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Tag: spring sky
The Waxing Moon of Spring
Spring is the season for Earthshine on the waxing Moon.
April 8 was the perfect night for capturing the waxing crescent Moon illuminated both by the Sun and by the Earth.
The phase was a 4-day-old Moon, old enough to be high in the sky, but young enough – i.e. a thin enough crescent – that its bright side didn't wash out the dark side!
In the lead photo at top, and even in the single-exposure image below taken earlier in a brighter sky, you can see the night side of the Moon faintly glowing a deep blue, and brighter than the background twilight sky.
The 4-day-old waxing crescent Moon on April 8, 2019 in a single exposure when the Moon was still in the bright blue twilight. Even so, the faint Earthshine is just becoming visible. This is with the 105mm Traveler refractor and 2X AP Barlow lens for an effective focal length of 1200mm at f/12, and with the cropped-frame Canon 60Da at ISO 400, in a single 1/8-second exposure.
This, too, is from sunlight, but light that has bounced off the Earth first to then light up the night side of the Moon.
If you were standing on the lunar surface on the night side, the Sun would be below the horizon but your sky would contain a brilliant blue and almost Full Earth lighting your night, much as the Moon lights our Earthly nights. However, Earth is some 80 times brighter in the Moon's sky than even the Full Moon is in our sky.
The 4-day-old waxing crescent Moon on April 8, 2019 in a blend of short and long exposures to bring out the faint Earthshine on the dark side of the Moon and deep blue twilight sky while retaining details in the bright sunlit crescent. This is with the 105mm Traveler refractor and 2X AP Barlow lens for an effective focal length of 1200mm at f/12, and with the cropped-frame Canon 60Da at ISO 400, in a blend of 7 exposures from 1/30 second to 2 seconds, blended with luminosity masks from ADP Pro3 extension panel in Photoshop.
Unlike the single image, the lead image, repeated just above, is a multi-exposure blend (using luminosity masks), to bring out the faint Earthshine and deep blue sky, while retaining details in the bright crescent.
Once the sky gets dark enough to see Earthshine well, no single exposure can record the full range in brightness on both the day and night sides of the Moon.
The 4-day-old waxing crescent Moon on April 8, 2019 with it below Mars (at top) and the star clusters, the Hyades (at left, with reddish Aldebaran) and Pleiades (at right) in Taurus, and set into the deep blue evening twilight. This is with the 135mm Canon telephoto at f/2.8 with the Canon 6D at ISO 400, in a blend of 7 exposures from 1/4 second to 8 seconds, blended with luminosity masks from ADP Pro3 extension panel in Photoshop, to prevent the Moon from being too overexposed while retaining the stars and blue sky. The camera was tracking the sky.
April 8 was a great night for lunar fans as the crescent Moon also appeared between the two bright star clusters in Taurus, the Hyades and Pleiades, and below reddish Mars.
It was a fine gathering of celestial sights, captured above with a telephoto lens.
This show the chart I used to plan the framing, created with StarryNight™ software and showing the field of the 135mm lens I used.
The chart also shows why spring is best for the waxing Moon. It is at this time of year that the ecliptic – the green line – swings highest into the evening sky, taking the Moon with it, placing it high in the west above obscuring haze.
That makes it easier to see and shoot the subtle Earthshine. And to see sharp details on the Moon.
The 4-day-old waxing crescent Moon on April 8, 2019 exposed for just the bright sunlit crescent, revealing details along the terminator. This is with the 105mm Traveler refractor and 2X AP Barlow lens for an effective focal length of 1200mm at f/12, and with the cropped-frame Canon 60Da at ISO 400, for a single exposure of 1/60 second. This is not a stack or mosaic.
After the sky got darker I shot the crescent Moon in a short exposure to capture just the bright crescent, included above in two versions – plain and with labels attached marking the major features visible on a 4-day Moon.
If you missed "Earthshine night" this month, mark May 7 and 8 on your calendar for next month's opportunities.
Clear skies!
The Ghostly Glow of Gegenschein
It takes a dark spring night to see it well, but now lurking near Jupiter is a ghostly sky glow called Gegenschein.
This diffuse glow lies directly opposite the Sun. It is caused by sunlight reflecting off interplanetary dust particles in the outer solar system. They reflect light more effectively at the anti-Sun point where each dust particle is fully lit by the Sun.
Like the Sun, the Gegenschein moves around the sky along the ecliptic, moving about a degree from west to east from night to night. March and April provide good nights for seeing the Gegenschein as it then lies in an area of sky far from the Milky Way.
Even so, it is very subtle to the unaided eye. Look south at about 1 a.m. local daylight time.
However, this year, in early April the Gegenschein will be more difficult as it will then lie right on top of Jupiter, as that planet reaches its point opposite the Sun on April 7. Jupiter will then be superimposed on the Gegenschein.
The main image at top is a 7-image vertical panorama of the spring sky, from Corvus and Virgo above the horizon, up past Leo, into Ursa Major and the Big Dipper overhead. Spica lies below bright Jupiter, Arcturus in Böotes is at left, while Regulus in Leo is at right. The grouping of stars near centre is the Coma Berenices star cluster.
Earlier in the night, I shot the sky's other main glow – the Milky Way, as the winter portion of the Milky Way around Orion set into the southwest.
But over in the west, at the right edge of the frame, is the Zodiacal Light, caused by the same dust particles that create the Gegenschein, but that are located in the inner solar system between us and the Sun.
The Zodiacal Light is better depicted in images in my previous post from Dinosaur Park.
We bid adieu to the winter Milky Way now. As it departs we are left with an evening sky without the Milky Way visible at all. As seen from northern latitudes it lies along the horizon.
But later in spring, late at night, we'll see the summer Milky Way rising, beginning its seasons of prominence until late autumn.
— Alan, March 19, 2017 / © 2017 Alan Dyer / AmazingSky.com
Heads Up! – Mercury Rising
The next two weeks are the best in 2015 for sighting Mercury in the evening sky.
Mercury is coming into view in our evening sky, climbing as high as it can get for us in the Northern Hemisphere. This is our best chance for us to sight Mercury as an evening star in 2015.
Spring is always the best time to catch elusive Mercury. The angle of the ecliptic – the path of the planets – swings up highest above the horizon in spring, putting Mercury as high into the evening twilight as it can get. This makes it easier to sight Mercury than at other times of the year when, particularly for observers at northern latitudes, Mercury can be lost in the twilight glow and horizon haze.
When it is at its highest Mercury is surprisingly bright, appearing as a bright star easily visible to the naked eye. However, locating it at first in the twilight usually requires a scan with binoculars.
Mercury will be at its highest on May 6 when it reaches "greatest elongation." However, it will be almost as good for a week on either side of that date.
So set aside a clear evening during the first two weeks of May to search for the inner planet. (The green line is Mercury's path relative to the horizon with the green dots marking its position at daily intervals.)
Mercury will be shining above fainter Mars, and well below brilliant Venus, now dominating our evening spring sky. Look north of due west during the hour after sunset.
Mercury and Venus on January 10, 2015 from New Mexico.
This view captures Mercury at its last good evening appearance, back in early January when it appeared close to Venus, then emerging into the evening sky. You can compare their relative brightness.
By coincidence, the emergence of Mercury into our evening sky comes just as it loses its lone visitor from Earth. Since 2011, NASA's Messenger probe has been orbiting and mapping Mercury.
On April 29, with the probe exhausted of its maneuvering fuel, Messenger is scheduled to end its mission by crashing onto the planet, adding a new crater to Mercury's barren and volcanic surface.
A global false-color map of the mineral composition of Mercury from Messenger data.
This is a recent map of Mercury from Messenger. For more details, see the mission's website.
– Alan, April 30, 2015 / © 2015 Alan Dyer / www.amazingsky.com
Milky Way and the Northern Lights
The Milky Way appears from behind the colourful curtains of the Northern Lights.
This was the scene last Saturday night, into the pre-dawn hours of Sunday morning, May 5, as the summer Milky Way rose in the east while a display of aurora played across the northern sky. The Northern Lights weren't particularly bright this night, but the long 2-minute exposure I used to bring out the Milly Way recorded the aurora with colours and an intensity only the camera could see this night.
The green is from oxygen glowing in the lower part of the atmosphere, though still some 80 km up, where only rockets and high-altitude balloons can fly. The tops of the auroral curtains are tinged with the pinks from another type of oxygen emission possible only at the very top of our atmosphere, where molecules are few and far between and what's left of the air that surrounds us meets the vacuum of space some 150 km up.
From Earth it's hard to visualize just what we are seeing when we look at display like this. But check out some of the Aurora videos at NASA's Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth. You'll see time-lapse videos taken from the Space Station as it flies by and through the same types of aurorae with green lower bands and pink upper fringes, beautifully captured floating high above the Earth in vertical curtains reaching up into the blackness of space.
– Alan, May 8, 2013 / © 2013 Alan Dyer


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NewsOne Original
'Little Rock Nine"' Enter High School That Forcibly Banned Them On This Day In 1957
The events surrounding the controversial and moving spectacle of the "Little Rock Nine" still reverberates in the minds of many with its stark imagery and political implications. The barring of nine Black African-American students who were prevented from entering Arkansas' Little Rock Central High School on September 4, 1957, became known historically as the "Little Rock Crisis," with then-Governor Orval Faubus calling in the National Guard to stop the students at the door. On this date in 1957, the nine students would begin integration of Little Rock Central along with federal and nearby Army troops.
SEE ALSO: Dr. King Jr. Suffers Assassination Attempt On This Day In 1958
Although segregated schools were declared unconstitutional after the Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1954, Arkansas officials neglected to heed the ruling after the NAACP registered nine students to attend a high school for the fall of 1957. Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, Jefferson Thomas, Terrence Roberts, Carlotta LaNier, Minnijean Brown, Gloria Ray Kalmark, Thelma Mothershed, and Melba Pattillo Beals were nicknamed the "Little Rock Nine."
Segregationists who did not want the Black students in their schools promised protests, prompting Governor Faubus to deploy the Guard. The images of the soldiers blocking the frightened teens from entering the school ignited a firestorm of debate and controversy nationwide.
Trudging through the hostile environment, the "Nine" were cursed at and spat upon during the harrowing ordeal. On September 9, the Little Rock School district condemned Governor Faubus' actions and even President Dwight Eisenhower would involve himself and warned that the Supreme Court's decision of desegregated schools should not be ignored.
In a noble act, Little Rock Mayor Woodrow Mann requested that President Eisenhower send troops to protect and escort the students inside safely. On September 24, President Eisenhower sent federal troops to Little Rock and took over the Arkansas National Guard, effectively stripping Governor Faubus of his power.
The transition wasn't without struggle as the "Nine" suffered racial and physical abuse for the entire school year from White students. Melba Pattillo even said that a student flung acid into her eyes and there were other atrocious acts as well.
Governor Faubus' actions were indicative of many Southern conservative Democrats who resisted the tides of change with the advent of African Americans integrating in to a desegregated world. Xenophobic and racist treatment continued to thrive in the deep South, but the "Nine" would eventually find some closure after President Bill Clinton (pictured right) presented the group with Congressional Medals of Honor in 1999.
Although the horrific treatment of the students marked how sick and twisted racist minds worked during the 1950s, the moment helped to motivate those within the Civil Rights Movement to fight even harder to combat similar injustices across the country. To make their struggle even more noteworthy, each of the "Nine" graduated from Little Rock Central and all went on to have amazing careers spanning the fields of journalism, accounting, social work and psychology.
Watch the "Little Rock Nine's story here:
Imagine the hell the "Nine" endured for just a moment. The fact that each of them found a way through the madness and excelled far beyond every low expectation that their doubters had about them speaks volumes to the resiliency of the human spirit. The "Nine" and their fight for equality is a moment of our rich history that should not be forgotten or discounted.
The 2012 CBC Legislative Conference
Brooklyn Vs. The Barclays Center
Arkansas	, Black History	, Little Rock Nine
Celebrated Writer Zora Neale Hurston Was Born Today In 1891
Soul Music Pioneer Sam Cooke Shot To Death On This Day In 1964
Never Forget: Tupac '2Pac' Shakur Died On This Day 25 Years Ago

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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300,000 graduates sent fake debt collection firm letters by Student Loans Company
Paloma Kubiak
Over 300,000 graduates have been sent letters from the Student Loans Company (SLC) purporting to be from a debt collection firm demanding payment.
MoneySavingExpert.com has seen one example of this unacceptable behaviour, which was sent to us after we called for you to email us copies of any letters you've received from fake lawyers chasing debts – whether for energy firms, banks or payday lenders – after claims it may not just have been Wonga that has used these sneaky tactics.
The letter from the SLC isn't from a non-existent lawyer, as was the case with Wonga – an issue which the City of London Police is now assessing whether to investigate (see the Wonga to pay £2.6m MSE News story) – but it uses similar tactics to scare people into repaying their debt.
The SLC's letter purports to be from a debt recovery firm called "Smith Lawson & Company".
But only at foot the of the letter does it say Smith Lawson & Company is just a trading name of the SLC, with which it shares its initials.
When MoneySavingExpert.com checked today, Smith Lawson & Company wasn't listed on Companies House, and when we rang the number on the letter we ended up coming through to the SLC, so the firm appears to be non-existent.
The issue was discussed in the House of Lords yesterday, while Business Secretary Vince Cable also quizzed the non-executive chair of SLC, Christian Brodie, about these letters, which have been sent to 309,000 graduates since 2005.
Brodie apologised and said it would review these practices to ensure the same thing doesn't happen again. It adds that it has now stopped sending out these letters.
When MoneySavingExpert.com pressed it to see if it would offer compensation in the same way as Wonga has, SLC said no, as "no charges were made for these letters and they were only issued to people who were in significant arrears (more than three months)".
An example of a dodgy letter
Here's a copy of a letter forum user Fermi was sent (click to open). This wasn't a letter sent to thousands as it was in response to a specific query, but the way the letter is designed highlights how it misleads customers into believing it's from an external debt collection agency.
Fermi says: "The letters made me feel anxious and worried that my accounts had been passed on to a debt recovery agency before I realised some time later that Smith Lawson & Co was just the Student Loans Company playing games by using a rather deceptive letterhead.
"This came at a time when I was not in a great place, either financially or emotionally, otherwise I would not have been in arrears in the first place. These letters simply made a bad situation worse."
'Caused unnecessary stress'
Wendy Alcock, campaigns manager at MoneySavingExpert.com, says: "Implying you're a debt collection agency when you're not is simply unacceptable. For years this letter will have caused unnecessary stress to people that may already be struggling with their finances.
"No business or organisation should engage in this type of underhand activity – let alone a publicly-funded one."
How do I check if a debt recovery firm is legitimate?
If the debt recovery firm is actually just a trading name or part of the firm you owe the debt to, look for clues on the letter you receive. In the SLC's case, it was in the small print.
What should I do if a debt recovery firm is fake?
If a company has done what the SLC has done by purporting to be a debt recovery firm, you should first complain to this company.
In this example you need to complaint to the SLC either by calling 0845 073 8908, emailing: customer_complaints@slc.co.uk, or writing to: Customer Relations Unit, Student Loans Company, 100 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7JD. Be sure to include your customer reference number.
The SLC has five working days to respond to you and it will provide a response within 15 working days.
If you're unhappy with the response you receive from the firm, see if it's registered with an independent ombudsman scheme and if so, refer your complaint to it.
In the SLC's case, if you're unhappy with its response you can request for a senior manager to review the complaint. It then has 15 working days to respond.
After this, if you're still unhappy with the response, you can take your complaint to your local MP, or if you're a pre-1998 mortgage-style loan graduate you can take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
If your complaint relates to a post-1998 loan, complaints need to be made to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (England), the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman or The Northern Ireland Ombudsman.
What does the SLC say?
In a statement released this week the SLC says: "The Student Loans Company has a duty to collect every pound that is owed, for the taxpayer. The Smith Lawson collection process has been used since 2005 to support collection activities and was mainly used after the initial in-house collections process had been exhausted for customers who had persistently defaulted on their loan repayments and were in arrears for a minimum of three months.
"The Student Loans Company has suspended all use of Smith Lawson-branded correspondence. The Company had reviewed its Smith Lawson letters following discussions with the Office for Fair Trading in March 2014 and had agreed to implement their suggested changes. The issuing of any revised Smith Lawson correspondence has still to be agreed."
If you believe you've had a letter from a fake lawyer or law firm, or from a fake debt recovery firm, first check to see if it's legitimate – see our Send us your debt demands from fake lawyers MSE News story for how to do this.
If you think it's suspicious, please email us a copy so we can gather the evidence and compile a dossier of letters from fake law firms. You can scan the letters or emails you've had, or take a photo of them with your mobile phone, and send them to:
fakelawyers@moneysavingexpert.com
We won't publish any of your personal information and we'll keep all of your details confidential. However if you're uncomfortable about emailing in copies of letters with your personal details on, you can blank out any personal information before sending the copies to us.
Additional reporting by Aileen Lees.
SLC fake letters
Payday lender 247Moneybox collapses
Payday loans provider 247Moneybox has collapsed into administration and will no longer be offering loans
Payday lender QuickQuid goes into administration – what you need to know
Britain's biggest payday lender has said it will pull out of the UK after a series of complaints and regulatory uncertainty rocked the business
Peer-to-peer lender Funding Secure goes into administration – what you need to know
Peer-to-peer lender Funding Secure has gone into administration – here's what you need to know
Zopa launches new credit-scoring tool
Peer-to-peer lender Zopa has launched a new free credit-scoring tool
Loans Government BIS Student Loans Company Wonga Student Loans Payday Loans Debt


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Enrichment / Arts Programs
HOMESCHOOL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The inclusion of the following entries does not constitute an endorsement by Homeschool Oklahoma of the program, organization, or tutor. It is the parent's responsibility to investigate who will be involved in their children's education. We encourage parents to thoroughly investigate a potential program and ask for references and talk to others who have used these organizations/persons' talents.
Oklahoma National Homeschool Honor Society – STATEWIDE
The Oklahoma National Homeschool Honor Society is getting started and welcomes all qualified students who meet the following general requirements:
Grade point average of 3.5 on a 4-point scale.
Proof of test scores from one of the following tests: Stanford, California, or Iowa Achievement, (90% composite score), SAT (1800), ACT (26), PSAT (180)
Contact person: May Griffin, ceepg@sbcglobal.net
At Knights of the Square Table Competitive Homeschool Chess Team, we're all about fun, friendship, and competition. Our experienced coach trains our teams of K-6th players to reach their highest potential, and we always have a great time whenever we play! We're one of only three homeschool competitive chess teams in Oklahoma and hail from the Oklahoma City metropolitan area with teams representing both the third and fifth congressional districts! See how you can become part of our family and join us as we share our love of the game and compete together monthly in chess tournaments with public and private schools from around the state. See The Knight's website for more information http://learningbydoingkon.wixsite.com/squaretableknights or call Leah Boudreau at 805-660-2490. Email: LearningByDoingKONOSCo-op@outlook.com
4-H Clubs, Contact your County Extension Office.
Olympic Day – Held in OKC metro in May for 6-16 year old homeschooled students. Each student may enter 5 events. For more information and entry form, contact: Diane Taylor, Email: peisfun@earthlink.net, Phone: (405)771-5083
Destination Imagination Opportunities
Destination Imagination is a non-profit organization encouraging young people (K-12) to form teams to solve challenges. The kids work together and learn many socialization skills, management skills and learn through the research necessary to solve their challenges. They have fun using music, theatre, dance, and improv to show all that they have learned. DI is? a fun, educational tool that takes kids outside the box. For more information regarding this program: idodi.org.
STEM:
LIGHTSABERS/Liao Robotics Club is a competitive, community-based robotics team in south Oklahoma City. Our team focuses on skill development, sound engineering principles, and devotion to teamwork.
We have involved over 200 homeschooled students since 2010, and have started and mentored teams in all ages and levels of FIRST robotics. https://www.firstinspires.org/.
To learn more about being a part of one of Oklahoma's top robotics teams or to get information about starting your own team, email teamlightsabers@gmail.com.
Science Fair: Open to all Oklahoma homeschoolers in 1-12 grade. Held in OKC in January with entries due in November. Visit www.ou.edu/science for more information.
Tulsa Science Fair: Contact Dr. Gweth Holzmann at Oral Roberts University, 918-495-6466, gholzmann@oru.edu.
Weather Science Fair: Open to all Oklahoma homeschoolers. Held at the National Weather Center in Norman, OK generally the third Saturday in February with entries due in November. The projects MUST use weather data. Visit scijinks.gov/weather-science-fair for more information.
Political Opportunities:
Generation Joshua clubs meet to pray for the nation, carry out their civic and community duties, support each other in their civics educational process, communicate truth (spiritual and political), and get involved in campaigns for pro-family, conservative candidates. Visit www.generationjoshua.org or email GenerationJoshua@hslda.org for more information about clubs in Oklahoma.
OKC, Youth Leadership Exchange (YLX): Leadership Skills Class designed for aspiring leaders and Youth in Action class which emphasizes community service leadership. Open to high school students in Oklahoma County. Applications are due in September. See http://www.lokc.org/ylx for details. Contact the YLX office at 405-236-1177, ylx@lokc.org.
Tulsa Youth Council provides young people who are Tulsa residents with a channel to voice their concerns, needs, and desires, and help influence local government decisions that directly affect their lives. For more information, visit http://www.tulsacouncil.org/tyc.html. Contact Stephanie R. Edgar at (918) 596-1990 or SEdgar@tulsacouncil.org.
Youth Leadership Oklahoma program selects high school juniors to participate in a free, week-long tour of Oklahoma. Application deadline in January. Visit www.leadershipoklahoma.com for details or (405) 232-0001, lok@ionet.net.
YMCA Youth and Government gives high school students from around the state the opportunity to author legislation and debate it in the chambers of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and it also allows students to be witnesses, attorneys, and judges in the Court of Criminal Appeals at the State Capitol. To form a club for homeschool students contact Stan Barton, ymca1950@cox.net or 405-720-0825. More information is available at www.ymcayag.org.
Boys and Girls State: Homeschool high school juniors may participate in a program of Americanism and good citizenship. This eight-day session sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary teaches qualifying boys and girls about city, county, and state government. Deadlines are in March. Boys contact David Kellerman at 405-525-3511. Girls should contact their local American Legion post. Boys State (click here) and Girls State (click here)
Page at the State Capitol
Contact your state representative or senator's office to ask about being a page. The Senate requires that students be in grades 9-12. The House will accept students age 14 and older. Call the state switchboard at 405-521-2011 or check https://www.okhouse.gov/Pages/Index.aspx for your legislator's address, phone number, and e-mail address.
TeenPact: Legislative programs for teens. 1-888-343-1776, www.teenpact.com.
Oklahoma City Metropolitan Libraries: The area libraries host many free events. For information at other libraries for the next six-eight weeks, go to http://www4.mls.lib.ok.us/mlswebcalendar/calendar.asp.Foreign Language: Mango is a simple, easy-to-use language learning program that is offered online and is the most effective way to learn a language. Mango is available in two versions. One is Mango Complete, a 100-lesson course that is designed to provide a full understanding of an entire language and its culture. It is available in nine foreign languages and three ESL courses. The second is Mango Basic, which teaches everyday greetings, gratitudes, goodbyes, and helpful phrases in a short period of time and is designed to appeal to a beginner in a new language. The courses, which require only two to five hours of time to complete, are currently available in 22 foreign languages and 14 English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. It is available FREE for anyone with an MLS library card. To learn more about Mango, just click here: http://www.metrolibrary.org/mls/mls_promos/mango.htm
Scouts:
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Boy Scout Troop 30 & Cub Scout Pack 30 holds these qualities dear and is inviting homeschooled boys to join their groups. Our troop and pack serve the homeschooling community of the NW OKC area and meet near Council & Hefner on Monday nights. Boy Scouts is for boys 11 – 18 and Cub Scouts is for boys 6-10. The Scouting program adds to the homeschooling experience by providing boys with valuable comradeship, adventure, and leadership opportunities. Call Scoutmaster Randy Stark at 405-787-8271 or Cubmaster Wayne Sutton at 405-721-3861 for information about how your son can be involved in this rewarding program.
Boy Scout Troop 11 (Edmond/North Oklahoma City): Offers Boy Scouts (ages 11-17) and Cub Scouts (age 6-10) opportunities to enjoy campouts, summer camp, and learning outdoor skills. Boys learn how to be leaders while following the advancement trail and earning awards. Our troop was founded by and is organized by homeschooling parents. We host regular family events and strongly encourage dads to join their sons for Scouting adventures. The troop meets the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Mennonite Church, Coltrane, and Memorial. Contact: Scoutmaster Jeff Massey, masseylaw@pciemail.com or (405) 341-9966 (office) or CubMaster Paul Ingram, pdingram@wisplinx.com.
Fine Arts Institute: Contact 340-4481 or http://www.edmondfinearts.com.
OKC City Youth Theatre, Inc. For more info call Jay Prock @ 405-609-1022.
EXCEL Drama, Excellence in Home Education (NW OKC area) [formerly Parents Educating Teens (PET)]
Administrator: Jené Olsson, 405-317-0600, www.petnwokc.com, petclasses@yahoo.com
Family Theatre Warehouse: OKC area, 405-848-SHOW (7469)
Upstage Theatre & Performing Arts Studio- Edmond, OK
Brett or Jenny Rottmayer at (405)210-5031 or upstagetheatre@hotmail.com, www.upstagetheatreok.com? We offer private voice and piano lessons, acting, music, dance, an intensive musical theatre production class, and so much more!?
Drama classes for 5th-12th grades in the Broken Arrow area.
Contact Phyllis Mclemore, grouptutoring@yahoo.com
Home School Speech and Debate presented by Christian Communicators of Owasso/Collinsville.
Contact Kelly Jacobson at 918-274-9571 or jacobsonjam@sbcglobal.net.
Veritas Debate Club (OKC) provides a fun and challenging opportunity for Christian homeschool students to become effective communicators and strong leaders by competing with like-minded teens across the country in various speech and debate events. Club meetings will be on Fridays 1:00-3:30, September – April, at Crossroads Church, OKC. The club is open to students ages 12-18. For more information, please contact one of our parent coordinators at VCAdebate@gmail.com
STOA Debate: Event descriptions and more information about the national organization, Stoa, can be found at www.stoausa.org
Museums:
Gaylord-Pickens Museum is once again able to offer free field trips for 4,500 students in the 2009-2010 school year. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and are available to any school (or homeschool support group) in the state. https://oklahomahof.com/
Overholser Mansion, OKC:
Education program for 4-6th-grade students. Includes the early history of Oklahoma City. We can bring a 45-minute outreach program to your homeschool group for no charge. E-mail Sherri Vance at svance29@cox.net or contact 405-824-5992 to schedule the outreach program and a mansion educational tour. http://overholsermansion.org/


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Share this Story: New gold project expected to be a bonanza for Timmins business community
New gold project expected to be a bonanza for Timmins business community
By LEN GILLIS
len.gillis@sunmedia.ca
Any mining company only has to look at the success of the De Beers Canada Victor diamond mine to see how much help was provided by mining suppliers, mining experts and the mining industry of Timmins.
That was part of the sales message from Timmins mayor Tom Laughren and other city councilors earlier this month when one of the North's newest gold developments was presenting its project to Timmins City Council. Iamgold is the newest significant gold player in Northeastern Ontario and city hall is eyeing the project as one that can have a significant economic impact for Timmins.
Iamgold representatives were at city hall in the first week of January to inform council of its plans to create a new open pit mine. Company representative Aaron Steeghs outlined that the project is already known in the region because it was previously owned by Trelawney Mining and Exploration, in Chester Township, about 25 kilometres south of Gogama, roughly 130 kilometres south of Timmins and 170 kilometres north of Sudbury.
"Anytime there is mining in our region, I am very excited," the mayor told the group as he welcomed them to council.
"Iamgold acquired Trelawney in June of 2012 so we are just getting acquainted to this area. We are new to Ontario," said Steeghs. The former Trelawney project will now be known at the Côté Gold Project. He said the company plan is to create a mine, a mill, administrative buildings and a residential camp at the site. Based on similar developments in other parts of Northern Ontario, the project will cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
Steeghs said there has been a significant amount of exploratory drilling on the property which has defined a large orebody. At its peak, he said there were 13 drills running on the property, and although that is winding down, exploratory drilling continues at the site.
Based on the results of the drilling, Steeghs said Iamgold is planning for the gold camp to run for 15 at least years, producing 400-thousand to 500-thousand ounces of gold each year, he said.
"Just to put in perspective, we're going to be in the same ballpark as the Detour project," he said. "We're not going to be quite as big, but its in that same ballpark. Its going to be a big, big project."
Steeghs said the project falls into the territory claimed by at least two First Nations, those being Mattagami and Flying Post. He said the company has exploration agreements in place with both of those First Nations and further agreements are being worked on. Steeghs said further community consultations will take place in Gogama, Timmins and Sudbury. Along with environment assessment work, archeological research is underway.
Steeghs added that Iamgold is pleased with the location of the Côté Gold site since it is located close to Highway 144, close to the CN main rail line, within five kilometres of high voltage electrical service, an ample supply of water and is " located in the heart of one of Canada's premier mining camps."
The news of the development was welcomed by most members of city council, who were not shy at all about selling the benefits of business in Timmins.
"Anytime a company comes to us and gives us good news like that, … where they're gonna be offering some jobs and the company is going to be around for 20 plus years, then that's really good news, good news for the company, good news for businesses, good news all around," said Councilor John Curley, who quipped the only thing he didn't hear was that the company was planning to open an office in Timmins.
Steeghs said no decision has been made yet on the location of an office but he admitted that Timmins is the closest city of any significant size and that will be considered.
"This is great news," said Councilor Gary Scripnick who added that with the development of a new gold mine in the region he was confident that the business community in Timmins would respond accordingly. He said that whenever a new mine is in development "Timmins puts its best foot forward." He added that Timmins has plenty of specialty contractors and mining suppliers who would be happy to get on board.
'WE'RE CLOSER THAN SUDBURY'
"I would like to stress that we are closer to your mine than Sudbury is," Scripnick noted.
In response to a question from Scripnick about financing, Steeghs said there were no worries.
"We are in good shape. We are not a little guy, not a fly by night company, we are a global mid-tier mining company, so we have the resources," said Steeghs. He added that Iamgold is one of the few mining firms that has an in-house mining design team.
Steeghs also mentioned that the company sold off some other international properties in order to acquire the site in Chester Township. He said that Iamgold "really needs this project" in term of growing the company. Steeghs also said it was important to development a mine in a place where there is stability.
"There's nothing like operating in Ontario" when compared to operating in some developing nations. "Its a very friendly jurisdiction. We are happy to be in our own backyard, so to speak."
Councilor Steve Black, who works in the mining industry, said he has been following the company's progress for several years and said it was indeed a good news story to have Iamgold in the region.
"We've have a hundred great years that we celebrated recently, but there's many, many more good years ahead," he said.
Black also said it bodes well for a lot of the younger people in the Timmins area who may have wondered about their job futures to see a company that will be operating for another 20 years.
Councilor Mike Doody welcomed the company to the region, saying that Timmins has a solid pool of experienced workers. He said Timmins is home to the best miners in the world, men and women who actually travel the world to support international mining operations.
Steeghs said the Côté Gold project would employ roughly 1000 workers during the construction phase, during 2015 and 2016 and would provide roughly 400 jobs during the mining phase, from 2017 to 2032.
Mayor Tom Laughren thanked the group for meeting with city council. He urged Steeghs to check with other companies to find out how helpful the City of Timmins can be for new mining projects.
"Timmins has a reputation for helping mining companies. De Beers is a great example which is 700 kilometres to the north. I think if you talk to people at De Beers, they will tell you what great assistance Timmins was to them in getting their mine up and running."
New gold project expected to be a bonanza for Timmins business community Back to video


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The Old Christian Cemetery (also known as Gora Qabristan, White-people's cemetery) is a cemetery situated in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It dates from Victoria era times.

References

External links

Cemeteries in Pakistan
Christianity in Pakistan
Peshawar
Christian cemeteries

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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NASA Reveals Commercial Partners for New Moon Landings
By Ryan Whitwam on June 3, 2019 at 7:49 am
NASA is going back to the moon, but it's not doing it alone. The agency has just revealed its three commercial partners for phase one of the Artemis program. These US companies will help NASA deliver cargo and scientific instruments to the lunar surface in the next few years with the aim of supporting human landings and habitation by the mid-2020s.
There have been no human landings on the moon for decades, and the Artemis program aims to change that. Even the name harkens back to the last time humans ventured onto the lunar surface — in Greek mythology, Artemis is the sister of Apollo. The first part of the program, known as Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS), will consist of scientific instruments like spectrometers, magnetometers, and radio telescopes. There will also be devices to assist with navigation and landing for future missions.
The three companies that will help NASA deliver these payloads to the moon are Astrobotic of Pittsburgh, Intuitive Machines in Houston, and Orbit Beyond from Edison, New Jersey. Each of the three has its own contract with NASA valued in tens of millions of dollars: $79.5 million for Astrobotic, $77 million for Intuitive Machines, and $97 million for Orbit Beyond.
Astrobotic will fly as many as 14 missions to Lacus Mortis, a large crater on the near side of the Moon. NASA expects these missions to be underway by summer 2021. Intuitive Machines is slated for as many as five payloads to Oceanus Procellarum, the large dark patch on the moon's Earth-facing side. Orbit Beyond will handle four scientific missions to Mare Imbrium, a lava plain inside the Imbrium Basin, one of the largest known craters in the solar system.
NASA hopes to have all the initial CLPS missions wrapped up in the next few years. They will gather important data on the moon, and demonstrate technologies that will help inform the next phase of the Artemis program: human spaceflight.
NASA currently hopes to have the first human landings in 2024. Following that, NASA will use projects like the Lunar Gateway station to enable a long-term human presence in orbit and on the surface of the moon. The long-delayed Space Launch System (SLS) is part of the Artemis program, and it has the potential to push back the second phase if testing doesn't go as planned. NASA expects to test the SLS in 2020 with the first crewed launch in 2022.
NASA Orders First Segment of Lunar Station for 2024 Artemis Moon Mission
NASA Spots Remains of Beresheet Spacecraft on the Moon
The Moon May Not Be Geologically Dead After All
artemis program


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Q: TypeError: float() argument must be a string or a number, not 'csr_matrix' I have a list containing sparse matrices:
 <1x248 sparse matrix of type '<class 'numpy.int64'>'
    with 5 stored elements in Compressed Sparse Row format>

When I trying use sckit learn fit on it I get the error:
from sklearn.naive_bayes import GaussianNB
classifier = GaussianNB()
classifier.fit(X_train,y_train)

> ValueError                                Traceback (most recent call last)
<ipython-input-103-79c5ac7b2aa7> in <module>()
      1 from sklearn.naive_bayes import GaussianNB
      2 classifier = GaussianNB()
----> 3 classifier.fit(X_train,y_train)

3 frames
/usr/local/lib/python3.7/dist-packages/sklearn/utils/validation.py in check_array(array, accept_sparse, accept_large_sparse, dtype, order, copy, force_all_finite, ensure_2d, allow_nd, ensure_min_samples, ensure_min_features, warn_on_dtype, estimator)
    554                     "Reshape your data either using array.reshape(-1, 1) if "
    555                     "your data has a single feature or array.reshape(1, -1) "
--> 556                     "if it contains a single sample.".format(array))
    557
    558         # in the future np.flexible dtypes will be handled like object dtypes

ValueError: Expected 2D array, got 1D array instead:
array=[<1x248 sparse matrix of type '<class 'numpy.int64'>'
    with 5 stored elements in Compressed Sparse Row format>
 <1x248 sparse matrix of type '<class 'numpy.int64'>'
    with 4 stored elements in Compressed Sparse Row format>
 <1x248 sparse matrix of type '<class 'numpy.int64'>'
    with 2 stored elements in Compressed Sparse Row format>
 ...
 <1x248 sparse matrix of type '<class 'numpy.int64'>'
    with 4 stored elements in Compressed Sparse Row format>
 <1x248 sparse matrix of type '<class 'numpy.int64'>'
    with 1 stored elements in Compressed Sparse Row format>
 <1x248 sparse matrix of type '<class 'numpy.int64'>'
    with 1 stored elements in Compressed Sparse Row format>].
Reshape your data either using array.reshape(-1, 1) if your data has a single feature or array.reshape(1, -1) if it contains a single sample.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Home / Posts tagged "Pakistan"
Blasphemy a Capital Offense in Some Countries, Expunged in Others
In 1988 Salmon Rushdie published The Satanic Verses, a book which Muslims thought disparaged Islam. Riots broke out in Muslim countries, and shortly thereafter, Iran's leader Ayatollah Khomeini issued...
WRN News from Around the Web: Shinto Emperor, Mormons Leave Mexico, Pakistan-India Cooperation, Religious Statues Beheaded, IM God, Catholic Anti-Abuse Hotline, Military Chaplains
Japanese Emperor Performs Shinto Ceremony Amid Controversy Japanese Emperor Naruhito performed the Daijosai, an ancient Shinto ceremony said to transform the emperor by joining with the Sun Goddess....
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Compares Christian Persecution to Knife Crimes in the UK
Gary Nguyen
2.5 million Christians have faced persecution in Pakistan The foreign minister of Pakistan has dismissed accusations of Christian persecution in Pakistan. The minister claims that these are individual...
Islamic Extremists Pledge to Pursue Asia Bibi in Canada
After nine years on death row in Pakistan she has finally arrived in Canada The mother of two daughters came to the North American country after Canada offered her asylum. She was reported to be of weak...
Pakistan Will Restore and Return 400 Hindu Temples
Two temples will be restored every year. The Imran Khan led Pakistani administration has decided to reopen Hindu temples in the predominantly Muslim country. The Pakistani Government has announced...
Canada Offers Asylum to Pakistani Christian Woman Asia Bibi
After eight years on death row, Asia Bibi is being blocked from leaving the country. , a Pakistani Christian. The mother to five children was given the capital death sentence for blasphemy and incarcerated...
Pakistan Acquits Christian Woman from Blasphemy Death Sentence
The ruling has sparked violence across the country Bibi was convicted in 2010 of blasphemy after she was accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad in a fight with her neighbors. Bibi has repeatedly...
Pope Francis Names Pakistani Cardinal In Controversial Move
C Barnett
Shows A Shift In Attention To Pakistan Pope Francis has named 14 new cardinals in the Catholic Church who will be confirmed in their positions during a ceremony on June 29, 2018. In keeping with Pope...
Pakistan To Require All People to List Religion on Official Documents
Islamabad High Court's latest ruling poses a threat to the country's minorities On Friday, Islamabad High Court made an important ruling, which made it mandatory for all people living in Pakistan...
US on Pakistan: You Condone Religious Violations
Pulls Strategic Funding From Country The US State Department has announced its plan to withhold funds from Islamabad following the classification of the Middle Eastern Country as a Country of Particular...


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Комплекс для змагань з лижних перегонів та біатлону «Лаура» — лижно-біатлонний комплекс в Адлерському районі Сочі.

Комплекс розміщений на хребті Псехако, недалеко від селища Красна Поляна. Відстань до центру Сочі — 90 км, до аеропорту Сочі — 60 км.

Комплекс «Лаура» складається із двох окремих стадіонів, є зони старту та фінішу, дві окремі системи трас для лижних перегонів та біатлону, а також стрільбища та зони підготовки до змагань.

Розташування трас перегонів відповідають вимогам міжнародних змагань. Для вільного й класичного стилю існує два кола по 5 км. За потреби ці кола можуть бути скорочені до 3,75 км, 3,3 км, 2,5 км, 1,5 км та 1,2 км.

Тут пройшли такі міжнародні змагання:
 Етап Кубка FIS із лижних перегонів (січень 2012 року);
 Етап Кубка Європи з біатлону (січень 2012 року);
 Етап Кубка світу з лижних перегонів (січень 2013 року);
 Етап Кубка світу з біатлону (4-10 березня 2013 року);
 Етап Кубка світу з лижних перегонів і біатлону для спортсменів з УОРА (березень 2013 року);
 Зимові Олімпійські ігри 2014.

Примітки

Посилання

 Профіль на сайті Олімпійських ігор

Споруди, збудовані 2011
2011 у Росії


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Review: The Honest Truth
By Dan Gemeinhart
Available now from Scholastic Press
I was 100% sure I did not want to read a novel about a twelve-year-old boy with cancer, but I was convinced to give this one a try anyway because of some trustworthy people gushing about the writing. I must say that the writing is lovely, especially the little haiku Mark comes up with on his journey.
THE HONEST TRUTH evokes old-school adventure novels, just a boy and his dog surviving on their own. The boy is not stranded by a plain crash nor parental death or abandonment. He runs away to climb Mt. Rainier, which he promised to climb before he died. And he's afraid, and angry, now that his cancer is back. He fought a long, four-year fight, and Mark's not sure if he's up for fighting again, even if he doesn't want to die.
That angry part is important. I loved that Mark is not a nobly suffering kid with cancer. He is tired of being the nobly sick child. He makes a lot of bad decisions in THE HONEST TRUTH, but they do feel like they come from an honest place. They come from anger and despair and fear.
There are places where the novel falls apart for me. The chapters alternate with interstitials from Jessie, Mark's best friend who knows where he is running. I wasn't thrilled by the depiction of their friendship, but horrified that she wouldn't realize this is not a time to keep her friend's secret, especially when the weather turns worse. I find the adult who knows that Mark is the runaway on television and does nothing to stop his foolhardy plan absolutely unbelievable. I must agree with Mrs. Yingling that Mark choosing to take his small dog on this dangerous journey is unspeakable, rather than a beautiful portrayal of the bond between boy and companion.
I thought THE HONEST TRUTH was a beautifully told story, and I really liked that Dan Gemeinhart didn't turn it into a tearjerker. THE HONEST TRUTH was much less sad than I expected. At the same time, if you're handing this book to someone actually in the intended audience, I'd accompany it with a discussion about bad decisions. I can just forgive the ailing twelve-year-old, but so many of the other characters act like they have no sense.
Labels: contemporary, dan gemeinhart, favorable, issue, middle grade, reviews, the honest truth
Review: The Vanishing Girl
First in a trilogy
By Laura Thalassa
Available now from Skyscape (Amazon)
I'll admit that I wanted to read THE VANISHING GIRL entirely because I thought the cover was gorgeous. I like the colors and the abstract strangeness, like a bit of classic sci-fi sneaking into a modern YA cover.
The eponymous girl is Ember Pierce, who teleports for ten minutes every night just after she falls asleep. She thinks she used to it until she wakes up in a club and flirts with a man named Adrian, only to find a gun in her purse and a note telling her to kill him. Rather sensibly, she panics more over someone knowing what she can do and trying to use her instead of attempting to assassinate a complete stranger.
Then she finds out that her parents could only have a child through an experimental program, and she now owes two years of service to the military. It's very obviously illegal and preposterous, even in a world where people can teleport, so you just have to go with it. At the school she's taken to she's paired with Caden Hawthorne, who is infuriatingly good at keeping her from escaping. Ember falls for him in a rather rote manner, although I did appreciate that there wasn't a forced love triangle with Adrian. The scenes between Ember and Caden are written with lots of tension, its just hard to believe she falls for him after how terribly he treats her at first.
Ember, unsurprisingly, starts to find more and more evidence that the school is sinister. Because secret experiments on babies and being kidnapped weren't enough evidence that everything was bad new. I sound cranky, I know. I enjoyed reading THE VANISHING GIRL, and thought it was a a fun ride. But after I finished, it was hard to seize on anything as a standout moment. Also, it was one of those books without a real ending, which drives me nuts.
I am, however, eager to read the second book. THE VANISHING GIRL ends with a cliffhanger, and I'm not sure how Ember will survive or how she'll react to what happened in the next book. I also hope the next book has more Adrian, who is conducting his own investigation into the school and experiment outside its walls.
Labels: favorable (close to neutral), laura thalassa, new adult, reviews, science fiction, the vanishing girl, young adult
Review: Pacific Fire
Sequel to California Bones (my review)
By Greg van Eekhout
Available now from Tor (Macmillan)
I've gotten used to series where one book leads directly into another. PACIFIC FIRE starts ten years after CALIFORNIA BONES ends, which is a refreshing change of pace. In fact, the entire book is a refreshing change of pace.
First, if you haven't read CALIFORNIA BONES, please do so. It is a heist novel wrapped up in a well-developed urban fantasy world with a generous dollop of horror for flavor. If you haven't read it, this review will be full of spoilers.
Daniel Blackland spent those ten years after the heist on the run with Sam, the Hierarch's golem. Both are wanted because they'd be perfect ingredients in someone else's spell. When Argent, an old frenemy comes with news that various factions in LA are banding together to build a dragon, Daniel knows he has to leave hiding to stop it. The point of view switches between the three men, giving multiple perspectives on a dangerous mission gone wrong.
I love the world Greg van Eekhout is developing. It's full of sinister and helpful characters, a lovely mix of the wonder of powerful magic and the horrible things that are done to make it stronger. Despite the fact that most of Daniel and Sam's bonding happens off page, there's never a doubt about their father-son relationship. It is a strong emotional anchor for the novel. I liked that most of the characters from CALIFORNIA BONES who survived showed up again, although lamented that Cassandra gets the least to do.
This is a fast-paced novel that ends in a killer cliffhanger. It is looser than CALIFORNIA BONES, since it doesn't have the heist structure. But as crazy as things get, they never feel like they're out of van Eekhout's control. I can't wait for the next book, because things are going to go down. And based on the strength of PACIFIC FIRE and CALIFORNIA BONES, I trust van Eekhout to stick the landing.
Labels: california bones, favorable, greg van eekhout, horror, pacific fire, reviews, urban fantasy
Review: Tear You Apart
Companion novel to Kill Me Softly
By Sarah Cross
Available now from EgmontUSA
EgmontUSA may be shutting down, but at least they're releasing their 2015 slate. The first one I just had to read is TEAR YOU APART, the companion to KILL ME SOFTLY. The first book introduced Beau Rivage, the town where descendants of faerie-human unions are forced to live out curses, curses worse than living in Mississippi for the rest of your life.
One of the big differences between TEAR YOU APART and KILL ME SOFTLY is that Viv grew up in Beau Rivage. She knows exactly what story she's living, and she fears it. She is Snow White, which means the Huntsman Henley will either kill or save her. If he saves her, her stepmother Regina will keep trying. Once Viv loved both Regina and Henley. But when Regina betrayed her true colors and Henley was cursed, Viv decided she couldn't trust anyone. She can't keep herself from Henley, but she can't bring herself to trust him again either.
TEAR YOU APART weaves together "Snow White," "The Twelve Dancing Princesses," and "Rumpelstiltskin" in a darkly romantic tale. Viv can be an utter spoiled brat, but getting out of her comfort zone and talking to people really forces her to take measure of her life. And even when she's in spoiled brat mode, I admire her dedication to her own survival. I liked the romance between her and Henley, but liked that she takes a chance when her prince Jasper shows up. Even more, I like that she grows into being her own rescuer (as much as she can).
TEAR YOU APART will satisfy fans of fairytales who aren't afraid of some rather large liberties and some of the darker endings remaining in place. Fans of KILL ME SOFTLY will enjoy that the cast of that novel makes cameo appearances. Also nice: a reoccurring character is confirmed as a lesbian and there is a princess and princess couple that no one remarks upon. Little details like that help the updated fairytale concept really work.
In other news, today is Multicultural Children's Book Day. The sponsors are holding a virtual book drive to support First Book.
Labels: fairytale, favorable, paranormal romance, reviews, sarah cross, tear you apart, urban fantasy, young adult
Title Twins!
ETA: Through 2/8, you can preorder VANISHING GIRLS for 4.99!
(Today is the last day to donate to the National Book Foundation in honor of National Readathon Day!)
I always love when I spot two books with (almost) identical titles.
I just finished reading THE VANISHING GIRL by Laura Thalassa, and I have VANISHING GIRLS by Lauren Oliver in my TBR. I think the similarity in the authors' first names makes this one even better!
It looks like if you want a book about vanishing women, however, you have to go nonfiction:
Labels: the vanishing girl, vanishing girls
National Readathon Day
Today is National Readathon Day! Here's the basics from the Children's Book Council:
The National Book Foundation, GoodReads, Mashable and Penguin Random House are joining forces to launch the first-ever National Readathon Day. The Readathon will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2015 from 12 to 4 PM (in each time zone), at which time readers across the country will settle down for a reading session to raise funds for the National Book Foundation—delivering books to communities in need.
You can participate individually by creating your own Firstgiving Fundraising page and inviting friends and family to donate.
Bookstores, schools and libraries are also invited to join the Readathon by hosting "reading parties" for their local communities. Visit Penguin Random House's Resources section to download supporting materials and register your venue.
However you participate, be sure to share your experience online using the hashtag #timetoread
Many local bookstores are holding events, such as BookPeople in Austin. The funds raised from the readathon pledges will go to National Book Foundation programs such as BookUp, 5 Under 35, the Innovations in Reading Prize, and the National Book Awards.
The National Readathon Day was brought to my attention by Casper Mattresses. In one of the more unique pitches I've received, they asked me to post about my book list for the readathon. And if you can't tell from my blog title, yes I will be reading in bed. (Oh, the joys of lazy Saturdays! Plus, there's nothing like piling the blankets on on a cold day.)
Here is my current reading list:
TEAR YOU APART by Sarah Cross - This is the sequel to KILL ME SOFTLY and is a twisted retelling of Snow White in modern-day Beau Rivage. This is the book I'm currently reading; I have about 40% left.
PACIFIC FIRE by Greg van Eekhout - Another sequel! I loved CALIFORNIA BONES last year, so I'm reading for another thrilling and terrifying ride.
MARK OF THE THIEF by Jennifer Nielsen - I love Nielsen's middle grade books, so I am very excited about the start of her new series.
SHADOW SCALE by Rachel Hartman - That's right, the sequel to Seraphina showed up on my doorstep just yesterday. I have so many books that are coming out sooner on my docket, but no one blames me for skipping them to read this, right?
THE WINNER'S CRIME by Marie Rutkoski - This is the sequel to THE WINNER'S CURSE. (I know, so many sequels!) Like TEAR YOU APART, I've already started reading this one. Let me tell you, it is good.
So join with me in reading and donating. You can donate at my fundraising page. You can also join my fundraising team.
Labels: charities, readathon
Matt de la Peña at Blue Willow Bookshop
Yesterday I went to see Matt de la Peña at Blue Willow Bookshop. He read a little from THE LIVING, then a little from THE HUNTED after we asked, and answered some questions from the audience. If you haven't seen him speak before, he has a lot of upcoming events, including YAK Fest in Fort Worth this Saturday.
And if you haven't read THE LIVING, you should. It is one of the seven books on the Cybils shortlist for YA Speculative Fiction.
Shy, the protagonist of THE LIVING, is the same character in his story "Angels in the Snow" from MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME (my review) and his One Teen Story "Passing Each Other in Halls". He's been trying to find a good home for the character for ten years, so he kept trying him out in different ones. THE LIVING and THE HUNTED were the novels that worked.
THE HUNTED begins with a radio conversation, and part of it takes place at Sony's studios. It comes out in May.
When de la Peña wrote THE LIVING, he wanted to stretch himself and write something different from his other books, something more commercial. He wants to reach as many readers as possible.
There will be more Shoeshine in THE HUNTED and some of his mysteries will be revealed.
de la Peña wrote a lot of THE LIVING while running, to make himself as uncomfortable as possible. That way he could think of more uncomfortable things to happen to the characters.
ETA: Here's a pic of the crowd!
Labels: events, matt de la pena, my true love gave to me, the hunted, the living
Review: Alex as Well
By Alyssa Brugman
Available now from Henry Holt & Co. BFYR (Macmillan)
ALEX AS WELL is a 2013 release from Australia finally making its way to our shores. The protagonist, Alex, was raised as a boy but has recently realized that she identifies as a girl. Her gender identity is complicated by the fact that she's intersex and doesn't fit neatly into either category.
I liked that ALEX AS WELL gets beyond the usual struggle focused on in books about gender dysphoria. Alex knows she's a girl and is quite firm about it. Her struggles are more about her relationship with her parents (especially her mother), getting her birth certificate changed, enrolling in a new school and making new relationships, and finding a job. Honestly, everything but the relationship with her parents goes fairly easily for Alex, but that one thing is bad enough she deserves some easiness.
Interspersed throughout ALEX AS WELL are blog posts by Alex's mother Heather and the resulting comments. The difference between the way Alex and Heather's tellings is striking - particularly the way Heather omits details like hitting Alex with a phone in a moment of passion. By the end Heather is somewhat over the top, but I like that Alex realizes that it is abuse and she doesn't have to put up with it. No matter what anyone tells her, she's not just a selfish teenager.
I thought there was an interesting progression in the narration in ALEX AS WELL. In the beginning, she thinks about conversations with the boy Alex pretty frequently and relies on song lyrics to express her emotions. She gets less reliant on both as she becomes more comfortable with her new life.
ALEX AS WELL is a short, engaging novel with a unique heroine and plenty of humor to balance the darker family drama and one hideous instance of bullying posted on YouTube.
If you're excited about ALEX AS WELL, I recommend reading Molly Wetta's list of LGBTQ fiction for teens coming out in 2015.
Labels: alex as well, alyssa brugman, contemporary, favorable, LGBTQ, reviews, young adult
Interview with Valerie Tripp
Valerie Tripp
Today I am posting an interview with Valerie Tripp, who is best known as the author of many American Girl novels. She's written for Felicity, Elizabeth, Josefina, Samantha, Nellie, Kit, Ruthie, Emily, and Molly. Unlike most of the interviews I post, this one was not conducted by me. The questions were asked by Jonathan Sprout, an award-winning children's artist.
You can click on any of the book covers to go to their Amazon page.
Jonathan Sprout: You write about fictional heroes. What qualities do you look for
when creating your fictional characters?
Valerie Tripp: I don't have to look far for heroic qualities because my characters are inspired by my readers, and my readers are heroic to me because they face their daily challenges with humor, empathy, curiosity, generosity, and kindness. All of my books have the same message: Yes, disappointments and troubles will come your way, but you'll be okay. You are the hero of your own life story.
"I don't have to look far for heroic qualities because my characters are inspired by my readers, and my readers are heroic to me." - Valerie Tripp
Jonathan Sprout
Jonathan: Your books essentially take us back in time and bring history to the present. You must do a lot of research. What is your process?
Valerie: I love to do research. It is not a process; it is a way of life. When you become interested in a time period, it is as if the universe is full of the information you need – you just have to start to pay attention! Research for me is travel, reading, talking to people who are experts and people who lived when my character did, looking at movies, and listening to music. It is also observing and being delighted and inspired by girls of today. Research can also be looking back at my own experiences as a child. Research is active: it can be taking cooking lessons, going for a horseback ride, swimming in the Rio Grande river, and trying to knit a sock (unsuccessfully, by the way!)
Jonathan: When you are creating a character, do you think about the parents, caregivers or teachers of these girls and boys and how your
characters will inspire dialogue between them? Can you elaborate?
Valerie: I always hope that my stories will spark conversations among generations. Molly, who is my WW2 character, has led girls to ask their families about their great-grandparents' experiences during the war. More than one Army uniform has been lifted out of a trunk in the attic! And the emotional content of a story can spark conversations as well. Josefina's aunt comes to live with her family, and many girls tell me they have spoken to their parents and step-parents inspired by Josefina's dilemma: can she be loyal to her Mama and still love her new step-mother? One of the loveliest purposes literature can serve is to connect us by being a vehicle for conversation.
Jonathan: Your books encourage boys and girls to understand that they too can be "heroes" in their everyday lives (i.e. you don't have to be famous to be a hero). What are your thoughts on this?
Valerie: I deliberately chose to write about history from a familiar and familial point of view, so that my readers might see what a regular kid's life was like. I'm hoping that my readers will say, "Hey! That could be me. I would have been heroic just as Kit is, facing the Depression. Or I would have stood up for my friend just as Samantha does at the turn of the last century." I am hoping my readers will see that THEY are what American History is. They are shaping our world. The decisions they make will determine what life is like for us all in the future. They are already heroes.
Jonathan: Are there differences between what girls find heroic and what boys find heroic? How has an awareness of this this helped you to
craft your stories?
Valerie: No, I don't think there are differences between what boys and girls find heroic. Heroism is facing your own specific challenges, and no matter what those challenges are, we all have to find the inner courage to do so.
Jonathan: Tell us about your latest writing venture - writing for boys.
"I felt as though books were short-changing boys. The boys I know are funny and nurturing, passionate, goofy, adventurous, brave, and have rich inner lives." - Valerie Tripp
Valerie: I felt as though books were short-changing boys. The boys I know are funny and nurturing, passionate, goofy, adventurous, brave, and have rich inner lives but the boys I saw in books had to solve problems with magic or bathroom jokes. The Boys Camp books show boys facing landslides, fires, near-drowning, friendship troubles, skunks, bears, snakes, shyness, and dives off cliffs! They're jokesters and bird-watchers, tennis stars and singers – and they are ALL heroes!
Labels: american girl, interviews, jonathan sprout, valerie tripp
Review: The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender
By Leslye Walton
Available now from Candlewick
THE STRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL SORROWS OF AVA LAVENDER is an unusual read. It is beautifully written, with unique turns of phrase and indelible imagery. It is magical realism of the best sort, where the strange becomes mundane and yet still extraordinary.
It fits a little awkwardly in the YA category. Ostensibly, Ava Lavender is the protagonist and this is her story. It reads much more like a family saga. The book traces the lives of her great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother, as well as the men in their lives. Sometimes it follows along the lives of other passing characters, spinning out the strange connections between them. Almost half of the book passes before Ava is even born.
The women in Ava's family are marked by tragic, foolish love. As much as I loved the writing, I was turned off by this aspect of the book. The lives of her ancestors are pretty brutal and tragic, misery porn wrapped up in a layer of literary sophistication. But I kept reading because I did love the writing, and I wanted to reach Ava and learn her story, what made her sorrows stand out above the rest.
I think THE STRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL SORROWS OF AVA LAVENDER is an amazing accomplishment, particularly for a first-time author. It has a singular voice and a clear vision of what it is and what it is trying to achieve. The plot is much tighter than it appears at first, and the depiction of obsessive love is terrifying. At the same time, I felt like I still wasn't sure who Ava Lavender was when I finished the book. Too much of it wasn't her story.
I highly recommend THE STRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL SORROWS OF AVA LAVENDER for readers looking for an unusual fantasy, something gorgeous and sad. I hope Leslye Walton's sophomore novel is just as striking.
Labels: favorable, leslye walton, magical realism, reviews, the strange and beautiful sorrows of ava lavender, young adult
Just Add Magic!
Amazon's new pilot season is upon us, and one of their potential new shows is based upon the middle grade book JUST ADD MAGIC by Cindy Callaghan. I reviewed her novel LOST IN LONDON a few years ago.
I plan on watching the pilot to see what I think of the show - and if it is worth Amazon making a whole series. If you watch it, leave your thoughts in the comments below!
About the show Just Add Magic:
Based on Cindy Callaghan's young adult book of the same name and adapted by Joanna Lewis & Kristine Songco (Sullivan & Son, Fairly Odd Parents, My Little Pony), Just Add Magic is a single-camera live-action pilot directed by Joe Nussbaum (George Lucas in Love, Awkward). The story centers on Kelly Quinn and her two BFF's, Darbie and Hannah, who stumble upon her grandmother's mysterious cookbook in the attic and discover it has some interesting recipes. The Shut'em Up Shortcake actually silences Kelly's pesky little brother and when the Healing Hazelnut Tart quickly heals Darbie's ankle, the girls discover they have the power of magic. The project stars Olivia Sanabia (Extant), Abby Donnelly (Suburgatory), Aubrey Miller (Austin & Ally), and Judah Bellamy (Home).
Customers will be invited to watch and provide feedback on the shows they want to see turned into full series. All pilots will be available via the Amazon Instant Video app on Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Fire tablets, Fire phone, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, Wii, as well as hundreds of other connected devices such as smart TVs—or customers can visit Amazon.com/AIV to watch online.
And here's a direct link.
Labels: cindy callaghan, just add magic
Review: Say What You Will
By Cammie McGovern
Available now from HarperTeen (HarperCollins)
Amy has severe cerebral palsy and requires a wheelchair and a voice box. She's a bright girl and determined to look on the bright side. But her classmate Matthew points out to her that she can't be that happy; after all, her only friends are adults. So, Amy decides to request teenage helpers for her senior year of high school.
And she requests for Matthew to be one.
I loved the blooming friendship and romance between Amy and Matthew. They're really portrayed as issues. Amy has the drive that Matthew lacks, and she's more open about her issues since she can't hide them. Matthew, meanwhile, is trying to deny his OCD. I also like that Cammie McGovern went outside the box. Not only is Amy not a paint-by-the-numbers heroine, the plot goes unexpected places. It doesn't end with senior year and the prom, for instance.
I liked that SAY WHAT YOU WILL was realistic about Amy and Matthew's limitations, the way society views someone as physically crippled as Amy and the way mental health issues are stigmatized. I liked that both of them had difficult journeys, but ones they could help each other with - if they approached each other with respect and understanding. It's a hard road for two teenagers.
The charm of SAY WHAT YOU WILL started to run out for me about three quarters of the way through the book. The ups and downs just went on for too long for me, like a soap opera. I think I might've enjoyed it more if I read it slower, interspersed with other books. At the same time, I still liked it a lot. McGovern's prose is unobtrusive and she imbues both of her protagonists with charming voices. I liked how organically the relationship grew, and that SAY WHAT YOU WILL explored what happened after high school, when the relationship is tested by long distance and other factors.
SAY WHAT YOU WILL is McGovern's first YA novel and bodes well for her future forays in the genre.
Labels: cammie mcgovern, contemporary, favorable, issue, new adult, reviews, say what you will, young adult
"Waiting On" Wednesday: Stone in the Sky
"Waiting" On Wednesday is hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine.
Last year, I fell in love with TIN STAR by Cecil Castellucci. Thus, I cannot wait to read the sequel STONE IN THE SKY, which comes out next month (on the 24th).
Upon finishing TIN STAR, I said, "There is romance in TIN STAR, though it is rarely a focus. I did, however, truly love the romance and wish that there was more time for it to be explored. I understand that it wasn't the focus of TIN STAR, but I would adore a sequel. I know I've been clamoring for more standalones, and now that I've got them, I keep falling in love and wanting sequels. TIN STAR tells one heck of a story about a teen girl stranded in space."
Here is the publisher's blurb for that sequel:
Brother Blue.
His name, even the color, filled me with a furious fire of pure hatred.
Years ago, Tula Bane was beaten and left for dead on a remote space station far from Earth, her home planet. She started with nothing and had no one, but over time, she found a home, a family, and even love. When it's discovered that the abandoned planet beneath the station is abundant with a rare and valuable resource, aliens from across the galaxy race over to strike it rich. With them comes trouble, like the man who nearly killed Tula years ago—the man she has dreamed of destroying ever since.
In this sequel to Tin Star, Cecil Castellucci takes readers on an extraordinary adventure through space in a thrilling and thoughtful exploration of what it means to love, to hate, and to be human.
Labels: cecil castellucci, stone in the sky, tin star, waiting on wednesday
Review: For Real
By Alison Cherry
Available now from Delacorte Press (Penguin Random House)
I was pretty much sold on FOR REAL by the end of the first paragraph, when heroine Claire muses, "I wish I were watching this on a real television. I fear I'm missing the nuances of his six-pack." Claire is a reality-television addict, because she wants to work in TV herself and it is the great equalizing genre.
It's always been her weird hobby, but when her sister Miranda dumps her cheating boyfriend, Claire decides to help Miranda get revenge. It just so happens that a slot has opened up for two new teams on the reality show Sanjay's been bragging about appearing on. It's the perfect opportunity to humiliate him in front of the whole world.
The reality show Around the World takes clear inspiration from The Amazing Race with a dating-show twist. I loved all the descriptions of the contests and could've read even more of crazy faux-cultural activities enlivened by forced bonding. There's nice character work to back up the humor of the competitions. Most of the competitors only get a little shading, but there are hints of them having their own lives. Claire works on coming out of her bubble, falling for fellow contestant Wes, and redefining her relationship with her sister now that they're both adults.
FOR REAL was exactly the light and frothy read I needed when I picked it up. It's fun and effortlessly charming. The relationship between the sisters is terrific - it has realistic ups and downs, but they've always got each other's backs when the chips are down. This may be a short read, but it's a good one.
If you need a pick-me-up, I highly recommend FOR REAL. It's light fare well executed, like the best of reality shows. (And unlike many real-life dating reality shows, it remembers LGBT people exist, in a nice touch.) This one put a smile on my face as big as the smiles on the hardcover.
Labels: alison cherry, contemporary, favorable, for real, new adult, reviews, young adult
So, in the last few days of December my apartment flooded. Let me tell you, that is a lovely call to get while you're on vacation.
I've been very fortunate and didn't lose much of my stuff to water damage. However, you'll never guess what soaks up water like a sponge and was all over my apartment. Throwing out three bags of books didn't do much for my desire to write a book blog. I'm still kind of sad about it.
Some of it is losing several books that I took special trips to get signed. I lost my copies of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS and AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES, both signed by John Green. Do you know the kind of lines you have to go through to get Green's signature? (Fortunately, he is a signing pro and keeps people moving.) I also lost my signed and doodled copy of THE TRUE MEANING OF SMEKDAY by Adam Rex, just as I wanted to read it again in preparation for Home. (Plus the doodle of JLo was ridiculously cute.) I also lost my signed copy of THE PEOPLE OF PAPER, and Salvador Plascencia doesn't do many appearances.
Some of the books I lost weren't signed, but were favorites, and I'm sad about having to replace them. LOSERS IN SPACE by John Barnes, which never came out in paperback, and UNSPOKEN by Sarah Rees Brennan, with the pretty silhouette cover.
I've got my apartment basically back in order now, aside from the fact I need to buy new bookshelves. (No, I don't think I'll buy the cheap particle board ones again.) It just hurts to lose your stuff.
Posted by Liviania at 12:00 AM 10 comments
Review: While We Run
Companion to When We Wake
By Karen Healey
Available now from Little, Brown BFYR (Hachette)
Abdi Taalib and his best friend Tegan, who he's very much in love with, are prisoners of the Australian government. They tried to expose the government's wrongdoings when it comes to a cryogenics project, but ended up captured, tortured, and forced to publicly recant their statements and support the project.
I haven't read WHEN WE WAKE, but WHILE WE RUN contains plenty of recap. In addition, at the beginning of the novel Abdi doesn't know much about what is going on and is pretty preoccupied with the mental and physical stress of being a performing monkey with the promise of worse on the horizon. I was really impressed by this opening, which drew me in despite my unfamiliarity with the setting. It is not easy to read, but it is engrossing. Karen Healey does not back away from the horror of the government using Abdi and Tegan as slaves, and the consequences of these months linger throughout the novel.
Healey combines strong character work with a plot from a political conspiracy thriller to bring a future world to life. It's not too far in the future - countries and religions of today are still recognizable - but technology and social issues have progressed. The mingling of real-world issues with future tech is very well done. The world of WHILE WE RUN is relevant to today's reader, but doesn't come off as a blatant screed.
Actually, several elements prevent WHILE WE RUN from being a blatant screed. For one thing, there are no easy answers. Abdi might not have any fondness for the Australian government, but that doesn't mean that he agrees with the various terrorist/freedom fighters he encounters either. He's very determined to make up his own mind, which forces him to face that there often are no good answers. Then there's the delightful mix of character backgrounds.
Abdi is a second-class citizen in Australia, but in his home country he's wealthy and privileged. He's also atheist, but his family thinks he'll come around. The other characters come from a variety of ethnic and economic backgrounds, and represent a variety of sexualities and genders. This diversity helps show how all of the characters come at the issues in question from different angles.
I'm quite happy that WHILE WE RUN made the Cybils shortlist in YA Speculative Fiction this year. It's a thought-provoking read that doesn't forget to throw in some action and keep things moving.
Labels: cybils, favorable, karen healey, reviews, science fiction, while we run, young adult
Review: Golden Son
Book two of the Red Rising trilogy
By Pierce Brown
Available now from Del Rey (Penguin Random House)
Read my review of Red Rising
GOLDEN SON starts several years after RED RISING. Darrow is about to graduate the Academy, command his own fleet, and aid the Sons of Ares right under the nose of the ArchGovernor of Mars. Unfortunately, his plan goes awry and he must scramble to stay one step ahead of his enemies if he wants to stay alive.
GOLDEN SON is an action-packed book that will thrill fans of RED RISING who have been eagerly awaiting Darrow's next adventure. Those who haven't read RED RISING will likely be very, very confused. There are a variety of intricate alliances and the book makes no effort to catch readers up on what has happened before. GOLDEN SON expects you to have a good memory.
Now, it wasn't a perfect book. There's a lag in the middle, and Darrow continually makes surprisingly stupid decisions. He's amazing at tactics, great at strategy, and yet he often misses the obvious or puts off doing things he knows he must do. I forgive some of those mistakes because he is only twenty, but at the same time, this is what he's trained to do and is suppose to be a genius at. To be fair, I mostly noticed these issues after finishing the novel. I was too busy flipping pages to find out what happened next while reading.
I love how much happens in GOLDEN SON. It isn't just war. It's evaluating what you're fighting for, and how you're going to do it so that you can look at yourself in the mirror. It's about finding the humanity in people who aren't like you, and reaching out to the best in people instead of encouraging their worst. For a dark, grim series, there's a truly optimistic core.
I do warn you that there is quite the cliffhanger. If you aren't a fan of cliffhangers, you might wait until the final book of the trilogy comes out next year. Things look grim for Darrow and his allies, but I have hope that red will rise in the end.
Labels: favorable, golden son, pierce brown, red rising, reviews, science fiction
Cybils Finalists and Other Great Nominees
Today, the 2014 Cybils finalists were announced. Our speculative fiction YA list is brilliant.
There is DEATH SWORN by Leah Cypress, about which I wrote:
From the moment Ileni stepped into a cave of assassins to teach magic and discover who killed her two predecessors, I was hooked. In Death Sworn, Ileni goes deep into a culture that values absolute obedience and killing for the greater good. Ileni herself is the novel's greatest assassin, a heroine who overcomes her fears and doubts, managing to hide that she's weak and easy prey. The intense tension between Ileni and her assassin protector Soren adds a touch of romance to the action, with a refreshing lack of anything resembling a love triangle. The theme of questioning authority and dogma will resonate with teens, as will Ileni's growing engagement with the world around her as she discovers that you can forge a new path for yourself after your dreams falter.
There is also:
GLORY O'BRIEN'S HISTORY OF THE FUTURE by A.S. King
NOGGIN by John Corey Whaley
SALVAGE by Alexandra Duncan
THE LIVING by Matt de la Pena
THE WINNER'S CURSE by Marie Rutkoski
WHILE WE RUN by Karen Healey
A few others I particularly loved:
THE GIRL FROM THE WELL by Rin Chupeco, which came close to being a finalist. Unfortunately, chapter five presents a rather exaggerated mental hospital which seemed to perpetuate some unfortunate stereotypes about the mentally ill. It was a great book, but not one the Cybils could wholeheartedly recommend.
BLACK DOG by Rachel Neumeier
MONSTROUS AFFECTIONS edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, which has a hilarious intro and a variety of great stories, most especially the standout "Wings in the Morning" by Sarah Rees Brennan.
Posted by Liviania at 10:30 PM 1 comments
Labels: cybils, science fiction/fantasy, young adult
Review: The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava L...


New cases of the disease may be declining, but most Liberian families are now finding it harder to get enough to eat.
The news out of Liberia has been upbeat lately, with fewer and fewer cases of the deadly Ebola virus being reported. But even as the direct threat posed by the disease appears to be receding, experts are warning that it has given rise to a related crisis: rampant hunger.
To assess the problem, researchers from Mercy Corps, an NGO based in Portland, Ore., spoke with 122 households and 122 vendors in three of the most heavily afflicted parts of the country—Lofa County, once the epicenter of the Liberia's Ebola outbreak; Monrovia, the capital; and Nimba County. Their report, published last week, depicts a population gradually moving from one disaster to another. The most striking findings: 90 percent of respondents said they were eating less at every meal since the beginning of the outbreak, and 85 percent were eating fewer meals every day.
90 percent of respondents said they were eating less at every meal. 85 percent were eating fewer meals every day.
The report shows that even though the number of people of infected with Ebola has been relatively small—never more than a fraction of all residents in even the hardest-hit regions—the resulting epidemic of hunger has become far more widespread.
There are two reasons for this problem. One is the increasing scarcity—and rising cost—of food imports. Vendors in Lofa (which borders Sierra Leone and Guinea) and Nimba (which borders Guinea and Ivory Coast) typically sourced their goods from neighboring countries since it was cheaper than buying imports that are shipped to Monrovia. But as panic spread and the borders closed, they were forced to acquire their goods from Monrovia, and the country became increasingly dependent on overseas imports. But because of the outbreak, fewer shipping lines have been willing to travel to Liberia. Those that continue to deliver goods have had to purchase additional insurance—an added cost that is further driving up the price of imports.
The food shortage that resulted from the decline in trade has been made even worse by a simultaneous decline in local agriculture. In northern parts of the country—like Lofa—where farmers normally rely on imported seeds from neighboring countries, rice production has fallen by as much as 25 percent in some areas. In the south, which depends heavily on mobile groups of farm laborers, production has fallen by as much as 50 percent as workers have stayed away in an attempt to avoid the disease.
Declining agriculture and trade, combined with a general slowdown in business throughout the country, has led to a collapse of the Liberian economy and a fall in household income. According to Mercy Corps, 66 percent of surveyed households reported that their income has decreased since the outbreak reached epidemic levels. To make up for their losses, people are borrowing money, often to pay for food or other household expenses.
Declining agriculture and trade, combined with a general slowdown in business, has led to a collapse of the Liberian economy.
And the hunger problem could get even worse. "If attention is not paid to the economic impact of the crisis the situation will continue to deteriorate over the coming months, with some households reaching critical levels by April/May 2015," the researchers write.
Hunger is really hitting the country… If the ships are not coming, [farmers] are not making rice, the stockpiles are depleted…the animals are eating the crops, what happens then? The production will decrease, the price will increase, and if you don't have money, what is going to happen? Hunger is going to strike… This is a serious war, without bullets.
Liberia is declining, the economy is declining, and things are just getting difficult on a daily basis. We are not free to move around, we are not free in our own country because of this deadly Ebola virus. We are urging the international community to come to our rescue, for the downtrodden, because pretty soon there will be another war, and that will be the hunger war.


Former Tottenham midfielder Adel Taarabt has finally made his Benfica first-team debut – nearly four years after signing for the Portuguese club.
It was Taarabt's first outing for Benfica since joining them in June 2015 after his Queens Park Rangers deal was terminated by mutual consent.
But his breakthrough came after Benfica manager Bruno Lage, who took over the team in early January, recently described him as "a player who always trained well, with the intensity I like".
A creative midfielder, his career has been blighted by criticism from managers and former QPR boss Neil Warnock opted for "talented, exciting and frustrating" when asked to describe his then captain in three words.
Taarabt was criticised by then-QPR manager Harry Redknapp in October 2014 for being "about three stone overweight" but he played five times after Redknapp was replaced as boss by Chris Ramsey in February 2015.
At international level, he has been embroiled in controversy – he walked out on the Morocco side in mid-2011 when then coach Eric Gerets benched him for a key Nations Cup qualifier.


I'm new. I like toast and sushi. Not together. People put bananas on their toast. What's with that?
Nachos are good too. My boyfriend just ate all my pringles. Im going to have to step on his parts in a minute.
i'm not into anyone stepping on my parts, but nachos?
nachos i can deal with.
Hello... Is this actualy a Human Centipede promo?
This is some eddie-level posting.
I'll give this clod part of the day to create a new, interesting or maybe just non-infantile post or I'll use my powers.
update: dinner plans tomorrow include nachos.
Once again my dinner shall be sorrow.
with a large side of despair i presume?
does zom-zom always eat saddy meals from McGoth's?
I'm just gonna have a hot dog. But I'll wash it down with tears.
With some cremains in the pepper shaker, it could be quite a night.
Anyways, who is eddie? Is he made of nachos?
Well if, i the great and grand Jessica is Eddie, then that makes you gender confused.


text:
<!DOCTYPE HTML>

  <link href='https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Pacifico' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css'>
  <link href="styles.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet">
  <title>Conway's Game of Life</title>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: How to increase the height of Textarea in jtable dynamically I have a standalone application in which I have a Jtable.  In my table, when I type the text, the height of the Textarea should increase dynamically with the text.  How can I do this?
Can someone help me with an example how to do this?
Thanking You
Chaithanya

A: It wasn't clear from your question - are you using a JTextArea or a TextArea?  The reason it's ambiguous is people generally don't mix and match the light and heavy-weight frameworks (e.g. put awt components within a swing component).
If it's a JTextArea, I think your best bet is probably to use a DocumentListener.
DocumentListener myListener = ??;
JTextArea myArea = ??;
myArea.getDocument().addDocumentListener(myListener);

http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/uiswing/components/generaltext.html#doclisteners
I think what you'll need to do is listen for changes, and whenever something is added to the file, call the getLineCount() method, and compare it with the getRows() method.  If it's broken the threshold, then use a setRows() call to increase the number of rows.
Will probably need to file some sort of UI change, especially to propagate up to the JTable.


Strata + Hadoop World 2015 is in just three weeks, September 29-October 1 in New York. If you haven't made your plans yet, don't wait much longer—it sold out two weeks before the event last year with 5,500 attendees, and is only expected to get bigger this year.
New Keynotes—David Boyle, Katherine Milkman, Jeff Jonas, and Maciej Ceglowski (to name just a few).
Industry sessions—financial services, health, music, social good: if you're in any of these industries, don't miss these sessions.
Cultivate Conference—learn how to lead through culture and transform your business, at Cultivate (Sept 28-29), co-located with Strata + Hadoop World.
No wonder our attendees say: "I learned more about big data in just three days attending Strata + Hadoop World than in one year doing research on my own."
Make your plans today before it sells out again.


CharyJay.com: The New Chary-Jay.com Launch Party!
After three and a half years on YouTube, I thought it was about time that I rebranded myself from head to toe. New logo, new website and a new vision. Since I started working a new full time job, I knew I would need help since time was not on my side. I hired a brand manager who helped my dream come to life.
To add to the excitement of rebranding myself, I also went forward with an idea I've been toying with for the past two years. I always wanted to make hair accessories. In fact, I used to create my own when I first started transitioning to natural hair. I would get cute rolls of ribbons from Jo-Ann Fabrics and style them into a design using safety pins. Once my hair grew longer, my obsession with hair accessories grew as well. I experimented with scarves to create bows, large and small. But when sporting loose styles where I wanted my hair to flow freely, I wanted an accessory I could just stick in my hair and keep it moving. And thus, Big Bold & Funky was born. I'm not showing any pieces until we grow closer to the launch (Dec. 1st), but if you have big hair, a bold personality, and or a funky sense of style, Big Bold and Funky is surely for you!
To celebrate all of these fabulous new things I've been working on behind the scenes, I'm celebrating with a launch party in my favorite city on a special day. December 8th will be 28th birthday and I'll be in New York City to celebrate with you guys at my launch party at Pranna in Manhattan. We'll enjoy a three course dinner followed by cupcakes and cake pops for dessert!
Since I have reviewed and loved so many products on YouTube since I started, I knew I wanted attendees at my event to receive lots of them upon arrival to the party! These swag bags are going to be bursting at the seems with lots of full size products and samples from my favorite brands. To see the entire list, click here. And not only are you guaranteed to leave with a full set of products, but we're also going to have a crazy amount of giveaways and four lucky ladies will be leaving home with a Huetiful Hair Steamer. Not just one, but four will be there at the event just waiting to get snatched up by you!
I'm known for my hair, but I know lots of you guys are always checking for my ear jewels I wear often, so we're also giving away some of my favorite pieces from a few designers as well. It's definitely going to be a party to remember so make sure you get your tickets now! Space is limited.
To make your purchase, click here.
Heads up! Once Nov. 25th arrives, you won't be able to view this old dingy blog anymore and instead it will direct you to the countdown of the new Chary-Jay.com.
So until then, get ready!
Awesome and congrats! It always feels good to follow ur dreams. Good luck with everything!
Congrats on making big moves and can't wait to see what your creations will look like. I wish I could go but I'm sure there will be photos and a recap sometime after it's over.