text:
Marino Law Blog
Welcome to the law blog of Marino & Marino, P.C., which includes discussions about recent New York court decisions. For information about the firm, please visit www.marinomarino.com.
Jury Verdict Set Aside as Driver's Negligence was Substantial Factor in Causing Injuries
In Nieves v. 8 Avenue Furniture, Inc. (Index No. 24506/12, decided on March 20, 2019), the plaintiff, a pedestrian, was injured after being struck by a vehicle in Brooklyn. During the trial of the matter in Kings County Supreme Court, the defendant owner of the vehicle denied any knowledge of, or involvement in, the incident, and insisted that the plaintiff had identified the wrong vehicle. The jury returned a verdict holding that the defendant was liable for the incident, but that it was not a substantial factor in causing plaintiff's injuries. As a result, the plaintiff timely moved pursuant to CPLR 4404(a) to set aside the verdict, contending that it was contrary to the weight of the evidence. The Supreme Court granted the motion, and the defendant thereafter appealed.
The Appellate Division, Second Department, affirmed the trial court's ruling, holding, among other things, the following: "A jury finding that a party was negligent but that the negligence was not a proximate cause of the accident is contrary to the weight of the evidence 'only when the issues are so inextricably interwoven as to make it logically impossible to find negligence without also finding proximate cause'...Here, the defendant made no attempt to present a nonnegligent explanation for the accident; instead, it contended only that the plaintiff misidentified the van that struck her. The jury, having rejected the defendant's theory and found not only that the defendant's van was involved in the accident but also that the driver of the van was negligent in its operation, lacked a sufficient factual basis upon which to conclude that the defendant's negligence was not a substantial factor in causing the accident...."
Salvatore R. Marino, Esq.
Posted by Marino & Marino, P.C. at 1:00 PM No comments:
Village's Motion Denied as Prior Written Notice Exists
In Bochner v. Town of Monroe, et al (Index No. 8529/14, decided on or around February 8, 2019), a defendant municipality's motion for summary judgment was denied by the Appellate Division, Second Department, as that defendant submitted evidence in support of its motion that demonstrated that it received prior written notice of the subject defective condition. Particularly, the case arose in August 2013, when the plaintiff was injured in the Village of Kiryas Joel, as she stepped off a curb and into a pothole in the roadway of Carter Lane, thereafter suffering injuries and commencing a lawsuit against entities including the Village of Kiryas Joel. At some time during the pre-trial litigation process, the defendant Village of Kiryas Joel moved for summary judgment (seeking to dismiss the plaintiff's case) contending that it did not receive the requisite written notice of the subject dangerous condition prior to the date of the plaintiff's incident.
The Supreme Court of Orange County denied the defendant's motion, and the Appellate Division, Second Department affirmed the trial court's decision, holding, among other things, as follows: "In supports of its motion, the Village submitted evidence that itself demonstrated the existence of triable issues of fact as to whether it had received the requisite prior written notice of the alleged defect. This evidence established that in the weeks before the plaintiff allegedly was injured, an officer designated by the Village Code as a recipient of written notice, the Village Superintended of Public Works, himself drafted two worksheets detailing defects in the roadway of Carter Lane. Additionally, the Village submitted evidence that the Village Superintendent of Public Works emailed those worksheets to the Village Clerk - the other officer designated under the Village Code as a proper recipient of written notice - weeks before the date on which the plaintiff was allegedly injured...."
The Court also noted that although it was not clear whether the worksheets identified the precise defect that allegedly caused the plaintiff's injuries, the documents still presented a triable issue a fact (thereby warranting a denial of the motion) as, "'A recent prior written notice that does not provide an exact location, but which nevertheless reasonably identifies the area of the purported defect, may give rise to a question of fact for the jury as to the sufficiency of the notice' [citing Massey v. City of Cohoes, 35 AD3d 996; Blanc v. City of Kingston, 68 AD3d 1525; and Delaney v. Town of Islip, 63 AD3d 658]."
Posted by Marino & Marino, P.C. at 12:39 PM No comments:
Plaintiff's Cross-Motion for Costs Granted Based on Defendants' Frivolous Post-Trial Motion
In Cram v. Keller, 2018 NY Slip Op 08007 (decided on November 21, 2018), the Appellate Division, Second Department granted a plaintiff's cross-motion for costs based on a defendants' frivolous post-trial motion. The case arose when the plaintiff, who was visiting her son at a house he rented from the defendants, was caused to fall and sustain injuries after she fell down exterior stairs of the house. As a result of the incident, plaintiff commenced an action against the defendants, with claims including that the defendants were at fault for failing to install a handrail on the righthand portion of the stairs (the area where the plaintiff ultimately fell to the ground). At the trial for this matter, the jury determined that the defendants were sixty (60) percent at fault in the happening of the incident. The defendants thereafter moved pursuant to CPLR 4404(a) to set aside the jury verdict and for judgment as a matter of law dismissing the complaint, contending that the plaintiff failed to establish that the defendants owned the subject house, and that the allegedly dangerous condition was open and obvious. The plaintiff thereafter cross-moved for costs pursuant to 22 NYCRR 130-1.1 on the ground that the defendants' motion was frivolous. The Supreme Court granted the defendants' motion, denied the plaintiff's motion, and the plaintiff thereafter appealed the decision.
With respect to the defendants' motion, the Appellate Division reversed the lower court's decision, holding, among other things, the following: "The plaintiff read into the record excepts from the deposition of the [defendants] where [defendants] admitted that, since purchasing the property, he put up a wrought iron railing and that the defendants had rented the property to a tenant. The admission by [defendants] that he and his wife had purchased the property, made an improvement on it, and had rented it out is legally sufficient evidence of ownership. Regarding the defendants' contention that the condition was open and obvious, a rational jury could have concluded that the defendants were negligent in maintaining the property, and that their negligence was the proximate cause of the plaintiff's injuries...'Proof that a dangerous condition is open and obvious does not preclude a finding of liability against an owner for failure to maintain property in a safe condition' [citing Russo v. Home Goods, Inc., 119 AD3d 924]...
With respect to the plaintiff's cross-motion for sanctions based on defendants' frivolous conduct in making their motion, the Appellate Division reversed the lower court's decision pertaining to this matter as well, holding, among other things, the following: "Here, the Supreme Court should have granted the plaintiff's cross motion for an award of costs in the form of reimbursement of reasonable attorneys' fees pursuant to 22 NYCRR 130-1.1 based on the frivolous conduct of the defendants [in making their motion]...Under the circumstances of this case, the defendants' post-trial motion to set aside the verdict, to the extent predicated on the issue of ownership, was frivolous, given the evidence presented by the plaintiff at trial, the failure of the defendants to offer any contrary evidence at trial, the known fact that the defendants owed the property, the lack of good faith underlying the denial of ownership appearing in the defendants' answer, and the lack of a good faith basis for the exclusion of the additional deposition testimony [by the trial court] that would have eliminated any doubt on the issue of ownership."
Posted by Marino & Marino, P.C. at 10:38 AM No comments:
New Trial Ordered in Subway Gap Case
In Noreen Stallings-Wiggins v. New York City Transit Authority, NY Slip Op 07774 (decided on November 14, 2018), a personal injury case arising from a subway gap, the Appellate Division, Second Department, granted the defendant New York City Transit Authority's motion to set aside a jury verdict on the issue of liability as contrary to the weight of the evidence and for a new trial. The case arose on November 23, 2009, between approximately 8:15 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., when the plaintiff allegedly was injured while attempting to board a train at a subway station in Brooklyn, and after she stepped into a gap between the train and the station platform. After the completion of the discovery process, and following a trial regarding the incident, a Kings County jury found that the defendant New York City Transit Authority was negligent, that its negligence was a substantial factor in causing the accident, and that the injured plaintiff was not negligent. The defendant, thereafter, moved pursuant to CPLR 4404(a) to set aside the jury verdict on the issue of liability as contrary to the weight of the evidence and for a new trial. The Supreme Court denied the motion, and the defendant thereafter appealed.
The Appellate Division, Second Department, reversed the trial court's denial of defendant's motion, thereby granting defendant's request for a new trial, holding, among other things, the following: "The jury's finding that the NYCTA [defendant] was solely at fault for the accident was contrary to the weight of the evidence. The evidence at trial demonstrated that, just prior to the accident, the injured plaintiff had exited the B train and stepped over the subject gap, without incident, onto the plaintiff of the Prospect Park station. She then stepped into that same gap while attempting to reenter the trial moments later. Additionally, the injured plaintiff had used the Prospect Park station on several occasions. She testified that, for approximately one year, she had been taking the B train to the Prospect Park station where she would transfer to the shuttle train if it was at the station when she arrived. Under the circumstances, the jury's verdict on the issue of liability completely absolving the injured plaintiff of comparative fault was not supported by a fair interpretation of the evidence [citing McDonald v. Long Is. R.R., 77AD3d 712]."
"Unusual and Violent" Stop Not Established in Bus Accident Case
In Fuentes v. Nassau Inter-County Express, 2018 NY Slip Op 07411 (decided on November 7, 2018), a Nassau County Supreme Court Judge granted a defendants' bus owner and operator's motion for summary judgement (seeking to dismiss the plaintiff's case), finding that no triable issues of fact exist regarding the liability aspect of the case. The case arose when the plaintiff was injured after boarding a bus owned and operated by defendants, and when the bus suddenly stopped, causing the plaintiff to lose balance, fall, and sustain injuries. After the defendants' motion was granted, the plaintiff thereafter appealed the decision to the Appellate Division, Second Department.
The Appellate Division affirmed the trial court's decision, holding, among other things, the following: "'In seeking summary judgment dismissing the complaint, however, common carriers have the burden of establishing, prima facia, that the stop was not unusual and violent' [citing Alandette v. New York City Tr. Auth., 127 AD3d 896]. Here, the defendants established their prima facia entitlement to judgment as a matter of law by submitting the plaintiff's deposition testimony demonstrating that the stop of the bus was not unusual and violent...In opposition, the plaintiff failed to raise a triable issue of fact. Accordingly, we agree with the Supreme Court's granting of the defendants' motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint."
Dog Bite Lawsuit Dismissed
In Hai v. Psoras, 2018 Slip Op 07704 (decided on November 14, 2018), the Appellate Division, Second Department affirmed a Queens County Supreme Court Judge's decision to dismiss a plaintiff's personal injury case that arose from a dog bite. Particularly, the case arose on June 3, 2008, when the plaintiff, 11 years old, was allegedly bitten by a dog in the care of one of the defendants, who was walking the dog (as when the plaintiff walked by the dog, the dog jumped up an bit the plaintiff in the arm). The plaintiff thereafter commenced a lawsuit against defendants, including the owner of the dog, to recover for personal injuries, and after the discovery process concluded, the defendant moved for summary judgment (seeking to dismiss plaintiff's case) contending, among other things, that the defendants had no notice of the dog's alleged vicious propensities. The trial court granted the defendants' motion, and the plaintiff thereafter appealed.
The Appellate Division, Second Department affirmed the lower court's decision, holding, among other things, the following: "The deposition testimony of [defendants], and the plaintiffs demonstrated that, in the time that the dog was being cared for by [defendants], it never bit anyone, nor did not growl, snarl, bark, lunge, snap, or bare its teeth. In opposition, the plaintiffs failed to raise a triable issue of fact as to whether [defendants] knew or should have known of the dog's alleged vicious propensities... The fact that the dog had previously bitten and locked its jaws on a stick was insufficient to raise a triable issue of fact as to whether it had vicious propensities...[defendants] testimony that he told [plaintiff] to get away from the dog just before the attack does not indicate that he believed the dog to be dangerous...Further, the nature and severity of the attach does not demonstrate that [defendants] knew or should have known of the dog's alleged vicious propensities..."
Defect in Floor Not Inherent in Sport
In Leitner v. City of New York (New York County Supreme Court, Index No. 153361/13, decided on or around June 28, 2018), the defendant City of New York's motion for summary judgment was denied as the Court held, among other things, that an "assumption of risk" defense does apply in a premises liability case when the subject defect is not inherent in the sport being watched by a plaintiff. Particularly, the case arose after the plaintiff, while on a City of New York basketball court and watching others play basketball, was caused to fall and sustain injuries as a result of a crack in the basketball court floor. The defendant eventually moved for summary judgment, seeking to dismiss the case, with arguments including that the plaintiff voluntarily "assumed the risk" as he was a spectator at a sporting event.
The Court denied the defendant's motion, holding, among other things, the following: "...[T]his Court finds that cracks in a basketball court are not inherent in the sport of basketball. Nor do cracks 'arise out of the nature of the sport generally and flow from such participation' of playing basketball...While the doctrine may apply in situations where plaintiff's injury was caused by an irregular surface, such application is proper to 'irregular surfaces or features in playing spaces that existed as they were designed'...Basketball court are not designed with cracks in them...it cannot be said that the basketball court was designed with cracks in it. Indeed, tripping hazards of this nature indicate that the surface was not maintained; this sort of state of disrepair should not exculpate a landowner from liability."
Marino & Marino, P.C.
MARINO & MARINO, P.C. specializes in personal injury and civil litigation, and represents clients in areas in New York including Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Queens, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester County. For more information about the firm, please visit www.marinomarino.com.
175 East Shore Rd., Suite 260
E-mail: info@marinomarino.com
www.marinomarino.com
Jury Verdict Set Aside as Driver's Negligence was ...
The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Be mindful that laws often change, and therefore the law featured on this website might not accurately reflect what the current status of the law is today. Also note that the information on this website is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship.


Recent studies in neuroscience have shown that the brain has a more significant effect on the human body and its behavior than previously imagined. Aside from the obvious neurotransmitters that affect pleasure and stress, such as dopamine, a new hormone emitted by the stomach may also have a positive effect on fending off anxiety and depression. A new study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience has shown that the hormone gherlin, emitted from the stomach to signify hunger, may help fend off anxiety and depression (Lutter, 2008). Lab mice with increased levels of the hormone gherlin from subcutaneous injections, injections just under the skin behind the nape of the neck, were revealed to be more adventurous during elevated maze trials and less stressed in swim tests. These tests are a great way to test for stress and anxiety as the swim test shows how long a mouse can swim in water before giving up and accepting defeat. The elevated maze test compares how far a mouse will walk out to the opened end of the maze to study the effects of stress. This data showed that mice with increased levels of gherlin had less chronic social defeat stress, which is relevent to depression in humans. Therefore, increased levels of gherlin may be a homeostatic adaptation to help cope with stress, however, since the hormone stimulates hunger it comes at the expense of increased calorie intake (Lutter, 2008).
Neurochemistry of the brain can also be used to explain increased susceptibility to obesity as explained by the amount of pleasure enjoyed by the intake of food. A new study published in Neuroimage tested 13 women of normal weight and 13 obese women. Each, while under an MRI machine, was presented with visual food stimuli differing in calorie content. The findings of this study showed that when obese women viewed the high calorie food stimuli, they exhibited selective activation of areas in the dorsal striatum (Ruthemud, 2008). The dorsal striatum is an area in the brain that provides pleasure to animals by means of a high concentration of neurons that specialize on the release of dopamine and receptors that provide the basis for pleasure and reward in the brain. In the dorsal striatum of obese women, the regions stimulated were related to reward and habit learning providing a connection between behavior, addition, and our daily dietary intake. Further research has shown that individuals with blunted responses in the dorsal striatum are more likely to gain weight over the subsequent year. Another study published in Science tested the relation to striatal activation in response to food stimuli and future and present body mass. It was found that the dopamine receptors were more depressed in the dorsal striatum in obese individuals than those of normal weight (Stice, 2008). The MRI imaging in this study supported this hypothesis as they found that an individual's food intake is related to the signaling from the dorsal striatum. Individuals with a hypo-functioning dorsal striatum, from morphs associated to the dopamine receptors or from environmental influences, eat more to compensate for lack of pleasure. Again, this study was further supported by a test of 77 women who tasted a chocolate milkshake. This study found that obese women experienced less pleasure from the milkshake due to a blunted dorsal striatal response. These findings all show significant data linking overeating to lack of pleasure and reward experienced in the brain.
Along with previously held theories on the relationship of the brain and human behavior, these new findings will help lead into a new understanding the effects of the brain on the body. The new findings on the effects of the hormone gherlin shed more light on the brain's coping mechanisms for stress. The studies on the dorsal striatum shed more light on the relationship between the brain's pleasure response and portion control with food. Further studies also show that with marketing schemes, the brain can be tricked into finding more pleasure in mediocre items of food. A study showed that individuals who were told cheap wine was around $90-100 found more pleasure in the wine and its quality. More studies on the effects of the brain on obesity may help scientists and nutritionists find new methods to help decrease obesity in our society. These new studies of the brain truly show that the phrase "mind over matter" is more relevant than previously imagined.


text:
package org.lwjgl.openal;

import java.nio.ByteBuffer;
import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.List;

import static org.lwjgl.openal.ALC10.*;
import static org.lwjgl.system.MemoryUtil.*;

/** OpenAL utilities. */
public final class ALUtil {

	private ALUtil() {
	}

	/**
	 * Obtains string values from ALC. This is a custom implementation for those tokens that return a list of strings instead of a single string.
	 *
	 * @param deviceHandle the device to query
	 * @param token        the information to query. One of:<br>{@link ALC11#ALC_ALL_DEVICES_SPECIFIER}, {@link ALC11#ALC_CAPTURE_DEVICE_SPECIFIER}
	 */
	public static List<String> getStringList(long deviceHandle, int token) {
		long __result = nalcGetString(deviceHandle, token);
		if ( __result == NULL )
			return null;

		ByteBuffer buffer = memByteBuffer(__result, Integer.MAX_VALUE);

		List<String> strings = new ArrayList<>();

		int offset = 0;
		while ( true ) {
			if ( buffer.get() == 0 ) {
				int limit = buffer.position() - 1;
				if ( limit == offset ) // Previous char was also a \0 == end of list.
					break;

				strings.add(memUTF8(buffer, limit - offset, offset));
				offset = buffer.position();
			}
		}

		return strings;
	}

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


HOW ACQUIRED: Traded from Orlando City SC on January 26, 2017.
Molino was a standout in Minnesota during 2017, though that should come as no surprise given the stellar season he had for Orlando City SC in 2016. He was poised to be a key part of the Loons' attacking unit in 2018 before suffering a season-ending torn ACL last March.
INTERNATIONAL: Molino is a Trinidad and Tobago international, with 19 goals in 43 appearances. He has played in the Concacaf Gold Cup, Caribbean Cup and Pan-American Games.
OUTSIDE MLS: Molino was named USL PRO MVP in two of his last three years in the league, 2012 and 2014. His final USL PRO campaign in 2014 saw him set a league record with 20 goals (he netted twice more in the US Open Cup), adding nine assists while playing in 27 games as Orlando City won the regular-season title.
Warshaw: Molino goes down. What's next for MNUFC?
Heath expects ORL return to be "quite emotional"


The "Post" series is an attempt to reconcile the past and the present. In 2013, the artist had a brush with death and the feeling that the sense of reality had become vague for her. Following this accident, she went through many adversities: surgery, depression, anxiety. These photographs are a way to aesthetically address her fears. "Post" is a project on trauma, deadly gloom, silence and tension. Everyone can relate to this work, unearthing their dreams, fears and obsessions.
Marta Zgierska was born in 1987 in Lublin, Poland. She holds MFA in Photography from The Leon Schiller National Film, Television and Theatre School. She lives in Warsaw, where she developes her artistic projects. In 2015 she was named one of Lens Culture's Top 50 Emerging Talents.
With the support of Polish Institute in Paris.


text:
HomeWorldVincent Van Gogh's Poppy Flowers stolen from museum
Vincent Van Gogh's Poppy Flowers stolen from museum
January 1, 1970 MelW World 0
By Nehal El-Sherif
Cairo (dpa) – One of Vincent Van Gogh's most famous paintings,
Poppy Flowers, has been stolen from a museum in Cairo, Egypt's
Ministry of Culture said on Saturday.
In was not immediately clear how the thieves managed to steal the
painting from the Mahmoud Khalil museum, but Culture Minister Farouq
Hosni ordered urgent measures to prevent it being taken out of the
In 1978, the same painting was stolen, but was returned shortly
afterwards. One year later, a duplicate was sold for 43 million
dollars in London, sparking a debate in Egypt whether the returned
painting was, in fact, a fake.
The museum is named after Mohammed Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent
Egyptian politician who purchased the 1915 Nile-side mansion with his
French wife. The couple were passionate art collectors.
The museum, inaugurated in 1962, nine years after Khalil's death,
houses a collection of 208 items, among them works by Monet,
Toulouse-Lautrec, Gauguin, and Rodin.
Bus plunges into ravine
Low-carb diets may have the edge in some heart disease risk factors
Searing 'Restrepo' documentary is war at its rawest
Mystery ketch in Scott Watson case,…
Hager's Hit and Run takes another direct hit…
Lost in the Amazon: Dec 05 issue

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Staff Physician - Hematology/Oncology
Location: Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hours: 8a-5p
Recruiter: Please contact Erica Moyer at egeist@pennstatehealth.psu.edu for additional information
What we're offering:
The Division of Hematology/Oncology and Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, seeks to recruit a Medical Oncologist, with focus on solid tumor malignancies. Primary responsibilities include patient care, clinical research, and medical student, resident and fellow education at the Assistant Professor/Associate Professor level. The Penn State Cancer Institute is a CoC-accredited and ACR accredited cancer program. It is the only comprehensive cancer center in central PA and provides a robust infrastructure for clinical trials and translational research facilities.
Hershey, PA offers a great place to live, work, play, learn and grow a family. Known as the home of the Hershey chocolate bar, Hershey's community is rich in history and diverse in culture. Central Pennsylvania fosters a delightful quality of life, with ready access to major metropolitan areas like D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and NYC, while placing you in a picturesque and historic environment, with superb schools and varied recreation. The area boast a reasonable cost of living whether you prefer a quiet suburban setting or thriving city atmosphere rich in theater, arts, and culture. We're proud of our community involvement and encourage you to learn more about our organization.
What we're seeking:
Appropriate candidates must possess a MD, DO, or foreign equivalent and be board certified/eligible in Hematology/Oncology and completed Fellowship training in Hematology/Oncology at an accredited institution. Candidates must have or be able to acquire a license to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Salary and academic rank will be commensurate with experience.
To apply, please send a CV and letter of interest to:
Erica Geist, Physician Recruiter
Email: egeist@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
About Penn State's Cancer Institute:
On the campus of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Cancer Institute is committed to fighting cancer on every front: through education and prevention, early detection and diagnosis, effective treatment, and survivorship programs. Clinical services are offered in three locations in central Pennsylvania, State College (through a partnership with Mount Nittany Health), Hershey and Reading (at Penn State Health St. Joseph). The Cancer Institute has three research programs focused on the themes of Cancer Control, Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis and Experimental Therapeutics. Additionally, pediatric cancer research led by faculty at Penn State Children's Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine is a very visible part of Penn State Cancer Institute and greatly benefits from THON and Four Diamonds.
About Penn State Health:
Penn State Health is a multi-hospital health system serving patients and communities across 29 counties in central Pennsylvania. It employs more than 16,800 people system-wide. The system includes Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Children's Hospital, and Penn State Cancer Institute based in Hershey, Pa.; Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill, Pa.; Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading, Pa.; Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center in Enola, Pa., and more than 3,000 physicians and direct care providers at more than 90+ unique medical office locations. Additionally, the system jointly operates various health care providers, including Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital, Hershey Outpatient Surgery Center, Hershey Endoscopy Center, Horizon Home Healthcare and Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute. In December 2017, Penn State Health partnered with Highmark Health to facilitate creation of a value-based, community care network in the region. Penn State Health shares an integrated strategic plan and operations with Penn State College of Medicine, the University's medical school. With campuses in State College and Hershey, Pa., the College of Medicine boasts a portfolio of more than $100 million in funded research and more than 1,700 students and trainees in medicine, nursing, other health professions and biomedical research.
This job description is a general outline of duties performed and is not to be misconstrued as encompassing all duties performed within the position. All individuals (including current employees) selected for a position will undergo a background check appropriate for the position's responsibilities.
Penn State Health is fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is unapologetically expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please call 717-531-8440 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Eastern Standard Time, Monday - Friday, email hrsolutions@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or download our Accommodation Instructions for Job Applicants PDF for more detailed steps for assistance.
About Penn State Health - Physician Recruitment
Penn State Health is fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is unapologetically expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.Penn State Health is a multi-hospital health system serving patients and communities across central Pennsylvania.The system includes Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading, Pa., Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Children's Hospital, Penn State Cancer Institute, and Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital (jointly owned), based in Hershey, Pa., as well as more than 1,300 physicians and direct care providers at 78 medical office locations. The system also has jointly owned health care providers, including Hershey Outpatient Surgery Center, Hershey Endos...copy Center, Horizon Home Healthcare and the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute.Penn State Health shares an integrated strategic plan and operations with Penn State College of Medicine, the University's medical school.
Connections working at Penn State Health - Physician Recruitment
https://careers.pasa-asf.org/jobs/16017283/staff-physician-hematology-oncology


text:
Think twice before leaving home
Vaccine scam warning
COVID-19 Fund launched to help communities
Support for children and young people not in school
Have yourself a #BrewMonday
Advice to "think twice" before leaving home
Devon's Director of Public Health, Steve Brown, has called on us all to be extra vigilant in following the Government's COVID-19 lockdown rules, and to "think twice" before we leave our homes.
This follows a stark warning from the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, that the next few weeks will be "the worst" of the pandemic for the NHS, and that the UK will go through the "most dangerous time" in the weeks before the vaccination rollout has an impact.
Steve Brown said:
"I completely understand how difficult this dreadful situation is for so many people in Devon, but please, I am urging you to help stop the spread of coronavirus by staying at home and to think twice before leaving your homes.
"Every time you leave your home you risk coming into contact with an infected person or touching a surface, door handle or petrol pump which may be contaminated. Any one of these interactions could be a crucial link in the chain of transmission which could lead to someone becoming seriously ill or dying from COVID-19.
"Traffic flow figures indicate that more people are moving around the county during this lockdown and while there are times when we all need to make essential journeys for childcare, work, medical appointments and food, we also need to consider if other journeys are essential.
"And while it's really important to take daily exercise in the fresh air for physical and mental wellbeing, please stay as close to home as possible – ideally start and finish your exercise at your front door – and if you meet another person from another household to join you on your exercise, make sure you stay two metres apart at all times."
New Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine being given to first patients in Devon
The new Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine was given to the first people in Devon last week, with thousands more doses expected to be administered in the coming days and weeks.
Unlike the Pfizer vaccine, the first to be approved, the Oxford vaccine does not need to be stored at ultra-low temperatures and is much easier to move, making it more straight forward for the NHS in Devon to vaccinate people in care homes.
The vaccine has been trialled at selected hospitals nationwide for surveillance purposes before being sent out to hundreds of community-based local vaccination services across the country.
In Devon, the first batches of the Oxford vaccination were received by some of the county's GP-led local vaccination centres on 7 January and were given to priority groups, including care home residents, from 8 January. Other local centres will receive the vaccine in coming days.
Deliveries of the Pfizer vaccination continue, with thousands of doses also being given each day across the county.
For information on public and community transport options to access the vaccination sites across Devon please visit Travel Devon's website.
Public warned about vaccine scam
Trading Standards is warning the public to be on their guard following reports that fraudsters are sending out fake texts offering a COVID-19 vaccine in an attempt to steal bank details.
The text offers a link to what police call an "extremely convincing" fake NHS website.
Once on the website people are asked to input their bank details to register for a vaccine.
The scam message reads; 'we have identified that you are eligible to apply for your vaccine' and then prompts you to click on a link for further information or to 'apply' for the vaccine.
If you receive a text or email that asks you to click on a link or for you to provide information, such as your name, credit card or bank details, delete it immediately.
Remember, the NHS will never ask for your payment details.
Devon County Council is working with partners to ensure that rapid '30 minute' community testing for people without COVID-19 symptoms will soon be available across Devon.
It follows the Government announcement on January 10 that it is expanding asymptomatic community testing across the UK.
Approximately one in three people who have coronavirus do not display symptoms.
Community testing will help to find individuals who have COVID-19 but do not have symptoms and may inadvertently be spreading the virus so need to isolate.
A positive or negative result will not remove the need to follow existing COVID measures socially and in the workplace.
Organisations and employers who have staff and workers who would be eligible for testing are encouraged to register their details. Further information and updates are available on the Devon County Council website.
Laptops and data
The Department for Education (DfE) is providing additional laptops and tablets to support children who do not already have access to a device for remote learning.
Parents, carers and pupils cannot apply directly for laptops and tablets but they can contact their school who can request one on their behalf. The offer is to children considered to be vulnerable or disadvantaged, so please speak to your school about eligibility for a device. Secondary schools have already been invited by the Government to order laptops and tablets, and primary schools will be invited to order them over coming weeks, starting in the most disadvantaged areas in England.
The DfE is also providing support for pupils who have no internet access or who cannot afford increased data charges. Again, you can talk to your school, early help or social worker about how to access this support. Further information on this scheme is available.
The Government has said it is going to provide extra funding to support schools to provide food parcels or meals to children who are eligible for free school meals.
Where schools cannot offer food parcels or use local solutions, a national voucher scheme will be in place so that eligible children, who meet the qualification criteria due to low income, can access free school meals while they are remotely learning from home.
Further details on the national voucher scheme.
In Devon, schools are working with their catering providers so that meals continue to be available to any eligible pupils still attending school – including all infants and those receiving benefits-related free school meals – as well as to eligible pupils who are now learning from home.
GCSEs and A and AS Level exams will not go ahead this summer, the Education Secretary has confirmed. Instead, there will be some form of teacher-assessed grading. The details of how that will happen are not yet finalised.
Students studying for vocational and technical qualifications should hear from their schools or colleges about their January exams and assessments.
Student attendance in schools is currently about 26 per cent in primary schools and 10 per cent in secondary schools, which includes both local authority schools and academies. There are about 93,000 children in school in Devon, approximately 56,000 in primaries and 37,000 in secondaries.
Devon County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Schools, James McInnes, said:
"Heads and school staff are working really hard to ensure that children are able to learn, whether that's in the classroom or virtually.
"The coronavirus crisis has worsened considerably since Christmas and guidelines are having to change to take account of that so our schools are coping with regularly changing advice.
"But many heads and teachers are innovating with real flair. Some schools in Devon are streaming live classroom lessons to children at home and others are recording lessons so that families can make use of them at a time which is convenient to them. That's particularly helpful if parents are working at home and only have limited devices.
"I know combining classroom learning with virtual learning is adding to teachers' workload, but I'm glad to see more children actually coming to school than in the last lockdown. It means parents are confident that we've done all we can to make schools safe and it's good for children's mental health and wellbeing, as well as their learning, to be with their friends."
Devon County Council has launched its third round of COVID-19 funding to help provide valuable financial support to organisations working in communities that have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
The scheme sees grants of up to £700 available.
The funding aims to help voluntary and community groups to tackle the social and economic impacts of the virus outbreak and help those who are most vulnerable in their communities. The funding can be used to address issues such as:
Safe deliveries of essential goods and services to people who are isolating or vulnerable, for example food and medicine.
Supporting people to access online information and services.
Starting virtual support groups to help people who are isolated to stay connected and to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Devon Start Up Programme for Social Entrepreneurs
A new, free support programme has been launched in Devon to help those who are unemployed or at risk of losing their jobs and considering starting their own social enterprise.
Devon County Council and The School for Social Entrepreneurs – Dartington are working together on the Social Entrepreneurs Start Up Programme which aims to provide local people with the skills, confidence and support they need to establish a social enterprise and make a difference to their local communities.
Participants in the online learning initiative, which is made up of 10 weekday sessions spread over eight weeks, will have the chance to learn from experts and existing entrepreneurs. These experts teach resilience, and create a supportive network of people who understand the challenges they are facing.
Listening Ear – wellbeing support for Devon businesses
Running a business is stressful at the best of times. Running a business during a pandemic is even harder. Listening Ear is a new service for Devon businesses that offers people a safe space to chat about those challenges on the telephone.
The new Listening Ear service is run by Devon Communities Together and is a place for you to share your feelings and experiences about running a business in these uncertain times.
Listening Ear is not there to offer business advice; they provide a friendly, impartial listening ear so you can talk about whatever you feel you need to. Experienced volunteers will provide a supportive ear and will also be able to signpost you to other services if you need them.
Your wellbeing is important to both your health and your work life. Talking to a Listening Ear volunteer is a way for you to prioritise your wellbeing.
Book your Listening Ear appointment. Or if you would like to learn more about the service, please contact info@devoncommunities.org.uk or call 01392 248919.
BBC shares five ways to stay positive during lockdown
The BBC is helping to lift people's spirits by sharing hints and tips for staying positive during the third national lockdown.
The new lockdown in England and similar restrictions across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are adding to the gloom of winter – a season that can be tough for many people even in normal times.
However, the country's leading mental health experts say there are things that many of us can do to give ourselves a lift.
They advise us to keep moving, stop over-thinking, set ourselves a new target, talk things over with a friend, family member or colleague (virtually or at a social distance) and to do things badly, as opposed to never at all.
Olivia Remes of Cambridge University says:
"Our inner voice of criticism continually stops us from doing worthwhile things. Jump straight into action. Do things and accept that they might initially be done badly. When you do that, most of the time the results are actually not that bad – and they're almost always better than doing nothing."
Read more about the ways you can stay positive during lockdown.
Blue Monday is the name given to supposedly the 'most depressing day of the year'. In previous years, this might have been because of finances being stretched after the Christmas period, or maybe motivation was dwindling because of the shorter days and darker evenings.
This year's Blue Monday (18 January) is even more significant because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. To help turn the day on its head and into something positive, Samaritans is hosting Brew Monday, which will kick off on 18 January and encourage us all to get together over a warming virtual cuppa.
Reach out to a friend, family member or colleague for a virtual cuppa and a chat. It doesn't have to be a Monday or a cup of tea, just taking time to really listen to another person could help them work through what's on their mind.
Because now more than ever, sharing a cuppa is more than a drink – it's about reaching out, checking in and staying connected.
For more information on Samaritans Brew Monday visit the Samaritans website and follow the conversation online by following #BrewMonday.
And finally, some non-COVID related news… have your say on the Carbon Plan
The Devon Climate Emergency project aims to create a resilient net-zero carbon Devon – where people and nature thrive.
In response to the climate emergency, a range of local public, private and voluntary organisations have put together a plan for our county to reach net-zero emissions.
The suggested plan includes improving air quality through electrification of vehicles, home insulation, encouraging healthier lifestyles, availability of green space and much more.
Implementing this plan will require collaboration between all corners of our community, and so we are keen to hear what you think. The draft plan is available now for you to have your say on our net-zero future.
The latest national advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) is available on the
Government website and NHS website.
You can find local guidance and information about the impacts on our services on the Devon County Council website.
January 14, 2021	by Sharon - Website Administrator in CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
New national lockdown announced
The vaccination programme gathers pace
Top-up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses
Guidance for people identified as being clinically extremely vulnerable
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has announced a national lockdown in response to rising case numbers of coronavirus across the UK.
In short, that means that you should stay at home as much as possible and only leave your house for essential reasons, such as shopping for food and drink and other essential items; working, if it's not possible for you to work from home; exercise; to seek medical assistance; and to escape domestic abuse.
Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, said:
"Devon residents have done well over the Christmas and New Year period to help prevent the sharp rise in positive cases that many other parts of the country are currently experiencing. While case numbers here in Devon are relatively low compared to many parts of the country, we are still seeing cases rise.
"The new strain of coronavirus is exceptionally good at spreading between people, which is why the government is imposing new national restrictions requiring everyone to stay at home as much as possible and to minimise their time with others, except those in their immediate household or bubble.
"I ask everyone to pull together and to follow the new national lockdown restrictions, the details of which we will learn more about over the next day or so.
"Please, stay at home and only go out when you need to, and minimise your contact with other people. If you must be outside, please continue to follow social distancing rules, wear a face covering in public places, and wash your hands properly and regularly."
Devon County Council Leader's pledge on lockdown
Devon County Council stands ready to help those who are most badly affected by the latest lockdown, council Leader John Hart has declared.
And he appealed to everyone in the county to abide by the rules and defeat the latest virulent strain of the virus.
Mr Hart said the arrangements that had been made during the first two lockdowns were already in place to support the vulnerable and elderly.
Team Devon was set up as a partnership between the county, district councils and other organisations to determine which group could best help people quickly and effectively.
"I know so many people have already been badly affected by this terrible virus and the measures we've had to take to try to control it.
"Grandparents haven't seen their grandchildren, families have had to balance working at home with helping to care for their children and those children have missed out on learning and seeing their friends at school.
"And now we are asking them to make those sacrifices all over again. So I want to be clear that we stand ready to do all we can to help those most badly affected by this lockdown, as we did in the two lockdowns last year.
"At least this time we can see some light at the end of the tunnel with the vaccination programme, which I hope the government will ensure is rolled out at speed."
We have updated our webpages with guidance for people identified as being clinically extremely vulnerable.
The lockdown advice is for people to stay at home as much as possible. If you are identified as being clinically extremely vulnerable, that means that you should not attend work, school, college or university, and that you should limit the time you spend outside of your home.
That includes not going to the shops. Our webpages have information to help you while you are shielding, including support for shopping, accessing health services, and advice for people who are currently employed.
Thousands of people in Devon are being vaccinated against COVID-19 every day as the biggest vaccination programme in the history of the NHS gathers pace.
All four of the county's main hospitals, in Plymouth, Exeter, Torquay and Barnstaple, are now offering the vaccination to inpatients in priority groups, as well as frontline staff.
In addition, GP practices are working in groups to set up local vaccination centres. Across the county, 16 centres are now in operation, serving 104 surgeries, with more starting soon to cover the remaining parts of the county and ensure all eligible people are offered the vaccine.
Large-scale vaccination centres serving wide areas are also planned and more details will follow shortly.
The rollout of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in Devon will take place as soon as possible, with some practices due to give it to local people towards the end of this week.
Unlike the Pfizer vaccine, the first to be licenced, the Oxford vaccine does not need to be stored at ultra-low temperatures and is much less complicated to move, making it easier to use in care homes and vaccine people who are housebound.
Care home residents and staff were set as the highest priority group by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. In addition to the Oxford vaccine, local vaccination services are being issued with small packs of Pfizer jabs which can be used in care homes.
In the meantime, there are four main things that people in Devon can do to help the NHS give the vaccine to as many local people as possible:
Please choose the right service for your needs as GPs are now managing extra pressures from the vaccine programme. Consider self-care for minor illnesses and injuries; pharmacists for illnesses like diarrhoea, earache, painful cough, sticky eye, teething and rashes; and local minor injury services. You will still get a face-to-face appointment at your local practice if your GP thinks you need one, and you should only go to hospital A&E departments in an emergency.
Attend all appointments, whether it is for a vaccine, to see your GP or at hospital, unless you are personally contacted by your provider and told otherwise.
Follow government rules – the vaccines are a wonderful development, but we are not out of the woods yet. Remember 'Hands Face Space' and act as if you have COVID, even after you've been vaccinated
Don't make things harder for the NHS by calling your local hospital or GP practice about getting the vaccine – the NHS will contact you when it's your turn.
For more information visit the Together for Devon website.
Schools to stay open for vulnerable children and children of key workers
Schools, colleges, special schools, and alternative provision in Devon will remain open during lockdown for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers.
While there continues to be a low risk that children will be severely affected by COVID-19, the government recognises that schools must be included in the restrictions in order to have the best chance of getting the virus under control.
Early Years provision will remain open during lockdown for all children so families should not see a change in their pattern of attendance. This includes Childminders, Nurseries, Pre-Schools, Maintained Nursery Schools and School Nurseries.
For all other school-aged children, from Wednesday 6 January all primary schools, secondary schools and colleges will move to remote learning.
All children who are entitled to free school meals will still be able to receive them, even if they are not attending school and are at home.
However, the way this service is provided may vary and parents and guardians are advised to contact their school for more details.
BBC to put lessons on TV during lockdown
The BBC is helping children keep up with their studies during the latest lockdown, by broadcasting lessons on BBC Two and CBBC, as well as online.
Schools are open only to children of key workers and vulnerable children, with most children now continuing their learning remotely from home.
The BBC will show curriculum-based programmes on TV from Monday.
They will include three hours of primary school programming every weekday on CBBC, and at least two hours for secondary pupils on BBC Two.
During the first lockdown, lessons were available in iPlayer, red button and online, but not on regular TV channels.
The move comes amid concerns that low-income families may struggle to afford data packages for their children to take part in online learning.
Temporary closure of libraries
Devon's libraries will be temporarily closed from today, following the implementation of the latest lockdown.
As well as temporarily closing the buildings, Libraries Unlimited is also suspending its Devon Mobile Library service and Home Library Service in Devon and Books on Wheels in Torbay.
If you are currently borrowing a book, CD or DVD from your local library, you can keep hold of them until the libraries re-open and loans have been extended to Monday 29 March.
To find out more about the temporary closure of libraries in Devon and Torbay, please visit the Libraries Unlimited webpages.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, announced this week one-off top-up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth up to £9,000 per property to help businesses through to Spring.
A £594 million discretionary fund has also been made available to support impacted businesses.
The grants are expected to benefit more than 600,000 business properties, worth £4 billion in total across the UK.
Further funding is being made available to support businesses not eligible for the grants, that might be affected by the restrictions.
The Leader of Devon County Council, Cllr Hart said he welcomed the Chancellor's new package of aid for the hospitality industry.
"I have been calling for the government to provide specific help for hospitality businesses which are so vital to Devon and the South West but we need to see all the details. Many of these small businesses are already on their knees and they may need more support," he said.
As we adjust again to staying at home more, and minimising our contacts outside of the home, it's important that we remember to take care of our minds as well as our bodies.
It's perfectly normal to feel anxious or worried right now, whether that's about our own health or that of family members or friends. If you live alone, you may be feeling an even greater sense of isolation or loneliness.
Staying at home is difficult, but you are helping to protect yourself and others by doing so.
Every Mind Matters has some helpful information online to support us through this time, whether that's regarding concerns you may have about your finances, or ensuring that you or others have the supplies or support you need, or staying connected with others.
Take a moment to look at the advice it provides. We are all in this together, and it's important that we take time to look after ourselves mentally, as well as physically.
We've covered this before, but as we're back in similar circumstances, we're running it again.
We must stay at home as much as possible. That's the new norm. But being outside is also so important for our physical and mental wellbeing. So how do we ensure that we do that safely?
Ordnance Survey launched a brilliant thing last year, and they've updated it this week. It's a guide to getting outside safely during coronavirus, and right now, during lockdown.
The outdoors is still open, and we're all being encouraged to get outside and stay local for our physical and mental health.
Just type in the location you're interested in, (eg Devon) and then choose what outdoor activity you're interested in, (eg walking), and it gives you the latest advice for walking in Devon – what's permitted, what's not, and helpful suggestions along the way.
The key is in knowing how to minimise risk to yourself and others when outside. Remember, you are allowed outdoor exercise, but choose less busy places to go, and follow the guidance – social distancing, wear your face covering in enclosed spaces, and wash your hands well as soon as you're back indoors.
January 7, 2021	by Sharon - Website Administrator in CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
Temporary prohibition of through traffic – Borough Road
Please see amended notice regarding the Borough Road School Street Trial per the link below:-
Borough Road amended noticeDownload
We contacted Devon County Council for clarification regarding this, please see Cllr Andrew Saywell's response below:-
"The original Notice has been amended to add the timings of the closures as per the TTRO's for the other School Streets so that its clear it's not all day and to add Matthew McDonald's contact details as he is the DCC Officer for the scheme, so if anyone has any questions they can call him.
DCC spoke to the school today and Bluecoats will wait until the school fully reopens to all pupils before starting the School Street but at least the TTRO is in place ready for when they start.
The timing of the lockdown hasn't helped and like all schools Bluecoats are busy with Covid remote learning arrangements so we DCC will now send the letter to the residents by Royal Mail on Bluecoats behalf, and they will let the parents know about the trial. DCC aim to have the letters posted tomorrow.
Matthew prepared some Q&A's below which you may wish to use if publicising this any further.
What are School Streets?
A School Street is where a road outside a school temporarily closes to motor vehicles at specific times of day. This opens streets to families on foot, cycle or scooter at school drop off and pick up times.
Why School Streets?
School Streets help to give families the space they need to get to school safely. To improve road safety and to maintain social distancing that is needed to restrict the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
By making a safer, cleaner, more pleasant environment, School Streets also increases the likelihood that children will walk or cycle to school instead of by car.
Fewer car trips to and from school will help to improve air quality, encourage more exercise, reduce congestion at peak times and reduce road traffic collisions.
How will School Streets support physical distancing?
School Streets create safe space outside a school. Removing through traffic and parents' cars creates space to allow for social distancing. This would prevent parents and children having to gather in confined spaces at the school gates.
This makes it easier for children and their families to travel by foot, cycle or scooter to school. A road free from vehicles could typically gain an extra seven metre wide space for pedestrians.
How will School Streets work?
Specific streets around the participating schools will temporarily become pedestrian and cycle only zones at set times in the morning and afternoon.
Motor vehicles will not be allowed to enter the section of street during the times of operation, except for in certain circumstances set out below.
The road will be closed using a combination of cones and expandable barriers placed across the road closure point. The street closure will be marshalled by school staff and volunteers.
Why have we not been consulted about the School Streets?
These School Streets schemes are being implemented as emergency measures to enable social distancing and help families travel to school safely.
Depending on the type of Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) used, and because the UK government has relaxed TRO regulations as part of its Covid-19 response, local authorities are able to implement road closures quickly and flexibly.
This does not mean consultation will not take place. Children, parents, residents and local businesses will be able to have their say on how the scheme might develop, what might be changed and whether it becomes permanent.
As a parent/carer taking my child to school, can I drive into the School Street?
During the restricted times, you will not be allowed to enter the School Street in a vehicle, unless you have a valid access need. For example if you:
Are a Blue Badge holder (or your child is)
Have a permit to park issued by the school.
Are a resident of the School Street.
Work in a business premises on the School Street.
You will still be able to walk, cycle or scoot to school. If that's not an option for you, you will be able to drive and park nearby and walk the final section. Some schools may have set up a Park and Stride scheme to make this even easier.
What about visitors to the school or residents on the street?
We are asking visitors to try and time their arrivals and departures outside of the closure times to make more space for physical distancing as children and their families arrive at or leave school.
During the restricted times, we will ask visitors to park further away unless they are blue badge holders.
However, if a visitor is already in the School Street area before the restriction start time, they can leave the street at any time.
Who will still be able to access the street?
The temporary access restrictions will not apply to:
– Residents who live on the street
– Blue Badge holders
– Emergency services
– Parents or carers with an exemption (provided by the school on a case by case basis)
– Doctors and care visitors to residents in the street
– Business owners with premises in the street
– Business, school staff, or others accessing on-premises parking
– Contracted school transport
– Businesses making deliveries
– Tradespeople doing work to a home on the street.
However, we ask any drivers permitted to enter the scheme to try to time their arrivals and departures outside of the closure times. This will reduce the number of vehicles on the street while families are arriving at or leaving school.
I hope that is helpful. Lastly, please be assured that if the scheme does not work we can always stop it before the end of the TTRO".
Cllr Andrew Saywell, andrew.saywell@devon.gov.uk
January 7, 2021	by Sharon - Website Administrator in Road closure/roadwork notices
Temporary Prohibition of Parking, Waiting, Loading & Unloading – New Road/part Calf Street
Please click link below for more information regarding the planned prohibition of parking, waiting, loading and unloading on New Road & part of Calf Street between Monday 18th January 2021 and Friday 22nd January 2021 to enable cleaning, jetting and surveying of the highway drainage system:-
New Road & Calf Street Drainage WorksDownload
Coronavirus case numbers in Devon rise again
A thank you to the people of Devon
New Year message of hope
Changes to Christmas restrictions
Secondary schools and colleges to receive rapid tests
New mental wellbeing services for Devon businesses
Rising case numbers likely to continue unless further restrictions are put in place
Devon has seen a 55 per cent increase in the number of cases of coronavirus over the last week. The highest case rate since the county's previous peak mid-November.
And Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon (Designate), warns that the rise is likely to continue unless further restrictions are put in place.
He describes the new variant of the virus as a cause for concern because it is easily transmitted. While there are some cases of the new strain in the South West, it is not the dominant strain in Devon at present.
Mr Brown said:
"We are keeping this closely monitored.
"It is vital that whatever you are doing over the Christmas period, that you follow the government guidance.
"Obviously on Christmas day you're able to form a Christmas bubble, which is bringing together a maximum of three households. But this relaxation in the restrictions is only for Christmas Day and it ends at midnight on the Friday 25 December.
"None of us can afford to lower our guard at all, so please act as though you may well have the virus.
"Remember to social distance, wash your hands regularly and wear face coverings when you are indoors in public spaces."
Listen to Steve Brown's update on coronavirus in Devon this week.
Devon's Leader pays tribute to the thousands of workers on the front line
The Leader of Devon County Council and Chairman of the county's Local Outbreak Engagement Board, Cllr John Hart says a huge thank you to the people of Devon and pledges to do everything he can to support Devon's local businesses, especially those in the tourism and hospitality industries.
"I would like to thank all Devon residents, and particularly pay tribute to the thousands of keyworkers on the frontline – our wonderful NHS staff, care workers and our teachers – for their incredible resilience this year, and their commitment to each other to get through this pandemic.
"I know from talking to local people just how difficult this year has been for so many individuals and families, struggling to keep themselves safe while overcoming financial and psychological challenges.
"People are already doing so much, and it is asking a lot when things look so bleak, but I urge everyone to keep up that resolve and determination over the Christmas period and into the New Year.
"The roll-out of vaccines should provide us all with hope but realistically it won't be until the spring that this begins to have a significant impact.
"I also pay tribute to our local businesses for their remarkable efforts to adapt, keep their customers safe and stay afloat.
"I remain deeply concerned about the toll that all this is taking on many businesses and the impact that continued restrictions are having on our Devon economy, especially for those in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
"I am very aware how difficult a year it has been for them, and sadly this now looks set to continue for some time. Many of our local hospitality businesses are really struggling, and unless there is more help from the government, many of these businesses may simply not survive.
"We will continue to work together as 'Team Devon' with District Councils, business leaders and our MPs to find ways to ensure that there is as much help and support as possible for those worst affected as we move into 2021."
A New Year message of hope from Public Health Devon and NHS Devon
Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon (Designate) and Dr Rob Dyer, Medical Director of NHS Devon, give a New Year message of hope for the future.
In a joint address, the two look back at the year from early images of coronavirus in Wuhan, and its march across Europe, through to it becoming part of all of our daily lives in Devon.
They talk about the winter pressures on the NHS, and the impact that coronavirus is having on current services. They also talk about the vaccine and hopes for the future.
They remind us to 'take care, and think of others' this Christmas.
"We have come so far. Let's now prepare for the coming few months, so we can get through them together and look ahead to a happier, healthier year ahead."
Read their New Year message in full on our News Centre.
Tightening of restrictions and Christmas bubbles
At the weekend the Prime Minister gave a statement on a new, more easily transmissible variant of coronavirus, tougher restrictions for parts of England with a new 'Tier 4: Stay at Home Alert Level' and changes to guidance for everyone for the Christmas period.
If you missed it, you can catch up with the full announcement on the government's website.
Those in Tier 4 areas in England cannot meet other people indoors unless they live with them or they are part of their support bubble and they cannot form a Christmas bubble.
You can make a Christmas bubble with two other households if you live in Tier 1, 2 or 3 for one day only on Christmas Day (Friday 25 December), but it should not include anyone who lives in Tier 4.
The government has said you should consider carefully the risks of travelling at all and if you live in an area with a high prevalence of the virus you should avoid travelling to lower prevalence areas where possible.
It is vital that we each take personal responsibility this Christmas to limit the spread of the virus and protect our loved ones, particularly if they are vulnerable.
The safest way to celebrate Christmas this year is with your household or existing support bubble in your home. If you do form a Christmas bubble with people you don't normally live with, try to keep it as small as possible because the more people you see, the more likely it is that you will catch or spread coronavirus.
One in three people who have coronavirus have no symptoms and will be spreading it without realising it, so you should think very carefully about the risks and only form a Christmas bubble if you feel you absolutely need to.
Wherever possible, discuss alternatives to meeting up in person, and if you do meet people you do not live with, it is important to do so outdoors where possible, or to make sure that any indoor venue has good ventilation (for example by opening windows so that fresh air can enter).
There are different rules on making a Christmas bubble if you live in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
There's full updated guidance about Christmas bubbles on the government website.
You can also find out more about what you can and can't do in each local restriction tier on the government's website.
From January, the government is making rapid coronavirus testing kits available to secondary schools and colleges in England, as well as special schools and alternative provision.
These are the tests that provide results in about 30 minutes.
It's optional for schools, so some may decide not to do it, but some schools will choose to have the tests.
Their purpose is to quickly identify whether a pupil or staff member has coronavirus, and therefore avoid unnecessary periods of self-isolation and absence from school.
For example, where pupils are currently asked to self-isolate because they've been in close contact with a positive case, these tests would confirm whether those contacts have caught the virus. If they were negative, they would not need to self-isolate and would be able to still attend school.
The testing is optional – it would require parents' or carers' consent before a child receives the test.
Devon's Head of Education and Learning, Dawn Stabb, has written an open letter to parents and carers explaining what we know so far about the government's roll out of the tests to schools and colleges, and what it might mean to families with pupils returning in the New Year.
Schools that decide to have the test kits have a lot of work to do to prepare over Christmas to be ready for January. The government has said that secondary schools can put in place an additional non-pupil day, and most schools will do this on Monday 4 January. We support this decision as testing offers the opportunity for fewer students having to self-isolate.
We understand that the government's plan is to roll out rapid testing to primary schools in the spring.
A Devon charity is launching a pilot 'Listening Ear' service to provide a safe space for local business owners to chat about the challenges of running a business during a pandemic.
We've worked with Devon Communities Together to develop the service for business owners to have somebody to talk to about their general stresses and concerns, especially if they would rather not talk to their family and friends about these issues.
From the New Year, business owners who feel they would benefit from having someone to talk to will be able to register with Listening Ear and access the benefits of a conversation with a friendly, experienced volunteer, who will also be able to signpost to other services if needed.
It's not business advice, it's about having someone friendly, impartial and supportive to talk to about whatever you feel you need, and to be signposted to other services if you need them.
Several volunteers have been recruited already, but a high demand for the service is anticipated, so if you have experience in running a business, providing professional services for businesses, or are an experienced coach, mentor or counsellor, Devon Communities Together would love to hear from you.
Please email info@devoncommunities.org.uk or call 01392 248919 if you would like to find out more about becoming a Listening Ear volunteer or feel you could benefit from talking to one of their volunteers. The office will be closed from Thursday 24 December until Monday 4 January but messages will be responded to as soon as possible in the New Year.
Help share translated advice to non-English speakers
Community influencers and leaders who speak languages other than English are being encouraged to use social media to share the latest coronavirus advice within their communities.
We have produced information about how to stop the spread of coronavirus in a range of community languages aimed at residents who may not speak English fluently and struggle to access the latest guidance.
The languages available include Arabic, Bengali, Bulgarian, Chinese (simplified), Farsi (Persian), Hungarian, Kurdish (Sorani), Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Tamil, Thai, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese and Tagalog.
The guidance includes social distancing, hygiene, face coverings, what to do if you have COVID-19, how to book a test and support for self-isolating.
You can find the translated resources on our website.
Self-isolating and testing for coronavirus
Coronavirus won't stop just because it's Christmas, so the rules around self-isolating and testing won't stop either.
If you develop any of the symptoms of coronavirus (high temperature, new continuous cough, loss or change in sense of smell or taste), you must follow the government guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection.
This includes booking a free NHS swab test immediately to check if you have it, and self-isolating until you get the results.
You should also make sure you are familiar with how the NHS Test and Trace service works if you test positive for coronavirus or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive.
The NHS Test and Trace service will be open every day over Christmas and the New Year, providing and processing tests for those who need them and tracing contacts of positive cases.
Lots of public services remain open over the festive period, although operating times may be reduced.
You can find our Customer Service Centre's Christmas opening hours on our website.
There's also information about our social care services over Christmas.
If you need to contact your GP practice please check their online services. You can book appointments, request sick notes and order repeat prescriptions and download the NHS App. You can also save time and consult with your GP practice online via their website. Alternatively, you can phone them.
If you need think you need to go to A&E, call 111 first or click www.111.nhs.uk. Clinicians will advise you on where to go, or what to do next, and can book a time to attend a service – such as a hospital, pharmacy or GP practice – where appropriate.
Many minor illnesses and injuries like coughs, colds, grazes, small cuts or a sore throat can be treated at home or in holiday accommodation. Be prepared for common health problems by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet.
Pharmacists advise and treat illnesses like hay fever, diarrhoea, earache, painful cough, sticky eye, teething and rashes. By visiting your pharmacy, you can avoid an unnecessary trip to your GP or A&E and save time. Find your nearest pharmacy online and check their opening arrangements over Christmas and New Year.
Please forward this email to anyone you think would find it useful and encourage them to sign up.
December 23, 2020	by Sharon - Website Administrator in CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
"One Great Torrington" Website
in Food & Drink, Leisure & Culture, Torrington General, Torrington Organisations, Torrington Schools, Torrington Sports, Torrington Tourism
Great Torrington Memory Cafe
Torrington Methodist Church, Windy Cross, Mill Street, Torrington, EX38 8AL
Castle Gardens Surgery
Castle Hill Gardens, Torrington, Devon, EX38 8EU


Rilee & Lo's unique, stretch-link design for its metal Apple Watch bands is patent-pending for a reason. Choose the correct size and this stainless-steel band slips on and off your wrist seamlessly and fits like a proverbial glove.
The company's exclusive bands for Apple Watch fuse tech and style brilliantly, and are designed for both men and women. Made of stainless steel with stunning finishes including gold, rose gold, silver, gunmetal, black and navy.
Rilee & Lo's luxury bands are manufactured with precision and intended to up the ante in Apple Watch straps. Designed by owners Johanna Ferguson and Nick Grossi, who have both worked in tech and jewelry design, found a natural marriage of the two genres in Rilee & Lo.
Available for all Apple Watch models.
Available in XS/S, S/M, M/L, L/XL. M/L is the most popular size for men.


At Ekko Custom Cabinetry & Design, we are constantly monitoring current design trends for great new ideas that we can use to enhance our customer's vision and provide a space that will stand the test of timeless good taste. With this in mind, we just reviewed a great article on the top kitchen cabinet styles, colours & trends for 2019, in the Jan. 16, 2019 edition of "Houzz" written by Erin Carlyle on Jan. 16, 2019.
Houzz has accumulated data throughout 2018 and surveyed more than 1337 renovating homeowners as part of Houzz's "2019 U.S. Kitchen Trends Study". Here is what they've found to be the "Top of the Kitchen Wish List in 2018".
Some of the most popular choices in 2018 included transitional styles, flat panel shaker-style designs, custom cabinetry, (again) white cabinets (with woods gaining in popularity), Pantries and Islands with wood floors and accent coloured cabinets. For the purposes of this blog, we will only relate to cabinetry and countertops due to their relative influence on designs and layouts.
1.) "Transitional" is Still the Most Popular Kitchen Style but other design trends are gaining as 82% of homeowners who are renovating are changing styles as part of the project. "Contemporary" has again come in second with "Farmhouse" coming in as a close third. "Traditional", "Modern" and "Craftsman" selections round out the style selections.
2.) "Shaker" (57%) and other recessed panel door designs continue to be the top choice for cabinets. "Flat-panel" (19%) contemporary or modern designs are gaining in market share, particularly with the younger participants in the study. "Raised-panel" (16%) traditional designs round out the door design selection choices.
3.) Two in 5 homeowners (41%) remodeling their kitchens are choosing custom cabinets, while 33% are choosing semicustom cabinets. Only 12% are choosing stock cabinets while the remaining 10% are making ready-to-assemble choices.
4.) Colour preferences seem to be strongly affected by door style selections. White (or permeations of the white spectrum) continue to be the #1 (43%) choice for renovating. Stained woods (25%) and Gray-tones (11%) round out the most selected colour choices. We have noticed a strong movement to unique accent colours in painted or stained finishes - particularly in selections where the primary design incorporates more traditional painted finishes. These selections offer a much more personal design note to decorate to. As well, we've noticed a much wider array of colour options available in the contemporary or modern door selections with a strong influence from European designers and manufacturers.
5.) Pantry Cabinets (40%) and Islands (38%) have become the most popular built-in features. The reasons are widely varied from practical storage, to practical additional and accessible work space, to a sensational design and layout feature. Quick access to efficient storage is a welcome addition to any working kitchen. "Breakfast or Lunch" bars have been requested 19% of the time. These features can provide additional work space or invite the family and friends in for visiting, homework help or "catch-up" time while meals are being prepared.
At Ekko Custom Cabinetry and Design, we strive to exceed your expectations. Whatever the reason for your renovation, consider this as an investment in your life and home – do it right the first time – you'll be rewarded in your quality of life and the ultimate boost in your real estate value. Our custom kitchen and bath design staff can help you through a process that will give you the space you have dreamed of ……. and deserve.


Can technology companies show up and disrupt television with an onslaught of new gizmos and services, or is content still the controlling factor? What will it take in terms of money, business model and time to upend the TV model that has stubbornly persisted for decades? Will the old platforms and players dominate, or is now the time for new players to take charge? Benedict Evans and Zal Bilimoria discuss the future of television.


Relationship between Coinbase and WikiLeaks is still going worse. For instance, Coinbase has blocked out WikiLeaks lately from accepting payments in Bitcoin via its store. In its turn WikiLeaks has announced global blockade for the crypto service that is to start next week and called it "an unfit member of the crypto community".
It was a nasty surprise for many to learn that Coinbase ceased processing Bitcoin transfers for WikiLeaks store. Coinbase believes, the store violates from the company's policy. The statement is yet quite vague and leaves much for speculation. The crypto community in general was discontented with such an explanation.
Good is that Coinbase tries to follow strict rules imposed by FinCEN but the measure may lead the business into trouble in long term. The situation has already frayed the nerves of the community.
The latter one considers the case to prove that Coinbase wants to secure more control over Bitcoin future. Along with corporations and centralized institutions of crypto industry making a figure they are major concern for decentralization. To date this is the most urgent threat for the whole industry at least until decentralized exchanges become standard practice.


text:
//March 19, 2019
Business leaders remain unconvinced by Valley Gardens road revamp
Business leaders and taxi drivers questioned the benefits of the third phase of the Valley Gardens project in the centre of Brighton. Members of the Valley Gardens Forum, which represents residents and businesses in the Old Steine area, also spoke about their fears to councillors...
Posted On 19 Mar 2019 at 9:11 pm
, By Sarah Booker-Lewis, local democracy reporter
Event organisers slate consultation over Valley Gardens
Representatives of event organisers and businesses in central Brighton were outraged when told that they had been consulted about changes to the layout of the Valley Gardens area. One of them told councillors that they were being kept in the dark with less than two months before...
The Who tribute band offer no 'substitute' for 'my generation'
WHO ARE YOU – THE CON CLUB, LEWES 16.03.19 One might think that being of a musically punk/psychobilly leaning, that a band that was the cornerstone of any self-respecting MOD in concert would not be the place to spend an evening, but with age comes wisdom, or so I am told,...
, By Nick Tutt
Upside Down House attraction set for Brighton seafront
An upside down house in which people can take pictures of themselves lying on the "ceiling" is set to be built on Brighton seafront. Plans have been submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council to build the Upside Down House in the event space between the i360 and...
, By Jo Wadsworth
Bayonne wows Brighton with mesmerising concert
BAYONNE + VIKTOR MAGICK – THE HOPE & RUIN, BRIGHTON 18.03.19 It's been quite a while since we have seen a performance by Bayonne, who is namely Roger Sellers who hails from Austin Texas. Last time he graced us with his presence was a brief thirty minute set at the...
, By Nick Linazasoro
Kemp Town Carnival faces opposition to street bars proposal
Street bars could turn a family-friendly festival into a "drunken filthy orgy", neighbours fear. Neighbours and Sussex Police are opposing a licence bid by Kemp Town Carnival for six or seven bars outside pubs between Upper Rock Gardens and Eaton Place during the...
Foodies Festival set to return to Hove Lawns
The tenth annual Foodies Festival on Hove Lawns will be raising money for the homeless. Organisers are once again teaming up with Musicians Against Homelessness (MAH) to raise vital funds to support the increasing number of people who find themselves living on the streets. The...
Only our compromise can break the Brexit impasse because the people deserve a final say on any deal
When we go back to our constituencies, it's sometimes hard to explain to people what happens in Westminster because, in all honesty, it doesn't always make sense. Try telling someone how Steven Barclay, the Brexit Secretary, could speak in favour of a motion on Thursday night...
Posted On 19 Mar 2019 at 10:24 am
, By Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson
Neighbours call fault on tennis club's plans to serve alcohol
People living opposite Queen's Park Tennis Club are concerned about plans to set up a bar. The club in East Drive, has applied for a licence to sell alcohol from noon to 11pm for gatherings, private parties, internal functions and community events. Noise and anti-social...
A beer with your bender? New Portslade Wimpy applies for booze licence
Wimpy is returning to Portslade and the burger bar's boss wants to be able to sell beer to diners. The owner Kanagasabai Thirukkumaran has applied to sell alcohol from 10am to 10pm daily at the burger bar in Station Road. It is currently being refurbished. Wimpy plans to...


Creating a remarkable bath towel. Meticulous design, exceptional materials with Japanese craftsmanship.
8,952 backers pledged AU$ 1,039,829 to help bring this project to life.
TWO NEW COLORS UNLOCKED - RED & ROYAL BLUE!
Bath towels may be the hardest working members of your household. After all, we expect our towels and washcloths to keep us clean, dry us off and add to the look of our bathroom.
However, despite their versatility, towels are often underappreciated, with many people putting little thought into which type of towel they buy and bring home. Sento towels look, last and perform better.
If you think about it, you use a towel everyday. Whether after your bath, shower, washing your hands or at the beach. However, your choices at the store are confusing.
Cheap towels won't stay soft after a only few washes and fray apart easier. Even if you're willing to spend more, unfamiliar features and a wide spectrum of prices can make the options overwhelming. Finding the right towel can be a frustrating experience, but we don't think that needs to be the case.
Traditional towels are bulky, heavy, trap dirt, and take forever to dry. These inconveniences are something that we've all dealt with, and this led us to create the ultimate towel.
That's where Sento comes in, introducing the towels as soft as a cloud.
After experimenting with dozens of towels, fabrics & types of cotton we've created an incredible towel that feels right in your bathroom. Combining the best elements of western and Japan towel making, and putting them into one great towel.
The most absorbent, luxuriously delicate, odor resistant & 100% Japanese cotton towel. Welcome into your life fine craftsmanship in the pursuit of excellence in towel making. We know you'll love it!
The Japanese have been perfecting the art of towel making for hundreds of years. Used by the high class of society in the 17th Century including the Samurai. They still carry on this tradition focusing on superior craftsmanship and simplicity.
In modern Japan bath houses are a large part of the culture and we have taken inspiration from both the fine experience and the name 'Sento' which is Japanese for bathhouse.
Composed of two textured sides stitched together in the traditional Japanese style. A cotton front with a gentle texture and a looped terry pile in the back. Using a premium woven stich rather than low grade sewing knit that regular towels use.
"Created with painstaking attention to detail"
Inspired by our passion for the finer things in life, Japanese craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Many towels are made of cotton, but the look and feel of towels largely depends on what type of cotton is used. Towels designed and priced for everyday use are made of sub-standard cotton.
Sento is made with 100% Japanese cotton which use longer, more-fibrous threads, meaning that each towel will have more moisture-wicking loops per inch.
Sento fabric is ultra-soft, super-fluffy and designed for high-end spas and hotels with it's luxurious look and feel.
Unlike mircofibre, which is a man made fabric, we use organic cotton which has a looser, velvety-soft texture. Unlike towels made from engineered fibers these natural fibers are better for your skin and extra absorbent. Best used for wringing water from wet hair without being too heavy.
Sento towels are woven to create lots of little loops with high quality yarn allowing for a better spun affect. Giving the soft, silky and fluffy feel. Making Sento one of the softest towels ever.
"Towels as soft as the sense of well-being"
Sento comes in 7 different colors - Dark Navy, Grey, White, Red, Royal Blue, Lavender and Green.
We have a towel design that has been heavily tested and refined at every step along the way. We have partnered with craftspeople, factories and raw material suppliers across the world and built a strong supply chain network. We are ready to go!
We need your help to raise $12,000 in order to fund the first production run of the Sento Towels. More specifically, this money will go towards the initial towel run, raw materials and skilled labor required.
By backing this project you are helping make this new project become a reality and as an added bonus any backer who shares this project will receive a pair of free Japanese chop sicks! So please share this project via social media, email and word of mouth to tell your friends and family about our campaign. Thank you in advance! Click the share button at the top of the page! (then message us to let us know you have shared).
May - Shipping out all rewards!
Machine wash with cold water and mild detergent. No bleach or fabric softeners. Hang or tumble dry low. Strong threads means this won't wear down easily or come apart.
To dry, hang in a dry place. Their absorbency makes Japanese towels especially quick to dry. You can also tumble dry them on gentle or low cycle.
The great thing is the more you use them, the softer, fluffier, and gentler they become.
We have our supply chain partners ready and able to help us manufacture our towels, but unforeseen bumps can happen along the way. If and when issues arise, we'll communicate them as timely and openly as possible so you never feel left in the dark.
$1 Stay Updated + Digital Thank You!
Be a part of the Sento Journey, receive any future backer exclusive deals, be notified of any news and updates!
+ A personal digital thank you from us!
In the color of your choice.
In the colors of your choice.


text:
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text:
#ifndef __CONVERSIONVERTEXBUFFERPARAMETERS_0P0_0P1H__
#define __CONVERSIONVERTEXBUFFERPARAMETERS_0P0_0P1H__

#include "ParamConversionTemplate.h"
#include "VertexBufferParameters_0p0.h"
#include "VertexBufferParameters_0p1.h"

#include "VertexFormatParameters.h"

#include <BufferF32x1.h>
#include <BufferU16x1.h>

#include <PsUtilities.h>

namespace physx
{
namespace apex
{
namespace legacy
{

typedef ParamConversionTemplate<VertexBufferParameters_0p0, VertexBufferParameters_0p1, 0, 1> ConversionVertexBufferParameters_0p0_0p1Parent;

class ConversionVertexBufferParameters_0p0_0p1: ConversionVertexBufferParameters_0p0_0p1Parent
{
public:
	static NxParameterized::Conversion* Create(NxParameterized::Traits* t)
	{
		void* buf = t->alloc(sizeof(ConversionVertexBufferParameters_0p0_0p1));
		return buf ? PX_PLACEMENT_NEW(buf, ConversionVertexBufferParameters_0p0_0p1)(t) : 0;
	}

protected:
	ConversionVertexBufferParameters_0p0_0p1(NxParameterized::Traits* t) : ConversionVertexBufferParameters_0p0_0p1Parent(t) {}

	const NxParameterized::PrefVer* getPreferredVersions() const
	{
		static NxParameterized::PrefVer prefVers[] =
		{
			//TODO:
			//	Add your preferred versions for included references here.
			//	Entry format is
			//		{ (const char *)longName, (PxU32)preferredVersion }

			{ "vertexFormat", 0 },
			{ 0, 0 } // Terminator (do not remove!)
		};

		return prefVers;
	}

	bool convert()
	{
		//TODO:
		//	Write custom conversion code here using mNewData and mLegacyData members.
		//
		//	Note that
		//		- mNewData has already been initialized with default values
		//		- same-named/same-typed members have already been copied
		//			from mLegacyData to mNewData
		//		- included references were moved to mNewData
		//			(and updated to preferred versions according to getPreferredVersions)
		//
		//	For more info see the versioning wiki.

		// if one of these fails it means that they have been upgraded. Then the proper (_0p0.h) files need to be included
		// and the types also need the _0p0 suffix. Then it should work again.
		PX_COMPILE_TIME_ASSERT(VertexFormatParameters::ClassVersion == 0);
		PX_COMPILE_TIME_ASSERT(BufferF32x1::ClassVersion == 0);
		PX_COMPILE_TIME_ASSERT(BufferU16x1::ClassVersion == 0);

		VertexFormatParameters* format = static_cast<VertexFormatParameters*>(mNewData->vertexFormat);

		PxI32 boneWeightID = -1;
		PxI32 boneIndexID = -1;
		PxU32 numBoneWeights = 0;
		PxU32 numBoneIndices = 0;

		for (PxU32 formatID = 0; formatID < (physx::PxU32)format->bufferFormats.arraySizes[0]; formatID++)
		{
			const PxU32 semantic = (physx::PxU32)format->bufferFormats.buf[formatID].semantic;
			if (semantic == NxRenderVertexSemantic::BONE_INDEX)
			{
				boneIndexID = (physx::PxI32)formatID;
				switch (format->bufferFormats.buf[formatID].format)
				{
				case NxRenderDataFormat::USHORT1:
					numBoneIndices = 1;
					break;
				case NxRenderDataFormat::USHORT2:
					numBoneIndices = 2;
					break;
				case NxRenderDataFormat::USHORT3:
					numBoneIndices = 3;
					break;
				case NxRenderDataFormat::USHORT4:
					numBoneIndices = 4;
					break;
				}
			}
			else if (semantic == NxRenderVertexSemantic::BONE_WEIGHT)
			{
				boneWeightID = (physx::PxI32)formatID;
				switch (format->bufferFormats.buf[formatID].format)
				{
				case NxRenderDataFormat::FLOAT1:
					numBoneWeights = 1;
					break;
				case NxRenderDataFormat::FLOAT2:
					numBoneWeights = 2;
					break;
				case NxRenderDataFormat::FLOAT3:
					numBoneWeights = 3;
					break;
				case NxRenderDataFormat::FLOAT4:
					numBoneWeights = 4;
					break;
				}
			}
		}

		// sort bone weights
		if (numBoneIndices > 1 && numBoneWeights == numBoneIndices)
		{
			PxF32* boneWeightBuffer = static_cast<BufferF32x1*>(mNewData->buffers.buf[boneWeightID])->data.buf;
			PxU16* boneIndexBuffer = static_cast<BufferU16x1*>(mNewData->buffers.buf[boneIndexID])->data.buf;

			for (PxU32 vi = 0; vi < mNewData->vertexCount; vi++)
			{
				PxF32* verifyWeights = boneWeightBuffer + vi * numBoneWeights;
				PxU16* verifyIndices = boneIndexBuffer + vi * numBoneWeights;

				PxF32 sum = 0.0f;
				for (PxU32 j = 0; j < numBoneWeights; j++)
				{
					sum += verifyWeights[j];
				}

				if (PxAbs(1 - sum) > 0.001)
				{
					if (sum > 0.0f)
					{
						for (PxU32 j = 0; j < numBoneWeights; j++)
						{
							verifyWeights[j] /= sum;
						}
					}
				}

				// PH: bubble sort, don't kill me for this
				for (PxU32 j = 1; j < numBoneWeights; j++)
				{
					for (PxU32 k = 1; k < numBoneWeights; k++)
					{
						if (verifyWeights[k - 1] < verifyWeights[k])
						{
							physx::swap(verifyWeights[k - 1], verifyWeights[k]);
							physx::swap(verifyIndices[k - 1], verifyIndices[k]);
						}
					}
				}
			}
		}

		return true;
	}
};

}
}
} //end of physx::apex:: namespace

#endif