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Khaan Quest
Home	Нүүр хуудас | News & Events | Khaan Quest
By U. S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar | 11 June, 2019 | Topics: Khaan Quest, News, Press Releases
Peace Through Khaan Quest: Mongolia and the Global Peace Operations Initiative
When many people think of Mongolia, they think of Genghis Khan, the legendary conqueror of the Eurasian landmass. But today, the country is establishing a global reputation for another reason: The Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) are a significant contributor to global peace operations and Asian security cooperation. Thanks in part to security assistance provided though …
By U. S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar | 30 June, 2016 | Topics: Khaan Quest, News
Khaan Quest 2016 Officially Ends with Closing Ceremony
A closing ceremony commenced today at the Five Hills Training Area in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, marking the official end to the multinational peacekeeping exercise KhaanQuest 2016. For the past two weeks, Mongolian Armed Forces hosted more than 40 nations, and more than 1,500 participants in what was the 10th iteration of the exercise as a multinational event. The …
By U. S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar | 4 June, 2016 | Topics: Khaan Quest
U.S. Marines, Soldiers, Sailors Along with Mongolian, Singaporean, Indian Armed Forces Participate in an ENCAP Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
More than 100 participants, service members and civilians alike, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony in commemoration of a completion of an engineer civic action program for a local school in Zuunmod, Mongolia, as part of the annual, multinational peacekeeping operations exercise, Khaan Quest 2016. The dormitory project started in March as a joint effort with …
U.S. Army, Canadian Army Test Mongolian Armed Forces' Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Skills During Khaan Quest 2016
A platoon of approximately 60 service members with the Mongolian Armed Forces participated in the culminating event of a course designed to teach them how to counter mines and improvised explosive devices during Khaan Quest 2016 at Five Hills Training Area, June 1. The 10-day course was led by an instructor cadre of U.S. Soldiers, …
Alaska National Guard Medical Detachment Leads Field Medical Training at Khaan Quest 2016
A team of U.S. Soldiers with the Alaska National Guard Medical Detachment are supporting the multinational peacekeeping exercise Khaan Quest 2016 by training both U.S. and international partners in combat medical care. The medical training station is one of several stations, also known as lanes, in which multinational platoons are enhancing their skills in a …
By U. S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar | 30 May, 2016 | Topics: Khaan Quest
U.S. Marines Train Soldiers from the Mongolian Armed Forces in Riverine Operations During Khaan Quest 2016
The 10-day course is designed to familiarize MAF soldiers with tactics and procedures associated with operating small boats and conducting patrols along waterways, a skill set not commonly taught to Mongolian soldiers. The course is being taught by Marines from 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion and is split into two parts; the first part taught MAF soldiers …
U.S. Soldiers Explain, Demonstrate Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Concepts to Mongolian Armed Forces
U.S. Soldiers with 8th Military Police Brigade conducted a demonstration on unmannned aerial vehicles for members of the Mongolian Armed Forces during Khaan Quest 2016 at Five Hills Training Area near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The training provided MAF members with a deeper understanding of the purpose and operations of UAVs and how they can be used …
U.S. Army, Canadian Army Teach Minefield Extraction Techniques to Mongolian Armed Forces Members during Khaan Quest 2016
As wind howls through the valley, a sea of brown camouflage gathers around a team of U.S. and Canadian Army instructors who contend with the elements to teach their students how to win the battle against improvised explosive devices and mines. A platoon of soldiers from the Mongolian Armed Forces participated in the minefield self-extraction …
Multinational Partners Tested During Convoy Training, Improve Skills for Peacekeeping Missions at Khaan Quest 2016
More than 40 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Peacekeeping Operations Interim participated in a convoy escort simulation May 24, as part of the annual, multinational peacekeeping exercise, KhaanQuest 2016 in Mongolia. The course was designed to reshape the protocol of how armed forces deal with locals while on deployment or participating in …
U.S. Sailors, Soldiers Teach Combat Medical Care Course at Khaan Quest 2016
Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia – Fleet Marine Force (FMF) corpsmen from 3rd Medical Battalion and medics from the Hawaii National Guard taught a casualty control familiarization class to soldiers of the Mongolian Armed Forces, May 23, at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia during the multinational peacekeeping exercise Khaan Quest 2016. The class is part of …
Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise Khaan Quest 2016 Commences with Opening Ceremony
The Mongolian Armed Forces and U.S. Pacific Command are hosting the multinational peacekeeping exercise Khaan Quest 2016, which commenced May 22 with an opening ceremony at the Five Hills Training Area near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. This year's Khaan Quest, held annually in Mongolia, is serving as the capstone exercise for the United Nations Global Peace Operations …
Exercise Khaan Quest 2015 Closing
CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii – Closing ceremonies commenced today at the Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, marking the official end to Exercise Khaan Quest 2015. For the past two weeks, Mongolian Armed Forces hosted over 20 nations in this 13th iteration of the exercise. Khaan Quest is an annual multinational exercise co-sponsored by …
By U. S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar | 1 July, 2015 | Topics: Khaan Quest
Khaan Quest Concludes, Multinational Relationships Flourish
More than 1,200 service members from 22 nations gathered at the parade field of Five Hills Training Area as the closing ceremony and festivities marked the successful end to Exercise Khaan Quest 2015, June 30, 2015.
By U. S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar | 1 July, 2015 | Topics: Khaan Quest, Photo Gallery
Khaan Quest 2015 Concludes, Multinational Relationships Flourish
TAVANTOLGOI, Mongolia — More than 1,200 service members from 22 nations gathered at the parade field of Five Hills Training Area as the closing ceremony and festivities marked the successful end to Exercise Khaan Quest 2015, June 30, 2015. The exercise, in it's 13th iteration, is co-sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, …
By U. S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar | 30 June, 2015 | Topics: Khaan Quest
Alaska Guardsmen Partner with Other Nations, Services In the Name of Health Care
TAVANTOLGOI, Mongolia — A line of Mongolian citizens, some of whom traveled great distances, wait outside the gates of the 79th High School in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, for a chance to be seen by multinational military medical personnel during Exercise Khaan Quest's healthcare service support engagement, which is open to the public for two weeks, through …
U.S. Army Pacific Command Sergeant Major Visits Mongolia in Support of Khaan Quest 2015
TAVANTOLGOI, Mongolia – The command sergeant major of U.S. Army Pacific, Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Lambert, took time to visit his Soldiers in Mongolia June 25, 2015, as they participate in a joint, multinational exercise at the Five Hills Training Area known as Khaan Quest 2015. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled exercise hosted annually …
U.S. Soldier Returns Home to Mongolia for Training
FIVE HILLS TRAINING AREA, TAVANTOLGOI, Mongolia — When you think of home, what's the first thing that comes to mind? For some, it's the place you were born. For others, it's the place where you make a life for yourself. For one U.S. soldier, it is so much more. U.S. Army Spc. Gunbold Ligden, an …
Mongolian Armed Forces, U.S. Service Members Conduct Health Services Support Engagement
SEVENTY-NINTH HIGH SCHOOL, ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia — Throngs of people gathered outside of the high school eager to receive medical care from military professionals from around the world. Mongolian Armed Forces and U.S. service members, along with other nations participating in Khaan Quest 2015, established a primary care outpatient clinic at the 79th High School to …
Khaan Quest 2015 Commences
FIVE HILLS TRAINING AREA, Mongolia — Mongolian Armed Forces and U.S. service members, along with more than 20 other nations, held an opening ceremony June 20 to mark the beginning of Exercise Khaan Quest 2015 at the Five Hills Training Area. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by MAF and co-sponsored …
Mongolian Armed Forces and U.S. service members, along with more than 20 other nations, held an opening ceremony June 20 to mark the beginning of Exercise Khaan Quest 2015 at the Five Hills Training Area. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise hosted annually by MAF and co-sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific, and U.S. …
By U. S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar | 20 June, 2015 | Topics: Khaan Quest, Photo Gallery
Khaan Quest 2014 comes to an end
"It's my pleasure to express my sincere gratitude to the countries for sending their military personnel and peacekeepers to the Khaan Quest 2014 multinational peace support operations exercise, and unifying for the global peace deeds, and also to the individuals for coming to our country to contribute to the global harmony, wishing a success to …
Khaan Quest 2014 Scaling New Heights in Mongolia
In the Five Hills training area of Mongolia, U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Gayle Anders instructs members of the Mongolian Armed Forces on proper techniques for a rappelling course during Khaan Quest 2014 (KQ14). KQ14 is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise co-sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific, and hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces. The exercise …
Khaan Quest 14 Opens in Mongolia
Exercise Khaan Quest, one of the world's largest training exercises focused on peacekeeping operations, officially began on June 22, 2014 with an opening ceremony at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia. Co-sponsored this year by U.S. Army Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and hosted annually by Mongolian Armed Forces, Khaan Quest is …
Non-Lethal Weapons Leadership Seminar Begins, Field Training Ends
High-ranking military officials and delegates from 22 nations gathered here Aug. 26, marking the conclusion of the field training exercise and start of the three-day leadership portion during the Non-Lethal Weapons Executive Seminar. "For well over a decade, the U.S. Marine Corps continues to advance the development and use – tactics, techniques and procedures – …
By U. S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar | 26 August, 2013 | Topics: Khaan Quest
U.S. marines and Mongolian Armed Forces Members Team up for the Non-Lethal Weapons Executive Seminar
FIVE HILLS TRAINING AREA, Mongolia – U.S. Marines and Mongolian Armed Forces service members were back for the start of another training exercise Aug. 17, only a couple days after the closing ceremony for the multinational peacekeeping exercise Khaan Quest 2013. This time around, they were joined by officers from the Mongolian General Police. A …
Countries Come Together in Classroom, Clinic During Exercise Khaan Quest
Military medical professionals from Canada, India, Republic of Korea and the U.S. teamed up with their Mongolian Armed Forces counterparts and local healthcare providers during a Subject Matter Expert Exchange and Cooperative Health Engagement at the MAF's Central Clinical Hospital and Golomt Elementary School here, Aug 5-9. "This year begins the transition in the medical …
Exercise Khaan Quest, one of the world's largest training exercises focused on peacekeeping operations, officially began as military leaders and senior government officials from the U.S., Mongolia and other regional partners gathered August 3 at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia. Khaan Quest 2013 is a platoon through battalion level, multinational peacekeeping operations exercise …
By U. S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar | 3 August, 2013 | Topics: Khaan Quest
Opening ceremony of the Coordinated Health Engagement and the Engineering Civic Assistance Program
The Deputy Governor for Nalaikh, Mr. Odonkhuu hosted the opening ceremony for the Coordinated Health Engagement and the Engineering Civic Assistance Program on Friday, 2 August, in the Cultural Center Square of Nalaikh. The Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Kirk McBride, represented the United States Embassy and the Deputy Commissioner for Military and Veterans Affairs …
Khaan Quest 2012 Concludes with Ceremony, Remarks from SecNav
Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia – A closing ceremony was held to mark the end of Exercise Khaan Quest 2012 at the Five Hills Training Area near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Aug. 23. Khaan Quest 2012 is a multinational exercise sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific, hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces, and is the latest in a …
UntitledMultinational Medical Team Recognized for Joint Outreach Success
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – Service members and medical professionals from the United States, Mongolia, Canada and the Republic of Korea were recognized during a closing ceremony in honor of their efforts for the Medical Humanitarian Civic Action Outreach Project portion of Khaan Quest 2012, Aug. 21, 2012. "The event we are completing today is one of …
Alaska National Guard Soldier of the Year Meets the Secretary of Army
Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia – One soldier with the Alaska Army National Guard knew that he was headed for the adventure of a lifetime when he traveled from Anchorage, Alaska, to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to participate in Khaan Quest 12 (KQ12), but he never expected to have the opportunity to meet the Secretary of Army …
Engineers Construct Multinational Partnerships During Khaan Quest
Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia – Mongolian armed forces, U.S. soldiers and Canadian forces participated in the Engineer Subject Matter Expert Exchange portion of Khaan Quest 12 Aug. 13-21. The purpose of the training was to conduct classroom and hands-on instruction regarding the best practices related to vertical troop construction, by utilizing the skills of …
U.S. Service Members Share Medical First Responder Course with Mongolian Counterparts
Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia – U.S. service members conducted the Medical First Responder course for Khaan Quest 2012, Aug. 13-17, 2012. It was designed to train Mongolian Armed Forces to perform immediate life-saving first aid. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled multinational exercise sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific and hosted annually by the Mongolia …
Multinational Partners Conduct Staff Training
Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia – A conglomeration of U.S., Mongolian, and various international forces took part in a staff exercise (STAFFEX) during Khaan Quest 12 to enhance their ability to operate in a multinational environment. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and hosted annually by the …
Khaan Quest 2012 Participants Experience Traditional Mongolian Sporting Events
Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia – The luminous clouds, deep blue sky and luscious green hills set the scene as service members and distinguished guests from around the Pacific region gathered to experience several traditional sporting events on Mongolian Culture night for Khaan Quest 2012 exercise, Aug. 18, 2012. Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled …
UntitledMultinational Forces Train in Mongolian Plains
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – Serving in the military offers many opportunities, including the chance to travel to distant lands and train with other nations. Khaan Quest 2012 participants are experiencing this unique opportunity during the annual multinational exercise sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific and hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces designed to promote regional peace and …
Khaan Quest 2012 Opening Ceremony Demonstrates Continued Strength of Multinational Relationships in the Pacific-Region
Hundreds of service members and distinguished guests from U.S. Army Pacific Command (USARPAC) and surrounding countries gathered for the Khaan Quest 2012 (KQ12) opening ceremony held at the Mongolian Armed Forces Peace Support Center in the vicinity of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on Aug. 12. Mongolian President Ts. Elbegdorj, Lt. Gen. Ts. Byambajav, chief of general staff, …
Alaska National Guardsmen Deploy for International Peacekeeping exercise
Camp Denali, Alaska — Approximately 80 Alaska National Guardsmen are slated to participate in the U.S. Army Pacific exercise, Khaan Quest 2012 (KQ12), a multinational training exercise held at the Mongolian Armed Forces Peace Support Center near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Aug. 11-23, 2012. Khaan Quest 2012 is a U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) sponsored exercise designed to …
Mongolia, U.S. Build Friendship during Khaan Quest 2011
ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia — The Engineering Civic Action Program portion of Exercise Khaan Quest 2011 was completed with a ribbon cutting for the opening of the Ayut Family Hospital in the Khan-Uul district of Ulaanbaatar Aug. 11. Mongolian and U.S. service members teamed-up to expand an existing health clinic. The addition to the hospital includes eight …
Warfighters Aim for Peace during Khaan Quest 2011
FIVE HILLS TRAINING AREA, Mongolia — Platoons from six nations marched toward the proving grounds of Five Hills Training Area Aug. 1 for the first day of the field training exercise portion of Exercise Khaan Quest 2011. U.S. Marines, alongside troops from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Korea and Mongolia, took part in the training which included …
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Charge D'Affaires
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Security Alert – Heightened Middle East Tensions


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World's First Religious Relics to be made into NFTs
Artentik launches NFT marketplace for Portugal's Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa (SCML)
St Francis of Xavier to be celebrated as a NFT on his feast day of December 3rd
Artentik, the digital marketplace for SCML, is dropping the world's first religious relics in the form of Non-Fungible-Tokens (NFTs) for the 500-year-old social enterprise organisation and keeper of the Museum and Church of São Roque in Lisbon, which houses one of the most important religious collections in Catholic Europe.
Artentik will be SCML's curated platform to share digital twins of its treasures and encourage living artists to also sell their works as NFTs. This will enable SCML to monetize and promote its unique cultural heritage to the world while continuing its extensive 500-year support to social causes.
The first NFT drop will take place on December 1st and is drawn from SCML's sacred art collection, one of the finest in the world.
St Francis Xavier
The theme of the first drop celebrates St Francis Xavier, (7 April 1506 – 3 December 1552), who was a Navarrese Catholic missionary and co-founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). He was a companion of Ignatius of Loyola and one of the first seven Jesuits who took vows of poverty and chastity at Montmartre, Paris in 1534. He led an extensive mission into Asia, mainly in the Portuguese Empire of the time and was influential in evangelization work, most notably in India.
He was beatified by Pope Paul V on 25 October 1619 and canonized by Pope Gregory XV on 12 March 1622. In 1624, he was made co-patron of Navarre. Known as the "Apostle of the Indies" and "Apostle of Japan", he is considered to be one of the greatest missionaries since Paul the Apostle.
After his death in 1552, he was buried on an island off the coast of China and again in Malaysia, for a total period of almost two years, before being transferred to the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, India — one of his key missionary sites. Each time the body was exhumed, no natural decomposition had taken place, making Francis Xavier what is called an incorrupt saint.
While St Francis Xavier was lying in state in 1554 in Goa a local Portuguese woman decided she wanted a piece for her private collection; she bit off the little toe of his right foot. The bone from this bite is now preserved in a reliquary in the SCML.
The SCML Drops
There will be five distinct items in the first drop.
The first four NFTs are part of a 20-strong collection of paintings by Portuguese proto-baroque painter André Reinoso (c.1590-1641) and his collaborators. This collection of 20 paintings features the blessing of the Pope and the submission of St Francis Xavier to the Church of Rome. These paintings were placed on the Sacristy of the Church of St. Roch in 1619, three years before the official canonization of St. Francis Xavier on the 12th of March 1622 and were part of immense religious 'propaganda' about the life and the work of the great Jesuit missionary, and in order to speed up the process of canonization by the Catholic Church.
The first four paintings of the collection have been converted into NFTs. Each painting in the collection will be restricted to 20 mints in total. The four first mints will be sold via auction.
The fifth item in the first drop is a reliquary of St Francis Xavier. This tiny statue dates back to the 17th century and measures 114 x 40 cm in size. In total, 1 million NFTs will be minted of this statue, but only 10,000 released in the first drop. This is a fixed price NFT at €100 each.
The auction and sale open at Artentik.com on December 1st, Independence Restoration Day in Portugal, and will run until December 3rd, the feast day of St Francis Xavier. To receive updates, visit the site and provide an email address.
Message from the President of SCML
"In Lisbon, SCML enjoys a warm relationship with residents and visitors to the museum and church and we see a way of extending that relationship globally, and to new generations, through NFTs," says Edmundo Martinho, President of SCML.
"We have 500 years' worth of priceless treasures from baroque art to graffiti art that we are keen to share with lovers of art, antiquities and religious history. By creating our own digital window, Artentik, people can view our unique cultural assets, own a digital replica of them through NFTs, and know that the proceeds will be used for social enterprise activities. This is a cultural democratisation of museums, and we are delighted to embrace it," he added.
Tech layer
Artentik, www.artentik.com, is built on Polygon Layer 2 Ethereum blockchain offering faster transaction speeds, Proof of Stake leading to minimum environmental impact, and reliability. Payment for NFTs will only be accepted in cryptocurrency. Artentik is a joint venture with Boloro Global Limited, a New York City based technology company.
For more history on SCML – visit here
https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/the-lisbon-miseric%C3%B3rdia-from-its-foundation-to-its-establishment-at-s%C3%A3o-roque/xwKCtITNnLViKw
About SCML:
SCML is a not-for-profit organisation overseen by the Portuguese Minister in charge of Social Security. Since its founding in 1498, SCML has focused on social enterprise works, and since 1783 it has held the right to operate lotteries to fund health and social initiatives. These now include various national lotteries, the Euromillions lottery and online gaming. Revenues earned from this activity are put back into society through social enterprise programmes.
Since the start of the 21st century, SCML has focused on expanding its social enterprise work to a broader segment of the population. SCML operates hospitals, invests heavily into scientific and medical research in neuroscience, funds education and training programmes, aggregates social entrepreneurship activities, runs a free paediatric dentistry service, works with other bodies to focus on the care of the 65+ population, and during the COVID-19 pandemic helped the elderly in social isolation as well as setting up a free online psychological support platform.
Over the centuries SCML has accumulated a vast artistic and cultural collection, including the Museum and Church of São Roque.
Artentik –
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artentik-107894941659392
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artentik_/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Artentik_
st francis xaviernftjesuitsreligious nft

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Our mission is to reach, teach, and train baseball players for the purpose of sending them out into the world to make disciples of Jesus who love God passionately and love others radically.
While there is no specific formula or strategy to multiply followers of Jesus that transcends all aspects of culture, we have attempted here to give you a basic idea of what the general ministry functions of UPI actually look like in our effort to multiply followers of Jesus through the professional baseball world.
Attempting to reach into the world of professional baseball is no small task. Access to players is obviously limited and players themselves naturally put up walls to shield them from the multitude of people trying to get something from them. Even if access is eventually granted, it is a hard sell to convince someone who seemingly has everything the world has to offer that you have something they desperately need and must not live without. We are striving hard to reach a people group that Jesus himself said would find it difficult to enter the kingdom of heaven (Mark 10:23-25).
Fortunately, God has equipped the UPI guys in various ways to provide more access and opportunities to reach more players. Currently, three of the five men on staff are team chaplains for the Braves, D-Backs and White Sox which automatically gives us access that a limited number of people have. On top of that, our experiences as former players help tear down the walls put up by players to guard them from the outside world. We strive daily to use our unique platforms and the relationships we have already developed to expand our reach within the game. Through sharing the love of Jesus and boldly proclaiming his name before others, we trust that his sheep will hear his voice and begin seeking a relationship with him.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY TEACH?
The apostle Paul raises two very important questions in his letter to the Romans. He asks, "How are [people] to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" As we reach out to players in a wide-variety of ways our hope is to have these players move into a teaching environment where they can begin to learn more about who Jesus is, what he has done, how it affects them and why it matters. Therefore, a large part of our ministry is setting up various teaching environments that are convenient and accessible for the players.
Apart from trying to get players to attend our chapel services at the field on Sundays throughout the season, we try and get players to participate in Bible studies throughout the year as well. Many players are hesitant to participate in local "small group" settings and Bible studies for various reasons. We strive to set up player-friendly environments by setting up Bible studies and Retreats that are strictly for players and baseball personnel. These studies take place in player's homes, rooms at local churches, the baseball field, conference rooms at local restaurants and anywhere else we can get a group of players to gather. We put these together throughout the season, off-season and especially Spring Training where all players are gathered into two central locations (Arizona and Florida) making it easier for us to gather more guys at once. To add to these studies, we hold an annual 3-day retreat every winter in Arizona and Atlanta where many players live and train throughout the offseason.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY TRAIN?
Jesus has specifically commanded us as his disciples to make more disciples and to teach them to observe all that he has commanded us. This is the bread and butter of the ministry, and we strive hard for this purpose of making the players that we reach and teach into disciples of Jesus. This part of the process is more than just teaching and instruction and is much more difficult to precisely define because of its intimate nature. This process consists of us (the disciple-maker) and the player (the disciple) entering into a relationship in which complete trust in one another has been established, and we begin to do life together.
Many times this relationship begins by encouraging the player to go beyond the group Bible studies and enter into a more one-on-one setting where we begin to train them how to observe all that Jesus has commanded. This usually consists of the disciple-maker and the disciple routinely getting together whether face-to-face, by video chat or by phone to discuss various aspects of life and to walk through Scripture together in the process. We will also encourage these players to serve with us in our local communities and internationally through one of the mission trips that we set-up for them during the offseason.
Again, given the intimate nature of these types of relationships, each discipleship relationship that develops is unique. Marriage counseling, performing wedding ceremonies, and performing baptisms among other things are offshoots of this portion of the ministry. The mission at this point is continued investment in the disciple as we continue to teach them and walk with them through life's joys and trials. At this point, a genuine love relationship has developed among two people, and it's a relationship and friendship that has no end.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY SEND?
Up to this point of the mission, the focus rests in developing a disciple of Jesus. The dictionary defines a disciple as one who embraces and assists in spreading the doctrines of another; as an active advocate of a movement or an individual. Therefore, a disciple of Jesus can appropriately be defined as an active advocate of Jesus who embraces and assists in spreading his message to others. That means a true disciple of Jesus will go and make more disciples.
Jesus' ministry was actually pretty basic. He called twelve men to follow him and be his disciples. He then spends the rest of his life teaching them, training them, loving them, serving them and thus showing them what it looks like to be his disciple. After three years of this type of teaching and training, he then tells his disciples to now go make more disciples and that he would help them along the way. Therefore, we strive to continue this type of mission as we seek to develop a professional baseball player into a mature disciple of Jesus who is properly equipped and passionate about using everything God has entrusted to him to make more disciples of Jesus.
It goes without saying that professional athletes are worshipped and have a huge influence in the culture we live in. Therefore, to see a guy choose to use his influence and resources for the advancement of the Kingdom is an accomplishment that Jesus declares only he can make happen (Mark 10:27). It is a joy and a blessing to experience a player reaching this level of maturity in their relationship with Jesus and to see the tremendous impact they have on the world around them because of this relationship. They become spiritual leaders in their clubhouses, communities and homes setting off a ripple effect that impacts more lives than is ever even realized. Loving professional athletes like Jesus loves them is the mission and this is the purpose that we strive for using all of the energy that God powerfully provides within us.


I currently have a website with adsense ads on it. I brought and expired domain with a lot of traffic and was wondering if it would be safe (not violate adsense rules) to use it as a 301 redirect to boost traffic. Or would actually establishing content and using it to refer to my main website is safer?
If this site has all of the flow, why not make that your primary and point your current site there?


Benji Hughes, one of the most entertaining men I've ever spoken with, is playing shows Thursday and Friday at The Calico Room. You can catch some of Hughes' flavor in this article from Thursday's play section.
But that doesn't really give you an appreciation for his music. And it doesn't mention how often he removes his shirt.
So here are some of his performances from YouTube.
And here's "You Stood Me Up," one of my personal favorites.
Just in case you haven't seen a shirtless Benji, here he is singing "Flaming Lips" at the Ocean Grill in Carolina Beach.
And, finally, here's Benji the hero saving the girl in "Girl in the Tower." Gotta love an underwater sword fight.


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"The Tabu
Notes edited
by Lisa Lewis
[November 17 2006]
First published in Colliers Weekly. August 29, 1903, illustrated by C.L. Brill; and in Windsor Magazine, September 1903, illustrated by L. Raven-Hill. Collected in the Outward Bound edition of Kipling's works, Vol. XX (Just So Stories) New York, 1903 and in the Sussex Edition, vol. XVI (Land and Sea Tales); also the Burwash Edition, vol. XIV (Stalky & Co. and Land and Sea Tales): all three illustrated by the author.
The manuscript of the story, with the two illustrations and their captions, are in the bound volume "Just So Stories" in the British Library. According to Carrington's notes from Mrs Kipling's diaries, Kipling wrote a story "modelled on the totem tales" on 11 Oct. 1898.
As in "How the First Letter was Written" and "How the Alphabet was made", the character of Taffy is based on Kipling's older daughter Josephine, who would die of pneumonia five months after the totem story was written. Her portrait here combines with some contemporary evidence to suggest a highly-strung, overactive child.
Kipling had a copy of J.G. Frazer's The Golden Bough (1890). Vol. I, ch. 2 of this gives an account of tabus in different communities of the world, but none of it appears to be a source for the story. In Something of Myself (p. 123), Kipling mentions a visit to the Native American collections in the Smithsonian, Washington, D.C., which may have given him some ideas.
Notes on the text
Taffimai Metallumai See "How the First Letter was Written" and "How the Alphabet was Made."
unstill See the note above.
Big Tribal Tabu-pole In Windsor Magazine, this continued: "painted red, twelve foot long and a foot thick …".
Taffy and Tegumai made up the Alphabet See "How the Alphabet was Made."
[L.L.]
©Lisa Lewis 2006 All rights reserved
version for printing


Yet another Verge hack has taken place, with over $1,750,000 stolen in 24 hours. Will this be the last blow for the now stricken cryptocurrency?
Late last night Verge developers were alerted to another attack on their blockchain, with the chain being exploited again by a 'slightly modified attack vector' using 2 algorithms.
This post by the official Verge team attribute it to a DDOS attack – something that seems to have only been rectified, and doesn't allude to the huge magnitude of money stolen.
In this extensive reddit community post, 'Flenst' describes how the original attack succeeded, how it has happened again so quickly after it was reportedly 'fixed', and how it wasn't a simple DDOS attack.
The hacker(s) managed to generate $950 per minute, using an almost identical exploit in Verge's blockchain. This strikes a massive PR and technical failure and potential loss of funds. Despite Mindgeek's partnership signature barely dry on the paper, the future of this and other business relationships may be at stake.
It seems that Verge's technical team had merely applied a 'bandaid' to the original exploit, and as such the hackers merely have to increase the number of algorithms they use.
Whether this will be enough to cause a run on the currency remains to be seen.


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Lawsuit alleges Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted girl, 16
NEW YORK — A new legal filing alleges Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted a 16-year-old Polish model and aspiring actress.
A woman identified as Jane Doe says the movie producer forced her to touch his penis in his New York City apartment in 2002.
Court papers filed Wednesday say Weinstein went on to harass and emotionally abuse Jane Doe for nearly a decade and blocked her from having a successful acting career.
Weinstein's lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, called the allegations "preposterous."
The Jane Doe allegations were contained in an amended complaint in a lawsuit that accuses Weinstein's movie studio board of enabling and covering up his alleged sexual misconduct.
Doe's lawyer said she was brave to come forward.
Weinstein is facing criminal charges involving two other women. That case was roiled recently by allegations that a police detective acted improperly.


Sad news for stoned man-children in hockey jerseys: Kevin Smith says that The Weinstein Company has passed on Clerks 3. The Weinsteins own the rights to the franchise, and have rights of first refusal on any sequels. Smith told Screen Daily yesterday that Bob Weinstein offered to distribute the film, but that Smith's proposed budget of $6 million was simply too expensive for their taste. This will delay production on the slacker threequel, which was originally supposed to begin shooting in May.
However, that doesn't mean 2014 will be totally Kevin Smith-free: Tusk, his podcast-spinoff horror movie about a guy who gets surgically transformed into a walrus, hits theaters later this year; his Christmas horror movie, Anti-Claus, has a cast and is in pre-production; and Smith is already working on a Tusk spinoff called Yoga-Hosers, featuring two characters who appear in Tusk for about five minutes in (surprise surprise) a convenience store. Look for the podcast about the spinoff to the movie spun off from a podcast early next year.


text:
By MoneySense Editors on May 26, 2022
"I took a break from Bay Street to co-write a musical": Myron Genyk on his money values and getting financially cut off at 20
The CEO and co-founder of Evermore Capital talks about paying his own way through school and quitting Bay Street to fulfill a childhood goal.
Photo courtesy of Myron Genyk
Who is Myron Genyk? As the CEO and co-founder of Evermore Capital, a Canadian asset management company, he introduced target date exchange-traded funds (ETF) for those with retirement goals from 2025 to 2060. With over 15 years of Bay Street experience, Myron has worked at BlackRock Canada and National Bank of Canada, overseeing ETF markets and managing multi-asset hedging portfolios. Also, Myron is Ukrainian-Canadian, and his company is donating 100% of its revenue for three months towards Ukrainian humanitarian relief. Here's more on his views around values, money and investing.
Who are your finance heroes?
My parents. They are of Ukrainian ancestry and immigrated to Canada as kids from Eastern Europe after World War II. They raised me with their Old-World values. Part of that included the idea that material goods come and go—so Buddhist, in hindsight—and things should be secondary to family and education. And there was the idea of scarcity and being OK with not having everything you want.
When I was in grade eight or so, my folks started making me pay for all my wants myself. It was tough watching friends that had their wants paid for by their parents, but I did enjoy the independence. Then, when I was 20, my parents severed the financial cord completely. That was extremely difficult, working minimum wage jobs while in university, and even a couple of jobs below minimum wage—under the table—to make rent. Although those days were tough, I knew it would serve me well going forward.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I really enjoy spending time with my immediate and extended family. Also, when the pandemic started, I began regular one-on-one walks and talks with close friends, either in person or over the phone. And I continue to do those walks now. Finally, I'm rewatching the TV shows I loved as a kid—we recently finished Matlock. I'm currently streaming Star Trek: The Next Generation with the kids, and I'm so happy to say that they love it.
Also, and I'm not sure if this is "free time" per se, but I took a bit of a sabbatical from Bay Street a few years ago to fulfill a goal I've had since high school: I completed a graduate program in applied music at Sheridan College, and then I co-wrote, workshopped and produced a musical called Breaking Bread: The Musical, set in Ukraine during the Holodomor. It was so wonderful to do something completely different and it was so incredibly fulfilling. Both the subject matter and the craft of creating musicals continue to interest me, and I would like to bring it to the stage again. I planned to do it again in November 2020, but, well, COVID-19 happened.
If money were no object, what would you be doing right now?
I think about that every single day, and I frequently ask my friends that same question. Some things that come up are to continue what I'm doing now—work, study music composition more deeply, go to law school or get into suburban gardening.
What was your first memory about money?
When I was three or four years old, my mom helped teach me addition by giving me a handful of coins and having me add them up. There were 50-cent pieces back then. That was always a lot of fun. I made sure to pass that along to my kids.
What's the first thing you remember buying with your own money?
A poutine at Harvey's. I felt I reached peak living. There will always be something nostalgic about Harvey's poutine for me.
Apart from delivering flyers in grade eight and nine, my first job was working in the kitchen and as a server at a retirement home when I was in grade 10 or 11. It was just a short bike ride from my parents' house. It was a great gig. I loved chatting with the elderly, and the home had a piano that residents and staff could play.
What was the biggest money lesson you learned as an adult?
After we took out our mortgage nearly 15 years ago, we were in a huge hurry to pay it off. Whenever I had extra money, it would go toward the mortgage. The opportunity cost of not investing that extra money in the markets, where returns are generally higher than the interest on a variable-rate mortgage, is something I regret.
What's the best money advice you've ever received?
To invest in low-fee index funds, which over time, are the most sensible investment.
What's the worst money advice you've ever received?
To keep most or all your money in cash, because sometimes markets go down. I'm embarrassed to say, I followed this for several years.
Would you rather receive a large sum of money all at once or smaller amounts of money regularly for life?
I could get into a bunch of "time value of money" stuff here, but life can be about more than just maximizing wealth. Time is extremely precious and scarce, and you never know when the music will stop. I'd rather have a large sum now, as it would open up so many possibilities for other pursuits.
What do you think is the most underrated financial strategy?
Investing should be as boring as the plumbing and electrical in your house. If you make either of those things too exciting, it could lead to serious trouble. You should think about investing as much as you think about those basic utilities.
What is the biggest misconception people have about growing money?
Many people are intimidated by investing because they think it's rocket science. The truth is, learning about investing and actually investing has never been easier. There are so many great online educational resources—like blogs, YouTube videos and online courses—that coach people to become more financially literate and independent.
On the product side of investing, there is still a zoo of high-fee, complicated stuff being sold. However, there is an increasing amount of low-fee, sensible investment solutions. Offering Canadians simplicity at a low fee is what drove us to create the Evermore Retirement ETFs, so people can hopefully be less intimidated, and take control of their own investments.
Can you share a money regret?
I could list a dozen or so stocks that have been massive regrets. Each of them was going to be a "10-bagger" or even a "100-bagger"—meaning they'd go up in value 10 times or 100 times. In reality, each of them went down big time.
What does the word "value" mean to you?
Education is probably the big budget item that has the greatest value, both for kids and for adults. There's a lot of learning that can be done for free, and some paid courses or programs can add a lot of value and be really fulfilling, too. Not only does more education lead to a potentially higher income and wealth, but it makes you a better citizen, in that you're better equipped to solve problems and think for yourself in this ever-changing world.
Another value for me is philanthropy. As with many others, I'm sure, the causes I've felt inspired to support have changed over time. Now, with the escalation of Russia's war on Ukraine, it's become pretty clear that my philanthropy should go toward that cause. I'm also really happy to say that Evermore Capital is among the dozens of Canadian companies donating to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
What's the first major purchase you made as an adult?
Grad school. I was not ready to enter the workforce after my undergrad. It was a tough call, facing down tuition and residence costs rather than earning a salary. But thankfully I was thinking about the big picture back then.
What's your take on debt?
It depends on the nature of the debt and what the money is being spent on. Low-interest debt is always better than high-interest debt, of course. It's great if money is being spent on an investment, like a car, a house, education or a business. If it's being spent on an experience, or to cover spending that has gotten out of hand, that is less ideal.
What was your most recent splurge?
You'll laugh, but it was probably a trip through the McDonald's drive-thru at 9:30 p.m. last Friday. That was a completely unnecessary expenditure. I find it very difficult to splurge. My parents really hammered in their Old-World values in me. And since the pandemic, there hasn't really even been much opportunity to splurge.
What is the last money-related book you read?
Since starting Evermore last spring, my reading time has taken a hit. Although I read a lot of finance articles and blogs and white papers, I can't say I've read a money-related book lately. However, I recently completed Think Again by Adam Grant—or as my kids like to say, "Think again, Adam Grant!"
What is something you always have in your wallet?
Cash. It's so underrated, and comes in handy all too often.
What is your favourite possession?
My upright Yamaha piano. If it disappeared tomorrow, I would be pretty upset. My children would rejoice.
What's your next money goal?
Well, this is more a goal for my kids, but I'd like them financially independent as soon as they finish post-secondary, if not sooner. I know it's hard out there, but the struggle is such an important part of the journey; it's an education unto itself.
My MoneySense quick questions
Rent or own?
Guess it depends on what. Primary residence: own if you can. Secondary residence: we prefer to rent as needed; there's too much world to see.
Buy or lease?
Admittedly, I've never delved into [leasing]! I've always just bought.
Save or invest?
Well, you need to save in order to invest. If you mean keeping savings in a chequing account versus investing in the market, it depends on how soon you need that money. I'd say any money you need within five years or so should be in cash; beyond that, invest whatever you don't need within five years.
Budget or not?
I can't imagine anyone just winging it financially. It's like driving at night in the fog with no headlights. You must budget. There are so many great resources. I think it really starts with tracking where your money is going, then creating a categorized list of expenses by calendar month, since there is usually seasonality. Also, tracking your net worth over time can be helpful, too, as can building out projections that compound at reasonable rates of returns.
Read more My MoneySense profiles:
What a mutual fund flop, part-time jobs and a box of Nerds taught Sandy Yong about managing her money
Erin Bury on quitting a stable job for a risky paycheque, investing in her 20s and more
Jessica Moorhouse on asking for a raise and what she'd do if money were no object
Glory Gray shares her big money lesson and how, at 8, she made more money than her mom
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(Update: Now with Video!) Hands On: Samsung Galaxy S6 & Galaxy S6 edge
Pang Tun Yau March 3, 2015 0 15	189 views
Just moments ago, Samsung has finally announced its two latest flagship smartphones: the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 edge. With so much at stake, Samsung has made the bold move of redesigning its sixth iteration of the company's flagship smartphone from the ground up, using premium materials along the way. But how does it translate to the final product?
The Galaxy S6 may have been completely redesigned, but the South Korean company made sure that the Samsung identity remains. That being said, this is visually unlike any of Samsung's previous smartphones. Gone are the mishaps of previous devices; there are no cheap-feeling plastic or perforated back cover designs to be seen here.
This is the classiest Samsung has gone with its phone designs, incorporating materials that are deemed "premium" in its latest flagship. Instead of a plastic back cover, Samsung went with glass (Gorilla Glass 4, to be exact). The metal frame is also said to be made from an "aerospace-grade alloy". The speakers have finally shifted from an awkward position at the back to the bottom of the device.
samsung-galaxy-s6-5
Samsung cynics will be quick to point out the visual references. The bottom of the metal frame looks like it was lifted off an iPhone, while both Sony and Apple have used glass as the material for the back of the phone (even Xiaomi uses it for its latest Mi Note smartphone). But if you look closer, there are little details that have come from previous Samsung devices, such as the thicker edges of the metal frame (which thankfully looks a lot more subtle than on the Galaxy Alpha and Galaxy Note 4).
Also, remember the time when people used to say that the iPhone 6 rips off the HTC One?
As a whole, however, the Galaxy S6 feels very solid and compact. This sturdiness is largely due to the glass rear, though this also means the back becomes an ugly fingerprint magnet very quickly. Even some of the new covers that are designed for the Galaxy S6 feature this same level of translucence and shininess.
Another point of contention is the fact that the back cover (and hence battery) is non-removable, and there is no microSD card slot. This may be a minor issue for most of us (the S6 ships with a minimum of 32GB internal storage option), but given that Samsung has always provided the option of removable batteries and expandable memory, this could turn into a bigger risk than Samsung may have anticipated.
In our brief time with the Galaxy S6, the phone felt exceptionally zippy, moving about the different built-in apps and menus with perfect animation and scrolling. The only time there's some waiting is with the Flipboard app, which again is located to the left of the home screen.
The same cannot be said of the camera app. The S6's camera launches at a very impressive 0.7 seconds – this is made possible by the fact that the camera is always on standby. What's even better is that Samsung has added a quick launch shortcut for the camera, and it's brilliant. A double-press of the home button – previously launching the S Voice app – now launches the camera. Samsung has not revealed detailed information, but the AF lock is so quick, there's not even an AF indicator in the default camera mode. Every time you move the device, the camera automatically hunts and locks focus, and does so almost immediately.
The S6's camera now sports several new features as well. The first is Pro mode, which as you'd expect gives you plenty of settings to tweak in real-time, including EV, white balance, ISO, focal length, and colour tone, and save them in custom settings. Another feature that Samsung will inevitably hype up is Virtual Shot, which lets you capture a 360-degree image of an object, and then preview it on the phone by panning the device around. Virtual Shot looks remarkably similar to Android's Photo Sphere, which debuted on the Nexus 4.
Finally, there's AF Tracking, which is a new mode that locks focus on a subject by simply tapping on the screen. The sensor will then track and maintain focus on that subject for as long as it is in the frame.
The Galaxy S6's software has two new additions, both of which are features widely available in smartphones from China. The first is a Theme Store, which lets you skin the UI with custom icons, wallpapers and text with just a tap. As expected, choices are rather scarce, but there is a cool Avengers theme that Samsung says will be a limited edition download.
The other software addition is Smart Manager, which should be familiar to all who have used a Chinese smartphone. Basically, it is an app that offers a one-stop location to view and manage your smartphone's resources and security. You can take a look at how much storage is remaining, or how much RAM is currently in use. At the bottom is a "Clean All" option that clears off all background processes and deletes unnecessary data.
In all, though, Samsung has done a Sony with the Galaxy S6…and that's a great thing. The Xperia Z3 was touted as packing "the bestof Sony", combining the Japanese company's expertise in display, audio and camera technologies into a handsome mobile product. The Galaxy S6 is an excellent amalgamation of Samsung's expertise in display and semiconductor prowess, and its camera looks to be quite promising based on our first impressions. The Galaxy S6, for now, seems like an excellent device.
There's just one problem: Samsung also announced the Galaxy S6 Edge.
Meet the Galaxy S6 edge. It's basically the same as the Galaxy S6, with the same internal hardware and a similar design, but with a display that curves on both sides.
In fact, the display of the Galaxy S6 edge looks more like the back of a phone, where some companies design ergonomic curved backs that make it comfortable to hold. But to have the display technology to translate this to the front of the phone is something else entirely.
samsung-galaxy-s6-edge-8
Samsung's Youm technology, which was unveiled in 2013, is finally embodied in its finest sense with the S6 edge. The Galaxy Note Edge, while interesting, has an Edge Screen that made an already large phone wider, making it pretty awkward. The S6 edge wraps the display better this time around, making it thinner than the normal S6, while the metal frame gives you something solid to grip at the sides.
The key difference between the S6 and S6 edge is, of course, the Edge Screen. It's obviously curved on both sides of the display now, allowing right- and left-handers to equally enjoy the benefits of the Edge Screen. The curved sides are also less pronounced than that on the Note Edge, and that's a good thing: it means the S6 Edge is more comfortable to hold.
More importantly, Samsung has been working on genuinely useful features for the Edge Screen, which now has two main ones: People Edge and Information Stream. People Edge is a more organic application of the Edge Screen, where it lives on top of the main screen; a swipe from the edge of the Edge Screen will reveal five bubble heads (similar to those in Facebook Messenger) which are five of your favourite (or most-accessed) contacts. Tapping on any of these contacts gives you options to call, SMS or email them, without requiring you to trawl through your contacts list. A sixth bubble on top of these contacts lets you tweak which contacts you'd like to display here.
In addition, these contacts are colour coded which appear to have only one useful application. When the phone is placed face down and one of your favourite contacts calls you, a wavy light animation in the colour assigned to your contact will be triggered on the Edge Screen. Should you be busy, you can then hover your finger on the fingerprint sensor, which will end the call and drop a text to the contact indicating that you are busy.
On the other hand, Information Stream is basically an upgraded version of the Edge Screen that is on the Galaxy Note Edge. It plugs into more third-party resources now, allowing you to have more information displayed on the news ticker.
But in truth, there still aren't many actual benefits of the Edge Screen. Samsung has found the technology and means to mass-produce curved displays without knowing real-life applications that leverage on this new feature. It has even reverted some of the "immersive" in-app controls back to where they should be. For instance, the camera app now has the shutter button in the right position, instead of at the Edge Screen, which sits way too far from tapping with the thumb.
That being said, I have to be honest here: I spent a lot longer with the S6 Edge than I did with the S6 during our hands on session, and it wasn't because there was a shortage of S6 devices available. There is something inexplicably attractive about this phone than any Samsung phones I've encountered in the past. The phone feels great, the back is minimalist, the front has personality and a uniqueness that no other phone has.
For a company that's always placed function over form, this shift in mindset with the S6 edge is certainly a very positive one. It also has the side effect of making the S6 look rather…ordinary.
Pang Tun Yau
Writes primarily about mobile-centric technology. Also possibly a Nokia/Apple/Android/Jolla/iOS/Samsung/HTC fanboy.
Tags galaxy s6 galaxy s6 camera galaxy s6 design galaxy s6 edge galaxy s6 edge hands on galaxy s6 edge preview galaxy s6 edge review galaxy s6 edge screen galaxy s6 hands on galaxy s6 hands on preview galaxy s6 review galaxy unpacked 2015 gs6 hands on information stream samsung s6 edge new edge screen galaxy s6 edge samsung galaxy edge samsung galaxy s6 samsung galaxy s6 camera samsung galaxy s6 design samsung galaxy s6 edge samsung galaxy s6 hands on samsung galaxy s6 hardware samsung galaxy s6 preview samsung galaxy unpacked 2015 samsung gs6 edge hands on samsung gs6 hands on samsung s6 camera samsung s6 edge samsung s6 edge hands on samsung s6 hands on
MWC 2015: Hands On With Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard
MWC 2015: Google Working on Mobile Payment Called Android Pay


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Danny Cowley upbeat over chances of new Portsmouth arrival before Sunderland trip
SportFootballPortsmouth FC
Ex-Wigan Athletic, Wolves and Derby County winger discusses future with Portsmouth career in the balance
Michael Jacobs admitted his Pompey frustration as his future remains firmly in the balance.
By Jordan Cross
Monday, 22nd November 2021, 4:55 am
The winger came in from the cold to play a central role in the 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon, which stretches his side's unbeaten run to seven games.
It was Jacobs' first league start since April, as he extended an impressive record of winning 11 of his 13 League One starts since arriving at the club.
Jacobs' future remains under the microscope, with a move to Ipswich collapsing in August.
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With the January transfer window on the horizon, the 30-year-old's' Fratton future remains the subject of speculation.
Jacobs made it clear playing regularly once more will be his priority, as he waits to see what lies ahead.
He said: 'It's not personal but you sit on the sidelines and you want to help out.
'Then you lose your momentum because it's the odd game here and there, and you're playing every four or five weeks.
Michael Jacobs celebrates his goal against AFC Wimbledon.
'I need to play regularly to gain rhythm. That's always been the case for me.
'It's been frustrating, but we have a very good squad here.
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'So I just keep my head down, try to do well and help the lads who are playing.
'I come in every day and try to help people, especially as there's a few young players in the group I can help and give advice to.
'I don't really know (how January will pan out).
'It's been a difficult time and I need to be playing football.
'I've spent a lot of time over the past couple of years not playing.
'I had a bad year with injuries and my knee.
'I came back in pre-season and I feel I need to be playing consistently, which any footballer wants to do.
'I've just hit 30 and it's hard. I want to be playing football.
'It's best to talk about these things, so they don't drag on and have to wait to make decisions as the window goes on.
'With these things, what will be will be.'
Jacobs aired disappointment over his belief he doesn't feel Pompey fans have seen anything near his best form, since he arrived in September of last year.
Injuries and now being out of favour have been the key factors for that, although the popular figure in the dressing room is hoping that can change for however long he's at PO4.
He added: 'I don't think Portsmouth fans have seen the best of me over the course of the past 18 months.
'I came here with previous experience of getting out of the league, and that's what I came here to do.
'Hopefully in the next however many weeks I get the chance to show them what I can do.'
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Pupils listen to a teacher reading of The Little Red Hen, identify the story elements and sequence them. They talk about different jobs associated with providing food and act out a play based on the story. Be aware that although several Common Core standards are listed by the publisher, they do not give specifics about how each portion of the instructional activity might meet them. You will need to think through this if you are working on the Common Core.


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Q: check whether a string contains only letters spaces and quotes (preferably no regex) I am trying to check if a string has only letters (both uppercase and lowercase), spaces and quotes (both double and single) in it. I can't quite come up with an elegant way of doing this. The only thing I could come up with is making a list of the allowed characters and checking if each character of the string is in that list.

A: You can do it like this:
str.matches("[a-zA-Z\\s\'\"]+");

You said preferably no REGEX, but you wanted an elegant way. In my opinion this would be an easy, short and elegant way to get what you want.

A: If you do not want REGEX, you may check character by character in the String:
public static boolean onlyLetterSpaceQuotes(String str){
    for(int x=0; x<str.length(); x++){
        char ch = str.charAt(x);
        if (!((ch >= 'a' && ch <= 'z') || (ch >= 'A' && ch <= 'Z') || ch == ' '
            || ch == '\'' || ch == '\"'))
            return false;
    }
    return true;
}

Test:
System.out.println(onlyLetterSpaceQuotes("abc \"A\'BC"));
System.out.println(onlyLetterSpaceQuotes("abc \"A\'BC123"));

Output:
true
false

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Tom was born and raised in Millville, and began to grow his love for all things construction by working jobs throughout high school and college, starting in the summer of 2006. After graduating from Penn College with a BA in Plastics & Polymer Engineering, Tom went to work using his degree but felt that something was missing. After much thought, research, and support from his family, he decided to launch TG Home Improvements in the winter of 2016.
although he currently specializes in and promotes painting and drywall services, tom possesses knowledge and experience in many areas of construction and renovation. His experience includes roofing, demolition and new build construction, flooring, landscaping, and masonry services. Tom has performed nearly all of these services on his own home and the homes of close family and friends.
Tom and tg home improvements are fully licensed and insured.


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Arkady Iosifovich Vaksberg (en russe Аркадий Иосишовиш Ваксберг ;  - ) était un journaliste d'investigation soviétique et russe, écrivain sur des sujets historiques, cinéaste et dramaturge.

Biographie
Vaksberg est né à Novossibirsk en 1927 (certaines sources donnent 1933). Il est diplômé de la faculté de droit de l'Université d'État de Moscou en 1952. Il a rejoint l'Union des écrivains soviétiques en 1973. La même année, il a commencé à travailler comme journaliste à Literatournaïa gazeta.

Il est l'auteur de nombreux livres, dont certains ont été traduits en français.

Vaksberg est mort à Moscou en 2011.

Traductions françaises
 Vychinski, le procureur de Staline : les grands procès de Moscou Albin Michel 1991
 La Mafia russe : comment on dévalise le pays depuis 70 ans Albin Michel 1992
 Hôtel Lux : les partis frères au service de l'Internationale communiste Fayard 1993
 Alexandra Kollontaï Fayard 1996
 Le Mystère Gorki Albin Michel 1997
 Lili Brik : portrait d'une séductrice Albin Michel 1999
 Staline et les Juifs : l'antisémitisme russe Robert Laffont 2003
 Le Laboratoire des poisons : de Lénine à Poutine'' Buchet/Chastel 2007

Source

Liens externes

Historien soviétique
Historien russe
Historien de la Russie
Soviétologue
Étudiant de l'université d'État de Moscou
Naissance en novembre 1927
Naissance à Novossibirsk
Décès en mai 2011
Décès à Moscou
Décès à 83 ans
Naissance en RSFS de Russie

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


This is a fear of most new mothers when they schedule their newborn photo sessions: what happens if your baby cries? The last several newborn sessions haven't been "easy" ones, meaning the baby didn't sleep during the session and we took 6 or so feeding breaks. But this doesn't mean you don't have options and can't get beautiful images. Here are a few things that will help your session go smoothly when working with an unsettled newborn.
Be confident. You are a professional and that is why they hired you. Have a list of go-to poses and confidently work them into your session. Everything goes better if you have a plan.
Be flexible. Newborns are unpredictable and this is what makes their sessions so beautiful. You can't ever repeat the exact same thing again. Don't become flustered if older siblings are wanting to touch your equipment or want to help. My camera lens has been licked before. Little children are curious so give them "important" jobs to do and this will keep them out of your frame without telling them they are doing something wrong. Your mother will be very grateful for respecting her child, no matter how small.
Communicate. Keep telling your client when they are doing great, looking great, and you are capturing great images. This gives them confidence and everyone starts having a good time. I always let them know when "I've got the shot!" Also just telling your client ahead of time what to expect is a huge help on the actual day.
Smile. There have been times I have felt out of control and toddlers are having meltdowns, but I keep smiling. It tells your brain you are ok, and also shows your clients they will be ok too.
If for some reason a newborn will not stop crying, place them in Mom or Dad's arms. You can get beautiful portraits, details, and moments when a baby is cradled by a parent. Then add in the other parent for a few shots. Ask the family to gather around and get a full shot, get close for a detailed image and then ask the family to hug or kiss the baby. Boom! 5-10 different images in a matter of 5 minutes.
I hope some of these suggestions help and you can implement then into your sessions in the future.


With so much hype and anticipations around, the number of people wanting to buy a Bitcoin is significantly increased. However, how many people can afford to buy a whole Bitcoin ( Currently, 1 BTC = 7, 524.99$) which of course, a significant amount. When it comes to buying a Bitcoin, one of the most common misconceptions is that "Huh, it's a bit expensive. Can't buy now." This is one of the typical conversations that we usually hear on a daily basis from so many people around. The surprising thing is that this is not the situation that recently has been happening. Ever since Bitcoin was launched, people around the globe are in a bit dilemma whether to buy or not as the price was kept increasing the popularity and demand it received.
However, the question is, who's asking you to buy one whole Bitcoin? Not exactly, you can also buy a half or a quarter of Bitcoin or any amount as you wish for that matter. However, many people don't understand this concept and keep wondering and bothering that they can't buy a Bitcoin as they would have to pour tens of thousands of dollars to purchase just one Bitcoin.
Usually, we are used to splitting down regular paper/fiat currencies to two or three decimal points like $0.01 or $0.001. And not just that, we also round numbers that give odd numbers/decimals as the fiat currency exists in the physical form and if you have a bank account through which you wish to withdraw money, the bank has to be able to give you that money in a physical form like bills.
However, on the other hand, cryptocurrencies are nothing like that. They can be divided up into almost minute amounts. In this situation, the smallest Bitcoin amount is called as "Satoshi" which was named after the founder of the Bitcoin (Pseudonym).
In addition to that, there are two other vital parts of Bitcoin which you should know. After the one mentioned above, the next smallest measurement of Bitcoin is "Bit" or μBTC.
The next smallest one mBTC.
Of course, the very much less known than the mBTC is the Bitcent otherwise known as cBTC.
For instance, if you have 0.25 BTC, then you can say that you have 25 Bitcents. Moreover, in any case, someone is selling their μBTC or cBTC, then it would be challenging to remember how much is how much and all the calculations. Luckily, some free online tools will help you in calculating exactly how much you have to pay or what fraction of one whole Bitcoin you would be buying.
Another popular misconception about Bitcoin is that only rich people can purchase Bitcoin as it the price would be tens of thousands of dollars. Even though the Bitcoin's price is high (As of now, 1 BTC = 7, 524.99), the rest of the statement is a total myth.
Two critical factors mostly cause the above myth.
Bitcoin skeptics are mostly people who do not understand the technology or they understand a part of it but entirely dismiss the entire concept.
Now, people like these tend to have a conventional or traditional financial attitude and see cryptocurrencies with great hesitation.
People compare the concept of digital currency with stocks or shares.
Honestly speaking, most of the stockbrokers do not provide you an option to purchase just a part of the share. Let's say you want to purchase a share of ån IT company then there is a 99 percent chance that you will buy an entire share. The reason is that the fraction or minute shares cannot be purchased (Other than cases like dividend reinvestment programs).
However, the digital currencies do not fall under the bank or any financial institution category, and hence such rules are not applicable to cryptocurrencies. That is why no matter how small the Bitcoin part is, you can buy as small as you want.
Is this sort of divisibility important?
Of course, it is essential as in the future more and more people will purchase and trade Bitcoins in small amounts. For example, 5 years or 10 years down the line, 1 BTC hits half a million dollars then indeed the number of people who trade Bitcoins in smaller amounts will increase. If this happens (assuming that the transaction fee is little or no amount at all), then people walk into a coffee shop just like that and buy a cup of coffee by paying a fraction of Bitcoin.
The reason this could happen is that the ability to trade (buy or sell) Bitcoin in smaller amounts which is enough to cover a cup of coffee without having to send more or less due to divisibility issues. Still not convinced? Them try comparing Bitcoin with gold. If you walk into a coffee shop with 1 KG of gold, would it be possible for you to pay the amount of the coffee exactly? Obviously, no.
Today, when we talk about cryptocurrencies or Bitcoins, we tend to ask or say how many Bitcoins or how many fractions of parts of Bitcoin does someone own. For instance, when you have 0.01 BTC then naturally tend to say the same instead of saying that you own one Bitcent. However, according to the article published by author Daniel Cawrey, people should start considering how many Bitcents they own instead of thinking how many Bitcoins they own as it could result in adverse publicity for Bitcoin.
Again, the reason for this is when you tell someone that you bought 0.10 Bitcoin then they tend to think that it is not very much. However, when you say you have 1, 00, 000 Bits then yes the number would be more impressive. Not only because the number sounds big but also we, as humans, as a significant number when it comes investment.
Nevertheless, the digital currency world is not yet ready to take a shift when it comes to a naming fraction of Bitcoins. However, it inevitably could happen once people start buying/selling more such smaller amounts of Bitcoins. For now, the Bitcoin measurement calculator will be the king.


Cinesite's VFX supervisor Nicolas Chevallier and a team of 20 artists were assigned a fast-paced chase sequence from Marvel's latest film 'X-Men: Apocalypse' in which the heroes escape from Alkali Lake, a government genetic research facility, by stealing an Alkali Jet. Nicolas talked to Digital Media World about the artists' work, which included the agile superhero Nightcrawler, known for his prehensile tail, adhesive hands and feet, and his distinctive teleportation effect. They also created the heavily engineered concrete interior of the underground hangar at Alkali Lake that houses the jets, paying close attention to scale and texture.
This movie, like the previous X-Men adventure 'Days of Future Past', was shot in Montreal at the MELS Cite du Cinema facility, where the production built almost 60 practical sets. Most of the project was captured in native stereo by cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel with RED Epic Dragon cameras. Second unit shot in mono, led by Brian Smrz, and the footage was post-converted.
The shots at Cinesite involved managing workflows based on photography in both formats, and outputting full-CG sequences mainly in stereo. The team spent about three months on the project. "Because it was a stereo show we received both left and right eye shots," Nicolas said. "We used a combination of our in-house tools and Ocula to realign and colour correct the two eyes. In the meantime, our matchmove team was solving the camera for both original eyes.
Used in warping and to handle distortion, the STMap node in Nuke allows a user to change the position of pixels in an image, using two channels to determine where each pixel in the resulting image should come from in the input channels. You can also use the STMap node to calculate the lens distortion on one image and apply that distortion to another image.
When Nightcrawler uses his powers to evade the guards inside the Alkali high-security facility, Cinesite's artists added his prehensile tail and developed tools to replicate his smokey teleportation effect.
Because Nightcrawler appears throughout the film, the team received the tail asset from another vendor, along with animation reference to keep the moves consistent. "In order to integrate the asset into our pipeline, we had to conform the textures and the rigging to our own in-house system," Nicolas said. "For the animation, the tail isn't interacting with the environment or any other characters, so the challenge was to make sure its movement was accurate and aligned with the Nightcrawler's spine.
Nicolas commented that the production's VFX supervisor John Dykstra was concerned above all that the any of the film's effects be grounded in reality. "One of the main challenges for the team of texture artists was to make sure that we portrayed the scale of the hanger convincingly by adding lots of small details and realistic imperfections, as well as the bigger features like doors, wires, extinguishers, exit signs and so on. Concrete is tricky because you're never sure of the scale. At strategic points, you need to place lines, stains and imperfections to make it look real," he said.
The production crew had shot the scenes of the X-Men entering the hangar on a minimal greenscreen set. The plates received from production contained a small portion of the set that the team decided in most cases to replace completely, mainly because the practical concrete used on set had a shiny quality that was reflecting back green light from the green screen. The actors were isolated from these plates and composited into their CG hanger environment.
Nicolas said, "John Dykstra requested us to focus the viewer's attention on the foreground Alkali Jet, and had a very precise idea of what he wanted to see. We proposed lighting concepts to find the right artistic direction at an early stage, before going into 3D lighting, by creating a set-up that went halfway toward the practical lighting, and then let compositing bring the footage towards the 3D lighting with careful grading of the main actors.
"Once the concept was approved, we could start placing physical lights in the hangar to maintain a nice transition of background lighting with the on-set lighting. Having physical light in the background helped us a lot with the scale of the hangar. We also built and composited in a series of life sized vehicles at the back, like cherry pickers and forklifts. They're not clearly visible but they help give your eye a reference for scale.


We will be exhibiting at the FESPA London Trade show which will run from 25th to 29th June 2013. It will be taking place at the ExCel London Exhibition Centre, London E16 1XL.
We hope to see you there. For more information on the show, please click the show logo below.


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Remove unpicked kiwifruit from vines
Growers are reminded that unpicked kiwifruit must be removed from vines by 1 July. Unpicked fruit can increase the amount of wild kiwifruit plants establishing in nearby areas of native bush or...
Growers are reminded that unpicked kiwifruit must be removed from vines by 1 July.
Unpicked fruit can increase the amount of wild kiwifruit plants establishing in nearby areas of native bush or exotic forestry as fruit ripening over the winter months provides a food source for birds.
Birds spread seed through their droppings, together with a small fertiliser package. A proportion of this seed can readily germinate.
Unmanaged kiwifruit vines, including those with unpicked fruit, may also be a potential host for plant disease organisms.
Unpicked fruit needs to be dropped to the ground and mulched. This prevents mass-feeding by birds over an extended period.
Under the National Psa Pest Management Plan (NPMP) it is a requirement to remove all unpicked fruit from vines by 1 July each year. After this date KVH will follow-up reports of unpicked fruit with orchard owners and post-harvest companies.
Managing risk from importing plants could stop the next incursion
KVH has made a submission on behalf of the kiwifruit industry to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) on the proposed Import Health Standard (IHS) for Actinidia plants for planting. The IHS...
KVH has made a submission on behalf of the kiwifruit industry to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) on the proposed Import Health Standard (IHS) for Actinidia plants for planting.
The IHS sets out the proposed import requirements for Actinidia nursery stock, specifically for plants in vitro (tissue culture), imported into New Zealand for further propagation. This pathway has not been active since 2013 because of the Psa incursion.
KVH recognises importing new kiwifruit material is an important part of maintaining the competitive advantage of our industry, however our submission focuses on the level of uncertainty around potential risk of introducing new biosecurity threats and how this risk must be carefully managed so that if the pathway is enacted, it is robust and reduces risk to the kiwifruit industry. We have also included specific technical advice we commissioned from experts in the science community in New Zealand and overseas.
All submissions are now being considered by MPI. There will then be a 10 day period where all submitters have the opportunity to examine any changes to the IHS which have resulted from the consultation.
We will keep growers informed before any decisions are made on the outcome of this pathway.
If you have any questions about the KVH submission, please contact us at info@kvh.org.nz or phone us on 0800 665 825.
Fine for failing to declare risky plants
An air traveller who deliberately failed to declare plant materials to quarantine officers has been fined $3,300 by the Manukau District Court. Arriving at Auckland Airport from China in April, the...
An air traveller who deliberately failed to declare plant materials to quarantine officers has been fined $3,300 by the Manukau District Court.
Arriving at Auckland Airport from China in April, the traveler ticked the "no" box next to the question on her declaration card asking whether she was bringing plants into New Zealand. A baggage search revealed seeds concealed in three bags of food and in a hand towel. Two plant cuttings were also found in her baggage, and another in her jacket pocket.
Plant cuttings are a serious biosecurity risk for the kiwifruit industry (and others) and KVH fully supports the courts and Ministry for Primary Industries taking strong action where people deliberately flout the rules and attempt to bring risk items into the country that could be carrying pests or diseases.
Read more about the fine and other recent biosecurity convictions here.
Biocontrol defence against BMSB: last chance to have your say
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is one of the biggest biosecurity threats we face and it could cause hundreds of millions of dollars of losses. If an incursion is found here the consequences...
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is one of the biggest biosecurity threats we face and it could cause hundreds of millions of dollars of losses. If an incursion is found here the consequences would be disastrous for New Zealand's horticultural industries.
The Samurai Wasp (which is the size of a pinhead and doesn't sting humans or animals) provides an opportunity to be proactive in our approach and gives us another tool we can use to control BMSB.
Image to the right of a male Samurai Wasp (scale 0.5mm), courtesy of Jo Poulton, Plant and Food Research.
KVH, other horticultural groups and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), have made an application to the Enviornmental Protection Authority (EPA) seeking approval to release the wasp as a biocontrol agent against BMSB, but only if an incursion is found in New Zealand.
The EPA is currently seeking public opinion on the application and you have until 5pm Thursday 31 May 2018 to make a submission.
KVH is making a submission on behalf of the kiwifruit industry and your views count too. We encourage growers to have a say and we can make available to you a copy of the KVH submission that you may wish to reference content from when making your own submission to the EPA (or use the template we've created to help with this).
If you have any questions you can email us at info@kvh.org.nz or phone us on 0800 665 825.
Monitor and remove Psa to protect next crop
Autumn is here and new active cankers with exudate have been found on orchards in several regions over recent weeks. For growers who have completed harvest, now is a good time to complete a...
Autumn is here and new active cankers with exudate have been found on orchards in several regions over recent weeks.
For growers who have completed harvest, now is a good time to complete a round of Psa monitoring to identify areas where you may need to modify your pruning strategy to ensure as much Psa as possible is removed from the canopy. Look for cane and leader dieback and fresh exudate. Any large active cankers are likely to worsen before spring, so consider removing these before you send the pruners in.
Autumn spray programmes should include regular copper application at full winter rates and if possible at least one Actigard where leaf is fully functioning. Actigard can be tank mixed with copper and is most effective when applied to leaves that are still in good condition. Extreme care must be taken to avoid spray drift onto unharvested blocks. After spraying Actigard ensure that spray tanks, lines and nozzles are cleaned thoroughly before spraying other products on unharvested fruit.
For more information, refer to KVH's Psa Best Practice Guide and the latest Actigard technote.
To maintain a high level of on-orchard hygiene, growers should continue to monitor pruning staff and ensure tool hygiene at all times. Restrict access to unnecessary vehicles. Best practice guides are available on the KVH website.
Summer summary: everyone on the lookout for BMSB
Every New Zealander has a role to play in managing the risk of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). KVH co-funded a nationwide summer BMSB education campaign with the Ministry for Primary Industries...
Every New Zealander has a role to play in managing the risk of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB).
KVH co-funded a nationwide summer BMSB education campaign with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and other horticultural sectors to lift public awareness around the damaging impacts of the pest and increase the likelihood of early detection through surveillance.
The results of the summer campaign are in:
• There were 931 calls to the MPI biosecurity hotline (more than double last year).
• Website ads generated the most calls to the hotline.
• There were over 6.5 million views of our online ads.
• The Metservice weather app ad was by far the most viewed of all our ads.
• Just over 30,500 visitors to the BMSB page on the MPI website (12500 more than last year).
• Ruud 'the Bug Man' Kleinpaste posts and videos were the most effective social media tools.
• There was a lot of news media interest in BMSB, especially around the turned away ships in Auckland and the Samurai Wasp as a biocontrol. The morning after a KVH story about BMSB aired on the One News 6pm show in late August, MPI received 15 calls about suspect bugs from people who had seen the clip.
Partnerships were also a big focus of the campaign. KVH worked across the kiwifruit industry to talk about BMSB and distribute information. Some initiatives were:
• New posters, fliers and stickers distributed to packhouses, transitional facilities, and vehicle importers.
• Information sent to all members of NZ Plant Producers Inc, including nurseries and Mitre 10 stores.
• Posters and leaflets distributed through PGG Wrightson and Fruitfed suppliers.
• Hospitality NZ helped communicate the BMSB threat through their newsletters and social media.
• Allied Pickfords transport put messages on trucks and in warehouses/depots.
• The Port of Tauranga Biosecurity Excellence partnership focussed on BMSB during the local biosecurity week with staff who work on and around the port.
Conference raises Xylella awareness
Last week KVH attended the Better Border Biosecurity (B3) conference in Wellington. B3 is a joint venture for plant biosecurity science in New Zealand integrating expertise and investment from...
Last week KVH attended the Better Border Biosecurity (B3) conference in Wellington. B3 is a joint venture for plant biosecurity science in New Zealand integrating expertise and investment from several Crown Research Institutes, and end users such as the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and industry.
In addition to profiling research into new, smarter biosecurity tools such as remote sensors and advanced diagnostics, the conference had an underlying theme of building collaboration to achieve better biosecurity. This includes working alongside Australia more, as they are our closest parallel in the biosecurity sense being an isolated South Pacific nation with similar challenges and pressures, but also present our greatest risk given how near and connected our countries are.
At a more local level, collaboration includes building biosecurity excellence in local communities and the conference featured a presentation by John Kean on the science that is being developed to support regional initiatives for biosecurity excellence in port communities.
A presentation that caught everyone's attention was the keynote talk from Professor Alexander Purcell (Berkeley College, USA) on the biosecurity threat of Xylella fastidiosa to New Zealand.
Photo credit: Antonio Sorrentino/LUZ/eyevine
X. fastidiosa is a bacterium that has caused severe impacts to the Californian wine industry and is currently decimating the Italian olive industry, killing over a million olive trees. Kiwifruit is not a known host however Dr Purcell provided an insight into the complexities associated with this pathogen and discussed the wide range of strains affecting different plants. Although the true host range of all strains is currently impossible to predict or test, MPI and industry groups for other horticultural products that are known hosts to this pathogen have had it on their radar for many years, as have Australia.
The presentation and workshop following the conference provided an opportunity to advance preparedness for X. fastidiosa and identify where to focus our efforts. For example, it's spread through Europe has highlighted the importance of biosecurity controls on plant material movements before pathogens are detected.
X. fastidiosa took some time to diagnose, and continues to be debated, as it spreads through Europe. It has now been detected in France and Spain, which produces half of the world's olive oil.
Dr Purcell suggests that the number of different strains present in these European regions could mean Xylella has been introduced on more than one occasion. Biosecurity practices and traceability reduce the likelihood of spreading such pathogens and provide a far better chance of containment or eradication should they arrive here at all.
BMSB expertise from Chile
Last Thursday KVH and New Zealand Avocado hosted a discussion about Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) with Ilania Astorga from Servicio Agricola y Ganadero, the Chilean equivalent of our Ministry for...
Last Thursday KVH and New Zealand Avocado hosted a discussion about Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) with Ilania Astorga from Servicio Agricola y Ganadero, the Chilean equivalent of our Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Iliania was invited to New Zealand by the BMSB Council (a partnership between horticultural industry groups and MPI) and also presented at the two-day Better Border Biosecurity conference earlier in the week.
Attended by biosecurity experts, industry representatives and scientists from across the region, the discussion focused on where and when BMSB has been found since the bug was first detected in urban Santiago (the Chilean reponse is still confined to an urban environment). Initiatives currently underway to manage it, including survellaince and trapping activities were also discussed.
There was also a Q&A session during the presentation to learn more about the opportunities and challenges faced by the Chileans and how these can help shape New Zealands response plans.
For example, BMSB is capable of flying up to 100k a day but the Chilean experience is that the bugs don't move much, or very far in distance, which may be due to the large number of preferred host trees in the city and the fact that bugs don't need to travel far to get the food and nutrients needed.
This discussion with Ilania built on the learnings of an 'NZ Inc' group - including KVH - that visited Chile late last year to assist in the response. Read more about that trip here. This relationshop provides an excellent opportunity for New Zealand to learn from Chile's experience and assist to mitigate the risk of entry to New Zealand, and refine our own response tools and strategies.
Unwanted!
Each month we profile one of the 12 most unwanted pests featured on our 'Port of Tauranga – committed to biosecurity excellence' calendar. Any of these pests could potentially enter...
Each month we profile one of the 12 most unwanted pests featured on our 'Port of Tauranga – committed to biosecurity excellence' calendar. Any of these pests could potentially enter our borders and have a major impact on local community and businesses, the kiwifruit industry or other local growers. Profiling these pests and raising public awareness increases the chances of early detection, should an incursion occur.
This month the focus is a significant threat to the avocado industry, the Shot Hole Borer. These are small beetles that are a destructive pest of forest trees and attack fruit, shade and ornamental trees.
Originating in Southeast Asia, this invasive beetle is now causing significant impacts throughout California's avocado industry where adult females tunnel into trees to lay eggs and grow fungus, which spreads and attacks tree tissue. Initial infection is followed by wilting of branches and discolouration of leaves, and then the collapse of heavy branches.
The pest is particularly attracted to injured or stressed trees - look out for any damage caused by wood-boring beetles, especially entry/exit holes surrounded by wet discoloration or white exudate. The beetle's holes penetrate 1-4cm into the wood.
Shot Hole Borer beetles fly from tree to tree, but can cover considerable distances. Spread is through plant, equipment, and wood movements.


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Dear Mr. Asip:
Would you please accept my apology for a somewhat retarded reply to your letter of January 21st. In that letter you have put the very proper question, could not the radiocarbon analysis settle the chronological problem raised by "Ages in Chaos" ?
I have spent various efforts in this direction, up till now without success. Professor Robert Pfeiffer of the Semitic Museum of Harvard University, always very sympathetic to my work, answered that his Museum has no suitable material from the New Kingdom in Egypt. Professor Frederick Johnson, Chairman of the "Committee on Carbon 14" of the American Anthropological Association and the Geological Society of America, a committee that selects samples for analysis, answered with a letter that made me think that he did not grasp the problem: he said something to the effect that their paradoxical dates, as far as he can remember, relate to American prehistory; Libby himself answered that he knows practically nothing of Egyptian chronology: Professor Etienne Drioton, Curator of the Louvre Museum, who wrote me very encouragingly after reading the first volume of "Ages in Chaos" did not answer my letter on the subject of last December.
Maybe, you could do some additional tries, writing to various magazines, daily press, or members of the Committee on C 14. . .
Very sincerely yours,
Immanuel Velikovsky


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Interfoam Group of Companies aspires to meet the highest standards in every aspect of its business. We realize that the development of our employees, the fulfillment of the unique individual abilities of every person is the driving force of our development. That is why education and professional training of our personnel is among our priorities.


APPLETON — An Outagamie County Board panel said Monday the state should dump plans to bury PCB-laden spoils dredged from Little Lake Butte des Morts in a Vinland landfill.
The board's Legislative, Audit and Human Resources Committee said the state Department of Natural Resources should spend between $14 million and $34 million more than planned to neutralize the material with heat.
Supv. Pat Stevens proposed the committee's action, which goes to a board vote Jan. 12.
Despite DNR assurances that landfilling is a safe and permanent method of PCB disposal, area officials remain unconvinced, contending the toxic material could leak from specially designed landfills and contaminate soil and groundwater supplies 100 years from now.
The resolution echoes one approved by the Winnebago County Board on Oct. 30. Both petition the DNR to reconsider its decision to spend $66 million to dispose of material dredged from Little Lake Butte des Morts in a Vinland landfill owned by Georgia Pacific. Vinland officials petitioned the DNR seeking the same reconsideration Oct. 9.
The Winnebago resolution urges the DNR to spend between $80 million and $100 million vitrifying the material in gas furnaces operated by Minergy, a Neenah-based corporation owned by Wisconsin Energy. The heating process would transform the river sediment into a non-toxic material that can be used in road construction.
PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) were once used in the manufacture of electrical equipment and in the production of carbonless paper. They can cause serious health problems.
Schmidt said he saw no need for the committee to await a public presentation by Minergy officials Jan. 27.