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Nationwide age references for sitting height, leg length, and sitting height/height ratio, and their diagnostic value for disproportionate growth disorders
Community child health, public health, and epidemiology
A M Fredriks1,
S van Buuren2,
W J M van Heel1,
R H M Dijkman-Neerincx3,
S P Verloove-Vanhorick2,
J M Wit1
1Department of Paediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
2Child Health Division, TNO Quality of Life, Leiden, Netherlands
3Department of Paediatrics, Hospital Rijnstate, Arnhem, Netherlands
Prof. Dr J M Wit
Dept of Paediatrics, J6S, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, Netherlands; j.m.witlumc.nl
Aims: To obtain age references for sitting height (SH), leg length (LL), and SH/H ratio in the Netherlands; to evaluate how SH standard deviation score (SDS), LL SDS, SH/H SDS, and SH/LL SDS are related to height SDS; and to study the usefulness of height corrected SH/H cut-off lines to detect Marfan syndrome and hypochondroplasia.
Methods: Cross-sectional data on height and sitting height were collected from 14 500 children of Dutch origin in the age range 0–21 years. Reference SD charts were constructed by the LMS method. Correlations were analysed in three age groups. SH/H data from patients with Marfan syndrome and genetically confirmed hypochondroplasia were compared with height corrected SH/H references.
Results: A positive association was observed between H SDS, SH SDS, and LL SDS in all age groups. There was a negative correlation between SH/H SDS and height SDS. In short children with a height SDS <−2 SDS, a cut-off limit of +2.5 SD leads to a more acceptable percentage of false positive results. In exceptionally tall children, a cut-off limit of −2.2 SDS can be used. Alternatively, a nomogram of SH/H SDS versus H SDS can be helpful. The sensitivity of the height corrected cut-off lines for hypochondroplasia was 80% and for Marfan syndrome only 30%.
Conclusions: In exceptionally short or tall children, the dependency of the SH/H ratio (SDS) on height SDS has to be taken into consideration in the evaluation of body proportions. The sensitivity of the cut-off lines for hypochondroplasia is fair.
H, height
LL, leg length
SDS, standard deviation score
SH, sitting height
sitting height
hypochondroplasia
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/adc.2004.050799
In the diagnostic work-up of children with exceptionally short or tall stature, the visual inspection and objective measurement of body proportions can give important clues.1–3 The usual method of judging body proportions of children is to calculate the ratio between sitting height and height (SH/H) or sitting height and leg length (SH/LL) and compare this with age references. Sitting height can also be used as a proxy of statural growth if height cannot be measured, for example because of lower limb deformities.
In short children, most chondrodystrophic syndromes (skeletal dysplasias) are characterised by short limbs. In contrast to achondroplasia, hypochondroplasia can be difficult to diagnose. Hypochondroplasia is an autosomal dominant condition characterised by a disproportionate short stature, with relatively short legs, micromelia, macrocrania, and lumbar lordosis, linked to N540K mutations in the FGFR3 gene. Other conditions, such as Down's syndrome and Turner's syndrome can also present with abnormal body proportions. On the other hand, some other syndromes associated with short stature present with a relatively short trunk. In tall children, it is important to diagnose Marfan syndrome, gonadotropin deficiency, and Klinefelter's syndrome, because of the clinical consequences. Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder of connective tissue characterised by a disproportionate tall stature and relatively long legs. Thus, measuring body proportions provides vital diagnostic information in the work-up of growth disorders.
It is generally known that tall children have relatively long legs and vice versa.4,5 Therefore, we conjecture that the interpretation of SH/H ratio should not only be based on age references, but also on height. This would theoretically improve the specificity of the cut-off lines. However, no such conditional references are available. There is also no information available about the sensitivity of the usual cut-off lines of normality (±2 SDS), either corrected for age only or after an additional correction for height, in detecting the most frequent disproportionate growth disorders.
In this paper we present age references of SH, LL, and SH/H ratio for Dutch children, and show their relation with height. In addition, we compare SH/H of children with known Marfan syndrome and known hypochondroplasia with the new references in order to determine whether the usual cut-off limits in the reference charts are appropriate for detecting these disorders.
Cross-sectional data on height and sitting height were collected in the Fourth Dutch Growth Study in 1996 and 1997. A total of 14 500 children (7482 boys and 7018 girls) of Dutch origin in the age range 0–21 years were included. Sitting height was measured in 6877 boys and 6202 girls. Children with known growth disorders and those on medication known to interfere with growth were not included in the sample. Details have been described elsewhere.6 The sample was nationally representative. Separately, we collected growth data of children with Marfan syndrome: four boys (of 3, 6, 9, and 13 years) and six girls (of 8 (n = 4), 12, and 16 years). Through the Laboratory of Clinical Genetics and referring physicians, we anonymously gathered data on individuals with DNA confirmed hypochondroplasia: seven children (three boys, of 4, 6, and 12 years; and four girls, of 1, 6, 10, and 12 years), and three adults (one man of 41 years; and two women 24 and 43 years). In addition we gathered data on the family of a 10 year old girl with a confirmed HCH mutation in the FGFR3 gene that caused a mild hypochondroplasia. None of these patients had been treated with any relevant medication at the time of measurement.
Length of infants, until 2 years of age, was measured to the nearest 0.1 cm in the supine position, fully extended with their heels in contact with a baseboard. Crown-rump length, a measure of trunk length, which is conceptually similar to sitting height in older children, was measured until 2 years of age while the child was lying in supine position on a measuring table. After the thighs were placed in a vertical plane, the footboard was pulled against the buttocks. From 2 years of age onward, standing height was measured to the nearest 0.1 cm by using a calibrated microtoise. Sitting height was measured by bringing the horizontal bar of the microtoise into the most superior midline of the head while the child was sitting in erect position on a flat stool or box. Arching of the back was avoided as much as possible by applying upward pressure to the mastoid processes while the child breathed deeply and held its breath during the measurement. The difference between crown-rump length and sitting height was on average +0.4 cm at 2 years of age. For the ratio crown-rump length/length and sitting height/height the difference was on average +0.03. Leg length was obtained by subtracting sitting height from height. The difference between length and crown-rump length is a corresponding estimate of leg length in infants.
References for SH, LL, and SH/H for age were constructed with the LMS method. The distribution of the data is summarised by three spline curves, the L, M, and S, that vary in time: the Box-Cox transformation power that converts data to normality and minimises the skewness of the dataset (L), the median (M), and the coefficient of variation (S).7 The choice of the smoothing factors for the L, M, and S curves was made by creating local detrended QQ plots.8 The associations between SH SDS, LL SDS, SH/H SDS, SH/LL SDS, and height SDS were calculated by (multiple) regression analyses and studied for three age groups: 0–<5 y (I), 5–<12.5 y (II), and 12.5–<21 y (III). Two strategies were used to find the optimal cut-off values for height SDS and SH/H SDS. First, an ellipse was drawn around 95% of the data points in the scatter plot of SH/H SDS against H SDS, and points that were located outside the ellipse were classified as unusual. The second method was to select H SDS <−2 or >+2 first, and within that group, we classified all points as unusual that were located at least 2 SDS units away from the regression line of SH/H SDS given H SDS.
Reference SD charts for sitting height (SH) and leg length (LL) (fig 1), and sitting height/height (SH/H) for age (fig 2) were constructed for boys and girls aged 0–21 years.9
Sitting height and leg length for age for (A) Dutch boys and (B) Dutch girls aged 0–21 years, indicating the 0,±1,±2,±2.5 SD lines.
Sitting height/height ratio for age for (A) Dutch boys and (B) Dutch girls aged 0–21 years, indicating the 0,±1,±2, 2.5 SD lines.
The corresponding L, M, and S data are shown in table 1. In infants SH represents 68% of the length, decreasing to 57% at 3 years of age for both sexes. During puberty, sitting height represents 52% of the height. Between 10 and 15 years a growth spurt in leg length is observed. The ratio SH/LL decreases from a mean of 2.10 in the first year to 1.05 in boys and 1.11 in girls at 20 years of age.
L, M, and S values for sitting height (SH) (cm), leg length (LL) (cm), and sitting height/height (SH/H) ratio for boys and girls of Dutch origin in the age range 0–21 years
Table 2 shows the association between body proportions and height SDS. As expected, for both SH SDS and LL SDS a strong positive association with height SDS was found in all age groups. The correlations between SH/H (or SH/LL) SDS and height SDS were all negative and statistically significant (p < 0.001).
Correlations between SH SDS, LL SDS, SH/H SDS, SH/LL SDS, and height SDS in three age groups
This is illustrated in fig 3 which presents a scatter plot of SH/H SDS versus height SDS. The equiprobable ellipse around 95% of the points shows a tendency towards decreasing SH/H SDS with increasing height SDS. Conversely, shorter children have higher SH/H ratios, thus relatively shorter legs. Data points located inside the ellipse may be considered as normal. Figure 4 shows the ellipse, the regression line, and two lines at 2 SDS units away of the regression line. This figure can be used as a nomogram to assess for a given height SDS the normal range of SH/H SDS.
A scatter plot of SH/H SDS versus height SDS.
A nomogram to assess for a given height SDS the normal range of SH/H SDS, indicating the ellipse, the regression line, and two lines at 2 SDS units away of the regression line. Triangles represent Marfan syndrome, circles represent hypochondroplasia.
To explore if this nomogram is a useful tool to distinguish patients with Marfan syndrome from constitutionally tall children, or patients with hypochondroplasia from idiopathic short stature, one SH/H observation per patient from these groups of patients was plotted in the figure. The purpose was to find cut-off limits that detect disproportion. Only in 3 of 10 patients with Marfan syndrome was SH/H located below the conditional −2 SD line, so this cut-off criterion has a sensitivity of only 30%. In 4 of 10 patients SH/H SDS was below the unconditional −2 SD line. The ellipse criterion performed better: 6 of 10 patients with Marfan syndrome were located outside the ellipse. When the conditional −2 SD line is taken as diagnostic criterion, the likelihood ratio of a positive test (LR+) is 0.3/0.02 = 15, and the likelihood ratio of a negative test (LR−) 0.7/0.98 = 0.7. With regard to hypochondroplasia, a total of 8 out of 10 cases were located above the conditional +2 SDS line, corresponding to a sensitivity of 80%. This results in an LR+ of 40 and an LR− of 0.2. We observed that here the ellipse also performed better: all hypochondroplasia cases were located outside the ellipse. Figure 5 shows sitting height/height data of the members of a family with HCH due to an FGFR3 gene mutation on the maternal side. The sitting height/height index of the index case and three of her female relatives is shown in fig 5A, and of her brother and uncle in fig 5B. The HCH mutation in the FGFR3 gene (in codon 540: substitution of asparagine by serine) caused a mild hypochondroplasia with a variable expression pattern. All affected family members had short stature (height <−2 SDS) and a mild increased sitting height/height index, indicating a disproportionate short stature with relatively short legs.
SH/H data of the members of a family, with an HCH mutation in the FGFR3 gene on the maternal side, that caused a mild hypochondroplasia with a variable expression pattern. (A) SH/H index for the index case, her cousin, her mother, her aunt, and grandmother. (B) SH/H index for the brother and an uncle of the index case.
The negative correlation between SH/H SDS and H SDS signifies that for short or tall children the usual cut-off limits for body proportions (±2.0 SDS) would result in considerable percentages of children who would be considered as disproportionate. This is shown in table 3. If one would strive for a specificity of about 98%, the cut-off limit of SH/H SDS for short children would be +2.5 SDS, and for tall children −2.2.
Percentages of short children (height SDS below −1.5 or −2.0) with an SH/H SDS >+2.0 or +2.5, and percentages of tall children (height SDS above +1.5 or +2.0) with an SH/H SDS <−2.0 or −2.5 SDS
This study provides new reference charts for Dutch children for SH, LL, and SH/H in relation to age. The SH/H ratio changed from 0.68 infancy to 0.52 in adolescence, indicating that in the prepubertal years growth occurs more in the limbs than in the trunk. This is also shown by the decreasing SH/LL ratio from 2.10 to 1.08 at 10 years of age. The use of a ratio might be misleading when two ratios might be equal while the nominator and denominator might be different. This effect is even stronger when a change in the nominator automatically leads to a change in the denominator, for example by using SH/LL ratio. To minimise this risk, we chose sitting height/height for age reference charts.
During the past two centuries in the Netherlands, as well as in many more industrialised countries, a positive secular growth change has been observed.6 Various studies have shown that the positive secular change is mainly due to increase in leg length rather than in trunk length.1,4,10–13 Tanner reported that between the 1950s and 1980s Japanese height increased solely due to change in leg length. Sitting height showed no increase, so the trunk/leg proportions changed much more towards the proportions of North Europeans, though their final height was still 1 SD lower.14
Secular trend may explain part of the difference we observed between our study and the Oosterwolde study, a previous (regional) Dutch growth study including sitting height measurements and performed in 1980 and 1990.15 We found that our reference lines for SH for age and SH/H ratio for age were usually lower than the Oosterwolde study. Despite the fact that the Oosterwolde sample consisted of relatively tall children from the northern part of the Netherlands, the 1997 Dutch population was even taller. The Oosterwolde study showed that in 10 years (1980–90) the increase in height was more pronounced than the increase in sitting height, so the major secular change must have been in the legs.1 In the three previous national Dutch growth studies no data on body proportions were collected, so we cannot comment on the secular trend with respect to body proportions. Our present data on sitting height, leg length, and height reference values in the Netherlands are higher than in Denmark, the UK, and Sweden,16 illustrating our earlier observations6 that the Dutch population is probably still the tallest in the world (mean height for men 184.0 cm, for women 170.6 cm).
We have shown that in short children a cut-off of 2.5 SDS is better than a cut-off of 2 SDS and that in tall children a cut-off limit of −2.2 SDS can be used. However, we think that instead of using fixed cut-off limits, one can better plot individual observations on the diagram of SH/H SDS versus H SDS. The sensitivity of the conditional ±2 SD cut-off limits for detecting hypochondroplasia and Marfan syndrome on the reference chart was studied by comparing body proportions of these two patient groups to the reference population. Based on the values of the positive and negative likelihood ratios of the conditional cut-off limit, the diagnostic value of assessing body proportions for hypochondroplasia is good. For Marfan syndrome, the LR+ is high, but the LR− is not much lower than one, suggesting that normal body proportions do not exclude Marfan syndrome. We can speculate that the major secular change that has affected leg length in particular has led to the relative lack of utility of the standards in the detection of the Marfan individuals, and that this may not be the case in other countries such as the UK. Besides tall and disproportionate stature, there are other defined characteristics to allow diagnosis of Marfan syndrome, such as arachnodactyly, joint laxity, hernias, scoliosis and chestdeformations, myopia, dislocation or poor fixation of the lens, and a high arched plate. For both patient groups the equiprobable ellipse is a better criterion to detect growth disorders than the ±2 SD lines method. Further investigations on larger groups of patients are necessary to further validate the clinical usefulness of abnormal body proportions for the detection of these and other growth disorders.
Eveleth and Tanner17 reported that differences in body proportions are genetically controlled and different for European, African, and Oriental populations (Caucasians have tall stature with long legs, in contrast to Orientals). With better environmental circumstances, relatively longer legs appear in all ethnic groups. In fact, monitoring leg length might even be a better tool for reflection of environmental improvements than height. Abused children, who have relatively short legs, showed a significant recovery of leg length after social interventions.18 In our study on body stature, mean height was related to geographical region, family size, and educational level of the parents and the child.6 In the present study geographical region was only a significant predictor in the youngest group (data not shown). No significant differences were found for educational level or gender.
One of the problems in assessing body proportions is that errors in SH measurement are easily made, which can lead to considerable inter-observer variation. We did not study the inter-observer variance for sitting height measurements, but in the Fels Longitudinal Study the mean absolute inter-observer difference was 0.5 cm (SD 0.3 cm) for crown-rump length and 0.3 cm (SD 0.2 cm) for sitting height.19
In conclusion, new reference charts for sitting height, leg length, and body proportion are presented. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between SH/LL and SH/H and height. For practical purposes, in an exceptionally short child a SH/H ratio below +2.5 SDS and in a tall child a SH/H ratio above –2.2 should still be considered normal. The nomogram for SH/H SDS versus H SDS is a useful tool in the work-up of children with growth disorders and provides an objective basis for recognising disproportionate growth.
What is already known on this topic
Measuring body proportions can give important clues in the work-up of growth disorders
Tall children have relatively long legs, and short children relatively short legs
What this study adds
Up-to-date age references for sitting height (SH), leg length (LL), and SH/height (H) in Northern European children, adolescents, and young adults
A nomogram of SH SDS versus height SDS
An estimate of cut-off limits of SH/H SDS in short and tall children at a specificity of 98%
An estimate of the sensitivity of the cut-off limits of the nomogram to detect hypochondroplasia and Marfan syndrome
This study was carried out in cooperation with the Well Baby Clinics and Municipal Health Services and was financially supported by The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports, Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development, Nutricia Nederland BV, and Pfizer BV. We are grateful to Prof. Dr E Bakker, Mrs Y Hilhorst-Hofstee, and Mrs A Neary (Dept of Clinical Genetics, Leiden), Dr CTRM Schrander-Stumpel and Dr A Plomp (Dept of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht), Dr M Jansen (Dept of Paediatrics, Utrecht), Dr EVM Vermeulen (Dept of Paediatrics, Zevenaar), Dr CJAM van der Burgt (Dept of Clinical Genetics, Nijmegen), and Dr CM Aalfs (Dept of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam) for providing data of patients with hypochondroplasia. We are also grateful to Drs L Rozendaal (Dept of Paediatrics, Leiden) for providing data on patients with Marfan syndrome.
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Cole TJ, Green PJ. Smoothing reference centile curves: the LMS method and penalized likelihood. Stat Med1992;11:1305–19.
van Buuren S, Fredriks M. Worm plot: a simple diagnostic device for modelling growth reference curves. Stat Med2001;20:1259–77.
Growthcharts. 1997 (2002) Dutch Growth Study. Bohn Stafleu van Loghum, Houten.
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Bogin B, Smith P, Orden AB,et al. Rapid change in height and body proportions of Maya American children. Am J Hum Biol2002;14:753–61.
Dangour AD, Schilg S, Hulse JA,et al. Sitting height and subischial leg length centile curves for boys and girls from Southeast England. Ann Hum Biol2002;29:290–305.
Tanner JM. Principles of growth standards. Acta Paediatr Scand1990;79:963–7.
Tanner JM, Hayashi T, Preece MA,et al. Increase in length of leg relative to trunk in Japanese children and adults from 1957 to 1977: comparison with British and with Japanese Americans. Ann Hum Biol1982;9:411–23.
Gerver WJM, De Bruin R. Paediatric morphometrics, a reference manual. Maastricht: University Press Maastricht,2001.
Hertel NT, Scheike T, Juul A,et al. [Body proportions of Danish children. Curves for sitting height ratio, subischial length and arm span]. Ugeskr Laeger1995;157:6876–81.
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Published Online First 29 April 2005
Competing interests: none declared


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The Latest: LA leads Series 2-1 after dominant Buehler start
Published: Fri, October 23, 2020 10:24 PM Updated: Fri, October 23, 2020 10:24 PM
Los Angeles Dodgers' Austin Barnes rounds the bases after a home run off Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher John Curtiss in Game 3 of the baseball World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Latest on Game 3 of the World Series (all times local):
Walker Buehler struck out 10 over six dominant innings and the Los Angeles Dodgers showed off all their many talents, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 6-2 to take a 2-1 lead in the World Series.
Justin Turner homered and doubled off a surprisingly hittable Charlie Morton to help the Dodgers take an early 5-0 lead, and also made a pair of sparkling plays at third base.
Austin Barnes, batting ninth and in the Los Angeles lineup to catch Buehler, added a homer and also bunted home a run.
That was plenty for Buehler, who allowed just a run on three hits and brought flashbacks of another lanky Dodgers right-hander -- Orel Hershiser, who pitched Los Angeles to its last title in 1988.
The Dodgers, who posted the best record in the majors during the pandemic-shortened season, send hard-throwing Julio Urías to the mound for Game 4 on Saturday night. The Rays plan to string together several relievers that include Ryan Yarbrough.
The Dodgers have unleashed the back of their bullpen to put away the Rays after Walker Buehler's dominant start.
Brusdar Graterol cruised through the bottom of the eighth, maintaining LA's 6-1 advantage in Game 3. Graterol and Blake Treinen have combined for two perfect innings, with Graterol retiring the side on just seven pitches.
The Rays have just three hits and have been largely stifled throughout the series. The team is just 19 for 93 (.204) at the plate.
Ryan Thompson pitched the top of the eighth for Tampa Bay and delivered a 1-2-3 inning.
Blake Treinen pitched a perfect seventh inning after Walker Buehler turned in a dominant performance, and the Los Angeles Dodgers led the Tampa Bay Rays 6-1 heading into the eighth in Game 3 of the World Series.
Buehler allowed three hits, struck out 10 and walked one in his 11th career postseason start. Treinen then retired Ji-Man Choi on a grounder to second and struck out Manuel Margot and Joey Wendle.
The Dodgers are looking to a take a 2-1 lead in the Series as they try for the franchise's first championship since 1988.
Justin Turner and Austin Barnes homered for Los Angeles, and Max Muncy had two hits and two RBIs heading into the eighth. Barnes also drove in a run with a perfectly placed squeeze bunt in the fourth.
Willy Adames doubled home Margot in the fifth to account for Tampa Bay's only run so far.
Austin Barnes' two RBIs in Game 4 have looked very different.
After dropping down a squeeze bunt to bring home a run in the fourth inning, the Dodgers' nine-hitter launched a solo homer in the sixth, stretching Los Angeles' lead to 6-1. It was the first home run of the postseason and second all year for LA's backup catcher.
The only other player with a run-scoring sacrifice bunt and a homer in a World Series game is the Yankees' Hector Lopez in Game 5 of the 1961 Series against Cincinnati, according to MLB.com.
Mookie Betts followed with a single and stole second base, his second of the game and fourth of the World Series. He was stranded there.
Barnes was primarily added to the lineup because of what he can do behind the plate with ace Walker Buehler. That plan has worked out, too. Buehler has cruised through six innings of three-hit ball. He struck out three in the bottom of the sixth and has 10 for the game on 93 pitches.
The Rays finally broke through against Walker Buehler, with Manuel Margot and Willy Adames hitting doubles in the fifth inning that cut the Dodgers' lead to 5-1.
Buehler had been in complete control until then, striking out five through four hitless innings. But Margot pulled a hard grounder down the left field line with one out and Adames delivered with two outs.
That was the first run Buehler has permitted in the World Series play. In his only previous outing, he threw seven shutout innings against Boston in Game 3 in 2018.
Charlie Morton's run as an October ace ended in the early innings, and he was pulled after a one-out walk to Max Muncy in the fifth. The Rays had hoped to get a few more outs from Morton to preserve their bullpen.
Walker Buehler dazzled through four hitless innings, and the Los Angeles Dodgers had a 5-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays heading into the fifth inning of Game 3 of the World Series.
Buehler struck out five and walked one in the first four frames, throwing 51 pitches. Tampa Bay came close to scoring in the fourth, but Cody Bellinger hauled in Randy Arozarena's deep fly ball for the final out of the inning.
Justin Turner homered in the first against Charlie Morton, and the Dodgers added two more in the third and the fourth. Austin Barnes drove in Bellinger with a perfectly placed sacrifice bunt, and Mookie Betts made it 5-0 when he singled home Joc Pederson.
The Series is tied at one game apiece.
Morton was charged with five runs and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings. The right-hander allowed a total of four runs over his previous five postseason starts.
Justin Turner sparked the Dodgers again for two more runs off Charlie Morton, and Los Angeles leads Tampa Bay 3-0 through three innings.
After Morton hit Corey Seager on the toe with a pitch, Turner drove a double down the left-field line. Both came around to score on Max Muncy's single. Turner also hit a solo homer in the first.
Turner passed Steve Garvey earlier this month for most hits (now 75) in Dodgers postseason history and has the most RBIs (40). He entered the game batting .216 this postseason, but he has extra-base hits in three straight at-bats, including a double in the eighth inning of Game 2.
Morton has quietly been one of the best postseason pitchers ever with a 2.84 ERA.
The Rays got their first baserunner against Walker Buehler in the bottom of the inning when Kevin Kiermaier walked, but Mike Zunino then hit into an inning-ending double play started by Turner's sharp snag at third.
Los Angeles ace Walker Buehler is cruising through two perfect innings in Game 3 of the World Series against Tampa Bay.
Buehler pushed his strikeout streak to four straight batters, getting Ji-Man Choi looking on a 98 mph fastball and Manuel Margot swinging at 99. Joey Wendle flew out to left to end the inning. Of the 22 pitches Buehler has thrown, 18 have been for strikes.
The Dodgers lead 1-0 on Justin Turner's first-inning home run.
Tampa Bay starter Charlie Morton settled down with a 1-2-3 second after allowing Turner's shot and a single in the first. Cody Bellinger flew out on the first pitch, Chris Taylor struck out and Joc Pederson grounded a slow roller to second.
Justin Turner put the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead 1-0 in the first inning, homering on Charlie Morton's 14th pitch.
After taking a curveball with a 1-1 count for a strike with two outs, Turner turned on a high 94.8 mph fastball and drove it 397 feet over the left-field wall.
Turner's home run, the Dodgers' team record 24th this season, was his 11th postseason home run over 69 games with the Dodgers from 2014 to 2020. That tied the team record set by Duke Snider over 36 games with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1954 to 1959.
Max Muncy singled with two outs but was stranded when Morton struck out Will Smith.
Dodgers ace Walker Buehler struck out two in a perfect bottom of the first that required 11 pitches, half Morton's total.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are the visiting team for Game 3 of the World Series, and batting first.
Los Angeles, which had the best record in the majors during the regular season, was the home team for Games 1 and 2, and will be for Games 6 and 7, if the series goes that far.
In Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves last week, the Dodgers scored an MLB postseason record 11 runs in the top of the first. That was before Julio Urias threw his first pitch that night.
The roof was closed Friday night, and the temperature was 74 degrees inside. It was 53 outside of Globe Life Field.
The roof is closed for Game 3 of the World Series after it cooled down significantly in Texas. That could also affect how many runs are scored.
It is the first time in 13 postseason games that the roof has not been open at the new $1.2 billion Globe Life Field — and the Los Angels Dodgers have played in all of them. The Tampa Bay Rays played their American League series in San Diego.
An average of 10.42 runs have been scored in the postseason games in Arlington, including 21 total runs in the first two World Series games.
The roof was closed for 24 of the 30 regular-season home games the Texas Rangers played in their new ballpark this year. An average of 8.21 runs per game were scored with the roof closed, down from 11.83 runs a game when open.
Major League Baseball decided earlier in the day to close the roof because of the forecast for cooler temperatures, a wind chill and the possibility of rain. Close to first pitch, it was overcast, breezy and in the mid-50s outside — and about 72 degrees inside.
When Game 1 started Tuesday, it was 82 degrees, it was 81 for Game 2.
"It was chilly," Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes said before Game 3. "I thought we were in Texas."
Austin Barnes was back behind the plate to catch Los Angeles Dodgers ace Walker Buehler in Game 3 of the World Series on Friday night.
Will Smith moved from catcher to designated hitter in place of A.J. Pollock, who was out of the lineup.
Joc Pederson was inserted in left field, Chris Taylor shifted from left field to second base and Kiké Hernández was out of the lineup.
Right fielder Mookie Betts hit leadoff, followed by shortstop Corey Seager, third baseman Justin Turner, first baseman Max Muncy, Smith, center fielder Cody Bellinger, Taylor, Pederson and Barnes.
Tampa Bay went with the same lineup and batting order as in its Game 2 win that tied the Series at one game apiece.
Designated hitter Austin Meadows led off, followed by second baseman Brandon Lowe, left fielder Randy Arozarena, first baseman Ji-Man Choi, right fielder Manuel Margot, third baseman Joey Wendle, shortstop Willy Adames, center fielder Kevin Kiermaier and catcher Mike Zuinino.
Rays starter Charlie Morton entered with seven straight winning postseason decisions, one shy of Orlando Hernandez's record.
Tampa Bay is the home team for Games 3 through 5 after starting as the visitor.
CommentsThe Latest: LA leads Series 2-1 after dominant Buehler start

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Sports Mastery
http://sportsmastery.com/
deshawn@proforceathletics.net
146. How To Spot A Superstar... ft Mujeeb & Kayode Rufai
How do you spot the potential in something thats looks ordinary? What does potential which has not yet found expression look like? How do you spot a superstar who is not yet a superstar? What does talent that whispers look like? These are some of the questions that we tackle during this episode. You'll also hear from two collegiate athletes that share a story of hard work, diligence, and belief. CONSIDERATIONS What you should never forget about TALENT IDENTIFICATION Hire for skills...
145. SPORT SPECIALIZATION CONSIDERATIONS
SPORT SPECIALIZATION CONSIDERATIONS Skill Acquisition and Motor Performance Perspective Perhaps the greatest and most obvious benefit of specialization is the acquisition, development, and proficiency of motor skills related to success in a given sport. An athlete who practices a skill or set of skills with increased frequency and duration, considering he or she does so in a scientifically appropriate manner, may become more proficient at the skills than one who practices them...
144. A Basketball Life... ft Jazz Johnson
Nevada shooting guard Jazz Johnson is looking forward to his senior season. He was the Wolf Pack's leading 3-point shooter last season. In a candid interview, he sits down with me and co-host Leland Johnson (Father) to discuss: Overcoming AdversityTrainingMental Toughness After coming off the bench for all but one of his 33 appearances last season, Johnson was named the Mountain West's sixth man of the year. He averaged 11.0 points in 28.6 minutes per game. Stay tuned!
143. What is Self-Talk ft. Sugey Gomez
Self-talk is your internal dialogue. It's influenced by your subconscious mind, and it reveals your thoughts, beliefs, questions, and ideas. Self-talk can be both negative and positive. It can be encouraging, and it can be distressing. Much of your self-talk depends on your personality. If you're an optimist, your self-talk may be more hopeful and positive. The opposite is generally true if you tend to be a pessimist. Positive thinking and optimism can be effective stress management...
142. How To Have A Positive Attitude pt. 2
HOW TO HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE… A positive attitude–optimism, expectancy, and enthusiasm–makes everything in academics, sport, and life easier. A positive attitude will fuel you when you're down and supercharge you when you're already "in the zone." Here's how to cultivate a positive attitude, regardless of what's happening at school, practice, or at home: #1 Link positivity, creativity and attention. In addition to physical benefits, a positive attitude produces a "broad, flexible...
141. How To Have A Positive Attitude
HOW TO HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE... A positive attitude--optimism, expectancy, and enthusiasm--makes everything in academics, sport, and life easier. A positive attitude will fuel you when you're down and supercharge you when you're already "in the zone." Here's how to cultivate a positive attitude, regardless of what's happening at school, practice, or at home: #1 Link positivity, creativity and attention. In addition to physical benefits, a positive attitude produces a "broad,...
140. Are You Coachable?
Coachable athletes are obedient athletes. Being obedient means a player not only listens to coach's instruction, but is willing to complete the responsibilities of his role in that instruction. In an athlete, obedience breeds discipline, and discipline is a requirement for anyone hoping to reach their full potential. There are not a lot of paths to a player becoming his best. Discipline makes a player trust worthy in the eyes of his coach, and that trustworthiness reboots the process...
139. How To Overcome Adversity #3 ft. Leland Johnson
How To Overcome Adversity #3 Travis Daugherty explains in his book, THE LENS that the ability to overcome adversity is a hidden talent. He further explains that the ability to overcome adversity can be taught, developed, and cultivated in a student-athlete. Listen in as we supply the sports parent with answers to help their student-athlete overcome adversity. Below are 5 ways to help you get through adverse situations in sport or life. 1. Have the right mindset. Your thoughts are...
138. Twelve Disciplines of the Mind - DeShawn Fontleroy
TWELVE DISCIPLINE OF THE MIND 1. Right Hearing 2. Strength & Courage 3. Right Judgement 4. Love & Affection 5. Power of Expression 6. Imagination 7. Understanding 8. Will Power 9. The Discipline of Order 10. Praise 11. Enthusiasm 12. Detachment "Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways." Discipline brings stability and structure into a student athletes'...
137. The College Football Recruiting Bible - V3
Mike Judy is going into his 13th season at Smyrna (DE), 6th as head coach. Judy has amassed a 42-12 record, winning 3 state championships in 5 years. Prior to Smyrna, Coach Judy served as Offensive Coordinator at Gar-Field HS (VA) and Hargrave Military Academy (VA) Post-Graduate Team. Judy has served as strength and conditioning coordinator at each of the schools, and worked one season in Major League Baseball as a Strength & Conditioning Coach with the Philadelphia Phillies Minor League...
135. The College Football Recruiting Bible
Michael Judy, M.Ed. Mike Judy is going into his 13th season at Smyrna (DE), 6th as head coach. Judy has amassed a 42-12 record, winning 3 state championships in 5 years. Prior to Smyrna, Coach Judy served as Offensive Coordinator at Gar-Field HS (VA) and Hargrave Military Academy (VA) Post-Graduate Team. Judy has served as strength and conditioning coordinator at each of the schools, and worked one season in Major League Baseball as a Strength & Conditioning Coach with the Philadelphia...
134. How To Persevere Through Challenges
PERSEVERANCE….IS IT REALLY THE KEY TO SUCCESS? PERSEVERANCE IS THE HARD WORK YOU DO AFTER YOU GET TIRED OF DOING THE HARD WORK YOU ALREADY DID. How you do anything is how you do everything. Perseverance is a steady persistence in a course of action-trying again and again. It is the inner machine that keeps you going. I've realized that I have to be committed in all I do to have success and not give up, no matter the circumstances. There were times I felt like shutting down this...
133. Myths & Fallacies, Women & Strength Training pt. 2
EMILY PAPPAS, M.S. EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY WHY is there a disparity of women in the weight room compared to men? It all derives from how women have been viewed in sport since the early 1900s. Why females view lifting as a guy thing stems from years and years of misinformation and cultivation of societal norms that are currently inhibiting our female athletes success. Emily brings to light these common myths: 1. Q angle, Hormones, and Injury risks ( Alluding it is due to a "structural...
132. HOW TO CREATE A BETTER 7v7 FOOTBALL CULTURE...
The Coaches, The Athletes, The Parents, The Referees... How Can We Do All Four Respectfully? With the rising concerns about player safety, the research indicates that 7-on-7 football is not a fad but instead has staying power as the next generation of the sport. With national tournaments, like Pylon, Players of the Future, Adidas, Under Armor, and Left Coast Elite:the verdict is clear. 7v7 Football is here to stay. Love it or hate, 7v7 Football brings some of the brightest kids together...
131. "I'm Your New Hitler..." He Said What?
Jason Brown, the coach of the Independence Community College featured on season three of Netflix's "Last Chance U," recently resigned from the position. Brown's resignation comes on the heels of his text message to a player, in which he said the following: "I am your new Hitler." The player Brown sent the text to Alexandros Alexiou, a German native. In an exchange with Alexiou, Brown told the freshman he had 17 disciplinary points out of the 25 you're allowed before getting kicked off the...
130. Lessons from an NFL Strength Coach FT. Thomas Stallworth II
Thomas Stallworth is in his first season as the Giants' assistant strength and conditioning coach. He shares his thoughts on: 1. What would you tell a young athlete (high school), with NFL aspirations how to approach the strength training process? 2. What aspects, outside of football do you think a young athlete should try and master as they work toward an NFL career? 3. What are your top 3 pieces of advice for the strength coach wanting to work at the NFL level? What is the major...
129. The Truth About Performing Under Pressure
Performing Under Pressure tackles the greatest obstacle to personal success, whether in a sales presentation, at home, on the golf course, interviewing for a job, or performing onstage at Carnegie Hall. Despite sports mythology, no one rises to the occasion under pressure and does better than they do in practice. The reality is pressure makes us do worse and sometimes leads us to fail utterly. But there are things we can do to diminish its effects on our performance. Performing Under...
128. Defining Leadership with Benjamin Wax, PhD
The word "leadership" gets thrown around a lot. Recruiters, parents, and coaches rant about leadership and how the Student-Athlete needs to be a leader. What many do not understand, is that leadership is something that must be learned and developed. Yes, leadership is incredibly important in a Student-Athlete, but it is not something that happens overnight. Dr. Benjamin Wax is a strategic leadership specialist with the John Maxwell Team and winner of several powerlifting and...
127. A Nigerian Sports Life - FT. Adetola Ogunlewe
ADETOLA OGUNLEWE is a sports performance coach and sports attorney who helps young athletes navigate the world of sports by understanding the mental and physical issues stalling their growth and productivity. Find him at www.athletemaestro.com or listen to his podcast, Athlete Maestro, on iTunes and other platforms. In this wonderful conversation, we discussed: The sports business in NigeriaThe Nigerian education system


Well, good news, ladies. For all of you out there who have had just as much trouble as we did, waiting for the fall '12 trends to hit the shelves, we're here to tell you that your time is now. (Who, us, dramatic?) Some of the standout pieces that set the tone for the rest of the season have finally gone into production and are currently available (or at least on pre-order).
In honor of the new season, we've gone back to our notes and found our very favorite trending items from the last New York Fashion Week just in time for the tents to go up again at Lincoln Center. Check out the fall looks we're most excited for, ahead, and have your credit card ready because this time, they come complete with info on where to buy them — now.


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Is Estes Park open?
It's 8:03am and the phone is ringing again. I pick it up and say, "Brownfield's, this is Jamie." The next question has become a standard recently. The caller says, "Is Estes Park open?" Based on the number of inquiries we and other businesses are receiving, there is clearly some confusion regarding the status of Estes Park. Let's take a moment to help clear some things up. 1. Estes is open! It's open for residents. It's open for visitors. And, it's open for business. 2. Estes is open for exploration. Rocky Mountain National Park is open and welcoming...
What to Expect when in Estes...
On June 16, 1858 more than 1,000 delegates met in the Springfield, Illinois, for a state convention. Abraham Lincoln, notably one of the most influential presidents in American History, delivered this address in the Hall of Representatives that evening and history was changed by the expression of one timeless truth. "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Nearly 162 years later, we stand at a crossroads faced with the same declaration and decision. Do we choose to stand together in unity or fall in division? The Town of Estes Park, along with every town throughout the country, is carrying the...
RMNP Reopening on May 27
Latest COVID-19 Update from Rocky Mountain National Park (www.nps.gov) Rocky Mountain National Park Will Enter Phase Two of Reopening on June 4 On May 27, in accordance with guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local public health authorities, Rocky Mountain National Park increased recreational access and services. In this first phase, from May 27 through June 3, the park has reopened many outlying areas and basic park road and trail access. Park staff are evaluating the level of visitation and may meter access based on the level of visitation. This will be evaluated...
How Brownfield's Became Family
A little under a year ago I had plans to move out to Colorado and jump into support-raising for my new ministry job with The Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I knew I had to get a job before being 'fully-funded' as you call it in the ministry world, basically just to pay rent. I'm a mountain town girl through and through, but living in Loveland was the most sensible for ministry. After vacationing in Estes my whole life, Brownfield's had easily become my favorite store growing up, so of course this is the only job possibility that came to mind....
Stories from Our Students
When I first moved to Estes Park, I was a total city kid. I wore those stylish, impractical shoes, I was impatient, and I was quite brash. If you had seen me then and looked at me now, you would notice that I am still a city kid. But, if you looked deeper than appearance, you would see how much this place has changed me. I moved here from a suburban neighborhood named Washington, back in Michigan. It's about twenty-six miles north of Detroit. Back before that, I lived in a much smaller town named Croswell (also in Michigan). Because...
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Housing education classes, workshops and services are available through MSHDA's Housing Education Program for individuals who are considering homeownership. Education ensures that a homebuyer will have a good understanding of their mortgage loan, the closing process, budgeting, recapture taxes, avoiding predatory lending and foreclosure. Additionally, Homebuyer Education is required for borrowers using MSHDA's Down Payment Assistance.
MSHDA's Housing Education Program is made up of nonprofit agencies, MSU Extension offices, Community Action Agencies, and local units of government across the state. Some participating agencies offer on-line Homebuyer Education courses. Our statewide network of MSHDA Housing Educators can help!


Our challenge runs for one week as always and please remember that you can only enter your creation in a "total" of 10 different challenges for it to be eligible for our challenge prizes. Thanks very much for following the rules.
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Q: Android : Connect two strings with . And parse in the float I am developing an app in which i took two Edit text whose input type is number.
What I done is : I took input from two edit text(ed1, ed2) in two string variables(s1, s2) as:
EditText ed1 = (EditText) findViewById(R.id.ed1);
String s1 = ed1.getText().toString();

EditText ed2 = (EditText) findViewById(R.id.ed2);
String s2 = ed2.getText().toString();

concate those two variable as :
String s3 = s1.concat(".").concat(s2);

And then I tried to parse these thired string variable(s3) in float as :
float f = Float.parseFloat(s3);

But i am getting error as :
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537): FATAL EXCEPTION: main
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537): java.lang.NumberFormatException
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537):    at org.apache.harmony.luni.util.FloatingPointParser.initialParse(FloatingPointParser.java:160)
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537):    at org.apache.harmony.luni.util.FloatingPointParser.parseFloat(FloatingPointParser.java:319)
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537):    at java.lang.Float.parseFloat(Float.java:323)
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537):    at java.lang.Float.valueOf(Float.java:362)
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537):    at com.example.myapp.activity.MyActivity.onClick(MyActivity.java:97)
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537):    at android.view.View.performClick(View.java:2538)
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537):    at android.view.View$PerformClick.run(View.java:9152)
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537):    at android.os.Handler.handleCallback(Handler.java:587)
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537):    at android.os.Handler.dispatchMessage(Handler.java:92)
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537):    at android.os.Looper.loop(Looper.java:123)
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537):    at android.app.ActivityThread.main(ActivityThread.java:3691)
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537):    at java.lang.reflect.Method.invokeNative(Native Method)
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537):    at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Method.java:507)
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537):    at com.android.internal.os.ZygoteInit$MethodAndArgsCaller.run(ZygoteInit.java:847)
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537):    at com.android.internal.os.ZygoteInit.main(ZygoteInit.java:605)
02-08 15:30:10.830: E/AndroidRuntime(30537):    at dalvik.system.NativeStart.main(Native Method)

I want to convert above string in to float. What should i do or follow steps.
Please guide me with your valuable suggestions.

A: Better use
        String value = "25";
        String b = "1";
        String c = value.concat(".").concat(b);
        float f = Float.parseFloat(c);
        Log.d("message  :", "" + f);

Validation
EditText ed1 = (EditText) findViewById(R.id.ed1);
String s1 = ed1.getText().toString();
if(s1.length() <= 0)
     Toast.makeText(getBaseContext(), "No Value", 1000).show();
else
    // your task

A: try this :
float f = Float.parseFloat(ed1.getText().toString()+"."+ed2.getText().toString());

Or this:
float f = Float.valueOf(ed1.getText().toString()+"."+ed2.getText().toString());

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Palaquium rostratum is a tree in the family Sapotaceae. The specific epithet rostratum means "beaked", likely referring to the fruit.

Description
Palaquium rostratum grows up to  tall. The bark is greyish brown. Inflorescences bear up to two brownish tomentose flowers. The fruits are ellipsoid, up to  long. The timber is used for furniture-making.

Distribution and habitat
Palaquium rostratum is native to Thailand and Malesia. Its habitat is mixed dipterocarp and kerangas forests from sea level to  altitude.

References

rostratum
Trees of Thailand
Trees of Malesia
Plants described in 1861
Taxa named by William Burck

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Тулілейк () — місто () в США, в окрузі Сискію штату Каліфорнія. Населення —  осіб (2010).

Географія
Тулілейк розташований за координатами  (41.953460, -121.474897).  За даними Бюро перепису населення США в 2010 році місто мало площу 1,07 км², з яких 1,06 км² — суходіл та 0,01 км² — водойми.

Клімат
Місто знаходиться у зоні, котра характеризується середземноморським кліматом. Найтепліший місяць — липень із середньою температурою 17.8 °C (64 °F). Найхолодніший місяць — січень, із середньою температурою -1.7 °С (29 °F).

Демографія

Згідно з переписом 2010 року, у місті мешкало  осіб у 347 домогосподарствах у складі 240 родин. Густота населення становила 946 осіб/км².  Було 437 помешкань (409/км²).

Расовий склад населення:

До двох чи більше рас належало 6,4 %. Частка іспаномовних становила 59,5 % від усіх жителів.

За віковим діапазоном населення розподілялося таким чином: 33,7 % — особи молодші 18 років, 56,2 % — особи у віці 18—64 років, 10,1 % — особи у віці 65 років та старші. Медіана віку мешканця становила 29,4 року. На 100 осіб жіночої статі у місті припадало 102,4 чоловіків;  на 100 жінок у віці від 18 років та старших — 100,0 чоловіків також старших 18 років.

Середній дохід на одне домашнє господарство  становив  доларів США (медіана — ), а середній дохід на одну сім'ю —  доларів (медіана — ). Медіана доходів становила  долари для чоловіків та  доларів для жінок. За межею бідності перебувало 27,3 % осіб, у тому числі 27,0 % дітей у віці до 18 років та 21,3 % осіб у віці 65 років та старших.

Цивільне працевлаштоване населення становило 320 осіб. Основні галузі зайнятості: сільське господарство, лісництво, риболовля — 42,5 %, освіта, охорона здоров'я та соціальна допомога — 15,3 %, роздрібна торгівля — 7,5 %, виробництво — 7,5 %.

Примітки

Джерела

Міста Каліфорнії
Населені пункти округу Сискью (Каліфорнія)


text:
Jessica Barton-Davis
Email jbartondavis@goodwinlaw.com
jbartondavis@goodwinlaw.com
邮箱 jbartondavis@goodwinlaw.com
Boston +1 617 570 1294
Jessica Barton-Davis is an associate in the Litigation Department at Goodwin. Before joining Goodwin in 2021, Ms. Barton-Davis clerked for Justice Elspeth Cypher of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and for Judge Eric Neyman of the Massachusetts Appeals Court.
演讲及文章
While in law school, Ms. Barton-Davis was a member of the Suffolk University Law Review.
Ms. Barton-Davis received the Rehnquist Award for Excellence in Professional Responsibility from Suffolk University Law School.
Ms. Barton-Davis' recent publications include:
Author, Comment, Tort Law — New Hampshire Supreme Court Reinforces Purpose of State Recreational Use Statute — Kurowski v. Town of Chester, 172 A.3d 522 (N.H. 2017), 51 Suffolk University Law Review 771 (2018)
Author, Comment, Federal Indian Law — First Circuit Court of Appeals Clarifies Penobscot Nation's Reservation Boundary — Penobscot Nation v. Mills, 861 F.3d 324 (1st Cir. 2017), Suffolk University Law Review Online (2018)
Ms. Barton-Davis' recent speaking engagements include:
Panelist, CPCS Children and Family Law CLE Brown Bag Lunch, Appellate Practice
Panelist, 2019 Prepare to Practice Research Conference
(summa cum laude)
B.A., Journalism, 2011
(magna cum laude)
2019-2021 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Honorable Elspeth Cypher
2018-2019 Massachusetts Appeals Court, Honorable Eric Neyman


text:
'THIS IS TRUE HEARTBREAK'
Riley Keough posts emotional tribute to her brother Ben after suicide death
Eve Wagstaff
Jul 18 2020, 13:52 ET
Updated: Jul 18 2020, 13:52 ET
RILEY Keough has posted a devastatingly raw and emotional tribute to her brother Ben, who committed suicide on July 12 this year.
The 31-year-old shared a series of photos of her and younger brother Ben, who was just 27 when he died.
Riley shared her heartbreak with her Instagram followersCredit: Instagram
Ben, whose death was ruled a suicide by the Los Angeles County Dept. of Medical Examiner-Coroner's office, died from a fatal gun shot wound.
In her first post since the tragedy, Riley wrote a beautiful and raw tribute to her beloved sibling and 'best friend'.
Next to a selection of intimate family photos, The Lodge actress wrote: "Mornings are the hardest. I forget you're gone. I can't cry because of the fear that I will never stop. A pain that's new to me."
She continued: "You. There are no words for you. Angel is the closest I could think of. Pure light. Baby brother. Best friend. Wild man. Intellectual. Witness to my life. Twin soul. Protector.
She called Ben her 'best friend' and 'twin soul'Credit: Instagram
Riley described Ben as 'too sensitive for this harsh world'Credit: Instagram
"Too sensitive for this harsh world," she penned. "I hope you give me strength to endure the giant hole you've left in my heart. I hope you give me the strength to eat. I hope you're cradled in love. I hope you feel my love. I hope you feel god. You are god. I can't believe you've left me. Not you sweet Ben Ben. Anyone but you. I guess this is true heartbreak. I hope we meet again."
Riley and Benjamin are the grandchildren of legendary crooner Elvis Presley and his wife Priscilla Presley.
Their mum Lisa Marie Presley has been left heartbroken by the shock death of Ben.
Lisa was recently spotted being supported by her son's girlfriend and daughter Riley as she was seen two days after her son's tragic suicide.
The two siblings were incredibly closeCredit: Instagram
Riley with her mum Lisa Marie and brother BenCredit: AFP or licensors
Riley and her family have been left devastated by Ben's deathCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Elvis's only daughter was pictured on Tuesday leaving the luxury hotel where she has been holed up since son Benjamin Keough, 27, shot himself at the family home in Calabasas in the early hours of Sunday.
Lisa Marie was with Benjamin's girlfriend Diana Pinto, who found his lifeless body, followed by daughter Riley, twins Harper and Finley, 11, and flanked by assistants.
An onlooker told The Sun: "Lisa looked completely crushed and was huddled with Diana as they walked along a small pathway towards the exit, it was heartbreaking to watch.
"She was slow and solemn as she trudged towards a waiting car and appeared oblivious to anybody walking nearby, she was in her own world."
Elvis' grandson Benjamin Keough dead at 27 – Lisa Marie Presley 'completely heartbroken' after son's 'death by suicide
The Sun understands she went back to their $1.8million mansion in Calabasas.
The family had moved out of the house some time ago due to a mold problem - but tragic Benjamin had gone back to the mansion on the weekend of his death.
Lisa Marie was said to be "beyond devastated" by Benjamin's shock death, according to her rep, adding that her eldest son was "the love of her life".
Earlier a man believed to be Benjamin's dad, Lisa Marie's ex husband Danny Keough was also spotted at the hotel.
A source said: "Lisa is inconsolable. She's been supported by friends and family who are also staying at the hotel with her.
Riley is an actressCredit: Getty - Contributor
Riley's mum Lisa Marie is the only child of Elvis PresleyCredit: AFP or licensors
'IN DENIAL'
Armie Hammer 'NOT going to rehab' because he 'doesn't think he has a problem'
KANYE NOT?
Kanye West 'is NOT happy his divorce from Kim Kardashian will play out on KUWTK'
BEN'S HEARTBREAK
Ben Affleck 'upset' about split from Ana de Armas and 'wanted it to work'
KY'S PARADISE
Kylie Jenner takes fans inside oceanside luxury villa on girls trip to Mexico
BETTER WITHOUT YE
Kim shows off curves in teeny bikini in 'paradise' after Kanye 'split'
SPICY SALMA
Salma Hayek, 54, flaunts cleavage in tiny bikini as she continues to defy age
"She moved out of her house in Calabasas over a week ago but she had to go back home to speak to the Sheriff after Ben's death, which was incredibly traumatic, but she quickly returned to the hotel.
"She has other friends, family and staff with her but she is not doing well at all, she has barely spoken to anybody.
"Lisa has barely ventured out but her girls have been well looked after by nannies.
"They are too young to really understand everything that's going on, and everyone is trying to keep them distracted while Lisa deals with the enormity of the situation."
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
'DUMB!'
Teen Mom Leah slammed for Nashville trip despite Ali's 'compromised immune system'
POOF, BOOF
Wendy snubs ex-sidekick DJ Boof by thanking her favorite deejays but NOT him


text:
package gorelic

import (
	"fmt"
	"time"

	"github.com/labstack/echo"
	metrics "github.com/yvasiyarov/go-metrics"
	"github.com/yvasiyarov/gorelic"
)

var agent *gorelic.Agent

// Gorelic returns a middleware function that attaches a gorelic agent
func Handler() echo.MiddlewareFunc {
	return func(h echo.HandlerFunc) echo.HandlerFunc {
		return func(c *echo.Context) error {
			startTime := time.Now()
			err := h(c)

			if agent != nil {
				agent.HTTPTimer.UpdateSince(startTime)
			}

			return err
		}
	}
}

// InitNewRelicAgent initializes a new gorelic agent for usage in Handler
func InitNewRelicAgent(license string, appname string, verbose bool) (*gorelic.Agent, error) {
	if license == "" {
		return gorelic.NewAgent(), fmt.Errorf("Please specify a NewRelic license")
	}
	agent = gorelic.NewAgent()

	agent.NewrelicLicense = license
	agent.NewrelicName = appname
	agent.HTTPTimer = metrics.NewTimer()
	agent.CollectHTTPStat = true
	agent.Verbose = verbose

	agent.Run()

	return agent, nil
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


This year I'm so lucky to kickoff our first annual 25 Days of Holiday Baking with The Kids Cooking School with (my distant, distant cousin-by-marriage!) Belinda Jensen on the Kare11 Saturday show this morning. We had so much fun showing everyone how easy it is to make the Christmas Star Bread that's on the cover of this year's Taste of Home Holiday Baking magazine.
My assistant, Mia and I show everyone that just because it looks fancy on the cover of a magazine, doesn't mean that you have to be a professional to create such beautiful bread.
Watch the 4-minute segment here and stay tuned for tomorrow's Spiced Pineapple Rum Cake with Cherry Infusion.


If you're in the Atlanta area, come see me at my office.
If you're outside of Atlanta, we can work by video using Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, or over the phone.
Video-conference or phone appointments are just as effective as in-person appointments.
1. Click here to schedule a complimentary 20 minute Discovery Conversation with me on the phone.
2. We'll talk. I want to hear about what's happening in your world. What has you feeling anxious or not right in your body? Ask any questions you might have about how I work.
3. If we feel like we're a good match, I'll tell you about my offerings, designed to help people get safe, effective and natural relief from pain and anxiety.
4. You'll select the offering you want, and we'll set up time on the calendar.
5. We'll start working to get results right away, in a comprehensive, yet gentle way. Groovy things await!
Would you like a great way to feel better fast when life gets tough and you're stressed?
Your appointments are set aside just for you. A 24 hour notice is requested if you need to change or cancel an appointment; else I must charge for the time. Your understanding on this is appreciated.
"My journey of healing with Adele has been an absolute pleasure! I was immediately attracted to her warmth, her contagious enthusiasm, and her unconditional faith in me. She obviously felt that I could turn my suffering into an opportunity for growth and transformation. It turns out she was absolutely right!
Adele has a particular talent for helping me see my struggles with a fresh set of eyes. Sometimes that's all I need to feel empowered to change. She clearly moves from a place of deep trust that life is offering us an important teaching in every moment. That has helped me to build such a trust as well. Because of her patience, her guidance, and her support, I'm learning to face my problems and hear the lessons that life is offering, instead of denying or running away from them.
No two sessions with Adele are the same, and yet they are all beautiful. She radiates a wonderfully nurturing and healing energy. She trusts her intuition, and I've learned I benefit most by trusting it too, even with the care of my son."
"You understand me better than anyone else ever has. And my chronic bronchitis has completely cleared up since I started coming to see you. I'm much healthier. I used to be sick all the time. I tell all my friends everyone should come see you. Doesn't matter who, everyone should come see you."
"When I first started working with Adele, I was feeling very lost and depressed about my career, relationship and my life in general. I was in a field that was supposed to be very fulfilling work yet I found myself completely unfulfilled and bored. I honestly didn't know what to do or even where to start to get my life where I wanted it to be. After working with Adele, I found out more of who I am, what I wanted and the courage to go after it. I feel more confident in myself and for the first time in my life, I am excited about having new experiences, meeting new people and seeing what I'm capable of!"
I just wanted to let you know that I did indeed feel a "shift" after our first session. I sleep better and although I still wake up once during the night, I fall back in sleep more easily. And I feel more refreshed in the morning. I also noticed a change in my appetite. I am very thin, but usually eat too much(They call it Stomach heat in Chinese Medicine). However, on the very day of the session and ever since, I felt full after I ate the "right" amount of food. And my tinnitus has improved too.
Anyway, thank you so much for the session, and I am looking forward to the next one."
"Adele provides the physical healing caused by denying deep seated emptiness and denying of deep seated emotions. Energetic healing allows the client to access their own hidden emotional truths, including anxieties and fears so that an opening can occur. Adele provides emotional space to grow into the person they dream of being."
Content copyright . SafeHavenHealing.net. All rights reserved.


text:
Trace: • starship_simulator
Galactipedia
ascendancy astro-cartography characters commonality corporeal_science costume design dominion elysian etheric_science events faction faq free_union galactipedia game history item life_science lore megacorp psionics rules science sector species system terran tulaki vassal_species
starship_simulator
Starship Simulator
In-Character
Hiring a Starship Slot
Out of Character
OSLRP_Digital
What to Expect from the Starship Simulator
The Consoles
Drone Pilots
The Starship Simulator is one of Orion Sphere LRP's unique elements. While not essential for all characters to get involved with, it can help to get an idea of how it works and the purpose it serves in the game.
At events, the Starship Simulator represents hire-able starships provided by the Spacer Collective. They can be hired in timed slots, typically 1 hour long. Although player characters can have their own starships as part of their background, these are considered to be below the abstraction layer, as only Spacer Collective ships are equipped with a Jump Drive - which allows them to travel to other star systems instantly to carry out missions. The fastest starships outside of the Spacer Collective take hours or days to travel even to neighbouring star systems.
The stations of a Spacer Collective ship have been designed to function in a similar way to the most common starship layouts in the Orion Sphere - so characters that are ace pilots, ship engineers etc, can easily transfer their skills to Space Collective ships - this is represented by buying Console skills with your character points.
At events, you can book a starship hire slot by speaking with the Spacer Collective representative, who will charge you a hire fee and give you a specifically timed slot. You need to specify where you intend to Jump to when you hire the slot, so that the Spacer Collective can perform the calculations that allow the long-range Jump to occur. This means that you must specify your location a few hours before the slot happens. Although you can jump to literally any known location in the Orion Sphere (and a few beyond it), there is no guarantee that there will be anything to do when you get there. The best way to find locations where interesting and rewarding things are happening is to speak to the Clearance Organisation and find a bounty or mission that is tied to a location.
When you book a slot, you can also pay additional chits for add-ons and upgrades to your hired ship. This can range from extra probes, torpedoes or coolant all the way up to a powerful nuclear torpedo! The Spacer Collective also has special ships customised for each Faction that have different abilities to the normal model of starship - groups can pay or build up Reputation with the Collective to gain access to these custom ships.
The long-range Jump Drive transports starships to a Jump Point, usually located near a system's primary star - ships that travel by Warp Drive tend to arrive at the edges of a system instead. In most missions, in order to safely jump back to the event system you must return to the Jump Point that you arrived at. It is possible to make a long-distance jump away from the Jump Point, but it is less safe and characters might sustain jump-related injuries or Conditions. Starships can also use their Jump Drive to make short-range jumps within a star system. These jumps do not require the massive calculations that long-range jumps require, and do not require a jump point to be safe - they just drain some of the ship's energy reserves.
You are restricted by the length of your hire slot - if you go over your allotted time, you will receive several warnings, and eventually the starship will perform an emergency long-range jump back to Spacer Collective station in the event system. Injuries and afflictions are very common when this happens. Similarly, if your ship is destroyed, the crew will usually be encased in protective stasis fields and picked up after a short time by a Spacer Collective Retrieval drone. Although the stasis fields are a useful failsafe, they are not perfect, and it is common to receive injuries such as burns, decompression, radiation exposure or other afflictions as the ship disintegrates. Crews are also liable if their hired ship is destroyed, and may be asked to compensate the Collective in some way.
OSLRP_Digital events can be a little bit different - some scenarios might represent historical events, or crews flying their own or Faction starships. Each scenario will vary, but the default is what has been described above. Digital scenarios are already committed to a specific mission or task - you start the scenario having jumped into the location that the scenario takes place, and the scenario ends if you complete the mission or jump out.
At Orion Sphere LRP events, the starship simulator serves as both a way of enabling off-planet missions and a fun thing to do in its own right. As a way of facilitating off-planet missions, it acts as a limiting gateway that allows the game team time and warning to set up for the missions you want to do in advance, and an IC explanation of why only one or two linears can happen at a time.
Slots must be hired in advance and a location specified so that the Game Team can prepare a space mission or linear to fit the overall plot of the game. Since there are a limited number of ship slots available, and they are in high demand, we have to be quite strict on their timing and use - your slot starts when it is scheduled to start, and finishes when it is scheduled to finish. The Emergency Jump feature is designed to penalise crews who take too long on missions, and adds urgency and tension to excursions outside the main play area.
Character Skills are input each mission by the Relay Console, once the option has been enabled by the GM. Players with characters in the game already will usually use the character skills they have purchased. At Digital events, players who are playing temporary characters or characters who have not yet attended a main event (and so don't fully "exist" on the system) are assumed to have fully purchased all of the skills relevant to their chosen Console.
Digital events have less of the logistical concerns of main events, and are an opportunity to tell more interesting and varied stories using the simulator software. Digital scenarios are often designed to add narrative and flesh out the setting a bit more - they allow characters to explore bits of the setting that their character might not normally interact with, or build stories that their characters can take forward to other events.
Many aspects of the game are handwaved to make the starship mission the core of the experience - hire slots, payment, rewards etc are all less important or nonexistent in a Digital event. See the OSLRP Digital Notes for more details.
The Starship Simulator is basically a computer game. It is run from a central server, which each Station connects to in order to control their part of the ship. Everything outside the ship is controlled by the GM, which will be a member of the Game Team (at events normally one of the Spacer Collective NPCs). The GM can create ships, natural phenomena, the environment, etc in the game, and tweak their attributes and move them around. The software we use is Empty Epsilon, an open source bridge simulator, that has been extensively customised by the UK Starship Bridge Simulator group to do what we need for OSLRP. While a lot of things, like system creation, character skill integration, etc are mostly automated now, there are still a lot of things that the GM is doing on the fly to keep the scenario going and keeping it a challenge, but not impossible.
At events, the rigs we use are provided by UK Starship Bridge Simulator, and they set up, run and manage them for us. Since it is tech, occasionally it fails or has bugs, but hopefully nothing too game-ruining. For Digital events, we will send out a link for players to download the software, and usually help people out with connection and the basics of using the consoles. The software is pretty basic, so doesn't require an amazing PC to work, but unfortunately only runs on Windows (there is an Android version of Empty Epsilon, but it hasn't been tested with our custom version and its impossible to alter the Google Play Store version).
"The fun" of the starship simulator is working together as a team to overcome challenges. It isn't really designed to simulate betrayals by members of the crew, complex interactions with the environment or anything like that. At main events, there is certainly scope for that sort of thing in in-character locations (and the bridge of the ships are in-character locations), but the software, though flexible, is still limited in what it is able to do.
There are 6 different consoles/roles on the starship simulator, plus a number of other ones that may be available depending on the situation. Players can take responsibility for more than one role at a time, although this is more practical with some combinations than others. The most common is for the Captain to also use a console, as the Captain normally has no console of their own. Each console functions in its own specific way, although they can be compared relative to each other in certain terms. At a minimum, every ship will usually require at least 3 crew, maybe 2 if they are very skilled and good at multitasking.
Coordinates the rest of the crew
The Captain does not have a console by default. Their role is to maintain an overall idea of what is happening on the ship, listen to the rest of the crew, make decisions and give orders. The Captain coordinates the rest of the crew so that they can work effectively together. Optionally, the Captain can make use of the Strategic Map or a few other ancillary functions to keep up with what is going on.
Flies the ship
Middle Focus
The Helm station determines where and how the ship moves. It has a short-range radar, so is not capable of seeing distant objects, but it can zoom in very close to maneuver effectively in combat. Helm can change the ship's direction, use its impulse, warp and jump drives, and generally move the ship around. Helm is one of the two most important consoles in combat - a skilled Helm will be able to stay out of enemy fire arcs while keeping their ship's own beams trained on the opponents.
Attacks things. Pew Pew!
The Weapons station targets enemies with beams and torpedoes, loads and empties the torpedo tubes, controls the shields, manages weapons supplies, and works with the Science console to calibrate their beams and shields for combat. They can target specific enemy systems to knock them offline, or just target their hull to blow them up. Weapons needs to work closely with Science and Helm, and listen to the Captain's orders - in combat it is easy for Weapons to become hyper-focused on efficiency and lose sight of the big picture.
Keeps the ship running
Very inward-focused
Engineering is the most inward-facing station. It has no information about what is happening outside the ship, so can be easily overrun by changing circumstances if not paying attention. Engineering controls the ship's systems, diverting power to systems that are in use, and away from ones that aren't to preserve the ship's energy. Overpowered systems overheat and can damage the ship, so they also have a limited supply of coolant that can be used to keep that under control. Being a successful engineer is like keeping many plates spinning at once, listening to what the rest of the crew are doing and providing or removing power in response to their needs.
Gathers information
Very outward focused
Science is one of the most outward-facing stations. It has a long-range radar, so can see the furthest of any console, and can scan things for more information, and to find out their weakest beam and shield frequency. They have a database of ships and stellar phenomena that they can look up. Science has no way of interacting with anything in the simulation apart from gathering information and passing it on to other crew members, so it is important for them to communicate the information they gather.
Communicates, hacks other ships, assists with navigation
Mostly outward focused
Relay is also very outward-facing. The Relay station communicates with other ships, which can be very important for identifying and achieving mission objectives. They have a strategic map view, and can identify grid locations and place waypoints that the Helm can follow. They have a limited supply of probes that can be launched to parts of the map and the Science console can then use to scan distant areas (although these probes run out of power after a while). Relay can also Hack enemy ship's systems to knock them offline for a while, which is very useful when taking on powerful ships. In some scenarios, Relay can launch drones - small autonomous ships that they can give basic orders to.
Fully control small drones
Not always available
Only certain scenarios will have access to Drones, which extend the crew beyond the standard 5-6 players. Drones are small, fast ships equipped with a beam weapon, that act independently of the main ship. Although the pilot has full control over the Drones' movement, power and weapons, they possess no scanner or hacking system, and other ship abilities are limited. Drones have a short vision range, the same as the Helm and Weapons consoles, but can share the main ship's strategic map. Drones can be used to extend the ship's reach, scouting distant areas, taking on small fighters or ganging up with the main ship against larger foes. Successful Drone pilots are able to act on their own initiative, work with the rest of the crew when necessary, and be aware of the limitations of their Drones. The ship has a limited supply of Drones, so can afford for a few to get destroyed.
starship_simulator.txt · Last modified: 2021/10/07 00:47 by conan


text:
oddly weird fiction
the fantasy, horror, sci-fi, weird and dark fiction page of my reading journal
The Twenty Days of Turin, by Giorgio de Maria
W.W. Norton, 2017
originally published as Le venti giornate del Torino, 1977
translated by Ramon Glazov
"The dark forces that seek to hold us back are far from vanquished." -- 53
"Take heed! ... The Twenty Days of Turin were the final warning of the LORD!" --57,58
By the time I'd put this book down, I was actually shaking. Not so much for the horror elements here, but more because of the feeling that this book, while written in the late 1970s, has a certain timeliness about it that terrifies me, one that is more frightening than the contents of any horror novel.
Our guide through this book of strange events in the city of Turin both past and present is an unnamed man who has decided to write a book about the "Twenty Days of Turin
...neither a war nor a revolution, but as it's claimed, 'a phenomenon of collective psychosis' - with much of that definition implying an epidemic"
and actually, the word "epidemic" seems an appropriate description for what follows as the twenty days are recounted through interviews and other media uncovered by our narrator. It was a time of drought, a time when men and women struggled with a strange insomnia that prompted them to "shamble" through the streets and plazas of Turin during the night. Some witnesses reported strange smells in the air; others were disturbed by unworldly noises, screams that seemed to relay "some kind of message," with "always something gray and metallic deep behind it," ... conveying the "intonation of war cries...virulent and hostile." And then, of course, there were the strange murders that took place during this time, and witnesses who "made certain they didn't see anything." It was as if the city was in the grip of unknown dark forces unleashed by the cosmos itself, blanketing Turin's citizens in terror to the point where, as our narrator discovers, people are still reluctant to discuss their experiences some ten years later. And it is to get "behind that silence" that the narrator seeks to understand exactly who it is that is "hiding the mystery of the Twenty Days."
As he proceeds with his investigation, he begins to understand that there are forces at work who do not want him to succeed. The first warning comes after a visit to the remnants of the mysterious Library, which, according to the narrator, must be part of any picture being painted about "Turin in the time of the Twenty Days." It had been started with the idea of "encouraging people to be more open with one another," in which people could collaborate in submitting "documents reflecting the real spirit of the people." They weren't looking for people to contribute works of literature ("there's too much artifice in literature"), but rather "a diary, a memoir, a confession of some problem that really worries you," with the promise that there would be someone who would be interested enough to read what you had to say, and then for a small fee, could get your address and be able to contact you. Back in the present though, our narrator continues to be plagued by strange occurrences, including a murder, all part of an attempt to get him to back off.
I see this book in part as an allegory of the fear and upheaval that resulted from Italy's tumultuous "Years of Lead" a time when, as the translator notes in an interview at Weird Fiction Review
"People were scared of being killed as soon as they stepped out of their houses and also scared that the government wouldn't be on their side,"
which also became a "taboo-ish topic to speculate about too loudly." On the other hand, I can't get out of my head that since the narrator's real quest is, as he stated, to discover who (or what) it is that is "hiding the mystery of the Twenty Days," it seems to me that a very big part of this book reveals that those strange dark forces responsible for that dark time haven't disappeared, but are still there, lurking and hiding in the shadows, unseen and unknown, but still in control.
De Maria used the stuff and the language of horror fiction to tell an horrific story here, and it works, especially upon reaching the ending which seriously chilled me to the bone. One more thing -- there's been a lot said about this novel's prescience in De Maria's early vision of social media, and it is a big part of this story but don't let that be the only thing you get out of it. There's much, more here -- as just one example, people turning to spirituality (including strange cults) as a sort of bulwark against the darkness, and the translator in his introduction spends a great amount of time helping the reader to understand how the novel can be viewed as an artistic expression of the turmoil of an Italy in its years of great upheaval. But skip the intro until you've finished the novel, so you can experience the chills without any hints first.
I can see why this book is considered a cult classic, and while it may not be for everyone, I thought it was brilliant.
Posted by NancyO at 12:46 PM
Labels: 2017, dark fiction, Italian fiction
Say what you will, but do it in a nice way.
...and other things that go bump in the night
The Double Star and Other Occult Fantasies, by Jane de la Vaudère
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not a one-trick pony:
from the british reading room
mystery and crime fiction
main page and the "regular" fiction
The Valancourt Book of Victorian Christmas Ghost S...
and now, one of THE greatest ghost story writers e...
from well-known to truly obscure, The Haunters and...
NancyO
bottom line: I love to read. I use this space to record and to talk about what I've read during the year. You won't see descriptions like "lush, lyrical prose" here ... I'm just an ordinary reader person who wants to share a love of the written word. I don't really "review" -- that's for the pros. I just offer opinions. Feel free to comment any time.


Energy drinks were one of the fastest growing soft drink segments in 2017.
As rising demand for energy drinks bucks the trend seen among other sugary beverage categories, it was only a matter of time before Coca-Cola branched out with the touted launch of Coca Cola Energy.
While Coca-Cola already has a stake in Monster Energy, reports suggest the new beverage will be launched next year under the Coca-Cola banner itself, placing it in direct competition with Monster Energy. Such a move could bring success for the beverage giant, especially if it focuses on providing natural energy.
According to a recent survey by GlobalData, over three quarters (76%) of consumers globally are concerned about the issue of tiredness and fatigue; a concern which is contributing to soaring demand for energy globally. Indeed, over two thirds of those concerned about tiredness are actively buying products – such as energy drinks – to address this, or are interested in doing so in future.
Figures from GlobalData reveal that energy drinks were one of the fastest growing soft drink segments in 2017, recording year-on-year (YOY) volume growth of 5.3% in 2017. Over the same period sales of carbonated soft drinks declined 1.4%, as consumers shun sugary beverages in favor of those that offer functionality or healthier hydration. This growth in energy drinks is set to continue at pace, with YOY growth of 6.7% by volume and 8.2% by value forecast for 2018, as sales are expected to reach over $62bn globally.
So, why are energy drinks – not necessarily considered particularly healthy – flying off the shelves as other sugary beverage categories struggle? A key advantage is the functionality they offer. While fizzy drinks offer little else but a sugar hit, energy drinks promise to boost our energy levels; helping facilitate the needs of today's fast-paced, busy and active lifestyles.
That said, health concerns are increasingly shrouding the energy drinks category, linked to the high levels of (often synthetic) caffeine, taurine and sugar in many products. In the UK, for example, plans are being proposed to regulate sales of highly caffeinated energy drinks to children.
Despite the potential pitfalls, Coca-Cola's plans do offer potential to succeed. First of all, the brand is planning to launch Coca Cola Energy alongside a 'No Sugar' variant, to appeal to more health-conscious consumers seeking functionality without the sugar. Secondly, the brand plans to take a natural positioning with the drink; using naturally-derived caffeine and guarana extract instead of synthetic alternatives more commonly found in drinks such as Red Bull and Monster Energy. This is likely to resonate with increasingly health-conscious consumers seeking a more natural energy boost.
Although Coca-Cola may struggle to overturn negative health perceptions associated with the brand and fizzy drinks generally, diversifying into the fast growing natural energy segment could provide a much needed sales boost.