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Q: Cygpath and accents (àèìòù) cygpath doesn't seem to correctly handle paths with accents, e.g.
C:\cygwin64\bin>cygpath --absolute -C UTF8 "C:\foo\àòè\foo2"

prints
/usr/bin/"C:/foo/àòè/foo2"

whereas I would expect:
/cygdrive/c/foo/àòè/foo2

The same path without accents yields the expected result:
C:\cygwin64\bin>cygpath --absolute -C UTF8 "C:\foo\aoe\foo2"
/cygdrive/c/foo/aoe/foo2

Am I doing something wrong?
------ EDIT 1
I'm using Cygpath 2.6.0 on Win 10.
C:\cygwin64\bin>cygpath --version
cygpath (cygwin) 2.6.0
Path Conversion Utility
Copyright (C) 1998 - 2016 Cygwin Authors
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

C:\cygwin64\bin>locale
LANG=
LC_CTYPE="C.UTF-8"
LC_NUMERIC="C.UTF-8"
LC_TIME="C.UTF-8"
LC_COLLATE="C.UTF-8"
LC_MONETARY="C.UTF-8"
LC_MESSAGES="C.UTF-8"
LC_ALL=

As far i see, after Adrian answer, I think that the problem is that I'm trying to use cygpath without running cygwin bash, because using that i don't have any problem.
$ cygpath --absolute -C UTF8 "C:\foo\àèò\foo2"
/cygdrive/c/foo/àèò/foo2

But I need to use cygpath directly without bash, do you think there is a way?

A: What version of Cygwin/cygpath do you run? I can't duplicate this:
$ cygpath --absolute -C UTF8 "C:\foo\àòè\foo2"
/cygdrive/c/foo/àòè/foo2

$ cygpath --version
cygpath (cygwin) 1.7.35
Path Conversion Utility
Copyright (C) 1998 - 2015 Red Hat, Inc.
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

$ locale
LANG=en_US.UTF-8
LC_CTYPE="en_US.UTF-8"
LC_NUMERIC="en_US.UTF-8"
LC_TIME="en_US.UTF-8"
LC_COLLATE="en_US.UTF-8"
LC_MONETARY="en_US.UTF-8"
LC_MESSAGES="en_US.UTF-8"
LC_ALL=en_US.UTF-8

EDIT
Works:

*

*cygpath-1.7.35 in mintty.exe (Cygwin), cmd.exe and Powershell.

*cygpath-2.6.0 in mintty.exe (Cygwin) and Powershell.

Does not work:

*

*cygpath-2.6.0 in cmd.exe
This seems to be related to quoting and there is a workaround. Specifying the path without quotes yields the correct result:
c:\cygwin\bin>cygpath --absolute -C UTF8 'C:\foo\àèò\foo2'
/cygdrive/c/cygwin/bin/'C:/foo/àèò/foo2'

c:\cygwin\bin>cygpath --absolute -C UTF8 C:\foo\àèò\foo2
/cygdrive/c/foo/àèò/foo2

I'm not sure if/how the Cygwin devs support running Cygwin applications outside a Cygwin-shell but since this worked before I'd say it's a bug, you should post it to their mailing list.


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CAA Sports and Roc Nation Sports Part Ways
The two agencies entered a planned two-year partnership in April 2013
Oscars: Michelle Yeoh Makes History as First Asian Best Actress Nominee
Robinson Cano Victor Cruz Kevin Durant Split - H 2015
CAA Sports and Roc Nation Sports have ended their two-year partnership, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. According to the two parties, the split was planned and amicable.
"Roc Nation Sports and CAA Sports are two of the premier agencies and they will continue their high levels of client service to the world's top athletes," the agencies said in a joint statement. "They have enjoyed their time as partners and have achieved many successes together. Going forward, they will each focus their efforts on their own business opportunities and clientele."
Roc Nation, the music management company owned by Jay Z, partnered with CAA in April 2013 to expand its practice into sports. MLB All-Star Robinson Cano was the first athlete to come on board, and he has since been joined by more than a dozen others, including NBA All-Star Kevin Durant, New York Giants wideout Victor Cruz and Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia.
These players, plus athletes including the NFL's Dez Bryant and Ndamukong Suh, as well as the WNBA's Skylar Diggins, currently are co-represented by CAA and Roc Nation. It's possible that situation could continue, with the two agencies splitting or sharing on- and off-field dealmaking duties. Roc Nation does not have baseball agents, while CAA Sports does not have a boxing division (Roc Nation reps undefeated welterweight Dusty Hernandez Harrison and super middleweight champ Andre Ward).
"We have had a great relationship with CAA in this short time of two years and are grateful," Roc Nation Sports president Juan Perez said. "We are ready to stand on our own."
Feb. 10, 10:01 p.m.: Edited to clarify status of co-represented athletes and add a statement from Juan Perez.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Deposit account is subject to approval.
The terms of the account, including any fees or features, may change. Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.


Find the perfect Polar trip in Latin America. There are 124 Latin America polar expeditions to choose from, that range in length from 4 days up to 33 days. The most popular month for these tours is December.
"I just returned from Spirit of Shackleton trip to the Falklands, South Georgia, and..."


The official beginning to the yearly interior furnishings trade show calendar, imm cologne opens its doors on January 13, 2014, attracting major innovation drivers, market leaders and brands, and a broad spectrum of attendees. This year, as in even-numbered years, the show is complemented by another event called "LivingInteriors" which stands for holistic interior and furnishing concepts. For 2014 the organizers expects a total of 1,100 companies from 50 countries.
imm cologne is constantly evolving and branching out in new directions. To attract even more designers, imm has developed specialized platforms such as "Pure," "Pure Village" and "Pure Editions." Since 2012, Pure Village has also been home to "Das Haus – Interiors on Stage." The design project is a walk-in simulation of a house — half visionary blueprint, half designer portrait. Based on the plans of the new designer who is nominated every year, "Das Haus" shows a structure consisting of architectural elements, interior spaces and outdoor areas, as well as arrangements of furniture and furnishing elements for an individually configured interior design. This time, the project is being implemented in collaboration with Danish furniture and lighting designer Louise Campbell.
In Hall 1, another new segment by the name of PureOne-Design Injection will be dedicated entirely to the theme of young design from colleges and universities. Here visitors can experience idea labs that have a concrete influence on the furniture industry.
In the furnishing sector, money is increasingly being made with holistic interior concepts. Flooring, wall coverings and lighting complement furniture and thus help create interesting and attractive interior design concepts. In the bathroom, individual areas of the home are merging – the bathroom is turning into a private spa. imm cologne is responding to this interior ambience and market development with the LivingInteriors event in Hall 4.2. With their vivacious, varied and interactive presentations, national and international exhibitors will be showing holistically interpreted interior and furnishing concepts that create an appetite for interior design. Various event zones will be presenting variations on furnishing styles, solutions for modernizing bathrooms, natural and highly functional flooring products, creative wall coverings and striking lighting scenarios. As well as trade visitors and consumers, this format also very specifically targets planning professionals such as designers, architects and interior designers.


Anya Deepak Anya Deepak is the Toxics Reduction professional at the City and County of San Francisco's Department of the Environment. Apart from nail technicians, Anya also works very closely with custodians and artists. Anya started with the Department of the Environment 3 years ago when she heard about the number of chemicals in nail products and how they impact health. She works closely with many business sectors that deal with harmful chemicals as their bread and butter and helps them transition from these chemicals and use safer techniques that don't harm their health or the environment.
Lynda Grose Lynda Grose cofounded ESPRIT's ecollection, which was the first ecologically responsible clothing line developed by a major corporation and set pioneering standards for the textile industry. As a practicing designer, consultant, and educator, Grose works with clients across all sectors of the economy; from private businesses to nonprofit organizations and governments and from designers to artisans and farmers. Lynda is Associate Professor of Fashion Design at California College for the Arts and Marketing Outreach for the Sustainable Cotton Project. She also co-authored Fashion and Sustainability: Design for Change.
Julie Mo of Press On Cleaners in San Mateo speaking about wet-cleaning, a non-toxic alternative to dry cleaning.
Where Do Your Clothes Go2?
Connie Ulasewicz Connie Ulasewicz is a Professor in the Apparel Design &Merchandising program at San Francisco State University and a co-author of the just published Sustainable Fashion: What's Next? Connie was the recipient of the 2015 Goodwill Most Valuable Partner Award for SFSU for support and excellence in partnership.
Chrissy Kaufman Chrissy Kaufman is the Production Manager for Dare Fashion, a local apparel company that manufactures in San Francisco. She has 20 years experience working with small-scale jewelry and apparel collections and has always focused on fair trade and sustainability components.
Gail Baugh Gail Baugh has over 35 years experience in the fashion industry: Macys buyer, apparel production manager, and international textile and manufacturing sourcing. Experienced in global supply chain management, her expertise is fiber and textile innovation and alsoincludes sustainable textile production.
Danette Scheib Danette Scheib co-founded Lemon Twist with her husband in 1999. Her smart and distinctive designs with impeccabletailoring are designed and manufactured locally. Danette also runs Lemon Twist Fashion Camp, a summer camp for kids where she teaches pattern making, fit, fabrics and sewing.
Monica Paz Soldan Monica Paz Soldan of Tiny Textiles in San Francisco, representing fibershed, spent her early years on her grandfather's cotton ranch and dairy, and has always been surrounded by fiber and growing things. Creating with fiber has been a life long obsession. And the desire to produce truly clean clothes for her loved ones has kept her farming and knitting a lot of the time. Her desire to see a culture that does not live off of the suffering of others, and thrives as an integral part of its environment, has led her to assemble a workshop of recycled machines to produce a variety of textiles and products from domestic fiber.
Julianna Y. Mo Julianna Y. Mo is the co-owner of Press On Cleaners in San Mateo, California. Her business is the first Green Business Certified Dry Cleaner in San Mateo City and County. Since converting to Professional Wet Cleaning in 2008, Ms. Mo and her husband, James Roh, have increased their sales revenue by six-fold proving the viability of the business model. Ms. Mo and Mr. Roh have attended numerous workshops throughout California to share their expertise and experience in the field. In October 2009, Ms. Mo wrote an article that was published in the San Mateo Daily Journal titled, "What is Green Dry Cleaning?" In March 2014, Ms. Mo spoke on a panel at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) roundtable talks regarding Wet Cleaning care label law changes as Secretary of the Professional WetCleaners Associations. Ms. Mo holds a J.D. from Golden Gate University.


Judge Sullivan apologizes for his "treason" comments, noting that he was confused about the dates during which Flynn acted as a foreign agent.
"I felt terrible about that," he reportedly said. "I'm not suggesting he committed treason," Sullivan adds, further apologizing for his remarks in the prior session.
Flynn's conduct as a foreign agent ended in mid-November of 2016, far before Trump took office.
In another example of the thuggery that has become the American "justice system" the presiding Judge in Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn's sentencing hearing suggested from the bench that Flynn should be charged with treason.
"You were an unregistered agent of a foreign country while serving as the National Security Adviser to the president!" said Judge Emmet Sullivan of United States District Court for the District of Columbia, according to Steven Portnoy of CBS Radio.
"Arguably, this undermines everything this flag over here stands for! Arguably, you sold your country out!" the Judge reportedly continued.
Meanwhile, there have been questions raised about the circumstances under which Flynn allegedly lied to the FBI – mainly whether he was coerced into it without a lawyer present, under the pretext that he was not under investigation.
Townhall has reported that Sullivan said he cannot hide his "disgust" or "disdain" with Flynn's alleged behavior.
Does this sound like an impartial judge to anyone? The political right is steadily losing confidence in high level law enforcement and a judiciary that seem bent on destroying the lives of President Donald J. Trump and those who supported him – and rightfully so.


text:
Eggen (italienisch San Nicolò d'Ega) ist eine Fraktion der Gemeinde Deutschnofen im Südtiroler Eggental (Italien) mit ca. 900 Einwohnern. Zu Eggen zählen die Ortschaften Eggen, Obereggen und Rauth sowie ein Teil von Birchabruck.

Eggen liegt im südlichen Ast des sich bei Birchabruck verzweigenden Eggentals. Während der östliche Ast nach Welschnofen und zum Karerpass führt, bietet der südliche Ast den Ortschaften Eggen, Obereggen und Rauth Platz, ehe er am Reiterjoch und Lavazèjoch endet.

Eggen wurde im 14. Jahrhundert gegründet, 1420 ist es im Urbar des hier begüterten Bozener Heiliggeistspitals als Ekken genannt. Als Schutzpatron gilt St. Nikolaus, dieser wurde als Retter aus Wassergefahr bezeichnet. Bis 1681 war Eggen unter kirchlicher Betreuung von Deutschnofen.

Eggen lebt hauptsächlich von der Landwirtschaft und vom Tourismus, da das in Obereggen gelegene Ski Center Latemar ein beliebtes Wintersportgebiet ist. In Eggen gibt es eine Grundschule für die deutsche Sprachgruppe.

Literatur
 Josef Tarneller: Die Hofnamen in den alten Kirchspielen Deutschnofen-Eggental und Vels am Schlern (Hofnamen im untern Eisacktal 1). Wien: Hölder 1914, S. 33–36 (Digitalisat)

Weblinks
 Offizielle Webpräsenz des Eggentals

Einzelnachweise

Fraktion in Südtirol
Ort in Südtirol
Deutschnofen

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Colorblock pencils in metallic colors will brighten up your work. They are a 10mm diameter hexagon-shaped pencil. The extra large 4.5mm lead is wax-based to provide a smooth, generous application of the brilliant color. High pigment concentration gives bright and intense color.
Approximate dimensions: 6.7" x .5"
Swiss made from 1915 to the present day. Caran d'Ache was founded when Geneva had no other pencil maker. The city was filled with watchmakers and jewelers and that atmosphere of detail and innovation affected this company. They designed the first mechanical pencil, invented the first watercolor pencil and their line of pencils, luminance 6901, won a certificate for the highest lightfastness. In all their products there's care for the environment in which they source materials, the quality of craftsmanship, and the safety and experience of the people whose hands will eventually hold these tools.


text:
50 Things You Need To Give Up Today
When you stop chasing the wrong things, you give the right things a chance to catch you. So starting today… Give up trying to be perfect. – The real world doesn't reward perfectionists, it rewards people who get things done. And remember, mistakes make us human, failures help us grow, hope keeps us going and love is the reason we're alive. Photo by: Ai-lueh Chen Related 60 Empowering Quotes to Help You Get Things Done Here are 60 quotes gathered from our sister site, Everyday Life Lessons, to empower you to take action, navigate through life's challenges, and get things done. July 27, 2012 In "Aspirations" 10 Things You Must Give Up to Be Successful "Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door." June 4, 2012 30 Things to Start Doing for Yourself Remember today, for it is the beginning.
50 Important Advice and Things To Know That People Usually Aren't Told About Life is complicated. It is not easy, smooth, or even consistently comprehensible. However, as frustrating as it may be, it is wonderful. The world has infinite possibilities for everyone, even when things seem hopeless. Marry your best friend: If the person you're the most comfortable with isn't your spouse, make them! Featured photo credit: A toddler climbing on a steps via Shutterstock Alternate Sleep Cycles Most people only think that there is one way to sleep: Go to sleep at night for 6-8 hours, wake up in the morning, stay awake for 16-18 hours and then repeat. Actually, that is called a monophasic sleep cycle, which is only 1 of 5 major sleep cycles that have been used successfully throughout history. The other 4 are considered polyphasic sleep cycles due to the multiple number of naps they require each day. How is this possible? How is this healthy? Well the most important of every sleep cycle is the Stage 4 REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which has been shown to provide the benefits of sleep to the brain above all other stages of sleep. This way, you still get the benefits of 8 hours of sleep without wasting all of the time it takes to get to REM cycles, resulting in a much more efficient sleep cycle. Uberman Cycle: 20 to 30 minute naps every 4 hours, resulting in 6 naps each day. Everyman Cycle: One longer "core" nap that is supplemented with several 20-30 minute naps. Dymaxion Cycle:
Robert Gibbs attacks the fringe losers of the left - Glenn Greenwald But Robert Gibbs — in one of the most petulant, self-pitying outbursts seen from a top political official in recent memory, half derived from a paranoid Richard Nixon rant and the other half from a Sean Hannity/Sarah Palin caricature of The Far Left — is here to tell you that the real reason you're dissatisfied with the President is because you're a fringe, ideological, Leftist extremist ingrate who needs drug counseling: The White House is simmering with anger at criticism from liberals who say President Obama is more concerned with deal-making than ideological purity. During an interview with The Hill in his West Wing office, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs blasted liberal naysayers, whom he said would never regard anything the president did as good enough. "I hear these people saying he's like George Bush. Those people ought to be drug tested," Gibbs said. "I mean, it's crazy." UPDATE II: Robert Gibbs: I hear these people saying he's like George Bush. Anthony Romero:
111 Lessons Life Taught Us Sometimes thinking about your life and sorting out what you have learned is just as important as tackling a new venture. That's what our new sister site, Everyday Life Lessons, is all about. It's an online community where people share, rank and discuss life's greatest lessons. The site challenges you to reflect on your past, dig deep within yourself and answer one simple question: What has life taught you? Think about all the things you would love to tell yourself if you could travel back in time to give your younger self some advice about life. Here's a sample of 111 life lessons that were recently submitted to the site: Spend more time with those who make you smile and less time with those who you feel pressured to impress.Never tell someone their dreams are impossible. Everyday Life Lessons is updated daily. Photo by: Lauren Macdonald Related 7 Important Life Lessons Everyone Learns the Hard Way "People never learn anything by being told, they have to find out for themselves." May 11, 2012
50 Ways To Be AWESOME by Meg RulliFebruary 18, 2013 Sharebar Tony and I just completed our trip around the world and as we are reconnecting with friends and family from home, I keep getting asked the same question: "Did travel change you?" In short: Nope! I am still the whacky girl that left on a jet plane last January to explore the world with my equally whacky husband. But one thing did change… Traveling made me a happier person and made me appreciate life and love so much more. And it's never too late to put yourself first and live life on your terms. Make yourself a priority in life Set both big and small goals for yourselfActually stick to your goals! Your turn: What awesome tips would you add to this list?
7 Must-Read Books about Music, Emotion &the Brain by Maria Popova What Freud has to do with auditory cheesecake, European opera and world peace. Last year, Horizon's fascinating documentary on how music works was one of our most-liked pickings of 2010. But perhaps even more fascinating than the subject of how music works is the question of why it makes us feel the way it does. Today, we try to answer it with seven essential books that bridge music, emotion and cognition, peeling away at that tender intersection of where your brain ends and your soul begins. We love the work of neuroscientist and prolific author Oliver Sacks, whose latest book, The Mind's Eye, was one of our favorite brain books last year. Why music makes us feel the way it does is on par with questions about the nature of divinity or the origin of love. Patel also offers this beautiful definition of what music is: Sound organized in time, intended for, or perceived as, aesthetic experience. Donating = Loving Brain Pickings has a free weekly newsletter. Share on Tumblr
We're Underestimating the Risk of Human Extinction - Ross Andersen - Technology Unthinkable as it may be, humanity, every last person, could someday be wiped from the face of the Earth. We have learned to worry about asteroids and supervolcanoes, but the more-likely scenario, according to Nick Bostrom, a professor of philosophy at Oxford, is that we humans will destroy ourselves. Bostrom, who directs Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute, has argued over the course of several papers that human extinction risks are poorly understood and, worse still, severely underestimated by society. Some of these existential risks are fairly well known, especially the natural ones. But others are obscure or even exotic. Most worrying to Bostrom is the subset of existential risks that arise from human technology, a subset that he expects to grow in number and potency over the next century. Despite his concerns about the risks posed to humans by technological progress, Bostrom is no luddite. Of course there are also existential risks that are not extinction risks. How so?
50 Life Secrets and Tips Memorize something everyday.Not only will this leave your brain sharp and your memory functioning, you will also have a huge library of quotes to bust out at any moment. Poetry, sayings and philosophies are your best options.Constantly try to reduce your attachment to possessions.Those who are heavy-set with material desires will have a lot of trouble when their things are taken away from them or lost. Possessions do end up owning you, not the other way around. Become a person of minimal needs and you will be much more content.Develop an endless curiosity about this world.Become an explorer and view the world as your jungle. Stop and observe all of the little things as completely unique events. Read "Zen and the Art of Happiness" by Chris Prentiss.This book will give you the knowledge and instruction to be happy at all times regardless of the circumstances.
50 (More) Life Secrets and Tips Investigate what is known about deathWhat do you know about death? You certainly have beliefs around it, but what do you know about the science of death, or of those who have died and been brought back to life? Death is not as big of a mystery as it is made out to be. Do your research before you fear or misconstrue this most universal human experience.Notice the small, beautiful thingsAs cliche as this sounds, there is so much beauty in the world yet we rarely appreciate it. Take 5 minutes, stop doing everything and sit down. Then clear your mind of your inner dialogue and focus intently on something in the space immediately in front of you. Find the supplements suitable for your lifestyleOur diets and habits are nothing like those which are bodies were built for. Wouldn't it be awesome if you could boldly display 50 life secrets and tips on your wall to serve as a beautiful, daily reminder of how to live a Higher Existence?
50 Life Secrets and Tips Memorize something everyday.Not only will this leave your brain sharp and your memory functioning, you will also have a huge library of quotes to bust out at any moment. Poetry, sayings and philosophies are your best options.Constantly try to reduce your attachment to possessions.Those who are heavy-set with material desires will have a lot of trouble when their things are taken away from them or lost. Possessions do end up owning you, not the other way around. Read "Zen and the Art of Happiness" by Chris Prentiss.This book will give you the knowledge and instruction to be happy at all times regardless of the circumstances. Wouldn't it be awesome if you could boldly display 50 life secrets and tips on your wall to serve as a beautiful, daily reminder of how to live a Higher Existence?


text:
Mandali Khalesi
Home Blog Osaka: Google, Toyota and 2025
Osaka: Google, Toyota and 2025
mandali
Earlier this year, with a longstanding invitation from our friends newly moved to Osaka, we decided with my wife (and 2-month-old baby!) to catch the shinkansen for a weekend with our friends. Thinking back, last time I was in Osaka was 2001 about to meet my mother at the downtown youth hostel for her very first trip to Japan, prior to accompanying her on our travels to the west and then south of Japan. I was surprised then as now with the sheer amount of construction ongoing, the second largest conurbation in Japan and a city in constant reinvention of itself. So with that in mind, when researching Osaka it was unsurprising to hear that the city has worked or is working with two giants in the automated driving race at polar opposites. On one side of the ring, established leader Toyota with its focus on safety, inventor of just in time, and the Lexus phenomenon. On the other, leading IT industry challenger Google who effectively dominate the search industry and then upended the auto industry with its focus on full-automation and launch of iconic pod-like Google cars back in 2015.
Starting in January 2014, the Yomiuri Osaka newspaper reported a tie-up being worked on between the City of Osaka and Google to test its vehicles on the three islands of Sakishima, Yumeshima and Maishima in the Osaka Bay area. Similar to the current developments around Tokyo's Haneda Airport we wrote about previously, the City was planning to create innovation zones on the islands for robotics, automated driving and other new technologies. The next step was to get the police and other governmental agencies involved. At the time, Google was still developing automated vehicles using the Lexus platform kitted out with Lidars, cameras and other sensors, and preceded the launch of the iconic Firefly no-handle no-brakes self-driving model by about a year. But after all the excitement, nothing happened.
Was the planned shift from experimental Lexus plus test driver in 2014 to fully-automated Firefly with no steering wheel in 2015 too much for the local/national authorities? Note that while the police has put in place regulation allowing for fully automated vehicle testing in Japan in the last few months, at the time there was no framework for such tests and even in mid 2016 a statement from the Japanese Police reconfirmed no plans to allow such vehicles on the road. Or could it be that when Google decided to spinout its research division (into what is now Waymo), all collaborations were revised globally? Or was it triggered by the departure of the previous director and automated driving guru Chris Urmson? Whatever the reason behind the silence, there have been no updates ever since. Even the original Yomiuri newspaper article sharing details of the announcement has been taken down, showing a barebones 404 page instead.
Fast forward to late 2016 when electronics giant and automotive Tier-1 Panasonic jumped into the fray. Considering their ongoing tie-up with automated driving innovator Tesla, one would have imagined it would be presenting a number of experiments or vehicle platforms. Yet it was reported to be planning the launch of micro mobility-type vehicle tests both in the US and near their headquarters in Osaka's Kadoma City. In order not to compete with the carmakers at their own game, Panasonic vehicle use cases would be limited to 1-2km routes, ie local trips to the supermarket and other shops. But Toyota's micro mobility vehicles, such as their COMS vehicles, play this role very nicely today as I found out when I travelled across Ishinomaki City in Tohoku earlier this year. As locals already use their own "kei" or "light" vehicles for transportation, micro vehicles such as COMs are of most interest to local city officials. The use case is to be able to travel 10-20km at short notice from their local town hall office to meet citizens or accomplish tasks that don't require a full-size vehicle, but is too tiring or too far to travel on foot or by bicycle. As late as November 2016, Panasonic was reported testing its micro EV platform with plans for launch in 2020. However in the July 2017 edition of Japan's Automotive Research Institute yearly report on ITS just out a few days ago, Panasonic was quoted that they wouldn't work on building vehicles themselves, rather focusing on the systems for those vehicles. And that testing would take place within their compound and not on the main roads. As we move towards an EV-dominated future with increasing rationalization of body components, it is very likely that 3d printing the vehicle body will become easier and easier. And it is equally likely that the systems and software in the vehicle will win the bulk of the automotive value-add business in the near future. This strategy reduces the company's future R&D cost profile, keeps a physical testing platform in-house to try out its systems in the real world, and stays focused on its core business – advanced electronics systems. A smart move on Panasonic's part.
In the background, Toyota has also been busy. As part of the Osaka City ICT Strategy kicked off in August 2014, Toyota has teamed up with the city to offer big data services covering driving and probe data from its vehicles as well as participating partners (although it is unclear whether this means Toyota-affiliated companies Toyota holds stock in, or independent software/data suppliers such as taxi companies). The idea was to offer vehicle sensor-generated information to the city to create a hazard map that could eventually be used by others. Over two years from 2015-2016, Toyota's IT Development Center collected hard braking information, hard steering events, speed, acceleration as well as current location from its own vehicles. One of the partners was named as Yamato, one of the largest courier services in Japan, whose drivers also provided information on hazardous areas to drive. This resulted in the creation of a "hiarihat" map, which can offer a predictive hazard map to citizens as well as vehicles. Looking at the link, I can count 40-odd locations in the centre of Osaka in the vicinity of the main train station and adjacent areas, with locations ranging from level 1 to level 3 in danger level and a short explanation. However it is surprising that only 40 or so locations made it to the final list after 2 years of experimentation. Surely there is more? Or maybe these locations change on a daily basis? While interesting for a demo, it would be great if this kind of map was scaled nationally and be updated 24×7.
Building on these experiments, while Tokyo has the 2020 Olympics to prepare for, Osaka is setting its sights on the next big event – the World Exhibition of 2025. Currently up against Paris in the early stages of its bid, the idea is to revive Yumeshima in the Bay area as the site for the exhibition. Focused on next-gen healthcare, AI, drones, automated driving and other futuristic technologies, according to the organizers the event would bring 28-30m visitors to Japan and provide a $17bn boost to the national economy for an outlay of only $1.8bn – an impressive 9x return on investment. And while plans are still at the early stage, there is nothing stopping the local government designating Yumeshima tomorrow as a regulatory sandbox for automated driving, as in the original concept discussed with Google back in 2014. By showing concrete progress on real-world testing in the Bay Area, Osaka would not only present a more convincing case to win the Expo but also start building an ecosystem of startups, universities and established players all focused on building cool and innovative technologies. Surely that will be the main draw for 2025? Currently French President Macron is trying his best to attract talent to his country, making the most of the Brexit confusion and making it easier for enterprises and startups to invest and relocate to France. Can Osaka up the stakes and beat Paris? Game on!
SOURCE(Image source: iqrachannel)
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The black blood of Y'shaarj courses through me! I AM UNSTOPPABLE!
But... what does Y'Shaarj have to do with the Darkspear?
The trinket buffs you with Zorn (stacks to 10 every 1 second).
To track duration with (for example) WeakAuras track Zorn der Dunkelspeere.
Look, I know the Darkspear are badass, but this sounds like something truly extreme, like a legendary item from Aman'Thul himself, not a freakin' trinket from some soon-to-be farmable boss by next expansion.
"Alpha and Omega" is obviously a direct quote from God in the Bible, stating his omnipotent vastness, so I would expect something of the like in an item named after that to be a bit more powerful, like at least on equal footing with Wrathion's legendary cape reward.
As nice a trinket as this will be once 5.4 hits, it just doesn't compare with the title its been given. That said, Bliz has put some pretty good names to waste before, and I was afraid before that they'd give us the Dragon Soul in some boss drop before Cata even released, much like they did with Gorehowl in BC.


text:
class Text : public RenderBase
{
public:
	Text(Renderer *renderer, const std::string& font, int iFontSize, bool Bold, bool Italic, int x, int y, D3DCOLOR color, const std::string& text, bool bShadow, bool bShow);
	Text(Renderer *renderer, const std::wstring& font, int iFontSize, bool Bold, bool Italic, int x, int y, D3DCOLOR color, const std::wstring& text, bool bShadow, bool bShow);

	bool updateText(const std::string& Font, int FontSize, bool Bold, bool Italic);
	bool updateText(const std::wstring& Font,int FontSize,bool Bold,bool Italic);
	void setText(const std::string& str);
	void setText(const std::wstring& str);
	void setColor(D3DCOLOR color);
	void setPos(int x,int y);
	void setShown(bool bShow);
	void setShadow(bool bShadow);

protected:
	virtual void draw(IDirect3DDevice9 *pDevice) sealed;
	virtual void reset(IDirect3DDevice9 *pDevice) sealed;

	virtual void show() override sealed;
	virtual void hide() override sealed;

	virtual void releaseResourcesForDeletion(IDirect3DDevice9 *pDevice) override sealed;
	virtual bool canBeDeleted() override sealed;

	virtual bool loadResource(IDirect3DDevice9 *pDevice) override sealed;
	virtual void firstDrawAfterReset(IDirect3DDevice9 *pDevice) override sealed;

private:
	std::wstring m_text;
	std::wstring m_Font;
	int	m_X, m_Y, m_FontSize;
	D3DCOLOR m_Color;
	std::shared_ptr<CD3DFont> m_D3DFont;
	bool m_bShown, m_bShadow, m_bItalic, m_bBold;

	std::wstring MultiByteToWide(const std::string &multiByte);

	void initFont(IDirect3DDevice9 *pDevice);
	void resetFont();
	bool drawText(int x, int y, DWORD dwColor, const std::wstring& strText, DWORD dwFlags = 0L);
};

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


We recently had a couple of little visitors stay the night with us. They are the children of some of our good friends. And on occasion, we (the parents) host a sleep over to give the other set of parents a night off. This was actually our first time to host the over-niter.
We had decided to put all three boys in sleeping bags in the play room. They were all piled up with their blankets, stuffed animals and all the necessary supplies to get through the night when all of a sudden Jaxon had a meltdown. He said he was scared and wanted his daddy.
Try as I may, I couldn't settle him down. There would be no substitute that night for his father.
So Mike came in the room and – at Jaxon's request – lay on the floor with him. Jaxon nuzzled up close and in minutes was sound asleep. For whatever reason, he just wanted to be in the presence of his father.
Aren't we all a little like that sometimes? There's nothing that comforts or soothes our souls like being in the presence of our Father. And sometimes try as we may to fill that void with other things, we just can't be at peace until we are nuzzled up against our Heavenly Father, spending time in His presence and enjoying the comfort of His company.
But then I heard the reason she was leaving. Apparently, the choir she was a long-time member of had a tradition of singing grand "choir specials" each Sunday morning. I know exactly the type of musical number she's talking about! Big, orchestra accompanied songs with a soloist and strong choir back up. I grew up in a church that had those and they are beautiful and certainly one way to sing praises to the Lord.
But this lady felt that since the choir wasn't doing much of that any more that meant she could no longer "use her gifts" and therefore she was leaving the church she had called home for many years.
Now, I don't know this lady. And I haven't discussed this topic with her – so this is just my unsolicited opinion. But I believe I can use my gifts when I am in the car all alone singing to God on the way to the grocery store. I can use my gifts sitting on the back row of church with nobody looking as I raise my hands to praise God for what He's doing in my life. I can use my gifts when I hold a baby in the nursery on the Sunday I signed up to help there.
If truly we are concerned with an Audience of One then it seems like it doesn't matter how grand or visible the display of our gifts and talents are; our God sees them and it pleases His heart. And that's the one I care the most about.


text:
Q: Valid CSS, XHTML logo generator I once knew a website where the user could generate the little W3C valid CSS tags which looked much nicer than the too large W3C official ones.
It was also possible to fill the icons with whatever content and color for other stuff.
I've lost the bookmark and wasn't able to google it, can you post it and maybe other such resources?
EDIT: and yes I know ...
Can I modify the existing icons to create my own?
No. The validator's icons are distributed under the W3C document license, which allows distribution but does not allow derivative works.
BUT I don't care, cause I don't want my design to look ugly.

A: You probably mean antipixel's icons and LucaZappa's Brilliant Button Maker.
Picture of the icons http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/1368/stealthesebuttonsli4.gif
From the antipixel website:

If you want them, they're yours,
  gratis, no strings attached.
Pull them straight off the main page
here if you want, and if you'd like to
change anything about them, go ahead
and do that. I'm posting the Photoshop
  files below so you can download those
  and change anything you want. You do
  not need to give me credit or provide
  a link back here or anything like
  that. (Some people are already using
  them and at least one kind soul has
  posted such a link back here. You
  don't need to do that anymore, but
  thank you for being a more than decent
  person.)

RSS buttons are also available.

A: Here's antipixel's orginal badges:
http://www.antipixel.com/blog/archives/2002/10/22/steal_these_buttons.html
http://www.antipixel.com/blog/archives/2002/10/23/rss_buttons.html
And this is the generator:
http://www.lucazappa.com/brilliantMaker/buttonImage.php

A: Be careful though, W3C is strict about their logo usage (as is any company):
W3C Logo and Icon Usage

A: You don't want your design to look amateurish? Then don't put those logos on. The only people likely to care whether your site is valid are going to check whether they see the logo or not.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Korea to Singapore – 2018 marked the closure for the boy group Wanna One, but also the "quiet" rise of another Produce 101 or Produce 48 girl group IZ*ONE.
With so many debuts and comebacks coming up in 2019, it is hard to predict who would own 2019. If we were to make a call on the female league, we would probably choose IZ*ONE. Winning Mnet's reality show 'Produce 48', IZ*ONE, a 12-member Korean-Japanese girl group, was formed and debuted on 29 October 2018.
The 12 girls followed the successful footsteps of I.O.I and Wanna One, where both debuted through the same show; albeit being named 'Produce 101'. IZ*ONE has proved that "the third time's STILL a charm" as they started breaking records despite having just debuted not long ago.
Debuting with "La Vie en Rose", the lead single of their EP Color*Iz, the group took their first music program win on M Countdown on 8 November 2018, officially taking the title of the fastest girl group to receive a music program win just 10 days after their debut. Wow! This is just the beginning.
This is still just the beginning. At the Mnet Asian Music Awards 2018 (MAMA), IZ*ONE took the crown for the Best Rookie Group of the Year, taking the win over the other nominees such as GWSN's 'Puzzle Moon', (G)I-DLE's 'Latata', LOONA's 'Hi High' and fromis_9's 'Love Bomb'. With all their achievements earned less than a year of their debut, I am starting to question if they really are rookies.
We are bursting with excitement to what IZ*ONE will bring for us in 2019 – but to give a little sneak, the girl group did mention that "(They) want to try holding a concert this year. We will practice hard and become an IZ*ONE that shows our best sides" Let's all cross our fingers and hope this happens – we want to see these talented girls in our sunny island! Here's Nako, who clearly represents all of us WIZ*ONEs waiting for this to happen.


Objective Compared with no music (NM), does listening to 'Achy breaky heart' (ABH) or 'Disco science' (DS) increase the proportion of prehospital professionals delivering chest compressions at 2010 guideline-compliant rates of 100–120 bpm and 50–60 mm depths?
Methods A randomised crossover trial recruiting at an Australian ambulance conference. Volunteers performed three 1-min sequences of continuous chest compressions on a manikin accompanied by NM, repeated choruses of ABH and DS, prerandomised for order.
Results 37 of 74 participants were men; median age 37 years; 61% were paramedics, 20% students and 19% other health professionals. 54% had taken cardiopulmonary resuscitation training within 1 year. Differences in compression rate (mode, IQR) were significant for NM (105, 99–116) versus ABH (120, 107–120) and DS (104, 103–107) versus ABH (p<0.001) but not NM versus DS (p=0.478). Differences in proportions of participants compressing at 100–120 bpm were significant for DS (61/74, 82%) versus NM (48/74, 65%, p=0.007) and DS versus ABH (47/74, 64%, p=0.007) but not NM versus ABH (p=1). Differences in compression depth were significant for NM (48 mm, 46–59 mm) versus DS (54 mm, 44–58 mm, p=0.042) but not NM versus ABH (54 mm, 43–59 mm, p=0.065) and DS versus ABH (p=0.879). Differences in proportions of subjects compressing at 50–60 mm were not significant (NM 31/74 (42%); ABH 32/74 (43%); DS 29/74 (39%); all p>0.5).
Conclusions Listening to DS significantly increased the proportion of prehospital professionals compressing at 2010 guideline-compliant rates. Regardless of intervention more than half gave compressions that were too shallow. Alternative audible feedback mechanisms may be more effective.
Funding Financial support was provided by Charles Sturt University and the Australian College of Ambulance Professionals. Neither organisation played any role in the study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to submit the manuscript for publication.
Ethics approval Ethic approval was obtained from the Charles Sturt University School of Biomedical Sciences research ethics committee.


BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese-owned electric vehicle firm XMotors said on Wednesday that there is no indication that ex-Apple Inc worker Zhang Xiaolang ever communicated any sensitive information from Apple to XMotors.
Zhang, who most recently worked for XMotors, was charged with stealing trade secrets from Apple by U.S. authorities on Monday.
XMotors said the firm had terminated Zhang and is supporting local authorities to gather more details of the case. It said the company was informed of the investigation in late June.
XMotors is a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of China's Xiaopeng Motors.


text:
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A look at US politics following Donald Trump's inauguration as President. »
Six Reasons Trump Would Be Disaster for U.S. Jews, Israel and the Middle East.
Author Topic: Six Reasons Trump Would Be Disaster for U.S. Jews, Israel and the Middle East. (Read 1374 times)
Carana
Total likes: 2015
Opinion // Six Reasons Trump Would Be Disaster for U.S. Jews, Israel and the Middle East
Trump's new approach to foreign policy would leave Israel twisting in the wind.
Alexander Griffing Nov 09, 2016
Opinion A President Trump could be Netanyahu's worst nightmare
The Jewish guide to the 2016 presidential candidates ahead of the Iowa caucuses
Israeli anti-Semites and American Jewboys, from Dan Shapiro to Wyatt Earp
This article was originally published on February 7, 2016.
Donald Trump declares he "will be very good to Israel." He declares his "closeness to Judaism." But it didn't take long on the campaign trail for his ignorance about Israel and the region, and a superabundance of Jewish caricatures, to slip out.
Here are six reasons why Trump's foreign policy bombast would be bad for Israel - and the Middle East as a whole.
The Middle East is a blank space on the map for him
Trump has been roundly criticized for his lack of foreign policy knowhow. On the Hugh Hewitt show he couldn't distinguish between Hezbollah and Hamas. On Meet the Press he said he gets most of foreign policy advice "from the shows." His mendacity on the campaign trail, including claiming he has a foreign policy advisor who isn't actually advising him, won Trump Politifact's "Lie of the Year Award," - not just for a single mistruth but for over 58 false statements made in 2015. But not to worry, when he couldn't name the basic players in the Middle East, Trump promised Hugh Hewitt that he either wouldn't need to know or he would learn it all before getting into office. "I will be so good at the military, your head will spin," he said.
He knows some pretty insulting Jewish stereotypes
Trump's daughter Ivanka may have converted to Judaism before her wedding, but despite his self-proclaimed "closeness to Judaism," Trump managed to throw out some pretty anti-Semitic statements when speaking to the Republican Jewish Coalition back in December. "You're not gonna support me even though you know I'm the best thing that could ever happen to Israel," Trump said. "You're not going to support me because I don't want your money. Isn't it crazy?"
He added, "This room negotiates deals. Perhaps more than any room I've ever spoken to."
He wants to take Israel's wall and run with it much much further
Trump regularly cites Israeli policies that already divide the American Jewish community as being both successful and replicable for the United States. He cites "the [separation] wall" in Israel as an example of why the United States should build a wall with Mexico, and has repeatedly called for "taking out the families of terrorists," one long step further from the Israeli policy of demolishing terrorists' homes. Israel certainly wouldn't gain reputationally from this emulation: As Ryan Lizza noted in the New Yorker after attending a Trump rally, "I had never previously been to a political event at which people cheered for the murder of women and children."
There'd be no anti-ISIS alliance
Under Trump, there's no doubt the 'clash of civilizations' thesis would gain momentum, if not combustion. Many Trump's critics accuse him of doing ISIS' work for it by exploiting fear of terrorism and drumming up the kind of anti-Muslim sentiment radical Jihadists leverage to gain support. Trump as president would distance Arab world allies: the UAE and other Arab state billionaires have threatened to divest from the United States under his presidency. And we haven't started on the likely Trump - Muslim world relationship. As conservative pundit, Mona Charen slammed him in in the National Review's anti-Trump manifesto: "Where is the center of gravity in a man who in May denounces those who 'needlessly provoke' Muslims and in December proposes that we ('temporarily') close our borders to all non-resident Muslims?"
He'd outsource Middle East policy to Putin
Trump's new foreign policy approach is based on the United States making 'good deals' and getting "paid back" for protection or intervention abroad. This would end the U.S. "getting screwed over" by having to do the rest of the world's work for them. It's several steps away from the familiar American traditions of neoconservative or liberal interventionist policy. As part of this U.S. Interests First approach, he has regularly called for letting Putin, Assad and ISIS fight it out in Syria.
While this line finds a ready audience among some war-weary Americans, U.S. military officials have warned that civilians are bearing the brunt of the over 5,000 airstrikes Russia has carried out since September, which is both further fueling the European refugee crisis and enhancing ISIS' recruitment message.
Meanwhile, the more the United States gets pushed out of the region, the more Putin and his de-facto allies, especially Iran and Hezbollah, strengthen their position at Israel's doorstep.
But is it good for Israel?
Donald Trump likes to boast about his pro-Israel credentials. One of his favorite lines on the stump is, "I was even the grand marshal for the [NYC] Israeli [sic] Day Parade." And if that doesn't sell you, rest assured, he has "won so many awards from Israel" and has "so many friends from Israel." He promises he "will be very good to Israel."
When first pushed on whether or not Jerusalem should be Israel's capital and the U.S. Embassy should be moved there, he waffled and refused to give a clear answer. Last week, while locked in a close battle with Ted Cruz in the polls in Iowa, Trump in an interview with Christian Broadcasting Network, pledged to move the Embassy in a bid to poach Cruz's Evangelical support.
Historically, the American leaders who have historically best served Israel's interests were fuelled by ideological motivations. Truman recognized Israel, against the urging of the advisor he believed to be the greatest man alive, George Marshall, because of his Christian faith and deep belief in spreading universal values. America's patronage of Israel has been based more on ideological and philosophical imperatives, with a dose of clear-sighted pragmatism, than any so-called "Jewish lobby."
Donald Trump has shown no ideological underpinnings, other than "making America great again," that would ensure he would support Israel in tough times. He's already shown little backbone in standing up for other states' independence against larger foes: When pressed on whether or not he believed Ukraine should be a part of NATO, he said he didn't care. He feels no nostalgia for backing up strategic allies of half-a-century's standing: "If somebody attacks Japan, we have to immediately go and start World War III, OK? If we get attacked, Japan doesn't have to help us. Somehow, that doesn't sound so fair. Does that sound good?" Trump said. Israel's fate in terms of its military and strategic dependence on the U.S. would be subject to a kind of erratic opportunism based on Donald Trump's whims and the latest subjects of his bunker mentality.
On the other hand, Trump's declaration that he has 'real doubts' whether Israelis and Palestinians really want peace sounds less unmoored from reality, if not pessimistic about any future peace process: "A lot will have to do with Israel and whether or not Israel wants to make the deal — whether or not Israel's willing to sacrifice certain things," Trump said. "They may not be, and I understand that, and I'm OK with that. But then you're just not going to have a deal." Trump's willing to let Putin run amok in Israel's backyard; he laments Saddam Hussein's downfall; and by indicating he would accept the status quo of Israel's occupation and the lack of negotiations with the Palestinians, he shows how little he's really invested in the future for democracy in Israel or Palestine.
Trump claims the Bible as his favorite book, but can't name a verse. So here's a suggestion for him to get to know, from Proverbs: He who hates, disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not.
Alexander Griffing is the director of digital outreach at Haaretz English edition. He has a master's degree from Tel Aviv University in political science.
read more: http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/1.700648
« Last Edit: January 29, 2017, 01:42:41 PM by John »
Re: Six Reasons Trump Would Be Disaster for U.S. Jews, Israel and the Middle East.
In recent years, the parents of Jared Kushner – the son-in-law and trusted confidant of President-elect Donald Trump – have donated tens of thousands of dollars to organizations and institutions located in the West Bank settlements, according to their tax forms.
The U.S. State Department has long held that the settlements are an impediment to peace. During the election campaign, however, Trump's key advisers on Israel challenged this position.
Among organizations and institutions in the West Bank that receive funding from the Kushner family, the leading beneficiary is American Friends of Beit El Yeshiva. Located in one of the more hard-line, ideological settlements, Beit El Yeshiva received $20,000 from the Kushner family in 2013.
read more: http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.757068
Why Israeli settlers consider Trump's ambassador choice a 'miracle'
The appointment of attorney David Friedman as US ambassador to Israel was the first actual indication on the part of the Donald Trump administration that it does intend to support the Israeli right and the settlements. If until now there were only assessments and background noise, a smattering of statements and a certain vague ambiguity, Friedman's appointment sends a very clear, public signal that is quite remarkable. For the first time, the United States is sending an ambassador to Israel who openly supports the settlements, personally contributes to their development, calls on Israel to increase settlement construction and suggests that Israel annex at least some of the land with settlements on it.
For Israeli settlers, US President-elect Donald Trump's choice of David Friedman as the next US ambassador to Israel is nothing short of a miracle.
Author Ben Caspit Posted December 19, 2016
TranslatorDanny Wool
There are no words to describe such a sharp change in direction, or how dramatic its impact could be, if Trump does not change course and dictate a very different policy to Friedman. For Trump to do so would come as quite a surprise. As one senior State Department official told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, "In American terms, it's like John Lennon being replaced by Donald Rumsfeld."
Knesset member and Meretz leader Zehava Gal-On responded to the appointment by telling Al-Monitor that she is considering refusing to meet with Friedman, to avoid giving him legitimacy. The problem is that Gal-On will have to worry about her own legitimacy once Friedman takes office. Main opposition leader Isaac Herzog was more circumspect, saying that he makes a habit of not intervening in appointments made by US administrations.
As of Dec. 18, thousands of settlers were gathering at the unauthorized Amona outpost, which is slated to be evacuated Dec. 25. For many months now, all of Israel has been in an uproar as a tumultuous debate raged over its evacuation, by order of a Supreme Court injunction, because the outpost was built on private Palestinian land. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was torn between complying with the order and his desire to keep his right-wing base loyal to him. The evacuation is scheduled for days during which President Barack Obama is possibly deliberating a bold diplomatic move to end his last term in office. Netanyahu hopes that images of the evacuation of an Israeli settlement will pacify Obama and "help" him decide that there is no reason for him to take action during his final days in the White House.
It is incredible, when one considers it, but if Amona's evacuation had been scheduled to take place after Jan. 20, there is a good chance that Friedman, as ambassador, would have protested it vigorously. The prime minister's office in Jerusalem is used to seeing or hearing US Ambassador Dan Shapiro respond to every tender for construction in the territories with a vehement protest. It is therefore thrilled to accept this change of direction.
"It looks too good to be true," one senior Netanyahu staffer told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. "We finally got the president of our dreams and an ambassador who could easily integrate into the right-wing flank of the Likud's Knesset list."
The US State Department has a map that experts have been working on for a generation. All information accumulated over decades of keeping meticulous tabs on the region can be found on this map. It is updated constantly based on firsthand observations, satellite imagery, patrols, intelligence and publications accessible to the public. It is a map of Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria, land commonly referred to as the West Bank, which the international community considers occupied. This map has been shown to quite a few Israelis over the past few weeks alone. Senior government officials in Jerusalem are familiar with it, because Shapiro and other senior American officials show it to them regularly. The map also includes all of the unauthorized outposts, accompanied by detailed statistical tables, flowcharts, population figures and various geographic divisions.
The bottom line on this map is simple. Ever since Netanyahu came to power, Israel has been making an enormous effort to scatter as many outposts as possible along the central mountain ridge running the length of the West Bank, north to south. It wants to insert as many wedges as it can into Palestinian-controlled territory in order to make a two-state solution infeasible. According to the Americans' statistics, when Netanyahu came to power in 2009, there were 60,000 Israeli settlers living beyond the separation fence outside the settlement clusters. Today, almost 90,000 settlers live there.
What will an Ambassador Friedman do with this map? We will probably know after Jan. 20. Friedman has been Trump's real estate attorney for the past 15 years and his adviser for Israeli affairs. He is also a true friend of Israel's settlement enterprise in the West Bank, whereas all American administrations until now have considered it illegal, illegitimate and a hindrance to achieving a two-state solution.
Friedman considers the Jewish lobby J Street, identified with the American left, as being "worse than kapos [World War II concentration camp prisoners who supervised other prisoners]." Although every comment he makes about J Street sends a shock through the majority of the American Jewish community, Friedman refuses to let up.
Friedman also serves in the United States as president of Friends of Bet El — as in Beit El, the settlement. His closest friend in Israel is the head of the international Friends of Bet El, former Knesset member Yaakov Katz of the National Union Party, who holds some very extreme views. He regards Netanyahu and HaBayit HaYehudi leader Naftali Bennett leftists, supports Israel's immediate annexation of all of Judea and Samaria and advocates doubling the pace of Jewish construction in the occupied territories.
One source close to both men told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, "Friedman has been Katz's soulmate for over 20 years now. They share a common language, they spend a lot of time together, and their views are similar." The annual dinner to raise money for Friends of Bet El in the United States took place Dec. 4. Both Katz and Friedman participated in it, as they do every year.
Over the years, Friedman has donated large amounts of money, estimated in the many millions of dollars, to Beit El through the Friends of Bet El. "President-elect Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, also donated quite a bit of money to this settlement," a source in the settlement movement told Al-Monitor this week on condition of anonymity. On Dec. 18, Katz told Galei Israel radio that several years ago, Trump himself sent a check for $10,000 to a dinner for Beit El, at which Friedman was the guest of honor.
All these donations had until now been private, personal and voluntary. The question is what Trump will do once he enters the White House. Will he align himself with the most extreme elements of the right in Israeli politics, or will he position himself in the center and bring his representative, Friedman, toward the center too?
One thing is certain. As far as the settlers are concerned, this is, at the moment, a miracle. In fact, it is the kind of miracle that happens only once in a generation. The settlers are convinced that Trump and his ambassador were sent to them by divine providence and that redemption is on the way.
Ben Caspit
Ben Caspit is a columnist for Al-Monitor's Israel Pulse. He is also a senior columnist and political analyst for Israeli newspapers and has a daily radio show and regular TV shows on politics and Israel. On Twitter: @BenCaspit
Original Al-Monitor Translations
Read more: http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/12/israel-us-west-bank-donald-trump-david-friedman-ambassador.html#ixzz4X9YojVz8
WORLDPOST
Netanyahu's Support Of Donald Trump Is Already Causing Him Problems
The PM tweeted praise for Trump's plan to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico.
By Luke Baker
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - When Benjamin Netanyahu sent a tweet in support of President Donald Trump's plan for a wall along the Mexican border, the Israeli prime minister can barely have expected it would be retweeted 40,000 times and cause a backlash at home and abroad.
Already under arguably the greatest pressure he has faced in his 11 years as prime minister, with police questioning him in two criminal probes into abuse of office, aligning himself with Trump may further undermine his standing.
The tweet, sent from his personal account shortly before the Jewish sabbath officially ended on Saturday, was very clear:
Netanyahu was referring to a steel fence Israel has built along its border with Egypt, mainly to keep out migrants fleeing conflicts in Africa, including Somalis, Sudanese and Eritreans.
Israel has also built a steel-and-concrete barrier along its border with the occupied West Bank, which it says is to prevent militants crossing into Israel. Palestinians see the barrier, which has drawn international condemnation, as a land grab.
On the one hand, Trump's election as president was seen as a godsend for Netanyahu, the first time in four terms as prime minister that he would have a Republican in the White House.
As well as the Republicans being more ideologically aligned with Netanyahu's right-wing coalition, Trump has already shown a willingness to turn a blind eye to Israel's settlement building in the West Bank, which Barack Obama's administration frequently criticized, casting a pall over U.S.-Israeli ties.
On the other hand, Trump is an unpredictable actor who in just nine days in office has sewn division across the United States and shocked capitals around the world with a series of executive actions that are overturning decades of U.S. policy.
The adverse reaction to Netanyahu's tweet, which was retweeted by Trump and drew far more attention than Netanyahu's tweets usually do as a result, appeared to be an early sign of the dangerNetanyahu faces with aligning himself with Trump.
The Mexican government was outraged that he would involve himself in what it regards as a bilateral issue.
"The foreign ministry expressed to the government of Israel, via its ambassador in Mexico, its profound astonishment, rejection and disappointment over Prime Minister Netanyahu's message," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
"Mexico is a friend of Israel and should be treated as such by its Prime Minister."
Dan Shapiro, who served as ambassador to Israel under Obama until nine days ago and still lives in the country, ditched diplomacy to question Netanyahu's motives in sending the tweet.
"Hard to explain this intervention on a hotly debated issue in domestic U.S. politics. Unless this endorsement is Trump's demand of Netanyahu for something Netanyahu wants," he wrote on Twitter, suggesting it may be linked to Trump's promise to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
"To me, it looks like Trump is already squeezing Netanyahu hard."
Opposition politician Yair Lapid, who is ahead of Netanyahu in recent opinion polls, was also scathing. Whereas Lapid has shied away from criticizing Netanyahu over the police investigations into him, this time he didn't hold back:
"A serious mistake by Netanyahu," Lapid tweeted in Hebrew.
"It is a needless declaration of war on Mexico and Hispanics and a rupture with the Democrats (including the majority of U.S. Jews). It doesn't matter what we think of the wall, don't we have enough troubles of our own?"
Though Netanyahu has not deleted the tweet, Israel's foreign ministry immediately sought to nuance its content.
The prime minister was referring to Israel's "specific security experience", the foreign ministry spokesman said, adding: "We do not express a position on U.S.-Mexico relations."
(Additional reporting by Jeffrey Heller; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/netanyahu-trump-wall-mexico_us_588df595e4b017637794edb1?
Miss Taken Identity
Yeah TRUMPS not knowing about Middle east well.. at least he isn't in a hurry to bomb the innocent civilians for no good reason like Clinton, Jowge double ya Bush, Obama, Bless em three.
'Never underestimate the power of stupid people'... George Carlin
Note: I didn't start this thread, I expect John separated it from a different thread that was going off track from whatever the original thread was about.
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It has been a busy few months preparing for Dyslexia awareness week. If you follow me on Instagram you will have seen the some of the work behind the scenes for my presentation to dyslexia Scotland as a part of Dyslexia awareness week.
I am delighted to say it went well, and the video I created is now available to view on Vimeo via this link: https://vimeo.com/303034122 The video is a snapshot into my journey with my Dyslexia, the first time I heard the word Dyslexic, my eduction, taking myself for diagnosis at 23. How Dyslexia forms the foundation in all that I do and create, and importantly it tells me I am not stupid it just takes me a bit longer to do things.
The video contains some stop frame animation, my first attempts, so be gentle as they are rough around the edges, and a animation at the end I created by using over 500 drawings, again this is me learning and trading new things, and this is only my second attempt.
I am now looking ahead to different projects and wondering what the new year may bring. But for now its back tot he drawing board, a few commissions to complete before its time to sit back and take a well earned rest.
Please feel free to comment on your thoughts of the video.
I was invited by Dyslexia Scotland to contribute to their online blog "a life less ordinary", and today it went live.
Through the process of thinking about what to illustrate and write I noted that it was taking me time to think of a good concept and one the what accessible to those with Dyslexia and those without. The biggest challenge I have with my Dyslexia is the act of processing information, I can do it no problem, it just takes me a little while longer, and this is across the board, whether its in conversation, answering questions, or devising a idea or new concept for my work. The best way for me to explain it is for you to imagine you come to the edge of a field, and you can see a path that clearly cuts through the middle getting you to your required destination, naturally you would take this path, as for me taking this path would not be as natural, I would walk the perimeter of the field or make up my own route wandering across the field, deciding a way that works for me.
It will just taking me longer, but this does not equate to me being slow or stupid. It is a proven scientific finding, that those with Dyslexia process information over three sectors of the brain whereas those without dyslexia process information over 2 ares of the brain.
So the final concept for the Dyslexia Scotland blog was called Bear with me, and so tank you for bearing what me as I have explained the process of the ,making of the concept, I hope you will like the illustration and take the time to read the poem that I created to go with it!
I am delighted to say that I have a new exhibition at Anna Mather's new hair salon in Haddington. Anna has opened a fantastic new salon in the heart of Haddington. Anna is an amazing hair dresser and has a very dedicated team.
As well as being a amazing place to get your hair done, it is a beautiful space, with high lofty ceilings, fantastic light and plenty of space to show work. Anna wanted to keep a industrial and contemporary feel to the look of the salon, so it was my job to create work that would provide a good hit of colour and some pieces that reflected Annas personality.
Building on three previous illustrations I made whilst listening to music I decide to add two more to create a set of five to sit along the staircase as you come up into the main salon space. Using bright bold colours that sat well together and would visually jump of the wall was a important part of the design. They are hung opposite to where the clients will sit, allowing them to be reflected in the mirrors, feeling as though they are covering more than just one wall in the salon.
I designed two separate prints which were based on my experience of meeting Anna over the last several months. Anna strikes me as a very determined and strong willed character who is always up for a good laugh and is welcoming and is very passionate about her work. I felt that puns would sit well and would bring a fun light hearted feel. Using 'Carpe Diem' and 'where there is a will there is a way' as my two main quotes I created the two illustrations. These sit in the space where clients will have their hair coloured.
The main opening night for the salon is on Saturday the 16th June and I am looking forward to going along and see the space all finished in its final glory.
Thank you Anna for having my work in your space, and I look forward to discussing the next exhibition with you.
All prints are done on a print to order basis, so can take up to 14 days turnaround, not including postage time.
Shed a day project was created for ME awareness week in May 2018. ME is also known as chronic Fatigue Syndrome and over 20,000 people in Scotland alone are diagnosed with this disease with a estimated 2000 new diagnosis each year. There is only one specialist nurse in all of Scotland. I focused on Scotland as this is where my experience is based, but this is a world spread problem, there is a severe lack of funding for much needed biomedical research. This is a disease that claims peoples energy, changing lives forever, what they once knew or did is no longer possible with a estimated 5% chance of full recovery. The shed a day project was designed to reflect the isolation felt when fatigue takes over and people become housebound. All the sheds are in isolated places in the Scottish hills, exposed to the ever changing elements mirroring the ever changing symptoms experienced by those with ME/CFS.
This was a great project to be involved in, and also very humbling and a stark reminder that life presents us with opportunities and they should be seized with both hands as tomorrow your world could look very different.
As the commission comes to a close I am looking back at the artworks that have been created and the relationships formed during the process.
During vists to the Glasshouses based at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital I met many lovely and talented artists.
Works of one partcilaur artists drew me, I got lost in looking at their work, the endless lines, the prescion and the way they were executed. A collaboration between them and myself occurred oragaincally during one studio session. A easel sat upon the desk with a large piece of paper tentively stuck on. The paper looked vast but invited marks to be made. The artist is mainly nonverbal, the whole piece was created through a silent communication, where I took the lead from the artist. Taking a pen they started to make small drawings in different areas of the paper, they all appeared to sit alone, floating with no correlation to each other, rich in overlapping lines, delicate forms were created. Looking to me and nodding towards the paint, together we made cardboard tools to make marks with. As the paint went onto the paper it started to unite the piece together, dabbing and dragging the paint across the page brought a sense of flow to the image. The artist sat back and nodded to indicate they were done and it was now time for them to leave.
Contuning the collaborative process and with the artists permission I took a form created in the large piece and made a illustration to respond to the process of creating the large work together.
Togther it was named Pylons. By repeating the form in paper cut outs I wished to echo the feeling of repetition in the marks and lines made in the larger piece.
The works are exhibited in the Western General in Edinburgh until the close of March.
Hanks Tri is a picture book that was created in response to research with adults who have dyslexia. The illustrations were designed to reflect there experiences, and the impact dyslexia has had on them.
The research was carried out through Dyslexia Scotland.
The concept of the book is the triathlon represents the three different areas of the brain that information has to travel in order for someone with dyslexia to process it. These are proven to be different parts of the brain than that of non dyslexic person.
The triathlon goes over the area of the brain and each section of the triathlon presents a new challenge, each based on participants experiences.
Each illustration is created of 2d parts constructed to make 3d sets, photographed and digitally coloured.
Hank has twine for his beard to represent the tangled thought process that can be experienced by someone with dyslexia.
The ArtLink commission involved working on individual collaborations with staff and patients. This was a really interesting way of working, sharing ideas, creative concepts and getting to know one another so the finished product reflected all involved in the process.
One collaboration with local photographer SJ, was a visual exploration of escapism through art and music. The collaboartion resulted in a temporary exhibition in a centre which offers mental health services in Edinburgh.
On display are illustrations that I created in response to SJ's story, particularly how she creates her own work, through a process where music plays an integral role. After SJ shared her playlist with me, I created abstract ink drawings in response to certain pieces of music and the visual narratives they inspired.
This collaboration is a development of work created for the Staff and Patient Open Show 2018, which is currently on display in the gallery at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. Newly commissioned by Artlink, I invited individuals to explore the theme of escapism through mark-making, line and pattern in composing works of art, bringing a linking thread through the overall exhibition.
For the past four months I have had the pleasure of being commissioned by Artlink to work with staff and patients from the Royal Edinburgh hospital, Western General, St Johns and the Royal Infirmary. Part of this commission was to set a theme and create a exhibition of staff and patients work with my own working sitting alongside it.
As a part of the process I got to enter into the NHS archives at Edinburgh University. I read so many fascinating stories of patients and staff, their relationships and how the NHS looked over 100 years ago.
Combining historical narratives and modern narratives there appeared to be a common thread. The process of creating art appeared to be a form of escapism, whether it was to relax after a long shift or a way to come together in open studio sessions to socialise and share ideas.
Combining my research and experience of meeting people, I created a narrative that depicts a blackbird finding a thread. The blackbird was chosen based on research where in the 1800's several patients took to birdwatching or collecting images of birds to pass their time whilst in hospital. I kept a record of the birds I saw as I travelled to the hospitals, and the blackbird made the most appearances. The blackbird takes the thread and passes it to another blackbird. The idea reflects the coming together of people to share ideas over coffee and tea, ideas being formed and coming into being.
I feel very lucky to have met so many different people from so many different walks of life. Hearing their stories, ideas being shared, watching art works come to life and the how the process brings people together, the artwork becoming the common thread.
The exhibition is now open to the public in The Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, in the link corridor, from the Anne Ferguson building to the Andrew Duncan building.
More images to come after official opening in a few weeks time.
Dynamic Earth, Science Centre in Edinburgh commissioned a illustration of the Isle of May to be used in one of their workshops focusing on climate change. It was a fun illustration to work on and I learned a lot about the impact of climate change on the wildlife on the Isle Of May.


text:
Pilot Monkeys
Looking for Life Signs
I'll Probably Lose Your Mind
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/probably.m4a
Download I'll Probably Lose Your Mind
Dah Nah
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/danah.m4a
Download Dah Nah
Many You're One
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/many.m4a
Download Many You're One
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/04-Yo-Yo.m4a
Download Yo Yo
Who's Gonna Save You
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/army.mp3
Thanks to Will for his great work on drums!
Download Army
You're Running
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/running.mp3
Thanks to Will for his great work on drums and Ben for lead guitar!
Download You're Running
Sold You Out
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/sold.mp3
Thanks to Ben for the lead guitar work!
Download Sold You Out
Son of a Son of a Gun
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/son.mp3
Thanks to Will for his great work on drums and Ben for the lead guitar!
Download Son of a Son of a Gun
Hungry Like the Wolf
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/hungry.mp3
Thanks to Stuart McLean for his work on drums and backing vocals and Maggie Lawson for keys!
Download Hungry Like the Wolf
Floating Sinking
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/floating-sinking.mp3
Download Floating Sinking
Fortune Favours the Blind
Harness the Lightning
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/harness.mp3
Thanks to Russell Lassig for his work on keys!
Download Harness the Lightning
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/treble-clef.mp3
Thanks to Paul Banner on lead guitar & Russell Lassig on keys!
Download Treble Clef
White on Rice
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/white.mp3
Special mention to 'Plugger' for chorus lyric idea, other gold performances by Russell Lassig and his medieval flare on keys and Ash McGilvery on hot lead guitar!
Download White on Rice
Timmy O'Toole
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/timmy.mp3
Thanks to Paul Banner for the lead guitar solo & Russell Lassig rocking the keys!
Download Timmy O'Toole
Stefanovic
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/stefanovic.mp3
Thanks to Russell Lassig for his work on keys.
Download Stefanovic
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/highways.mp3
Download Highways
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/slow-motion.mp3
Download Slow Motion
1000 Desert Suns
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/1000-thousand-desert-suns.mp3
Thanks to Paul Banner for the guitar solo and Russell Lassig for his work on keys and special mention to Cam McLean for backup vocals.
Download 1000 Desert Suns
The Bitter
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/the-bitter.mp3
Download The Bitter
The Rise and the Fall
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/rise-and-the-fall.mp3
Download the Rise and the Fall
Blame it on Numbers
https://pilotmonkeys.com/wp-content/audio/blame-it-on-numbers.mp3
Download Blame it on Numbers
Pilot Monkeys is an Australian alternative rock band formed in Brisbane in 2007. It was founded by Marty Banner (vocals & guitars) and James Dwyer (bass & guitars) as a duo studio project to further explore Marty's song writing talent and James' growing passion for music production. Both Marty and James were members of Brisbane rock band Ej Moped, which played throughout local venues from 2001 to 2005.
Ben Maynard (also of Ej Moped) joined the band in 2015 bringing his talents to lead guitar and drums and ousting previous drummer Ez Steve in an amicable split. Steve has since gone on to work as a circus performer and has a minor role in a long running TV Soap.
More often than not, friends of the Pilot Monkeys will collaborate and perform on selected tracks, not only to enhance the particular song but also provides the opportunity for the guys to share their passion of song writing and producing with like-minded people.
The main driver for Pilot Monkeys is about enjoying the writing and recording process, with little focus on deadlines, KPI's and 'must do tasks' the guys simply love writing and recording and the sense of achievement of publishing tracks to the website.
All recording and mixing is done in a home studio environment which compliments the mantra of 'we do this for fun' and removes unwanted pressure to complete tracks in specific period of time and budget.
© 2023 Pilot Monkeys


Drifting is a driving technique in which the driver takes the racing line that provides the highest speed and angle the car is capable of handling. The judges usually specify a preferred line during driver's meeting.
Qualifying Single Runs will be judged based on a "100 point must" system. Every driver will start with a perfect score of 100 pts. And will have deductions applied based on the judging criteria. Judging starts at the time the vehicle leaves the starting line and concludes when it crosses the finish line, as marked. Drivers that continue to drift beyond the marked finish line can be given a score of 0 or have other penalties assessed as appropriate.
1. LINE: The race line is defined as the ideal path a vehicle must take on course and is marked by inner clipping points/zones, outer clipping points/zones, and transition zones. The exact line of each track will be dictated by the judges at each track.
Inner Clipping Point/Zones (demarcated on track) are reference points on the course where the vehicles front bumper or tyres should come as close as possible to the reference point (as outlined and explained by the JUDGES in Drivers Briefing).
Outer Clipping Points/Zones (demarcated on track) are reference points are scored by determining how close the corner of the vehicle's rear bumper/tyres comes to the point (as outlined and explained by the JUDGES in Drivers Briefing).
Transition Zones are areas on track where the direction of the line changes and vehicles must change the direction of their drift. Scoring will be based on the execution of the transition. The race line will be given during the drivers' meeting.
2. SPEED: Speed is a non-subjective criterion. Speed is used by monitoring a driver's speed at a particular part of the course. Each course may have multiple speed capturing areas but only one area will be ultimately used in scoring.
3. ANGLE: The maximum angle at which a driver can maintain and control their vehicle throughout the marked course.
4. IMPACT (Style): Style is probably the most subjective part of the drivers' runs. Style is just what it sounds like: The drivers' overall ability to take the specific judging criteria and display it is the most personal and individual way. That is the essence of style. Aggressive flicks, closeness to walls, extreme angle and extreme proximity to the lead vehicle (in case of head-to-head competitions) are examples of how personal driving style can be showcased.
The format for Qualifying is a "knockout" format. Drivers will complete two (2) runs on the track. After each competitor has completed two (2) runs, the top 16 drivers will be placed in the tandem bracket by qualifying rank and represented as the Gold Cup. If 32 Competitors or more attend an event and 30 of the 32 or more competitors qualify with more than 45 qualifying points; then all 30+ cars will be entered into and qualify for the Gold Cup Competition. Depending on the number of entries…the bottom 8/16 spots or more allotted for tandem will then qualify for the Silver Cup if points accrued are based on the qualifying points bare minimum (above or equal to the 45 points). Drivers ranked from 16-32 or lower – lowest positioned driver after the qualifying runs will keep their highest run score. The higher of the two scores will be the score that each driver keeps. From there, a running order for tandem eliminations will be set for competition results to ensue.
In qualifying, each judge will be assigned to a criterion: Line, Angle, or Style. Line is worth 25 points. Angle is worth 25 points. Style is worth 30 points, of which the Line and Angle judges can contribute 0 through 5 points each to the 30-point total. The Speed category is worth either 0 through 10 points and is measured at a specific point on the course for each event. The judges will determine the average speed for qualifying. Driver will receive 5 points for achieving the average speed set by the judges. For every 1/10th of a km per hour achieved by the driver above the minimum speed set by the judges, the driver will receive 1/10th of a point up to a maximum of 10 total points. No points above a total of 10 will given for speeds exceeding the speed scoring range. For every 1/10th of a km the driver misses the average speed by, 1/10th of a point will be deducted from the possible 5 point average score, down to a minimum score of 0 points. Negative scores will not be given. The Line, Angle and the Style judges may award points in one (1) point increments or whole numbers for their specific criterion.
- Loss of drift - Includes: spin, straightening, understeer.
- Opposite drift - Performing a manji where constant angle is required.
- Two tyres off - Two of the car's tyres have gone outside of the designated course outline.
- Hood, hatch/trunk and/or doors opening during a run - Any of the body parts listed have opened during a run.
- Wall hit - Contact that causes an abrupt change in the vehicle's angle, line or speed and/or causes a spin.
- 'CupCaking' – when the chase driver does not actively chase the lead car through the course as determined by the judges.
Cones or other similar track/circuit markings will designate all clipping points and zones. Anytime an inner clipping point is hit, the vehicle will be considered to be off course, and points will either be deducted or the driver will be scored a 0, depending on the severity of the hit and as detailed by the JUDGES during Drivers briefing. Hitting an outer clipping zone with anything other than the driver's rear bumper will be counted as off course and will be scored a 0. (ie. Hitting the cone with the rear tyre, door, etc.) Course markers that are laid out to designate the outer lines of the course are not to be hit by vehicles at any time in competition. Hitting the markers is considered going off course and a deduction or a 0 may be awarded. Judges will specify in the drivers meeting how they will treat each specific track.
Slight contact with a wall or cone in the outer clipping zone will not result in a point deduction if the hit does not disturb or affect the flow of the drivers run. This means no major corrections were needed after the hit and the driver was still able to maintain proper line, speed, and angle. If the hit occurs at any other point on track other than the marked outer clipping zones points may be deducted. If a spin or major under steer results from contact with an outer clipping zone an automatic score of 0 will be given.
D) In the event of a tie, the driver with the higher speed in the designated speed zone will be placed in the higher position.
E) In the event that qualifying cannot be completed, such as a rainout or other circumstances, qualifying order will be established by rank or by previous season points.
F) In the event of rain or weather that does not cause cancellation of qualifying or head-to-head, the judges have the right to make adjustments to the criteria of judging and to subsequently disseminate this information to the spotters and drivers.
Tandem rounds are based on two (2) runs, in head-to-head format, with competitors paired up based on qualifying position. The higher qualifier will lead the first run and the second led by the lower qualifier.
The lead car is to drift the course using the speed, line, angle and style as defined by the judges for qualifying. Typically, the lead car should driver 90 percent of his/her qualifying run(s) and focus specifically on hitting all clipping point and zones with the maximum line, angle, speed and style as possible.
Run as close to 100-point qualifying run as possible.
Must not try to get away by running low angle and missing zones, clips.
In general, the chase car needs to treat the lead car as a moving clipping point and showcase more angle and style while in chase. With regards to speed, a chase driver may get as close to the lead car as possible as long as the chase car's front wheels DO NOT reach in front of the lead car's front wheels. In essence, if done properly, a chase driver can be door-to-door with the lead car without being in violation of being on a lower line. For a chase car to show true dominance to the lead car, the driver must follow the line the lead driver chooses, maintain consistent and larger angle than the lead car and use speed to maintain consistent and close proximity to the lead car.
Passing is allowed in SupaDrift Series. Passing is allowed anywhere on course as long as the lead car is clearly off the line the judges have specified. Any passing that occurs outside the scope of the aforementioned criteria will be deemed illegal and constitute an equivalence to a zero (0) run.
E) Contact with "off-course markers"
At specified areas on certain tracks where the judges' visibility is compromised, cones will be placed in strategic areas off-course to aid in determining if a vehicle has gone two tyres off. If a driver hits 2 or more of these cones, he will automatically be given a Zero score, as he will be deemed "off course". These areas will be discussed in detail prior to Qualifying and Tandem competition in the driver meetings.
The lead car is required at all times to run the line given by the judges and also maintain adequate speed throughout the course. If the lead car measures untypical speed, this may result in a score against that driver. Typical speed for a lead car is defined as speeds of equivalent measurement from qualifying speeds. Some slight variance (+5, -5) is in most cases acceptable.
If the lead car loses drift, goes off line or reduces speed too drastically in comparison to that particular driver's qualifying speeds and the chase car hits the lead car, the lead car will in most cases be deemed at fault for the contact. It is each individual judge's job to ascertain fault.
There may be circumstances where the lead car is not at fault for the contact, but this will be left to each individual judge to ascertain.
The chase car is required at all times to follow and chase the lead car. The driver of the chase car is encouraged to know the approximate speed of the lead car through the entire course. If the chase car makes contact, in most cases that driver will be deemed at fault for the contact unless otherwise noted. Contact known as "rubbing" is acceptable, however the chase car cannot affect the lead car where loss of drift or loss of line occurs.
Once contact is made and damage occurs to either vehicle, the Judges using majority rule will ascertain fault. If damage due to contact occurs, both drivers have a right to have their spotter enact a "COMPETITION TIME OUT." A Competition Timeout is five (5) minutes in duration. It is expected that in most cases damaged vehicles can be repaired in this time frame.
In some cases, damage sustained to the vehicles may require more time to repair. At this point ONLY the vehicle not at fault may ask for additional time. (NOTE: This does not prevent teams' ability to call a Competition Timeout for other purposes). In the spirit of time and the show, the CoC/COMPETITION DIRECTOR also reserves the right to continue the competition with the outstanding head-to-head matches of that particular round. The CoC/COMPETITION DIRECTOR will re-assess the vehicle between subsequent head-to-head match ups or even at the end of the round.
In most cases SupaDrift Series will encourage teams and drivers to finish the head-to-head match-up, but there will be cases where vehicles may not be able to be repaired or contact happened on the last run of a head-to-head in which case the judges can make a call on the winner of the match.
If a team cannot repair their vehicle and the team was also not at fault during the incident, a SupaDrift Series official will verify that indeed the car is not repairable in time for the next round and declare the driver the winner of the match. The driver may move onto the next round or if the damage is too extreme, may exit from the competition.
D) If both the lead vehicle and the chase vehicle wreck on the first run of a matchup and are unable to continue due to excessive damage, and no driver is deemed at fault (i.e. both driver's wreck independently of each other), the winner is determined based on the higher of the two qualifying scores. If both the lead vehicle and the chase vehicle wreck on the second run of a matchup and are unable to continue due to excessive damage, and no driver is deemed at fault (i.e. both driver's wreck independently of each other), the winner is determined based on the scoring of the first run of the matchup.
The majority will rule and a winner will be decided. In the event there is no clear majority, a 'One More Time', will be granted, and the competitors will begin another 2-run head-to-head battle.
All judging is done from the on top of the judging stand. If a clipping point is not visible from the judging stand, a flag system or a closed circuit TV may be used to communicate whether a driver properly scores the clipping point.