Using D2D technology, a new communication method will be designed to tackle safety and emergency issues where the traditional methods of communications (e.g., conventional mobile device-base station communications links) would not be available.
Utilizing the latest technology of relay communication, a communication interface will be built to update location information of the users that are out of range of the control centre, e.g., the victims within the affected disaster areas.
An autonomous intelligent software and database at the control centre (base station) that is able to analyse critical location data and convert it into safety/emergency messages will be developed.
Finally, a prototype system which can offer safety services that operates automatically by ways of monitoring, collecting location information and providing quick and relevant safety or emergency actions will be implemented and validated.
a prototype, including a suite of software and database for critical location analysis and emergency messaging, which is a system demonstrating the following: LTE D2D interface between 2 LTE modem handsets; relaying functionality for forwarding messages between the central controller and an out-of-coverage LTE modem handset; and high layer protocol and application software for exchanging safety related information. In particular, this includes a centralised software and database package for managing location information, a protocol for message forwarding and an app in mobile phones.
We anticipate 15-20 international IEEE/IET conference/journal papers to be published during the project.
Design D2D interface between a modem LTE handset and a test mobile equipment to acquire location information of the user that is out of range from the control centre. Design relay communication between the control centre and the out-of-range mobile user via an in-range user acting as a relay.
Develop a protocol and autonomous intelligent software/database at the control centre to monitor, collect and analyse location information of mobile users via the physical D2D/relay links and then automatically dispatch relevant safety/emergency messages to the users.
Sep. 2016: Project starts and Dr Zheng Chu was employed by the MDx team, working as a full-time Research Assistant (RA).
Nov. 2016: Dr Deebak joined the METU team as an RA.
Feb. 2017: Mr Noel Saldanha has joined the project's MDX team, working on the FPGA implementation and app design in WP2.
Mar. 2017: The PIs from the UK team (Dr. Huan Nguyen) and from the Turkish team (Prof. Adnan Yazici) attended the Wireless Days conference in Porto to present the project's outcome (energy harvesting solution for D2D communications that can be potentially applied in the disaster scenarios) . The two PIs have also discussed details of the project's progress and plan the next steps.
May 2017: After a number of Skype meetings, a face-to-face meeting at METU-NCC between two UK and Turkish teams is held in early May 2017. Two teams' members (Dr Huan Nguyen, Dr Tuan Le, Prof. Mehmet Karamanoglu, and Dr Enver Ever) will also be attending the ICT'17 and IWNPD'17 conferences in Cyprus to present other project's outcomes: designs of D2D cooperative communications  and of D2D multi-hop relaying services  towards disaster communication and management systems.
K. Ali, H. X. Nguyen, P. Shah, and Q.-T. Vien, "Energy efficient and scalable D2D architecture design for public safety network," in Proc. 2016 International Conference on Advanced Communication Systems and Information Security (ACOSIS'16), Marrakesh, Morocco, Oct. 2016.
T. A. Le, Q.-T. Vien, T. A. Le, H. X. Nguyen, and R. Schober, "Robust optimization with probabilistic constraints for power-efficient and secure SWIPT," in Proc. IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM 2016), USA, Dec. 2016.
Z. Chu, H. X. Nguyen, T. A. Le, M. Karamanoglu, D. To, E. Ever, F. Al-Turjman, and A. Yazici, "Game theory based secure wireless powered D2D communications with cooperative jamming," in Proc. 2017 Wireless Days Conference, Porto, Portugal, Mar. 2017.
Z. Chu, H. X. Nguyen, T. A. Le, M. Karamanoglu, D. To, E. Ever, F. Al-Turjman, and A. Yazici, "D2D cooperative communications for disaster management," in Proc. 24th International Conference on Telecommunications (ICT'17), Limassol, Cyprus, May 2017.
K. Ali, H. X. Nguyen, P. Shah, Q.-T. Vien, and E. Ever, "D2D multi-hop relaying services towards disaster communication system," in Proc. IEEE International Workshop on 5G Networks for Public Safety and Disaster Management (IWNDP'17), Limassol, Cyprus, May 2017.
Z. Chu, T. Le, D. To, and H. X. Nguyen, "Sum Throughput Optimization for Wireless Powered Sensor Networks," in Proc. IEEE GLOBECOM, Singapore, Dec. 2017.
Z. Chu, T. Le, H. X. Nguyen, M. Karamanoglu, Z. Zhu, A. Nallanathan, E. Ever, and A. Yazici, "Robust Design for MISO SWIPT System with Artificial Noise and Cooperative Jamming," in Proc. IEEE GLOBECOM, Singapore, Dec. 2017.
Z. Chu, T. Le, H. X. Nguyen, A.Nallanathan, and M. Karamanoglu, "Robust Sum Secrecy Rate Optimization for MIMO Two-way Full Duplex Systems," in Proc. VTC Fall, Toronto, Canada, Sept. 2017, pp. 1-5.
Ali, H. X. Nguyen, Q.-T. Vien, P. Shah, and Z. Chu, "Disaster Management Using D2D Communication With Power Transfer and Clustering Techniques," IEEE Access, 2018, accepted.
Chu, T. Le, H. X. Nguyen, A. Nallanathan, and M. Karamanoglu, "A Stackelberg-Game Approach for Disaster Recovery Communications Utilizing Cooperative D2D," IEEE Access, 2018, accepted.
A. Le, Q.-T. Vien, H. X. Nguyen, D. W. K. Ng, and R. Schober, "Robust chance-constrained optimization for power-efficient and secure SWIPT systems," IEEE Transactions on Green Communications and Networking, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 333-346, Sep. 2017.
The MDX team has been leading this WP and has worked extensively on the tasks T1, T2 and T3.
Zheng, Tuan and Kamran are working mainly on this WP.
We use a simple system with FPGA/USRP/Ras. Pi (acting as a mobile user or a relay) who is able to send a simple message (such as "Warning! You are entering a dangerous zone/situation!") to the control center (a computer) when it is triggered by certain condition (such as dangerous situation). The trigger condition can be manually set in our program (we can make a button to switch it on and off for trigger).
The goal for this stage is just to prove that once an alert is triggered at the device, it is able to send back to the control centre and take the corresponding instruction from the centre. Actions include: form a message, pack it into a packet, send it through an USB connection.
The FPGA/USRP/Ras.Pi board: receive the response packet -> unpack it -> read the message -> set warning (flash a LED).
The computer playing the role as control centre needs to have an user interface: it shows the monitor of events and response status.
In reality, a device just simply updates the centre the device's location. Giving warning is the job of the centre as the map of dangerous places is stored at the centre database, which could be updated dynamically.
In Stage 1, forming packet is necessary as we may need to support many devices. Packaging also means to notify the receiver who is the sender. We may want to use a simple addressing mechanism at this level.


text:
module WinFFI
  module User32
    if WINDOWS_VERSION >= 8
      # Pointer info key states defintions.
      # https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/desktop/inputmsg/modifier-key-states-constants
      PointerModifierKeyState = enum :pointer_modifier_key_state, [:SHIFT, 0x0004, :CTRL, 0x0008]

      define_prefix(:POINTER_MOD, PointerModifierKeyState)
    end
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Investing in real estate is one thing you would need to do ultimately. However growing an actual property web site is about excess of selecting a color palette and placing up fairly photos of you standing in front of one in all your properties. From worth-minimize to luxury houses, potential buyers can search the RE/MAX residential real estate website by property and listing types.
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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Huggies® because "Kids Outgrow Diapers, Not Messes™". As always, all opinions are my own. We hope you enjoy celebrating National Ice Cream Month with your kids by making this Ice Cream Cone Craft.
Did you know July is National Ice Cream Month? That means we can eat a double scoop of ice cream every single day and not feel guilty about it right?… Don't we all wish! If you are looking for a fun way to celebrate ice cream this month with your kids that doesn't involve packing on the calories, boy do I have a treat for you today! This ice cream cone craft screams summer time fun and the footprint cone makes this craft a perfect keepsake to help you remember the summertime joys of having little ones. Go grab your supplies and some Huggies® Wipes and get ready to embrace the messy side of crafting!
1. Start by cutting out a rectangle piece of cardboard a little bigger than your child's foot. Use a paintbrush to paint the bottom of your child's foot with brown paint. Make sure to have your Huggies® Wipes on hand because they are going to be lifesaver for cleanup.
2. Have your child place their painted foot onto the cardboard, pressing down to make sure their entire foot gets printed. Lift their foot off the cardboard and immediately grab those wipes to wipe the remaining paint off of your child's foot. Set the footprint aside to dry completely.
I used to be scared of hand and footprint painted crafts because of the fear of my kids touching everything in sight on their way to the sink to wash. Discovering the joy of using Huggies® Wipes while crafting has been life changing. They have triple layers and are really thick so they easily tackle crafty messes like getting paint off of your hands, feet and face. They are also soft and gentle on the skin so I don't worry about my children using them, unlike other types of cleaning wipes.
3. Cut ice cream scoop shapes out of your foam sheets. We went with two scoops per ice cream cone. I mean, we are celebrating ice cream and who doesn't love double scoops, right?!
4. Now mix together your puffy paint. The recipes I have seen to make puffy paint call for mixing together equal amounts of school glue and shaving cream. I prefer to have more shaving cream though so you might want to play around with it a bit to see how you like it. To make ours, I added about a tablespoon of glue into the bottom of our mixing bowls. Then we sprayed some shaving cream on top and mixed them together. Add a few drops of food coloring into your bowl and mix. Now your puffy paint is ready.
5. Use your puffy paint to paint your ice cream. We went with coordinating colors but feel free to be as creative and wild as you want with your ice cream flavors.
Puffy paint can sometimes be a little messy so make sure to keep your wipes out, open and ready to tackle messy hands or spills on your surface. We used our Huggies® Clutch 'N' Clean Pack which comes in a variety of stylish designs and you can refill the pack when it is empty. Not only do I keep a pack in my craft closet but I also have some in my car for when we are on the go. Huggies® Wipes come in an assortment of fun and convenient sized packages the whole family will love.
6. While your puffy paint is still wet, place acrylic craft jewels all over your ice cream scoops to make bright and colorful sprinkles on your ice cream. Your ice cream scoops will take a few hours to dry.
8. Last but certainly not least, grab a few more Huggies® Wipes so the kids can clean up!
They look so bright and colorful, just like summer time! Does your family love to embrace messy activities? Join the Huggies® #HugTheMessSweepstakes by tagging your messy kid photos on Instagram and Twitter for a chance to win $2,500. We would love to see some messy ice cream entries!
I pretty much love everything about ice cream. It's ooey, gooey-ness and yummy sweetness. I always go for the traditional flavors like rocky road or vanilla but my kids are sure to pick the brightest, boldest colors they can find like bubble gum or cotton candy. I love that about them! What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Visit Huggies® to purchase wipes for your craft supplies, or find them at your local store (not just in the baby aisle). Make sure to stay connected by following Huggies® on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


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Home » Online Casinos » Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming Casinos
Top list of our best rated Evolution Gaming casinos in 2023
Evolution Gaming is an award-winning online gambling giant, delivering innovative and pioneering content across the globe to numerous gambling operators, including 888, Paddy Power, Leo Vegas, Ladbrokes and William Hill. Renowned for its global live dealer offering, Evolution Gaming works tirelessly to deliver state of the art gaming with cutting edge technology. Founded in 2006, Evolution is unrivalled when it comes to live casino studio facilities, with an instant play interface and mobile optimised gameplay, it's no wonder why players come back for more.
A year after launching, Evolution signed agreements with key operators including Gala Coral, PartyGaming, William Hill, Blue Square, Gaming VC, Expekt and VC Bet. In 2008, a deal was sealed with the German online sports betting operator; Bet-at-home.com. Fast forward 12-month, state-of-the-art TV production studios in Riga quadruple in size to meet soaring customer demand. Red and gold VIP studio opened for high rollers and more agreements were signed; 888, SportingBet, Ladbrokes, Unibet, Paddy Power and SkyBet signed up to deliver their content.
Bagging not one, but two awards in 2010; the EGR Live Casino Software Supplier Of The Year and Software Rising Star of the Year. Riga studios expanded to more than 2,000+ square metres enabling dedicated tables and environments to be launched by licensees. Over the next couple of years, Evolution bagged more prestigious awards and have conquered many different countries.
Games Galore!
Every Evolution Live Casino game is 'as real as it gets', offering players an online live gaming experience that's just like playing in a real life casino – without having to get dressed up and heading out into town. And the sheer choice of world-class games, across the widest selection of online live tables available from a single source, is breath-taking. With rich added-value features, live interaction and betting opportunities to appeal to all player types – from new players to the most discerning VIPs – this is the world's leading Live Casino game portfolio.
In 2018, the Live Lightning Roulette game was unveiled and became an instant hit. In each round, players have the chance to bag a multiplier of up to 500x, which is a lot better than the standard maximum of 36:1. As a result of the thrills and spills of the Lightning Roulette Invention, Evolution bagged a further two awards; Innovation in Live Casino for Lightning Roulette at SBC Awards 2018 and Game of the Year at the EGR Operator Awards.
Unique offerings include;
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Evolution Gaming news
Evolution takeover caps stellar 2020 for Red Tiger
Casino game and software developer Red Tiger has announced that it enjoyed the best year in the company's history following a notable list of commercial achievements. The Malta-based supplier, which celebrated its sixth birthday in October, was purchased by Evolution alongside NetEnt earlier this month in one of the industry's biggest ever B2B deals. The …
NetEnt applies for delisting of shares and summons to Extraordinary General Meeting
Today the Board of Directors of NetEnt AB (publ) ("NetEnt") has applied for delisting of the Company's B-shares from Nasdaq Stockholm. An extraordinary general meeting (EGM) will be held on December 17, 2020 in order to appoint a new Board of NetEnt, among other things. Evolution Gaming Group AB ("Evolution") controls approximately 94 percent of …
Evolution crowned Online Casino Supplier of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards London
Evolution Gaming, leading provider of Live Casino solutions, has been named Online Casino Supplier of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards London, for the second consecutive year. Evolution beat nine other shortlisted companies to win the prestigious international award, which recognises the strongest, most innovative online casino suppliers over the last 12 months. The …
more Evolution Gaming news

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Managing the sales pipeline is a critical aspect of managing team performance.
If you were promoted from the field, you probably already know the sales pipeline holds information about pending sales opportunities and consists of various stages relating to the advancement of those opportunities. However, the salesperson's relationship to the pipeline is materially different from that of a manager.
For the manager, the pipeline has two primary functions. First, it's a coaching tool. The information in the pipeline will provide structure and focus for the weekly discussions you'll have with salespeople. The aim of these discussions is to develop strategies that help salespeople advance their sales opportunities and close more deals.
Second, the pipeline is now a reporting tool. You'll use pipeline metrics to create sales forecasts, which get handed off to upper-level managers and executives so they can see how much revenue the sales team is expected to bring in for the month or quarter. You should always be mindful that the executive team wants to see 1) an accurate forecast and 2) higher win rates.
Salespeople have a much different relationship with the sales pipeline. For one thing, they are eternal optimists – no matter how long a deal has been lingering in their sales pipeline, they believe a "yes" is just around the corner. Your average salesperson also believes his or her manager will respond more positively to a full pipeline (even if it is full of dormant opportunities).
Compounding this problem is the tendency of salespeople to avoid labeling stalled opportunities as "inactive" because they perceive it will be a poor reflection on their selling skills.
In this video interview with Selling Power founder and publisher Gerhard Gschwandtner, we discuss a three-step process you can use to help your sales team better manage opportunities and eliminate "bloat" from the sales pipeline to improve the accuracy of your sales forecasts.
Sales Managers: Are You a Role Model for Success?
One of the most important but least defined aspects of being a sales manager is to provide a role model for success that inspires salespeople. After all, people learn by observation – so your people watch you and mimic your behaviors.
Therefore, if you want your team to demonstrate specific behaviors and attitudes, you need to take the lead and show it to them. If you want to be a positive role model as a sales manager, you must practice consistency, fairness, empowerment, courage, vision, and motivation. Let's look at each of these in detail.
Do you do what you say you're going to do? Do you set timelines and live up to them? Do you deliver on your promises – not just to salespeople, but to anyone with whom you work?
Do you tell things like they are, or do you turn a blind eye to select situations – not digging too deeply to find out what the real issues may be?
If you display inconsistencies between your words and actions, you are denying others the chance to respond naturally to what you are saying or doing…and encouraging the salespeople who report to you to model something other than consistency in their dealings with you and others. For example, if you miss deadlines, then your team gets the idea that it's acceptable behavior for them to miss deadlines and goals. "Do as I say, not as I do" isn't a good leadership model.
Fairness. Be fair in your treatment of team members. Work with them to set meaningful, attainable personal standards as part of your goal setting and performance review process. Fairness demands that everybody is bound equally by their commitment to those standards. Fairness also demands that you hold everyone equally accountable – no excuses for the top salesperson or the manager. Don't fall into the blame game, but don't give poor performance a pass. Fairness, in the context of a team, means you do your share of the team's work. If you set guidelines, goals, and expectations for the repercussions of failing to meet them, be sure they are applied evenly to everyone – even you.
Empowerment. Empowerment means giving your team members some of your authority and autonomy – without giving it all away. As the manager, you still hold the final responsibility for what happens in your department, and you make most of the tough decisions. But, in empowering your team, you should work for a balance between controlling and guiding them. By giving them some authority – and identifying the clear borders of the areas where they get to make mistakes – you will enable your team to work more effectively when making decisions and implementing solutions for their customers. Of course, to wield that authority effectively, salespeople also need knowledge and information.
Courage. To be effective with and for your team, sales managers need to have the courage to say and do difficult things. Your job involves dealing with company management; disciplining and, if necessary, firing employees; and giving bad news about sales results or projects. You also need to have the courage to face reality – and help others face it – by pointing out problems others prefer to ignore and by acknowledging your team's errors along with their successes. Depending on your personality and comfort level with conflict, this can be a tough one. Just remember, you only have to be courageous and move out of your own comfort zone for five minutes at a time.
Vision. However much you empower your team members, sales managers must lead the team effort to create and pursue a vision. Because you operate outside the team – by working closely with company management, for example – and with a broader scope than your team members, you are the one best suited to formulate the team's vision. The vision, like the team's purpose, should be strategic and grand. It's critical that you clearly communicate your vision to your team, making sure each individual understands the part he or she plays in contributing to the results. When crafting your team's vision, take into account the qualities your team feels most strongly about your shared purpose, A good example of a grand vision is that of Amazon: "Our vision is to be Earth's most customer-centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online." That's what Amazon is pursuing. So: What vision is your team pursuing?
Motivation. Motivation is central to your role as team manager. It's critical to recognize that different things motivate different people. For one person, it might be money; for another, recognition and awards; and, for someone else, leisure time. You should know exactly what motivates each team member and why, so you can base your motivation/compensation program around that pivotal thing. As an action word, "motivation" involves giving encouragement, opportunity, recognition, and occasionally persuasion. As a motivator, you make opportunities for the members of your team. Give them the chance to try new things…and also the freedom to make mistakes without failing. Give them the chance to learn new skills, get the big sale – and win the credit. Do not let individual team members fail. Help them overcome mistakes through collaborative learning and problem solving.
There are lots of competing definitions of success, but I would argue that, for sales managers, any definition that overlooks these six characteristics is incomplete. To be the best possible role model for your people, you should commit to all six.
Please visit https://www.sandler.com/success-stories to see how some of our clients define success, and share your success story with us!
In my 20+ years as a sales manager and sales director working for some of the most recognized Fortune 100 companies – such as American Express and Sprint – I've taken some of the lowest performing teams to the top of nationwide rankings and can help you learn how to do the same.
Here are a few keys to keeping your sales team motivated – and a little about my philosophy.
Who doesn't want to be recognized for a job well done? Recognition goes a long way and can be a great motivator. The key, though, is to give recognition consistently. Recognize as many people as you can and as often as you can – even if it's for small things. Recognize them in a variety of ways. Be sure to include and recognize everyone who played a part in assisting the win, such as support staff, technical staff, and customer service.
Rewards can also motivate a sales team. To be most effective, ask your team what rewards would motivate them – not what you think would motivate them. Run contests and get creative on what the winner receives. Sometimes running a contest doesn't even require a large budget. I've seen contests get a lot of mileage just because the winner got bragging rights. Have fun with rewards and get creative with how you can reward people based on your budget.
Key #3: Remind them about the whys.
Why are they getting up each day and working hard? Is it to become debt free? To buy a new home or car? To retire early? Or to go on fabulous vacations like I like to do? Make sure you know what the reason is for each person you work with.
These are a just few keys you can use to help keep your team motivated, but here's a little bit more about my personal philosophy on motivating a team. When someone asks me, "Diane, how do I keep my team motivated?" my answer is, "You shouldn't have to." I don't believe you should have to motivate your team. If you do, it may be an indication you could have the wrong team members. I've never needed my leaders to motivate me. In fact, I would have been embarrassed if they had to.
Motivation is something you can't teach. Sure, you may be able to motivate someone short term, but it fizzles out quickly. Frankly, people either have it or they don't. The key is to hire salespeople who have their own internal motivation.
For more information about how you and your team can rise to the top and be part of the elite, watch our video, Keys to Keeping Your Sales Team Motivated or visit our website at http://elitesalesleaders.com/. I look forward to hearing how you rise to the top and join the elite!


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Pajukurmu is een plaats in de Estlandse gemeente Luunja, provincie Tartumaa. De plaats heeft de status van dorp (Estisch: küla) en telt 26 inwoners (2021).

Bij Pajukurmu staat de hoogste radiomast van Estland, 250 meter hoog en gebouwd in 2000.

Geschiedenis
Pajukurmu lag op het terrein van het landgoed Kavastu. Het werd in 1866 voor het eerst genoemd onder de Russische naam Кедде (Kedde, Estisch: Kede). In de jaren dertig van de 20e eeuw werd Pajukurmu de officiële naam van het dorp.

Bij de gemeentelijke herindeling van 1977 werd het buurdorp Sootaga bij Pajukurmu gevoegd.

Plaats in Estland

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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DreamWorks Nabs Surprise Globes Win
By Mark Madler
"How To Train Your Dragon 2" from DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. won the best animated feature film award on Sunday at the Golden Globes.
The win is a rare bright spot for the Glendale studio that has watched its share price drop 35 percent over the past year, seen acquisition deals fall apart twice last fall and taken write downs on three films over the last two years.
"How to Train Your Dragon 2" was released in June and did about $177 million in domestic box office grosses and $441 million in international receipts, according to Burbank movie reporting service Box Office Mojo. The film was distributed by 20th Century Fox.
The selection also was a bit of a surprise as many in the Hollywood community expected "The Lego Movie," a hit from Warner Bros. that grossed $469 million worldwide to be selected.
The Golden Globes, presented annually by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. It is widely seen as an early indication for a film's chances the Academy Awards, to be held this year Feb. 22 at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood.
A minimal financial bump is expected for "How to Train Your Dragon 2," given it was released in June and the DVD hit the market two months ago.
Bonnie Arnold, a producer of "Dragon," was recently named as co-president of feature animation at DreamWorks. The management shakeup came amid disappointing box office results and the write-downs, most recently $57 million on "Mr. Peabody and Sherman," released in the spring.
DreamWorks also has been the subject of much speculation that it was an acquisition target by SoftBank Corp., a Japanese communications and Internet company, and Hasbro Inc., the nation's second largest toymaker, but neither deal came to fruition.
Shares closed up 59 cents, or 2.6 percent, to $23.02 on the Nasdaq.
Update: DreamWorks May Trim Payroll
DreamWorks Shakes Up Management
DreamWorks Wins Technical Oscars
DreamWorks Shares Scorched by 'Dragon'
'Dragon 2' Helps DreamWorks Beat Estimates
'Dragon' Drags Down DreamWorks
Soaring "Dragon" No Help in Q1 for DreamWorks Animation
Valley Studios Gross Tops $4 Billion


Branches resume normal business hours. Customer Service Center starts expanded hours. See below for full schedule.
must take a few action steps prior to the system upgrade weekend.
Q: WHY IS UNION SAVINGS BANK UPGRADING THEIR SYSTEM?
We are making an upgrade to our banking software to bring enhancements and new features for an overall improved and more enjoyable banking experience for you.
Q. WHEN WILL THE SYSTEM UPGRADE HAPPEN?
The system upgrade weekend will begin at close of business on Friday, October 6, and will continue throughout the weekend.
The upgrade will be complete and branches will resume normal business hours on Monday, October 9.
Customer service center starts expanded hours. See below for full schedule.
Q. WHAT WILL THE CUSTOMER IMPACT BE THROUGHOUT THE UPGRADE WEEKEND?
New Business Online Banking system will be up and running on Monday, October 9, at 8:30 a.m.
New USB Business Mobile App will be available for download on Monday, October 9, at 8:30 a.m.
USB ATM/Debit Card activity and balances will not be reflected in account balances Oct. 5 – 9.
USB ATM/Debit Card can be used for transactions and purchases but daily card limits may be affected October 5 – 9, at 8:30 a.m.
You will only have access to your primary account.
Saturday, October 7, 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Monday, October 9, through Friday, October 20, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 14 and 21, 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 15 and 22, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Q: WILL I NEED TO RE-REGISTER FOR ONLINE BANKING?
No. Complete details on how to login to Business Online Banking the first time are included on pages 8 – 9 of the upgrade booklet we mailed and posted here.
Q: HOW WILL BILL PAY BE IMPACTED?
Bill Pay will transfer over during the upgrade, and all scheduled automatic payments will be carried over. If you've signed up for eBills, more information will follow.
Click here for Bill Pay Tips.
Q: WILL I CONTINUE TO RECEIVE eSTATEMENTS?
Yes, if you are currently enrolled in eStatements, you will still be enrolled.
Q: WILL I HAVE TO DOWNLOAD THE BUSINESS MOBILE APP?
Yes. The new USB Business Mobile App will be available for download from the Apple App Store or Google Play on Monday, October 9, at 8:30 a.m. To use the USB Business Mobile App, you will be required to delete the old USB Mobile Money App and download the new USB Business Mobile App.
Q: CAN I CONNECT QUICKBOOKS TO MY ACCOUNT?
Q: HOW DO I CREATE NEW USERS?
Q: HOW DO I MANAGE USER ACCOUNTS?
Q: HOW DO I SETUP AND USE ACH PAYMENTS?
Q: HOW DO I MANAGE POSITIVE PAY?
Q. How do I update Intuit Quicken/QuickBooks and Mint for the System Upgrade?
Q: WILL MY ACCOUNT NUMBER(S) CHANGE?
No, your account number(s) will remain the same for your checking, savings, loan(s), HSA and/or retirement accounts.
Q: WILL USB CONTINUE TO AUTOMATICALLY DEDUCT SCHEDULED PAYMENTS, BILLS, AND LOAN PAYMENTS FROM MY ACCOUNT?
No, automatic and recurring payments will need to be set up in the new Business Online.
Q: WILL THERE BE ANY CHANGES TO STATEMENTS?
While the account and transaction information that is displayed will stay the same, the statement graphical look and feel will change.
Q: WILL I RECEIVE A NEW USB ATM AND/OR DEBIT CARD?
No, you can continue to use your existing USB ATM and/or Debit Card. If you experience any issues with your cards during the system upgrade weekend, please contact us at 866.487.2226.
Q: CAN I CONTINUE TO USE MY EXISTING USB CREDIT CARD?
Yes, there are no disruptions to credit card usage.
Q: WILL THERE BE ANY CHANGES TO MY EMPLOYEES' HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS?
Upon initial login, your employees' Online Banking history will not display the individual transactions of their account. Instead, their HSA plan totals will be displayed, e.g. distributions, current-year contributions, fees. Moving forward, their transaction history will continue to be built and displayed. Additionally, they can reference previous statements for full transaction information.
During our system upgrade, from Thursday, October 5 until 8:30 a.m. on Monday, October 9, their HSA Debit Card activity will not be reflected within their account balance(s), and they will be unable to request a balance inquiry at the ATM. However, they can continue to use their HSA Debit Card during this time period. Please note that their daily card limits may be affected. It will be important for them to keep track of their card activity and understand that their balances may be impacted by any pending purchase authorizations.
Q. ARE THERE ANY CHANGES TO MY LEGALEASE ACCOUNTS?
Yes, the accounts will be set up as interest-bearing checking accounts rather than Money Market Accounts.
Transfers from your "Master" to the "Sub Accounts" will be able to be done via Business Online Banking. If you are not set up for this service, you may contact the bank to get enrolled.
Q: WILL THERE BE ANY CHANGE TO MY IOLTA ACCOUNT?
The structure of the account will not change. However, you will now see the amount of interest posted to the account and the debit when it is paid to the State Bar Foundation.
Q: WILL THERE BE ANY CHANGE TO MY IOREBTA ACCOUNT?
The structure of the account will not change. However, you will now see the amount of interest posted to the account and the debit when it is paid to the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA).
Q: WILL THERE BE ANY CHANGES TO MY COMMERCIAL LOAN STATEMENTS?
eStatements and Notices will be available as part of the system upgrade and can be accessed through online banking. While the account and transaction information that is displayed will remain the same, the statement's graphical look and feel will change. Additionally, any fees due on the loan will now appear on the monthly billing statement beginning with the October statement. Any outstanding fee that was assessed to the loan prior to the system upgrade will be identified as a miscellaneous fee. If you have any questions please contact your Commercial Lender.
Q: WILL MY LOAN ACCOUNT NUMBER(S) REMAIN THE SAME?
Q. WILL THERE BE ANY DISRUPTION WITH EXISTING ATM MACHINES?
Yes. From Thursday, October 5 until Monday, October 9 at 8:30 a.m. you will not be able to make a deposit at a USB ATM. Additionally, your ATM/USB Debit Card activity will not be reflected within your account balance(s), and you will be unable to request a balance inquiry. However, you can continue to use your ATM/USB Debit Card for transactions and purchases during this time period. Please note that your daily card limits may be affected. It will be important for you to keep track of your card activity and understand that your balances may be impacted by any pending purchase authorizations.
Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.


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Toledo Chamber Members Earn Global Recognition
Last week, a number of our members were recognized by state and global enterprises for their innovation and success.
Photo Credit: InsightsSuccess.com
Dana Inc.
Dana Incorporated was named by Insights Success Magazine as one of the "20 Most Valuable Brands in 2017." Dana, Inc. was recognized for their century long success in advancing automotive technologies and is known globally for their culture of innovation.
Read the full spotlight on their innovation here.
ProMedica
ProMedica Toledo Hospital has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best hospitals in Ohio. The hospital serves a 27-county area in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.
Read the article from newswise.
Photo Credit: ProMedica
Toledo Museum of Art & National Museum of the Great Lakes
Toledo Museum of Art and National Museum of the Great Lakes have both been nominated for a USA Today 10Best award. They are nominated in the category "Best Ohio Attraction." Voting is open through noon on Monday, August 28th. Cast your vote today!
Toledo School for the Arts
Jay Welenc, music teacher at Toledo School for the Arts, was named State Board District 2 Teacher of the Year! Mr. Welenc is now in the running for State Teacher of the Year. Congratulations and thank you for your commitment to the success of students in the Toledo Region. Read about all ten of the teachers awarded this distinction.
Mannik & Smith Group Inc.
Mannik & Smith Group Inc., of Maumee, has been named No. 48 out of the 100 companies on Zweig Group's 2017 Hot Firm Award List of fast growing architectural, engineering, planning, and environmental consulting firms. Read more.
Congratulations to all of our members and thank you for your dedication to making the Toledo Region a preferred place for talent, innovation and commerce!
Jocelyn Liberatore
Jocelyn Liberatore is the administrative assistant for the Advocacy & Public Policy Department. Jocelyn began her career at the Chamber in 2016 after studying politics at Bethany College, paralegal studies at the University of Toledo, and got her start in marketing and campaign management.
Emily Dammeyer
Emily is the Communications Manager for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. Please email emily.dammeyer@toledochamber.com to submit a story for our blog.


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PS4 & Spider-Man new sale heights: 91.6m/9m units sold
Spider-Man reaches 9 million copies over the Christmas Holiday season, coinciding with the rise to 91.6 million PS4 consoles sold
By: Jak Connor | Gaming News | Posted: Jan 8, 2019 11:00 am
Marvel and Insomniac Games' hit PS4 title, Spider-Man is no doubt one of the 'must pick ups' for PlayStation 4 owners, this claim has been further reinforced by a recent announcement from Insomniac Games' Community Director.
Sony @PlayStation just announced that as of 11/25 #SpiderManPS4 has sold-through over 9 million copies. Thank you for your support pic.twitter.com/uZ5ejZ5082
— James Stevenson (@JamesStevenson) January 8, 2019
The news comes from Insomniac Games' Community Director, James Stevenson who took to Twitter to announce that as of 11/25, Spider-Man for the PS4 "has sold-through over 9 million copies." The Spider-Man success is no doubt coincided to the massive increase in sales of PS4's over the Christmas and Holiday period. At the start of December, PS4 sales were floating around the 88 million region, as of December 31 Sony's console now sits around 91.6 million. During the periods of November 19 to December 31st, Sony sold a staggering 5.6 million units.
In gratitude of these new milestones for the lifespan on the PlayStation 4, Sony Interactive Entertainment President John Kodera said "I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our passionate community around the globe, and our partners, for helping us achieve these milestones" To reward users for being a PS4 owner, Kodera discusses Sony's motivations for 2019 "This year, we will bring more enhanced experiences to our fans along with a highly anticipated lineup of games that are only possible on PS4. As we look toward the next PS4 milestone, SIE will continue to evolve, and we will further expand the platform to deliver the best interactive entertainment experiences to the world."
NEWS SOURCES:Twitter.com, Gamespot.com
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Ya gotta love Mr. Clemens (aka Twain) and his wonderfully dry sense of humour, because this particular aphorism is bang on for writers. Unlike the strange tale of our daily lives, where things too often seem to be without any sense whatsoever (although as Will says, things are not always what they seem), when we read fiction, we expect --- actually, demand might be a better word --- that the events we see chronicled will, by and large, make sense.
A long time ago (but in this galaxy, thanks very much) science fiction writer Harlan Ellison coined a term relating to this issue which I like a great deal: interior logic. Any story's got to have it --- unless you're into the theatre of the absurd or want to write companion pieces to Alice in Wonderland, that is… and a good part of Alice's charm lies in its absolutely nonsensical nature.
What is interior logic? I look at it like this: it's making sure that the world you create in your writing does not look like a painting by Picasso or Dali. Fine artists, both of them, but not big on logic and reality in their paintings. Or in terms of writing: you want a dragon in your world? Great. But that dragonfire it's fond of spewing has to use some sort of fuel or something, so it can't just belch forth flame and holocaust endlessly. It's gotta stock up on kerosene or something from time to time. Things must make sense… or you're going to be featured on the next CinemaSins. In other words, deus ex machinas need not apply… except maybe once in a blue moon.
So have a critical look at what you're writing from time to time. Are there holes in the plot big enough to drive a truck through? Better do something about them… or you may hear the dreaded faint and far off ding! of a literary sin counter.


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Marriages Hit a New Low| How We Rebuild a Culture of Commitment
Home » Marriages Hit a New Low| How We Rebuild a Culture of Commitment
According to a new report by the National Center for Health Statistics, marriage in the United States of America has never been less popular. Today, in the U.S. there are only 6.5 weddings for every 1,000 people, the lowest rate since we started keeping records just after the Civil War, and despite the fact that millennials, who are the biggest generation in American history, are in their peak marriage years right now. And, these numbers are pre-COVID-19. As the report's lead author suggests, the economic fallout of the virus will likely "further discourage marriage in the near term…."
Economic factors do, of course, affect marriage rates. Even before COVID closed everything down, single breadwinners could find it quite difficult to support a growing family. In recent decades, the "marriage gap," the different marriage rates between upper and lower income Americans, has become more pronounced, with marriage becoming more and more a luxury of the wealthy.
At the same time, it's a worldview mistake to think that economics alone can explain what's happening to marriage. As Bradford Wilcox with the Institute for Family Studies reminds us, "there was no marked increase in divorce, family instability, or single parenthood at the height of the Great Depression." By contrast, Cornell sociologist Daniel Lichter points out that some of the biggest drops in marriage rates, at least in recent years, have occurred during economically prosperous times.
The bigger factor here is not money but culture.
Exhibit A: As marriage has receded, cohabitation has increased in both numbers and social acceptability. Pew reports that a quarter of unmarried young adults are living with a partner. That's the highest percentage since our record-keeping began.
The rise of cohabitation has followed not only a shift of attitudes about out-of-wedlock sex, but about the institution of marriage itself. Several years ago, another Pew study found that more than half of young people in America thought marriage was "obsolete." As one pastor remarked on Facebook, young people who pursue the skills necessary for marriage are often treated as if they're wasting their "real" potential, and those who get married in their early or even mid-twenties can inspire a level of shock and shame that was once reserved only for couples "living in sin."
Even worse, our culture's current portrayal of the "good life" involves career-minded singles living in chic urban apartments, sowing their wild oats on casual dating and hookup apps, and leading lives incompatible with a spouse, much less children.
The road to rebuilding a culture that values marriage will be long and arduous, but we do have some clues about what works when it comes to creating and preserving that kind of culture. The Institute for Family Studies reports that, contrary to a popular but mistaken talking point, the institution that remains the single best refuge for marriage is the Church. It is still true, even today, that among the surest predictors that a couple will get and stay married is how regularly they attend religious services. That's why bringing people to God and bringing people together are so often a package deal.
Even so, the Church simply must first embrace her God-given task of re-catechizing His people about what marriage is. Too often, the Church is trying to put a band-aid of sexual morality on the gaping wound of bad Christian thinking about marriage that is often no different than the larger culture: That marriage is either a lifestyle accessory, a waste of youth, or an institution of personal happiness. We won't know what marriage is, or how to do it, unless we know what God created marriage for.
Hint: Though companionship is certainly a wonderful side-benefit of a healthy marriage, God didn't create marriage to solve Adam's loneliness problem. Check the text again: He created marriage to solve Adam's aloneness problem. It's an important distinction that not only explains what marriage is for, but sets the groundwork for all of the moral expectations God gives us about sex and marriage.
Even after the wedding, the Church is still the best place to strengthen marriages, a necessary task if we are to see the kind of culture where people think of lifelong marriage as part of the good life. Recently, J. P. DeGance joined me on the BreakPoint Podcast to talk about a unique, data-driven approach to help pastors identify struggling marriages and then works to help save them in their communities. Working with pastors and churches in Jacksonville, Florida, DeGance's organization, Communio, saw the divorce rate drop 24 percent in just three years. That's many times faster than the national average.
Saving existing marriages is essential to encouraging new ones. How many young people are out there that have never seen a single marriage work? How can we expect them to trust an institution that, in their view, not only consistently fails but also causes so much pain and heartbreak when it does?
-BreakPoint
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Brian Brady was looking for a new way to motivate his sales staff.
The owner of six Wireless Zone franchises in Virginia had already tried running sales contests with many different incentives. But it didn't matter if he was offering gift cards or cruise vacations — the contests always seemed to have the same effects on his employees.
So he wanted to try a new type of motivational tool. That's when he found FantasySalesTeam.
The competition system allows employees to build teams of different salespeople throughout the company, much like fantasy sports teams. The employees can then trade and update their teams each week.
For the competition, the company basically put people at different football positions based on their sales records. The top tier sales people were quarterbacks. After that were the running backs and wide receivers. And lower producing salespeople were kickers.
The system offers incentives for employees to grow their sales numbers and encourage one another, while still giving some of the lower producing staff members a chance to win. For the company's first competition, Brady said the top prize went to a middle-of-the-road salesman.
But they also offered an "MVP" prize to the person with the most overall sales. And the system seemed to work, at least for Brady's team. He saw sales increase by 176 percent after the company's first Fantasy Sales Team competition last year.
Brady says that things have gone back to normal for the most part after the company's initial competition.
But he said it definitely helped people learn how to sell certain products, particularly the Verizon Edge plan, which many staff members didn't initially want to focus on because it was difficult to explain and sell. He also plans to run more similar competitions in the future, with the next one being more of a baseball theme.


The development of medical therapies of the future cannot be financed solely by public funds, but also requires private support. The CRTD is moving closer toward its goal of targeting and correcting the cells lost or damaged by disease.
Type 1 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, vision loss, spinal cord injury, and cancer all have the potential to be treated or cured by stem cell therapy. Researchers at the CRTD are working to turn this vision into reality. In addition to the CRTD's focus on academic excellence and leadership in the sciences, CRTD has unparalleled access to world-class clinical partners and a thriving biotechnology community. This combination of basic science and clinical expertise gives the CRTD a unique opportunity in this field.
Our research can be greatly furthered by your personal help and support. The scientists, ethicists, and educators working at CRTD rely on your generosity.
Friends and Patrons of the Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden e.V.
The "Friends and Patrons of the Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden e.V." (Freunde und Förderer des Centers for Regenerative Therapies Dresden e.V.), based in Dresden, was founded to advance diverse aspects of research, cooperation, and communication at the DFG-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD). If you are interested in joining the "Friends and Patrons of the Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden e.V." you can find detailed information, the application form, and the form for direct debit authorization here. In order to join, please read the ordinance (Satzung), which you can request from Sascha Wiemer.


This post is meant to be a brief XSLT refresher, since I tend to need to rely on several web resources as references to remember the obscure functions and element names available in various versions of the XSL specification, as well as to remind me of the various patterns, tricks and workarounds.
As you can see in the diagram on the right, XSLT follows a clear processing path, starting with an XML document and the corresponding XSL document designed to parse it provided to an XSLT Processor, which acts as an intermediary in applying the desired styles and structure to the particular data being parsed out of the XML. The resulting document could technically be any number of formats, including another XML document with a different format, Plaintext, CSV, HTML, xHTML, RDFa, JSON, HTML with microformats, CSS, Javacript or even Java, PHP or another server-side language's class files to be compiled or interpreted later.
Typically though, HTML will be the format displayed by a rendering, and officially only XML and HTML output formats are supported by the specification, although even in the browser, it is possible to render other formats to be displayed by not specifying the output type.


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Man stabbed in 'drug deal gone bad' cops say
A man suffered numerous stab wounds Sunday morning in what York City Police are calling a drug deal gone bad.
Man stabbed in 'drug deal gone bad' cops say A man suffered numerous stab wounds Sunday morning in what York City Police are calling a drug deal gone bad. Check out this story on ydr.com: https://www.ydr.com/story/news/crime/2017/06/12/man-stabbed-drug-deal-gone-bad-cops-say/389188001/
Ted Czech, tczech@ydr.com Published 12:11 p.m. ET June 12, 2017 | Updated 1:43 p.m. ET June 12, 2017
Police news(Photo: File photo)
A man suffered numerous knife wounds early Sunday morning during a "drug deal gone bad," according to York City Police Lt. Troy Bankert.
The 26-year-old, of York, suffered cuts to his nose and left side of face, two stab wounds to the right side of his back and two stab wounds to the left side of his back, Bankert said.
"He was targeted," Bankert said. "He was the purchaser" in the alleged deal.
READ: Couple charged in man's West York drug death
Bankert said Monday morning the man was listed in "good condition" at York Hospital.
The stabbing occurred about 12:30 a.m. Sunday, but police were not notified about it until 8:21 p.m.
"He just didn't report it," Bankert said. "There was a waiting period."
READ: Mom who overdosed with infant in car to serve 75 days in jail
He was taken to York Hospital by ambulance, Bankert said.
Contact reporter Ted Czech at 717-771-2033.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call police at (717) 846-1234 or text tips to 847-411. You can also download the York City Police app to give information.
Read or Share this story: https://www.ydr.com/story/news/crime/2017/06/12/man-stabbed-drug-deal-gone-bad-cops-say/389188001/


At Smile, we want to make creating and integrating a rewards program as easy as possible. That is why we created Smile Apps.
With Smile Apps, you can combine the power of Smile with the other technologies that you use to supercharge your community experience.
The number of Smile Apps you can run depends on which plan you are on.
If you would like to see these apps in action, book a demo with us.
We'd love to know which Smile App you'd like to see next. If you have an App suggestion, please fill out our short Next Smile App form and let us know why this App is important for your business.
If you have any other questions about Smile Apps, please contact us at support@smile.io.


More experiment,more succesful.Now I realised how difficult make a perfect Bjd doll.
Domstudio I like your spirit! A couple times I have had to redo a piece, but I feel no discouragement because I enjoy sculpting and I know that the next time I can make the piece even better!
And I agree with others, she is really pretty! Even if I imagine her with the most warped, flawed body imaginable I am still impressed. Because you have clearly learned already how to cast and fire porcelain, how to sand and refine your pieces, how to use China paint, how to string that doll...many skills!
Aww, even if she's not technically perfect, she's still so beautiful! Please don't hate her, she will be sad. I hope your next one turns out better, and look forward to seeing her!


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Discover Nocturnal Wildlife or Venture Into Space During Virtual Dark Skies Festival
By Steve Crabtree
Whether it's discovering how bats use echoes to find their prey; posing questions to an astronomer while watching live pictures of the moon; or being amazed at an astronaut's life during a space mission, this year's Virtual Dark Skies Festival promises a bumper programme of discovery and entertainment for people of all ages.
The Festival has gone online this year, taking place from 12-28 February. The North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, together with Go Stargazing have lined up a host of experts to help bring the event into people's homes.
Each evening viewers can watch as astronomers, professors, researchers and astro photographers share their passion for the dark side.
This year's festival is themed around Nature at Night to highlight why darkness is so important to the nation's wildlife. Families can listen to mind-boggling facts as Dean Waters of the University of York shares the ingenious ways that animals have adapted to the darkness. Whether that's bats making echolocation calls, or the crazy asymmetric ears of owls.
"Planet discoveries inspired by Star Trek"
Dr Callum MacGregor of the University of Hull will shed light on the vital contribution moths make to the ecosystem. Or viewers can tune into wildlife artist Robert Fuller's live webcam footage of owls and stoats.
Budding astronauts and those eager to discover more about space and the cosmos will be able to tune into sessions such as Professor Carole Haswell, Head of Astronomy at the Open University talking about 'Planet Discoveries inspired by Star Trek'. The talk will delve into the work being done to discover distant exoplanets; and the likelihood of finding life on them.
Orla the Alien, who landed in the North York Moors last summer, has now been joined by a number of extra-terrestrial friends that families can adopt if they contact the National Park before 5 February and then let the kids help complete the aliens' mission to find out about life on Earth.
Children will be captivated by the Space Detectives as they take them on a tour of the night sky. Alternatively, children's author Colin Stuartwill whisk viewers away on a mission to discover the red planet known as Mars. Here they'll be able to learn more about life as an astronaut during a seven-month voyage.
Then on 18 February, Go Stargazing will also focus on Mars. What will be happening with NASA's landing of Perseverance Rover on the planet? Depending on the timing, a livestream of the historic moment will be shown as it unfolds.
"Mesmerised"
Weather permitting, a team of astronomers across Britain are being put on standby with their telescopes from 18 February. They'll be relaying live pictures of the moon via the Go Stargazing Facebook page. You'll see the lunar landscape becoming more visible each night as it moves towards its full phase.
Meanwhile, those interested in night photography can join Paul Clark's Swaledale Starscapes session. Here, he shares the beautiful images he's captured over the years. Or participants could study the techniques of astro and nightscape image-taking with tips from specialists Pete Collins or Gary Lintern.
Events are free or have a small charge attached. And many need to be pre-booked by registering a place on the Go Stargazing website.
Emily Watson, Visitor Development and Marketing Assistant for the North York Moors National Park says: "We've designed the virtual programme to reflect the broad range of interests and age groups of visitors that would ordinarily come along to the actual Dark Skies Festival in our National Parks.
"Each speaker is passionate about their subject. And so it could be an ideal opportunity for families to use some of the sessions as part of the homeschooling activity.
"Alternatively, switch off the TV and be prepared to be mesmerised by the fascinating details about darkness and space that our experts share before stepping outside and looking up at the dark sky with a sense of new-found awe."
Register now to venture into space, or discover nocturnal wildlife wonders during the Virtual Dark Skies Festival. www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk
TagsArts News
It's In the Air (1938) – Film ...
Five Star Hotel The Grand, York Launches ...
'Unlimited' Arts Programme for Disabled Artists Establishes Home in Wakefield
'Every Wall Is Adored' PAC Exhibition Celebrates Art in Unexpected Places
Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival Returns for 2021
Yorkshire BID Reveal Butterfly Sculpture at Spurn Point


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Home Law and Justice Robert Bork: All Brain, No Heart
Robert Bork: All Brain, No Heart
Despite his intellect, the former Supreme Court nominee lacked one quality any good judge must have: empathy.
by Kent Greenfield
The country dodged a bullet in 1987 when Robert Bork, nominated by President Ronald Reagan for a seat on the Supreme Court, lost his Senate confirmation by a vote of 58-42. If he had been confirmed, he would have likely served on the Court for the past 25 years, until his death yesterday at the age of 85.
The right's eulogies have begun-the National Review has called him "one of the best legal minds that America has ever produced, probably the best in the postwar world." That's hyperbole, but he was indeed no slouch in the smarts department. He did important scholarly work in anti-trust law, and many point to him as the most persuasive advocate of interpreting the Constitution according to its "original intent." (Antonin Scalia will surely be annoyed when he reads that.)
I have no desire to speak ill of him as a man. I will assume that he loved his family, gave candy to children on Halloween, and rescued cats stranded in trees. But we are fortunate indeed that he did not make it to the Supreme Court. We are fortunate not because he was dumb (he wasn't) or conservative (he was). The real reason we are fortunate he never made it to the Court is that he seemed to lack a fundamental quality of a good judge: the realization that the law has massive implications for real people, and the ability to imagine oneself in another's situation in order to measure those implications. One might call this empathy.
Bork thought Roe v Wade was a travesty, civil-rights laws were a violation of the freedom of businesses, and the Court's imposition of the one-person-one-vote rule a judicial overreach. When Bork's nomination failed, Reagan eventually nominated Anthony Kennedy, who has been somewhat to the left of where Bork would have been. While that nudge leftward made a difference less often than you might expect, the handful of cases in which it did were significant: Planned Parenthood v Casey, which upheld Roe v Wade; Gonzales v Raich, which halted the Rehnquist Court's narrowing of the commerce clause; Roper v Simmons, which ended capital punishment for juveniles; and Boumediene v Bush, which subjected the Guantanamo detention camps to judicial oversight. But his conservatism is not the main reason we dodged a bullet. Conservatives come and go. Bork certainly would not have been out of the conservative mainstream on a Court providing leather-bound seats for Scalia, who compares sodomy to murder, and Clarence Thomas, who thinks minimum-wage laws are unconstitutional. Bork's originalism might have encouraged the other two to be even more brash, but that might have made them less influential with Sandra Day O'Connor, the swing vote during the 1980s and 90s.
Honestly, it's not his conservatism that bothered me. It's the pompous intellectualism that made him see the job as one best performed by a detached theorist, unconnected to the reality of what the Court decides. This defect was illustrated by an exchange near the end of his confirmation hearings. One of his Senate allies, Alan Simpson of Wyoming, tossed him a softball: "Why do you want to be an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court?"
A nominee with any sense could use this as an opportunity to talk about the ideals of public service, the importance of liberty to the nation's identity, and how important it is for the Supreme Court to look after those who are shut out by the political process.
That's not where he went. Instead, he answered: "I think it would be an intellectual feast just to be there." It was the response of an egghead, and it doomed his nomination.
If he had served, this intellectual pomposity would have made it virtually impossible for him to do the things that good judges do: maintain openness to influence and argument, question one's own biases, and guard against overconfidence. Such intellectual qualities are important any time, but especially so when making decisions in a group as homogeneous and stodgy as the Supreme Court. (At the time of Bork's nomination, the Court had seen only one female justice and one African-American justice in over 200 years.) In the last quarter century, when cases reached the Court asking questions about abortion, the right to die, affirmative action, free speech, and gay rights, Bork would have seen these not as cases affecting millions of Americans but as an intellectual exercise.
Since Bork's flame-out, nominees and presidents have learned their lesson, making clear that they understand the importance of the Court's impacts on regular Joes and Josephines. Or at least they say they do.
But Bork never learned to rise above hard-headedness. A few years after his failed nomination to the Court, he decided to resign his seat on the Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. to take advantage of lucrative opportunities in think tanks and on the speaking circuit. As he voluntarily left his life-tenured job on the second most prestigious court in the country, he felt so oppressed that he apparently thought the situation called for a good quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.: "Free at last, free at last, Thank God Almighty, I'm free at last."
It makes one shutter to think that someone that obtuse might have been on the Court for the last 25 years. Thank God Almighty, indeed.
Politics Legal Affairs
Read more by Kent Greenfield


The main focus of our research is the identification and in-depth characterization of novel post-transcriptional regulatory elements in the biological context of stress-induced mRNA regulation in human cells. In addition to studying the biological relevance, we would like to understand the molecular details of the underlying regulatory mechanism: a) How do several regulatory elements work together? b) How are the involved effectors regulated in response to stress signals? c) What role do RNA structures play? d) Can we use these new regulatory elements as effectors in Synthetic Biology applications?
The three-dimensional structure of an mRNA determines its cellular localization, stability and translation efficiency. We are working on the identification and characterization of mRNA structures that determine post-transcriptional gene regulation.
HnRNP DL is a paralog of the well studied hnRNP D/AUF1, which is well known for its function in mRNA decay. We are interested in the cellular functions and mRNA targets of hnRNP DL and its interconnection with hnRNP D.
Gene expression is regulated at all levels in response to hypoxia, ensuring cell survival at low oxygen conditions. We are particularly interested in how alternative splicing changes affect cellular adaptation.
One goal of Synthetic Biology is the development of artificial genetic circuits. For this purpose, we create RNA devices by functionalization of endogenous RNAs with ligand-binding aptamers.
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Golf News – November 6, 2019
Club Champion Opens In Seven New Markets
WILLOWBROOK, IL – Custom club fitter Club Champion announces the opening of seven new fitting studios, located in Richmond, VA; Hartford, CT; Louisville, KY; Houston, TX; Birmingham, AL; Scottsdale, AZ; and Grand Rapids, MI. Four of the new locations are the first Club Champion studio in their state. The stores are open and accepting fitting appointments.
Club Champion fits, sells and builds custom golf clubs using brands like Callaway, TaylorMade, Ping, Titleist, Cobra, Fujikura, Golf Pride and many more. The company delivers a Tour-quality fitting that produces longer, more accurate shots with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate for golfers of any ability level.
The new studios feature two indoor hitting bays with TrackMan launch monitors for analyzing performance, a SAM PuttLab system to find the perfect putter, and a build shop for repairing and assembling golf clubs by hand. The roughly 3,000 square foot spaces also include a demo matrix to display the head and shaft options that make up their 35,000 hittable combinations.
Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the 100 Best Club Fitters ten years running, Club Champion hires experienced fitters who then receive an additional 150+ hours of training, which is unmatched in the golf industry. The company has a unique coupling system used to combine any head and shaft together, so golfers hit the precise combination to be custom built for them. They are the only fitter in the country to offer 35,000 interchangeable head and shaft combinations on-site, at all locations.
Club Champion ambassador and world-renowned golf instructor David Leadbetter says, "It never ceases to amaze me that golfers buy clubs off the shelf and assume they're right for them. Whether you're a great golfer or a casual one, getting a custom club fitting is one of the quickest ways to improve your game."
For a limited time, the new stores will celebrate their grand openings by offering 50% off full bag fittings, and 33% off driver, fairway wood, long game, hybrid, wedge and putter fittings.
Visit Club Champion here:
ZSTRICT Announces Grand Opening of First U.S. Venue
STAMFORD, CT – GOLFZON – the world leader in the golf simulator marketplace – will celebrate the grand opening of its first North American location on Nov. 1 at Chelsea Piers Connecticut under the umbrella of its new brand, ZSTRICT.
Founded in 2000 in South Korea, GOLFZON has been named "Best Simulator" by Golf Digest's Editors' Choice Awards from 2017 – 2019. More than 57 million rounds are played on GOLFZON simulators in 46 countries annually. Having earned the largest industry market share, ZSTRICT's first U.S. venue will serve as a shining model for future growth across North America.
The grand opening will provide community leaders, media and industry friends full access to the state-of-the-art technology, sensational dining and lounge area and meet with GOLFZON AMERICA representatives. The event will run from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. and feature a welcome toast from GOLFZON AMERICA CEO Tommy Lim at 8:30 p.m. Tommy will be available to answer any questions about the company's arrival to the Northeast and what the future might hold.
Chelsea Piers Connecticut is one of the finest sports and recreational facilities in America. ZSTRICT's 11,000 square-foot location offers swing plate variable ground settings, multi-surface hitting mats, smart auto tee, intelligent data on ball flight, club speed, posture adjustment and more in their 10 simulator bays. With rich graphics, real-time feedback and global connectivity, ZSTRICT's software produces unmatched course realism. Each venue allows players to compete on 75 real-life golf courses including Pebble Beach, Bethpage Black, The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, St. Andrews and more.
The ZSTRICT app is available on the App Store and Google Play. Players can see their scorecards, personal shot data, stats, league information and swing video in the app.
Like outdoor facilities, ZSTRICT proudly employs PGA Professionals to help guests with swing lessons, club fittings and other elements of the game. With no membership required, the Chelsea Piers Connecticut venue is a year-round golf destination for improvement, competition, socializing and enjoyment. Experience the very best of indoor golf at ZSTRICT, where there will always be time to play.
Visit ZSTRICT here:
World Handicap System To Roll Out In 2020
LIBERTY CORNER, N.J., and ST. ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – The World Handicap System (WHS) is ready to be launched in January 2020 and will provide golfers with a unified and more inclusive handicapping system for the first time.
Though many countries are planning to adopt the new system in January, the system will go live in other parts of the world throughout the year to accommodate different implementation plans and variations in the golf calendar.
Developed by the USGA and The R&A in close coordination with existing handicapping authorities, the WHS will provide all golfers with a consistent measure of playing ability, with handicaps calculated in the same way wherever they are in the world.
A key objective of the initiative was to develop a modern system, enabling as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index. Golfers will be able to transport their Handicap Index globally and compete or play a casual round with players from other regions on a fair basis. It will also indicate the score a golfer is reasonably capable of achieving the next time they go out to play.
The WHS has two main components – the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System. The Rules of Handicapping are encompassed within seven Rules to inform administrators and golfers on how an official Handicap Index is calculated and administered, with some flexibility given to national associations based on how the sport is played and enjoyed in their region. The Course Rating System, based on the USGA Course Rating System first adopted nearly 50 years ago and already adopted on nearly every continent, sets out a consistent method of determining a course's difficulty. Together, these components become the foundational elements in determining a golfer's Handicap Index.
In preparation for the launch of the WHS, more than 3,000 golf courses have been rated for the first time and an extensive education program has been delivered. By the end of 2019, more than 90 National Associations will have attended an educational seminar and a robust library of resources is hosted on WHS.com to support regional education.
The formation of a World Handicap System was first conceived in 2011 between the USGA and The R&A in an effort to engage more golfers in the game and promote equity, no matter where golf is played. The effort unites six existing handicapping systems into one, while embracing the many ways the game is played across cultures.
Beginning in 2020, the new WHS will be governed by the USGA and The R&A and administered by national and regional golf associations around the world.
As an extension of their support of the Rules of Golf worldwide, Rolex has made a commitment to support the USGA's and The R&A's efforts to implement the World Handicap System.
Visit the World Handicap System here:
Michael Feland
Born in Houston, TX, raised in New Orleans, LA, Mike and his family currently live in Orlando, FL. Mike is a First Tee Level 1 Certified instructor and enjoys sharing his love for the game with the Orlando area youth that participate in The First Tee of Central Florida program.
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Fertility Drugs Do Not Increase Ovarian Cancer Risk
Women who take fertility drugs do not have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, according to a large study by Danish researchers.
There's been ongoing debate about whether fertility drugs boost the likelihood of ovarian cancer. Previous studies have yielded conflicting findings, and concerns endure, especially for women who undergo several cycles of fertility drug treatment or those who never become pregnant.
In the new study, Danish Cancer Society researchers analyzed data from 54,362 women referred to fertility clinics between 1963 and 1998. Of those women, 156 developed ovarian cancer. The researchers adjusted for several risk factors and then assessed the effect of four groups of fertility drugs over an average period of 16 years.
The study found no overall increased risk for ovarian cancer after the use of any fertility drug. It also found no increased risk among women who had 10 or more cycles of fertility drug treatment or among women who never became pregnant.
The researchers did note a statistically significant increase in the risk of the most serious type of ovarian cancer among women who took the fertility drug clomiphene (Clomid), but indicated they believe this was a chance association.
The study was published in BMI (British Medical Journal).
Study Findings Reassuring
Penelope Webb, PhD, a research fellow at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research in Australia, wrote in an accompanying editorial that the findings are reassuring and provide further evidence that the use of fertility drugs does not increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
Study Ongoing
Many of the women in the study had not reached the peak age for ovarian cancer, so the researchers plan to continue to monitor their risk.
Pregnancy Complication Points to Thyroid Problems Later On
Fruits and Veggies May Improve Sperm Quality


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Gratitude is a Conscious Decision – Look Ma, No Sleep!
I didn't know they were struggling to conceive. And she was right. If given the option, I'm sure most would choose a healthy baby over a big house any day. It's so easy to look at what other people have and think they have everything. It's easy to compare your life to someone else's and convince yourself that you are so much worse off and everyone else has it so much better than you. Everyone else has more money than you. Everyone else has newer clothes, bigger houses, better health, more money, less debt, etc etc etc.
But you are only shown what they choose to show you.
This if my first Thanksgiving as a parent, and I can say I truly feel more grateful than I have any other year of my life. But at the same time, I can definitely see how people feel LESS grateful during the Thanksgiving season because of the comparison game. If that happens to be you this year, I urge you to simply focus on what you have and not what you lack. I hope you can realize that while someone else may have a bigger house or a better job, they may be looking at your life thinking the same exact thing.
It's easy to be ungrateful. It takes a stronger mindset to practice gratitude every day. This Thanksgiving, Christmas, and going into the new year, I encourage you to really focus on what you are thankful for. Gratitude is a conscious decision that has to be made every day for it to stay consistent. Your mindset is a powerful tool, that if used in the right way, could change your life.