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Author: John Becton
I was born in Asheville NC in the first half of the last century. At 18, I left for Chapel Hill to attend the University of North Carolina. After graduating with honors in English, I spent three years in the Boston area, earning a Master of Divinity degree, then returned to Chapel Hill "for one year." I'm still here. Much of my public relations career gave me a lot of experience in journalism. Creative writing has been a life-long interest and avocation. In 2016, I published a collection of short stories, "Life Among the Letters," available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I have a wife, three adult children and four grandchildren.
Faith of our fathers and mothers
Some time back, my kids asked me a series of questions, the answers to which were published in a book for them and their offspring. One of those questions was "How is your faith different from your parents' faith?" Here's my answer. As with all my personal reflections, I offer it here in hopes others might find something with which to relate.
My parents' faith was simple, traditional and seemingly based on a literal reading of the Bible. They attended all activities at the church and had little social life otherwise. Sometimes this need to attend appeared to border on obsessive, though I'm sure they did get a lot from being there.
For 18 years, I bought into all this with little or no questioning. It worked for me. And then it didn't.
In the journey that followed, I soon realized that music, poetry and other art forms affirmed for me that there is something beyond the physical world. I felt a connection with other people, a connection sometimes called "love." There was something spiritual about that.
In the midst of all this, the musical "Hair" came along. In it, a character named Claude sang, "I believe in God, and I believe that God believes in Claude. . . ." I had never thought about that relationship in that way. The phrase played often in my head. I was struggling to understand the nature of that which we call "God," but somehow — maybe because of the power of music and poetry through which the idea was presented to me — I couldn't help thinking that "God" believed in me.
I spent years redefining virtually every Christian symbol and ritualistic phrase from my childhood. Eventually, not only could I affirm those symbols and say those phrases again, but also they took on deeper meaning. Or maybe, I could affirm and say because they took on deeper meaning.
It wasn't about merely reading the Bible and mindlessly following it as a road map, never mind that the map was hundreds and thousands of years old. It was helpful to hear someone point out that the Bible is a book of Truth, not a book of facts.
It worked for my parents to view what they read in the Bible and heard at church fairly literally. If the Bible said it, there was no reason to question it, even if you don't understand it. I think it's all more complex than that. I want to understand. I don't think trying to understand denigrates religion. Yet I've come to accept that it is not possible to understand everything, and I've learned to affirm and celebrate mystery.
I've also become able to accept that my parents' faith was just as real for them as mine is for me.
John Becton Uncategorized Leave a comment December 13, 2022 December 13, 2022 2 Minutes
Embarrassment — a legacy?
A number of years ago, a local classic rock radio station advised, "Turn the volume up and sing along loudly. Embarrass your kids."
It's probably in the nature of the job for parents occasionally to do or say something that their offspring find embarrassing. Some may do so more often than others. Usually, it is unintentional. Sometimes the purpose may not be to embarrass the son or daughter, but there's no thought given to avoiding the embarrassment. I've been on both sides of this, as you likely have also.
Sometimes the embarrassment is delayed.
There were two times etched in my memory in which I was laughed at — to the point of mild embarrassment — for doing something I had learned from my parents.
They fixed fried eggs sunny-side up. They cooked them in bacon grease. To get the top sufficiently done before the bottom overcooked, they used the frying pan spatula to splash the hot grease up on the egg. It was a rapid, continuing motion for a few moments.
I was using this method, as I always did, one morning at their house. A visiting member of the extended family observed and said bemusedly, "You're going to beat that egg to death." Now, aside from the fact that I was not touching the egg at all, I was blindsided by a critique of my following what seemed a perfectly good way to get my eggs just so.
When my father stirred sugar into his coffee or tea, he rapidly moved the spoon back and forth, making a not-unpleasant ringing sound as the spoon rhythmically hit the sides of the cup or glass. I adopted this same method, it never occurring to me to stir any other way. Until . . . .
Late in my college years, I was about to enjoy a glass of iced tea with a couple of other people. I put in some sugar and stirred as I always had. I had never noticed any reaction from anyone up to that point. This time, however, a peer smirked as he watched (and listened).
After those two incidences, I never again fried an egg or sweetened a beverage using those methods. There have been times when I've repeated something my parents said or did something I learned from them that caused me embarrassment, and I'd wished they'd set a different example. Yet, in these instances, I didn't, and still don't blame my parents, from whom I picked up the techniques, for my embarrassment in these situations. My resentment is reserved for those who chose to react as they did.
John Becton Uncategorized 2 Comments October 12, 2022 2 Minutes
A Friday night college experience
One Friday night, early in my senior year in college, I gathered with four other English majors at a bar across the street from campus to wind down after a long week. (The University still had Saturday classes at that time, but some of us had discontinued them for ourselves.)
After a couple of beers, we were about to leave when two professors from our department made an entrance. I'm pretty sure this was not their first stop of the evening. We were in a corner both. They sat down, one on each side, trapping us in.
They proceeded to ply us with more beer while they debated fine points of English literature, which had not been a part of any of our discussion to that point. One was Irish American, complete with red hair. The other was a transplanted Englishman with a commanding presence. The intensity of the discussion grew with each pitcher. It got personal at times. "Castrated Celt!" "Nerd from Northumberland!"
When they finally left, we sat there in a state not unlike shock. One of my friends broke our silence with, "I feel drained."
We all enjoyed our classes and were serious students. Yet we valued strategic breaks from our studies.
We stumbled out and wandered through campus in a gentle, early-autumn rain. It seemed to be the best way to recover. The rain eased our minds as it slowly penetrated our clothes. That was good enough for most of us. The two females in the group, however, took it a step further. At the construction site of the new student union, they acted on an impulse to roll in the mud.
It didn't occur to me until decades later to write about the experience. I wonder what the Celt and the Nerd would think of this meager literary attempt. I don't doubt they would find a way to argue about it.
John Becton Uncategorized Leave a comment July 20, 2022 July 20, 2022 1 Minute
What I wish I'd said — round two
In an early post on this blog, some three years ago, I mused about things I wish I'd said in various situations. You know how it is. You think of exactly the right thing to say — moments, hours or days later. Sometimes I'm just too shocked to think of a response. I just can't believe what I'm hearing. Sometimes it's not that I can't think of a good reply, but the opposite: I think of too many appropriate responses to choose just one. So, I stand there running through the menu in my mind while saying nothing.
In that post, I shared a few examples. Very few. Here, in no particular order, are more. I offer them for your amusement. I'm fairly certain you can identify.
During the get-acquainted time at the beginning of a statewide committee serving a charitable organization, I said, "I live in Chapel Hill and work at the university." The chair was a graduate of another school and lived where it is located. She cynically remarked, "THE university?"
I don't remember exactly what I said in reply, but what I meant was, "Yes, there's only one university in Chapel Hill. If I were from Greensboro or Raleigh, I'd have specified which university. If I lived where you do and worked at your alma mater, I would've said, 'the university,' It's like saying, 'I work at the post office.' "
Unfortunately, what I was able to compose at that moment was not this lucid.
(Later, a guest of our committee was a UNC medical faculty member. He introduced himself, "I live in Chapel Hill and work at the university." The chair didn't say anything, but I'd bet she was biting her tongue.)
Some years ago, a friend and classmate was looking forward to a new grandchild. Both the friend and his son had been talented college football players, while the other grandfather played in college and the NFL. I was having lunch with the prospective granddad and dad, and we were speculating about the chances of there being a third-generation football star. Then my classmate said, "Of course, it could be a girl, and that would be fine, too."
What I wish I'd said was, "Mia Ham's a girl."
I was meeting with alums of a group in which I'd been active in college. We were planning a reunion. It was suggested that we have a live performer. Those who knew me in college knew I played gigs regularly, often for pay. I said, I'd be glad to play and sing gratis for a half hour or so.
As the discussion continued, someone said we should hire someone to perform because a freebie wouldn't be that good.
What I didn't say, but regret not doing so, was, "OK. In that case, I'll do it for $100."
Over many years, I worked out in a gym on the UNC campus. For a couple of years, a graduate student from China had a locker next to mine. He was often there at the same time, and we talked regularly.
Shortly before Thanksgiving in one of those years, he was asking me about the holiday and its traditions. I wish I'd invited him, his wife and their child to our house to share Thanksgiving dinner.
A friend was justifying sending his daughters to boarding school at an early age. "Birds push their babies out of the nest after a few weeks."
What occurred to me, but I chose not to say, was, "And when those baby birds are a year old, they have babies of their own and after 2-3 years, they die.
When I was in theological school, societal issues of the day were often discussed. Most students and faculty had progressive views, and several could be rather outspoken. This did not sit well with one of my classmates. He referred to them as "prophets," and he didn't mean it in a positive way.
To help decorate the student lounge, I hung a collage I had done, using newspaper photos depicting current events, affixed to a large poster advertising a campus symposium in which such events were discussed. I didn't take sides on any issue, but rather tried to present a slice of history.
After a few days, I found that someone had glued a handwritten note onto the work, referring to our school as a "home of the prophets." I had a pretty good idea who had done it. I removed the vandalized collage.
A few days later, I heard that classmate lamenting that there were "so many prophets on campus." I thought of saying, "Yeah, I know what you mean. Some prophet recently destroyed one of my works of art in the student lounge."
Many more times that I could begin to count, a conversation has (usually quickly) gone in a direction that has made me want to say — though I usually don't — "Not everything is a competition."
At one point, I devoted a lot of volunteer time to a charitable organization to which I also gave generous financial contributions. A local church had raised questions about a policy matter. I was involved in a private conversation in which one of the leaders of the organization derisively referred to that congregation as "those Southern Baptists."
I could've said, and wish I had, "The Southern Baptist church in which I grew up is where I learned to be philanthropic."
I expect a person to be loyal to their alma mater, including supporting its athletic teams. But some fans are just that — fans and nothing more. They choose to root for whatever team for whatever reason.
Often, it seems the supporters who go overboard in expressing their support are not those who in fact went to said institution.
There have been times when such a person has become so obnoxious, I've been tempted to ask, "And what year did you graduate?"
In a discussion via text or email, some cable TV show came up. One person stated that they figured they could find it "since we have 120 channels." After a couple more comments, I mentioned that we didn't have cable or a dish. That person's retort? "Braggart!"
What I chose not to type was, "Let me get this straight. It's not bragging when you say you have 120 channels, but it is bragging for me to note I have five or six?"
After a church talent show, in which I'd offered a song from "back in the day" — maybe "If I Were a Carpenter" — a friend joked, "You must have been a hippie." If I'd replied, "I've been called worse," the friend would've appreciated it.
Another year at the same event, the printed program grouped my performance and a few others under the heading "It's a Little Bit Country." Before the show, I was looking at the program with a friend whose group was on right after me. He saw that and said, "Which country?"
If my thinking had coalesced in time, I would have introduced my song — George Harrison's "Here Comes the Sun" — from the stage by relaying my friend's comment and saying, "In this case, the country is England."
Many years ago, at some kind of meeting, I encountered someone who was a friend of a friend. As we introduced ourselves, she said something to the effect that our mutual friend had been right about my being good looking. That's, of course, not something I usually (or ever) hear, but if I hadn't been so dumbfounded, I could've said, "I never tire of hearing that."
I think it was at the conclusion of my second year of college, the last year I returned to my hometown for the summer. That first Sunday evening, I attended the summer college-age youth group. We began by going around the circle of 8-10 people to say where we were now in school.
One of the first attended a school that had recently changed from "college" to "university." She gave only the name, but another person quickly added "Uni-ver-si-ty!" After that, each person was sure to add an emphasized "col-lege" or "uni-ver-si-ty."
I was last. I said simply, "I'm at Chapel Hill."
One guy, who attended a rival school in another state, felt a need to add "college." I think my non-verbal response, just a subtle facial expression, said all that needed to be said. (Translation, "What a pathetic comment.") Yet I could have said, and considered doing so, "Yes, in one of the many colleges within the university." Or maybe, "Yes, I just completed the General College and am entering the College of Arts and Sciences in the fall."
It was a mid-'60s group discussion of race relations. The leader supported integration and was accepting of interracial romantic relationships. He drew a line, however. He had read or heard about some "young people" having an interracial orgy. The way he said it betrayed a belief that somehow this was more immoral than a monochromatic orgy.
My attempted response, something about swinging the pendulum, was a swing and a miss. I couldn't get my thinking together enough in that moment to speak directly to what I saw as a problem with his comment.
I realized a day or more later that I wish I'd said, "So if I rob a bank with a Black accomplice, is that worse than if I rob a bank with a white accomplice?"
Seeing me with my then-five-year-old daughter, a colleague smiled and asked, "Who's this?"
Too late to say it, I came up with, "A big reason I bother getting up each morning."
Many years ago, I participated in church league softball. One Sunday afternoon, I took my accustomed place at third base as warmups began. Someone I didn't recognize was at shortstop. When the first baseman threw a ground ball over to me, I scooped it up and gently threw it back.
After a couple of these, the shortstop said I shouldn't play as deeply since my arm (it seemed to him) was weak.
What popped into my head was, "Who died and made you the coach?" I opted only to stare back incredulously.
Another thing I thought about saying but didn't, because I didn't think I owed it to him, was, "These are warmup throws. Throwing as hard as you can without first warming up can cause injury. That's the purpose of warmup throws. And I play back this far, because it's much easier to run forward than backward." (I considered throwing the final warmup well over the first baseman's head.)
Looking back on the incident later, I imagined offering a short piece of fiction: "Well, I made it to Double A, playing this way."
I think my non-verbal reply was fine, but eventually I came up with one that also would have filled the bill: "No, I'm fine, but a shortstop has to handle a lot of hot grounders and line drives and bad hops. It may be too much for you. Maybe we should switch positions."
I've always looked for underlying meanings in everything, especially music. A high school teacher seemed to be challenging me when she asked what was the underlying meaning of Billy Ed Wheeler's "Ode to the Little Shack Out Back," a song about outhouses that was popular at that time.
I thought a moment and came up with something about its being a spoof on people who can't let go of the past. That seemed to meet the challenge but didn't feel exactly right.
Eventually, I came to wish I'd said, "It's just for fun."
While visiting with some people in Germany, I mentioned that my wife and I often turn on the closed captions when watching a British TV show, because we can't always understand what the characters are saying.
My hosts seemed surprised. I knew there were many different Duetsche dialects and imagined some might differ from their own as much as British English differs from mine. I couldn't come up with a reply based on this notion. But maybe I could've asked how they fared listening to a German-speaking Swiss person.
At a UNC football game many years ago, Fed Ex Corporation provided free t-shirts with a school-spirited message on the front and a Fed Ex logo on the back. Sometime later I was wearing mine in a context other than a game. It caught the eye of someone who admired it and asked if I'd added the Fed Ex logo. No, I said, it came that way. They paid for it.
He was a Fed Ex employee (or maybe former employee) with such good feelings about the company, the logo was what he liked best about the shirt. He was envious.
When I told someone else later about this encounter, that person pointed out I should've offered to give the admirer the shirt in exchange for a Carolina shirt without a commercial ad on it.
Of course. Why didn't I think of that?
John Becton Uncategorized 2 Comments July 4, 2022 August 19, 2022 9 Minutes
It wasn't about coffee
As I noted in a previous entry, I used to post good-grammar reminders on Facebook but stopped nearly a decade ago. Since then, I've avoided venting openly, despite regular fingernails-on-the-chalkboard reactions to frequent assaults on our mother tongue on Facebook and elsewhere.
I have tried to demonstrate good grammar in my FB posts and comments. When I could do so without being too obvious, I've slipped in a response that followed a rule of grammar violated in the original post.
For example, say the post was, "Today's sunshine made it a nice day for Zelda and I." After several other comments, I might enter, "It gave Nancy and me a chance to do some hiking."
Then, in May of 2018, I came up with another way to demonstrate good grammar subtly. As with the pre-2014 posts, I had no illusions of educating anyone, and my entries most certainly were not directed at any individual. It was just a way to vent. Well, maybe I also wished it might be like hiding a pill in a piece of meat before giving it to a dog.
Unlike in an incident I described in another, unrelated post, I was trying to be "sneaky." Using colorful backgrounds Facebook offers for short posts, I created a series of memes. The first read, "It's never too late to have two cups of coffee." There were a number of "likes" and an enjoyable discussion of the wonders of coffee.
But it wasn't really about coffee. It was about "too," "to" and "two." "It's never too late to have two cups of coffee." These are among the homonyms that can confuse some people. This phrase showed all three used correctly.
I created the memes while having my morning coffee. So the invigorating brew was a natural subject. The next two also had coffee as a theme.
The second was "It's time for coffee to work its magic," demonstrating a difference between "it's" and "its."
(In an English-class assignment during my junior year in high school, I wrote an "it's" that should have been an "its." My teacher, one of the best I ever had, circled the error and wrote "Ouch!" in the margin. A teachable moment. Since then, when I see the mistake, I think "Ouch!")
A few days later, I attacked the often confusing (for some) "you're" vs. "your" with "Early starts can be difficult, but after a little coffee, you're on your way." See? You're on your way.
In the comments, I was able to add a treatment of "they're-their-there." I noted, "Not too difficult, though, because I'm headed to 7 a.m. Bible study. Some don't have coffee at home before they leave. They're content to wait to have their first cup there at the church house." (Italics inserted here.)
And then there's always the apostrophe. Very useful but often misused. I had already addressed the it's-its problem. Also troubling is that many people seem to think the letter S must always be preceded by an apostrophe.
The Carolina Hurricanes once had a goalie named Peters. In a Facebook discussion, I saw a fan insert an apostrophe before the last letter of his name. His name! More recently, on a Seinfeld-themed page, someone did the same in a reference to Michael Richards, the actor who played Kramer. "Richard's" either means "belonging to Richard" or is a contraction of "Richard is" or, occasionally, "Richard has."
One day I came up with a way to show the apostrophe's proper use in a possessive and its proper absence from a plural: " 'Hey Jude' was 1968's top hit and one of the biggest for the 1960s." It generated some discussion of music and memories associated with that song.
At another time — maybe a couple of times — I've posted, "If you visit the Bectons' home, you may see two or three Bectons, and you might get to hear Daniel Becton's music."
I don't know if the subliminal messages about grammar registered in anyone's subconscious. I'm sure the number would be between zero and "pretty small." Likely closer to zero. But in any case, thinking up the posts was fun and a worthwhile mental exercise for me.
Hold onto your hats. Chances are you're going to see more of these nuggets later in the 2020s. They're forming in my mind, and I won't want them to stay there.
John Becton Uncategorized Leave a comment May 22, 2022 May 27, 2022 3 Minutes
Mays stole the show at my first MLB game
I had low expectations for the first Major League Baseball game I attended. While I appreciated the sport, it couldn't promise the action of football or basketball. Still, when the opportunity arose, I didn't hesitate to add this experience to my list. As it turned out, that game exceeded my expectations — with room to spare.
I was college senior, on the 1969 spring tour of the University of North Carolina Men's Glee Club, which had evolved from the traditional rah-rah college glee club to a men's chorale. Our itinerary took us through Atlanta, where some free time was built in.
The San Francisco Giants were in town. A group of us went to the then-four-year-old baseball stadium for the game. We had good seats along the first-base line. When a foul ball disabled a seat on our row, our director joked to the singer sitting nearest, "You should've had that."
Willie Mays came into the game with 299 stolen bases. No one had ever hit 300 homeruns and stolen 300 bases. Mays, of course, had more than 300 HRs by that point, He just needed one more SB to become a group of one.
The first time up, he got on base. I can't remember now if it was via a hit or a walk. On the first pitch to the next batter, he took off. As the years have passed, the play becomes less and less close in my memory. The game paused while the PA announcer said, "With that steal, Willie Mays becomes the first player in major league history to hit 300 homeruns and steal 300 bases. [Pause] So, Willie, here's the base."
A grounds crewman (and they were all men in those days) came running out, pulled up second base and handed it to Mays. Someone came from the Giants' dugout to get the prize as a new second base was installed. It was the first time — and one of the few ever — I saw a visiting player honored during an athletic contest.
That historic moment made me glad I was there, and there was even more entertainment.
The first time Felix Milan came to bat, he took a pitch to the side of his head. It was obviously an accident. I don't remember any hint of rancor. He was OK and took his base.
Later in the game, the light-hitting Milan came to bat with the bases loaded. He put it over the fence — one of the total of 22 homers he hit in 5,791 plate appearances in the 1,480 games of his career.
One wonders: If the bean ball had followed the grand slam, might there have been some rancor?
In any case, the game kept me engaged throughout. Instead of the 1-0 or 2-1 score I had expected, Atlanta won something like 8-2.
John Becton Uncategorized Leave a comment May 15, 2022 June 18, 2022 2 Minutes
Random rants for a Monday morning
In no particular order.
–I wonder how many people who seem to take issue with Thomas Wolfe's book title "You Can't Go Home Again," have in fact read the book.
–If a person "wants to thank" someone else, why not go ahead and just do so?
–There is one noun whose plural form correctly employs apostrophe-S: Apostrophes.
–Someone addicted to alcohol is an alcoholic. I hear the terms workaholic and chocoholic a good bit, but I don't know anyone who is addicted to workahol or chocohol. I don't even know what those substances are.
–To me, saying "Happy Birthday" means "congrats on achieving this milestone." The hope is that their everyday is happy, not just that one. Oh, and when the greeting is offered a day or more later, it is the wish that is belated, not the birthday.
— I wonder how often "I hate to tell you. . . " means "I am enjoying telling you."
— From time to time, I see in social media discussions, letters to the editor in the newspaper and elsewhere, someone state his/her (I think it's almost always "his") viewpoint and then conclude with "end of discussion." Does this strike anyone else as presumptuous? Close-minded?
–There is an appropriate response to "Thank you." That response is "You're welcome." When I hear "No problem," I usually wonder why there was ever any question that might be a problem. I read an explanation in "American Scholar" a while back, in which the writer conjectured that human interaction has become so problematic that it must now be necessary to acknowledge those times a given interaction is problem free.
John Becton Uncategorized Leave a comment March 21, 2022 1 Minute
A search for life's meaning
In a different context, my children are collecting my answers to various posed questions. One of the more challenging ones has been "What do you think is the meaning of life?" Here's my attempt at an answer.
Now there's a question that needs more than a few paragraphs. The answer — or, rather, the search for the answer — has filled countless books. I guess one might conclude that the meaning of life for a philosopher is to discover the meaning of life. No, make that "to search for the meaning of life."
The same also could be true for theologians. Looking at it theologically, the meaning of life might be said to be trying as much as possible to emulate the Creator, in whose image we are created. "God is love" (and thus "Love is God"), we are taught. Along this line of thought, love gives life meaning — loving others, loving creation, and acting on that love. And let's not leave out embracing the creative process itself. Being creative can also give our lives meaning.
This is consistent with the notion that the meaning of life is to leave the world a better place than we found it.
Searching online for "meaning of life" yields some philosophical links, but at least as many literal explanations: Life means not dead or inanimate. We are still breathing, and we're not rocks. There may be some food for philosophical thought there.
Yet, we don't have to be philosophers, theologians or scientists to find meaning in life. We can — and, I think, often do — look for meaning in small ways, seeking answers to small questions that provide some clues to what life is essentially all about.
[Really, many of my posts on this blog speak to the question, "What do you think is the meaning of life?"]
Most of us don't think constantly about the "big picture," but rather look for meaning on a daily basis. Something you see, hear, feel, observe, recall or maybe just sense that causes you to feel, at that moment, I'm glad to be alive.
John Becton Uncategorized Leave a comment February 3, 2022 March 5, 2022 1 Minute
To innovate or not to innovate
There have been times when wearing my minister hat, I've tried to be innovative. Sometimes that has worked better than at others. Here's a couple of those other times.
In a sermon many years ago, I was trying to share how the spiritual dimension of art could help one be more aware of the spiritual side of existence. I read two poems that, I thought, exemplified this. They were not "religious" poems — no "God language" or anything like that. They worked because they suggested that life is more than physical, and their lyrical beauty was ethereal.
Afterward — maybe a couple of days later — one person told me she and another congregant thought I could've just read poetry for the whole sermon "and gotten away with it."
Gotten away with it? Maybe, in a backhanded way, she was saying she got the point about poetry, but I wasn't trying to "get away with" anything. I was trying to share an experience, using the poems to illustrate part of what I was trying to communicate didactically.
On another occasion, I was called on to offer the blessing before a luncheon in a non-church setting where I was working at the time. I had heard Garrison Keillor say that the purpose of a meal-time blessing is to remind us that we already are blessed. This resonated well with me. I decided to give that point a go.
When called upon, I quoted Keillor, then asked each person to think seriously about something for which they were especially thankful. After a moment of silence, I said, "Amen."
Almost immediately, someone came up to me and with a sly grin said, "Sneaky!" Sneaky? I wasn't interested in playing some kind of trick on people. My intention was to help them feel more blessed than they might've if they'd heard some potentially trite words and phrases.
Well, you try, and maybe give yourself at least a B+ for effort.
John Becton Uncategorized 2 Comments January 28, 2022 March 21, 2022 1 Minute
John Becton Uncategorized 1 Comment January 15, 2022 June 18, 2022 4 Minutes


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Home Federal Government U.S. Senate Lugar says Palestinian UN maneuver 'ill-advised and counterproductive'
Lugar says Palestinian UN maneuver 'ill-advised and counterproductive'
News release from US Senator Dick Lugar:
'Israel always will remain a central pillar of U.S. foreign policy'
U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Richard G. Lugar made the following statement today regarding the Palestinian attempt to unilaterally achieve statehood through maneuvers at the United Nations:
The path to peace in the Middle East depends on negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. For decades, that principle has been a fundamental part of U.S. attempts to help resolve this conflict. The Palestinian attempt to unilaterally achieve statehood through maneuvers at the United Nations is ill-advised and counterproductive. The sooner Palestinian leaders rededicate themselves to the principle of a negotiated settlement, the sooner we can find solutions that can bring an enduring peace.
During this tumultuous time in the Middle East, it is important to reaffirm that America's commitment to Israel's safety and security remains unshakeable. As a democratic state and a market economy, Israel stands as an exemplar in a region that is awash with political and economic uncertainty. Our close friendship with Israel always will remain a central pillar of U.S. foreign policy.
Historic changes in the Middle East pose very difficult challenges for the United States. We should recognize that there are genuine opportunities in the long run for the advancement of democratic values and the broadening of prosperity. Yet these are accompanied by severe short term risks, particularly amidst crushing economic realities, such as youth unemployment rates of nearly 60 percent in Egypt and Syria.
Americans have been moved by the power and speed of Tunisia's Jasmine Revolution and by the resolve of Egyptians, Libyans, Syrians, and others to alter the course of their history, in some cases in the face of brutal oppression. I support calls for greater political inclusion, the advancement of basic human rights and dignity, and more open economies throughout the region.
We should work to ensure that the historic Camp David Accords endure (consistent with assurances made to me personally by Egypt's interim leadership), that popularly-backed transitions underway will not be hijacked by extremist groups who would threaten U.S. and Israeli interests, that chemical weapons stocks in transition countries are secured and eliminated, and that Iranian influence in nations in transition is countered.
The United States has much at stake in the outcome. We must use the full scope of American influence to support a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous future for the entire region. This is important to our own fundamental national security, the global economy, and the security of Israel.
Senator Lugar's website
US Senator Dick Lugar
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Ken Mansfield, the former U.S. Manager for Apple Records said, "Genius will open your eyes." Other reviewers have called it "fast-paced, thought-provoking and compelling." It is being promoted as "33 minutes that will rock your soul." The production company's last movie received more than 3.7 million views on YouTube and aired on television around the world. "Genius" will be released for free viewing on GeniusTheMovie.com to coincide with the December 8th anniversary of the death of John Lennon.


text:
Ventriloquism in the 19th century
Yes, I'm waking you up early, Amy. I've been worried about you. You haven't communicated with me for days. You went to the city with Charlotte? You had to steal money to give to Charlotte so she could buy fabric to make herself a gown for the masquerade ball you're going to sneak her into? You saw a ventriloquist?
Okay, let me get this straight. The lady of the house gave you money so you could go to the city with Charlotte to purchase fabric for yourself. Yes, I realize you had to buy fabric so Charlotte can sew you a gown for the masquerade ball. But you also took money out of a locked tin box in the cabinet in the parlour to give to Charlotte? The lady of the house entrusted you with a key for it a while ago? And then the plan is for Charlotte to replace some of it each week when she gets paid (the very little she does get paid)? You convinced her of your kooky plan?
Oh, boy. This can't end well.
You already know that Charlotte, as a maid, is totally not invited to this ball.
You've been keeping the truth from the lady of the house. She'd never agree to have her maid attend the ball. I know you feel that Charlotte should be able to go, but it's not the 21st century, is it? You live in the 19th century where social etiquette reigns supreme. Where things are much different. It's not for you to disregard the social norms of the time.
And what's this about seeing a ventriloquist?
You saw a ventriloquist show at the theater when you were in the city? His name is Charles Andress?
Wow. I didn't know that kind of entertainment existed back then. Let me look into it.
In the mid 1800s, when you currently exist, this Canadian ventriloquist is perfecting his skill as an entertainer on stage, as you have seen.
Charles Andress was born in 1852 and is a magician with his "Carnival of Novelties" show. He began performing at the age of 10. and will tour for more than 50 years.
In 1882, his new show will be called "Andress Big Circus and Two Hemisphere Menagerie".
Ventriloquism began in the 18th century when a nobleman, the Baron de Mengen of Austria, used a puppet with a hinged jaw as a dummy. And in 1818 England, Charles Mathews had a one man show where he used a doll in his performance.
Around 1840 in America, Jonathan Harrington held the title of the being the best ventriloquist in the United States.
As the art of ventriloquism became more popular, a woman by the name of Madeline Rosa became the first lady ventriloquist in 1881.
It will be in 1886 when ventriloquism will be considered a modern profession. Fred Russell will be offered a permanent engagement in London, England, at the Palace Theatre. His dummy, named "Coster Joe" will sit on his lap and have a full conversation with him.
In the earlier part of the 20th century, ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and his well-known sidekick, Charlie McCarthy, will become extremely successful, popularizing the comedic form of ventriloquism. Together, they will host a radio program that will be broadcast from 1937 until 1956, becoming the most popular program on the evenings it aired.
Bergen will continue to perform until his death in 1978.
In 1952, ventriloquist Shari Lewis and her puppets, Lamb Chop and Charlie Horse, will win first prize in a television series called "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts". By 1960, Lewis will have her own network program, "The Shari Lewis Show."
In the 21st century, Jeffrey "Jeff" Dunham will become a very well-known ventriloquist, appearing in many television shows as well as "The Jeff Dunham Show".
Credited with reviving ventriloquism, he will be lauded for promoting the art form more than any other performer and will become a very high paid comedian.
In 19th Century
← Abraham Lincoln in the 19th century Toulouse-Lautrec →


Lyft, today, announced that it had opened up a new office in Europe - in Munich, Germany to be exact. This new office is going to be focusing on autonomous vehicles, something that Lyft has been working on for quite some time in its backyard in San Francisco, thanks to GM being a big investor in the company. The office in Munich will be working on SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) at first. This is the layer of software that helps Lyft's self-driving cars get around and see what is around them. Lyft is working on a Level 5 Autonomous Vehicle, and this expansion in Munich is going to help the company, greatly, at achieving that goal.
Self-driving or autonomous vehicles are the big subject lately in the auto and tech worlds. There are many companies already working on self-driving cars, and Lyft isn't the latest to join in, since it has been working on it for a good bit as well. General Motors recently invested $500 million in the company, and is also providing Lyft with a number of Chevy Bolt's (GM's sub-$30,000 electric vehicle on its Chevrolet brand) for autonomous testing. The testing has gone well for Lyft, according to what the company has put out so far, but with this expansion today, it'll be able to improve the software that the vehicle will run on.
Many ride-sharing companies are seeing self-driving vehicles as the future because it means that less people will own cars and more will need to find a ride. But it also means that they won't need to pay for drivers. Now that doesn't mean that it'll have less overhead, as these cars are going to need more maintenance, and always need some adjustments to its software and such. But it should also make the roads safer - a big reason why many companies are looking to provide autonomous vehicles. Seeing as these autonomous vehicles would follow the rules of the road, a bit more than a human driver. Which should prevent many accidents, in fact many analysts have said it could cut the number of accidents in half, if not a bit more.


text:
Origin and genetic diversity of diploid parthenogenetic Artemia in Eurasia
Maccari, Marta; Amat, Francisco; Gómez, Africa
Marta Maccari
Francisco Amat
Dr Africa Gomez A.Gomez@hull.ac.uk
Valerio Ketmaier
There is wide interest in understanding how genetic diversity is generated and maintained in parthenogenetic lineages, as it will help clarify the debate of the evolution and maintenance of sexual reproduction. There are three mechanisms that can be responsible for the generation of genetic diversity of parthenogenetic lineages: contagious parthenogenesis, repeated hybridization and microorganism infections (e.g. Wolbachia). Brine shrimps of the genus Artemia (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Anostraca) are a good model system to investigate evolutionary transitions between reproductive systems as they include sexual species and lineages of obligate parthenogenetic populations of different ploidy level, which often co-occur. Diploid parthenogenetic lineages produce occasional fully functional rare males, interspecific hybridization is known to occur, but the mechanisms of origin of asexual lineages are not completely understood. Here we sequenced and analysed fragments of one mitochondrial and two nuclear genes from an extensive set of populations of diploid parthenogenetic Artemia and sexual species from Central and East Asia to investigate the evolutionary origin of diploid parthenogenetic Artemia, and geographic origin of the parental taxa. Our results indicate that there are at least two, possibly three independent and recent maternal origins of parthenogenetic lineages, related to A. urmiana and Artemia sp. from Kazakhstan, but that the nuclear genes are very closely related in all the sexual species and parthenogegetic lineages except for A. sinica, who presumable took no part on the origin of diploid parthenogenetic strains. Our data cannot rule out either hybridization between any of the very closely related Asiatic sexual species or rare events of contagious parthenogenesis via rare males as the contributing mechanisms to the generation of genetic diversity in diploid parthenogenetic Artemia lineages.
Maccari, M., Amat, F., & Gómez, A. (2013). Origin and genetic diversity of diploid parthenogenetic Artemia in Eurasia. PLoS ONE, 8(12), e83348. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0083348
Publicly Available Date
Electronic ISSN
Public Library of Science
Diploid parthenogenetic Artemia
© 2013 Maccari et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Copy of article published in PLoS one, 2013, v.8, iss. 12 at http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0083348
Article.pdf (1.1 Mb)
Publisher Licence URL
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The internet has gone into meltdown over a new 'tell-all' book sourced from inside the Trump White House that could, the author claims, bring down the president.
Journalist Michael Wolff said Saturday that his book contains revelations that will eventually lead to the fall of Donald Trump's administration. Meanwhile, Trump has slammed 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' as "boring" and "untruthful," and lambasted his former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, for his contribution to the book.


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Mosaic Creative Arts
ASD Times
MS Art Exhibition catches eyes with variety, color
Check out the talent on display!
High school junior C. Kim admires the work MS art students put into designing work about role models (OR CELEBRITIES?? HEROES?). Students tried to capture the essence of human icons with their artistic gel paints.
Photographer: Omar A.
Miranda L., Reporter
If you walk down the hallway by the art department classrooms, you may see some astonishing interplay of color, creativity, and design.
On display now: artwork ASD middle school students have been working on this year.
It is clear that significant hard work and dedication was put into these pieces by the sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students. From chalk work to fused glass, this exhibit shows off multiple techniques the students have learned and then experimented with over the past quarter.
MS art teacher Klara Hermanek stressed the importance of these young students starting art classes at young ages — not just because of fine motors skills and hand-eye coordination they develop, but also to help them learn that it is okay to make mistakes.
"You have to just make a lot of mistakes and practice," she said. "[Many people think] that you are just born talented, but really, it just takes a lot of hard work and patience and practice." Ms. Hermanek said she hopes that students start to feel they are successful because they know that they are doing their best, which is all that matters.
Ms. Hermankek also encouraged the ASD community to check out the middle-school students' work soon. She said it is important for young people to display their work and be able to show it off to their friends and family. She noted how some of her sixth-grade students reacted to seeing their work on display: "They realize how important their work is, and they also realize it is important what you do."
Being able to see other people's work, as well as their own, can help inspire them for future projects.
So go down to the theater, and check out the middle school students' work!
Omar A., Photographer
That's a wrap! ASD's fall musical finishes with a bang
High school musical cast presents preview, readies for Opening Night(s)
Tri-M inducts new members to 2019-2020 chapter
Art for Hearts hits the ground running
Behind the scenes: Musical cast begins rehearsals
ASD student artists finish high school, consider next chapters
2019 IB Art exhibition features ASD's most talented artists
London's Calling: IB Film and Art Students make a Great British trip
DCME: A look at their past, present, and a possible future
Polish youth choir visits to collaborate with ASD choirs


Chorus Grant have won the hearts of many through both an astounding album and through many great performances by the 5-man band throughout 2014. The band has documented the special live versions of the songs from Space by recording shows around Denmark. On tour Chorus Grant have also revamped a few of Kristian's older songs that do not appear on Space. One of these songs is the opening track of Live in Concert.
Live Chorus Grant is; - Camilla Munck on rhodes, Moogie Johnson on bass, Tobias Tangaa Lange on drums and percussion, Laurids Smedegaard on guitar and of course Kristian Finne Kristensen on guitar and vocals.


Memorial Hermann has plans to open two more CCCs in Cypress and Spring in 2016.
The CCC will provide access to a vast array of high quality Memorial Hermann services including a full lab, and breast screenings and imaging. Later this year, primary care physicians from the Memorial Hermann Medical Group will also see patients at the CCC in Sienna Plantation.
The CCC in Sienna Plantation will also offer a tomosynthesis unit for mammography screening. Breast tomosynthesis is a new, 3-D digital imaging technology that helps physicians to detect smaller tumors sooner, at the earliest stages of breast cancer.
In addition, the 16,000-square-foot facility will offer a full-service, 24-hour emergency room.
"The Convenient Care Center will provide many of the high-quality services Memorial Hermann is known for under one roof," says Greg Haralson, Sr. Vice President, CEO, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. "The location will also allow for easy access and transfer to other Memorial Hermann hospitals should the patient require an even higher level of care." The Memorial Hermann CCC in Sienna Plantation will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is located at 8780 Highway 6, Suite B, in Missouri City.


Welcome Home to this beautiful brick house located on 1.56 acres with an adjoining .87 that can be purchased! This home has so much to offer with the master bedroom being on the main floor. There is a beautiful wood burning brick fireplace in the living room. Enjoy having an office off the open kitchen. Hardwood floors throughout. The peaceful setting and privacy makes this property a must see!
2011 Foxcreek Drive is a 2,789 (*estimated) square foot home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms located in North Augusta SC, EDGEFIELD County. This property is listed for sale at $264,900 and is currently active and accepting offers.


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Advancing the Diagnosis and Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
Sponsored Content by Porvair Sciences LimitedApr 7 2021
insights from industryDr. Marcos Quintela VasquezResearch and Development Innovation OfficerRBGO Research Group
In this interview, News-Medical talks to Dr. Marcos Quintela Vasquez about the work he is conducting regarding the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer in partnership with CEAT and Porvair Sciences.
Please tell us about CEAT, your project aims and how the group of partners was assembled?
The Cluster for Epigenomic and Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) Therapeutics (CEAT) is a Swansea University-led partnership between key multi-national players Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK), Cytiva and Bruker, together with UK-based partners Porvair Sciences Ltd, Axis Bio, and BiVictriX. The CEAT project, jointly funded by the Welsh European Funding Office and collaborating partners, is designed to enable partners to deliver advances in epigenetic and ADC-based ovarian cancer therapeutics.
It is a great example of government-led initiatives to bring world-class industrial expertise alongside academic institutions to drive innovative science and sector growth.
Swansea University and the RBGO team have had successful collaborative relationships with each partner and the next step were to bring them together into a focused cluster (CEAT).
CEAT Project Team. Image Credit: CEAT
How widespread is the occurrence of ovarian cancer and how effective are current treatments?
Ovarian cancer is one of the five leading causes of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide and accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.
At present, main treatment strategies are reduced to surgery and chemotherapy, whereas targeted therapies are only aimed at a small percentage of ovarian cancer subtypes (e.g. Olaparib).
Despite enormous efforts from the research and clinical communities, the 5-year survival rate of ovarian cancer is still very low (30-40%) compared with other common malignancies such as breast cancer (80-90%).
Porvair Sciences' experience in developing high quality products based on their bead-free Chromatrap® platform has allowed the team to successfully integrate chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) into our drug development programme."
What have been the main developments/advances made in the CEAT project thus far?
To date, the CEAT project has made significant progress in two areas of research towards treatment and diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
The first area of research is looking at the use of epigenetic drugs to target ovarian cancer cells. Epigenetics involves chemical changes to the DNA and associated proteins that can lead to genes being turned on or off.
Through CEAT, we have identified a number of epigenetic compounds of interest and are in the process of assessing (a) their clinical suitability and (b) use in deriving novel targets for treatment and companion diagnostic approaches suited to personalized medicine.
The second area of research in CEAT centers on the development of targeted therapeutics and Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). ADCs are a powerful new class of therapeutics in medical oncology, where antibodies are coupled with cytotoxic agents and specifically target specific cancer cells. CEAT project partners have identified several potential ADC targets within ovarian cancer cells and are in the process of developing ADCs against these novel targets.
Image Credit: Porvair Sciences Limited
What is Porvair Sciences role in the CEAT project?
Porvair Sciences plays a primary role within the epigenetics side of the project. Porvair Sciences' experience in developing high-quality products based on their bead-free Chromatrap® platform has allowed the team to successfully integrate chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) into our drug development programme.
Specifically, Porvair Sciences' commitment to CEAT has significantly strengthened our capabilities to investigate drug mechanisms of action to successfully investigate DNA binding events in small and/or low abundant biological samples- 3D spheroids.
We are also integrating their broader filtration products and protocols (RNA/DNA) into our investigations – enabling more selective and sensitive sample processing, yielding downstream enhancements in our genomics and epigenomics assays and approaches.
How does Porvair's Chromatrap® ChIP technology work and what are its principal advantages?
Porvair's Chromatrap® technology provides an agile and straightforward workflow to perform ChIP experiments.
For this purpose, Chromatrap® uses a unique patented filter-based system to selectively enrich DNA-binding proteins, significantly increasing the sensitivity of ChIP assays and minimizes routine IP-associated background noise. As opposed to typical bead-based systems, Chromatrap® kits are also easier and faster to implement, as most steps are carried out by short centrifugation steps (approx. 5h from chromatin extraction to DNA elution) and their stable 96 well-based assays are an excellent platform to expedite ChIP optimization and high throughput analysis.
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Chromatrap® Innovative Bead-free Technology. Image Credit: Porvair Sciences Limited
What new possibilities do the Chromatrap® ChIP kits for 3D spheroid analysis developed by Porvair for the CEAT project offer?
Three-dimensional (3D) culture systems have gained increased interest over the last few years as a result of their visible advantages in providing physiologically relevant information as well as accurate predictive data for in vivo clinical testing.
A great deal of clinical trial failure in the last decade has been attributed to a lack of consistency between results observed in in vitro 2D cultures and in vivo settings.
The Chromatrap® ChIP kit for 3D spheroids provides the CEAT project with a new-to-market cutting-edge tool to study the mechanism of action of epigenetic drugs in a culture system that represents more accurately the actual environment in which cancer cells reside in affected tissues.
3D Spheroid with Immunostaining. Image Credit: CEAT Project/Swansea University
What are the next steps in the CEAT project and in what timeframe do you foresee realization of your target improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer?
We are currently in the later stages of characterizing the mechanism of action of the lead compounds we identified to have a stronger effect on ovarian cancer cells.
We have high hopes that the impact of our upcoming publications describing the effects of such drugs will draw significant attention towards the development of potential treatment strategies in the next few years.
Meanwhile, we are working on parallel efforts to stratify ovarian cancer subtypes and disease stages using epigenomic patterns, highlighting functional genomic opportunities to better develop disease and patient management strategies.
These tools and approaches may yield new routes to market and translational benefit from our investigation pipelines. Future collaborations will be focused on the study of resistance mechanisms, the improvement of drug delivery, and combinatorial treatment strategies.
...we are working on parallel efforts to stratify ovarian cancer sub types and disease stages using epigenomic patterns, highlighting functional genomic opportunities to better develop disease and patient management strategies."
What have you found are the principle advantages of collaborative effort to help solve big healthcare issues such as ovarian cancer?
Working collaboratively with academic, healthcare, and industrial partners have been key to CEAT's success so far. The principal advantage of collaborating in this manner is the wealth and depth of access to a range of different expertise and being able to combine these to solve the problems at hand. CEAT brings together a variety of partners all of whom are working towards addressing an urgent need to bring new therapeutics through the early pre-clinical developmental pipeline.
Yet, each partner plays a separate role in making this happen; GSK and Swansea University focus on identifying new therapeutics, Porvair Sciences, Bruker and Cytiva are key to delivering technological solutions to enable the identification of these therapeutics, whilst Axis Bio and BiVictriX provide services that allow progression of novel therapeutics along the clinical pipeline.
Meanwhile, the NHS provides essential access to patient samples required for the research as well as a clinical perspective on the current need of patient cohorts.
Individual CEAT partners would not have the capabilities to answer the wide scope of these important research questions, however, combined we are able to deliver big advances in a relatively short space of time.
Where can readers find more information?
To find out more about our research group and project including CEAT you can visit our website at https://sites.google.com/view/rbgo/home and follow us on Twitter @RBGO_SwanseaUni. For more information on Chromatrap and Porvair Sciences, visit www.porvairsciences.com.
About the researcher
Dr. Marcos Quintela Vazquez is currently based at the Swansea University Medical School where he works as a Research and Development Innovation Officer in the Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology (RBGO) research group. He holds a Ph.D. in Nanomedicine from Swansea University, which he undertook in partnership with the Houston Methodist Research Institute in Houston, Texas (US). Dr. Quintela Vazquez's areas of expertise include cell and molecular biology, epigenomics, bioinformatics, and drug development.
About Porvair Sciences Limited
Porvair Sciences, specialists in the manufacture of microplate products, serve Life Sciences, Biotechnology, R&D, and Molecular Biology with microplate solutions for all applications, from sample preparation to high throughput screening via our global distributor network.
Our range includes vacuum manifolds, sealers, evaporators and microtiter plates in all popular formats; deep well and shallow well storage plates, assay plates, luciferase reporter gene plates and liquid handling reagent reservoirs. We also provide custom microplate products for life science research.
Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments.
Posted in: Insights from Industry
Tags: 3D Culture, Antibodies, Antibody, Assay, B Cell, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Cell, Chemotherapy, CHIP, Chromatin, Clinical Testing, Clinical Trial, Diagnostic, DNA, Drug Delivery, Drugs, Epigenetics, Epigenomics, Gene, Genes, Genomic, Genomics, Healthcare, High Throughput, Immunoprecipitation, in vitro, in vivo, Life science, Liquid Handling, Luciferase, Medical Devices, Medical Research, Medical School, Medicine, Microplate, Molecular Biology, Mortality, Nanomedicine, Oncology, Ovarian Cancer, Personalized Medicine, Reporter Gene, Research, RNA, Sample Preparation, Surgery, T-Cell, Therapeutics
Porvair Sciences Limited. (2021, April 07). Advancing the Diagnosis and Treatment of Ovarian Cancer. News-Medical. Retrieved on January 16, 2022 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210407/Advancing-the-Diagnosis-and-Treatment-of-Ovarian-Cancer.aspx.
Porvair Sciences Limited. "Advancing the Diagnosis and Treatment of Ovarian Cancer". News-Medical. 16 January 2022. <https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210407/Advancing-the-Diagnosis-and-Treatment-of-Ovarian-Cancer.aspx>.
Porvair Sciences Limited. "Advancing the Diagnosis and Treatment of Ovarian Cancer". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210407/Advancing-the-Diagnosis-and-Treatment-of-Ovarian-Cancer.aspx. (accessed January 16, 2022).
Porvair Sciences Limited. 2021. Advancing the Diagnosis and Treatment of Ovarian Cancer. News-Medical, viewed 16 January 2022, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210407/Advancing-the-Diagnosis-and-Treatment-of-Ovarian-Cancer.aspx.
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Scrutiny: #BiggBossHallaBol Day 1 Synopsis: Challengers Declare War on Champions..
#BiggBossHallaBol Day 1 Synopsis: Challengers Declare War on Champions..
The end of Bigg Boss Season – 8 has left a gaping hole in the lives of the Champions, with the inevitable departure of so many friends and the iconic host Salman Khan bidding adieu to the show, leaving all the housemates in an emotional predicament. But the mystery of embarking on a new journey with the magnificent host Farah Khan has reignited their zest to continue playing on the show.
As the Challengers have been pitted against the Champions on Bigg Boss – Halla Bol, the great divide between them will further widen, as Bigg Boss has certain surprises up his sleeve. As the mystery unfolds, Bigg Boss announces certain privileges for the Champions over the course of the show, leaving the Challengers in a state of shock. Bigg Boss reveals that the Challengers will take their luggage and move into the tent in the garden area. While they can remain in thehouse during the day, however at night they have to take nap in the sleeping bags laid out in the tent. If that wasn't enough, all the chores of the house including cooking and cleaning would be done only by the Challengers and not the Champions of the house.
Bigg Boss – Halla Bol has just kicked off and with it the competition between the Champions and Challengers, but the ambience has been explosive from the moment it was announced. Dimpy's constant bickering and complaining miffs challenger Sambhavna who in a fit of rage flings a shoe in the direction of Dimpy which barely misses the target!
The second surprise of the day for the housemates was the next privilege for the Champions, when Bigg Boss announces that only the Challengers would be nominated for eviction and that the Champions would determine through an open vote which of the three Challengers would be in danger of eviction this week.
With the tempers flaring in the Bigg Boss house, an explosion was the prediction of the day. When a joke turned into a squabble, it irked a Challenger to lose his cool and commit an act of violence against one of the Champions of Season – 8, leaving all the housemates in a state of shock.
Which Challenger will be the first to leave the house? And which Challenger will cement their place in the show? And what would be the repercussions of the brawl?


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January 28, 2023 | Home / rAVe Europe
McIntosh Group Brands Bring Home Theater Demo to ISE 2023
McIntosh Group companies Sonus faber and McIntosh are both set to world-debut exciting new products at ISE 2023, against a McIntosh/Sonus faber home theatre system backdrop (editor's note: our founder, Gary Kayye, saw this at CEDIA and said it was the best demo he's ever seen — read about it below: BEST Demo at CEDIA […]
INFiLED Details ISE 2023 Plans
INFiLED is exhibiting at ISE 2023 from the 31st of January until the 3rd of February in Barcelona. At its booth 3R600, INFiLED will present its latest LED solutions and technologies. The stand will feature more than ten installations, related to indoor and outdoor verticals covering a wide range of applications such as Control Rooms, […]
Screen Research Receives Professional Video Alliance Certification
Screen Research says they are the first screen manufacturer to have received certification from the Professional Video Alliance (PVA). The materials for Screen Research's ClearPix, SolidPix, and FusionPix series of screens will be featured as part of the Adeo Group's exhibit at ISE 2023, Stand 2L600. The PVA thoroughly tests video products to ensure that […]
Leon Will Launch Cove Desktop Accessory at ISE 2023
This year at ISE 2023, Leon is launching a desktop accessory, dubbed Cove, that increases privacy, improves focus and the company says creates a more professional web conferencing space for any work environment. Cove's adjustable diffused lighting and sound-dampening felt interior are meticulously designed to improve productivity and privacy while reducing ambient noise and eye […]
How to Get From Here to There and Everywhere at ISE 2023
ISE 2023 is almost here, which means it's time to pull out the suitcase, dust off the passport and read this fun-filled article that breaks down everything you need to know about transportation in Barcelona, Spain. First up, yes, there are Ubers, and I would highly suggest taking one from the airport to your hotel. […]
Wisycom Will Show MTP61 Transmitter at ISE 2023
Wisycom is showcasing its new MTP61 Transmitter, the latest addition to its Symphony product line, at ISE 2023 (Booth 7G200). The smallest and lightest multiband bodypack transmitter on the market, the MTP61 has the widest tuning range currently available (470 to 1260MHz). Among the industry's most powerful transmitters, the compact design of the MTP61 not […]
Sennheiser Announces Plans for ISE 2023
Sennheiser is excited to showcase its new products and industry partnerships at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2023 in Barcelona, Spain on January 31 – February 3. The Sennheiser stand (3C600) is in Hall 3 of the FIRA Barcelona, Gran Via. Sennheiser's ISE 2023 stand will once again feature two live demonstration rooms.  In one […]
LEA Professional Releases Sharkware Software, Works With Professional Connect Series Amplifiers
LEA Professional today announced the launch of its first application software, Sharkware — allowing integrators to work both in offline design and online mode on a systems amplification configuration to ensure a more seamless, accessible, and flexible user experience with all LEA Professional Connect Series amplifiers. Since 2019, LEA Professional has been changing the amplifier […]
ClearOne Will Show Range of Solutions for Small, Medium-Sized Rooms at ISE 2023
ClearOne will return to ISE 2023 (January 31—February 3 in Barcelona) with a complete range of solutions custom configured for small and medium sized meeting rooms, as well as large conference rooms and auditoriums. The solutions will be showcased at Booth 2V650 at the Fira Barcelona. According to ClearOne CEO Derek Graham, the intent is […]
Bolin Technology just launched new dual-stream Dante AV PTZ cameras. Making their debut at ISE 2023 in Barcelona, the new D412UH and D220UH are some of the first PTZ cameras in the AV-Over-IP industry to offer simultaneous hardware and software codec streaming to multiple endpoints, providing total flexibility in network bandwidth and image quality selection. […]
Adder Technology today announced the launch of the latest addition to its matrix IP KVM range. The ADDERLink INFINITY 2124T (ALIF2124T) extender delivers dual head video, audio, and USB2.0 over a 1GbE IP network for a pixel-perfect, real-time, desktop experience. HDMI connectivity brings additional customer choice and flexibility and reflects the growing demand for IP […]
Neutrik Group Announces Ranges of Products It Will Show at ISE 2023
The Neutrik Group is known through the NEUTRIK, CONTRIK and REAN brands. Among a wide range of products being shown at ISE for the first time, on the Neutrik Group booth #E680 in Hall 5, are new audio, data and power connector series from NEUTRIK and REAN, and a portfolio of power distribution products from […]
Ashton Bentley Will Show a Table Designed for DTEN ME Pro at ISE 2023
At ISE, you will see Ashton Bentley debut a table designed specifically to enable the deployment of a DTEN ME Pro as a complete integrated collaboration solution in meeting rooms. The ergonomic 3-seat table with fixing points for ME Pro, and cable management to make the installation simple and tidy. The integrated USB-C retractor connects […]
Humly is at ISE 2023 with a new premium hardware booking solution that is small, adaptable and affordable. The new Humly Booking Device addresses the evolving challenges of the hybrid workplace, providing staff and visitors with a versatile capacitive touchscreen solution to view and reserve available bookable spaces on campus. Its flexibility is balanced with […]
MRMC Will Show Camera Robotics Solutions at ISE 2023
Mark Roberts Motion Control (MRMC) will showcase a range of camera robotics solutions, targeted at the PTZ production market, as well as welcoming a raft of new European reseller partners, at ISE 2023, held at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via from 31 January-3 February 2023. The MRMC team will exhibit a selection of PTZ heads, […]
How to Tackle the ISE Show Floor: Advice From rAVe Video Shooters
ISE 2023 is right around the corner, and as such a big show, it's hard to know how to approach. Here to guide you through tacking the ISE show floor are seasoned rAVe video shooters Anne-Marie Barr, Abbie Ashford, and Steph Beckett. They give insight into how to divide your time, get from hall to […]
They're Coming for Your Business
They're coming for your business. Flattened by the pandemic and bolstered by the ProAV market trend towards experiential, Europe's live events companies will broaden their businesses to include systems integration. For decades, it was an exception if you saw a specialized AV events company with a full business unit in the more static business of […]
PPDS Adds Sven Beinlich and Jason Bacon as International Key Account Directors
PPDS (aka: Philips digital signage) has announced the appointments of highly experienced AV professionals, Sven Beinlich and Jason Bacon, to its globally-acclaimed team of International Key Account Directors. Their appointments come ahead of a PPDS Global Partner Alliance (GPA) growth announcements during ISE, bringing greater reach, enhanced quality, and more opportunities for global businesses in […]
RGB Spectrum Appoints Ken Pefkaros Sales Director for Europe
RGB Spectrum announced the appointment of a new sales director to cover Europe, Ken Pefkaros. As a 20-year veteran of the RGB Spectrum team, Ken is transitioning to this new role in marketing. Initially domiciled in San Francisco, he will be establishing a new office in Paris later this year. Ken has a wealth of […]
Leyard Europe Appoints New Vice President of Sales: Markus Korn
Leyard Europe announced the appointment of Markus Korn to the position of Vice President of Sales. Korn joins the team from Samsung Electronics, bringing with him the wealth of experience he gained in close to ten successful years at the electronics giant. "After my very enjoyable and fulfilling decade at Samsung, it was time for […]
One of the Most Beautiful Office Products is Coming to ISE 2023: The KSCAPE from K-array
Having launched RAIL in 2019, KSCAPE has had the luxury of providing exceptional solutions for large offices to solve noise pollution as well as provide a complete audio and light solution for video conferencing rooms, museums, training facilities and residential projects where sound and illumination are essential. RAIL is the world's first architectural lighting system […]
Snap One Announces Luma x20 Line of Surveillance Products
Snap One has announced that the new Luma x20 family of surveillance products is now available to Partners online and at Snap One Partner Stores. Previewed at CEDIA 2022, the x20 family features products that are fully NDAA-compliant, deliver the latest AI-powered security features and provide customers greater peace of mind while simplifying installation and […]
Roland Professional Announces VR-120HD Direct Streaming AV Mixer
Roland's Professional A/V Division announces the VR-120HD Direct Streaming AV Mixer, the new flagship model in the acclaimed VR streaming switcher lineup. Offering extensive audio and video I/O, a large touch screen, and hands-on controls, this portable unit gives a single operator all the tools needed to manage any mid-level hybrid production. Advanced Roland AV […]
intoPIX is set to demonstrate the TicoXS FIP codec running in many challenging environments, various processors and for various applications at ISE 2023: as CPU or GPU software senders and receivers using laptops or mini PCs, into Intel FPGA or Xilinx FPGA, within an 8K and a 4K over gigabit-based IP network and also combined […]
Hasn't Everyone Added Dante Already? Guess Not; 4 New Companies Are Added at ISE 2023
Audinate Group Limited, developer of the professional AV-industry-leading Dante AV-over-IP solution, announced today that 30 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have now licensed the Dante AV technology to build networked video devices. The list of OEMs features some of the most accomplished and respected audio/video (AV) hardware brands, including AdTechno, AVer, AVONIC, Bolin, BZB Gear, Chingan […]
Screen Innovations Will Show FlexGlass Rear-Projection Screen Material at ISE 2023
Screen Innovations (SI) will be at ISE 2023 in Stand #2K500, showing the installation versatility of its FlexGlass rear-projection screen material. SI's FlexGlass re-invents rear-projection screens by providing integrators with a surface that's durable yet bendable boasts a low profile of just 2-1/2 millimeters thick, and is available in sizes up to 30,785 millimeters wide […]
ISE 2023: What #AVtweeps Are Most Looking Forward To
Grab your passport and suitcase, #AVtweeps, because the world's largest AV trade show is right around the corner. Integrated Systems Europe's (ISE) annual event brings together tech enthusiasts and AV professionals from around the world for the ultimate celebration of innovation. After a wildly successful year in 2022, ISE will be returning to its home […]
CJP Broadcast Service Solutions Forms Partnership With Aoto
U.K.-based CJP Broadcast Service Solutions, systems integration, production and content digitization specialist, has formed a partnership agreement with AOTO Electronics, leading supplier of LED screens and volumes. The agreement sees CJP providing installation, service and support for AOTO screens, as part of a complete turnkey service for virtual production systems. AOTO has 30 years' experience […]
Genelec Adds Two New Pendant Smart IP Networked Loudspeakers
Genelec has expanded its Smart IP family of networked loudspeaker systems with the introduction of the 4435A in-ceiling and 4436A pendant models. The two new additions join the existing 4410, 4420 and 4430 on-wall Smart IP models to provide an even wider range of loudspeaker solutions. Originally launched in 2019, the Smart IP loudspeaker range […]
Merging Technologies Prepares for Return to ISE
Swiss manufacturer Merging Technologies is preparing for its return to ISE focusing on immersive audio and workflow. Merging Technologies is constantly evolving its product offerings, which range from high-performance hardware, such as its famous Anubis, as well as software and plug-ins. With its roots in the early days of digital audio software, FLUX:: has closely […]
Sony Launches Two Scalable New Series of Crystal LED Premium Displays
Sony Electronics is launching two scalable new series of its Crystal LED premium displays series. The BH-series (ZRD-BH12D and ZRD-BH15D) and the CH-series (ZRD-CH12D and ZRD-CH15D) are designed for corporations, retail environments and screening rooms. Both new series will be available in a P1.2mm and P1.5mm pixel pitch and deliver the exceptional picture quality and […]
The Sessions Checklist You Didn't Know You Needed for ISE 2023!
With ISE 2023 right around the corner, there is no shortage of things that will keep you entertained. Once you're on the show floor for a couple hours, though, you may find yourself eager to take a load off of your feet. Here is a quick list of educational sessions you should consider attending at […]


text:
Q: gdb backtrace - show inlined functions, like `addr2line -i` does I have gdb attached to process. I print backtrace, one of frames looks like this:
#9  0x000055b748d7467b in CA::CryptUserKeysCache::addSongKeyFast (this=0x55b74e141a90, group_color=..., timePeriodValidUnit=timePeriodValidUnit@entry=366, keyIsValidFromTime=1573653252507218,
    useSystemValues=useSystemValues@entry=false) at /usr/include/c++/8/bits/shared_ptr_base.h:1307

That is my function, but definitely not my file. I expect this is due to inlining. Is there a command that will show me how this inlining proceeded? Something akin to addr2line -i?
For comparison, addr2line with slightly different backtrace, but close.
addr2line plain:
CA::CCryptSongPrivateGroupMgrKey::JoinMyselfToGroup(Borg::AbstractGroupHash const&) at /usr/local/linux64-hard-2.17/include/boost/multiprecision/cpp_int.hpp:987
CA::CryptUserKeysCache::addSongKeyFast(Borg::AbstractGroupHash const&, unsigned short, long, bool) at /home2/mateuszl/git/borg-engine/core_inter_headers/core_separate_libs/libs/crypto_types/src/CryptUserKeysCache.cpp:1699

with -i:
CA::CCryptSongPrivateGroupMgrKey::JoinMyselfToGroup(Borg::AbstractGroupHash const&) at /usr/local/linux64-hard-2.17/include/boost/multiprecision/cpp_int.hpp:987
 (inlined by) ?? at /usr/local/linux64-hard-2.17/include/boost/multiprecision/cpp_int.hpp:1073
 (inlined by) ?? at /usr/local/linux64-hard-2.17/include/boost/multiprecision/number.hpp:45
 (inlined by) ?? at /home2/mateuszl/git/borg-engine/core_inter_headers/core_separate_libs/libs/uint128/src/../include/borg/uint128/uint128.h:50
 (inlined by) CA::CCryptSongPrivateGroupMgrKey::JoinMyselfToGroup(Borg::AbstractGroupHash const&) at /home2/mateuszl/git/borg-engine/core_inter_headers/core_separate_libs/libs/crypto_song/src/CCryptSongPrivateGroupMgrKey.cpp:234
CA::CryptUserKeysCache::addSongKeyFast(Borg::AbstractGroupHash const&, unsigned short, long, bool) at /home2/mateuszl/git/borg-engine/core_inter_headers/core_separate_libs/libs/crypto_types/src/CryptUserKeysCache.cpp:1699

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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text:
Hermeneutics (re-edited)
Understanding does not reside in the mind of man but the nexus of his senses, that which is embodied in the notion of "the heart".
January 4, 2019 - Super Rad - Mind, World
The Desperate Man, Gustave Courbet
In absence of an ability to remake or else synthesize the disparate and oft-irreconcilable events, challenges and internal conflicts encountered in life into a constantly-evolving and adaptable existential framework, a man must have such a framework supplied for him by an external source. For one cannot endure even a day without a well-defined set of moral, emotional and ethical tools with and by which to engage his fellow man, his own nature and even Nature herself; the necessity of those tools which is so primordial and cardinal to the conduct of human existence that they mandate as price for their ease of use the unquestionable loyalty and immediate obedience of each one their many dependents; those dependents which are everyday relieved of the ability to supply their own subjective answers to life's infinite quandaries; dependents who are forced through threat of existential insufficiency and social ostracization to obey the most prominent voices who speak on behalf of whatever framework a man subscribes: a life of endless moral, emotional and ethical servitude the cost one must pay for his conscious deference of nature's most elemental fight to someone or something else.
Insofar as my own limited and largely ignorant understanding of the History of Ideas allows, it seems the primary difference between the modern practice of hermeneutics and that which might be considered a pre-modern, medieval, classical or otherwise antiquated analytical approach is that the writers and historians of those earlier periods seldom, if ever, intruded into the supposed "inner" mind and motivation of the dead and defenseless, that interiority which the dead themselves would have most likely been ignorant in life, the pre-moderns who instead commented (where decency allowed) on the outward consequences of concrete feats and actions of the great; the concrete which, by its consensual literality, grounds and thus limits the excessive abstractioning and subjective perversion so easily perpetrated by the hands of any one man.
Even Aristotle, that lofty diviner of every delicate star in yonder orbit, stopped short of proclaiming a definitive "why" as to the esoteric essence of the words and deeds of his predecessors, that essence which every modern thinker from big to small now believes is his solemn duty to not only find and define but declare to the whole of the thinking world: "Yes, I am that Rosetta Stone"; a stone which such ones naturally seek to wield over their brethren so as to deflect and distract the scrutinizing eye away from their own existential insufficiencies and lack of depth; depth which can only be plumbed by the hermeneutical pursuit within and towards that esoteric essence of one's own self, if, that is, such a thing can ever truly be found.
Virgil Reading the Aeneid to Augustus, Jean-Baptiste Wicar
Understanding does not reside in the mind of man but the nexus of his senses, that which is embodied in the universal notion of "Heart". For to simply "know" a thing without an emotional connection thereto and with dooms the object of that knowledge to eventual meaninglessness and existential insignificance, leaving such objects nothing more than mental clutter and intellectual refuse that so often impedes a man from deeper, more manifold opportunities for genuine emotionality, the kind that can only "truly" occur in the quiet confines of solitude and isolation.
For understanding does not and cannot arise amid the collective clamor of others and extraneous things, "authentic" or else "true" emotion that requires as ground for its ultimate expression the lone individual who must himself bear the intricate and nuanced consequences of such isolated feeling, never mind if it is had in the waling arms of another.
The collective, by nature, grows in self-ignorance and unawareness the larger the group becomes. For only the individual is even remotely capable of aspiring to the level of self-maliciousness required to attain a clearer and more honest understanding of who and what one "actually" is and might become; groups that, comprised as they are of subjective peoples who each have their own unique and specific reasons for associating with said collective, cannot "aspire" in any direction but down towards that lowest consensual level which might define the broadest, most common and based of all values that enable a particular group to act and move "as such"; the larger the group and more diverse its members, the lower the consensus must descend in order to retain the communal loyalty of the bulkiest mass; masses which, unknowing and unaware as each undeniably is, do indeed begin to imitate the characteristics of the animal in its herd, the cattle of its flock, the bee in its hive and ant in its mound, none of whom truly understand anything of "why" and even less "how".
The Preaching of St Peter, Masolino


C. Felix Harvey, 93, a successful businessman known not just in the area but in the region and state, died Thursday at his home, surrounded by his family.
Former Kinston city councilwoman Alice Tingle said Harvey was generous to his community. .
Managing Editor Jennifer Shrader contributed to this story.
Noah Clark may be reached at 252-559-1073 or at Noah.Clark@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @nclark763.


text:
Q: Bounding second moment of entropy Entropy is defined as $E(-\log(P(x))$. We know it is bounded by $\log(r)$ when $r$ is the size of alphabet.
Defining the second moment as $E(\log^2(P(x))$, how to show it is bounded?

A: The function $u:p\mapsto p\log^2p$ is nonnegative and bounded by $u^*=4/\mathrm e^2$ on $[0,1]$ hence a first easy upper bound is that, for every random variable $X$ taking at most $r$ values,
$$
E(\log^2p(X))=\sum_{i=1}^rp_i\log^2p_i\leqslant ru^*=4r/\mathrm e^2.
$$
To refine this, one can follow the proof of the classical entropy bound, since one tries to maximize
$$
\sum_{i=1}^ru(p_i)\ \text{under the constraints}\ p_i\geqslant0,\ \sum_{i=1}^rp_i=1.
$$
Using Lagrange multipliers method, one sees that the optimal $(p_i)$ are such that $u'(p_i)$ does not depend on $i$. Since $u':p\mapsto\log^2p+2\log p$ is decreasing from $u'(0)=+\infty$ to $u'(1/\mathrm e^2)=0$ then decreasing to $u'(1/\mathrm e)=-1$ then increasing to $u'(1)=0$, $p_i$ can take at most two values.
The one value case is clear since then $p_i=1/r$ for every $i$. In the two values case, both values are in the interval where $u'\leqslant0$, that is, in $[1/\mathrm e^2,1]$, and at least once $p_i\geqslant1/\mathrm e$ hence the sum of the $p_i$ is at least $(r-1)/\mathrm e^2+1/\mathrm e$, which is $\gt1$ for every $r\geqslant6$.
All this shows that, for $r\geqslant6$, the optimal distribution is such that $p_i$ does not depend on $i$. Thus, $p_i=1/r$ for every $i$. Thus, for $r\geqslant6$, the optimal uniform upper bound (reached by the uniform distribution) is
$$
E(\log^2p(X))\leqslant\log^2r.
$$
The cases $2\leqslant r\leqslant5$ can be solved directly. For example, when $r=2$, the maximal value is reached when $p_1$ and $p_2$ are $\frac12(1\pm\sqrt{1-4/\mathrm e^2})$, hence, numerically, when $r=2$,
$$E(\log^2p(X))\leqslant0.56288.$$ Note that this best uniform upper bound is $\gt\log^22$.
When $3\leqslant r\leqslant5$, the maximal value is reached when $p_i=1/r$ for every $i$, hence the upper bound $\log^2r$ holds. Finally, the only exceptional case is $r=2$.

A: Because you asked for some solution using Jensen's inequality (is this homework?), here is my attempt:
$$E(\log^2p(X))=\sum_{i=1}^rp_i\log^2\frac{1}{p_i}$$
Let's use natural logarithms. Now, $\log^2(y)$ is concave in the range $y \ge e$. Let's divide the full support in two sets of "high and low probabilities", $R_L$ and $R_H$, such that $i\in R_L $ iff $p_i^{-1} \ge e$ , or $p_i \le e^{-1} \approx 0.368\dots$. Let $|R_L|=r_L$, $|R_H|=r_H$, $r_H+r_L=r$, $P_L = \sum_{i\in R_L} p_i $, etc.
Then we can apply Jensen to $R_L$
$$ \sum_{i \in R_L} p_i \log^2\frac{1}{p_i} = P_L \sum_{i \in R_L} \frac{p_i}{P_L} \log^2\frac{1}{p_i} \le P_L \log^2 \left(\sum_{i \in R_L} \frac{p_i}{P_L}\frac{1}{p_i} \right) = P_L \log^2 r_L/P_L$$
To bound the other term, we note that in $e^{-1} \le x\le 1$ :$$x \log^2 x \le \frac{1-x}{e-1}$$
Then
$$\sum_{i \in R_H} p_i \log^2 p_i\le \frac{r_H}{e-1}\left(1- \frac{P_H}{r_H}\right)\le \frac{r_H}{e-1} (1- e^{-1})=\frac{r_H}{e}$$
Hence
$$E(\log^2p(X)) \le \frac{r_H}{e} + P_L\log^2 \frac{r- r_H}{P_L} $$
This could be further worked on, considering that $r_H \in \{0,1,2\}$ (so $r_H/e < 1$), and that $P_L \le 1- r_H e^{-1}$, but it gets rather messy.


(Anya Taylor-Joy) – triggers a terrifying event, those involved must decide if the promise of infinite potential outweighs the incalculable danger.
This movie sounded good so I decided to watch it. I don't usually watch Sci-fi thrillers because I am very picky in this genres of movies but this one sounded interesting so I decided to give it a chance.
I am glad I watched this one because I very much enjoyed Morgan. It is very well done and it has good pacing and the story is good. Only downside is I wish there was a bit more back story to it. It can be a little confusing. But the ending, though!!
I do give this 3 1/5 out of 5 stars.
Morgan is now available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD online and in stores near you.
It was decent. Not something I would have bought myself but I am glad I got it to review.


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text:
Wapenveld-noord is een buurtschap in de Nederlandse gemeente Heerde (provincie Gelderland). Het ligt 2 kilometer ten noorden van Wapenveld.

Buurtschap in Gelderland

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Särskilda skyddsgruppen (SSG) var ett svenskt specialförband inom Försvarsmakten som verkade mellan åren 1994 och 2011. Förbandets stab var förlagd inom Karlsborgs garnison i Karlsborg i Västergötland. SSG var ett specialförband av samma typ som brittiska Special Air Service (SAS) och amerikanska Delta Force.

Historik
Grundandet av SSG påbörjades i slutet av 1980-talet och blev ett svenskt krigsförband år 1994. SSG:s ursprung kom från brittiska influenser med bland annat de nya MP-Skvadronerna (Militärpolisjägarna) och den så kallade Jägarbefälsgruppen som organiserades vid Livregementets husarer (K 3) för att sedan övergå i den numera nedlagda Riksbataljonen.

Bakgrunden till bildandet av SSG var dåvarande ÖB:s insikt om att jägarförbanden inte var tillräckligt utbildade och tränade för att klara av de mycket kvalificerade uppgifter som omvärldens specialförband dimensionerades emot. SSG utvecklade en egen urvalsmodell där det traditionella utmattningstestet kompletterades med omfattande psykologitester. De sistnämnda testerna påminner om de tester som stridspiloter genomför.

Uttagningen till SSG pågick i två veckor och var aspiranten fortsatt intressant ur SSG:s synvinkel erbjöds man en provtjänstgöring vid förbandet. Efter de två uttagningsveckorna var det sällan mer än 25% av aspiranterna som var kvar. Grundutbildningen vid SSG var 18 månader där även provtjänstgöring på förbandet ingick och därefter skedde specialiseringsutbildning, som omfattade en patrullspecialitet men också en innästlingsspecialitet.

Mot bakgrund av svensk lagstiftning och erfarenheterna från Ådalshändelserna år 1931 (då svensk militär ur Västernorrlands regemente öppnade eld mot civila demonstranter) var det inledningsvis inte utan tvekan SSG kunde få uppdraget att lösa väpnade uppgifter i fredstid på eget territorium. Ny lagstiftning ger dock från och med juni 2006 Försvarsmakten, och därmed SSG, befogenheter att understödja polisen även vid inrikes terroristbekämpning.

År 2011 slogs förbandet samman med Särskilda inhämtningsgruppen (SIG) och bildade Särskilda operationsgruppen (SOG) som är kärnförbandet i Försvarsmaktens specialförband (FM SF).

Verksamhet
Förbandet var förlagt i Karlsborg, jämte Livregementets husarer (K 3) och Fallskärmsjägarskolan (FJS). Dess uppgifter var bland annat strid, underrättelseinhämtning samt person- och objektskydd.

SSG rekryterade personal med svenskt medborgarskap ur såväl officerskadern som bland dem som fullgjort sin militära grundutbildning. Styrkan blev mest känd inom försvarsmakten genom sin medverkan under 2001 i Kosovo, då de under en längre period var förlagda på den svenska campen, Camp Viktoria. Deras uppgifter där var givetvis hemliga, men bland annat sysslade de med signalspaning. Förbandet blev känt för den breda allmänheten i samband med artiklar och rapporter i massmedia omkring 10 april 2002, då personal ur SSG tjänstgjort i Afghanistan som en del av International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Det blev aktuellt igen i slutet av november 2005 när två medlemmar i SSG dog och två andra skadades till följd av att det fordon de färdades i drabbades av ett oriktat bombattentat i norra Afghanistan.

SSG har även tjänstgjort i Demokratiska Republiken Kongo 2003, före insatsen i Afghanistan, under fransk ledning och deras förband medverkade i den EU-ledda operationen Artemis. Där deltog svenskarna i strider mot militanta rebellgrupper. Uppdraget handlade om att säkra och försvara ett flygfält vid staden Bunia så att ett mer omfattande FN-förband kunde flygas in. Frankrike ska kort före verkställandet av SSG:s transport till Kongo ha uttalat att svenskarna egentligen inte behövdes på plats, men eftersom detta var den första chansen att pröva och utvärdera SSG i ett skarpt internationellt uppdrag insisterade man från svensk militärledning. FJS-IK (Fallskärmsjägarnas insatskompani) eller SIG var även på plats som en del av den svenska styrkan.

En av de deltagande SSG-operatörerna i operation Artemis ska senare ha sagt att Sverige tack vare den lyckade insatsen i Kongo fick "betydligt större gehör kring förhandlingsborden i Bryssel". Det framgick inte vilka typer av förhandlingar som avsågs. En annan efterverkning av operation Artemis kom några år senare när SVT:s Uppdrag granskning tog upp fall av hävdad tortyr utförd av de franska trupperna och att SSG-personal inte ingrep trots att de kände till vad som hände. Tortyraffären behandlas i mer detalj i artikeln Operation Artemis.

SSG bestod av uppskattningsvis cirka 80 tränade operatörer vilket dock är högst osäkert då förbandets styrka var hemlig.

Se även
 Särskilda inhämtningsgruppen
 Särskilda operationsgruppen
 Specialförband
 Special Air Service
 Navy SEAL
 Delta Force

Referenser

Externa länkar
SSG:s sida på Försvarsmaktens webbplats

Ej längre existerande svenska underrättelseorgan
Försvarsmakten
Karlsborgs garnison
Specialförband
Svenska militära enheter bildade 1994
Svenska militära enheter upplösta 2011


We all have areas in our lives that have broken down. This teaching series will give you the tools to rebuild those broken areas. A dynamic spiritual life is a building-block to leadership. In this series learn how to: transition from your comfort zone to your assignment; to overcome unwanted criticism; to draw resources from the unsaved world; to convert your passion into your assignment; and how to mobilize troops!