., p. 113). The problem is, therefore, the neglected "social dimension when discussing environmental problems." (A.a., p. 114). Referring to a number of authors, Lidskog brings up 're-naturalization', but then states that, that would be "anything but unproblematic" (A.a., p. 115). Nature has been increasingly contested and has created these to "main parties" that are realism and constructivism, where Lidskog adds that there is a need, and by using his article, to critically discuss the need of ecological aspects "in the sociological analysis of environment" (Ibid.) – also by pretty much as MacNaghten & Urry does, by using them as juxtapositions.2 Lidskog states that the issue with environmental constructivism is that the focus in sociology "should be on the social processes", meaning "ecological awareness does not have any necessary reference to conditions in the natural environment" (A.a., p. 119). Environmental problems are constructed by "individuals and organisations" that define them. Environmental issues doesn't 'derive' from a simple an neutral view of reality, but by adding the risk as it what it means for us as a society – the focus of what social process that makes us think, or 'perceive' nature as "ecologically damaged" (Ibid.). The realism part, according to Lidskog is the argue of a 're-naturalaziation' of society – this because that "society's ecological basis needs to be taken into consideration by sociology" (A.a., p. 117).
Lidskog sees environmental realism as a interdisciplinary of human ecology, while environmental constructivistic science is within the area of sociology (A.a., p. 120). This, practically, means the "saving of the Earth" in realism, and finding a solution as a culture and society in constructivism. About environmental realism Lidskog says:
"Environmental realism offers an ecological framework for examining societal-environmental interactions which implies that social phenomena have to be examined in conjunction with phenomena on other levels" (A.a., p. 121).
MacNaghten & Urry talks about "modernity" and "human exceptionalism", and their constituted relationship of humans and nature. It is especially presented by the use of the word 'juxtaposition' – I would say, since it creates a contrast point of nature and society, while the constructivism standpoint is funded on them being intertwined. Although talking about these two 'transformations' from the 'materialization' of nature, to the 'construction' of it (MacNaghten & Urry, 1995, p. 205). MacNaghten & Urry describes how sociology may help to 'illuminate' social differences in views of the environment, and how it can be 'evaluated'; how, and what, the issues has been seen as over time and in different societies, for example (A.a., p. 210). They mean that sociology has a lot to offer the studies of the environment, that not necessary may be explained or, rather, analysed and approached – this by relating environmental issues to the culture and policies of a given society, or period of time. This is, as they put it, a contrast to the naïve realism that puts most value on being subjected to the mote scientific view – that the issue get clearer because our scientific knowledge develops it, pushes it forward – being cumulative. Their last element of their discussion is the role of the environment as being the "structural formation and cultural transformation" of our societies (A.a., p. 214). In their conclusion, MacNaghten & Urry talks about 'space and time', and relate this into this juxtaposition that is nature and society by stating the nature is timeless, while society is dynamic in the sense of it changing over time:
"[S]ocial time involves change, progress and decay, while natural phenomena are either timeless or can operate with a conception of reversible time." (A.a., p. 217).
I relate this to a part from the documentary The Unbelievers (2013), starring Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss. Near the end of the documentary Krauss holds a lecture during some kind of global atheist science symposium-thing, where he speaks about science and science theory; more specifically Krauss talks about the theory of evolution, as for example, does not care for the future or the past, since that is not what a theory is – at least not for natural science. Evolution just is; it's an explantation of our species and how we became, as animals, what we are – how life evolved. But, Krauss states, while evolution can't see into the future of a species' needs, our human minds can. And I think that this is rather telling for what also MacNaghten & Urry talks about; that natural science explains our world as it is, without the values and ability to seek the need – either for our past, present or future – but we, as humans in a society and with culture, are. Just like
MacNaghten & Urry states at the end: "culture has been necessary to rescue nature" (A.a., p. 218).
Maybe from ourselves.
The shift in molecular biology that Rheinberger talks about is in short the way of using medicine for understanding, which leads to medical help, has moved onto rewriting – creating: "With DNA technology, molecular biology has turned, in less than twenty years, from a mode of discovery into a praxis of invention." (A.a., p. 256). Or that biophysicist, biochemists and alike has gone from watching molecules in test-tubes and see the reactions occurring in the organism that are analysed, to construct the objects and molecules carrying instructions.; the "organism itself is turned into a laboratory" (A.a., p. 252). To make changes in our DNA, hence construct new ways for our life's to keep on going -. perhaps without need of medical help in the future.
"Molecular biology is joining forces with the human genetics counselling system, the medico-technical complex, the biotech industry and forensic medicine and in doing so will institute a new medical paradigm: molecular medicine." (Rheinberger, 1995, p. 254).
The focus is healthy genes. (A.a., p. 254). "Will medicine become a practice of tailoring molecules?", Rheinberger asks. The discourse of this 'genetic scripture' imposes on our perception of 'the living' (A.a., p. 255).
"it will replace the technology of big instruments in diagnostics and in therapy with the more subtle, direct, and causal technology of molecular screening, replacement, and transformation of bits of the genetic text." (Ibid.).
The social parts of diseases, or rather diagnoses, might also change as a result of genetic manipulation. Stigmatized 'diseases' as ADHD, Aspergers syndrome and even forms of cancer, might be decreased – both medically and socially – although if happens less, the stigma could get worse.
What comes along with these developments is also a question of "who will shoulder the responsibility"? (A.a., p. 256).
By manipulating DNA we could do a whole lot of things to us as a species – both ecologically/genetically as well as socially. What we wish for in humans and other animals, socially and culturally, is transferred and constructed in DNA (A.a., p. 257). The current discussion of genome is 'subverting' the "perception of history" where there previously has been a clear distinction between natural history and social history (Ibid.). We have today the means and technology of changing what we perceive as less good into what we perceive as more socially accepted – "to change our natural history"; what Rheinberger means as "the natural condition of mankind itself will turn into a social construct" – resulting in making even less "good sense" (ibid.).
Rheinberger moves on discussing how "[t]here will be unintended inventions, and there will be unintended consequences from intended inventions." (A.a., p. 258). As technology changes, and develops, so will that it means to me 'normal' and 'not normal'.
Aggression, which is considered to be less charming in our society as many other characteristics could possible be removed from our genome. Agrees, which might have been an advantage in our past – and might be in a future we know nothing about – but isn't really a necessity in our current society. Aggression, which I would say is linked to the social contract that Thomas Hobbes talks about; life being "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short" – a "war of all against all" – as the natural state (Hobbes, 1651), might be obliterated with a manipulation our or genome. Maybe even making us create a new social contract – or at least using our social contract to create a 'more evolved' human species; a homo mitiores.3 I mean that the social contract, that we now live in with our societies and states (although Hobbes not really liked the idea of the State) could instead pave the way for a new natural order based on that initial social contract that came to be from the old natural order, that was brutish and short – violent. And with less aggression, which is looked on shamefully and as something non-wished for, the natural state could get less, or not at all, brutish and violent (and short) and instead much happier – by nature. An artificial nature, but a new nature still. A social contract that construct and constitutes a nature and not the other way.
Rheinberger ends his article with stating the the new technology of genetic modification results in an even more entangled, or rather as he states it: " nature and culture, biosciences and medical practices, genes and disease, can no longer be disentangled" (Rheinberger, 1995, p. 261; emphasize added) – they are instead indeed 'amalgamated' as 'hybrids' of them all. Meaning that one can no longer "distinguish between nature and culture" (Ibid.).
Early in his article Rheinberger refers to Bruno Latour stating that the microbiology is to take over the medical 'realm' (A.a., p. 250), giving the example of "urban sanitation" with swept across Europe; a proof of where a (nature) scientific finding moves away from the laboratories and into the society (hence to be studied, as an effect, socially). Rheinberger's talks about this 'misunderstanding' that Louis Pasteur's finding was meant for "applied microbiology promised prevention of illness, not cure" (A.a., p. 250; emphasis added). This misunderstanding, according to Rheinberger, might surface with the possibility of "molecular takeover" of medicine, which is about healthy genes, and not cure – also for the whole population.
About this 'whole situation' I tend to think about what would be an effect in an contentiously develop genetic manipulation technology – would there be a new social class of people with "perfect" genes, where other social classes would fall behind due to – what it actual – natural degradation; meaning that you get older. Working class people, who might be in the need of a better fundamental for hard physical labour, might be the one's without the concept and without the financial way of paying for such treatment, while those in a higher social class might be more able to pay for genetic treatment that maybe falls into the grouping of aesthetics. What I mean is that while people in working class might give birth to babies with more stigmatized conditions, because of worse living conditions like different more-or-less poisonous chemicals at work, they might not be able to pay for such treatment, while those who do not work in, or with, poisonous chemicals do have the financial ability to pay for such treatment. Think of "correcting" "bad" mutations, like a missing limb, while still a fetus. Without treatment – either a genetic one, or a later surgical one – there would be a cost. Of course if not an established medical care like in Sweden or Canada, but USA where such a case of medical care is, and would be, much worse.
Same goes for another example: metabolism. It is known that many over weight people are also a part of the lower socio-economic class – too much sugar and too less exercise, both witch are linked to a cultural and social habit. A genetic manipulation could possible set the path for a new kind of metabolism where sugar would no longer be transformed, and stored as fat in our bodies. Pretty much creating a genetic mutation that let's us eat more and exercise less (but that it would still be needed,though).
Both of these examples, and many more that could be presenter, would present a sort of proof of what biomedicine and medical sociology would move over to from today's approach of curing actual illnesses; where tomorrow they either might be treated before even being an illness at all and therefore no need for a cure, and instead pushing our species to another evolutionary – though artificial – level. Market, companies, of artificially grown hearts, lungs and other organs. Or cancer treated on a molecular level,which means no chemo, or even any type of symptoms, or other syndromes, at all.
Where we are in an period of time where we are able to change our composition, what makes us us. Is it the natural path of our evolution to change our evolution? 'Inherit genetic diseases' might be out the door with the new technology, that gives us a tool to remove them early from life of individuals. No more would parents have to go to the doctor with their kids for other things than accidents, since everything else already has been taken care of genetically. Maybe no longer we would have to use antibiotics, and therefore we would no longer need to be afraid of the resistance against antibiotics (A.a., p. 254).
Couples could go to the doctor and try their DNA with each other – seeing if they are a match, or if something would have to be done with possible kids they have in the future. As well as genetic diseases that is common in one of their families – or both.
All this, however, would need, as I stated above, a look at whom has the responsibility, and how would we legislate this since we now, with this technology, move from understanding life to rewriting it.
Lidskog, R. (2001). The Re-Naturalization of Society? Environmental Challenges for Sociology. Current Sociology, Vol. 49(1), 113-136.
Hobbes, T. (1651). Leviathan.
MacNaghten, P. & Urry, J. (1995). Toward a Sociology of Nature. Sociology, 29(2), 203-220.
Rheinberger, H-J. (1995). Beyond Nature and Culture: A Note on Medicine in the Age of
Molecular Biology. Science in Context, Vol. 8(1), 249-263.
Woodgate, G. & Redclift, M. (1998). From a 'Sociology of Nature' to Environmental Sociology: Beyond Social Construction. Environmental Values 7. 3-24.
1Compare MacNaghten & Urry's part about the environmental damages is due to human activity – mainly our consumption. (MacNaghten & Urry, 1995, p. 212-214).
2Which Lidskog also uses as term later on in the article (A.a., p. 123).
3Not necessary a correct Latin translation, but a less aggressive human – a milder species.


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Armenia: OSCE Says Breaches Of Election Law Question Poll Integrity
By Jolyon Naegele
Prague, 2 October 1996 (RFE/RL) -- Numerous irregularities during vote counting occurred in last month's Armenian presidential elections, says the Warsaw office of an agency of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
OSCE's international election observer mission issued a "final post-election statement" today, saying "very serious breaches of the election law" occured during the counting, verification and tallying of results. The mission has not yet issued a final report judging whether the Armenian elections were valid.
The statement notes a "significant disparity" between the number of people who voted and the number of ballots counted. The mission says more than 21,000 ballots cast are missing and unaccounted for.
The statement says that incumbent President Levon Ter-Petrossian surpassed the 50 percent threshold needed for a first round win by less than 22,000 votes.
"The inaccuracies in the verification process can only contribute to a lack of confidence in the overall electoral process and could even question the results of the first round of balloting," said the OSCE statement.
The statement cites examples of irregularities in vote-counting, including ballot box stuffing and consultations between Interior Ministry officials, Ter-Petrossian's proxies and electoral precinct chairmen in the polling stations while the ballots were being counted.
Shortly after OSCE released the statement, Armenian opposition leader and presidential candidate Vazgen Manukian issued a demand for new presidential elections, or else a second round of voting.


Death in the Afternoon is not your grandma's champagne cocktail. You won't find this at Sunday brunch, where it would most likely be unwelcome. It's a drink that Hemingway himself invented and it's got teeth – perhaps even fangs.
As homage to his book, Death in the Afternoon, which of course, takes place in Spain, we choose an innocent bottle of Cava, a Spanish sparkling, and open the frosted green bottle of Le Tourment Vert absinthe.
This cocktail is a potent effervescence of herbal, sweet, and fruity complexity with a little burn in the finish (that's the absinthe working). Hemingway suggests you drink "at least three of these." We can't condone that idea. Start with one and go from there.
Hemingway has inspired more than a few great drinks, many of which we've written about here. If you prefer your Champagne drinks less … uh, hallucinogenic, then try our other favorites like the French 75 or the Kir Royale.
More of a beer-and-bubbly fan? The Champliny is for you – a mix of good bubbly and Pliny the Elder.
In a chilled Champagne flute or coupè, pour in the absinthe then gently add the Champagne and stir slowly.
CAUTION: Just because Hemingway could drink three or more doesn't mean it's a good idea. Did you notice the name? The word "death" is a pretty serious thing no matter what time of day. Be safe and have a happy and healthy new year!


Last Friday after work, while browsing for channels, I saw a horror movie from Star Movies. After seeing Sarah Michelle Gellar in the scene, I immediately knew it that it's Grudge 2. I was able to watch the Asian version of Grudge 1 and the Part 1 of the US version with Sarah Michelle Gellar.
I was honestly terrified by this movie especially I am just alone in my room. After the movie, I tuned in to ABS-CBN where a creepy episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya was airing. When I was about to sleep, I hurriedly prepared myself coz I was afraid that Toshio from Grudge would appear in my room or in my bathroom.
Oh, I love these horror movies even it scared the hell out of me. Anyway, what's your favorite horror movie?
hi. cool post and site as a whole..if i may xlink my site wd u.. i used to worked for years in Ortigas.