Two parents, David and Brittney Sierra, ran down an alleyway trying to flee with their kids. David carried his five-year-old son David Jr. on his back while Brittney held her newborn son Jerome in her arms. The fear in their eyes told all you needed to know. They were running from something terrifying. Together they kept running until they hit a dead end. David Sr. grunted when he reached the wall and looked back to see their pursuer. At the other end of the alleyway stood a woman with gray skin, pointed ears, and glowing yellow eyes. This woman was an elf, an intimidating one at that.
In one hand she held a bow and the other she used to draw an arrow from her quiver. This villainous character was ready to kill her prey and David wasn't about to have that. He let his son down from his back and passed him off to his wife in preparation to cause a distraction. David wasn't physically fit to go toe-to-toe with this woman who had an athletic build that was very noticeable based on her outlandish outfit.
Before he could move she already fired the arrow letting the swooshing sound echo through the alley, followed by the sound of metal clashing. David turned away to protect his family but when he realized nothing had happened he turned back to see why the arrow never came. Between them stood another woman wearing a black leather outfit with a giant red spider over her torso and a long black leather coat. In her right hand she held the arrow.
"Who are you?" asked David.
Eighteen years before Anya Corazon there was another Araña, her mother Sofia Corazon. She at the time was the leader of the Spider Society and was partners with Miguel Legar. The dark elf was known as Apocrita, a member of the Sisterhood of the Wasp. Her reason for hunting down the Sierra family was uncertain but with the original Araña on scene they were in good hands.
A beam of orange light shot into the sky attracting the attention of everyone involved. Araña gritted her teeth fully aware of what this meant while Apocrita laughed. The dark elf seized the opportunity to attack her enemy but came up short when Araña kneed her in the gut hard enough to fly back out to the street.
Four blue appendages came from the back of Araña's coat lifting her off the ground. The new limbs allowed her to hurl herself at her old enemy. Apocrita however had other things in mind and swiftly vanished. The Sierras watched on in shock over what had transpired.
Araña watched them run off and then turned her attention back to the pillar of orange light that represented the summoning of the Sisterhood of the Wasp's Hunter.
Over the eighteen years that passed from those events David and Brittney Sierra were never again bothered by a member of any Insect Kingdom group. David was born in Panama, another Spanish country that had experienced its fair share of the conflict between the insect groups that dated back to Spain in the eleventh century. His parents sneaked into the United States and eventually wound up in New York. David would meet Brittney in college. She came from an African-American family that had a long history in the United States.
Sometime after they married they had their first son David Jr. and five years later Jerome, who would nickname himself Rome. That wasn't it for their little family in Brooklyn. Two years later after the birth of Rome they had a daughter they named Caitlyn.
It was another day in the Sierra household. Brittney cooked her children breakfast. The oldest, David Jr., had already moved out to his own apartment and was attending medical school. Despite his busy schedule he still found time to come get some of his mother's home cooking. Rome was in his senior year at Milton Summers High School like a certain web-slinging superhero, Anya Corazon. Caitlyn also went to the same school and was in her sophomore year.
While she placed plates in front of her children, Rome watched a video on his phone that caught her attention. The video was of an unusually massive figure that was essentially a black blob with eight limbs terrorizing students in front of Milton Summers High. In front of the black mass was a police car where present day Araña landed and looked up.
*Araña: Heart of the Spider #1 throwback—Justin.
Brittney remembered that it was a woman who called herself Araña that saved her family. The thought that the Araña in the video could potentially be a student made her wonder what the connection was between the two. Even with their identities masked it was clear that there was some resemblance. She decided to let it go and focus back on her children.
David Jr. quickly finished up his breakfast and kissed his mother on the cheek goodbye. Rome and Caitlyn finished their breakfast and talked with their mother a little bit more before heading out themselves. In another part of the house David Sr. sat behind his desk with his hands over his head. The contents of the paperwork before him appeared to be a complex project. Without explanation one wouldn't know what this paperwork was for but the title would help give a possible idea. The first word was covered by David Sr.'s elbow but the second being 'serum' could be seen clearly.
Rome walked down the street which was his usual path to school. He walked a couple of blocks before he stopped at a crosswalk. He waited for the light to change and looked around. He noticed across the street a young woman in some ragged clothing was pocketing some food from outside a shop. He wasn't sure what he should do. Should he speak up to get someone's attention? Should he just leave it alone considering the sorry state the girl was in?
The sound of webbing being shot above in the Brooklyn skyline echoed startling the young woman causing her to drop the food she was trying to steal. Rome looked up and saw Araña web-swinging after another woman wearing a black and purple costume with four clear wings that allowed her to out fly the web-slinger.
They continued going down the street as Rome snickered at how he thought Araña's personality seemed quite like Spider-Man's. He then remembered the girl who was stealing. She was gone. He looked around. She was nowhere to be seen. The crosswalk light turned green. He just shrugged his shoulders and continued on to school.
David Sr. was working in his lab. He appeared to be nervous and rushed through his work. He turned around to grab a test tube from a counter behind him. The door to his lab was kicked open startling him. The one bursting into the lab was the Crime-Master. David backed into a corner. The Crime-Master moved in on him.
Rome walked down the school hallway. As he passed a number of girls cheerfully greeted him with smiles. He smiled in turn. After them he walked up to another student. Rome put a hand on his shoulder.
"Bro, you're looking happier than usual," said Rome.
"I feel ya," smiled Rome.
Rome was a popular kid at school. However he wasn't the type to shun others because of their differences. He continued down the hallway when he saw someone who caught his eye. It was Jessica Garcia. He had seen her once or twice before and was captivated by her appearance. He tried to approach her before but distractions got in his way. He was gonna attempt to talk to her again. He walked up to her as she went through her locker. Before he could reach her, other students surrounded him. It would seem his popularity was working against him.
Later on the football field, Rome was out on the field for practice. He worked out some drills with his teammates before they called it a day. Everyone talked a bit before they all said their goodbyes. Rome grabbed a towel and wiped his forehead. When he was done he noticed someone sitting in the bleachers. It was Jessica. He looked around to see if anyone was around to get in his way. The rest of the team was heading to the locker room. He saw this as his opportunity.
"Oh, well maybe another time?" Rome seemed let down.
"I gotta go." She left without looking back.
Rome went up to his bedroom without looking to see if anyone else was home. He couldn't help but think about how he got shot down. This was the first time a girl turned him down. Usually girls jumped at the offer to go out. The fact that she didn't give him a second thought made him think. She clearly had a strong head on her shoulders. He never did find a girl he was really interested in from the ones that followed him at school.
After thinking some more he headed downstairs to see who was home. To his surprise he found the downstairs to be trashed.
He looked around. He found no one in the living room or in the den. He even found the kitchen a complete mess. He walked back out and found someone sitting on the living room couch. It was the Crime-Master.
"Who are you and where is my family?" asked Rome.
"Release them now!" demanded Rome posing in a fighting stance.
Rome threw a punch that the Crime-Master caught easily. With a tight grip he threw Rome across the room making him crash into a shelf that collapsed on him. Crime-Master grabbed the motionless Rome.
"Don't . . . do this," muttered Rome.
"It's time for you to serve the Jackal." The Crime-Master handed Rome off to some of his men and they carried him out.
The Goblin was in a vacated building he had been operating out of. He was working on some weapons that he stored in his glider. On the table next to him were an array of bombs, razor bats, and other gadgets. As he worked he thought back to his argument with Lucas. He couldn't blame him for being as mad as he was. His own family was in trouble and now he was mixing Lucas's sister into it. He closed his eyes and thought hard what he should do to fix things. It was then he heard the sound of someone opening a door. He jumped up and grabbed his ionic sword to defend himself.
"I can't do this no more!" yelled the Goblin ready to strike.
"Be smart kid," suggested Crime-Master.
The Jackal walked in front of the Crime-Master with his arms crossed behind his back. He walked around to examine the Goblin's setup intrigued by how he was able to keep himself supplied with weaponry despite having no one backing him.
The Goblin stood above the bridge looking upon traffic as he reflected over past events. After the Crime-Master took him from his home, Rome was taken to one of the Jackal's laboratories where his own father's Goblin Serum was used on him. Rome was told if he didn't do what the Jackal expected of him his family would die. He was sent on mission that resulted in him kidnapping teenagers. One of which was the homeless girl he had seen steal food before his transformation into the Goblin. Her name was Danielle Blunt.
The Jackal experimented on her. He tampered with her memories making her believe her name was Allison Dillon and that her father was the criminal known as Electro. He even gave her powers very similar to Electro. Another he kidnapped was Madison Wickham, who the Jackal made believe she was the daughter of Hydro-Man.
He began doing as the Jackal planned. His glider popped out four pumpkin bombs which he caught. After quietly apologizing to a higher power, he dropped them on the bridge. The bombs caught the unsuspecting commuters by surprise and immediately led all driving lanes into chaos. One car spun out of control. The passengers screamed for their lives as they neared the edge of the bridge. They closed their eyes thinking this was it.
They opened their eyes. The hood of their car was covered in webbing and in front was Avispa trying to keep the car from going off the bridge. Araña was pulling on her webbing to help Avispa. Somewhere out of the line of danger the Crime-Master looked on.
More pumpkin bombs came falling. Araña leapt down to the bridge and webbed a net that caught all the bombs. They exploded tearing the web net but it was sufficient enough to prevent anyone harm.
Araña and Avispa stood side-by-side as they looked on at the Goblin who hovered above. Neither made a move. Traffic finally came to a halt and police sirens can be heard from both Brooklyn and Manhattan. The two heroes looked at each other.
The Crime-Master's gang joined him. Araña looked up to the Goblin and then back at the gang. She didn't like where this was going. Especially since they were gonna use numbers against Avispa.
"Barrier?" Araña looked back and saw nothing.
"But Lucas . . ." Araña showed she was concerned.
She was reluctant to leave him outnumbered, but she could tell how determined he was to take on the Crime-Master and his gang. Looking up she saw the Goblin waiting for someone to make a move. It was said that he was responsible for putting her father in the hospital. She had been in this situation before. Her mother was killed in Mexico in a house fire that was widely believed to have been set up by a drug lord named Felix Jade. She remembered what she had done when confronting him. This time she knew she had to control her emotions when going into fight.
"Araña, go!" yelled Avispa as he pulled a rod the size of his hand out of one of the pouches on his belt.
With a light squeeze the rod popped out into the form of a staff. He twirled it in front of him with it stopping behind his back. Then he put his free arm in front of him taunting them to come get some. Araña saw that there was no stopping him. She shot a strand of webbing up. Tugging it launched her upward. She came in with a flying punch that the Goblin evasively dodged.
Araña's eyes began to shine brightly through her goggles as she gritted her teeth. The blue light matched colors with the exoskeleton that began to wrap around her body. It was rare that she started in her hunter mode but her anger overtook her.
"I know it was you!" she yelled with an ominous tone in her voice.
Down below Avispa looked up surprised to see Araña already armored up. He couldn't hear what they were saying but he knew she only used her blue exoskeleton when she really needed it. The Crime-Master enjoyed the sight a little too much. He then looked over to Avispa whose attention was divided. In his hand he held a container which he lifted to regain the young hero's attention.
The container popped open and in it were tarantulas. Avispa did remember exactly where they were from. It was from the first time he and Araña fought together. The Cult of the Tarantula used these to control people and make them their personal foot soldiers known as Tarantula Drones. The Crime-Master threw the contents of the container at his gang. The tarantulas instantly merged with them, powering them up.
"Of course . . ." sighed Avispa.
The Goblin threw a pumpkin bomb at Araña which she swatted away with her armored arm. The bomb exploded a short distance away in the sky. Araña shot webbing hitting him in the chest. She pulled him. He popped his retractable forearm blades and held his left arm in front of him to pin her. It didn't work out as she kicked him in side sending falling back on the tower.
The Goblin pressed a button on his wrist and a cable shot out of his glider at Araña. Jumping high into the air she flipped forward and dropkicked him. He crashed down on the tower and quickly got up to retaliate. He threw another orange sphere designed like a pumpkin, only this one wasn't a bomb. Razor bats flew out slashing at Araña's exoskeleton.
Avispa counted the number of tarantula fueled gangsters as the Cult's markings appeared on their bodies. He had been training for this moment. The numbers game never worked in his favor. It was thought best for him to take to the offensive first. He charged forward twirling his staff around while spinning his body with it. The tarantulas gave the gangster drones some added knowledge in the ways of martial arts, making it easy for them to maneuver out of harm's way. Avispa nailed one with a downward strike.
Next Avispa tried for a leg sweep with the staff. The drone jumped up and came down with a strike of his own, knocking Avispa back a step. Another kicked him in the chest causing him to go flying back. While in the air Avispa pulled out three kunai and lit them on fire. He threw them all at once successfully only hitting one drone.
Araña took to firing impact webbing at the Goblin. He quickly pulled out his ionic sword and swung it around to deflect each ball. Then he moved in with it. Araña blocked the first strike attempt and leaned far back when he spun around for another slash. When he came back around she blocked his arm with her elbow and struck his arm with a hammer fist. His arm went down and came back up only to be blocked again. He then spun himself around again with the blade pointed from his side. Araña flipped sideways landing behind him kneeling on one leg. She looked down noticing a pumpkin bomb had been dropped in front of her. She jumped back in time to get out of the way.
Kicking his staff back up, Avispa went into a sort of helicopter-like spin eventually nailing a drone in the face. Two more drones used their new powers and shot webbing off their own form at each end of his staff. Together they pulled the staff out of his hands. It swung back and forth a couple times before Avispa flipped forward and stepped on the staff making both drones crash headfirst into one another. He then twisted backwards and threw shuriken to his sides taking down two drones. Another drone surprised him hitting him in his bad arm.
"Ahh, damn it!" he yelled.
The drone smiled only to get blasted with a flame burst. The rest of the drones all pounced at him at once. He flew up. While in the air he inhaled deeply, unleashing the breath he fired a flamethrower-like attack that engulfed all of them.
Both Araña and the Goblin took a step back. She popped her stinger while he called for another gadget. He remembered how he stopped Avispa while in this form. The next pumpkin sphere was thrown popping open to reveal the ghost device that wrapped itself around Avispa. Araña sliced through the object that was supposed to be as strong as steel like it was a sheet of aluminum foil. She struck with her stinger but it was intercepted by his sword. Electricity sparked off both.
"You're mad at the wrong person," stated the Goblin.
Avispa flew in with a fire punch that was easily caught by the Crime-Master. The masked villain was unexpectedly strong. He hurled Avispa over the heads of his gang. Avispa was unable to stop himself from slamming into the bridge deck. He landed on the wrong arm, reopening his wound. He winced in pain as blood seeped into the sleeve of his costume. The gangsters were free of the tarantulas and unharmed thanks to their powers. Knowing they wouldn't be safe the next time they fought with Avispa they all pulled their guns on him.
Araña and Goblin fought to a stalemate. Sparks flew everywhere as stinger and sword clashed. The Goblin's glider reappeared and fired a missile at Araña. Her spider sense warned her. She did a backwards cartwheel dropping off the tower. She clung to the side of it and looked back to watch the missile fly by and explode into the East River. She crawled back up to see the Goblin sheathing his sword.
"Who told you about that?" she demanded to know.
Looking down she saw Avispa staring down several guns pointed his way. The Crime-Master let off a little chuckle before making the order to kill. Avispa heard the clicks of their guns but he also heard something else.
The Crimson Spider landed in front of him with Estrella in hand. She quickly put up a barrier, something she recently just learned to do thanks to training with Miguel. The barrier was strong enough for her to protect her brother. While he kneeled down flames began twisting in his right hand down his arm. While Araña watched the Goblin charged his gloves hoping to catch her off guard. To his surprise she was aware of this. She shot a strand of webbing at his chest and swung him off the tower.
The Crime-Master watched the Goblin coming down with electricity surging off his gloves and then Avispa flying up with a blazing right arm. The two separate attacks collided causing a massive explosion. The force of the blast sent everyone soaring. Estrella hit her head, knocking herself unconscious. The Crimson Spider recollected himself and went to check on her. She wasn't responding to him. He looked over to see the gang picking themselves up and moving closer to the Crime-Master. Misterioso appeared and teleported them out. Finally he looked up to see a black cloud in the sky with flames and electricity coming out of it. Araña looked down concerned about Avispa's fate.
The result of this last strike showed itself as the Goblin fell from the cloud hitting the bridge. The cloud cleared revealing Avispa to be fine. He floated up to Araña. She jumped to him wrapping her arms around him relieved. Together they flew down to the bridge. Araña walked over to the Goblin to check on him. Avispa turned slightly noticing Estrella was knocked out. He rushed to her accidentally bumping into the Crimson Spider.
Avispa picked up his sister and flew off. Moments later, Estrella woke up to find herself being carried on her brother's back. She smiled and pressed her head into his back. They were now on a building in Manhattan. The Crimson Spider placed the Goblin against a wall.
"You could have fooled me," Avispa shook his head.
Estrella got down from her brother's back and walked over to the Goblin. Avispa went to Araña and hugged her.
"And I got nobody . . ." sighed the Crimson Spider.
"Are you all right?" asked Estrella.
He saw Estrella smile at him. Then he looked over to see Araña and Avispa hugging. His attention went back to Estrella who was checking him to make sure he was unharmed.
"After everything I've done you're still gonna help me?" he asked.
The Goblin didn't know how else to respond. He couldn't believe after what he had just done these people would still be willing to help him. Then there was that feeling he was starting to experience when looking at Estrella. Was this the same thing he saw between Araña and Avispa? He looked over to them again as they shared a kiss before jumping off the building holding hands.
Posted in Araña.Tagged Araña, Avispa, Crime-Master, Crimson Spider, Estrella, Goblin.


Sarah Spain chats with Ron Magill about working on "Miami Vice," meeting Barbara Streisand, what makes Dwyane Wade scream and run like a child, the benevolence of Shaquille O'Neal, how getting bitten by a crocodile led to him meeting his wife and the time he was almost killed by an elephant.
Sarah Spain talks with David Jacoby about how most people think his last name is his first name, how he used to hustle tourists in NYC, how he once wrote 500 trivia questions in a day for ESPN, why he wouldn't move to Bristol, developing "SportsNation," the rise and fall of Grantland, and the gradual ascension of "Jalen & Jacoby."
Sarah Spain talks with Team USA runner Chris Mosier about teaching adults karate as a 10-year-old, being a mascot in college, making the decision to transition, challenging and eventually changing International Olympic Committee policies and misconceptions about the trans community.
Sarah talks with ESPN NBA front office insider Amin Elhassan about dealing with rolling blackouts and ration cards while growing up in Sudan, the culture shock he endured as a teenager in the United States, how he rose through the ranks of the NBA front office world, how to get anywhere in an NBA arena, and the time Dan Le Batard thought he was a waiter.


text:
The Secret Future for Apple's Touch Bar
John Martellaro
@jmartellaro
Oct 31st, 2016 6:59 PM EDT | Link
Apple's revolutionary Touch Bar on the new, 2016 MacBook Pros required a lot of engineering development. It uses an ARM sub-processor and a variation of watchOS. But most importantly, it forms the basis for a new system architecture, according to Apple SVP Phil Schiller. It could create things heretofore not even envisioned. Particle Debris page 2 points to an exclusive C|NET interview with Mr. Schiller who explains why it took four years to develop.
Check It Out: The Secret Future for Apple's Touch Bar
MarcusNewton
I think the Touch Bar is a nice add-on thing, and I think it has potential. As someone who dislikes having to learn and remember keyboard shortcuts for 10 different programs, I would welcome a Touch Bar displaying and changing things so I don't have to remember tons of keyboard shortcuts.
However, there are two things that worry me. One, there is not a lot of incentive for app developers to put a lot of time and effort into supporting Touch Bar until it is standard on all of Apple's keyboards, including the standalone Magic Keyboard.
Two, the reason a regular keyboard works so well and for such a long period of time is that people (once they learn it) do not have to look down at the keyboard because the keys are always in the same position. For example, I never have to worry that the "L" key is suddenly in a different place; my muscle memory knows where "L" is without having to really think about it.
With the Touch Bar, a person has to keep looking down at it because its content is dynamically changing. This means a person is moving their eyes away from the screen to see what is currently being displayed on the Touch Bar, and then bring their eyes back up to the screen over and over again.
On a laptop, with the screen being in a fixed position so close to the keyboard, it might not be so bad, but on a desktop there could be a couple of inches to a few feet between the screen and the keyboard.
For example, try looking at the middle of your screen and then keep glancing down to the function keys on your keyboard and the back to the middle of the screen a few times. I know when I do this I keep losing my place and it also breaks my concentration.
November 3, 2016 • Log in to Reply
TheMikester
This could be a decent feature — time will tell. What really bothers me though Apple seems to have lost it's way and what made them great. Apple has a lot of success and can certainly ride that for a while but to be perfectly blunt I consider Apple dead. No, no, not the company but the soul. As I said Apple can live for a fairly long time on the loyalty and the customer hope of a better day but if something doesn't change they are just going to continue to rot from the inside.
Apple seems more enamored with engineering feats just to show off — not because they are good or what the customers want or need. A perfect example is the not so great butterfly keyboard. They just want to make things thinner for thinners sake. At least in a portable you can make an argument for it but enough is enough! It doesn't help me to have the thinest lightest portable in the world if a loath using it because the user experience is worse for it.
Search on YouTube for "steve jobs on why xerox failed" It's less than 3 minutes long and really seems to get at what's going on at Apple these days. Here a link that hopefully will work: steve jobs on why xerox failed
but again, why is this cool?
Because the Strip Bar will inevitably end up embedded in monitors, touchscreens or that new Apple wristband coming up and probably a future Apple TV remote. Also standalone keyboards and the dashboard of the Apple Car.
CudaBoy
A timid way to get into "robot arm" injuries? It really is a meaningless feature. Unless it reads my mind and sets up a clavioline like portamento strip for theramin sounds in GB, or quick scrubs in Final Cut, or volume ducking whilst in ProTools all smartly without configuring then it's 4 years wasted imo.
The Strip Bar will inevitably end up embedded IN monitors, touchscreens or that new Apple wristband coming up and probably a future Apple TV remote – but again, why is this cool?
MNQA
I think it is an important step in the user interface, smooth and clever, typical Apple. But…I'm not so sure that it's going to be perceived as important in the marketplace, where the Surface-type combo units have gotten a lot of paid and free press, and the Touch Bar is going to be seen mostly as "so what?".
davidneale
I wish they'd used those four years to develop a decent, upgradeable iMac. I like Mac OS (heck I've been using some form of it for almost 30 years), but I dislike the sealed iMacs. I shall soon need to move on from my mid-2010 model (with upgraded memory), but I don't see anything I like in the closed models.
That may very well be, but I don't know that it matters if it's stuck on such a compromised machine. The future may hold great innovations, but it would sure be nice to have something to use right now. :/
October 31, 2016 • Log in to Reply
Are you the Resident Geek for your friends, family and co-workers? If so, you might enjoy hanging out with other like-minded folks on the Mac Geek Gab Q&A Forums. Come join the fun!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: How to properly get return code of go build? I want to add go build into a precommit hook so that not to ship unbuildable code.
If the build succeeds, I want to continue commit, otherwise fail and reject commit.
How do I do it properly?

A: Any pre-commit hook will be executed by a git bash (even on Windows), so you can script it through a regular bash script.
See Git Hooks

Exiting non-zero from this hook aborts the commit, although you can bypass it with git commit --no-verify.

#!/bin/bash
set -e
go build

(from "Checking Bash exit status of several commands efficiently")
That way, you can chain multiple commands (like go vet, other go linters). If any of them fail, the pre-commit hook will prevent the commit.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Thoughts & resources
Helping people think and act systemically to change the field of what's possible
We help people take a 'whole system' approach with insight and confidence. We use the science of how social systems work, evolve, flow and flourish to give people a better 'map' and help them navigate through complexity to sustainable change.
Working with complexity?
If everything is connected, if conditions are volatile and uncertain, what does that mean for how we operate and make good decisions? How could it be easier and better?
Want to change how things work?
You might want to change the experience and outcomes of your work. You might be interested in transformation for your team or organisation.
Need help with systems change?
The brief might even be explicitly about systems change or applying a systemic lens to partnership programmes or operational policies and processes.
"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe."
Naturalist and environmental activist (1838-1914)
"Lycia's lightness of tone, perceptive questioning and joyful manner make working with her a valuable and enjoyable process that I would highly recommend."
Clare Reddington
Creative Director of Watershed
"Ultimately… there are no parts at all. What we call a part is merely a pattern in the inseparable web of relationships."
Fritjof Capra
Physicist and founding director of the Center for Ecoliteracy
"Very uplifting; it brought clarity to things that had seemed confused and ill-defined."
Trustee of Bristol Foundation Housing
"When we attribute behaviour to personality, we lose sight of how the structure of the system shaped our choices."
Professor John D Sterman
"Glow played a pivotal role in shaping and managing the process of developing the vision – ensuring the active participation of a very large and diverse set of stakeholders."
Stephen Hilton
Director of the Futures at Bristol City Council
"One size does not fit all. By generalizing we risk throwing out the very information that sheds light on why things happen and what might happen next."
Jean Boulton
Author of Embracing Complexity
"An amazing experience. The constellation was the push we needed to take stock and look at where we should focus to move the business to the next level."
Stephanie Kitchen
Into Latin America
"What an amazing session that was. To come together to talk in such a structured and open way was incredibly therapeutic and truly game-changing. I don't think I had truly appreciated the incredible power and value that your organisation brings to complex problem solving."
"We are now in a much better place to grow and progress, and most importantly meet the needs of our users in a more effective and efficient way."
Jenny Perez
Director of ERIC
"Our work with Glow was clearly the point of transition for the team. It's incredible to reflect on how big the change is now."
Triodos Investment Management
"I have often sat in awe, watching Lycia facilitate. She has incredible capacity for listening, and a wonderful talent for asking the questions that unlock great insights."
Manny Amadi
CEO of C&E Advisory Services
Glow helps people transform their teams and organisations and the impact of their programmes
Systemic constellations
What is a systemic constellation?
Podcasts and videos we find particularly useful.
The iceberg model
Involved in transformation? People love this model.
In our culture, we tend to think of organisations as predictable and controllable (like machines) and base our planning and expectations on this.
In fact they are complex systems, and are messy and unpredictable. They can't be controlled and we can never know everything about them.
We get involved in organisational change and purpose, culture and values, leadership development, partnership in and between sectors and innovation in social systems.
Understanding why we're not getting the outcomes we want and where and how to intervene to catalyse change
Projects that require breakthrough insight and innovation
The shift in thinking and operating that's required for leaders to progress from expert to more facilitative styles of leadership
Planning and tracking for the emergence of 'unlikely but not impossible' scenarios (think Oxfam, Trump, #MeToo, pay equality) – which are more likely than we imagine in a changing environment.
A robust approach based on science
We help people develop a 'complexity worldview' – a way of seeing and experiencing their organisation or community that aligns with the science of how the world works and evolves. It can be a profoundly different way of looking at things. Some of our clients say they experience it as "connecting and re-connecting"; others refer to it as "developing our consciousness".
A complexity worldview:
Looks at 'wholes'
Considers the relationships in and between the structures and people in the system
Looks at context, history, timing and the particular details of a situation to understand why things happen and what can happen next
We're creative, practical and straightforward. We believe we have more impact if we work alongside our clients rather than stepping in as experts. People say we're perceptive, warm and inspiring to work with.
We do just enough to make a difference and encourage self-belief, resilience and resourcefulness. We want people to feel energised and inspired with a strong sense of their own agency and autonomy.
hello@glowconsulting.com
2 Meridian Terrace
Bristol BS7 8AP
Website by: Around or Over


text:
Now, Aam Aadmi Party sacks Dharamvira Gandhi, replaces him with Arvind Kejriwal loyalist
Continuing to take action against dissidents in the party, Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today removed Dharamvira Gandhi as…
Updated: April 21, 2015 9:43:20 pm
A villager protesting during the inauguration of Dwarka water treatment plant by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal with Dy CM and Finance Minister Manish Sisodia -Express Photo by Gajendra yadav
Continuing to take action against dissidents in the party, Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today removed Dharamvira Gandhi as its parliamentary party leader and replaced him Bhagwant Mann – a Kejriwal loyalist.
The decision came hours after expulsion of Prashant Bhushan, Yogendra Yadav, Anand Kumar and Ajit Jha from the party late night.
Gandhi, who had trounced Preneet Kaur in Patiala constituency in Lok Sabha polls last year, had been highly critical of the party leadership in the way Bhushan and Yadav had been removed from party's top echelons. He had even walked out from the AAP's National Council meeting on March 28 in protest and had sent his message to Swaraj Samvad Convention on April 14, organised by the rebel camp.
Defending the party's move of removing Gandhi from the post, AAP leader Ashutosh said that the decision was taken by party's top decision-making body and it should be respected.
Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal with Dy CM and Finance Minister Manish Sisodia during the inauguration of the Dwarka water treatment plant. (Express Photo by Gajendra Yadav)
Attacking Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav, Mann said that the two leaders had been sacked for carrying out anti-party activities.
"I have raised maximum questions, participated in maximum debates and raised concerns about the various bills in the House. If the party wants to give me more responsibilities, then I am ready to shoulder them," Mann said.
Mann, an MP from Sangrur in Punjab, had openly came in out in support of Kejriwal when the party was experiencing a bitter war between the two camps. The comedian-turned politician is popular among the youngsters. He was the most sought after campaigner in Delhi Assembly polls after Arvind Kejriwal, party sources said.
For Updates Check India News; follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Arvind KejriwalYogendra Yadav
KATPS finalising master plan to develop three adventure tourism sites in Kerala


Easily share, manage and work on content with your colleagues, customers and partners in one central place, on any device, anywhere.
In WorkSmart, all your content and conversations live together in a single, beautifully presented view – improving productivity and fast decision making.
With the Office 365 integration, users can open, edit and save Office files in real-time in Office Online without leaving WorkSmart, while the files are automatically saved and managed in WorkSmart.
From Meeting minutes, Employee Contracts and Partner Agreements to Complex Forms – easily transform Paper forms & Static PDFs into an intelligent and personalized Experience.
WorkSmart Smart Docs enables your users to complete paperwork – faster, more accurately.
Delight your users with a fast and convenient eSignature experience using a reliable, enterprise-grade solution.
WorkSmart eSign streamlines the signing process – easily submit signature requests for internal and external stakeholders and allow assigned users to quickly and securely access and sign documents in just minutes.
Advanced search capabilities make it easy to find specific folders and files by meta data, name, file type, date and author.
No more version conflicts – everyone is on the latest version. With full version history and audit trail, you can check who has accessed or changed data – and when.
With file locking, maintain the integrity of each document by ensuring that only one person can modify it at any time.


text:
Lester Laminack
Katie Kelly
Reading To Make a Difference
Discovering Our Own Identities
Taking the initiative to be reflective about one's inward identity can be enlightening. But to share those thoughts publicly can be risky. There is a certain level of vulnerability in sharing your inward self. Lester and Katie felt that vulnerability when sharing their personal stories in the introduction of Reading to Make a Difference. They believe the power is in the practice of that reflection and laying claim to your feelings and sense of self.
Consider sharing a story of your own with your students as a way to share your identity and create community!
The above has been adapted from Reading to Make a Difference. Learn more at Heinemann.com
Follow us on Instagram @heinemannpub to stay up to date on the latest books, your favorite authors, and upcoming events!
Lester L. Laminack is Professor Emeritus at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina where he received two awards for excellence in teaching. Lester is now a full-time writer and consultant working with schools throughout the United States and abroad. He is an active member of the National Council of Teachers of English and has served three years as coeditor of the NCTE journal Primary Voices and as editor of the Children's Book Review Department of the NCTE journal Language Arts (2003–2006). He also served as a teaching editor for the magazine Teaching K–8 and wrote the Parent Connection column (2000–2002). He is a former member of the Whole Language Umbrella Governing Board, the Governing Board and Secretary of the North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children, and the Board of Directors for the Center for the Expansion of Language and Thinking. He served as the Basic Reading Consultant to Literacy Volunteers of America from 1987 through 2001 and is a former member of the Board of Directors of Our Children's Place. Lester has served as editor (2017) of the Writing Department for the ILA Journal Reading Teacher.
Lester's academic publications consist of several books including Learning with Zachary (Scholastic), Spelling in Use (NCTE), Volunteers Working with Young Readers (NCTE), and his contributions to The Writing Workshop: Working Through the Hard Parts (NCTE), Learning Under the Influence of Language and Literature (Heinemann), Reading Aloud Across the Curriculum (Heinemann), Climb Inside a Poem (Heinemann), Cracking Open the Author's Craft (Scholastic), Unwrapping the Read Aloud (Scholastic), Bullying Hurts: Teaching Kindness Through Read Alouds and Guided Conversations (Heinemann), The Writing Teacher's Troubleshooting Guide (Heinemann), and Writers ARE Readers: Flipping Reading Strategies into Writing Instruction (Heinemann).
Lester currently lives in Dillsboro, NC and Asheville, NC with his husband Steve and their two dogs, Bailey and Sora. They are the proud grandparents of an adorable little girl named Everette. You can connect with Lester on his website, LesterLaminack.com, or on Twitter at @Lester_Laminack
Katie Kelly is an Associate Professor of Education and Coordinator of the Literacy Graduate Program at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina where she teaches literacy methods for elementary learners, literacy assessment and instruction, and practicum with an emphasis on literacy coaching. As a former elementary teacher and literacy coach, Katie's teaching and research interests include teacher preparation and development in the area of engaging literacy instructional practices with emphasis on children's literature, diversity, inclusion, and social justice. She examines ways to engage diverse learners through culturally relevant practices that value all individuals while fostering compassionate global citizens who advocate for social justice and equality. Additionally, Katie is interested in exploring ways to integrate technology to mediate literacy practices to prepare today's global learners.
Katie is widely published in several peer-reviewed journals including The Reading Teacher, Voices from the Middle, Reading Horizons, Literacy Research and Instruction, and Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education. She coauthored two books: Smuggling Writing: Strategies that Get Students to Write Every Day, in Every Content Area (3–12) (Corwin) and From Pencils to Podcasts: Digital Tools to Transform K–12 Literacy Practices (Solution Tree).
Katie currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina with her rescue dog, Mollie. You can connect with her on Twitter at @ktkelly14
Posted by: Steph GeorgePublished: May 15, 2019
Topics: Video, Reading, Lester Laminack, Katie Kelly, Reading To Make a Difference
Moving Students Toward Independence
Our goal for all of our students is that they will use the skills we teach them independently. So, when w...
Steph George Jun 24, 2019 3:35:43 PM
What Is Implicit Bias?
Bias is when we have our mind made up about something based on prior experience, our environment, or some...
Steph George Jun 19, 2019 6:47:00 AM
Always Keep Learning
As teachers, there will always be factors that are outside out sphere of influence: the school's demograp...
Steph George Jun 3, 2019 7:46:00 AM
Making A Case For Researcher's Workshop Across The Day
Anne Goudvis, Stephanie Harvey, and Brad Buhrow love to talk about their favorite subject: inquiry. "It's...
Lauren Audet May 16, 2019 11:29:23 AM


text:
EfD-Mak Fellow Dr. Nicholas Kilimani develops a policy brief
Dr. Nicholas Kilimani in November 2019 developed a policy brief, tittled,"Household nutrition effects of crop commercialisation in Uganda"
 While commercialisation has contributed towards increasing agricultural income, its impact on nutrition has been adverse as neither production nor the accrued income resulted in nutrition sensitive consumption;
 Agricultural policies and programmes seem to have focused more on market oriented production and less on nutrition sensitive agriculture;
 There is inadequate nutrition knowledge among the population as no significant difference between nutrient intake of the more educated and higher income households and the less educated low income households was found;
 While rural households potentially stand to gain more from the policies and programmes, they need support in order to gain from them as they lack the capacity to orient their production towards the market, confining them to subsistence agriculture;
 Presence of agricultural markets was found as crucial for both commercialisation and household nutrition, reinforcing the need to develop more such infrastructure.
Agricultural commercialisationis seen as a pathway towards rural economic transformation since it is not only expected to improve income, but also enhance a wide array of other welfare indicators such as nutrition. Big gains are expected especially among rural households whose livelihood is directly derived from agriculture. In the anticipation of the attendant benefits, many developing countries have embarked on agricultural commercialisationas a growth strategy. Objective 3 of Uganda's Agricultural Policy is to to "promote specialization in strategic, profitable and viable enterprises and value addition through agro-zoning".
This is informed by the understanding that commodity specialization and agro-zoning strengthen agri-business, enhance profitability and market access, leading to the creation of farm and off-farm employment. The creation of additional employment opportunities necessitates increased commercialisation of agriculture and the establishment of industries for value addition to agricultural products (GoU, 2013). This drive has seen the establishment of programmes such as the Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP), the Plan for Modernization of Agriculture (PMA), the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), the Rural Development Strategy (RDS), and the Prosperity for All programme. This research uses a control function on a nationally representative LSMS-ISA dataset to analyse how such government policies and programmes aimed agricultural commercialisationhave contributed to house nutrition via the intake of calorie, proteins, calcium, zinc, iron and vitamin A.
While commercialisation efforts have been accompanied by policy reforms aimed at creating competitive agricultural markets, there is evidence which emphasizes that commercialisationmay not yield the desired welfare impact. This is likely to be the case for especially the poor households that are positioned at the bottom of the income ladder (Carletto et al., 2017). The debate on the welfare gains from commercialisation comes at a time when government policies and programmes which have seen the expansion of production of commercial crops are being met with mixed reactions. Essentially, the potential welfare gains from commercialisation are being put to question. For instance, the scaling up of sugarcane production has been met with concerns of increasing food insecurity, malnutrition and rising poverty as the extensive nature of sugarcane production requires considerable acreage for farmers to break-even. The resulting increase in demand for land has inevitably pushed households into allocating nearly their entire landholdings to sugarcane, leaving almost none to food production (Mwavu et al., 2018). In their study of the food security implications of expanded sugarcane cultivation among smallholder farmers, Mwavu et al. (2018) show that households in sugarcane production are food insecure, as they lack the means to sufficient food to meet their dietary needs. Home gardens in the sugarcane producing regions were reported to have be rapidly lost important and nutritious food crops like cowpeas, soybean, aerial yams, and bambara groundnuts. This has serious implications for household food security and nutrition. As a result, households were reportedly resorting to offering labour in exchange for food, borrowing, rationing, and at times using unsavoury survival strategies such as stealing from their neighbours.
Overall, commercialisation generally presented negative effects on nutrition. In addition, nutrient intake was found to depend on several pathways such as the amount of resources available, the choice of what is produced, presence of markets as well as how decisions concerning production and consumption are made. It is thus important to understand first, the socioeconomic and cultural setting before identifying the channels for impact.
ABOUT THIS BRIEF
This policy brief was written by Nicholas Kilimani, Research Fellow, Environment for Development (EfD-Mak) Centre-Makerere University, Kampala-Uganda. The research was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant to the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) under a thematic research project on evaluating the impact of agricultural and food policies on nutritional outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa, Grant RT18532. The author would like to thank the AERC, its reviewers and Resource Persons for their comments on the earlier drafts of the paper from which this Brief was extracted. The Discussion Paper was presented at the Economic Society of South Africa Biennial Conference, 3-5th September, 2019 at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, Johannesburg-South Africa.
GoU (2013). National Agriculture Policy, Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe-Uganda.
Carletto, C., Corral, P., and Guelfi, A. (2017). Agricultural commercialisationand nutrition revisited: Empirical evidence from three African countries. Food Policy, 67:106-118.
Mwavu, E.N., Kalema, V.K., Bateganya, F., Byakagaba, P., Waiswa, D., Enuru, T., and Mbogga, M.S. (2018). Expansion of commercial sugarcane cultivation among smallholder farmers in Uganda: Implications for household food security. Land, 7(2), 73. doi:10.3390/land7020073.
Von Braun, J., Kennedy, E., and Bouis, H. (1990). Commercialisationof smallholder agriculture: Policy requirements for the malnourished poor. Food Policy, 15(1), 82–85. doi:10.1016/0306-9192(90)90027-w.
Ogutu, S., Gödecke, T., and Qaim, M. (2017). Agricultural commercialisationand nutrition in smallholder farm households. Global Food Discussion Papers 97, Universität Göttingen. http://hdl.handle.net/10419/161624.
Dr. Nicholas Kilimani, Research Fellow, Environment for Development (EfD-Mak) Centre-Makerere University, Kampala-Uganda, e-mail: nkilimani@cis.mak.ac.ug
News | 29 April 2020


The popular game of blackjack, which is enjoyed by millions of casino players, has a number of interesting variations. Of th em, European Blackjack is much played in both online and offline casinos. This is because it is more profitable, and has rules and strategies that are easy to understand. Owing to its popularity, a number of online casinos in the UK, Europe and other parts of the world offer this variation of blackjack along with others. If you want to try this version of blackjack, here are some pointers that you can use.
In any form of blackjack, the aim of the player is to make a hand that is higher than the dealer's or has a sum close to, but not more than 21. This is one reason why blackjack is sometimes also known as '21'. The European version of blackjack is similar to American blackjack in many ways, although there are some minor differences between the two. The European variant is easy to play and also has a lower house edge, which makes it the preferred choice of many online blackjack players.
As the aim of all blackjack games is similar, the rules are also more or less the same. But there are minor differences between the rules of each blackjack variant, which makes them all the more interesting.
European blackjack is played using two decks of 52 cards each, where the number cards are taken at face value- the face cards have a value of 10 and aces are counted either as 1 or 11.
A player can draw 9 to 11 cards to make a sum of 21 to win, but blackjack (ace and 10 value card) is the highest of all.
A simple way to increase your odds of winning is to know when to stand and when to hit.
If you have a sum between 17 and 20 you should stand irrespective of the face up cards held by the dealer.
Otherwise you should hit until you get a 17 or 18, especially if the dealer has more than 7.
In case the dealer's up card is less than 6, you should hit until you get a sum of 12 or more.
If you have a 10 or a face value card, and the dealer has less than nine, you can double the bet as your chance of winning is better.
As the house edge in European blackjack is relatively lower, you should make the best use of your bankroll to play as many games as you can to win more money online.
Using the various tactics to increase and decrease the bet amount can help you maximize your profits.
The strategies of the European blackjack variant are easy to understand as well as implement. You can browse the internet to find a suitable website that offers information on strategies for playing and winning real money online blackjack. But, before trying these strategies blindly, you should understand the rules and learn the game properly.
Here's some basic strategies that players can use when playing European blackjack. These are especially popular in Germany and the UK.
Apart from these, Easy Surrender is also a possibility in European blackjack with such versions existing in Russia and Macau too.
Nowadays, there are several online casinos which are offering European blackjack. Here's a list of the best top 10 currently on the market.
Feel Wealthier in No Time at Rich Casino If you're currently debating where exactly you can start playing European blackjack right now, we've got you covered. Check out our handy list of the best online casino websites currently offering this fun variation of the game of 21. All of these operators also provide some pretty spectacular bonus packages too, so you can get started with a decent boost to your bankroll straight off the bat.
The game is in the name over at Rich casino. This swanky operator will make you feel more prosperous from the moment you start playing here. Get started with a massively generous welcome package that's bursting with awesome bonus cash on your first 5 deposits.
If you're a hard-worker who's ready and willing to take your gaming to a whole new level. Complete with a funky Western theme, this casino is an awesome place to get started, not least because of the ginormous welcome bonus you can get your hands on as a new player at Red Stag. This can see you get $4000 in cash after just one deposit. As well as this, there's also the option of 25% cashback on your losses if you prefer to forgo the bonus, so it's entirely up to you on how you choose to get going here.
Get over to Codeta casino now to put some class into your online casino experience. This operator has got everything players require for a flawless gaming experience like no other. Offering several variations of blackjack that are sure to tickle your fancy as well as useful gaming tutorials to teach you the ropes too.
Royal Planet combines online gaming with VIP treatment for all its players, starting from a spectacular welcome package worth almost a thousand in bonus funds. What's more, US players are more than welcome here too.
All deposit bonus amounts and/or Free Spins must follow the bonus wagering requirements as stated before withdrawal. All games may not contribute equally to the wagering requirement. All deposit bonuses may be on an opt-in basis. The minimum deposit requirement must have been met. For full participation details refer to Bonus T&Cs. All deposit bonuses are on opt-in basis. For participation details refer to Manhattan Slots Casino's Bonus T&Cs.
Live dealer games like blackjack are a great way to get all the thrill of a physical casino without having to ever leave your own house. This is precisely why this market has grown exponentially over the past decade, attracting thousands of players from all corners of the world. What's more most live blackjack variations are now also available on mobile platforms too, so you can get all the gaming thrills from any device, wherever you may be.
If you've never played live before, we recommend trying it just to get a feel of the experience… we can guarantee you'll be hooked in no time!
Our top picks for the most important things to consider before playing will help you master American and European Blackjack and become King of both tables. It is always handy for dedicated Blackjack players to know a whole array of different playing styles and options, so read here for a complete guide to playing Blackjack with strategy tips and rules.
Atlantic City Blackjack is a popular variant of American blackjack offered by a number of online and offline casinos from around the world. Similar in many ways to original blackjack, this version of blackjack can be either single hand or multi hand blackjack. This variant of blackjack is much sought after as it has a house edge of as low as 0.35%, although it can differ from one online casino to another. Here is some information on the rules, strategies and casinos that can help you play the Atlantic City version of blackjack comfortably.
Whether it is a single hand blackjack or multi hand blackjack, the rules and strategies of Atlantic City blackjack are similar to those used in the American version of the game. Learn basic blackjack rules here.
The rules of this blackjack variant are similar to the rules of classic hole game of blackjack, which makes it easy to learn and implement.
The first rule is that this variant of blackjack has to be played using eight standard decks of playing cards.
The dealer can peek if the up card is an ace or a ten value card, and will always stand if the hand is between 17 and 21, and hit for 16 and less.
Blackjack is the highest hand, and in case of a tie or 'push' for blackjack, players get back their bet amount.
Splitting is allowed only once, but aces can be split twice. Re-splitting is not allowed.
Doubling down is allowed on any two card hand, even after splitting.
There is no option of late surrender.
Insurance is allowed only when the dealer's up card is an ace. In case the dealer hits blackjack, you get a payout of 2:1; otherwise you lose your insurance bet.
The strategies used for Atlantic City blackjack are similar to classic blackjack strategies, as the goal in both variants is to attain a sum closest to 21, without exceeding it, and make a hand higher than the dealer's. If you want to play and win Atlantic City blackjack online, the first thing to do is look for a reliable website that provides the strategy charts for this variant and go through them thoroughly.
As you may not be able to put the strategies to best use just by reading the charts and details, you should look for a blackjack site that offers this version of blackjack for free or play money. This way, you can actually practice the game using the various strategies and the skills you have developed, for improving your chances of winning the game with real money.
Usually, Atlantic City Blackjack has a payout of 3:2 when you hit blackjack, 1:1 in case your hand is higher than the dealer's and 2:1 in case you win the insurance bet. While this is the same for almost all online casinos, it may slightly differ in some. So when you choose a casino, make sure to pick one that has comprehensible and reasonable rules, as well as profitable payout percentages.
There's no need for you to pack your bags and book plane tickets or hotels to start playing Atlantic City blackjack. You can play this fun variation of the game of 21 online anytime you want. Check out some of the latest online casinos to offer atlantic city blackjack in live mode right here. You can also grab a hot bonus as nice welcome when you sign up as a new player here.
Exclusive Casino is one operator that will gift you with oodles of casino goodies from the start, ensuring a unique start to your online gaming experience. The fantastic welcome bonus offer will hit the right spot from the start.
Get over to Bet Big Dollar casino and you'll be rewarded with brill bonus cash from the moment you sign up for your new account, with $25 no deposit bonus cash to snap up as well as more moolah coming your way once you do make a deposit.
Play at Bet Big Dollar now!
If you're looking for a sweet start to your online casino experience, look no further than Cherry Gold Casino. You can get started here with some juicy no deposit cash as soon as you sign up as well as more tempting bonuses once you do make your first deposit.
You're in for a wild gaming ride over at Jackpot Wheel casino, especially if you happen to a be new player. There's a hefty cash bonus in store when you deposit for the first time, so be sure to use the bonus code to claim it while you can.
Claim this great Welcome Bonus at Jackpot Wheel Casino now!
All deposit bonus amounts and/or Free Spins must follow the bonus wagering requirements as stated before withdrawal. All games may not contribute equally to the wagering requirement. All deposit bonuses may be on an opt-in basis. The minimum deposit requirement must have been met. For full participation details refer to Bonus T&Cs. All deposit bonuses are on opt-in basis. For participation details refer to Jackpot Wheel Casino Bonus T&Cs.
If you want some extra kicks out of your standard online blackjack gaming experience, why not give live games a try? Using professional dealers, fully equipped casino studios and real-time streaming through your webcam, live casino games offer all the benefits of playing in a real brick and mortar casino, without having to step outside!
Whether on your laptop, mobile or tablet, you can play Atlantic city blackjack at your convenience whenever and wherever you fancy!
American and European Blackjack are very similar games. However, the difference is important to know as it greatly affects the strategy that you may choose to adopt.
There are key different rules in the game, but if you play your cards right and learn these important rules for both, then you can sit on whatever table you like and still prosper.
Check out our top picks for you to bear in mind when playing the variations below.
The first thing you are likely to notice about the two games is the amount of decks that are used. European Blackjack will generally only use 1 or 2 Decks, whereas American Blackjack will use between 6-8, this obviously makes a big difference in your chances, as more decks mean a higher house advantage and more unpredictable game-play, making card counting more difficult.
Perhaps the biggest difference in the games is the Hole Card. Essentially, this allows for the dealer to look at his second card before the player/s hand/s are completed if there is a chance of Blackjack, so for example, if their first card is an Ace card. In this situation, if the dealer looks and it is indeed, Blackjack, then the game is over and the house wins, without the need to player any further and all bets are collected.
This rule is non-existent in European Blackjack. As such, if you generally only play European Blackjack, this is a rule you definitely need to look out for if you find yourself at an American table. This being said, it can also play to your advantage because if the game ends immediately, it can prevent bigger losses if you opt to double up or split.
This is another rule that only exists in American Blackjack. It gives the player the opportunity to "Surrender" after their first two cards are dealt.
This means that the player will only lose 50% of hs take, instead of the full wager amount. This is very handy if the player has bet high, only to find himself in a position that is difficult to win. Although this does have it benefits, you may also find yourself in a position where you are kicking yourself when the final cards are revealed.
As you probably are aware, doubling down allows you to double your wager if you feel you are in a comfortable position to beat the dealer. However, when you can do this varies between the two gaming styles.
In European Blackjack, this is only permitted on hands with a value of 9,10 or 11, whereas in American Blackjack, players can double down with any total.
This rule is allowed in both versions of the game and allows players to divide his original hand into two separate hands, doubling your bet and thus, raising your potential winnings. This gives the player the opportunity to play a weak dealer card to his advantage.
The difference lies in the amount of times that this can be done. European rules allows this only once and only on cards that equal the amount of 10, i.e. 10's, Jacks, Queens and Kings.
American rules allow you time split up to 3 times making up to 4 hands. There is also no rules about which cards can be split on. American rules players can once per game also take a card to Split Aces.
As you can see, although both games appear the same at a glance, it is only through playing you would notice these crucial differences. American Blackjack, as you can see, has more intricate game-play, with much more in the game to spice it up and this adds an extra dimension.
This said, both have their charms and it is all a matter of preference. What is essential is that you are aware of which table you are playing at and the rules that apply, so that you can use them to your advantage. For example, if you are playing European Blackjack, you need to be slightly more reserved in your choices. With no limit to doubling down or splitting in the American Version, it means you can be more aggressive in your game-play and really push the limits.
Whichever you choose to play, make sure you keep this list in the forefront of your mind so that you can not only show competence wherever you are playing, but also be always able to cash in on your rivals ignorance.
Uptown Aces have both games on offer, so you can put what you've learned into practice right now!
Blackjack History – Where Did it Originate?
Blackjack has an interesting history; and it would be interesting to note that nobody invented the game. Card games with rules strikingly similar to modern blackjack were played in Europe in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The game grew, changed, and evolved from generation to generation and is still growing and evolving into better versions. Since the game is popular for its low house edge and excellent payouts, online casinos have developed several variants, including multi-hand blackjack. Although there are several variants of blackjack today, the basic rules of classic blackjack govern each variant.
The game is widely believed to have originated in French. A game called Vingt-et-Un, which bears a striking similarity to blackjack, was played in French casinos in the early eighteenth century. Whenever a player got an ace and a jack of spades, he/she would win a bonus. Owing to this peculiar rule, the game was later re-christened as blackjack.
The game was also played in Italy as Seven and a Half, in which players were dealt face cards and 7, 8, and 9 cards. The value of face cards was held to be one point while the value of numbered cards was held to be half a point. Players of Seven and a Half were expected to create a hand equaling seven and a half points to win the jackpot. If they exceeded that value, they were considered to have gone "bust." The King of Diamonds was the wild card of this game. The Spanish also played a blackjack-like game called One and Thirty, in which they were expected to create a hand equaling 31, instead of 21.
During the French Revolution, the game was taken to North America, where it evolved and became immensely popular. Professional gamblers realized that blackjack could help them win large jackpots and developed blackjack strategies to enhance their chances of winning. Although the US government adopted an anti-gambling stance, blackjack grew in popularity and was largely played in stealth. When the state of Nevada legalized gambling activities in 1931, blackjack was offered in Las Vegas casinos, after which it became more popular than ever, attracting the attention of not only professional gamblers, but also scientists, statisticians, and mathematicians.
Serious attempts were made to study blackjack scientifically after the mid-twentieth century, as a result of which several books were written about it. Roger Baldwin and his team were the first to study the game and write the first blackjack strategy book titled "Optimum Strategy in Blackjack." Prof. Edward O. Thorp made a better attempt to understand blackjack in the early sixties, and his book "Beat the Dealer" became a best seller almost overnight. It terrified land casinos enough to alter blackjack rules; however, casinos later realized that the book did not really make a difference in the way players played blackjack and reverted to classic or traditional blackjack.
Many more blackjack books were written down the decades and are still being written and the game remains one of the most popular games at online casinos.


text:
McFarland & Pecci
Award winning directors Ian McFarland and Mike Pecci are two creatives from completely different disciplines who share a common love for beautiful imagery and captivating stories. Ian McFarland is well known for his work as a documentarian and commercial director. Born from a background as a musician and editor, Ian brings a particular understanding of structure and pacing to his fascination with human stories. Mike Pecci has made a name for himself as an acclaimed photographer and narrative film director. His obsession with image design and composition, coupled with a constant desire to refresh the creative process, has explored some of the most hidden aspects of human nature.
Collectively, the two have created award winning documentaries and short films that have screened in film festivals and have been picked up for major distribution worldwide. They have produced and directed music videos for multiple Grammy Nominated International acts and year after year, their music videos are voted and ranked among the top videos of the year. They have directed national campaigns and developed corporate projects for companies such as The Boston Celtics, Merrill Lynch, Care.com, Lifestyles Condoms, Titleist, Pfizer, Fidelity, and The Boston Phoenix.
Together their goal is to produce unforgettable images and content that will leave an impression on the mind of the audience long after they view them.
In the Gear Bag
4mm Firecrest Ultra ND
4mm Firecrest Ultra ND Soft Edge Grad


text:
Q: Split multiple values in a cell to multiple rows - Oracle SQL I have a table:
table1
values
------------
x=new letter
------------
a=old letter
ba=older letter
xq=newer letter
------------
xf=new apple
xt=new orange
x3=new fruit
xtt=new seed

I have to separate the values in each cell to multiple rows.
The following is the output:
table2
code      description
x         new letter
a         old letter
ba        older letter
xq        newer letter
xf        new apple
xt        new orange
x3        new fruit
xtt       new seed

How can this be achieved?

A: try like below
SELECT NVL(SUBSTR('a=old letter', 0, INSTR('a=old letter', '=')-1), 'a=old letter')
AS col1, NVL(SUBSTR('a=old letter', INSTR('a=old letter', '=')+1), 'a=old letter')
  FROM DUAL

so in you case
SELECT NVL(SUBSTR(values, 0, INSTR(values, '=')-1), values)
AS col1, NVL(SUBSTR(values, INSTR(values, '=')+1), values)

  FROM table1

A: I would use regexp_replace() or regexp_substr():
select regexp_substr(str, '^[^=]+') as code,
       regexp_substr(str, '[^=]+$') as value

Here is a db<>fiddle.
Note that this does not use values for the column name.  That is a very bad choice for a column name because it is a SQL keyword.


text:
<?php
namespace FletesBundle\Controller;

use Sensio\Bundle\FrameworkExtraBundle\Configuration\Method;
use Sensio\Bundle\FrameworkExtraBundle\Configuration\Route;

class DemandaController extends BaseController{

    /**
    * @Route("/demanda/{id}",name="actualizar_demanda")
    * @Method("PUT")
    *
    */
    public function actualizar(){

    }

    /**
    * @Route("/demanda",name="crear_demanda")
    * @Method("POST")
    *
    */
    public function crear(){

    }

    /**
    * @Route("/demanda/{id}",name="borrar_demanda")
    * @Method("DELETE")
    *
    */
    public function borrar(){

    }

    /**
    * @Route("/demandas",name="listar_demanda")
    * @Method("GET")
    *
    */
    public function listar(){

    }

    /**
    * @Route("/demanda/{id}",name="obtener_demanda")
    * @Method("GET")
    *
    */
    public function obtener(){

    }
    //NO REST AJAX
    public function prototipo(){
        $demanda = new Demanda();
        return $this->successAjaxResponse(array('demanda'=>$demanda));
    }
    //NO REST NO AJAX
    /**
    * @Route("/demanda/formulario",name="formulario_demanda")
    * @Method("GET")
    */
    public function formuario(){
        return $this->render('FletesBundle:Demanda:formulario.html.php');
    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: adding value count as label for each bar in bar chart in python I have a bar chart like this
here is my chart

I have created the chart by,
y_pos=np.arange(len(plot_label))

plt.bar(y_pos, plot_value, align='center', alpha=0.5 )
plt.xticks(y_pos, plot_label)
plt.ylabel('axis')
plt.title('Title')

I want to add the value counts at the top of each bar, for example as a label.


I turned the page on the calendar and can't believe it's February already. Hello February, welcome to 2016. Tomorrow starts the Nuts About... Blog Hop.
It's hosted by Marian at Seams To Be Sew and is sponsored by the Fat Quarter Shop and AnyPattern. There are 21 bloggers that will be posting about what they are Nuts About... and there are giveaways to win. Here is the line up of Nutty Bloggers.
For a change, I have my project completed already and am working on the blog post. Usually I'm a last minute gal. Would you like a sneak peak of what I'm doing?
Any guesses on what it might be? You'll have to come back and see on February 9th.
And speaking of being Nuts About... something. I'm nuts about the In Our Garden blog hop that's going on right now. The first set of patterns has been posted.
You have to go see them. Amy at Sew Incredibly Crazy is hosting this awesome blog hop and her blocks this month are just too cute! Go check them out here. Oh, and there are giveaways there too!
My month is April. I can't wait to show you what I've designed!


I don't know that there is a specific amount of kefir consumption recommended on the diet. 1 cup in the morning and at night is great! I've gone up to 2 cups in the morning and at night making sure to consume enough water, too.


The weekly export sales report was out at 7:30 this morning and simply put – corn sales were encouraging (highest reported exports of the marketing year) while soybean sales were the opposite – lowest of the marketing year, reflecting cancellations from both China and "unknown" (also probably China). The big bearish story started mid-morning yesterday with the announcement by the EU about their economic stimulus plans - which rallied the $US. The $US has since gained 2.25% in less than 24 hours! This continued strength in the Dollar will be a problem for most commodities and could limit rally attempts in the future.


Home birth is a controversial topic in today's litigious society. The debate around home birth continues. There are risks involved involved in a home birth, but there are also benefits.
Those who support home births claim that up until the twentieth century, most women gave birth at home, even in the western world and that it has stood the test of time. Those who are against it argue that it is extremely risky because if something goes wrong, the emergency technology that is available in most hospitals, is not available at home. If there is a crisis, time is often of the essence and delays in treatment could alter the outcome of the birth significantly.
Whatever camp you are in, the most important thing you can do when making your decision is be fully informed.
Comfort and familiarity: Surroundings are familiar and comfortable and it is a vastly different atmosphere compared to a hospital ward.
You are in charge: You can arrange the décor of the room where you will give birth, you can play music, watch the television, have a bath, eat when you feel like it. If you are having your baby at home there are no real rules to follow.
You can choose how many people are with you: if you want your partner, a doula, your mother and best friend with you, you can. Some women want their older children to be present. If you don't want your children in the room during the actual birth, they can be among the first to see the new baby soon after birth.
You can regulate your choice of pain relief: most women who have home births only want natural pain relief, not having an epidural or pethidine available is not an issue. At home you are more likely to use breathing exercises, bean bags, or have a water birth. A midwife who specialises in such techniques will guide you on the equipment that you need, and how to use it. You can also use alternative methods of pain relief, such as hypno-birthing.
You lead the birthing experience: as long as you produce a coherent birth plan and dis-cuss everything fully with your midwife before the actual labour, you can be extremely independent in your choices.
With all of the above benefits of a home birth in mind, it is still vitally important to take into account all of the inherent risks of having a baby at home. The main concern about giving birth at home is how safe it is for the mother or the child. If the pregnancy is risk free and everything goes according to plan, a home birth does not have to be dangerous, but the risks outlined below, should be considered.
Appropriately qualified and experienced midwife: you need to ensure that the midwife you hire is appropriately qualified and experienced, specifically in home births. A home birth is a significantly different experience to a hospital birth and it is essential that your midwife has a deep understanding of the nuances of home birth.
Emergency situation: if something goes wrong during the labour or birth and the mother or baby need medical attention, for example an emergency a caesarean, the delay involved in transporting the mother to hospital could be detrimental to the health or survival of both mother and baby.
Financial cost of a home birth: you will need to hire a private midwife if you want to have a home birth. The costs of this can be significant (and vary between $3,550 – $5,500). Some midwives, known as 'Eligible Midwives' are eligible for some of their fee to be claimed through Medicare. Your health insurance may also cover part of the cost. As this varies so significantly between providers and locations, it is important that you thoroughly research the costs associated with a home birth.
Some private health insurance will pay partial rebates for home birth, but each insurer is different, so be sure that you check what is covered. Some Midwives are Medicare Eligible Midwives, which means Medicare will rebate some of the cost associated with pre and post natal care, but not cost associated with the birth, if it occurs at home. A home birth with a private Midwife will cost between $3500 – $5500.
Private Midwives do not have professional indemnity insurance that will covers a birth that takes place at home, even if she is an Eligible Midwife. A midwife's insurance will cover antenatal and postnatal care. It is likely that your midwife will ask you to sign a declaration agreeing that you are aware that there is no insurance cover for the birth.
If you wanted to claim damages for negligent care during the birth itself, your midwife would be required to pay the damages, rather than an insurer.
Do you really know what a home birth entails? It might be helpful to watch a documentary home birth as part of your research.
If you are set on your home birth, what kind of home birth do you want? Some women seek an unassisted home birth, which essentially means that the midwife is there as a safety net, but you do most of the work yourself. You may, on the other hand, prefer a midwife who is more proactive.
What are your own personal risks? If you are going through a problematic pregnancy or there is a problem with the way that your baby is lying this needs to be considered. Before booking your home birth, you are well advised to discuss this issue with your doctor to find out whether this option is realistic for you or your baby.
What home birth options are available to you? Contact a home birth association to discuss all your options.
Can you afford the cost of a home birth midwife? Cost associated with a home birth can be significant. You should factor this in to your decision.
Once you have found a midwife, ask to see her qualifications. Is she officially registered? Are her services covered by your health insurance? Ask her for references and speak to as many mothers who have used her as you can. If you find that she is evasive when you question her or that she refuses to provide references you should consider someone else.
On considering your options, if you are an advocate of home birth and your pregnancy is low-risk, and your health is good, home birth is a relatively safe and low-intervention way to give birth. In New Zealand, Scandinavian countries and some European countries home birth is well integrated in to the health system and is supported by the government.
The key is to be fully informed and have researched all your options. Once you feel confident of this you will be able to make an informed decision based on your own particular circumstances.


Ras Abu Aboud stadium is one of the FIFA 2022 main stadiums. It boasts a wonderful waterfront location in the heart of Doha, a stone's throw from the city's museum and cultural district. Designed for 40,000 spectators, this stadium concept was based on an open design that allowed the waterfront location to penetrate right into the football field. The concept was brought out the strategic location on two main transportation axes - it being on the main road entering the city from the airport, as well as being adjacent to the historic city port - and from there the idea of travel and time grew. The main lines of the stadium's form capture a sense of motion while the pattern and geometry of the details reflect the cultural spirit nearby.


text:
« Farewell to Thomas Gad: a friend, a colleague, and a uniter | Getting inspiration from Douglas Rushkoff »
Building a car anorak's encyclopædia
Above: The first-generation Mitsubishi Minica, though this isn't the 1962 model. Now on Autocade—though hardly an iconic model.
It's the end of the Gregorian year, which means I get a bit of time to update Autocade. Since 2008, it's mostly been a labour of love, and typically, the period after Christmas is when I get a bit of down time to put on models that should have been done during the year.
But because it's a hobby site—albeit one that has turned into a oft-referenced online guide—it's not done with any real discipline. That I leave to others—and you're all more captured by the flashy photography of magazine sites anyway. Autocade was started as a quick reference, and unless we really decide to branch out into a magazine format, it'll remain that.
To give you an idea of the anorak nature of the website, over the break, all of Mitsubishi's kei cars were added to the site. Some had already been there, such as the eK and certain Minicas, but I decided the rest should go up.
Why these? You may ask, yet I don't really have an answer. Often it's over to one's mood. Sometimes it's to offer something online that others don't, or at least not comprehensively. And when you realize you have 80 or 90 per cent of the models added, you think: I only need a few more, why not succumb to OCD and do the lot?
Therefore, now, Autocade has all the Minicas, Pajero Minis, Ios and Jrs, Toppos and eKs that the once-mighty manufacturer made before it fell out of favour with its repeated scandals. I'm not a fan of any of them, but that's not relevant: it's about objectively providing the public with information, and my own like or dislike of a model has nothing to do with it.
It's not even a commercial decision. If it was, Autocade would have filled up the gaps in the US automotive industry a lot sooner. And there are still plenty of them. Americans make up a huge chunk of the browsing public, although for me it takes a while to make sure the engine capacities [for post-1980 US models] are recorded in metric—not something you can readily come by in US books (yes, Autocade is still dependent in some part to the printed word, not the transmitted electron).
The other area where we're missing cars is in the flash stuff: Mercedes-Benzes, Maseratis, Ferraris. Now these I actually like. But they can also prove difficult: the convention of the site is that the names of the cars are entered first, and Mercs can be time-consuming by the time you figure out what numbers go after A, C, E and S all around the world. The exotica are fun but there's often no logic to the product cycles or market niches—which does, of course, make them more interesting, but from an encyclopædic point-of-view, more difficult to compartmentalize and recall. For those who have visited the site, there are links to each model's predecessor and successor (where applicable), and that makes for particularly entertaining surfing.
One model takes, on average, 15 to 20 minutes to do, and that's when I already know about it. There's some time involved in getting a press photo, writing it up, checking the specs (again using printed matter). When you research in certain languages, it takes even longer (South African online resources are scarce, for instance, and anything Chinese before 2008 or so is also hard to track down). The Mitsubishi kei cars, beginning with the 1962 Minica, represent hours of work, and when you multiply 15–20 minutes by 3,440, that's a lot of hours since the site started. Occasionally I'm helped along by readers who suggest models, and two UK friends, Keith Adams and Pete Jobes, have made changes and additions along the way that have really benefited the site.
I'm glad that Autocade is heading toward 10 million views, a milestone which it will reach in the next couple of months, and the increase in viewership is thanks to all of you finding it a useful enough resource. If you want something less exotic and more mundane (after all, some of us can only have so much of supercars and luxury cars), it's the place to pop over to at autocade.net, hit 'Random page' at the top, and see what comes up.
Originally published at Drivetribe.
Another milestone: Autocade reaches 2,000 models
Autocade's MediaWiki software gets locked down
Autocade slowly gets to 29 million page views
Slowly but surely, Autocade gets to 1,250 models
Brand, sub-brand or model? China's getting into a confusing phase
Business etiquette 101: don't threaten lawsuits against a customer proposing an idea which you later adopt
Filed under: cars, internet, media, publishing—Jack Yan @ 01.37
One Response to 'Building a car anorak's encyclopædia'
Happy birthday: Autocade turns 10 « Jack Yan: the Persuader Blog says:
[…] it or not, has been difficult, because of the need to calculate cubic capacities accurately in metric (I opted to get it right to the cubic centimetre, not litres). However, it is an exciting time to […]


With BTE Financial our company strives to always be your primary company when it comes to personal loans in Rockmart, GA, irregardless of your current credit rating. Our rapid and hassle free internet loan application process makes it possible for you to receive the actual funding that you desire whenever you need it most. While many of our rivals in Rockmart Georgia deny customers with poor credit, our door is certainly constantly open. Even if you happen to be brand new to credit altogether or perhaps have had certain setbacks when it comes to your own credit profile, contributing to substandard or perhaps bad credit, we provide a variety of personal products to fulfill your main requirements. Save yourself a visit to the bank or credit union and submit an application online to obtain a quick personal loan approval at this time!
Practically nothing is worse than finding yourself in a very difficult financial scenario and then being turned away time after time by bankers as well as creditors. At BTE Financial , our staff members treat each of our valued customers with the respect which they want, as well as insure that it is our goal to help the vast majority of our customers despite their particular credit rating. You can easily receive a personal loan together with the variety of solutions readily available most people can grab the perfect financing to help their own specific situation.
We supply an assortment of choices regarding bad credit personal loans in Rockmart, providing choices to get the financial breathing room you are trying to find. Regardless if you are searching for a short term or even a long term personal loan, we will work with you in order to ensure you get the funds that you require promptly.
When you have poor credit, it is usually very hard to get accepted for any personal loan. A good number of loan companies in Rockmart will not even contemplate authorizing a loan to a borrower that has a fico score below 650. Nonetheless, at BTE Financial we understand that situations happen and despite the fact that you?ve had problems with your personal personal credit history, you should never be left without having financing choices. For this reason, our company created a simple method which provides efficient approvals with respect to personal loans for people with bad credit and are therefore accessible on the internet. Find out the reason why BTE is one of the popular organizations regarding large and small loans across the nation.
Our new online application process makes it easier than ever to receive a suitable personal loan as well as get your funds fast. Escape from standing in long lines only to be turned down by the standard bank, fill out an application online right now to be approved for your poor credit loan now.
With BTE Financial Services we tend to work with consumers coming from all backgrounds in addition to credit ratings. Whether you are a newcomer to credit completely and want a personal loan to resolve your bills or even go after your objectives, or else you have experienced some sort of challenging personal credit history and now have bad or weak credit, we can match you with one of our many financial solutions. These strong financial choices can meet practically any kind of credit standing, supplying more personal loans for bad credit when compared with many of our rivals in the Rockmart area.
Most applicants find personal loans very useful, particularly in difficult budgeting situations. In Rockmart Georgia, a large number of credit seekers have used a personal loan for bad credit to resolve financial problems like repaying high interest credit lines, making debt or mortgage obligations in between paydays, paying off other sorts of delinquent consumer debt, complete home remodeling initiatives, and much more. Unsecured personal loans can also provide the fast financing you may need to buy a diamond ring for your special wife, start a business endeavor, or maybe head out on a family vacation. Irregardless of the reason why you might need a personal loan in Rockmart our easy approval approach enables you to get the money you need very fast.
A great many people in the Rockmart vicinity have previously depended on our group for their monetary financing solutions because of our outstanding reputation. We offer significantly more unsecured personal loans for bad credit than other company in Rockmart Georgia and even surrounding locations, and have already been recognized as one of the leading fast loan services throughout GA.Simply because our company values all of our customers and do not value them by the quality of their credit score like a number of our competitors will. If you find yourself within a tough personal economic strain, we want to help decrease the pressure by offering the flexibility you need to pay off your current monetary overload.
The quick web based application method eliminates the headache away from getting a personal loan. Within a few easy steps you can be approved and acquire the money that you desire quickly.
In conjunction with the simple loan approval method, the designated personal loan officer can also work with you to cultivate a repayment strategy inside of your financial budget. In contrast to some other online personal loan services, we shall provide complete transparency to ensure you do not meet up with any sort of concealed fees. From getting approved to getting the loan in addition to paying it off, this procedure will be hassle free and also discrete through beginning to end.
Fed up with being turned down through traditional banking institutions? If you are seeking to be approved for a bad credit personal loan in Rockmart Georgia, don't hesitate to make use of the free, zero commitment finance application today! We accept consumers with zero credit rating or credit foundation and provide a robust assortment of finance options to decide on. Regardless if you are wanting a short term personal loan in order to meet your current lease payment between paychecks, or a larger loan to pay off a credit card or another type of consumer debt, we can match up a good personal loan to fulfill your current requirements.
Our exclusive web based loan application in addition to the approval procedure is certainly quick and even hassle-free! Do not be bogged down standing in long lines in the banking institution only to be declined and turned away. By applying on the internet you can get qualified and receive your funds fast in just a few clicks. All of our web servers are completely safe, guarding your privacy and also retaining full discretion every step of the way.
Apply online today for your personal loan through BTE Financial Services right now to find the personal freedom you may want!
Latest Press Along With Debt Aid Material.


Engine combustion is optimised for efficiency: it only uses fresh air and occurs at optimum temperature, guaranteeing the best engine output for power and fuel efficiency.
The absence of friction in the differentials increases oil life by 50%.
More effective lubrication with longer lasting effect increases reliability.
For a limited investment you can choose the limited slip differentials mounted on heavy duty front axle and rear standard axle.
You can work fast and confidently with excellent all-round visibility, further enhanced by the curved shape of the rear hood, which is very low due to the small cooling package.
The 4 wide steps and 2 handles make it easy for you to reach the cab; the wide door with no obstacles makes it easy to gain access.
Auto-Glide Ride: reduces loader arm bounce during travel, maintaining maximum material retention on all surfaces. It's activated from 7 km/h.


In 1993 British Aerospace sold its Corporate jets business (builders of the BAe 125-800 and -1000) to Raytheon.
Founded in 1994 as a division of Raytheon International Inc, bringing together the activities of the Beech Aircraft Corporation and Raytheon Corporate Jets, the latter having been British Aerospace Corporate Jets, producing Hawker bizjets, before the August 1993 acquisition.
Also continued to market the Hawker 800XP corporate jet (Hawker 1000 production ended in 1998), while its latest bizjetto fly is the Premier I (December 1998), and the Hawker Horizon will follow in 1999.
Also manufactures a variant of the Swiss Pilatus PC-9 as the Beech PC-9 Mk II, which is being produced for the USAF and U.S. Navy as the T-6A Texan II primary undergraduate flight trainer and undergraduate navigator trainer. Other activities include the production of missile targets.


What is fasting? Why did early Christians abstain from eating meat products? What does fasting communicate to God? In part 1 of this new series entitled HUNGRY FOR GOD, Fr. Michael Sorial discusses the biblical understanding of fasting and what it our fasting says to God.


What possesses one, along with a small group of fellow MAMILs (Middle-Aged Men in Lycra) and the invaluable assistance of one brave spouse, to ride 280 miles, from Madison to Northern Wisconsin, in the middle of the summer? Well, hubris and foolhardiness, to be sure, along with a deep and abiding love of cycling. But most of all, I am riding to raise money to help the children in our community afford one of the finest Jewish summer camp experiences in the country. Camp Ramah in Wisconsin plays a central role in the life of my son, Micah, and in the lives of so many other children from Beth Israel Center, past, present, and future. It provides them a unique opportunity, each summer, to engage with Judaism – with children from around the Midwest and beyond – in a truly special and beautiful environment. Ramah Wisconsin has also, for decades, been a pioneer in developing meaningful Jewish camp experiences for children, like Micah, with special needs.
From July 11-14, we will once again Ride2Ramah. Through this ride, we are working to establish and endow a lasting fund to support scholarships for Beth Israel Center children who need financial assistance to share in the Ramah experience. Together we can make a difference!