text:
3 Small Caps Robinhood Traders Can't Do Without
Most of the names are familiar mega-caps like Microsoft, Apple, and Tesla. At the other end of the spectrum are about a dozen small cap favorites that Robinhooders are banking...
By MarketBeat Staff November 10, 2021
This story originally appeared on MarketBeat
Popular mobile investing platform Robinhood is known for its lively features and boisterous fan base. Some of the biggest booms and busts that get touted on social media wind up in the Robinhood brokerage accounts.
Depositphotos.com contributor/Depositphotos.com - MarketBeat
As the Millennial-friendly brokerage has gathered its loyal following it has also formed lists of its most widely traded stocks. The Robinhood 100, the best-known list, is a collection of the most popular companies on the platform.
Most of the names are familiar mega-caps like Microsoft, Apple, and Tesla. At the other end of the spectrum are about a dozen small cap favorites that Robinhooders are banking on to produce big gains. The majority are penny stocks, and the rest aren't far behind.
Here are three of these high-risk stocks that just may be worth following the herd.
Is Sundial a Buy Ahead of This Week's Earnings Report?
Sundial Growers (NASDAQ: SNDL) is currently the fourth most popular name in the Robinhood 100. It trails only Apple, Tesla, and meme stock AMC Entertainment. Why is there is such extreme interest in this sub-dollar cannabis play?
It's hard to say, but Sundial Growers has somehow become the poster child for the marijuana legalization theme. The Canadian cannabis grower offers well-known brands like Top Leaf, Palmetto, and Grasslands that are produced at its three facilities in Alberta and British Columbia.
Although the share price has been cut in half since June, at $1.3 billion Sundial's valuation still appears to be a stretch especially for a company that is still operating in the red. Analysts are expecting Sundial to breakeven next year, however, and potentially turn a profit in 2023.
Also on the positive side is Sundial's lack of debt and $760 million cash balance. It could actually be a good time to harvest a position before the financial results improve and U.S. legislative momentum boosts demand for high-quality cannabis products.
One thing is for certain. The Robinhood buzz will pick up again on Thursday (Nov. 11th) afternoon when Sundial announces its third quarter results.
Is Go Pro Stock a Buy After Q3 Earnings?
Seven years removed from nearly touching $100, GoPro (NASDAQ: GPRO) stock is a popular and inexpensive bet on Robinhood at less than $10 per share. GoPro has flatlined for the last five-plus years, but patient traders are hoping a revival is in the cards.
GoPro offers a lineup of cameras and accessories designed for the active consumer. In its early days there was talk of its products becoming as mainstream as ipods and iPhones but they have been relegated to niche markets like surfing, skiing, and motorbiking. A series of marketing missteps and cost runups along the way made the company an afterthought in the world of consumer electronics.
Still, Robinhood traders continue to rally behind this underdog story. Some just think the products are cool, so the stock must do well. Others that have done a bit more due diligence see the potential for a major GoPro comeback. For this to occur, management will have to prove that it can build off the momentum gained during the pandemic.
Renewed interest in outdoor activities and finding new ways to connect with friends and followers created a surge in demand for GoPro products. Along with it, the company's financials have improved and analysts forecast EPS of $0.73 in the current fiscal year.
Last week GoPro reported that subscribers were up 168% to 1.3 million in the third quarter driving a solid bottom line beat and a gap up in the stock. Quarters like these have amounted to head fakes in the past, but if demand stays strong as supply chain issues subside, GoPro shareholders may finally get the ride they've been waiting for.
Why Do Robinhood Traders Like Naked Brand Stock?
Naked Brand Group (NASDAQ: NAKD) is another speculative small-cap that Robinhooders can't stop talking about. Despite enduring a pair of big reverse splits over the years including a 1-for-100 split in December 2019, traders believe the intimate apparel manufacturer can not only survive on the Nasdaq but someday thrive in the financial department as well.
In reality, Naked Brand's following is as much to do about the scantily clad models that adorn its investor relations website. This has made it a virtual joke among 20- and 30-somethings that trade the stock on any news, legitimate or otherwise. Back in January it became one of the most successful meme trades and Robinhooders have been hanging around since for an after-party.
The latest twist in the Naked Brands saga unfolded on Tuesday (Nov. 9th) when it was reported that the company will acquire Cenntro Automotive Group, an electric vehicle technology outfit. The announcement follows the CEO's earlier statement about a "disruptive" buyout opportunity possibly being in the works.
Obviously, the synergies are limited here unless Naked's swimwear models promote the EVs. It appears to be simply a way for Cenntro to go public—and a publicity stunt to keep Naked Brand shareholders interested.
It remains to be seen how this acquisition plays out. Cenntro expects to bring in $25.3 million in sales this year and top $2 billion in sales by 2023. It may sound interesting, but its still better to buy Naked Brands only for the herd power (and entertainment value) rather than the financial outlook.
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Justice League's Bruce Wayne Finally Speaks Out
Source: E! Online
Back when that Justice League: Mortal movie was actually in development late last year, there were actual actors who had been attached and even fitted for the roles. As we know, the project has been shelved and most likely won't ever happen again (phew!), but there is still the occasional mention when articles like this pop up. One of those actors attached was Armie Hammer, a complete unknown who was supposedly cast as Bruce Wayne aka Batman. Hammer is currently shooting a film up in Canada, and E! Online had the chance to talk with him. They of course took this opportunity to ask him about playing Batman and his answers to their questions prove why this movie would've been a disaster if it had continued on.
"My codpiece is bigger," is Hammer's joke about the big differences between him and Christian Bale's Batman. Though he did say "that guy's got his s--t down." I get quite nauseous even thinking about another shoddy big screen Batman not related to the one we saw in The Dark Knight. Hammer (seen to the right) recalls, "I was looking down, and I was thinking, this is the best. Then I stood up, and they turned me around, and I faced a mirror—there was Batman. But then it hit me like a ton of bricks—it's not just Batman, it's me!" What the hell is wrong with this guy? Hearing this nonsense makes me so happy that this film got canned, or else I would've had to cope with seeing this Batman on the big screen for the rest of my life.
"I would spend hours training with actual guns to prepare me for this stuff," Hammer said. "It was very intense. Our workout regimens were so rigorous that most of us would vomit." If he is indeed telling the truth, it's quite amazing to learn that this film was this far along into its production before it all came to a halt. And I really couldn't be happier that it did. Hammer seems confident that it will eventually start up again and he'll get to fulfill his dream role, but I'm much less hopeful. I really think Warner Brothers eventually realized how big of a fuck up it would be if they did do a Justice League movie and recast Batman with this guy. Thankfully that never happened, because I want my third Christopher Nolan Batman movie!
Find more posts: Movie News, Opinions
I really want this movie to happen at some point. Question is, would Bale's Batman still be fresh in people's minds? Would the movie draw criticism or praise for diverting from Dark Knight's gritty atmosphere? Furthermore, what audience would the film be aiming to please?
vegeta on Sep 26, 2008
What the hell kind of name is Armie Hammer? Did his parents give him that name? ANYWAY, I think the Justice League movie is inevitable. Not in this build, necessarily, but before 2015, I imagine at the peak of this superhero craze. With Marvel seemingly doing such a fine job setting up their Avengers flick I really can't help but to think DC's got some ideas for their own super supergroup. BTW, I wonder what this guy's Batman suit looked like...?
Frame on Sep 26, 2008
"I would spend hours training with actual guns to prepare me for this stuff," hmmm.... don't remember Batman with guns, except a grappling gun hook
Holmes on Sep 26, 2008
his grandfather is like the owner of arm n hammer baking soda. this guy is loaded. i went to high school with him.
Chris on Sep 26, 2008
Red Buttons on Sep 26, 2008
For the first time...I agree with Alex. This movie would be a major mistake. I think, however an even bigger mistake would be making Thor, Ghost Rider 2, Aquaman etc. which if you go on IMDB PRO...all of them are in production already. Really who wants to see Thor? And I thought they would learn their lesson with the first Ghost Rider. All in all...to quote Ridley Scott...'It's kind of sad when you get a remake or a sequel." I think the same goes for most comic book movies. Hollywood found success with a few of the good comic books and tried to get rich with the decent comic books and now it's killing them.
one on Sep 26, 2008
You can't say that about all comic book movies. "ghost world" "Spider man 2" "x men 1,2" "batman begins" "TDK" "iron man". All successful in their own right. But this one will be bad. Even if you don't like Super man Returns. You can't have a justice league with different actors than the ones playing in the "real" movies. This is a bad move. however the general public will still go, just to see shit explode and wonder woman. Hollywoods problem is partly because they come up with bad ideas, It is also because they take the good ones to far.
Why would anyone wish for a justice league movie not to happen? This is the thing that i've studied about fandom tat pisses me off. Just because you're a fan doesn't mean you somehow own it. If they can turn it into a good movie, then wtf is your problem? And if it's shit, you don't have to watch it, and if you watch it and think it's shit, it won't change your life. Grow up fans.
Darunia on Sep 26, 2008
This dude couldve been the flash or green lantern not Batman. He doesnt even have the face for the costume. There going for the square chin i see. Well loose it. Bale goes over the top alot but he is a goood batman. I had a hard time understanding him as bruce wayne cause he never left the batman role in some parts of TDK! HAHAHA
THERBLIG on Sep 26, 2008
darunia, Lets say i watch it and it sucks. Then i have lost 90 mins of my life, minutes i could have spent reading PBF comics. Now, if it sucks and i don't watch it. Well i lose nothing yes. but i lose in the sense that it justifies these movies being made and as you can see here, crap movies beget crap movies and the endless cycle continues until we are all dead. Now if i watch it and it doesn't suck, well plus for me yeah. And who here has stated we don't wish for a A justice league movie to be made. We only wish that THIS justice league movie isn't. And for me it is based purely on the actors. You can't have different actors playing the same character in the same franchises. It is just weird. And don't bring up movies in the past that have had different actors playing same characters in different movies/different eras/within the same movie, because that is different.
Unless they do the same thing Marvel is doing at the moment this movie will be a HUGE failure if it ever happens.
Shige on Sep 26, 2008
My God Red! What has gotten into you?! You took your smart pills today to be sure. Your a MADMAN! Out of CONTROL! Way to go! "Crap movies begat Crap movies" That is brilliant! I am gonna steal that line from, it is that good! Kudos Dawg!
Tim "Cloverfield" on Sep 26, 2008
No Shit R. Buttons, your really taking to your name and throwing some Mad-Smack Down! BTW If Megan Fox is not WW, in any version, suck or not. I will not acknowledge it's exsistance! You have impressed Clover and that is good enough for me.
D-9 on Sep 26, 2008
Hammer looks like a total tool, nobody can replace Bale as batman, so glad this got canned and lets hope it stays that way.
Curtis on Sep 26, 2008
This guy is a joke. It's amazing this movie was moving along the way it was. @5 I sure as hell want to see a damn Thor movie.
Blue Buttons on Sep 26, 2008
I dont hav a shit if this movie Comes or Goes I JUST want this kind of ASS movies to be released in UGANDA or ETHIOPIA.....or Somewhere like that.DONT ever try to bring it to my place or any place where human beings live
XxX on Sep 27, 2008
I dont hav a shit if this movie Comes or Goes I JUST want this kind of ASS movies to be released in UGANDA or ETHIOPIA.....or Somewhere like that.DONT ever try to bring it to my place or any place where human beings live coz i just dont like anyone playing joke with batman/superman.Hammer or sickkle.... none can match Cristen Bale /Brandon Routh. Thank you
Chirstian Bale's Batman was the WORST Batman, it was the other characters who made the movies great. C'mon, what the fuck was with that voice? Christian Bale was a good BRUCE WAYNE, not Batman. Plus you can't blame this guy for taking the role, that's like everyone blaming Tommy Thayer for replacing Ace Frehley in KISS, Tommy Thayer grew up being a huge KISS fan and then slowly worked his way up as a roadie for them and then eventually after working for them for like 20 years he was asked to be the new Space Man character in KISS. Who in their right minds would say no after being a fan since childhood and always wishing he could BE his hero? Exactly. So don't blame this guy, blame Warner Brothers.
Kail on Sep 27, 2008
Thank you Kail! Finally someone who doesn't worship at the alter of Bale Batman. I thought I was alone in this world. I totally agree with you on it all but I'm sure we'll both be flamed for finding fault with Bale's Batman since all the fanboys have mad man crushes on him. -_-; The man is not a god despite popular opinion. I'd go as far to say he's a bit of a tool for saying he wouldn't be in another Batman movie if it has Robin in it. It might not be realistic for a boy vigilante but Robin is an important part of the Batman mythos and to completely ignore him is just stupid. Will the movie be dumb and suck more than a Jessica Alba movie? Maybe but if your that worried rent it . And as for people complaining about different actors playing the same character in the same universe that's a pointless agrument. Nolan's "realistic" Batman movies wouldn't or rather couldn't take place in the same universe that features aliens and magic folk. So Justice League Batman would just be a different Batman. DC got elseworld and parallel Dark Knights out the bum so why can't Hollywood. I don't think the average movie go-er will give a damn one way or the other.
gogirlwonder on Sep 27, 2008
To #18 Christian Bale was the _worst_ Batman? ... that's a matter of opinion. Don't state it like the masses agree :/
LW on Sep 27, 2008
All of these castings are rumors right now right. So who knows. but I actaully like the Church of Bale, we have sermons every sunday where we watch one of his movies once a week. Its a beautiful religion. But seriously we all don't worship bale, we just find his portrayal sufficient. But First i would like to discuss the robin stuff. We know that he said he won't be in one with robin and that maybe an ego thing. Who knows. But its nolans universe and as of this point he doesn't want a robin either from what i have read. And second, i don't think that the whole argument of different actors...... Is at all pointless. I think it is very important and in case of Justice League it just shows a rush for "profits" at the sacrifice of quality. Something that we shouldn't be surprised about. Heck if marvel can get most of the same actors for its avenger movie, why not dc/warner. But we can pray, maybe with the success of TDK and Warners other comic book movies they might realize the benefits. But who knows, maybe we can see Robin with the Justice League Batman.
lol Armie Hammer the missing character from Boogie Nights feel my HEAT!!! He looks "special"
werdnafaz on Sep 28, 2008
I think Nolan should do another movie to wrap up his interpretation of Batman's world, then they (Warner Bros.) should just leave it alone for at least five or six years. After that, do stand-alone adaptations of key graphic novels that share no continuity with any of the earlier screen versions, rather than try to start yet another cycle of sequels or reboots. Just one-off movies about Batman, like an Arkham Asylum movie, a Dark Knight Returns movie, etc. It'll never happen, but it's just an idea... And yes, this Justice League fella does sound... well... not terribly articulate, let's put it like that. But as others have said, you can't blame him for taking the job if it was offered. Who wouldn't want to be Batman, given half a chance?
Daaaave on Sep 28, 2008
In Justice League Armie Hammer's batsuit should have the gloves and finned gauntlets from Batman Begins except that they should be joined together his cape should be leather and his cowl should have longer pointed ears like the ones on the older batsuits from Batman Batman Returns Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. the chest piece of Hammer's costume should be more like a body armour with a yellow ellipse around the chest's bat-symbol as well as a yellow utility belt and a comically enlarged codpiece. He should also use an exact replica of Michael Keaton's batmobile and batarangs. The bat-signal from Batman Forever and Batman & Robin should also be used in that film. When Justice League comes out in 2011. Warner Bros. should get a new CGI shield that looks much more like their old matte painting shield from 1984-1999 with the byline underneath it: A Time Warner Entertainment Company.
Peter Glass on Dec 27, 2009

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
require 'spec_helper'

describe "EY::Model::Environment#rebuild" do
  it "hits the rebuild action in the API" do
    env = EY::Model::Environment.from_hash({
        "id" => 46534,
        "api" => ey_api,
      })

    FakeWeb.register_uri(
      :put,
      "https://cloud.engineyard.com/api/v2/environments/#{env.id}/update_instances",
      :body => ''
    )

    env.rebuild

    FakeWeb.should have_requested(:put, "https://cloud.engineyard.com/api/v2/environments/#{env.id}/update_instances")
  end
end

describe "EY::Model::Environment#run_custom_recipes" do
  it "hits the rebuild action in the API" do
    env = EY::Model::Environment.from_hash({
        "id" => 46534,
        "api" => ey_api,
      })

    FakeWeb.register_uri(
      :put,
      "https://cloud.engineyard.com/api/v2/environments/#{env.id}/run_custom_recipes",
      :body => '',
      :content_type => 'application/json'
    )

    env.run_custom_recipes

    FakeWeb.should have_requested(:put, "https://cloud.engineyard.com/api/v2/environments/#{env.id}/run_custom_recipes")
  end
end

describe "EY::Model::Environment.from_array" do
  it "returns a smart collection, not just a dumb array" do
    api_data = [
      {"id" => 32340, "name" => 'iceberg'},
      {"id" => 9433, "name" => 'zoidberg'},
    ]

    collection = EY::Model::Environment.from_array(api_data)
    collection.should respond_to(:each)
    collection.should respond_to(:match_one)
  end
end

describe "EY::Model::Environment#instances" do
  it "returns instances" do
    instance_data = {
      "id" => "1",
      "role" => "app_master",
      "amazon_id" => "i-likebeer",
      "public_hostname" => "banana_master"
    }

    env = EY::Model::Environment.from_hash({
        "id" => 10291,
        "api" => ey_api,
        "instances" => [instance_data],
      })

    FakeWeb.register_uri(:get,
      "https://cloud.engineyard.com/api/v2/environments/#{env.id}/instances",
      :body => {"instances" => [instance_data]}.to_json,
      :content_type => 'application/json'
    )

    env.should have(1).instances
    env.instances.first.should == EY::Model::Instance.from_hash(instance_data.merge(:environment => env))
  end
end

describe "EY::Model::Environment#app_master!" do
  def make_env_with_master(app_master)
    if app_master
      app_master = {
        "id" => 44206,
        "role" => "solo",
      }.merge(app_master)
    end

    EY::Model::Environment.from_hash({
        "id" => 11830,
        "name" => "guinea-pigs-are-delicious",
        "app_master" => app_master,
        "instances" => [app_master].compact,
      })
  end

  it "returns the app master if it's present and running" do
    env = make_env_with_master("status" => "running")
    env.app_master!.should_not be_nil
    env.app_master!.id.should == 44206
  end

  it "raises an error if the app master is in a non-running state" do
    env = make_env_with_master("status" => "error")
    lambda {
      env.app_master!
    }.should raise_error(EY::BadAppMasterStatusError)
  end

  it "returns the app master if told to ignore the app master being in a non-running state" do
    env = make_env_with_master("status" => "error")
    env.ignore_bad_master = true
    env.app_master!.should_not be_nil
    env.app_master!.id.should == 44206
  end

  it "raises an error if the app master is absent" do
    env = make_env_with_master(nil)
    lambda {
      env.app_master!
    }.should raise_error(EY::NoAppMasterError)
  end
end

describe "EY::Model::Environment#shorten_name_for(app)" do
  def short(environment_name, app_name)
    env = EY::Model::Environment.from_hash({:name => environment_name})
    app = EY::Model::App.from_hash({:name => app_name})
    env.shorten_name_for(app)
  end

  it "turns myapp+myapp_production to production" do
    short('myapp_production', 'myapp').should == 'production'
  end

  it "turns product+production to product (leaves it alone)" do
    short('production', 'product').should == 'production'
  end

  it "leaves the environment name alone when the app name appears in the middle" do
    short('hattery', 'ate').should == 'hattery'
  end

  it "does not produce an empty string when the names are the same" do
    short('dev', 'dev').should == 'dev'
  end
end

describe "EY::Model::Environment#migration_command" do
  before do
    @app = EY::Model::App.from_hash({:name => 'fake'})
    @migrate = EY::Model::Environment.from_hash({
        "id" => 10291,
        "api" => ey_api,
        'name' => 'migrate',
        'deployment_configurations' => {'fake' => {'migrate' => {'command' => 'fake db:migrate', 'perform' => true}}}
    })

    @no_migrate = EY::Model::Environment.from_hash({
        "id" => 10291,
        "api" => ey_api,
        'name' => 'no_migrate',
        'deployment_configurations' => {'fake' => {'migrate' => {'command' => 'fake db:migrate', 'perform' => false}}}
    })
  end

  it "returns the migration command for the environment when the perform flag is true" do
    @migrate.migration_command(@app, {}).should == 'fake db:migrate'
  end

  it "returns nil when the perform flag in the environment is false" do
    @no_migrate.migration_command(@app, {}).should == nil
  end

  context "with the migrate deploy option" do
    it "returns the default migration command when is true" do
      @migrate.migration_command(@app, {'migrate' => true}).should == 'rake db:migrate'
    end

    it "return the custom migration command when is a string" do
      @migrate.migration_command(@app, {'migrate' => 'foo migrate'}).should == 'foo migrate'
    end
  end

  context "with the migrate option in the global configuration" do
    it "return the default migration command when the option is true" do
      EY.config.environments['migrate'] = {'migrate' => true, 'migration_command' => 'bar migrate'}
      @migrate.migration_command(@app, {}).should == 'bar migrate'
    end

    it "return the custom migration command when the option is a string" do
      EY.config.environments['migrate'] = {'migration_command' => 'bar migrate'}
      @migrate.migration_command(@app, {}).should == 'bar migrate'
    end
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The soil in the garden is sandy and what moisture is retained is drained by the roots of a row of silver birches the other aspect of the fence. Whether it's the toxins or the worth, it looks like individuals who have by no means gardened earlier than are even beginning to garden. Choose the flowering annuals from the checklist above, and once bought, seize your trowel and head out to the backyard the place you've gotten your container.
Thanks for the knowledge – my husband was just asking about protecting the wood in his new wine room – especially the table. Rosemary can develop into a stunning shrub, with its pine needle-like leaves and tiny blue bees like it, so it'll entice them to your garden. When creating, and sustaining your garden space, simply know that what seems to be good to you goes to look absolutely yummy to a lot of other creatures too.
Last yr, I began a brand new project in the backyard – eradicating bushes and replanting with sub-tropical vegetation. My boys prefer to make recycling crafts and you have shared some cool ideas to strive. Lavishly illustrated with lots of of images and supplemented by a nationwide itemizing of sources for good junk, flea markets, and second-hand shops, Garden Junk offers you a complete new understanding of the that means of junk!
This entry was posted in Garden Ideas and tagged children, ideas, plants. Bookmark the permalink.


A late report on my August 14 observations and associated topics.
August 14 featured a nice clear evening. I captured the Keyhole USA 186 (05-042A), the Japanese failed radar sat IGS 1B (03-009B), the NOSS 3-2 duo (03-054A & 03-054C) and a piece of a Russian rocket stage (86-052D) that I caught as a bright stray.
NOSS (Naval Ocean Surveillance System) satellites operate in pairs or triples (the older ones), orbiting close together, and locate shipping by tracking radio communications. They belong to the US Navy. Usually they are faint (mag. +5 to +6) but on occasion can appear brighter.
USA 186 Keyhole manoeuvred: connected to Georgia events or not?
USA 186 (05-042A) appeared somewhat late, but as the elset I had available was 10 days old I did not think anything particular about that. It was Pierre, who observed the same pass from France, who realized the sat had made a manoeuvre. This was confirmed by additional observations the next two nights by Pierre, Ted and Alberto.
The manoeuvre entailed adjusting the eccentricity and mean motion, and perhaps a small inclination adjustment. Perigee was brought down slightly, and apogee up, to a 261 x 1024 km orbit (was 264 x 1017 km).
Using a pre-manoeuvre elset by Mike and an adjusted version of Ted's post-manoeuvre elset, I find that the manoeuvre likely happend at Aug 14.6 UTC, some six hours before Pierre and my observation.
Satellites usually manoeuvre when the perigee is at the equator, as this minimizes fuell needed and maximizes results that can be obtained. USA 186 did not have it's perigee on the equator on the moment of manoeuvre however.
The manoeuvre comes at a time when chaotic war activities between Russia and Georgia are a focus of interest. This opens the question whether this manoeuvre of USA 186 (a Keyhole/improved Crystal satellite with high definition optical imagery capacities) is related.
Checking the pre-manoeuvre orbit against the post-manoeuvre orbit concerning passes over the relevant area of interest, it appears that the object was to synchronize passes as much as possible into a sequence where a daylight pass is followed exactly 11 hours later by a nighttime pass: with in addition an as exact as possible repeat of the observing geometry after 4 days. Whether or not this is related to the Georgia events, is a matter of speculation. Ted thinks it is not the case.


Q: what can I wear with a navy blue blazer?
It is undeniable that every man should own a navy blue blazer. It is a great alternative for your formal wear.
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Famous Dinosaurs in the Jurassic Park Film Franchise
"Check out this list featuring the most impressive ancient beasts and their hybrids spring into action in the Jurassic Park films."
Jurassic Park is a popular name among movie lovers. The film franchise comprises two trilogies, and the six films do a commendable job in introducing us to the Mesozoic era beasts. Numerous dinosaur species have made their appearances in these films. However, you should take the info on dinosaurs with a pinch of salt, as not all of it is accurate. These sci-fi adventure flicks feature some real dinosaur species, while some are created only for entertainment.
So, without further ado, let's explore some famous real and imaginary dinosaurs from the Jurassic Park film franchise.
The first dinosaur image conjured in our minds when we hear of Jurassic Park is that of the T. rex. This dinosaur appears in all six films, and the Jurassic Park logo is a T. rex skeleton. One of the most terrifying creatures to ever exist on this planet; even watching this theropod dinosaur on the screen will give you the creeps. The films manage to give a correct portrayal of this beast with their ingenious puppetry and CGI technology.
Another theropod featured in Jurassic Park is the Velociraptor. The infamous raptors appear in every film of the series, always ready to make the audience's skin crawl. However, in reality, they are believed to be much smaller in size than they are in films. They're among the fastest dinosaurs to walk on earth and the most intelligent, but in reality, they weren't as clever as depicted in these movies.
Another apex predator and one of the largest carnivores on earth is the Giganotosaurus. Also known as Giga, it made its first appearance in the latest film Jurassic World: Dominion. In the words of the producer Colin Trevorrow, "I wanted something that felt like The Joker. It just wants to watch the world burn." Following its first discovery in 1993, paleontologists believe that this theropod species lived in Argentina during the late Cretaceous and was larger than the T. rex.
The first dinosaur you can see in its entirety in the Jurassic Park film is the Brachiosaurus. It's a gigantic sauropod with a giraffe-like neck. It's easy to be intimidated by its enormous size, but not all giants are predatory and flesh-eating.
Watch these huge herbivore dinosaurs minding their business eating foliage from tall trees as they're introduced in the film. According to Empire Magazine, this scene was cinema's 28th most magical moment.
Another herbivorous dinosaur, the Stegosaurus, made its first debut in The Lost World: Jurassic Park. According to the director, they included this dinosaur in the movie due to popular demand. You can easily spot this guy in the film due to their distinct appearance, resembling rhinos. It has a spiky tail, a tiny head, and plates along its spine.
Dilophosaurus
Dilophosaurus is one the most curious-looking dinosaurs in the films, appearing in Jurassic Park and Jurassic World: Dominion. It might look cute at the outset until it spreads its frill, hisses, and spits venom like a fireball. The film portrays it to be smaller than its actual size. Despite its comedic appearance, you don't want to touch this thing with a ten-foot pole.
The filmmakers introduced Spinosaurus in the third film to replace T. rex, as they wanted a more distinctly-looking antagonist. It remained a significant character for the subsequent two movies but didn't make it to Dominion. Spinosaurus is the largest of all carnivores. According to the discoveries, they were semi-aquatic dinosaurs and had large spines along their backs.
Triceratops are herbivores bearing a resemblance to rhinos. They're adorned with large frills on their necks, two large horns on the head, and the third one over their beaks. Watch this touching scene from the first film showing Ellie and Alan caring for a sick Triceratops dinosaur.
"She's Curious, She's Showing Empathy."
Blue first appears in Jurassic World and continues to inspire awe in the audience in the subsequent films. Blue is a female raptor hybrid and is an alpha among her pack. You can see her showing affection and loyalty towards Owen. She has white and metallic blue stripes, as she was created from the DNA of African monitor lizards.
Indominus Rex
InGen lab's scientist Dr. Henry Wu created the Indominus rex hybrid by altering the T. rex's genome with the DNA of various theropods like Velociraptor, Giganotosaurus, and Carnotaurus, among many others. He also included the DNA of modern animals like a cuttlefish, a pit viper snake, and a tree frog.
Scorpios Rex
Dr. Henry Wu first created the hybrid Scorpios rex and kept it frozen and captive in InGen's secret tunnels. It's a medium-sized theropod and the first hybrid created by Dr. Wu. He made it by combining the DNA of Tyrannosaurus, Carnotaurus, Velociraptor, scorpionfish, and a tree frog.
Indoraptor
Created in a hidden lab in Lockwood Manor, Indoraptor is a hybrid dinosaur, sharing characteristics with the Indominus rex and Scorpios rex. Watch this abominable beast tapping his sickle-shaped claws and unleashing carnage in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
Ekta G
See More Posts from Ekta
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How do we know if an Asteroid hit Earth 66 million Years Ago? Read more about the scientific facts that show that this happened long ago!
The Mesozoic Era: Flora and Fauna
Let's take a trip to the Mesozoic era and see the various forms of plants and animals that existed in the three periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous.
Check out this list featuring the most impressive ancient beasts and their hybrids spring into action in the Jurassic Park films.
The Mesozoic Era and its Three Time Periods
Discover how the ancient beasts progressed in the three periods of the Mesozoic Era: Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous.
Best Books on Dinosaurs
Your guide to ten non-fiction books on dinosaurs you should have in your collection. Read to learn more about these exciting titles!
Dinosaurs in Popular Culture
Let's look at ten of the most pop-culture dinosaur characters and what made them so famous among their fans. It's an exciting journey!
Dinosaurs in Science Fiction Books
We bring you a curated list of the ten best sci-fi and fantasy books on dinosaurs. Whether it's fantasy or adventure, there's something for all.
Famous Hollywood Dinosaur Movies
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Jurassic World: Dominion Review
Check our Jurassic World: Dominion Review! The Good, The Bad, and The Verdict on the sixth installment of the most awaited dinosaur movie.
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Хаббл — неоднозначный термин.

Персоналии
 Хаббл, Фил (1960) — британский пловец.
 Хаббл, Эдвин (1889—1953) — американский астроном.

Другое
 «Хаббл» — телескоп на околоземной орбите.
 Хаббл — большой древний ударный кратер в северном полушарии видимой стороны Луны.
 «Хаббл IMAX 3D» — фильм 2010 года, взгляд с позиции телескопа на нашу Вселенную.
 (2069) Хаббл — типичный астероид главного пояса, который был открыт 29 марта 1955 года.

См. также
 Закон Хаббла
Объём Хаббла
Последовательность Хаббла
 Постоянная Хаббла
Пузырь Хаббла

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Archive: October 2017
Edo Govt to partner VLISCO Group on Skills Acquisition programme
The Edo State Government has expressed readiness to partner with VLISCO Group to support skills acquisition programme for youths in the state, as part of efforts to tackle the scourge of human trafficking and slavery. Governor Godwin Obaseki, said this while playing host to top management of VLISCO, led by […]
Alaghodaro Investment Summit: Conglomerates, MSMEs jostle for sponsorship deal
As preparations rev up for the maiden Edo State Alaghodaro Investment Summit, small, medium and large-scale companies are jostling for sponsorship slots of the high profile event which will host over 3000 participants. According to the organisers, sponsors may be categorised into Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze right holders […]
Obaseki seeks National Policy on capacity building for Judicial workers
The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has made a strong case for the enhancement of judicial workers' capacity in the National Policy on Justice 2017, which is currently being reviewed. According to Obaseki, this will address the capacity challenge faced by operators in the judicial system with […]
World Savings Day: Obaseki tasks financial institutions on unbanked population
…says Alaghodaro will address Urbanisation challenges in Edo The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has challenged financial institutions across the world to design products that will appeal to the millions of the world's unbanked population to boost liquidity in the banks and safeguard the future of savings account […]
Edo Plans Laws Against Human Trafficking, Embarks on Sensitisation Campaign
The Edo State Government has disclosed plans to enact laws against human trafficking, as part of the ongoing measures to tackle illegal migration and drastically reduce the trade in human beings. The state Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice and Chairperson of the Edo State Taskforce on Human Trafficking, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, […]
Obaseki to Address Shortage of Teachers, lauds Igbanke Forum
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government is taking decisive steps to solve the problem of shortage of teachers in some schools in the state. Obaseki made the disclosure at Igbanke in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state, when Igbanke Unity Forum (IUF), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), donated […]
Edo First Lady Rolls Out Plan On Neonatal, Maternal health Awareness
Wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, has disclosed plans to launch a campaign aimed at improving awareness on neonatal and maternal health care in the state. According to Dr. Bridget Okoeguale, Project Coordinator, Reduce Neonatal Deaths Initiative, RNDI, pet project of the Edo First Lady, the aim […]
Arrests of Kidnappers, Otasowie's Murderers Justify Obaseki's Insistence on New CP – Edo State Govt.
The Edo State Government has said that the recent arrests by the State Police Command of seven persons in connection with the murder of Prof. Paul Otasowie, a lecturer with the University of Benin, killers of three police officers who also kidnapped Andy Ehanire, the Chief Executive of Ogba Zoological […]
Obaseki, Fayemi, Onyema discuss Edo, Nigeria investment opportunities at London Stock Exchange
…Edo gets LSE's partnership nod on Alaghodaro Summit As more transnational companies, multilateral organisations and several trade missions swell the numbers and ranks of participants in the maiden edition of Alaghodaro Investment Summit, the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, was at the London Stock Exchange on Friday to speak to […]
Audio-Visual Heritage Day: Build lasting structures to sustain creative industry's gains – Obaseki
…cautions on abuse of new media The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has lauded the tenacity and ingenuity of Nigerians for sustaining efforts that gave rise to the country's creative industry such as the entertainment industry and allied businesses which serve not only to document Nigeria's culture but […]
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Belau Releases 'Luz' featuring Sexto Sentido
Friday, February 12, 2021, 10:00am
Belau is one of the most promising electronica newcomers around the European music scene. In three years, they had almost 200 live performances in 23 countries. The debut LP, The Odyssey won the Hungarian Grammy in best electronic music album category. After their long-awaited sophomore album, titled Colourwave, they release a spiritual song "Luz" featuring Sexto Sentido which is a smooth blend of traditional Afro-Cuban music and modern electronica.
Like what you hear? I thought so. It's Friday, so go grab a download via Bandcamp!
We got to chat with Belau about the making of "Luz"
Tell us about the meaning behind "Luz"
"Luz" is kind of a bridge to our future album, it's a bit different from our earlier releases. This single is a harmonic blend of traditional Afro-Cuban folk music and modern electronica, the lyrics in yoruba and spanish. This song is a spiritual journey for us, it will be the part of Colourwave DLX album with some remixes, reimagined versions and live sessions in April.
How did the collaboration between Belau and Sexto Sentido originate?
We asked Sexto Sentido to have a featured song, and send them an idea, we really like the work, it was super fast.


Hustle is Swing's cousin, and if you think you want to be able to dance to anything from classic rock to old school grooves AND the Top 40s charts, these are the dances to start with! Don't just think sock bops and Disco- it's so much more! This super fun class is for members of the LGBTQ community with any level of dance background!


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Patty Fantasia 12-18-10
By Patty Fantasia
Photo credit: Patty Fantasia
The International Film Festival Summit Returns
The International Film Festival Summit (IFFS) returned to Las Vegas from December 5th through 7th at Planet Hollywood for its 7th annual conference. The IFFS is the only event held for film festival industry professionals and features panels, workshops, keynote speakers and networking sessions aimed at discussing and evaluating ideas and technologies available in the field. One of the highlights this year was the announcement of the winners for the Audience Choice Awards. The Edmonton International Film Festival was named the Image Award Winner with Indie Memphis coming in as Runner Up, while the Livre d'Or Winner was the Macon Film Festival with the Edmonton International Film Festival coming in as Runner Up.
Bart Weiss, Erik Jambor, Chris Holland, Stacey Simmons & Kevin Hartz
Following registration on Day 1 members of the Austin Film Festival staff discussed the operation of their eight day Festival and Conference in a presentation called "Anatomy of a Festival: Austin Film Festival". This was followed by Keynote Speaker Paul Cohen talking about "Festival Partnerships: Growing the next Generation of Filmmakers", then came Conference Break-Out Sessions and the Opening Cocktail Reception. The final item on the agenda was Dinner with Strangers, a unique program allowing attendees a unique opportunity to meet, dine and network with each other.
On Monday the first Panel was "Festivals Impact on Social Change and Culture moderated by Sydney Levine, Founder of Film Finders and SydneysBuzz on IndieWire, who was joined by Ira Deutchman, CEO, Emerging Pictures, Executive Director of the Traverse City Film Festival Deb Lake, The Founder of the Mill Valley International Film Festival Mark Fishkin and Robin Brook, CEO of The Creative Coalition. Next up, the CEO of NOMOSA, a Las Vegas company developing a unique ecommerce and networking system for independent artists, spoke about "Festivals and Distribution: The Power of Collaboration", then after the morning break came the Keynote Presentation "Producers and Studios: The Emerging Importance of Festivals" from noted Producer, Writer and Director Gilbert Adler ("Superman Returns" and "Valkyrie"). In the Afternoon Breakout Sessions Gabe Wardell from the Atlanta Film Forum joined Kodak Brands Manager Janet Tiller for a Sponsorship Roundtable on the Progressive Track, while a Workshop on "Sustainable Sponsorship" was held on the Education Track and a Panel Discussion "Maintaining Innovation in Your Program" took place in the Thought Leadership Track. Another round of Tracks continued in the afternoon with a Hybrid Session called "Conceptualizing Film Festival Operation", and Panels "Alternative Festival Models & Formats" and "New Media and Technology Programs at Your Festival.
The final item on the day's agenda was the Interactive Session "Action Network Groups" which were divided as follows: "Genre Programming" with SXSW Programmer Jarod Neece, "Which Comes First: The Ticket or the Pass?" led by Eric Jambor, the Executive Director of Indie Memphis; "Film Fest Cost Migration" chaired by the Managing Director of the Lone Star International Film Festival John Storm; The Boston Underground Film Festival's Director Anna Feder talking about "Guerrilla Marketing: Big Ideas on a Small Budget"; Cevin Cathell, Director of Programming for the Sonoma International Film Festival discussing "Bringing Big Films to Smaller Fests"; CEO of Emerging Pictures, Ira Deutchman leading "Year-round Programming"; "I'm Just the Party Girl…An Executive Director's Job with Nashville Film Festival Executive Director Sallie Mayne; Executive Director of the DC Film Alliance Jon Gann chairing "Judge, Jury, & Process"; "Legal Issues Facing Film Festivals" with Laurie B. Kirby, Esq, who is a Consultant at LA Eye For Talent; Executive Director of the RiverRun International Film Festival leading "Government Funding: National & Local", the Co-Founder of the Atlanta Film Forum Paula Martinez chairing "Strategic Leadership" and the Denver Film Society's Director of Membership & Volunteers Eileen O'Brien talking about "Understanding the Importance of Volunteers & Membership".
On the final day of the Summit a Panel Session "Creating a Festival Identity" was scheduled in the morning followed by "Filmanthropy at your Festival" with documentary filmmaker James Chippendale, who is also Co-Founder of the Hope, Strength, Love Foundation. The Keynote Presentation "An Independent Distributor in the Land of Festivals" with Speaker Robert Baruc, President of Screen Media Films followed before the Summit's final Track Sessions were held in the afternoon. Once again attendees enjoyed the educational and networking opportunities the Summit provided, though it was suggested that next year more content related to social media and technology should be included. On February 8th and 9th, 2011 the European version of the conference will be taking place in Berlin.
The Nevada Film Festival Promotes New Talent from Many Places
The Nevada Film Festival kicked off its event with an Opening Night Party and Filmmaker Reception inside J.C. Wooloughan's Irish Pub at the Rampart Casino at the Resort in Summerlin on December 3rd. While enjoying chicken wings, potato skins and other appetizers, the award winners, friends and family members, who came to Las Vegas from as far away as Canada and Minnesota had the chance to network and get to know each other.
The next morning on December 4th screenings of features such as "The Rise and Fall of Their American Dream", "Modern Day Slaves", "The Pharmacist", and "Streetball", along with the documentary "Where I Stand: The Hank Greenspun Story" and several shorts were screened inside the Marquis Ballroom before a Closing Night Awards Ceremony was held.
The Festival also included a Screenplay Competition and the Grand Prize Winners for 2010 were in 1st place Poetease, 2nd place Chances and in 3rd place I Run to Win. Despite the fact there was no way to "see" their submissions several screenplay writers were on hand for the festivities including top prize winner Jeffrey Morin. Poetease is described as the story of two people who live at opposite ends of society and spend their lives in darkness until during a 36 hour period together they share passion and intimacy that transforms them.
Morin, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin in Madison, studied theatre and drama before moving to Milwaukee and starting a family several years ago. "I was planning just to go to NY and do Broadway, but then I got married and it kind of turned me around a little bit, so I started a theatre company called East Hollywood Productions," Jeffrey shared. His concept was to do original theatre against a video backdrop they'd film and then show during the productions. Working with plays encouraged him to write his first screenplay around 1990, which he submitted to the Nicholl Fellowships before letting it go to focus on raising two children now 26 and 22. With both his son and daughter grown, Jeffrey decided it was time to try his hand at writing again.
Morin began working on Poetease in August admitting he prefers writing dark, character driven stories. Originally the characters were supposed to be Alex and Thea, but Jeffrey decided the script might be more intriguing if he turned it into a gay piece, so Thea became Theo, an abused runaway from Faith Homes who had been living on the streets for a year and supporting himself as a prostitute. The other character Alex is a young wealthy poet and sex addict and their brief encounter changes both their lives drastically. "It's intimate, more erotic. It's personal. Two people trying to discover more about each other and it turns into more of an affair," Jeffrey explained. Aside from winning the award at the Nevada Film Festival, Poetease has also been accepted into the Diamond Category at the California Film Awards.
Following the screening of the bilingual production "The Pharmacist", Director Chester Sit and lead actor Corey Loranger were also on hand to discuss their film, which is about a narcoleptic named Spencer who decides after a failed suicide attempt to leave the safe world he created 10 years earlier following a tragedy. This turn of events and desire to stop "sleeping through his life" leads Spencer to unforeseen circumstances and scary choices.
Chester related that he got the idea for the movie after driving with a buddy, who was talking about how difficult it was to stay awake doing his boring job as a pharmacist to a friend and former drug dealer's wedding. Once the script was completed by Indy Randhawa and Chris Craddock and financing received from Telefilm Canada, a government agency that invests in culturally relevant projects, casting was started.
Sit wanted bilingual actors from the city of Edmonton where the movie was filmed and Corey won the role. Playing Spencer is the actor's first leading part and he was thrilled by the opportunity. Aside from being bilingual, Chester also believed that Corey was the right choice because of his boyish good looks and ability to make people like him in spite of the bad things his character does. The shoot took 19 days and was filmed in the middle of winter, which is dark and cold in Edmonton. "All the cast worked so hard," Sit commented. Post production took a while too, since the crew worked at low rates and had to take breaks when "real" work offers came along. This was Chester's first feature and aside from being an official selection in this festival, "The Pharmacist" won the People's Choice Award at the 2010 Edmonton International Film Festival, which also scored Special Jury Prize Rising Star Awards for Corey and co-star actress Anna-Maria LeMaistre. The Nevada Film Festival is already accepting submissions for next year's event, which will be held on December 2nd and 3rd, 2011.


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Neighbours star Ryan Moloney responds to claims that his awards nomination is a fix
"I'm actually just appreciative of the pat on the back."
By Filiz Mehmedova
Neighbours star Ryan Moloney has responded to claims that his awards nomination is a fix.
Ryan, who plays Toadie on the soap, is up for a Logie Award for Most Popular Actor, alongside his former co-star Eve Morey who got a nomination for Most Popular Actress and the prestigious Gold Logie.
However, the nominations came under scrutiny after reports that fans outside of Australia had been encouraged to vote by getting around the rule stating that only Australian residents can take part.
Related: 9 huge new Neighbours spoilers as the Dee Bliss mystery returns
In response to this, Ryan told Australian radio network Triple M: "Are you saying that essentially I'm that crap that after 25 years, I've gotta resort to cheating? Haha!"
He continued: "In all seriousness, I'm actually just appreciative of the pat on the back, and I'm actually kind of okay with that from this point on. Really, I am!"
Earlier this week, the award organisers debunked those fix claims, with TV Week editor Thomas Woodgate assuring those concerned that votes from overseas fans aren't valid in the official count.
"I did see that certain actors and actresses on the show were encouraging people from overseas (to vote), but I think what people probably don't know is that Roy Morgan manages the verification of all the votes on behalf of the TV Week Logie Awards," he told news.com.au.
Neighbours fans defend Eve Morey's nomination
"What happens is once all the votes come in, a very detailed verification process is put in place, and what that does is eliminate all invalid votes, and that includes any international votes from that final tally.
"They make absolutely sure that only votes with valid contact information from local voters are valid."
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 (UK) and 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
Read more news, spoilers and gossip on our Neighbours homepage
Want up-to-the-minute soaps news, spoilers and gossip on your social feeds? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Soaps Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @soapscoop Twitter account.
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Neighbours' Toadie: "Dee story is a horrendous journey"
Neighbours' Toadie reveals Callum Rebecchi is returning
The Chase responds to yet more 'fix' claims
Neighbours' Moloney 'hated Toadie's hair'


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Films That Revolutionized Computer Graphics
Do More › New & Next
Part 1 - Tron to Titanic
Justin Slick
Former Lifewire writer Justin Slick has been creating 3D computer graphics for more than 10 years, specializing in character and environment creation.
These days, spectacular computer-generated effects sequences are commonplace in everything from big-budget films to television, games, and even commercial advertising. But that wasn't always the case — before 3D computer graphics became the norm, the world was a slightly duller place. Aliens were made of plastic instead of pixels. Superman needed wires in order to fly. Animations were created with pencils and paintbrushes.
We liked the old way — there are some astonishing examples of "practical" visual effects in the history of film. Star Wars, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Blade Runner. Heck, even Independence Day used physical models for a lot of shots.
We like the new way even more. Blockbusters look better than ever thanks to a talented army of 3D modelers, animators, render technicians, and warehouses full of the computers that do all the math.
Here's our list of ten films that revolutionized the way we think about visual effects in film. From Tron to Titanic, each and every one of these films took what we thought was possible and gave us something more.
Tron wasn't an incredibly successful film, nor was it even a particularly great one. There are far better examples of science fiction to come out of the early 80s—heck, in 1982 alone Tron was competing with genre classics Blade Runner and E.T.
But it is notable, and it has the grand distinction of being the first film to feature computer-generated visual effects to any notable degree. Tron's centerpiece is an unbelievably unique depiction of the "grid," a computer-generated software-scape representing the inner workings of an operating system.
The film hasn't aged particularly well, especially compared to the Los Angeles skyline created for Blade Runner (which looks masterful even to this day). But when you consider the fact that there's almost an entire decade between this film and the next one on the list, the dated visuals are easily forgiven.
Any fan of 3D computer graphics should see Tron at least once, if only for a glimpse at the industry's humble beginnings. Interestingly, Tron was disqualified from the competition for 1982's Visual Effects Oscar because computer-aided effects were considered cheating. Love it or hate it, you can't argue it wasn't innovative.
Firsts: First notable use of computer graphics in a feature film.
Paved the way for: The Last Starfighter (1984), Transformers: The Movie (1986), and of course Avatar (2010).
Terminator 2 is one of the landmark films that helped open the floodgates, eventually allowing the 3d computer graphics industry to become what it is today.
Judgment Day featured the first computer-generated main character ever to appear in a film, the formidable T-1000. But James Cameron's team didn't stop there. Not only did the digital Terminator appear — it morphed, it regenerated body parts, and it even turned into a mercury-like liquid metal that seeped through little cracks and assured the film's protagonists that they weren't safe anywhere.
Terminator was legendary. It's easily the first or second-best film by one of Hollywood's greatest innovators, and what's even better is that unlike Tron, this movie still looks pretty darn good. In terms of modern visual effects, there's everything that happened before Terminator 2, and everything that happened after it.
Firsts: First extensive use of computer graphics on a main character.
Paved the way for: Pretty much everything that followed.
Although Jurassic Park's visual effects were largely animatronic, for approximately 14 minutes audiences were treated to the first-ever appearance by photorealistic, fully computer-generated creatures in a feature film — and what a 14 minutes they were!
Even eighteen years later I still get chills thinking about those two Velociraptors stalking the children through an abandoned kitchen — it was simultaneously terrifying and mesmerizing watching the two dinosaurs do things that one of Stan Winston's animatronics could never have accomplished.
In the end, Winston's T-Rex made lunch out of the two Raptors, but the master of practical effects was so impressed by the computer graphics employed on Jurassic Park that he went on to co-found effects studio Digital Domain with James Cameron. Like Terminator 2, Jurassic Park was a turning point in computer graphics because it began to open directors' eyes to the possibilities of CG, causing many filmmakers to re-explore projects that had been previously believed impossible to film.
Firsts: First fully animated photoreal creatures in a feature film.
Paved the way for: Jumanji (1995), Dragonheart (1996), Babe (1995) which deserves an honorable mention in its own right.
Toy Story (1995)
This one might be the most impactful film on the entire list. Think about the animation industry before and after Toy Story — is there any chance things would be the way they are today if this film hadn't existed?
3D computer animation certainly would have caught on eventually, but John Lasseter & Co. stormed onto the scene with one of the most beloved films of the last decade, wowing audiences and showing the world what was possible with the aid of computer animation. Toy Story's incredible success spurred an eventual frenzy of 3D animation that never really tapered off. The format remains as popular today as it was ten years ago, and doesn't appear to be losing steam.
It would have been enough for Toy Story to have rested on its technical laurels, but that's not the Pixar way. Starting a streak of critical and commercial successes, Toy Story cemented Pixar as one of the premier storytellers in the industry and was the first step in establishing the most spotless track records ever put forth by a modern studio.
Firsts: First film to be fully animated with 3D computer graphics.
Paved the way for: Antz (1998), A Bug's Life (1998) (2001), the entire Pixar/Dreamworks canon.
Titanic (1997)
I almost left Titanic off the list for fear of giving James Cameron too much time in the spotlight. I was thinking The Perfect Storm would have been an interesting pick because the photoreal fluid simulations it featured were pretty cutting-edge for the time.
But then I remembered the last half hour of Titanic. The deck heaves, the ship bolts upright, tossing hundreds of computer-generated passengers into the icy Atlantic. Hundreds more, most of them digitally rendered, cling to the railings as we're treated to an aerial view looking down the length of the ill-fated vessel as it sinks toward the sea.
That scene wasn't just cutting edge — it was iconic. More people saw Titanic than any other film in history, and even though its box office record has been put to rest, Titanic's first-run ticket sales haven't even been approached. The Perfect Storm may have featured a more advanced ocean simulation, but there was CG water in Titanic too—three years earlier, mind you.
Firsts: First film to feature a significant number of CG "extras" — many wide shots contained dozens or even hundreds of digital actors, breaking new ground in crowd simulation.
Paved the way for: The Perfect Storm (2000)
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The SAPCCs are ready for collection!!!
I am so happy I could bust a gut.
My cousin in New Zealand sent me an email last night saying that a friend of their managed to get their South African Police Clearance Certificate in one day. She gave me the name and telephone number of the person who did it for their friend.
Being a bit skeptical, I did an internet search to get reviews and came across the name and email address of the person in charge of the police clearances. From what I'd read, this Group Leader is super fast.
So I took a chance late last night after work to send an email and got a response this morning that they were done and ready for collection.
Helps to know the right people.
YAY! We're gonna break our "dry January" and crack a bottle of champagne this evening.


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Time to Bottom Fish? 3 'Strong Buy' Stocks That Are Down Over 40% This Year
Everyone is hoping the market might be bottoming and by the recent actions of Bank of America clients, some evidently think the lows must be in sight.
Last week, BofA customers splashed out $6.1 billion on US stocks, in what amounted to the third largest inflow since 2008.
While the bank has stated it is not as confident the bottom is quite so close, it's not hard to see why investors feel the time is right to lean into equities. The widespread losses have left scores of beaten-down stocks looking quite cheap, so it might be time to get the stock picking rod out and go for some bottom fishing.
With this in mind, we dived into the TipRanks database and pulled out three such names that have taken it on the head in 2022. All are down by more than 40% this year, but that quirk aside, they also share another characteristic; all 3 are rated as Strong Buys by the analyst consensus and are projected to pick up steam in the months ahead. Let's see why the Street's experts think these names make good investment choices right now.
Sprinklr, Inc. (CXM)
If we're on the subject of beaten-down names, then a good place to start would be in the tech sector, a corner of the market that has been particularly hard-hit this year. Sprinklr is a SaaS company specializing in customer experience management solutions. The company's AI-powered platform, Unified-CXM, helps its clients monitor and interact with customers with the aim of delivering better experiences. Some of the world's biggest brands are clients, including Microsoft, Adobe and Oracle, amongst others.
Sprinklr is relatively new to the public markets, having held its IPO in June 2021, in a downsized offering for which the company raised $266 million. The shares were priced at $16 each but have had a rough time so far. In 2022 alone, the shares are down by 44%.
That said, the share losses have come against an expanding top-line, with revenues steadily growing in each subsequent quarter. In the latest report, for FQ2, revenue increased by 26.9% year-over-year to reach $150.6 million, edging ahead of the consensus estimate by $3.15 million. There have also been consistent beats on the bottom-line; adj. EPS of -$0.03 beat the -$0.06 expected by the analysts.
Assessing this company's prospects, JMP analyst Patrick Walravens come down squarely in the bull-camp.
"Overall, we see Sprinklr as an attractive opportunity for long-term capital appreciation for a number of reasons, including: 1) Sprinklr's AI-powered platform that is designed to listen to and manage customer experience data at massive scale across 36 channels (including TikTok) and has lots of high-value, vertical use cases; 2) the company is pursuing a large market opportunity, which is estimated to be ~$60B; 3) we like the leadership of CEO Ragy Thomas and CFO Manish Sarin, who joined in January and is helping focus the company on profitable growth; 4) we think in a tough macroeconomic environment, Sprinklr is benefiting from a trend to consolidation of solutions," Walravens wrote.
As such, Walravens rates CXM stock an Outperform (i.e. Buy) while his $22 price target makes room for 12-month gains of a strong 150%. (To watch Walravens' track record, click here)
Overall, most agree this stock is one to own; the ratings split 6 to 2 in favor of Buys over Holds, providing this name with a Strong Buy consensus rating. At $15.29, the average target implies shares will climb ~74% higher over the one-year timeframe. (See CXM stock forecast on TipRanks)
NanoString Technologies (NSTG)
The next beaten-down stock we'll look at is NanoString, a specialist in the field of spatial biology. That is, the study of molecules in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional context.
In layman's terms, the company develops advanced instruments which are used in labs for scientific and clinical research. The company offers 3 main products; the nCounter Analysis System, the GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler (DSP) and the CosMx Spatial Molecular Imager (SMI) platform.
NanoString also recently unveiled its new AtoMx Spatial Informatics Portal (SIP), an integrated ecosystem with streamlined workflows which corresponds with its other platforms. The commercial launch is expected this fall.
2022 has been brutal for this stock, which is down by 76% year-to-date. The share losses have come alongside real world decline, as exhibited in the latest quarterly statement – for 2Q22. Revenue fell by 4.8% from the same period a year ago to $32.22 million while the losses widened too; EPS of -$0.85 dropped from the loss of -$0.60 in 2Q21. Additionally, the company lowered its outlook; total product and service revenue for the year is now expected in the range between $140 and $150 million, vs. the prior guidance of $150 to $160 million, while the company expects an adjusted EBITDA loss of $75 to $85 million, whereas beforehand NanoString called for a loss of $65 to $75 million.
While investors have voted with their thumbs down this year, Canaccord analyst Kyle Mikson remains fully behind this name.
"We remain bullish on NSTG's spatial biology opportunity," the analyst said. "We continue to believe that CosMx and GeoMx (combined with AtoMx) should be complementary going forward. Despite recent 'self-inflicted' commercial execution issues, we believe NanoString will be able to right-size its sales force to support its full CosMx launch in 2H22. We believe the shares are highly attractive at current levels."
Mikson isn't just predicting a strong future, he's backing his stance with a Buy rating and a $30 price target that implies ~175% one-year upside potential. (To watch Mikson's track record, click here)
4 other analysts join Mikson in the bull corner, and one skeptic can't detract from the Strong Buy consensus rating. The forecast calls for 12-month gains of 152%, considering the average target clocks in at $275. (See NSTG stock forecast on TipRanks)
Maravai LifeSciences (MRVI)
From one life sciences company to another; Maravai develops and provides essential products utilized for the purpose of new drug development, diagnostics, human disease research and next-gen vaccines.
The last bit is important as Maravai's products are being widely used in mRNA-based production and Maravai has enjoyed the prominence seen by mRNA technologies in Covid-19 vaccines.
The most frequently used Covid vaccination on a global scale is the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine, COMIRNATY, which uses Maravai's CleanCap mRNA capping technology.
This achievement should bolster Maravai's prospects for success in the 500+ mRNA vaccines and therapies being developed. It has also provided the company with a sales boost (65% of 2020 to 2022e sales are driven by COVID-vaccines).
That sales bump was still reflected in the company's most recent earnings report – for 2Q22. Revenue rose by 11.5% year-over-year to $242.73 million, while beating the Street's call by $9.51 million. EPS of $0.53 also came in well above the $0.38 consensus estimate.
That said, Maravai has been unable to withstand the bearish market forces and the shares have tumbled ~55% this year.
There are also questions regarding the future growth trajectory once the Covid tailwind completely subsides. However, this is not a concern for Credit Suisse's 5-star analyst Dan Leonard, who points out the growing prevalence of mRNA technology.
"The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trajectory of mRNA technologies by multiple years, according to our diligence. The pipeline product candidates for Maravai's raw materials are broad and deep. According to market research by L.E.K., mRNA/cell and gene therapy assets in development are expected to grow 4x from 2022 to 2027. The FDA expects more than 200 cell and gene therapy INDs per year and 10-20 approvals per year (from nine in total today) starting in 2025. Funding for cell and gene therapies companies totaled ~$20B in 2020," Leonard explained.
"All in, we view it as an attractive market for suppliers, with Maravai most exposed in our coverage," the analyst summed up.
Conveying his confidence, Leonard's Outperform (i.e., Buy) rating is backed by a $34 price target, suggesting an 80% upside from current levels. (To watch Leonard's track record, click here)
Like Kulkarni, other analysts also take a bullish approach. MRVI's Strong Buy consensus rating breaks down into 6 Buys and zero Holds or Sells. Given the $35 average price target, the upside potential lands at ~85%. (See MRVI stock forecast on TipRanks)
Inflation at 8.2%: 2 'Strong Buy' Dividend Stocks to Protect Your Money
Last month, the Federal Reserve implemented its fifth straight interest rate hike this year, and its third consecutive hike at 75 basis points, bringing its key funds rate up to the 3% to 3.25% range. The move showed that the central bank is deadly serious about taking on the stubbornly high inflation that has been plaguing the economy since the middle of 2021. The Fed's turn toward an aggressive anti-inflationary policy may not be hard enough, however, as the September data, released this morni
3 Attractive REITs With A Dividend Yield Over 6%
When an entire sector such as real estate investment trusts (REITs) gets trounced, a lot of decent stocks are thrown into the mix along with those that are not very good quality. Higher interest rates this year have slashed prices and subsequently raised the dividends on dozens of quality stocks, with some now beginning to show signs of life. Here are three REITs with dividend yields over 6% that have been gaining momentum this week and could be signaling better times are ahead: Simon Property G
Kroger Wants to Merge With Albertsons to Create US Grocery Giant
(Bloomberg) — Kroger Co. is in talks about a tie-up with rival Albertsons Cos. in a deal that would create a US grocery giant, people familiar with the matter said.Most Read from BloombergStocks Surge in Wild Ride After CPI Data Selloff: Markets WrapCore US Inflation Rises to 40-Year High, Securing Big Fed HikeWorld Faces New Threats From Fast-Mutating Omicron VariantsKroger Wants to Merge With Albertsons to Create US Grocery GiantIntel Is Planning Thousands of Job Cuts in Face of PC SlumpA cas
7,300% Return In Just 4 years — Early Investors Hit Big With This Stock
Almost everyone has dreamt of hitting the lottery and played the "What would you do?" game. It's fun to imagine hitting it big, and every year millions of Americans buy lottery tickets every week, leaving their pursuit of wealth up to fate. Some, however, take their financial futures into their own hands and scour data, press releases and every crevice of the internet for a piece of information that may lead to riches. Netflix Inc. recently released "Eat The Rich," a documentary outlining GameSt
Like Dividends? 3 Tech Titans Paying Investors Handsomely
When thinking of dividends, REITs, Utilities, or Basic Materials are all areas that come to the front of many minds. However, the Technology sector shouldn't be overlooked.
These are the types of companies Warren Buffett says you should invest in during times of high inflation
MarketWatch Picks has highlighted these products and services because we think readers will find them useful; the MarketWatch News staff is not involved in creating this content. And at a 2009 shareholder meeting, Buffett noted that the first best thing you can do to protect against inflation is to invest in yourself and your skills: "If you're the best teacher, if you're the best surgeon, if you're the best lawyer, you will get your share of the national economic pie regardless of the value of whatever the currency may be," he said.
Here's how much more U.S. households will pay to heat their homes this winter
Americans face a tough winter, with one government agency warning that most households will see a sharp increase in heating costs this year, as natural-gas prices look to post their largest yearly percentage gain in 17 years.
2 Stocks Yielding Over 7% That Are a Steal Today
Verizon (NYSE: VZ) and AT&T (NYSE: T) are now trading for price-to-earnings ratios under 10 and yielding over 7% from their dividends. Why are these stocks cheap and is there an opportunity for investors? Travis Hoium covers why the reward well outweighs the risk for these stocks.
10 Best Stores for Cheap Halloween Costumes
Buying a costume for Halloween can be a stressful experience. You want to look like you put effort in, but don't want to regret how much you spent. If you're buying a costume for your kids, you want…
Is It Smart to Invest During a Bear Market? Here's What Warren Buffett Says
Bear markets can be intimidating, especially when nobody knows for certain how long this volatility will last. Stock prices have been sinking since the beginning of the year, with the S&P 500 down nearly 25% from its peak. With so much volatility, is it really safe to invest in the stock market right now?
Moderna Stock Jumps After Cancer Vaccine Announcement
Shares of Moderna surged more than 11% on Wednesday after the biotech company [announced](https://investors.modernatx.com/news/news-details/2022/Merck-and-Moderna-Announce-Exercise-of-Option-by-Merck-for-Joint-Development-and-Commercialization-of-Investigational-Personalized-Cancer-Vaccine/default.aspx) it would develop and sell a personalized cancer vaccine with Merck. The stock was the biggest gainer on the S 500 around midday. Shares of Merck were little changed. Merck will pay Moderna $250 m
Should You Use the Social Security Bridge Strategy?
When it comes to claiming Social Security, most retirees can't wait to start collecting those checks. A 2020 report from the Bipartisan Policy Center found that more than 70% of Social Security beneficiaries currently claim their benefits before age 64. … Continue reading → The post Boost Your Social Security Benefits in Retirement With This 'Bridge' Strategy appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.
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Dovetail Construction is the realization of a childhood dream among two lifelong friends. Ever since Kevin and Tim met back in kindergarten, the two things they always wanted to do was to live in the mountains, and to build. As adults, both obtained degrees in engineering and construction management, and, for many years, followed their own paths working on major construction projects across the country (Kevin in New York City; and Tim in Boston, Hawaii, Alaska, and Washington).
Kevin was the first to begin chasing that dream, by escaping from New York to the Rocky Mountains of Montana. Whenever Kevin and Tim got together to reminisce, they'd always come back to that childhood fantasy of building a business together. In 2004, Tim decided it was time to stop just talking about it and moved with his wife to Montana—and that's when Dovetail Construction was founded.
After more than a decade of building a reputation for quality work within a proven process, it was another friendship that opened the next chapter of Dovetail's story.
Tim met Mike Kerby while working together on a large construction project in Hawaii when they were in their early twenties. Their paths would cross again a few year later in Seattle, just before Mike moved to Park City, Utah, solidifying a lasting friendship. Adding Kevin to the friendship was a natural next step, and the three pursued memorable mountain adventures and successful joint-venture projects in Big Sky Country. In 2017, they realized that their work ethic and approach to construction were very much aligned, and that friendship became a business partnership. Mike was Sr. Vice President of Big-D Signature—the residential and resort construction arm of the Big-D Family of Companies—and together they realized the potential for a special partnership.
Today, Dovetail offers an outstanding reputation in Montana for both construction and community involvement, while now also bringing to each project Big-D Signature's global-scale resources and deep expertise in nearly every sector of the industry.
Over the years, these guys have learned many things, but two things they learned way back in kindergarten still provide the foundation for their business today: do what you say you're going to do; and if you do something, do it right.
Learn more about our building process to find out what sets us apart from other builders Montana.


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Dried Porcini mushrooms and potatoes go perfectly together in this dish!
This typically Calabrian combination can be served alongside a burger (meat or veggie) or a frittata as a hearty side dish.
Soak the dried porcini mushrooms in warm water for 20-30 minutes.
Peel the potatoes and cut into cubes, boil them in salted water for just a couple of minutes, then drain.
In a non-stick frying pan gently saute' the garlic clove in the olive oil. Add the potatoes.
Fry for a few minutes and then add the dried Porcini mushrooms.
Mix together well, add salt and cover. Cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure that they do not stick to the pan.
Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with rosemary, remove the garlic and serve.
If you love dried Porcini mushrooms, why not check out our recipe for Porcini mushroom and tomato Sauce.


One of Brisbane archdiocese's first parish-based long day care centres – St Luke's Child Care Centre at Capalaba – was officially opened and blessed by Archbishop Bathersby on October 25.
The centre is one of the first to be constructed in partnership with Centacare Brisbane, along with others at Upper Coomera and Ashmore on the Gold Coast, and Hervey Bay.
The Capalaba centre, established in partnership with Centacare and the parish, has spaces for 75 children and caters to those aged between six weeks and six years.
Speaking at the gathering, parish priest Fr Peter McCarthy said the centre was a contemporary response to a changing world.
"It meets needs within the local community and at the same time provides another avenue through which the church can support young families, Fr McCarthy said.
"Reading the signs of the times we were only too well aware that in the 21st century families today don't necessarily have the traditional support networks of extended family and friends.
"I know a handful of families across both our parishes (Capalaba and Alexandra Hills) where the husband works interstate or overseas Monday to Friday and comes home on the weekends.
"With our own childcare centre now online we are in a better position to respond pastorally and holistically from the 'womb to the tomb,'" he said.
The centre was specially designed by the architects KDW Design and Opus International to be light and airy, and with its appointments and high quality resources now in place, represents state of the art in child care facilities.
Under the management of Director Michelle Densmore it is also staffed by professionals with solid backgrounds in early years learning.


On Sunday, we reported at Examiner that liberals took to Twitter to issue death wishes against members of the NRA.
One of those who called for death against NRA members and supporters was one John Cobarruvias, an elected member of the Texas state Democratic Party Executive Committee.
"Can we now shoot the #NRA and everyone who defends them?" he tweeted. The tweet has since been deleted, but was captured and posted at Big Jolly Politics.
Remember, Cobarruvias is not your rank-and-file liberal, nor is he just some illiterate miscreant spewing trash on Twitter.
As a member of the Texas State Democratic Executive Committee, he is in a position to influence his party's strategies, finances and legislative agenda.
On Monday, he issued an apology, of sorts. It wasn't a heartfelt "Gee, I really messed up and said something I shouldn't have said" type of apology. It was one of those "Sorry if anyone was offended by my call for murder" kind of apologies.
"My apologies to those I offended concerning the #nra," he tweeted. "My emotions on the subject got the better of me. It didn't help." Gee, ya think?
Preston said he didn't think the apology was "heartfelt," and it's easy to understand why.
"His call for the shooting of anyone who supports the NRA includes Texas' governor, both of its senators, all of its other statewide officials and most elected members of the state's legislature. His public threat against so many elected officials could constitute a terroristic threat," he added.
So, should Cobarruvias' apology be sufficient atonement for his earlier tweet, or should he face something more?
No doubt, if a Republican in his position had called for mass shootings of liberals or Democrats, the left would demand that person resign and publicly apologize. Some would probably call for criminal charges.
At the very least, Cobarruvias should resign, since his actions do not show the judgment one would expect from a member of a state Party's Executive Committee. The state Party should also publicly apologize to all NRA members and supporters, including the elected officials Preston mentioned. Voters in the state of Texas and elsewhere should also remember that this is the type of individual who runs today's Democratic Party.
With his tweet, Cobarruvias proved our contention that liberalism is an ideology of genocidal hate and rage, and the fact that he is still in office proves the double standard that exists in today's America.


The ground is covered in a quarter-inch of ice with three inches of snow on top of that and it has me thinking of planting a crop. The professional farmers have equipment that drills a hole, sets the seed, covers it with the proper amount of soil and disturbs just enough to allow for the seedling to easily emerge when the spring rains and warmth arrive. The Lord of the Harvest uses a different technique for the harvest of human souls. He scatters the seed. My pastor once referred to God as the "seed waster" with an endless supply scattering seed everywhere; on all soils, rocky, hard beaten down paths, thorny overgrown, as well as fertile. (Matt. 13: 4-23; Mark 4: 4-20; Luke 8: 5-15). The seed is the Word of God, which never runs out and reaches all souls no matter the condition of their heart.
Of all the processes in farming, even though it is very hard work, I like soil preparation, clearing the brush, breaking up the sod, tilling the soil so that it is soft, free of debris, and ready to sow. God causes things to grow and spring to life, because He is life, but mankind was given a task. "To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat from it,' cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." (Gen. 3: 17-19). This is the difference for us, we must plant which requires work. We must get everything prepared in the particular way a seed requires so that it will sprout, produce a stalk, fruit/grain, and a harvest. Work is a central part of a mans life.
"He also said, 'This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how." (Mark 4: 26-27). We must remember that only God gives life. Mankind with all our perceived knowledge has not unlocked the key to life. What makes a thing live is its most elementary genius. Although there is much we can do with life once started, through manipulation of parts and living elements, producing strains, selecting traits, and healing disease and infirmity, this is far from knowing the life within the seed.
The Spiritual harvest is similar in that we must wait on God to open the eyes of the unbelieving heart. (2 Corinthians 4: 4). It is believing that initiates faith in the soul of man, by and through the grace of God. In the movie, "God is Not Dead 2", the central character answers the question, "What caused you to believe?" The complete answer was that she recognized her need, sought a remedy, read the Bible, and believed it. However, the pivotal point was when she read the word's of Jesus, "Who do you say that I am?" It was as if God was speaking directly to her heart personally and she replied in belief, "My Lord and Savior." This is the essence of life and faith, God's influence upon the human body and Spirit. We don't know how it happens because it is eternal, infinite, power beyond measure, and God's doing.
Still, there is much we do as God's servants through a myriad of very small seemingly insignificant, prayers, words, gifts, helps, encouragement, acts of love and kindness, forgiveness, praise and adoration, etc. which work together in concert through the Sovereign will of God to advance the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. What a glorious and gracious Lord we have to use us in His loving purposes, that we can live eternally in His majestic presence.


July 1st to July 10th, Taiwanese judges will chose 50 works into Final.
July 11th to August 31th, our world class judges will grade the top 50 works and comment on the works.
Every judge will give a score for top 50 works, and hand over to the organization. The highest and lowest score will be deducted and calculate the mean as final score.
The Selection of water plants' species, colors, heights, leaves' size and shape are in well coordination.
Water Plants are complete in natural growth, not too young in the layout.
Clarity of water condition, no impurity in the tank. ; Algae control, no overgrowth algae in the tank.


Excuse me, this torch is kind of heavy.
It's strange to realize you've reached a point in life that used to be a distant vision. To hit an milestone or experience that you can remember imagining in earlier years as someday.
It's natural to reflect on these moments during significant events–weddings, graduations, meaningful purchases–but there are so many other, smaller signs that are just as poignant. Things like role reversals…how we interact and advise our friends and parents, even the conversations with people who work for us. These moments create bizarre reflections on how far we've come and everything that's changed over time.
I readily seek the advice of others, sometimes to a damning extent, but there are only a select few individuals who always have my ear. These are people I'm thankful for everyday because, at least in my opinion, they know everything. My encyclopedias of life advice.
This week, one of my encyclopedias came to me upset and in need of advice; suddenly roles were flipped. I was acutely aware of the irony of the situation as it occurred, and the weight of the proverbial torch being passed for a moment. It was a pretty heavy torch, but grasping onto it even momentarily was a welcome weight. Despite the negative feelings that prompted the exchange, I ultimately gained a sense of confidence in my own abilities to reciprocate advice and serve as a trusted confidante.
Until you're forced to take on the tasks that always seemed impossible, you'll never gain the satisfaction of knowing what you can achieve. Life pushes us out of the nest with moments like these, giving us a chance to stand, awkwardly, on our own two feet.
The art of reflection is a gift and a type of meditation. The more we learn to reflect not just on our current experiences but also how they relate to past experiences, the greater the opportunity to stay mindful of the present and confident in the future.
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Love to hear your musings!


I underwent a "Road to Damascus" experience recently. My second, as it happens.
The first was a somewhat mundane affair by comparison, involving a Jordanian truck spilling it's load of several thousand potatoes some 50 kilometres south of Damascus and my having to brake hard to avoid mashing them.
But this second experience was altogether more spiritual and enlightening, and took place thousands of miles away in the Hawke's Bay.
I was putting in some fencing for my new pig pen with my brother in law, a farmer. Well, to be strictly accurate, he was putting in the fencing, I was assisting. I'm a bit of a novice in such things.
One of my carefully concreted fence posts had, under the force of the wire straining, reclined at an angle of some 45 degrees, and to be honest, was clearly the product of some pretty shoddy work. Mine.
Disaster stared us in the face, and I was at a loss to know what to do.
But Richard simply looked at it. Silently, for a good five minutes. Then he turned to me and said: "Go and get your chainsaw"
To cut a long story short, using chainsaw, spade and some off cuts he built a brace. No nails or screws, just physics.
"That should do the job", he said, giving it a hefty boot with his size 11s. And it did. The post didn't even tremor.
And it was at that moment that I got it. This whole Kiwi ingenuity thing, the number 8 wire mentality.
14 years of mild scorn for this "make do" approach to life vanished. I suddenly realised what it was all about, how this land had been built.
Strong, silent men with a determination to achieve their goals, not letting the obstacles in their path derail them. Seeking solutions, using what tools and resources they had available, and sheer bloody hard work.
No whingeing, no moaning, no waiting for someone else to do it for them. They just got on with the job.
It's hard to describe quite how inspiring a moment this was. And conversely, a depressing one too. Because it put me in mind of that new generation of Kiwis, those devoid of drive and determination, whose modus operandi is to whine and to blame and to expect an easy ride at someone else's expense.
When did we lose this indomitable spirit? How did we arrive at this sorry state of society we now ensure?
We could blame urbanisation, we could blame technology. But to change the philosophy of an entire nation? To generate the hatred and envy, the sloth and the irresponsibility which drives so many?
If you think I exaggerate, spend 5 minutes immersing yourself in the Waiheke Parliament, that cesspool of the forlorn. It is the antithesis of everything that New Zealand should represent, a whirlpool of whingers for whom the only solution is that the government pays.
There is a certain irony in the nationalities of most of it's members. Few if any are real Kiwis, just immigrants who choose to try and mould their adopted nation to their own demands.
But it is, sadly, representative of many in this country. Many who have little or no idea of why those who are of real Kiwi pedigree are proud to be New Zealanders.
It makes me sad, aye, and angry too.
So I say this with more than a little rancour: get off your fat, lazy arses, you whiners, you moaners, you bludgers and you losers, get out of your cities, your suburban rentals and your hovels of hatred, and go into New Zealand, the real New Zealand, and seek inspiration, on the road to Damascus, or the road to Te Kuiti.
For your sake, I hope you find it.