text:
// Copyright 2000-2017 JetBrains s.r.o. Use of this source code is governed by the Apache 2.0 license that can be found in the LICENSE file.
package com.intellij.ide.util.gotoByName;

import com.intellij.ide.DataManager;
import com.intellij.ide.SearchTopHitProvider;
import com.intellij.ide.actions.ApplyIntentionAction;
import com.intellij.ide.ui.OptionsTopHitProvider;
import com.intellij.ide.ui.search.ActionFromOptionDescriptorProvider;
import com.intellij.ide.ui.search.OptionDescription;
import com.intellij.ide.ui.search.SearchableOptionsRegistrar;
import com.intellij.ide.ui.search.SearchableOptionsRegistrarImpl;
import com.intellij.openapi.actionSystem.*;
import com.intellij.openapi.actionSystem.impl.ActionManagerImpl;
import com.intellij.openapi.application.ReadAction;
import com.intellij.openapi.diagnostic.Logger;
import com.intellij.openapi.progress.ProgressIndicator;
import com.intellij.openapi.project.Project;
import com.intellij.openapi.util.NotNullLazyValue;
import com.intellij.openapi.util.registry.Registry;
import com.intellij.openapi.util.text.StringUtil;
import com.intellij.psi.codeStyle.MinusculeMatcher;
import com.intellij.psi.codeStyle.NameUtil;
import com.intellij.ui.switcher.QuickActionProvider;
import com.intellij.util.CollectConsumer;
import com.intellij.util.Processor;
import com.intellij.util.containers.ContainerUtil;
import com.intellij.util.containers.JBIterable;
import com.intellij.util.text.Matcher;
import org.jetbrains.annotations.NotNull;

import java.util.*;

import static com.intellij.ide.util.gotoByName.GotoActionModel.*;

/**
 * @author peter
 */
@SuppressWarnings("TestOnlyProblems")
public class GotoActionItemProvider implements ChooseByNameItemProvider {
  private final ActionManager myActionManager = ActionManager.getInstance();
  private final GotoActionModel myModel;
  private final NotNullLazyValue<Map<String, ApplyIntentionAction>> myIntentions;

  public GotoActionItemProvider(GotoActionModel model) {
    myModel = model;
    myIntentions = NotNullLazyValue.createValue(() -> ReadAction.compute(() -> myModel.getAvailableIntentions()));
  }

  @NotNull
  @Override
  public List<String> filterNames(@NotNull ChooseByNameBase base, @NotNull String[] names, @NotNull String pattern) {
    return Collections.emptyList(); // no common prefix insertion in goto action
  }

  @Override
  public boolean filterElements(@NotNull final ChooseByNameBase base,
                                @NotNull final String pattern,
                                boolean everywhere,
                                @NotNull ProgressIndicator cancelled,
                                @NotNull final Processor<Object> consumer) {
    return filterElements(pattern, value -> {
      if (!everywhere && value.value instanceof ActionWrapper && !((ActionWrapper)value.value).isAvailable()) {
        return true;
      }
      return consumer.process(value);
    });
  }

  public boolean filterElements(String pattern, Processor<MatchedValue> consumer) {
    DataContext dataContext = DataManager.getInstance().getDataContext(myModel.getContextComponent());

    if (!processAbbreviations(pattern, consumer, dataContext)) return false;
    if (!processIntentions(pattern, consumer, dataContext)) return false;
    if (!processActions(pattern, consumer, dataContext)) return false;
    if (Registry.is("goto.action.skip.tophits.and.options")) return true;
    if (!processTopHits(pattern, consumer, dataContext)) return false;
    if (!processOptions(pattern, consumer, dataContext)) return false;

    return true;
  }

  private boolean processAbbreviations(final String pattern, Processor<MatchedValue> consumer, DataContext context) {
    List<String> actionIds = AbbreviationManager.getInstance().findActions(pattern);
    JBIterable<MatchedValue> wrappers = JBIterable.from(actionIds)
      .filterMap(myActionManager::getAction)
      .transform(action -> {
        ActionWrapper wrapper = new ActionWrapper(action, myModel.myActionGroups.get(action), MatchMode.NAME, context, myModel);
        return new MatchedValue(wrapper, pattern) {
          @NotNull
          @Override
          public String getValueText() {
            return pattern;
          }
        };
      });
    return processItems(pattern, wrappers, consumer);
  }

  private static boolean processTopHits(String pattern, Processor<MatchedValue> consumer, DataContext dataContext) {
    Project project = CommonDataKeys.PROJECT.getData(dataContext);
    final CollectConsumer<Object> collector = new CollectConsumer<>();
    for (SearchTopHitProvider provider : SearchTopHitProvider.EP_NAME.getExtensions()) {
      //noinspection deprecation
      if (provider instanceof OptionsTopHitProvider.CoveredByToggleActions) continue;
      if (provider instanceof OptionsTopHitProvider && !((OptionsTopHitProvider)provider).isEnabled(project)) continue;
      if (provider instanceof OptionsTopHitProvider && !StringUtil.startsWith(pattern, "#")) {
        String prefix = "#" + ((OptionsTopHitProvider)provider).getId() + " ";
        provider.consumeTopHits(prefix + pattern, collector, project);
      }
      provider.consumeTopHits(pattern, collector, project);
    }
    Collection<Object> result = collector.getResult();
    return processItems(pattern, JBIterable.from(result).filter(Comparable.class), consumer);
  }

  private boolean processOptions(String pattern, Processor<MatchedValue> consumer, DataContext dataContext) {
    Map<String, String> map = myModel.getConfigurablesNames();
    SearchableOptionsRegistrarImpl registrar = (SearchableOptionsRegistrarImpl)SearchableOptionsRegistrar.getInstance();

    List<Comparable> options = ContainerUtil.newArrayList();
    final Set<String> words = registrar.getProcessedWords(pattern);
    Set<OptionDescription> optionDescriptions = null;
    final String actionManagerName = myActionManager.getComponentName();
    for (String word : words) {
      final Set<OptionDescription> descriptions = registrar.getAcceptableDescriptions(word);
      if (descriptions != null) {
        for (Iterator<OptionDescription> iterator = descriptions.iterator(); iterator.hasNext(); ) {
          OptionDescription description = iterator.next();
          if (actionManagerName.equals(description.getPath())) {
            iterator.remove();
          }
        }
        if (!descriptions.isEmpty()) {
          if (optionDescriptions == null) {
            optionDescriptions = descriptions;
          }
          else {
            optionDescriptions.retainAll(descriptions);
          }
        }
      } else {
        optionDescriptions = null;
        break;
      }
    }
    if (!StringUtil.isEmptyOrSpaces(pattern)) {
      Matcher matcher = NameUtil.buildMatcher("*" + pattern).build();
      if (optionDescriptions == null) optionDescriptions = ContainerUtil.newTroveSet();
      for (Map.Entry<String, String> entry : map.entrySet()) {
        if (matcher.matches(entry.getValue())) {
          optionDescriptions.add(new OptionDescription(null, entry.getKey(), entry.getValue(), null, entry.getValue()));
        }
      }
    }
    if (optionDescriptions != null && !optionDescriptions.isEmpty()) {
      Set<String> currentHits = new HashSet<>();
      for (Iterator<OptionDescription> iterator = optionDescriptions.iterator(); iterator.hasNext(); ) {
        OptionDescription description = iterator.next();
        final String hit = description.getHit();
        if (hit == null || !currentHits.add(hit.trim())) {
          iterator.remove();
        }
      }
      for (OptionDescription description : optionDescriptions) {
        for (ActionFromOptionDescriptorProvider converter : ActionFromOptionDescriptorProvider.EP.getExtensions()) {
          AnAction action = converter.provide(description);
          if (action != null) options.add(new ActionWrapper(action, null, MatchMode.NAME, dataContext, myModel));
          options.add(description);
        }
      }
    }
    return processItems(pattern, JBIterable.from(options), consumer);
  }

  private boolean processActions(String pattern, Processor<MatchedValue> consumer, DataContext dataContext) {
    Set<String> ids = ((ActionManagerImpl)myActionManager).getActionIds();
    JBIterable<AnAction> actions = JBIterable.from(ids).filterMap(myActionManager::getAction);
    MinusculeMatcher matcher = NameUtil.buildMatcher("*" + pattern, NameUtil.MatchingCaseSensitivity.NONE);

    QuickActionProvider provider = dataContext.getData(QuickActionProvider.KEY);
    if (provider != null) {
      actions = actions.append(provider.getActions(true));
    }

    JBIterable<ActionWrapper> actionWrappers = actions.unique().filterMap(action -> {
      MatchMode mode = myModel.actionMatches(pattern, matcher, action);
      if (mode == MatchMode.NONE) return null;
      return new ActionWrapper(action, myModel.myActionGroups.get(action), mode, dataContext, myModel);
    });
    return processItems(pattern, actionWrappers, consumer);
  }

  private boolean processIntentions(String pattern, Processor<MatchedValue> consumer, DataContext dataContext) {
    MinusculeMatcher matcher = NameUtil.buildMatcher("*" + pattern, NameUtil.MatchingCaseSensitivity.NONE);
    Map<String, ApplyIntentionAction> intentionMap = myIntentions.getValue();
    JBIterable<ActionWrapper> intentions = JBIterable.from(intentionMap.keySet())
      .filterMap(intentionText -> {
        ApplyIntentionAction intentionAction = intentionMap.get(intentionText);
        if (myModel.actionMatches(pattern, matcher, intentionAction) == MatchMode.NONE) return null;
        return new ActionWrapper(intentionAction, intentionText, MatchMode.INTENTION, dataContext, myModel);
      });
    return processItems(pattern, intentions, consumer);
  }

  private final static Logger LOG = Logger.getInstance(GotoActionItemProvider.class);

  private static boolean processItems(String pattern, JBIterable<? extends Comparable> items, Processor<MatchedValue> consumer) {
    List<MatchedValue> matched = ContainerUtil.newArrayList(items.map(o -> o instanceof MatchedValue ? (MatchedValue)o : new MatchedValue(o, pattern)));
    try {
      Collections.sort(matched);
    }
    catch (IllegalArgumentException e) {
      LOG.error("Comparison method violates its general contract with pattern '" + pattern + "'", e);
    }
    return ContainerUtil.process(matched, consumer);
  }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


'The Nature of Buildings' is a conversational showcase between two series of prints by artists Rhett Martyn and Mary Water. Both series, Martyn's Horse Series and Wafer's Ninth Floor series, explores the nature of buildings and architecture either conceptually or socio-politically. While both artists make use of the formal elements of architecture, each explores the different scopes of the power that buildings hold.
Wafer's Ninth Floor exhibition in 2015 was a new body of paintings and etchings that continue Wafer's interest in structural marginality and exclusion in contemporary South Africa. Following her previous inquiry into the Marikana massacre, Wafer's research on John Vorster Square – the police station that embodied the violence of the apartheid system – explores moments along South Africa's post-democratic timeline in order to interrogate cultural change (or the lack thereof). The sinister, and in places deteriorating, facade of John Vorster Square, now Johannesburg Central Police Station, is, in this work, a signifier of the collective trauma embedded in many of our urban spaces. It embodies a shared anxiety that is a consequence of the brutality of daily life in South Africa. The title is a reference to the poem In Detentionby Chris van Wyk. The menacing presence of the police station is a monument to systemic violence, and is painstakingly explored in Wafer's large oil paintings.
In 2018 Martyn introduced his project '1:10 Modernist Plunder: The New Constructivists' as the culmination of an 8-month long research project. Exposing the process driven directives of his art making, Martyn maked use of various devices such as a 1 to10 scale architectural model, printmaking, and sculpture to highlight his latest research obsession with that of a prominent Mozambican architect, political activist and art collector João Mangual. Mangual, an avid collector of Russian modernist sculpture of the "New Constructivists" was mysteriously found dead in Johannesburg in 1978.


She led me to a room with a bed, a single window and a bathroom. She asked me to have a seat while she went to the bedroom. I was nervous and it led me to my first mistake.
" can i take a bath in your bathroom" i asked. She looked at me like a person who stole a Nokia 3310.
" You think say you come to live with me here abi" she fired at me.
Then i decided that it would be better to just keep quiet and i did. She came out a minute later with a park of condom.
My mind was racing up and down. I instantly recalled the last time i had sexxxxx. It was over one year ago and i couldn't remember if i enjoyed it or not.
It was with Agnes, my first girl friend. Agnes was from my village. She liked me a lot then because i was the most brilliant boy among all our age mates. She was a tall slim dark beautiful girl who loved to dress like boys. She had more jean trousers than all the boys in the village. Always smiling and willing to give me anything i asked as long as i didn't leave her for other girls that was after me.
The sight of Unclad b-rea-sts jolted me out of my reverie. My instincts told me that it was time for action. I stood up and started removing my shirt. I started with the shirt because i thought that it was not appropriate to remove my trousers and dangle my JT while removing my shirt.
After the shirt, i sat on the bed beside her trying to figure out the next thing to do.
" I love you" i blurted out of nowhere. She cast an indifferent look at me and asked me to repeat what i said.
" Do you know me" she asked.
I had no answer to that question.
She just looked at me and laughed. She must have noticed that i was nervous since she grabbed my belt and started unhooking it. She removed my trousers and started rubbing my already hard Diiick. She opened a condom and inserted it perfectly on my Joystick. I stared like a japanese robot while she worked on me for another minute. When she lied on the bed facing the ceiling, i didnt need a prophet to tell me it was time for action.
" You are going to burn in hell" my religious mind said.
"There is no hell" my other half of mind countered.
Whether there was hell or not, it was not the place to think about it. The damage had already been done since i had seen a beautifully shaved cu,,nt staring at me.
The only thing that occupied my mind as i mounted her was that as a catholic, i can always go for confessions.
I climbed on top of her as she guided my JT into the lubricated veegynaa. I pumped into her as she moaned with pleasure. " fcukk mee" she retorted over and over as i brushed my JT against the four corners of her honey pot. She clutched on my waist as she climaxed while i kept pumping.
" bros you no wan release" she asked as i maintained my momentum like Manchester united over Chelsea.
I came two minutes later. She collected some tissue papers and removed the condom from my diiiick.
The blame war game started all over again between my religious mind and the other half as i counted 700 naira from my pocket. I told her she was a sweet girl and that i will be there the following week.
Chike was waiting for me downstairs when i came down. We had a few more drinks and chats with the girls and left to prepare for our smuggle job.
Since the beginning aof this story I know is going to be interesting.
Na so we dey do am in those days too!.. Let's go there boy!..


901 Sullivan Bend Road - At about 11:30 AM, Firefighters from Wilson County Emergency Management Agency were dispatched to a report of a Camper on fire in the rear of a residence.
Engine-51 was the first unit to arrive on scene, and Lieutenant Scott Lorden reported that he had a 30 foot camper on fire, as well as a grass fire.
Medic-101, Engine-11, and Brush-11 were on scene shortly behind the first due and supression efforts commenced.
Fortunately, there was a fire hydrant in the front yard and water supply was not an issue.
Crews made short work of the blaze and were able to return to service rather quickly. The resident who was in close proximity to the camper at the time of ignition was not severely injured and elected to go by personal vehicle to get checked out by a doctor.


text:
Best of 2012 according to Release's Tobias Eliasson
Our 6th Best of 2012 list – from Tobias Eliasson – is on line. We've added his Spotify playlist at the bottom of the list page
Click here to see Tobias' list
Depeche Mode's "Heaven" video launched today
The video for Depeche Mode's "Heaven" single was launched today as planned. Watch it here. [more...]
Hurts' "Miracle" video launched today
British duo Hurts launched their high-budget video for the first single "Miracle" off their second album "Exile" today. Here is it is.
Best of 2012 according to Release's Niklas Forsberg
The last Best of 2012 list is online. Check out Niklas Forsberg's favorites and listen to most of the albums and songs via Spotify links. We hope that you have discovered some new favorites of your own from all our lists.
Click here to see Niklas' list
Parralox and Leather Strip covers of Depeche Mode's "Heaven"
Australia's Parralox and Denmark's Leather Strip have already released cover versions of the new Depeche Mode single "Heaven" (we have posted the YouTube links) – Leather Strip even prior to the release. Other covers and remixes are popping up on the www.
On a related note, web site The Quietus has already listened to the new album "Delta Machine". [more...]
Wolfgang Flür reviews Kraftwerk
Former Kraftwerk member Wolfgang Flür has reviewed one of the recent Kraftwerk performances in Düsseldorf and The Quietus has published a shortened version, translated from German. It's as interesting as it is depressing.
Click here to read the review
Manifest award to Agent Side Grinder
Agent Side Grinder won the Synth award at the Swedish independent Manifest awards last weekend with their album "Hardware". [more...]
Release Magazine is now on Twitter!
Release Magazine is now on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReleaseMusicMag. Follow us and get magazine updates, news, listening tips, previews, comments and more.
Best of 2012 according to Release Magazine
You have hopefully noticed that we have published the Release writers' Best of 2012 lists (individually this year). Now, all the lists are on line. [more...]
New album from Mind.in.a.box side project Thyx in May
Stefan Poiss from Mind.in.a.box has announced a new album with his side-project Thyx. "Below the City" will be released by Metropolis on May 14.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Home News CHISD Parents Can Get Answers To Back To School Questions At Parent...
CHISD Parents Can Get Answers To Back To School Questions At Parent University
Cedar Hill ISD To Host Digital Parent University Sessions
(CEDAR HILL, TX)- If you're a parent with a child returning to school, you probably have more questions than answers on what the 2020-2021 school year looks like. You are not alone.
In an effort to inform parents and community members about Cedar Hill ISD's planned return to school, the Family and Community Engagement Office will host four Digital Parent Universities from 6 to 7 p.m. on August 11, 18, 25 and September 1.
"It is very important for CHISD to involve our parents and the community as we communicate our plans – developed largely with their input – for the upcoming school year," CHISD Director of Family and Community Director, Alicia Davis, said. "This year, especially, we will work to enhance the Parents as Partners relationship."
The subject matter of the Parent Universities will include everything from "The Blueprint" (CHISD's comprehensive plan to return to school), scholar registration and information about Schoology, CHISD's new learning management system. Staff has been trained in Schoology and parents will have an opportunity to learn about it through an upcoming Digital Parent University session.
The scheduled topics and dates are:
August 11 – The Blueprint – Plans for Reopening Cedar Hill ISD
August 18 – 2020-21 Scholar Registration – What You Need to Know
Aug. 25 and September 1 – A Parent's Guide to Schoology
For the August 11 session, families can submit questions via Thoughtexchange at
https://my.thoughtexchange.com/920783516; there is also a direct link on chisd.net. The District will accept questions for the first session between now at noon on Tuesday, August 11.
To access the Digital Parent University, families must log on to
https://stream.meet.google.com/stream/57c4d631-a2db-4af0-8bcf-e953d41cc4f8 using the Login: Stream@chisd.net and Password: Board2020.
Parent University is a program designed to build understanding between parents and Cedar Hill ISD. For more information, visit chisd.net.
Cedar Hill ISD
CHISD
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(TiO2 beads), optimized buffers for the purification and operation manual.
High selectivity: due to the high affinity against the phosphate, phospho-peptide can be detected by MS (Mass Spectrometry) even from the bland cell lysate extract containing a trace amount of phosphopeptides.
Easy to operate: only 5 steps to go and takes just 40 min. ! All the steps can be done by centrifuge technique that allows little human error.
Various number of treatable samples: Each tip column is independent. With the special adaptor (separately available) any number of samples can be treated at once.
Easy to follow manual: For any user's convenience, the operation manual comes with the kit.
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The National Statistics Office just released the annual GDP growth rate for 2014-2015, and it's not pretty. In 2015, the economy grew by 2.5%, which is a far cry from the 15.3% that we had in 2011, or even the 5.9% that we had in 2014. But it's nowhere what it was in 2009.
In 2009, Mongolia's GDP contracted 2.7% as the global financial crisis roiled markets. As a small, developing country with an economy heavily dependent on minerals, Mongolia is highly sensitive to international markets. But it is probably more sensitive to Chinese markets. It seems that a sneeze in Beijing turns into a cold in Ulaanbaatar.
According to China, their economy grew by 6.9% in 2015. That may actually mean something to a few, but not for big global investors – who are making decisions with assumptions closer to the tune of 5%, or even 4%.
Mongolia has to make their decisions based on those same assumptions. There's little that we can do to affect China or global commodities markets, but there's a lot we can do to clean up house. Foreign direct investment, which can help drive the economy even with financial markets down in other areas, continued to fall. In 2015, it fell 39% from $381.9 million in 2014 to $232 million. A major impediment to FDI is "political instability." If I was a global investor, watching parliamentary members change inputs into an excel sheet like high school students in their first finance class is probably not going to give me a large impetus to put all my money there.
As markets continue to ache through the year, we will probably not see higher growth rates until 2017. The World Bank is anticipating a growth of 0.8% in 2016, and 3% in 2017.


Ok….I fully admit that I do not have a high tolerance for tear control, but anyone who does not get a little choked up by this, might need a few more hugs.
~ by randiann on December 13, 2009.
I looooove that commercial! It makes me cry every time!
I teared up! Darn you!


text:
HomeBetter Call Saul
'Better Call Saul' Season 6 is Now Casting!
'Better Call Saul' Actress Shares Her Story, Acting Process, and Tips
Looking for a New Job? 'Better Call Saul' Season 5 is Now Hiring Actors
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'Better Call Saul' Casting Call for People with Crazy Hair Styles
'Better Call Saul' Season 5 is Now Hiring Actors
AMC's "Better Call Saul" season 5 is now hiring actors to work as stand-ins in Albuquerque, New Mexico Casting directors are now casting actors, models, and ta...
'Better Call Saul' Season 5 New Mexico Casting Call for Stand-ins
AMC's "Better Call Saul" season 5 is now casting stand-ins in Albuquerque, New Mexico Casting directors are now casting actors, models, and talent to work on T...
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AMC's "Better Call Saul" season 5 is now casting money counting machine operators in Albuquerque, New Mexico Casting directors are now casting actors, models, ...
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AMC's 'Better Call Saul' Is Now Hiring New Mexico Actors
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12...9Page 1 of 9


COPYRIGHT MATERIAL OMITTED Kevin P. Conway, Conway, Homer & Chin-Caplan, PC, of Boston, Massachusetts, argued for petitioner-appellant. On the brief was Ronald C. Homer.
Vincent J. Matanoski, Attorney, United States Department of Justice, of Washington, DC, argued for respondent-appellee. On the brief were Peter D. Keisler, Assistant Attorney General, United States Department of Justice, of Washington, DC and Ann K. Donohue, Trial Attorney, Torts Branch, Civil Division, United States Department of Justice, of Washington, DC.
Before SCHALL, GAJARSA, and PROST, Circuit Judges.
Rose Capizzano appeals the final decision of the United States Court of Federal Claims that sustained the decision of the chief special master denying her petition for compensation under the Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34 ("Vaccine Act" or "Act"). Capizzano v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 63 Fed. Cl. 227 (2004) ("Capizzano II"). The chief special master ruled that Ms. Capizzano failed to establish that the rheumatoid arthritis (sometimes "RA") from which she suffers was caused by an injection of hepatitis B vaccine that she received. Capizzano v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., No. 00-759, 2004 WL 1399178, at *1, 2004 U.S. Claims LEXIS 149, at *2-3 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 8, 2004) ("Capizzano I"). Because we conclude that the Court of Federal Claims' decision is inconsistent with Althen v. Secretary of Health & Human Services, 418 F.3d 1274 (Fed. Cir. 2005) ("Althen III"), we vacate the decision and remand the case to the Court of Federal Claims for further proceedings relating to causation.
We begin with a brief overview of the Vaccine Act. Subchapter XIX of Chapter 6A, Title 42, United States Code, enacted in 1986, established the National Vaccine Program within the Department of Health and Human Services. The program was established "to achieve optimal prevention of human infectious diseases through immunization and to achieve optimal prevention against adverse reactions to vaccines." 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-1. Subchapter XIX also established the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, "under which compensation may be paid for a vaccine-related injury or death." Id. § 300aa-10(a). The Program is administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Id. An individual seeking compensation under the Program must establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the injury or death at issue was caused by a vaccine. Id. §§ 300aa-11(c) (1), -13(a) (1).
The Vaccine Act provides for the establishment of causation in one of two ways. See Munn v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 970 F.2d 863, 865 (Fed. Cir. 1992). First, a petitioner may demonstrate (i) that the injury suffered is one listed in the Vaccine Injury Table ("Table injury"), see 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-14(a); (ii) that the injury occurred within the time provided within the Table; and (iii) that the injury meets the requirements of section 300aa-14(a). Munn, 970 F.2d at 865. In such a case, causation is presumed. Id.1 Second, where the complained-of injury is not listed in the Vaccine Injury Table ("off-Table injury"), the petitioner may prove causation in fact. See 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-13(a) (1), -11(c) (1) (C) (ii) (I). In such a case, the petitioner must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the vaccine at issue caused the injury. See Shyface v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 165 F.3d 1344, 1352-53 (Fed. Cir. 1999); Munn, 970 F.2d at 865.
A petition seeking compensation under the Vaccine Act is filed in the Court of Federal Claims. 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-11(a) (1). After a petition is filed, the Clerk of the Court forwards it to the chief special master for assignment to a special master.2 Id. The special master to whom the petition is assigned "issue [s] a decision on such petition with respect to whether compensation is to be provided under the [Vaccine Act] Program and the amount of such compensation." Id. § 300aa-12(d) (3) (A). The statute requires that the special master's decision be issued expeditiously and that it include "findings of fact and conclusions of law." Id.
Id. § 300aa-12(e) (2). The findings of fact and conclusions of law of the Court of Federal Claims can then be reviewed in the Federal Circuit. Id. § 300aa-12(f).
The facts of this case are largely undisputed. Ms. Capizzano received her second of three hepatitis B vaccine injections on May 3, 1998. Capizzano II, 63 Fed. Cl. at 229. Within hours, she developed a rash on her abdomen. Id. Several days later, her ailments increased to include stiff and painful joints. Id. Ms. Capizzano continues to suffer from this permanent condition, taking daily medication to keep the pain, swelling, and stiffness under control. Id. The government concedes that " [t]here is no dispute that Ms. Capizzano is diagnosed with RA." Because several vaccine recipients had developed a worsening of already debilitating symptoms upon receiving an additional dose of hepatitis B vaccine after being injured by a prior dose, Ms. Capizzano's physician decided that she should not receive a third hepatitis B vaccination.
On December 15, 2000, Ms. Capizzano filed a petition in the Court of Federal Claims under the Vaccine Act seeking compensation for an off-Table injury. In due course, the petition was forwarded to the chief special master, who assigned the case to himself. Before turning to the proceedings before the chief special master, however, it is important to note the legal backdrop against which this case was litigated because that backdrop influenced both the chief special master's decision and the decision of the Court of Federal Claims.
(5) that alternate causes were considered but otherwise eliminated.
Id. at *23, 2001 U.S. Claims LEXIS 67, at *158.
On September 30, 2003, the Court of Federal Claims issued its decision in Althen v. Secretary of Health & Human Services, 58 Fed. Cl. 270 (2003) ("Althen II"), reversing the chief special master's decision in Althen v. Secretary of Health & Human Services, No. 00-170V, 2003 WL 21439669, 2003 U.S. Claims LEXIS 163 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 3, 2003) ("Althen I"). In Althen I, the chief special master held that the petitioner, Margaret Althen, was not entitled to compensation for her off-Table injury because she had failed to establish the second prong of the five-prong Stevens test. Id. 2003 WL 21439669, at *12, 2003 U.S. Claims LEXIS at *52. Specifically, the special master found that Ms. Althen had failed to prove that the medical community was seeing, reporting, and discussing a potential relationship between the vaccine she had received (hepatitis B vaccine) and her injury (rheumatoid arthritis). Id. In Althen II, the Court of Federal Claims reversed the chief special master's decision in Althen I because it concluded that the Stevens framework was contrary to the Vaccine Act and Federal Circuit precedent. 58 Fed. Cl. at 281-83. Accordingly, the court held that Ms. Althen was entitled to compensation for her off-Table injury. Id. at 287. The government timely appealed the court's decision to this court. As indicated below in Part II of the DISCUSSION section of this opinion, after briefing before us in Ms. Capizzano's case was completed, we decided Althen III, in which we affirmed Althen II's rejection of the Stevens framework.
We return now to Ms. Capizzano's case. On June 11 and 12, 2003, the chief special master held a hearing. At that hearing, Ms. Capizzano presented (i) her affidavit concerning the timing and severity of her symptoms, (ii) her medical records, (iii) the diagnoses of four treating physicians, (iv) VAERS data,3 and (v) the expert testimony of Dr. David Bell concerning a mechanism by which a hepatitis B vaccine could cause rheumatoid arthritis. Capizzano I, 2004 WL 1399178, at *1, *25 n. 42, 2004 U.S. Claims LEXIS 149, at *2-3, 60-61, 88 n. 42. For its part, the government presented the testimony of Dr. Burton Zweiman, Dr. Paul A. Phillips, and Dr. Lawrence Moulton. The government's experts presented testimony challenging Dr. Bell's proposed mechanism by which rheumatoid arthritis is asserted to be caused by hepatitis B vaccination.4 Capizzano II, 63 Fed. Cl. at 228. After post-trial briefing, the chief special master rendered his decision in the case on June 8, 2004, after the decision of the Court of Federal Claims in Althen II. As noted above, the chief special master ruled that Ms. Capizzano had failed to establish that the rheumatoid arthritis from which she suffered was caused by the hepatitis B vaccination she received. Id. at *94-95.
In his opinion, the chief special master divided his analysis into two parts. First, he addressed the question, "Can the hepatitis B vaccine cause RA?" Capizzano I, 2004 WL 1399178, at *13, 2004 U.S. Claims LEXIS 149, at *49-59. After a thorough analysis, the chief special master found that scientific and medical evidence shows that hepatitis B vaccine can cause RA. Id. 2004 WL 1399178, at *13, 2004 U.S. Claims LEXIS 149, at *58-59. In so deciding, the chief special master relied on evidence of "rechallenge" in other injectees. A rechallenge event occurs when a patient who had an adverse reaction to a vaccine suffers worsened symptoms after an additional injection of the vaccine. The chief special master stated that this evidence of rechallenge constituted "such strong proof of causality that it is unnecessary to determine the mechanism of cause—it is understood to be occurring." Id. 2004 WL 1399178, at *16, 2004 U.S. Claims LEXIS 149, at *58.
The chief special master next addressed the precise question of whether hepatitis B vaccine caused Ms. Capizzano's rheumatoid arthritis. In light of Althen II, the chief special master decided Ms. Capizzano's case both under the five-prong Stevens framework and under a new disjunctive four-prong approach that he designed to satisfy what he perceived to be the requirements of Althen II. Capizzano II, 63 Fed. Cl. at 230; Capizzano I, 2004 WL 1399178, at *16, 2004 U.S. Claims LEXIS 149, at *59. The parties were in agreement that Ms. Capizzano could not satisfy the second prong of the Stevens test, involving a showing that "the association between the vaccine and the alleged injury is reported by peer-reviewed medical literature."
In formulating his new four-prong approach, the chief special master focused on the Althen II holding that " [c]ausation in fact requires proof of a logical sequence of cause and effect showing that the vaccination was the reason for the injury." 58 Fed. Cl. at 280. Under the chief special master's new approach, Ms. Capizzano was required to demonstrate the presence of one of the following four types of evidence to satisfy the "logical sequence of cause and effect" requirement of Althen II: epidemiologic studies; rechallenge; presence of pathological markers or genetic predisposition; or general acceptance in the scientific and medical communities that hepatitis B vaccination can cause rheumatoid arthritis. Capizzano I, 2004 WL 1399178, at *16, 2004 U.S. Claims LEXIS 149, at *59. The chief special master noted that there may be other means of proving causation in fact, but that he was unaware of any. Id. 2004 WL 1399178, at *12, 2004 U.S. Claims LEXIS 149, at *47-48.
Petitioner has not presented an epidemiologic study, nor has she presented evidence of general acceptance—i.e., that the medical community is currently "seeing" or "talking about" a potential relationship between the vaccine and the injury. Furthermore, factually she has not established that she experienced a rechallenge event or that she possesses the genetic markers that her expert testified were necessary to link the development of the disease to the vaccine that she received on May 3, 1998. Finally, she has failed to show that the mechanism proposed by her expert is linked to the occurrence of her RA because evidence shows that the mechanism is more conceptual and theoretical than "actual."
Id. 2004 WL 1399178, at *28, 2004 U.S. Claims LEXIS 149, at *96.
Ms. Capizzano appealed the chief special master's decision to the Court of Federal Claims, which rendered a decision in the case on December 7, 2004. Capizzano II. Under the Vaccine Act, "the Court of Federal Claims may set aside the decision of a special master only if the special master's fact findings are arbitrary and capricious, its legal conclusions are not in accordance with law, or its discretionary rulings are an abuse of discretion." Turner v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 268 F.3d 1334, 1337 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (citing 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(e) (2) (B)). Applying this standard of review, the Court of Federal Claims affirmed both the chief special master's findings of fact and legal conclusions. Capizzano II, 63 Fed. Cl. at 231. The court determined that the disjunctive four-prong test employed by the chief special master was not contrary to law and affirmed the special master's factual findings with respect to each factor as not arbitrary or capricious. Id. The court observed, "Given the number of persons receiving hepatitis B vaccine and the percentage of the population developing RA, there are bound to be persons receiving the vaccine who would, in any event, develop RA." Id. at 230. Ms. Capizzano timely appealed the Court of Federal Claims' decision to this court.
We have jurisdiction over this appeal pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(f). In an appeal from a decision of the Court of Federal Claims in a Vaccine Act case, we apply the same standard of review that the Court of Federal Claims applied to the special master's decision. Turner, 268 F.3d at 1337; accord Lampe v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 219 F.3d 1357, 1360 (Fed. Cir. 2000). "Because we review the trial court's legal determination that the special master acted in a manner not in accordance with law de novo, we effectively review the special master's decision under the same standard." Althen III, 418 F.3d at 1277-78 (citing Hines v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 940 F.2d 1518, 1524 (Fed. Cir. 1991)); accord Turner, 268 F.3d at 1337. We also determine anew whether the chief special master's findings of fact were arbitrary or capricious. Lampe, 219 F.3d at 1360; accord Turner, 268 F.3d at 1337.
This prevents the use of circumstantial evidence envisioned by the preponderance standard and negates the system created by Congress, in which close calls regarding causation are resolved in favor of injured claimants. See Knudsen v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 35 F.3d 543, 549 (Fed. Cir. 1994) (explaining that "to require identification and proof of specific biological mechanisms would be inconsistent with the purpose and nature of the vaccine compensation program"). While [Althen's petition] involves the possible link between [tetanus toxoid] vaccination and central nervous system injury, a sequence hitherto unproven in medicine, the purpose of the Vaccine Act's preponderance standard is to allow the finding of causation in a field bereft of complete and direct proof of how vaccines affect the human body.
burden is to show by preponderant evidence that the vaccination brought about her injury by providing: (1) a medical theory causally connecting the vaccination and the injury; (2) a logical sequence of cause and effect showing that the vaccination was the reason for the injury; and (3) a showing of a proximate temporal relationship between vaccination and injury.
Our task in this case is straightforward. We must determine whether the decision of the Court of Federal Claims sustaining the decision of the chief special master is consistent with Althen III. In other words, does the four-prong test employed by the chief special master in this case pass muster under Althen III?
As noted above, the chief special master decided Ms. Capizzano's case under both the five-part Stevens test and the four-prong test he developed following the Court of Federal Claims' decision in Althen II. Capizzano II, 63 Fed. Cl. at 230; Capizzano I, 2004 WL 1399178, at *16, 2004 U.S. Claims LEXIS 149, at *59. Applying his new four-part test that he devised in response to Althen II, the chief special master denied Ms. Capizzano's claim for failing to satisfy any of the four means of showing a "logical sequence of cause and effect" (epidemiologic studies, rechallenge, pathological markers, general acceptance). Capizzano I, 2004 WL 1399178, at *11, 2004 U.S. Claims LEXIS 149, at *59.
Viewing the case through the lens of Althen III, it seems clear—and the parties to do not dispute—that the chief special master and the Court of Federal Claims denied Ms. Capizzano's claim because they in effect determined that she had failed to meet the second prong of Althen III by not demonstrating "a logical sequence of cause and effect showing that the vaccination was the reason for the injury."5 418 F.3d at 1278. There is no dispute that the first and third prongs of Althen III were satisfied.
Ms. Capizzano argues that the requirement of epidemiologic studies, rechallenge, pathological markers, or general acceptance is inconsistent with Althen III and impermissibly raises a claimant's burden. She further argues that the combination of (i) her affidavit concerning the timing and severity of her symptoms, (ii) her medical records, (iii) the diagnoses of four physicians who treated her, (iv) the VAERS data, and (v) the lack of anything else but coincidence that could have caused her RA constitute more than enough evidence to satisfy the second prong of Althen III. In any event, Ms. Capizzano urges, even in the absence of evidence satisfying the second prong of Althen III, satisfying the first and third prongs, combined with the elimination of other causes, necessarily establishes "a logical sequence of cause and effect showing that the vaccination was the reason for the injury."
The government responds that epidemiologic studies, rechallenge, pathological markers, and general acceptance are merely four ways to satisfy the second prong of Althen III. The government argues that what the second prong requires varies from case to case. Further, the government urges that although medical records and medical opinion could be enough to satisfy the second prong of Althen III in some cases, they were insufficient in this case. According to the government, Ms. Capizzano needed to present a reputable scientific explanation for receiving rheumatoid arthritis from the hepatitis B vaccine.
In Althen III, we pointed to our decision in Knudsen, which explained that "to require identification and proof of specific biological mechanisms would be inconsistent with the purpose and nature of the vaccine compensation program." Althen III, 418 F.3d at 1280 (quoting Knudsen, 35 F.3d at 549). We then stated that " [w]hile [Althen's petition] involves the possible link between [tetanus toxoid] vaccination and central nervous system injury, a sequence hitherto unproven in medicine, the purpose of the Vaccine Act's preponderance standard is to allow the finding of causation in a field bereft of complete and direct proof of how vaccines affect the human body." 418 F.3d at 1280 (emphases added).
Turning to the chief special master's new four prong test, we conclude that requiring either epidemiologic studies, rechallenge, the presence of pathological markers or genetic disposition, or general acceptance in the scientific or medical communities to establish a logical sequence of cause and effect is contrary to what we said in Althen III. We think such an approach is inconsistent with allowing "the use of circumstantial evidence envisioned by the preponderance standard." Id. In our view, it thus impermissibly raises a claimant's burden under the Vaccine Act and hinders "the system created by Congress, in which close calls regarding causation are resolved in favor of injured claimants." Id.
In the present case, the first prong of the Althen III test was satisfied by the finding that the hepatitis B vaccine can cause RA. Capizzano I, 2004 WL 1399178, at *16, 2004 U.S. Claims LEXIS 149, at *59. The third prong was satisfied by the finding that Ms. Capizzano's RA appeared within days of receiving the vaccine. Id. 2004 WL 1399178, at *1, 2004 U.S. Claims LEXIS 149, at *2-3. As far as the second prong is concerned, in our view, the chief special master erred in not considering the opinions of the treating physicians who concluded that the vaccine was the cause of Ms. Capizzano's injury. See id. 2004 WL 1399178, at *1, 2004 U.S. Claims LEXIS 149, at *3. The fact that these physicians' diagnoses may have relied in part on the temporal proximity of Ms. Capizzano's injuries to the administration of the vaccine is not disqualifying. See id. 2004 WL 1399178, at *25 n. 42, 2004 U.S. Claims LEXIS 149, at *88 n. 42. We see no reason why evidence used to satisfy one of the Althen III prongs cannot overlap to satisfy another prong. In other words, if close temporal proximity, combined with the finding that hepatitis B vaccine can cause RA, demonstrates that it is logical to conclude that the vaccine was the cause of the RA (the effect), then medical opinions to this effect are quite probative. Moreover, Althen III explained that medical records and medical opinion testimony are favored in vaccine cases, as treating physicians are likely to be in the best position to determine whether "a logical sequence of cause and effect show [s] that the vaccination was the reason for the injury." 418 F.3d at 1280; see also 42 USC § 300aa-13(a) (1) ("The special master or court may not make ... a finding [of causation] based on the claims of a petitioner alone, unsubstantiated by medical records or by medical opinion.").
The second prong of the Althen III test is not without meaning. There may well be a circumstance where it is found that a vaccine can cause the injury at issue and where the injury was temporally proximate to the vaccination, but it is illogical to conclude that the injury was actually caused by the vaccine. A claimant could satisfy the first and third prongs without satisfying the second prong when medical records and medical opinions do not suggest that the vaccine caused the injury, or where the probability of coincidence or another cause prevents the claimant from proving that the vaccine caused the injury by preponderant evidence. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-13(a) (1) (B) ("Compensation shall be awarded ... if the special master or court finds on the record as a whole ... that there is not a preponderance of the evidence that the ... injury ... is due to factors unrelated to the administration of the vaccine described in the petition.").
The chief special master rejected Ms. Capizzano's claim under the Vaccine Act because she failed to establish causation for her off-Table injury using one of the prongs of the four-prong test that the chief special master formulated in the wake of Althen II. We hold that this was error. While each of the prongs in the chief special master's test certainly could be probative of causation, we think that it is incorrect to require a petitioner to establish one of the four prongs in order to show causation. That is because, for the reasons stated above, we think that the special master's four-prong test impermissibly heightens the burden of proof placed upon a petitioner in an off-Table injury case by restricting the way in which the petitioner can prove his or her case. The proper inquiry is whether a petitioner in an off-Table injury case establishes a logical sequence of cause and effect, the second prong of Althen III, by a preponderance of the evidence. That approach has not yet been followed in this case because there has not yet been, in the first instance, an analysis of the evidence presented by Ms. Capizzano (i) under the teaching of Althen III and (ii) unencumbered by the constraints of the four-prong test formulated by the chief special master following Althen II.
Accordingly, the decision of the Court of Federal Claims affirming the decision of the chief special master rejecting Ms. Capizzano's claim for compensation is vacated. The case is remanded to the Court of Federal Claims to determine whether Ms. Capizzano has proven causation by a preponderance of the evidence based on the existing record.8 If Ms. Capizzano has proven causation, judgment should be entered in her favor. If not, her claim should be denied.
See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(c)-(d) for the provisions of the Vaccine Act relating to special masters.
The chief special master rejected the testimony of Dr. Bell, Ms. Capizzano's expert, finding that the government's experts were more persuasive and "effectively rebutted" the contention that there exists a causal connection between the hepatitis B vaccine and RA Capizzano I, 2004 WL 1399178, at *25, 2004 U.S. Claims LEXIS 149, at *87. Despite rejecting Dr. Bell's testimony, the chief special master nonetheless found that hepatitis B vaccine can cause RA based on other evidence discussed below.
We say "in effect determined" because when they rendered their decisions in this case, neither the chief special master nor the Court of Federal Claims had the benefit of Althen III.
is to show by preponderant evidence that the vaccination brought about her injury by providing: (1) a medical theory causally connecting the vaccination and the injury; (2) a logical sequence of cause and effect showing that the vaccination was the reason for the injury; and (3) a showing of a proximate temporal relationship between vaccination and injury.
The Act's National Vaccine Program was established to develop new vaccines, improve existing vaccines, and compensate individuals who have been injured by vaccines routinely administered to children. See H.R. Rep. 99-908, at 1, reprinted in 1986 U.S.C.C.A.N. 6344, 6344. Congress instituted this compensatory program because the traditional civil tort actions against vaccine manufacturers were producing undesirable results both with respect to the victims and the vaccine industry. See id., at 6-7, reprinted in U.S.C.C.A.N. at 6347-48. Congress found that the traditional tort system was not working for victims because it resulted in lengthy delays, high transaction costs, and sometimes no recovery. See id. Similarly, the high cost of litigation and difficulty of obtaining insurance was undermining incentives for vaccine manufacturers to remain in the vaccine market. In sum, Congress was concerned with the instability and unpredictability in the childhood vaccine market. See id. To deal with these problems, Congress established a federal "no-fault" compensation program under which awards were to be made to vaccine-injured persons "quickly" and with "generosity." See id., at 1, reprinted in 1986 U.S.C.C.A.N. at 6344.
189 F.3d at 1381; accord Knudsen, 35 F.3d at 549 ("The Vaccine Act does not contemplate full blown tort litigation in the Court of Federal Claims. The Vaccine Act established a federal compensation program under which awards are to be made to vaccine-injured persons quickly, easily, and with certainty and generosity.") (internal quotation marks omitted).
We leave it to the Court of Federal Claims, after receiving the views of the parties, to decide whether, in the first instance, the matter should be decided by the chief special master See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(e) (2).


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Mass. sports betting proposal would be first to allow online bets – the boston globe
Baker's proposal will also have to contend with opposition from groups fighting the expansion of state-sanctioned gambling, who continue to air concerns about the potential effects of making it easier to lay money on the line.
House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said he will be looking for details of how the state will protect against corruption in sports as gambling expands.
"The first issue that has to be addressed is that the integrity of the game is protected," he said in a statement.
Les Bernal, national director of the group Stop Predatory Gambling, worries that sports betting could be a gateway for young people into a lifetime of gambling.
"Most legislators have no idea what these guys have pending by legalizing this stuff," he said. "This is a huge extraction of wealth out of the lives of ordinary citizens into the hands of an already wealthy few."
Baker's office said the expansion of sports betting would be tightly regulated under the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The legislation would prohibit gambling on college and amateur sports, and gamblers would have to be at least 21. The state would use some of the proceeds from the industry to support people who gamble compulsively.
Baker's proposal sets a tax rate of 10 percent for in-person betting and 12.5 percent for online wagering. Both levies would be on the money that licensed sports betting operators keep after paying out winnings.
Baker also proposes setting a 12.5 percent tax rate on daily fantasy sports — paid contests in which participants can win money based on the real-life performance of athletes. Daily fantasy sports have been untaxed as state policymakers have puzzled over their legal status.
Supporters of expanded sports betting argue that a convenient state sports betting program could cut into black market options that are already widely available to savvy online users. Estimates have put the national market for illegal gambling as high as $100 billion.
The measure proposed by Baker comes as lawmakers have begun to discuss the topic on Beacon Hill at the outset of the two-year legislative session. Preliminary discussions followed the high court decision last spring, but legislative leaders concluded there was not enough time to finalize a sports betting scheme before the end of last year's session.
But lawmakers are under pressure to begin setting up a legal market here before Massachusetts falls behind other states.
Nine states and the District of Columbia have already legalized wagering on games, and several others, including Connecticut, are considering it now, according to Eilers & Krejcik.
Local sports franchises have generally been tight-lipped about the prospect of sports betting, often deferring to the professional leagues, which have been trying to balance concerns about integrity with the potential for new business opportunities.
Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs, who has been one of the more vocal area sports executives, said he is open to expansion.
"Sports betting has the potential to increase fan interest and engagement, which is ultimately good for the fans, franchises, and leagues," he said in a statement.
In a statement, DraftKings expressed optimism the proposal would pass this year.
"Legal, regulated mobile sports betting provides the best mechanism to not only protect consumers, but to eliminate illegal offshore gambling, ensure game integrity, generate new revenue for the Commonwealth and fuel the growth of Massachusetts' sports-tech sector," the company said.
Andy Rosen can be reached at andrew.rosen@globe.com. Resourse: https://bostonglobe.com/business/2019/01/17/baker-proposes-legalizing-sports-betting/1Og2uVe5Prfhd5PWFajc3N/
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CyberSafety: Making Internet Safer for its Users
The theme of cybersafety is an important emerging research topic that manifests itself daily as users navigate the Web and networked applications. Examples of cybersafety issues include cyberbullying, cyberthreats, using Internet to recruit minors for nefarious purposes, and posting objectionable content in video chats. These issues have a direct impact on placing trust in the services provided via the Internet. They impact the users negatively in that the users are exposed to undesirable and potentially harmful content. They also impact the service providers negatively by reducing the quality of the service that they provide.
Socio-Technical Systems
Pervasive Mobile Computing
mishras at cs dot colorado dot edu
IUCRC: Pervasive Personalized Intelligence
The Colorado Research Center for Democracy and Technology
The CU CyberSafety Research Center
We have an extensive research agenda to address the cybersafety issues that include conducting cutting-edge research in the areas of spread of impact of technology on democracy, spread of hate speech in Arabic social media, cyberbullying in social networks, and misbehavior detection the online, video chat services. I have co-founded The Colorado Research Center for Democracy and Technology and The CU CyberSafety Research Center at CU-Boulder. I have also co-founded a series of CyberSafety workshops; the latest one is the The Fourth Workshop on Computational Methods in Online Misbehavior (CyberSafety 2019) that was co-located with The 2019 Web Conference.
Abusive Content in Online Social Media
M. Kurdi, N. Albadi and S. Mishra. Think before you upload: an in-depth analysis of unavailable videos on YouTube. SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS AND MINING. 11 (2021): ARTN 48.
M. Kurdi, N. Albadi and S. Mishra. Video Unavailable: Analysis and Prediction of Deleted and Moderated YouTube Videos. In the proceedings of The 2020 IEEE/ACM International Conference on Advances in Social Networks Analysis and Mining (ASONAM 2020), (December 2020).
N. Albadi, M. Kurdi, S. Mishra. Hateful People or Hateful Bots? Detection and Characterization of Bots Spreading Religious Hatred in Arabic Social Media. In The 22nd ACM Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW 2019).
N. Albadi, M. Kurdi, S. Mishra. Investigating the effect of combining GRU neural networks with handcrafted features for religious hatred detection on Arabic Twitter space. SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS AND MINING. 9 (1) (August 05, 2019): ARTN 41.
N. Albadi, M. Kurdi and S. Mishra. Are They Our Brothers? Analysis and Detection of Religious Hate Speech in the Arabic Twittersphere. In the proceedings of The 2018 IEEE/ACM International Conference on Advances in Social Networks Analysis and Mining (ASONAM 2018), Barcelona, Spain (August 2018).
Cyberbullying in Online Social Networks
Rahat Ibn Rafiq, Richard Han, Qin Lv, and Shivakant Mishra. BullyAlert- A Mobile Application for Adaptive Cyberbullying Detection. In the proceedings of The 11th EAI International Conference on Mobile Computing, Applications and Services (EAI MobiCASE 2020), September 2020.
R. Rafiq, H. Hosseinmardi, R. Han, Q. Lv and S. Mishra. Scalable Detection of Cyberbullying in Online Social Networks. In the proceedings of The 33rd ACM/SIGAPP Symposium On Applied Computing (SAC 2018), Pau, France (April 2018).
H. Hosseinmardi, R. Rafiq, R. Han, Q. Lv and S. Mishra. Prediction of Cyberbullying Incidents in a Media-based Social Network. In the 2016 IEEE/ACM International Conference on Advances in Social Networks Analysis and Mining (ASONAM 2016), San Francisco, CA (August 2016).
R. Rafiq, H. Hosseinmardi, S. A. Mattson, R. Han, Q. Lv, S. Mishra. Analysis and detection of labeled cyberbullying instances in Vine, a video-based social network. Social Network Analysis and Mining. 6 (1) (December 2016).
R. Rafiq, H. Hosseinmardi, S. Mattson, R. Han, Q. Lv and S. Mishra. Careful What You Share in Six Seconds: Detecting Cyberbullying Instances in Vine. In the 2015 IEEE/ACM International Conference on Advances in Social Networks Analysis and Mining (ASONAM 2015), Paris, France (August 2015).
H. Hosseinmardi, R. Rafiq, S. Li, Z. Yang, R. Han, S. Mishra and Q. Lv. A Comparison of Common Users across Instagram and Ask.fm to Better Understand Cyberbullying. In the 7th IEEE International Conference on Social Computing and Networking (SocialCom2014), Sydney, Australia (December 2014).
H. Hosseinmardi, R. Han, Q. Lv, S. Mishra and A. Ghasemianlangroodi. Towards Understanding Cyberbullying Behavior in a Semi-Anonymous Social Network. In the 2014 IEEE/ACM Interna- tional Conference on Advances in Social Networks Analysis and Mining (ASONAM 2014), Beijing, China (August 2014).
Misbehavior Detection in Online Video Chat Systems
L. Tian, R. Rafiq, S. Li, D. Chu, R. Han, Q. Lv and S. Mishra. Multi-modal Fusion for Flasher Detection in a Mobile Video Chat Application. In the 11th EAI International Conference on Mobile and Ubiquitous Systems: Computing, Networking and Services (Mobiquitous 2014), London, UK (December 2014).
Note: Nominated for the best paper award.
L. Tian, S. Li, J. Ahn, D. Chu, R. Han, Q. Lv and S. Mishra. Understanding User Behavior at Scale in a Mobile Video Chat Application. In the 2013 ACM International Joint Conference on Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing (UbiComp 2013), Zurich (September 2013).
X. Xing, Y. Liang, H. Cheng, D. Jianxun, S. Huang, R. Han, X. Liu, Q. Lv and S. Mishra. SafeVchat: A System for Obscene Content Detection in Online Video Chat Services. ACM Transactions on Internet Technology (TOIT), Volume 12 Issue 4, July 2013.
X. Xing, Y. Liang, S. Huang, H. Cheng, R. Han, Q. Lv, X. Liu, S. Mishra and Y. Zhu. Scalable Misbehavior Detection in Online Video Chat Services. In the 18th ACM SIGKDD Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDD 2012), Beijing, China (August 2012).
H. Cheng, Y. Liang, X. Xing, X. Liu, R. Han, Q. Lv and S. Mishra. FGC: Fine-Grained Cascaded Classification for Efficient Misbehaving User Detection in Online Video Chat Services. In the Fifth ACM Conference on Web Search and Data Mining (WSDM 2012), Seattle, WA (February 2012).
X. Xing, Y. L. Liang, H. Cheng, J. Dang, S. Huang, R. Han, X. Liu, Q. Lv and S. Mishra. SafeVchat: Detecting Obscene Content and Misbehaving Users in Online Video Chat Services. In the 20th International World Wide Web Conference, (WWW 2011), Hyderabad, India (March 2011).


Treetopia's Noble Fir is as beautiful as the celebrated evergreen on which it is based. This stately tree is composed of high quality tips in an emerald green shade and features the same full, symmetrical shape that has made natural noble firs such a popular choice for Christmas trees.
Lush foliage and sturdy branches allow you to prominently display your holiday ornaments for everyone to admire, while strands of clear lights accentuate the tree's graceful form. Make the Noble Fir the showpiece of your festivities and usher in the holiday season in timeless style.
Fully hinged branches give you more time to enjoy the holidays and less time setting up.
DURABLE FOLIAGEThe Noble Fir's 100% PVC needle composition makes for a sturdy holiday centerpiece to be enjoyed for years to come.
a closer lookFlame-retardant needles in an emerald green hue ensure safe holiday cheer.
FULL SILHOUETTEThe full, symmetrical shape of the Noble Fir provides a beautiful backdrop for your ornaments.
Pre-lit with LED color-changing lights, the Noble Fir provides radiance throughout the season.


Look at this man in the blue sky. He jumped up to kick the ball. It is really good and exciting soccer. Maybe the footballer's jump on this high resolution photo will make you wanna do sports. "Footballer's jump" hi definition image can be found in these themes: Socker (football) (28). You can crop this picture with our cropping tool. The original size of this HD "Footballer's jump" picture is 2880x1800 pixels.


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Ja, ty, oni (port. Eu Tu Eles) – brazylijska komedia romantyczna z 2000 roku w reżyserii Andruchy Waddingtona.

Wyprodukowany przez wytwórnię Columbia Pictures film został oparty na faktach. Główne role w filmach zagrali Regina Casé oraz Lima Duarte. Premiera filmu miała miejsce 16 maja 2000 w Brazylii.

Fabuła
Darlene Linhares (Regina Casé) uchodzi za kobietę o wielkim sercu. Jest ona związana z trzema mężczyznami, a każdy zaspokaja jej inne potrzeby. Hodowca kóz Osias (Lima Duarte) zapewnia jej utrzymanie, czuły Zezinho (Stênio Garcia) pełni obowiązki gospodyni domowej, zaś młody Ciro (Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos) jest idealnym kochankiem. Wszyscy razem mieszkają. Na dodatek z każdym z nich Darlene doczekała się potomstwa.

Obsada
Źródło: Filmweb
 Regina Casé jako Darlene
 Lima Duarte jako Osias
 Nilda Spencer jako Raquel
 Diogo Lopes jako pasterz
 Helena Araújo jako matka Darlene
 Iami Rebouças jako młoda kobieta
 Lucien Paulo jako naczelnik
 Borges Cunha jako urzędnik
 Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos jako Ciro
 Stênio Garcia jako Zezinho

Nagrody i wyróżnienia
 53. MFF w Cannes – Wyróżnienie Specjalne w ramach sekcji "Un Certain Regard"
 MFF w Karlowych Warach – Kryształowy Globus i nagroda dla najlepszej aktorki (Regina Casé)

Przypisy

Linki zewnętrzne

Brazylijskie filmy komediowe
Brazylijskie filmy z 2000 roku
Brazylijskie filmy zgłoszone do rywalizacji o Oscara w kategorii filmu nieanglojęzycznego
Filmy nagrodzone Kryształowym Globem
Filmy wytwórni Columbia Pictures

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Christopher Grubb is known as a style maker and market influencer to clients, manufacturers, editors and producers. As President of Beverly Hills based Arch-Interiors Design Group, Inc., Christopher and the firm are internationally recognized for their unique and distinguished work in high-end residential, commercial, medical, health & beauty, retail and hospitality design.
ARCH INTERIORS DESIGN GROUP, INC.
Arch-Interiors Design Group, Inc. is an internationally recognized and award-winning design firm with expertise in residential, commercial, healthcare and beauty, retail and hospitality projects. Based in Beverly Hills, California, Arch-Interiors was established in 1994 by Christopher Grubb. The team of exceptionally talented designers blend their global experiences to deliver extraordinary spaces which truly are as progressive, or as timeless as the clientele they serve.
Christopher creates products that are thoroughly unique, beautiful and most importantly, respond to a void within a particular market segment. The designs are alluring, distinct, diverse and meaningful. His goal is to build collections that can work in a multitude of environments, utilizing an approach driven by the incorporation of three principals: clean, notable and orderly.
Christopher has shared his creative insights and design tips as a featured guest on various national special series, internationally syndicated shows, and local news programs, airing on ABC, NBC, LXTV, HGTV, and Hallmark channel, among others.
From BBC Radio, to Martha Stewart Living Radio, to multiple design segments on WGN Radio, and many popular syndicated shows, Christopher Grubb offers his design expertise and real world experiences to millions of listeners and students.
Because of his talent, success, affable personality and knowledge, Christopher is in high demand as a key contributor for international consumer and trade conferences, expos and trade conventions. He is passionate about educating and sharing his design acumen and insights on movements shaping the industry.
Christopher and his body of work have won many international and domestic awards, and he has been an editorial contributor and advisor for major publications. He has been a featured designer in numerous books, at showroom launches, and in design clips in NYC taxis. He has appeared in fashion show fundraisers, on the red carpet, and in 100s of global magazine and news outlets.
Technology is a strength—but they know not to get carried away.
While they offer a number of economic choices, they encouraged me to make an investment in my space. I now fully agree.
They are so practical on price and know of so many options.
The staff was timely, courteous and respectful of my ideas and eager to work within my budget.
Employing earthy tones and warm practicality, Christopher Grubb and his team develop urbane, textural environments that clarify the client's desires. Furnishings are generously proportioned and the rooms are dramatic.
Christopher imagines fantastic possibilities and implements them with control and patience.
Christopher spent a lot of time up front understanding our lifestyle.
A metamorphosis occurred in my bathroom. After that I hired Christopher to do the whole house.
They think outside the box - maximizing space with continuity and creativity.
Process is their forte." "They are consistently professional and courteous.


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Johnny Nash Biography
John Lester Nash Jr. (born 19 August 1940; died 6 October 2020) was an American pop singer best known for his 1972 hit I Can See Clearly Now.
Born in Houston, Texas, Nash began as a pop singer in the 1950s. He became famous for singing the theme song for The Mighty Hercules cartoon in the early 1960s (which song he also wrote). His biggest hits were the early reggae tunes Hold Me Tight, I Can See Clearly Now, and Stir It Up, written by Bob Marley prior to Marley's international success.
Genres: 60s, oldies, pop, reggae, soul.
chr I Can See Clearly Now


Personally speaking, every time autobiography as a form of narrative is mentioned, the word 'confession' crops up in the mind as its principal constituent. Autobiography is considered as a literary genre in which an account of a person's life is written by him.
Confession is a written or spoken statement in which you say that you have done something wrong or committed a crime; the act of telling people something that makes you embarrassed, ashamed: In Christian faith, it means the act of telling your sins to God or to a priest.
In essence, an act of writing autobiography draws on Christian faith. Saint Augustine (354 CE to 430 CE) is said to have invented the modern autobiography. However, Augustine baulked at establishing a pattern; the influence that his work engendered was so pervasive that all subsequent autobiographers were affected by it, either positively or negatively. The impact resonated quite tangibly even after the Christian faith ceased to be the determining factor in literary articulations.
The most famous example of a reaction against Augustine's Confessions appears in the Confessions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Coming to the subcontinent, confession figured hardly in autobiographical literature. People like Gandhi, Nehru, Abul Kalam Azad, who produced valuable accounts of their eventful lives, did not furnish anything critical of their own selves; as if they were redeeming themselves by self-projection through that genre. They are more of elegies than an account of the life lived in this mortal world.
When the focus is narrowed further down to include some Pakistani politicians, one sees how they have churned out self-congratulatory accounts of their political 'feats' in the name of autobiography. None of the autobiographies produced by them can be ranked among historical accounts holding any political, moral or historical value or worth for posterity. They are at best self-referential and self-laudatory narratives with hardly any objective analysis of histro-political events.
Even Benazir Bhutto could not engage in any kind of self-appraisal in Daughter of the East. How could then one expect Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain to be critical of himself in his latest biographical account Such to Yeh Hai? I for one never fancied him as a politician with any insight or vision which would enable him to devise any viable plan for the country.
Politically inarticulate and suffering from poor health, Ch. Shujaat Hussain, 72, has nevertheless shown himself to be a master of realpolitik, according to some analysts. But even that realpolitik skill is blunted now. His party [PML (Q)] has faded just like figures drawn on the sea shore.
You could question as to what prompts me to analyse his autobiography. There were quite a few reason(s) for picking that book. For instance, how and where did his father Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi, a junior foot constable, accumulate resources to set up a cotton mill. I thought Chaudhrys too were the beneficiary of the partition, like the Sharifs. Just to put that perception to a test, I started reading the book. I could not find much to satisfy my quest.
Shujaat Hussain lauds his uncle (father of Pervaiz Elahi) and gives him as well as his own father the credit for laying the foundation of the industrial enterprise which subsequently made them into one of the wealthiest families of Pakistan. As per his account, it was by dint of their hard work that success grovelled at their feet. They did not ask anybody for any due or undue favour, no negotiation or dealing with government officials. Things were so straightforward for them as if they lived in a mythical age.
From the book, the sense I drew about Z.A. Bhutto and his relationship with Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi was very positive. He came to Gujrat on their family events and also asked Zahoor Elahi to join Pakistan People's Party who later refused to join Bhutto's party. What exactly was the problem which had set Bhutto against Zahoor Elahi? Elahi's disdain for Bhutto became so intense that he even hailed the latter's execution. In retaliation, he was killed.
The general belief is that the assassins came after Maulvi Mushtaq, the judge who ruled against ZAB and not Elahi. His assassination was just coincidental and not intentional. All said and done, the book does not offer any plausible reference or explanation for the antagonism between the two.
Under Zia ul Haq's dictatorial regime, while the Chaudhrys were vying for power, Mian Nawaz Sharif emerged on the scene as a major stumbling block. Although the book is written with a purpose to politically malign Nawaz Sharif but, if read dispassionately, Sharif appears to have a political acumen which was far superior to the Chaudhrys. Sharif's connections with General Ghulam Jilani and Brigadier Qayyum and how he managed to reach out to Zia ul Haq through them speaks volumes about his (and his father's) social skills employed with dexterity. Pervaiz Elahi's move to upstage Sharif from the position of Punjab's chief minister was foiled, and Nawaz eventually emerged as the leader against Benazir Bhutto. I think the ghost writer has not done his job properly.
Shujaat Hussain's political career peaked under Pervez Musharraf who was his contemporary at FC College, Lahore. He was elevated to the coveted position of Pakistan's prime minister, though only for brief period of time. His cousin, Pervaiz Elahi, was the chief minister of the Punjab for five years who did manage to initiate some development projects in the province. But by the end of their tenure, the Chaudhrys had lost political legitimacy, which was quite evident in the 2008 election results. Shujaat's version that the Americans did not want PML-Q back in power and therefore they were made to lose the election does not hold water at all.
The sections on chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and Lawyers' Movement are relatively more interesting. Same can be said about the Lal Masjid issue. But he could have said a bit more on these two very important events of Pakistan's political history as he was in the thick of things.
All said and done the book Such to Yeh Hai is not the whole truth. There are far too many unaddressed issues, unanswered questions and queries.


Exciting JoeCon news for Marauder Task Force!
Over on their Facebook Page, the folks behind Marauder "Gun Runners" have posted an exciting announcement about the upcoming G.I. Joe Convention in Loveland, Colorado!
-Ryan Lord, the artist responsible for the MTF cardart illustrations & MTF skull/knife design, will be at the booth with a wide variety of artwork & custom items.
Sounds pretty exciting! Everyone make sure you check out the Marauder booth at JoeCon, I've hit it in year's past and it's always a highlight of the Convention!
You could say the release of the Vitruvian H.A.C.K.S. line has been an exciting moment for me, and I've spent the last two weeks or so expressing that excitement with the development of a Vitruvian H.A.C.K.S. archival website at VitruvianFACTS.com!
The Vitruvian F.igure A.ccessory C.ollection T.racking S.ystem is a Wikipedia style archive with entries for pretty much everything released to date (except for the non-Kickstarter Blanks) and I've spent hours over the past couple of weeks getting things loaded, updated and linked up. This will be a "working document" able to evolve over time, and in the spirit of WikiPedia, at some point I'll likely open it up to contributors. At the moment it's locked down to myself and a couple of others for updates, but it is possible that in the days to come things will open up a little bit.
So head on over to VitruvianFACTS.com and see what you think! Big thanks to the immeasurable Troy McKie for his help on the logo, and a huge thanks to the folks at Boss Fight Studio for their advice in insight as I developed the archive.
If you like the figures you see in there, don't forget to head right over to BossFightShop.com and spend lots of money!
I will warn you, I've been experiencing some performance issues on the website and am keeping a close eye on them. It's possible I may eventually migrate to a new webhost to see if it improves, but for now, I'm just looking to see how things work. Thanks for your patience as we work out any hitches as this goes forward.
Big news from Boss Fight Studio at MegaCon!
Yeah, I'm a little removed from the news from MegaCon at this point, mostly due to working on another Vitruvian HACKS related project which I will hopefully be able to reveal very soon.
Boss Fight Studio has officially set up shop at MegaCon in Orlando, Florida this weekend, and is making some fantastic announcements!
First and foremost, they've revealed the digital sculpts for the first two figures in the Series 02 Fantasy line from Vitruvian HACKS. There are some key changes, especially to the knight, but the figures still look, as one might suspect, pretty fantastic.
But the even bigger news out of MegaCon, courtesy of Boss Fight's Facebook Page is the reveal of a special Wave 5 from the Greek Mythology line! Featuring a Cursed Skeleton, the River Styx Guardian, a Boa Constrictor Gorgon, and the Amazon Commander Penthesilea! For folks who are unfamiliar with the history around Penthesilea, she was the daughter of Ares, and an Amazonian queen. Certain mythologies also connect her with Achilles, so it will be very interesting to see where this all plays out. We already have the Myrmidon Warriors, and now we've got Penthesilea, it's pretty fantastic to see the dots slowly getting connected here. Boss Fight revealed first samples of the figures as well as the spectacular card art, check those mirrored images out below.
As if this wasn't enough…they also revealed two brand new Silver Blanks!
But, wait… there's more! Along with all of this exciting news, they've also announced a collaboration with them and Dream Concept on a new line of HACKS compatible ZOMBIE FIGURES. Holy cow.
Yeah, MegaCon has been pretty huge for Boss Fight Studio, and from the looks of things, more huge still to come. Follow along on the Boss Fight Studios Facebook Page. Even better, if you're in the Orlando area, swing by MegaCon booth 818 and tell them GeneralsJoes says hello!
Special exclusive G.I. Joe/Transformers Cover for Roll Out Roll Call!
An exciting announcement from the folks at Roll Out Roll Call! Attendees of the show in London Heathrow will get a special opportunity to own Transformers vs. G.I. Joe #13 with a special exclusive cover by Robert Atkins and Joana LaFuente.
There will be a run of only 250 of these exclusive covers featuring a number of characters played by convention guests Morgan Lofting and Neil Ross. Your best chance to get this exclusive comic is at Roll Out Roll Call! Along with this, they've already announced exclusive availability of previously sold out Botcon exclusives!
The show is July 8th – 9th at London Heathrow and is a favorite show for many fans. Boss Fight Studio will be there, likely with a bunch of product in hand to sell!
There's going to be lots to love about this year's Roll Out Roll Call, and you can find all of the great details over on their Facebook page. Tickets are on sale now, so don't wait!
Vitruvian HACKS Week continues on YouTube!
Even though the written reviews have wrapped, there's still more Vitruvian HACKS goodness over on the GeneralsJoes YouTube Channel! I've just posted video reviews for the NJCC Exclusive Ultimate Spartan and Kokomo Toys/All the Cool Stuff Amazon (Elite Warrior)!
More HACKS video reviews soon to come, but until then, check out these two additions embedded below. As always, please let me know if there are things I could do to make this better.
GeneralsJoes Wraps up the HACKS Reviews – Blanks, Accessories and Skeletons!
Okay, I approached these reviews a little differently. I wasn't going to break down every individual blank or every individual skeleton or every individual accessory pack. That felt like overkill.
So instead, I've framed these reviews at a more high level, looking at these three elements conceptually, with how well I think they were executed overall. There are no real review scores for the blanks or accessories, and while I did use one for the skeletons, I'm not sure it really works.
None of these are individual characters, nor are they really designed to come with accessories, and the paint applications are purposefully simplified, so it didn't feel appropriate to judge the success of these items on those prerequisites. That being said, I still took a ton of pictures and gave my opinions on the themes as a whole. They're all posted on the Vitruvian HACKS Review Page or you can check them out individually below.
Things look to be getting somewhat quiet on the IDW G.I. Joe comic front as we move towards the end of summer. IDW Publishing has released their solicitations list for August, 2016 and there is essentially just a single new entry on it (with the other being the final TPB collection of Transformers vs. G.I. Joe) Check them out below.
The biggest space battle ever grows to universal proportions! Will the G.I. JOE team and the AUTOBOTS make peace—before COBRA and the DECEPTICONS end the war… the bad way?! Collects issues #10–13.
The series you never thought would happen comes to its thunderous conclusion!
Pre-Order this now on BossFightShop!
And, so, here we are. The infamous Boss Fight Studio Skeletons.
Aside from Medusa, the Skeletons felt like one of the main focuses of the Kickstarter, a fully functional, fully articulated, fully in 1:18 scale Skeleton figure that looked as if it crawled from the corpse of a 4" figure, yet still managed to pose like one.
Honestly, many folks had their doubts that it could be done. Even with the decades of toy design experience Boss Fight has, they were attempting something that not even global toy brand powerhouses have been able to pull off.
Oh hell yeah it does.
Every time I'm sure I'm prepared to extol the virtues of these great action figures, I remember something else. First it was the fact that even just the human skull itself makes for an awesome prop (and actually has a movable jaw!). Second it was remembering that the Skeletons themselves could also be disassembled like the blanks and reassembled in different ways. Third it was the realization that the Skeletons were skinny enough to look realistic, but just bulky enough for armor to fit in key places. Fourth it was DOUBLE JOINTED KNEES ON A FRIGGEN SKELETON. Then I started to lose count. From the different colors to the amazing sculpting on the bones, these figures are really amazing to look at.
Now, the pieces are thin. Like pretty thin. But throughout my review, I wasn't exactly gentle, and considering I had almost 20 of the things sitting in front of me, I certainly posed them, removed parts, and swapped things around quite a bit, and I'm happy to say, all of my Skeletons remain completely in one piece.
Incredibly, even as skinny as they are, they retain ball joints in the shoulders and hips, very poseable elbow joints, moveable wrists, ball joint neck, base of the spine, double-jointed knees, and at the ankles. These things can move like freaking crazy. They are light as a feather, yet seem to hold up to reasonable punishment.
Now obviously you need to be reasonable. The plastic is thinner than the normal standard figures, and the joints are a bit smaller as well, so take the proper care and attention, and don't be afraid to use a hair dryer when swapping limbs around.
Obviously if you're going to be swapping hands around and removing limbs, take some care and apply some heat! That will ensure that the material has enough "flex" to allow for things to be removed and replaced without fear of breakage.
The Skeletons come in white, black, yellow and translucent purple, with a surprise bonus hot pink one as a free gift to supporters who had to wait a little while for the product to be done. Each color is gorgeously chosen, and if you want to go "full bone" a light dark wash will truly bring out some amazing detail on the white and yellow versions.
Personally, I find myself in love with the purple ones. Ever since the release of the Eternal Struggle 2-Pack I've become infatuated with Hades and his crew, and these purple skeletons are the perfect compliment to the Undead Warrior from that 2 Pack. Toss in some Tartarus Guards (and pink Skeletons to go with them) and you're quickly amassing an awesome pink/purple army for the God of the Underworld to set loose upon the world.
I will say one of my purple Skeletons did come through pretty bow-legged, I'm thinking mostly due to the material of the plastic that's used to make transparent figures. I applied some heat and reshaped the legs somewhat, and it seems to be a lot better.
Each Skeleton comes with a footpeg and a series of clear plastic devices that seem a little strange if you don't know what you're looking for. The two curved pieces have holes on the bottom and plug into the battle stand so that the Skeleton can use the stand more effectively. Obviously his bony little foot is too narrow to get a peg hole in there, so these clasps make for an excellent work around.
Along with those two items are four different "spacers". These spacers can hook into various places on the Skeleton's narrow frame to allow for larger armor pieces to fit snugly without moving around. Most of the female armor slides right on with no issues, but if you want larger male armor (especially leg armor) to work, you need to clip on a spacer to fill in some of the gaps.
Boss Fight truly thought of everything. These skeletons are a hell of a lot of fun, and add yet another intriguing dimension to a toyline which is already completely full of intriguing dimensions. There are so many things to love about Vitruvian HACKS and it seems like as I push through these reviews I continue to be amazed and surprised by what I find.
A final note about this review… I'm not sure I'm giving this figure appropriate credit and he doesn't really jive with my format for reviews. He ended up with 4 Stars, but when you look at what had to be overcome with the overall structure and durability of a human skeleton, what Boss Fight did with this figure is completely and truly remarkable, and deserves far more credit than my review score can accurately depict.
These figures are a ton of fun.