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On self-determination
Essays on Sovereignty - Book index
Self-determination is the capacity of a polity to define the parameters and qualitative aspects of its quotidian life. Rules of custom, statutes, the specifics of institutional arrangements, social stratification, the procedures that contribute to aspects of political organisation, and the like. These are designed to be consistent with the polity's prevailing ideas and perspectives on political life. What may hold true in one state, may not apply to another. What may be the case in a state at a point in time, might not have been so during a different epoch.
This plurality, this plasticity, is the outcome of an ever present process of self-determination. The operative term is "process". This is not a single phenomenon. A discrete moment in the time continuum that can be singled out. Some events may be more important than others in terms of their impact on political life, but the general trend is for incremental changes to an ever-evolving corpus of values, practices, standards, beliefs.
Politics is in a state of flux. New issues come up that require addressing. Legislation needs to be introduced to tackle previously unforeseen circumstances. Social roles, the organisation of labour, methods for distributing the goods of the polity, are all subject to [gradual] revaluation. They can be envisaged and upheld as different.
Holistic view of the political whole
Politics as such is an emergent reality. It is organic. A system of interpersonal relations engendering phenomena that can only exist at the higher scope of interaction rather than the 'foundational' level of the individual human. Just as there can be no absolutely private ethics or language (decontextualised from any external reference, stimulus, point of interaction, etc.), there exist states of affairs that may only be understood as outright political; germane to the system—the organic whole—itself.
The 'self' that gets to be determined is, therefore, neither an individual nor, most importantly, a collection of individuals conceived as a group. The political self is the collection of individuals in addition to their prevailing culture. What is subject to determination through the political process is not the material constitution of the persons involved, but rather the more abstract yet very much immanent cobweb of given truths that holds them together as a group.
The function of simplification
It is indeed the case that aggregates such as "the society" or "the state" do not have human faculties of intellect, experience, emotion. They do not act or think in the way you and I do. Aggregates are abstractions, mental constructs used to help us gain a better grasp on reality and to facilitate our communication.
Reduction is necessary to get the point across. We use it for virtually everything. Imagine substituting "the government decided" with "the collection of individuals elected on a fixed term basis through a formal process as representatives of a larger group of people legally defined as citizens, for the sake of pursuing certain ends, and operating within a given framework of laws whose basis is another legal document known as the "constitution", decided…". Communication would quickly become unwieldy, impractical.
The same kind of necessary simplification applies to the elements of social aggregates, most notably "the individual" or "the corporation". The notion of the decontextualised natural/legal person, the agent who behaves in accordance with their own will as if no physical or cultural factor ever determines them, is only useful in reducing an otherwise complex reality to its basics. It has no ontological basis: the absolute individual is, strictly speaking, a chimera.
The sources of causation on the person
From a biological perspective, human is matter. An animal that exhibits many commonalities with other beings, especially mammals and primates. Our genes determine what we as a species can do. The determinism or, rather, the probabilism that holds true for all nature applies to us as well. Human is part of nature, not a distinct category.
This is the natural aspect of causality. Some event in the physical order triggers a process which ultimately manifests through, inter alia, chemical reactions in the brain and/or body as thought, emotion, action.
But human is not just matter. It is a formation of natural systems of interrelations, each at its own level of abstraction and complexity, from the atoms to the organs to the specimen "human", which itself partakes in—and is affected by—an even broader context: their social environment.
The relations between humans and the products thereof have a basis in the natural order, yet they are not matter per se. Consider language, the very text written here. There are faculties that enable humans to speak, write, think, and to communicate meanings to their fellows. That is the natural foundation. The nominality of it is found in the content of language. The meanings, the syntax, the grammar germane to a given code of communication effectively are products of convention rather than natural necessity. They could have been conceived, understood, structured in a different manner.1
This 'convention' was not agreed upon at any given moment in any one place. It has developed through a continuous process of interaction between humans. The phenomenon of language is intersubjective throughout. Not only due to language being a historical-cultural invention, but also in the very manifestation of language as an instrument necessary for advanced communication between humans. There can be no language in a decontextualised, an absolute individual. The very notion of communicating ideas to others would be absurd.
The nominal environment
The same line of thinking holds for other social phenomena such as morality, the institution of property rights, political hierarchies, and the like. Even if they have a source in nature, their content or value is nominal. To this end, by virtue of a holistic approach on human presence, we may consider the nominal environment as a domain that contributes to the determination of the individual, just as the natural order exerts its force on human's material composition.
The nominal environment, the set of intersubjective factors and parameters, is external to the individual. The person is immersed in a social milieu that already is in the process of determining itself. They are born into a certain culture, endowed with whatever their social surroundings provide for. The moral code, the concepts embedded in language, gender roles, the opportunities for economic, recreational, or intellectual initiative and expression; the "what is" of the person is to a large extent moulded by their nominal environment. The person—the contextualised individual—gets to operate within a realm of possibility delineated by emergent realities of an intersubjective sort that necessarily remain outside their immediate reach.
This is not to suggest that individuality is irrelevant or a mere illusion. Given the probabilism of the world, what we traditionally understand as the essence of the individual—free will—must have certain probabilities attached to it for its expression. There is no predetermined linearity to the chain of causation. Individuality has scope for being made manifest, with the proviso that it is not absolute, i.e. immune to influences from the natural and nominal surroundings.
By labelling this type of determinism "nominal" we are merely drawing a distinction from the natural sort. What we are not trying to do is discount its immediacy and actual impact. Social realities may be the product of self-determination and, therefore, potentially subject to change. But for as long as they are what they are, their effects on human experience are as real as they get.
Methodology matters
We have dedicated an entire chapter of this book to clarify a rather simple, seemingly obvious, point: the political whole is not a person. When we suggest that "the polity" determines itself we are not claiming that some exalted being consciously takes a certain course of action independent of the will of the individuals. What we are arguing for instead is that the process of self-determination manifests incrementally as the cumulative effect of all social experiences. The emergent phenomena thereof cannot be discerned at the level of the individual. A broader perspective, a holistic analysis, is required.
So if the point is simple, why not get done with it in a paragraph or two? Because simplicity is often appreciated only after its actual complexity is put in a certain order. Obvious is that which has been analysed. Many dubious claims in politics derive from misunderstandings that could have been avoided if some more thought was put on the perspective, the scope of application of the proposed truth.
Consider, for instance, the extremes of individualism and collectivism. Both share a common fallacy: the decontextualisation of their subject of inquiry. For the individualist of the extreme sort there is no such thing as a 'nominal' source of determination, maybe not even a natural one. Human is a priori free to do as they please, reap the rewards of their decisions and suffer the consequences (think how that value system impacts social welfare, the prison system, and the like). For the collectivist all that matters is the collective as such, the society, the nation, the state, whatever it is they see as the higher-order being. No such things as individual freedoms and civil liberties can be allowed to exist, especially if they do not serve the 'interests' of the collective itself.
The holistic approach we have adopted here aims to put the concept of "self-determination" in its proper context. Polities are in a process of evolution. What applies to the polity has powerful effects on the individuals immersed in it. But the polity is not a distinct entity with no link whatsoever to the underlying relations of the persons involved. What people in their daily life choose to do also has an impact on the qualities of their political whole. Hence the claim that politics is organic. "Organic" does not mean biological. It denotes a system of interdependent variables, ordered at different levels of abstraction, governed by general rules as well as particular ones that only hold true for each level, where cause and effect are not necessarily linear and may therefore contribute to a range of mutually-exclusive probable outcomes.
This enriched view can help us cast the notion of "sovereignty" in a different light. As something that is adaptable. That can change with the times. A concept whose use in political organisation is dependent on the specifics. Self-determination may attain a new character. It once was treated as national self-determination. Though it might also be international self-determination. This self is not a biological given. It is a product of convention and practical necessity. Much like its consubstantial magnitude: sovereignty.
That the content of language could be considered differently does not mean that language is a collection of arbitrary sounds and/or signs. As we can see from programming languages where it usually is one person or a small group that develops them, the language still needs to have internal coherence in its syntax and grammar. It still needs to distinguish between an object and its qualities, a variable and a constant, a process and a product, etc. [^]
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Judge limits footage that family can see of deputy shooting
ELIZABETH CITY, NC (AP) — The family of a man who was fatally shot in his car by sheriff's deputies in North Carolina will only be shown a fraction of body camera footage that was taken.
The family could also wait days longer to view it. That's according to a judge's written ruling issued Thursday.
Attorneys for Andrew Brown Jr.'s family had expected to see video of the shooting in Elizabeth City as soon as this week. But Superior Court Judge Jeffery Foster now says they must wait up to 10 days to view the footage, starting Thursday.
He also limited the family to viewing less than 20 minutes of the nearly two hours of video that was recorded.
Categories: Associated Press, NC, NC-Carolinas, News
Tags: Andrew Brown Jr., Crime, Elizabeth City, Shooting

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Jenny first started dancing at the Ida Ballingal school of dance as a child and during this time she excelled in many highland exams and finally gained her BBO teaching diploma in 1970. Jenny first opened the 'Strathkinness School of Dance' in 1980 for a few pupils in Strathkinness Church Hall, Strathkinness. Her passion for dance and love of children soon saw her reputation grow and, before long, her hobby had turned into a full time job! She quickly gained contracts with Newpark and St Katherines schools, then in 1988 she took over the Ann Roberts School of Dance in St Andrews. With the growing popularity of the St Andrews classes and due to the wishes of her late husband, Jenny decided to rename the school Jenny King's Academy of Dance in the mid 1990's. Around this time Jenny also gained her Associate Teacher status with Distinction. Her commitment and love for what she did saw her pupils not only receive excellent examination results but many have gone on to professional dance schools, leading to professional careers in dance. Jenny lost a very brave battle with cancer in February 2013. Her love, passion and enthusiasm for dance lives through the generations of pupils that have passed through the school. She was most likely to be heard saying "life is not a dress rehearsal" or "Don't wait for the storm to pass, learn to dance in the rain".
The Strathkinness School of Dance was first opened by Jenny King in 1969 until 1974, then the doors closed for 6 years as she had her children. The doors re-opened in 1980 with 2 classes on a Friday evening for 12 children. Over the years, as the school grew, extra classes were added. In 1982, adult keep fit and tap classes were introduced and a year later ballet. In 1991, Jenny took over the Ann Roberts School of Dance which enabled her to have classes in St Andrews and Newpark School. Around this time, she was also invited to introduce Highland dance at St Katherine's School. Ballet and Modern dance are now taught at St Leonard's Junior School, formerly known as St Katherine's. Drama was introduced in 2004 under the direction of Ms Sarah Heald. It was always Jenny's husband's wish that the school be called after her, so after his sudden death in 1993, she changed the name from Strathkinness School of Dance to the Jenny King's Academy of Dance. Sadly, Jenny lost a very brave battle with cancer in February 2013, and the Academy is now run by her daughter, Jemma, who is determined to maintain the high standards set by her mother and to continue the experience that many young people have enjoyed over the years.


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MP3: Whitney McClain (@WhitneyMcMusic) - Santa Don't Cry This Christmas
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R&B/Soul-Pop singer and songwriter Whitney McClain is giving the gift of song this holiday season, as she released her newly penned holiday single, "Santa Don't Cry This Christmas," today, Friday, December 8. The song is available to stream and as a free download below.
The track, a simple holiday jingle, celebrates Christmas in her own way, through her Christian faith. The song was co-written and produced by Ralph Stacy, whom she also worked with on her recent single, "Cruise."
About "Santa Don't Cry This Christmas", she commented:
"I actually came up with the song out of the blue in my closet. I really like this song because it's different from a regular Christmas song. 'Santa Don't Cry This Christmas' has a unique message. It's a record about me coming to Jesus, and asking Santa not to be sad that I'm celebrating The Lord on Christmas instead of him. I feel like this song could also translate into more of a love song, too, for other people, even if they aren't believers."
With its universal message and undeniable spirit, it's a natural evolution for the 23-year-old Salem, Oregon, native, whose 2015 debut single, "Bombs Away", racked up over 1 million views on YouTube. Hot on its heels, she returned with the 2016 EP Nothing to Lose, which spawned three singles that each joined the million views club. Meanwhile, she garnered a nomination from the Independent Music Awards for "Urban EP of the Year."
Now based in Los Angeles, Whitney released her single "Cruise", co-written with Marlon McClain II, Davi Jordan and Ralph Stacy, last month. The track will be featured on her forthcoming sophomore EP, due out in 2018 via Gold Dust LLC. In just over four weeks since its release, the single has already been spun on multiple radio stations including WCLK-FM (Atlanta, GA), WTCC-FM (Springfield, MA), KAZI-FM (Austin, TX), WHCR-FM (New York, NY), Starpoint Radio (UK), WPFW-FM (Washington, D.C.), and featured on multiple Spotify playlists. The video has received over 1.3M views since its release.
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More Californians forced to flee as fires spread
15 Oct, 2017 04:00 PM 2 minutes to read
The devastated Coffey Park neighbourhood in Santa Rosa, California. Photo / AP
Northern California officials ordered a new round of mandatory evacuations for parts of the Sonoma Valley and eastern Santa Rosa as gusting winds returned, reviving dangerous fire conditions in a region that has been devastated by ongoing blazes.
The National Weather Service warned that strong winds were expected throughout Northern California, with gusts of 55 to 70km/h, putting much of the region under a red flag warning. "If any new fires start, they could spread extremely rapidly," the NWS said. Dangerous winds and extremely dry "fuels" on the ground "also could cause problems with the current wildfires and the firefighters trying to suppress them," the NWS noted.
"If you live in the areas below, LEAVE NOW!" Sonoma County officials wrote. The evacuation order affected thousands of residents, as the Nuns fire remained a "big, unwieldy beast," a fire spokesman told KQED News. In neighbouring Napa County, to the east, officials said that they did not expect any new evacuations but cautioned its residents to remain vigilant because of "significant wind activity".
Even as several fires still burn across hundreds of hectares in California wine country, the horrific scale of death and destruction is coming into focus.
At least 37 people have been confirmed dead in four counties, many of them elderly, some burned to ashes. One victim was 14 years old. Taken together, the disastrous blazes - more than 20 in all, including at least six in Sonoma County - have killed more people than any other California wildfire on record. The death toll is certain to rise as authorities - some with cadaver dogs - continue to explore the wreckage.
An aerial view shows the devastation of the Coffey Park neighborhood after a wildfire swept through. Photo / AP
Hundreds are still missing. Statewide, an estimated 5700 structures have been destroyed, including whole neighbourhoods reduced to smoldering rubble. About 90,000 people have been displaced.
"It's devastating. I've only driven maybe 5 per cent of the fire area... I don't even think I understand what the damage toll is going to be, and I have a better handle on it than most," Sonoma County Sheriff Rob Giordano told the Los Angeles Times. "Santa Rosa will be a different planet. There is so much to rebuild. It will absolutely change the community."
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City of Pembroke sponsoring five concerts for seniors featuring Erin Leahy and Louis Schryer
Pembroke Observer
More from Pembroke Observer
Published on: December 3, 2019 | Last Updated: December 3, 2019 9:53 PM EST
Erin Leahy and Louis Schryer along with a talented cast of step dancers and singers will be presenting three concerts for seniors on Dec. 13 and 14. The concerts are sponsored by the City of Pembroke. Postmedia photos
A Christmas Concert for Seniors The City of Pembroke is sponsoring a series of special free Christmas concerts for Seniors on Dec. 13 and 14.
The concerts will feature four-time Canadian Grand Masters fiddling champion Louis Schryer, accompanied on piano by Erin Leahy of the world-renowned musical group Leahy. In addition, they will be joined by a talented cast of step dancers and singers. The concerts will take place on Dec. 13 at Chartwell Pinewood Retirement Residence (2 p.m.) and Marianhill (6 p.m.) The Dec. 14 concerts take place at Supples Landing (12:45 p.m.), Chartwell Pembroke Heritage Retirement Residence (3:45 p.m.) and Miramichi Lodge (6 p.m.).
All seniors residing at the residences and those that live in the City are invited to these free Christmas concerts. Seniors that live in the City are asked to go to the retirement home closest to their residence and enjoy the wonderful entertainment. If transportation is required, please phone Holly MacDonald at 343-369-1273 before Wednesday, Dec. 11.
The idea for the free seniors Christmas concerts was developed by the City of Pembroke Seniors Affairs Advisory Committee. The mandate of the committee is to develop, advise and make recommendations to City Council regarding seniors' concerns, issues and programs.
In addition to the seniors Christmas concerts, the committee has also developed a survey for senior residents that will be distributed in January at local City of Pembroke venues, such as city hall, the Pembroke Public Library, Pembroke Memorial Centre, churches and online. The results of the survey will be analyzed by the committee with recommendations sent to city council for review and potential approval.
The members of the Seniors Affairs Advisory Committee are chairman Gary Severin, Mayor Mike LeMay, councillors Pat Lafreniere and Brian Abdallah, Irene Perrault, Holly MacDonald, Don Peever, Pierette Philion, Ted Mahood, Norma Valiquette, Jim Buchner, and manager of parks and recreation Ron Conroy. The group's next meeting is Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 4:30 p.m. in city hall council chambers and all members of the public are invited to attend.
The committee looks forward to being the voice for the seniors community and welcomes any ideas or comments. To contact the committee, or for more information about the Christmas Concert for Seniors, please contact chairman Gary Severin at 613-732-4929 or Coun. Pat Lafreniere at 613-735-6821 ext. 1391 or Coun. Brian Abdallah at 613-735-6821 ext. 1392.
The Pembroke Seniors Affairs Advisory Committee extends warm holiday greetings to all community members and their families. Please enjoy the special Christmas Concerts for seniors on Dec. 13 and 14, presented by the City of Pembroke.
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On October 22, 2011 at 1:08 in the morning Zoë Faye Young was born into the world from a womb with out water. She was immediatly whisked away from her parents to be stuck with needles and have IV's placed for antibiotics. She spent the next month with colic, keeping us up late, and forever searching for a way to make her happy.
Zoë had line after line, after stick, after arterial line, after PICC line, and broviac placed. She has had more dressings, and tape, and nephrostomy tubes, and catheters, and surgeries, and breathing tubes, and pain. More pain than most could bear. But she has handled every step with a grace, and determination that is astounding. It is as if that first IV placed at birth was a way for her to know what her life would be like. As if all the pain of colic was a way for her to know what belly pains would come. Like everything was preparing her for the next big thing.
Someone posted that Zoë is a very old soul. I did not think of it that way until now, but I agree. When I was in college a very dear friend and I would often discuss the age of people, and how we are all older or younger than our actual years. She is a very old soul, and I was described by her as a soul that may have had a few trips back, but I am still very young. Well...Zoë is clearly an old soul. The knowlege that is behind her eyes, the knowing that she has always had. The ability for her to speak to me with out words. The way in which in the face of pure physical horror she is able to not only bear it, but thrive. To grow. To learn. To adapt. To wake up everyday and stretch out arms up, and legs out, and smile. That ability must only come because she at one time must have lived a beautiful life.
People keep telling me that she is here for a reason. Yes. Yes, she is. She is the face of childhood cancer. She is the face of rare cancer. She is letting people who otherwise never gave a thought to cancer research a reason to care for a cure. I have friends who never thought this kind of cancer ever happened. Or "who knew cancer got 'smart' and would stop being affected by chemo." Zoë is giving the world a wake up call. She is saying LOOK! LOOK AT ME. LOOK AT HOW BEAUTIFUL I AM. LOOK AT HOW FUCKED UP IT IS TO HAVE CANCER! DO SOMETHING! DO SOMETHING DAMN IT!
I could write my blog....thousands of words, and not have one person listen. But I post a picture of Zoë and the world reacts. People around the world are crying and pleading to save a little girl they have never met. I did not do this for her, my husband did not do this....this reaction to our situation is not because of us. It is purely and solely because of Zoë.
My mother always remarks about how Zoë has the ability to attract people to her. She is like a beacon, she has a light inside of her that is so bright that it shines brighter than the sun. People caught in her rays are captivated. They are mesmerized by her...and that is all her. It is breath taking, It makes me unable to describe just how awed I am by her.
My husband and I perhaps being in her light so long are blinded. We are unable to see anything but her.
I believe that every person who crosses our path shapes us. They are there to learn a lesson. When you start to date in life, you get your first boyfriend, and you love, and you breakup. And there is a lesson in that breakup. Then you date again, and you hopefully using what you learned before do not make the same mistakes again. Then you breakup for other reasons, and you learn another lesson, and you go out and you find someone and you date again. The goal being that when all of your lessons are learned hopefully you will find the right person for you.
Lots of people say after a breakup, "I wish I never met _______." I have never thought that a day in my life. Everyone I have loved, everyone I have been friends with, everyone who I interact with even on the most basic of levels is important. I have always tried to learn from those relationships, and I hope that where I have failed, and where I have hurt someone in the past, I hope I have learned and I have not done the same things to someone else.
Well Zoë in her 5 plus months has taught me more than the all of the lessons I have learned from all of the people I have ever met in my entire life.
She has taught me not to be afraid of pain when I bore her. She has taught me how to love more deeply than I ever knew. She has opened my eyes to a world that is so beautiful. She has shown me that people are giving, and can be selfless even in such a selfish society. She has taught me that I have more energy than I knew I had. She has shown me not to be afraid to die.
I have always been petrified to die. Sometimes late night I would lay in bed and just think, "what if this was it." I would cry, and think I am so not ready, I have so much I need to do. Almost always on my list of what I needed was to be a mother. And now I am a mother, I will always be a mother.
I still fear death, because now I have to live for two. Being a parent is exhausting work because you are living for yourself, and your child. Everything you do in a day you have to do for yourself and your child. Or your child, then yourself if you have the chance. You feed them, and clothe them, and wash them....and it is exhausting. I have been living for two since before I conceived Zoë. It has not always been easy. I have had my weak moments where I would have that second bowl of ice cream rather than a salad and a well balanced meal. But all in all I was living for her...now I will continue on living for her.
I told my brother that when Zoë was placed into a remission status that I quite frankly wanted to get so fucked up that I would have to be mopped up off the floor. Well the other day I told him that now...now all I want is to live every moment to its fullest. To not miss a second of my life. Even if it means suffering through what I am I need to do it with a clear head, and open eyes. I cannot look back on Zoë's last days and not remember every second of her.
Maybe that is why I cannot sleep. I have barely slept for days. But I have more energy than I know what to do with. My mother suggested a sleeping pill. Well maybe there will be a time someday for that...but for now I just want to keep my eyes open.
Zeppo and I have decided that along with a traditional funeral we will be sitting our own version of Shiva. This for those who don't know is a Jewish tradition of gathering for seven days with family to mourn. After the seven days the family goes for a walk to signify that they are reentering the world and that they are no longer in mourning.
I decided I need this. When my grandmother, my Memere passed away it was in my senior year, second semester of college. I drove 85-95 miles an hour the night of her wake from Philadelphia to Pascoag, RI. I had only an hour or so before we left the funeral home, and then had the funeral the next day. The following day I drove as slowly as I could back to school, and immediately had to begin class work. Thus preventing me the ability to really mourn her loss. Instead for years, and years, and years I could not speak of my Memere with out crying. I could not cope with my loss, and although I make my best attempts to visit her grave I still feel like I did not give her the time in my heart and mind that I needed to give her.
I will not have this happen with Zoë. I know that I will need extended time to mourn, and I need a way to signify that it is OK to reenter the world. Shiva will help me do all of that.
We will post, or have someone post the calling hours for Shiva and we open our home for a number of days to be determined, to those who need to come and mourn with us. There are some "rules" or ways about Shiva that you can read about on Wikipedia, or other online sites, but basically as it has been explained to me is the following. When you arrive to our home you do not have to greet us. We may not want to greet you, or we may want to greet you. It is up to us to approach you. Our home is your home during this time. So be comfortable in it. You do not need to ask our permission for anything. You also do not need to ask us what we need. We need you to do what you need to do for you.
Everyone mourn is their own way. Some need to talk, some need silence. Seek out those like yourself and morn together. Some need to do "something". If you need to cook, cook. If you need to clean, clean. If you need to run, run. Do for you what you need to do, and in doing so you will be doing what we need you to do, for us. Just please don't ask us what we need. We will do what we need to do. We will ask when we need something.
Yesterday was one of the most beautiful days we have had with Zoë. The gift of going out side with her after being in this hospital for days was wonderful. I as most of you know am not a baseball fan. But by going to Fenway I got to do something with Zoë that I needed.
As you all know Zoë loves her balloons. From the first one that Louisa gave her, to all the other ones she collected. We don't have her original balloons with us, but we were given some from the nurses on 6 East, and I went and bought my baby a ridiculous amount of balloons, and together Zeppo, and I watched as Zoë, with much hesitation, and encouragement to let go....let go of her balloons from left field of Fenway Park. I watched until I could no longer see them, then asked in what direction they went. Well they went in the direction of Rhode Island. Zeppo and my home towns. It made me cry. We attached a note, and maybe someone someday will find it.
I wish I could launch a thousand balloons...a million balloons. So I would like when the time is right to have a balloon launch for those of you who are unable to be here with us, and who feel the need to do something. We will do a balloon launch at her funeral, and we will give a time, and we would like you to find a beautiful place with wide clear sky to let a balloon go with a note telling Zoë's story, and a link to her website for people if they find the note to let us know that they have read, and learned about our baby. Please hand write your note, please place it in a plastic bag with a zipper to protect it from the weather, and attach it to the balloon with care.
Just as I finished writing that last paragraph Zoë woke up, and ate. We fed her, and now she is playing with her tubey-toy. We told her all about the balloon launch, and she grunted in approval. It made us laugh, it made us tear. But it will not make me cry...because I still refuse to cry in front of her.
All for now. Off to play with my baby!
God bless you! I read your post this am and I cant not cosole myself. I have not slept in days thinking of Zoe. I look at my baby and I see Zoe and I cried. My emotions have gotten the best of me that I am calling for PCP for help. All I can say is god bless you and your family. Give Zoe kisses and hugs.
I have been told that some of us come to this earth to be tested and others are sent to test the compassion of those around them, they are the Lord's most precious and beloved and he gives them particular comfort as they endure, what to most of us, appears to be unbearable suffering.
If Zoe was sent here to test the compassion of others, look at what an incredible job she is doing, look how she is touching the lives and souls of people the whole world over. In a world where we are assaulted by misery and gloomy news, by evil and wars, this one tiny girl arrives and shows thousands and perhaps millions of people how to shut away those things that mean nothing, to love and to grow, to smile and reach out to people who need our love and support. What a giant she is, what a blessing to the world.
What an example you both are to all of us in this world who have stopped and taken in what life should be all about, I wonder if you know how many people are touched by you and your precious baby, how many souls are slowing down to ponder on the real meaning of this life and where we are all going once it is over because this one glorious spirit has made us think these things.
Thank you for sharing your baby with us, for allowing us to follow her journey, may we all follow her example and start each day with a stretch, a smile and a determination to show the world what a glorious place it can . God bless your family and may be hold your hands and hearts as you travel this heartbreaking road with Zoe. Much love from England, Helen.
God Bless Zoe and your family <3. Our prayers are with you all xoxo.
Nor take the pain away.
Each hill you have to climb.
Such a precious old soul! Zoe forever will be in our hearts! Many hugs and kisses to you three!
God bless you all - you have touched so many lives of folks all over the world. You are amazing people, all three of you. And you're right - when that picture of hers comes up on the top of the screen, my heart melts. She is beautiful, smart, and yes, an old soul.
Reading this post this morning, I feel the journey is not ending but beginning. Helen's comments are so insightful. There is a thread that is weaving everyone together.
I want to offer you some words of comfort, some healing words. My search brings me to Richard Bach for inspiration. He wrote 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull' and 'Illusions'. In Illusions, there is a sub-book splashed among the pages titled, 'Messiah's Handbook Reminders for the Advanced Soul'. Many years ago I took all the reminders, typed them together, printed it and have it in a favorite leather journal. Reading this 'Handbook' together with 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull' helped through difficult and often seemingly impossible times.
use it or lose it..."
While sharing Zoë with us, you have given us a new perspective. I will be releasing a balloon when you ask us to. I can't think of a better way to pay tribute to such a brave soul and to you as well.
I believe in the power of light and silently pray; "May white light surround, fill and protect you and everyone and everything around you for your highest good and the highest good of all concerned."
Zoe-and our Keri will some day meet each other in heaven. Hope they remain friends forever.
I continue to pray for your strength and your family. The balloon launch sounds like a lovely idea.
Bio-Degradeable Balloons! Totally buying some and sending off notes about little Zoe and her story. Love you Law!
I teach in an inner-city high school, and I talked to some of my students about Zoë and her battle with cancer. Let me tell you, if cancer could get an beat down, my students would be happy to be the ones to do it. Zoë is in the hearts of many people, people who never even met her.
I met you through the Internet a few months ago, before you were in remission. A kind woman created a bracelet in your honor and I bought it in an auction. I have worn it every day. At times, it is as light as air and I don't even realize it's on. Other times, it pulls at my wrist. It makes me stop cleaning the counter and drags me down to th carpet to place with my 3 year old girl. It sparkles at me when I'm holding my 9 month old son, reminding me of the bright light in his eyes, although they are closed peacefully as he sleeps. I am a calmer, more appreciative, much gentler mother because of you, little one. Thank you.
As for your next journey, it will be to a glorious new home where you can soar. We will never forget you and my children will have a happier childhood because you were here. I wish you could have been here longer, but I know we will meet again in the arms of our Father.
Much love and peace, sweet girl. Thank you.
As I have said on my facebook post about Zoe recently, Zoe has changed so many lives, taught so many people that every moment is important and to cherish it! Zoe's parents are incredible people who seem to have been chosen for a babe that is ill, the patience and care and love they have for and with her is incredible. We will all sit shiva for her, we will release a ballon in her honor. This is so F'd up that a baby such as Zoe will not grow older and experience lifes trials and tribulations but she has expericenced so many things for a little whee one.
I am not one for very sentimental words but I know that the world is a better place because of Zoe being here, the worth and impact of a life is counted not by the length of time you live but by the quality of your life. And though she has fought and was in pain, the love she felt, from all around her, could fill a lifetime.
I too have a little girl who has an old soul your blog is so touching!! Thanks so much for opening up and articulating feelings too extreme too explain at times !!! Thank so much!!
Zoe...you have taught me to be a better mommy to my 5yr old little girl. My daughter was a preemie weighing only 1 lb 15 oz. I was so afraid to loose her, your mommy brings a new meaning to couragous. You, Zoe, are an angel... I will keep you in my heart and my prayers... Hugs sweet baby Zoe!
Fly little Zoe...spread your beautiful wings and fly!!!
Zoe made it snow for you because she knew how much you loved her! Now everytime it snows they will be Angel kisses from your baby girl! Thinking of you and your family..Stay strong...Zoe will be with you always!


Your favorite Star Wars characters get an adorable makeover, courtesy of Funko! This Pop! vinyl collectible is a bobble-head of Zeb from the Star Wars Rebels animated television series. He may be the muscle of the group but he looks pretty dang cute to us!


text:
AMSA inspectors to attend man overboard vessel
At about 3.30am AEST on Monday 18 May a crew member on board the fishing trawler K Vern was lost overboard in heavy seas off the Sunshine Coast.
The crew of the trawler are reported to have immediately thrown an EPIRB and floatation devices overboard whilst turning the vessel around and called for help from authorities.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) assisted Queensland Water Police with a search and rescue operation to attempt to find the missing seafarer. The search and rescue operation utilised several police and other surface vessels with four helicopters and two of AMSA's Challenger jets.
Despite searching an area of about 550 square nautical miles, unfortunately no sign of the missing seafarer was found and the search was suspended at last light on Monday.
Two AMSA officers are currently attending the K Vern after it returned to port on Tuesday to investigate the circumstances around this incident.
As the National Regulator for domestic commercial vessel safety, AMSA will determine whether there have been any breaches of safety regulations.
AMSA will also be looking to see what lessons can be learned from this tragedy to enhance the safety of our commercial vessel sector.
Queensland Police will also be attending the vessel as they prepare a report for the coroner.
AMSA extends its deep sympathies to the family, friends and crewmates of the lost seafarer.


text:
Electronic Literature Lab
For Advanced Inquiry into Born Digital Media
ELO's The NEXT
Restorations & Reconstructions
Rebooting Electronic Literature 1
Live Stream Traversals
Beta Catalog
Expanded Catalog
CMDC Studios
Electronic Literature, History, Updates
Expanding the David Kolb Collection
On Friday, August 23, David Kolb, philosopher and author of the hypertext essay, Socrates in the Labyrinth (1994) spent the day with Astrid Ensslin and me in the lab. In the early afternoon, we held a formal event entitled, "For What Is Thinking, If Not Linear?' – A Conversation with David Kolb, Astrid Ensslin, and Dene Grigar about Socrates in the Labyrinth, Hypertext, and the Lore of Electronic Literature," that was videotaped by Undergraduate Researcher Moneca Roath and will be made available on Vimeo in early September. Later that afternoon, though, the three of us got together and went through the digital materials––lectures, published and unpublished hypertexts, printed essays, etc.––that David had brought with him to donate to the Electronic Literature Organization. So extensive is the donation that the finding aid he prepared for us is 10 pages long.
Already David had given ELO physical materials from his personal collection––22 items that resulted in the creation of The David Kolb Collection at the ELO Repository. These included hypertexts published by Eastgate Systems, Inc., such as Patchwork Girl, Victory Garden, Forward Anywhere, and others, as well as copies of various issues of the Eastgate Quarterly Review of Hypertext and Storyspace disks.
But on Friday after lunch, Astrid videotaped David walking me through his materials so that I could better prepare them for the repository. She ended up with 20 very short video clips that I put online at ELL's Vimeo site, adding metadata for each in order to provide some context for each.
It should be noted that there are many treasures to be found among the recent donated materials. Astrid and I got very excited when we saw the file for "Caged Text," an argument based on the highly experimental style of artist John Cage that David did not include in the publication of Socrates in the Labyrinth (SIL). [1] The plan is to work with David to make this one available as its own publication. Also included are planning docs for SIL and other hypertexts David produced. As important are all of the files associated with his second major hypertext, Sprawling Places (SP). [2]
The lab will be busy in September developing the metadata needed for uploading the information in the repository and plotting out a plan for making unpublished hypertexts accessible to the public.
[1] A discussion about SIL and the arguments David presents in it, see Rebooting Electronic Literature, Volume 1: http://scalar.usc.edu/works/rebooting-electronic-literature/critical-essays-about-david-kolbs-socrates-in-the-labyrinth?path=david-kolbs-socrates-in-the-labyrinth
[2] Astrid and I learned that the artist who created the art for SP also produced the logo for Firefox. We captured this interesting piece of lore on one of the video clips. See: https://vimeo.com/356978912.
By Dene Grigar
Dene Grigar
Dene Grigar is Director and Professor of the CMDC Program. She specializes in electronic literature, emerging technologies and cognition, and ephemera.
Provenance & Collecting E-Lit: A Case for Human-Centered Archiving
Celebrating Richard Holeton's Figurski
Finding Stephanie Strickland's True North
Director: Dr. Dene Grigar, Professor, The Creative Media & Digital Culture Program
Associate Director: Dr. Richard Snyder, Blackburn Fellow, The Creative Media & Digital Culture Program
Technical and Instructional Assistant: Greg Philbrook, B.A., The Creative Media & Digital Culture Program
Project Manager: Holly Slocum, B.A., The Creative Media & Digital Culture Program
Post-Bacc Researchers: Kathleen Zoller, Joel Clapp, Ruth Woodcock, Andrew Thompson, Arlo Ptolemy, Ariel Wallace, Sierra O'Neal, Ahria Nicholas
PhD & PostDoc Fellow: Madison McCartha, UC Santa Cruz
ELO Fellow: Alexandra Martin, QUAM (Canada)
Research Affiliates: Mariusz Pisarski, PhD (Poland); Erika Fulop, Phd, Lancaster University (UK; Agnieszka Przybyszewska, PhD, University of Łódź (Poland)
This website was created by Katie Bowen, Mariah Gwin, Holly Slocum and Austin Fields. Madeleine Brookman produced the ELL logo. All custom icons were designed by Holly Slocum. It is managed by Dene Grigar


Add all ingredients into mixing glass with ice. Quick stir for three seconds to chill cocktail without over-diluting.
Strain into old fashioned glass with ice lump. Garnish with apple slice and cinnamon stick.
In a medium saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil to make a simple syrup.
Add the cinnamon and vanilla in the water. Let it boil for 2 minutes, then sit for 1 hour, and strain.
In batches, combine the coconut, evaporated and condensed milks, slowly adding the cinnamon syrup. Add the rums and mix well.
Transfer the mixture to a large plastic container and refrigerate overnight.
Prior to serving, use a blender to blend the coquito. Serve chilled with freshly grated nutmeg.
Mix over ice in a Tom Colllins glass. Serve with a cherry and a lemon slice.
Heat gently and pour into a coffee mug.
Bring the sugar and the spices to the boil, with 1 cup of water. Add the pineapple and the cranberry juice with the remaining water and bring to another boil, then let simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Top with the butter, stir well, and serve in mugs. Garnish each mug with 2 cinnamon sticks.
In a double boiler, melt the solid chocolate, the sugar and the salt. Stir in boiling water and continue to heat until the mixture is well blended and hot. Add the coffee, the cream and stir well. Finish by adding the vanilla and the cinnamon and pour into mugs.
Blend all ingredients at medium speed until smooth.
Mix all ingredients with hand mixer until well blended. You can freeze it in a plastic container.
Stir the milk with the chocolate and the cinnamon over low heat until the chocolate dissolves. Add the eggs and beat the mixture until it becomes thick, taking care not to boil.


text:
Eupithecia intentata är en fjärilsart som beskrevs av Walker 1866. Eupithecia intentata ingår i släktet Eupithecia och familjen mätare. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Mätare
intentata

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
"""Integration tests for Keras."""

import os
import random

import numpy as np

from tensorflow.python import keras
from tensorflow.python.eager import context
from tensorflow.python.framework import dtypes
from tensorflow.python.keras import keras_parameterized
from tensorflow.python.keras import testing_utils
from tensorflow.python.keras.layers.legacy_rnn import rnn_cell_impl as rnn_cell
from tensorflow.python.keras.legacy_tf_layers import base as base_layer
from tensorflow.python.keras.utils import np_utils
from tensorflow.python.ops import nn_ops as nn
from tensorflow.python.platform import test

class KerasIntegrationTest(keras_parameterized.TestCase):

  def _save_and_reload_model(self, model):
    self.temp_dir = self.get_temp_dir()
    fpath = os.path.join(self.temp_dir,
                         'test_model_%s' % (random.randint(0, 1e7),))
    if context.executing_eagerly():
      save_format = 'tf'
    else:
      if (not isinstance(model, keras.Sequential) and
          not model._is_graph_network):
        return model  # Not supported
      save_format = 'h5'
    model.save(fpath, save_format=save_format)
    model = keras.models.load_model(fpath)
    return model

@keras_parameterized.run_with_all_model_types
@keras_parameterized.run_all_keras_modes
class VectorClassificationIntegrationTest(keras_parameterized.TestCase):

  def test_vector_classification(self):
    np.random.seed(1337)
    (x_train, y_train), _ = testing_utils.get_test_data(
        train_samples=100,
        test_samples=0,
        input_shape=(10,),
        num_classes=2)
    y_train = np_utils.to_categorical(y_train)

    model = testing_utils.get_model_from_layers(
        [keras.layers.Dense(16, activation='relu'),
         keras.layers.Dropout(0.1),
         keras.layers.Dense(y_train.shape[-1], activation='softmax')],
        input_shape=x_train.shape[1:])
    model.compile(
        loss='categorical_crossentropy',
        optimizer=keras.optimizer_v2.adam.Adam(0.005),
        metrics=['acc'],
        run_eagerly=testing_utils.should_run_eagerly())
    history = model.fit(x_train, y_train, epochs=10, batch_size=10,
                        validation_data=(x_train, y_train),
                        verbose=2)
    self.assertGreater(history.history['val_acc'][-1], 0.7)
    _, val_acc = model.evaluate(x_train, y_train)
    self.assertAlmostEqual(history.history['val_acc'][-1], val_acc)
    predictions = model.predict(x_train)
    self.assertEqual(predictions.shape, (x_train.shape[0], 2))

  def test_vector_classification_shared_model(self):
    # Test that Sequential models that feature internal updates
    # and internal losses can be shared.
    np.random.seed(1337)
    (x_train, y_train), _ = testing_utils.get_test_data(
        train_samples=100,
        test_samples=0,
        input_shape=(10,),
        num_classes=2)
    y_train = np_utils.to_categorical(y_train)

    base_model = testing_utils.get_model_from_layers(
        [keras.layers.Dense(16,
                            activation='relu',
                            kernel_regularizer=keras.regularizers.l2(1e-5),
                            bias_regularizer=keras.regularizers.l2(1e-5)),
         keras.layers.BatchNormalization()],
        input_shape=x_train.shape[1:])
    x = keras.layers.Input(x_train.shape[1:])
    y = base_model(x)
    y = keras.layers.Dense(y_train.shape[-1], activation='softmax')(y)
    model = keras.models.Model(x, y)
    model.compile(
        loss='categorical_crossentropy',
        optimizer=keras.optimizer_v2.adam.Adam(0.005),
        metrics=['acc'],
        run_eagerly=testing_utils.should_run_eagerly())
    self.assertLen(model.losses, 2)
    if not context.executing_eagerly():
      self.assertLen(model.get_updates_for(x), 2)
    history = model.fit(x_train, y_train, epochs=10, batch_size=10,
                        validation_data=(x_train, y_train),
                        verbose=2)
    self.assertGreater(history.history['val_acc'][-1], 0.7)
    _, val_acc = model.evaluate(x_train, y_train)
    self.assertAlmostEqual(history.history['val_acc'][-1], val_acc)
    predictions = model.predict(x_train)
    self.assertEqual(predictions.shape, (x_train.shape[0], 2))

@keras_parameterized.run_all_keras_modes
class SequentialIntegrationTest(KerasIntegrationTest):

  def test_sequential_save_and_pop(self):
    # Test the following sequence of actions:
    # - construct a Sequential model and train it
    # - save it
    # - load it
    # - pop its last layer and add a new layer instead
    # - continue training
    np.random.seed(1337)
    (x_train, y_train), _ = testing_utils.get_test_data(
        train_samples=100,
        test_samples=0,
        input_shape=(10,),
        num_classes=2)
    y_train = np_utils.to_categorical(y_train)
    model = keras.Sequential([
        keras.layers.Dense(16, activation='relu'),
        keras.layers.Dropout(0.1),
        keras.layers.Dense(y_train.shape[-1], activation='softmax')
    ])
    model.compile(
        loss='categorical_crossentropy',
        optimizer=keras.optimizer_v2.adam.Adam(0.005),
        metrics=['acc'],
        run_eagerly=testing_utils.should_run_eagerly())
    model.fit(x_train, y_train, epochs=1, batch_size=10,
              validation_data=(x_train, y_train),
              verbose=2)
    model = self._save_and_reload_model(model)

    model.pop()
    model.add(keras.layers.Dense(y_train.shape[-1], activation='softmax'))

    model.compile(
        loss='categorical_crossentropy',
        optimizer=keras.optimizer_v2.adam.Adam(0.005),
        metrics=['acc'],
        run_eagerly=testing_utils.should_run_eagerly())
    history = model.fit(x_train, y_train, epochs=10, batch_size=10,
                        validation_data=(x_train, y_train),
                        verbose=2)
    self.assertGreater(history.history['val_acc'][-1], 0.7)
    model = self._save_and_reload_model(model)
    _, val_acc = model.evaluate(x_train, y_train)
    self.assertAlmostEqual(history.history['val_acc'][-1], val_acc)
    predictions = model.predict(x_train)
    self.assertEqual(predictions.shape, (x_train.shape[0], 2))

# See b/122473407
@keras_parameterized.run_all_keras_modes(always_skip_v1=True)
class TimeseriesClassificationIntegrationTest(keras_parameterized.TestCase):

  @keras_parameterized.run_with_all_model_types
  def test_timeseries_classification(self):
    np.random.seed(1337)
    (x_train, y_train), _ = testing_utils.get_test_data(
        train_samples=100,
        test_samples=0,
        input_shape=(4, 10),
        num_classes=2)
    y_train = np_utils.to_categorical(y_train)

    layers = [
        keras.layers.LSTM(5, return_sequences=True),
        keras.layers.GRU(y_train.shape[-1], activation='softmax')
    ]
    model = testing_utils.get_model_from_layers(
        layers, input_shape=x_train.shape[1:])
    model.compile(
        loss='categorical_crossentropy',
        optimizer=keras.optimizer_v2.adam.Adam(0.005),
        metrics=['acc'],
        run_eagerly=testing_utils.should_run_eagerly())
    history = model.fit(x_train, y_train, epochs=15, batch_size=10,
                        validation_data=(x_train, y_train),
                        verbose=2)
    self.assertGreater(history.history['val_acc'][-1], 0.7)
    _, val_acc = model.evaluate(x_train, y_train)
    self.assertAlmostEqual(history.history['val_acc'][-1], val_acc)
    predictions = model.predict(x_train)
    self.assertEqual(predictions.shape, (x_train.shape[0], 2))

  def test_timeseries_classification_sequential_tf_rnn(self):
    np.random.seed(1337)
    (x_train, y_train), _ = testing_utils.get_test_data(
        train_samples=100,
        test_samples=0,
        input_shape=(4, 10),
        num_classes=2)
    y_train = np_utils.to_categorical(y_train)

    with base_layer.keras_style_scope():
      model = keras.models.Sequential()
      model.add(keras.layers.RNN(rnn_cell.LSTMCell(5), return_sequences=True,
                                 input_shape=x_train.shape[1:]))
      model.add(keras.layers.RNN(rnn_cell.GRUCell(y_train.shape[-1],
                                                  activation='softmax',
                                                  dtype=dtypes.float32)))
      model.compile(
          loss='categorical_crossentropy',
          optimizer=keras.optimizer_v2.adam.Adam(0.005),
          metrics=['acc'],
          run_eagerly=testing_utils.should_run_eagerly())

    history = model.fit(x_train, y_train, epochs=15, batch_size=10,
                        validation_data=(x_train, y_train),
                        verbose=2)
    self.assertGreater(history.history['val_acc'][-1], 0.7)
    _, val_acc = model.evaluate(x_train, y_train)
    self.assertAlmostEqual(history.history['val_acc'][-1], val_acc)
    predictions = model.predict(x_train)
    self.assertEqual(predictions.shape, (x_train.shape[0], 2))

@keras_parameterized.run_with_all_model_types
@keras_parameterized.run_all_keras_modes
class ImageClassificationIntegrationTest(keras_parameterized.TestCase):

  def test_image_classification(self):
    np.random.seed(1337)
    (x_train, y_train), _ = testing_utils.get_test_data(
        train_samples=100,
        test_samples=0,
        input_shape=(10, 10, 3),
        num_classes=2)
    y_train = np_utils.to_categorical(y_train)

    layers = [
        keras.layers.Conv2D(4, 3, padding='same', activation='relu'),
        keras.layers.Conv2D(8, 3, padding='same'),
        keras.layers.BatchNormalization(),
        keras.layers.Conv2D(8, 3, padding='same'),
        keras.layers.Flatten(),
        keras.layers.Dense(y_train.shape[-1], activation='softmax')
    ]
    model = testing_utils.get_model_from_layers(
        layers, input_shape=x_train.shape[1:])
    model.compile(
        loss='categorical_crossentropy',
        optimizer=keras.optimizer_v2.adam.Adam(0.005),
        metrics=['acc'],
        run_eagerly=testing_utils.should_run_eagerly())
    history = model.fit(x_train, y_train, epochs=10, batch_size=10,
                        validation_data=(x_train, y_train),
                        verbose=2)
    self.assertGreater(history.history['val_acc'][-1], 0.7)
    _, val_acc = model.evaluate(x_train, y_train)
    self.assertAlmostEqual(history.history['val_acc'][-1], val_acc)
    predictions = model.predict(x_train)
    self.assertEqual(predictions.shape, (x_train.shape[0], 2))

@keras_parameterized.run_all_keras_modes
class ActivationV2IntegrationTest(keras_parameterized.TestCase):
  """Tests activation function V2 in model exporting and loading.

  This test is to verify in TF 2.x, when 'tf.nn.softmax' is used as an
  activation function, its model exporting and loading work as expected.
  Check b/123041942 for details.
  """

  def test_serialization_v2_model(self):
    np.random.seed(1337)
    (x_train, y_train), _ = testing_utils.get_test_data(
        train_samples=100,
        test_samples=0,
        input_shape=(10,),
        num_classes=2)
    y_train = np_utils.to_categorical(y_train)

    model = keras.Sequential([
        keras.layers.Flatten(input_shape=x_train.shape[1:]),
        keras.layers.Dense(10, activation=nn.relu),
        # To mimic 'tf.nn.softmax' used in TF 2.x.
        keras.layers.Dense(y_train.shape[-1], activation=nn.softmax_v2),
    ])

    # Check if 'softmax' is in model.get_config().
    last_layer_activation = model.get_layer(index=2).get_config()['activation']
    self.assertEqual(last_layer_activation, 'softmax')

    model.compile(
        loss='categorical_crossentropy',
        optimizer=keras.optimizer_v2.adam.Adam(0.005),
        metrics=['accuracy'],
        run_eagerly=testing_utils.should_run_eagerly())
    model.fit(x_train, y_train, epochs=2, batch_size=10,
              validation_data=(x_train, y_train),
              verbose=2)

    output_path = os.path.join(self.get_temp_dir(), 'tf_keras_saved_model')
    model.save(output_path, save_format='tf')
    loaded_model = keras.models.load_model(output_path)
    self.assertEqual(model.summary(), loaded_model.summary())

if __name__ == '__main__':
  test.main()

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Barnestorming- Luchador in Review, More Bloodborne, Link's Awakening, Metropolis
VIVA LUCHA!
Alright, I liked Luchador more than I let on. It's really good, definitely a very fun, very well-executed dice game. But you do have to play it with people who get that you have to use bad language and get really invested in winning one of those little belts. I think I may actually like it better than King of Tokyo, which would be something because I usually cite that as my favorite dice game. But this one has just a little more, I think, and it avoids the piles of ability cards that can over-complicate KoT.
I would LOVE to see this game get licensed up with something like the AAA Lucha Libre promotion or even some of the independent ones in the US. I'm sure WWE is out of the question, but if their product department is somehow listening- this would be a GREAT game to slap John Cena or whoever on and put in Target. Even with just the basic rules.
Reviewed here.
More Super Fantasy, which I absolutely adore…I'm kind of wondering about the point of traps in it…I mean, if you see it there…don't step on it! I do kind of fear that Temple of Elemental Evil will push it to the side though.
More Doombad too, just solo on it though…it is such a weird game…but I think there's actually some genius in it, I'm really hooked on this idea it has to thread the needle between specific, positional miniatures play and abstracted "melee or ranged" proximities. I also really like this notion of tooling up to get into the three big approaching fights, I think that's a cool idea.
My top secret project is about to be revealed, stay tuned.
Bloodborne, practically religiously. It is one of the best games I've ever played, and I think it is the best of all of the From Software titles. The refinement on display is remarkable, the design work is quite literally the best in the business. And the production design is up there with Metal Gear and Bayonetta. So many aspects of this game just blow me away.
I've also been hitting Link's Awakening on the DS. It was originally a Game Boy title, later released for the Game Boy Color. The interesting thing is that it was done by the same team that did A Link to the Past, which is tied for best Zelda game ever with Wind Waker. So it has some of the same qualities, but it also gets a little weird. There's no time-jumping, dimension-shifting or anything like that…it's weird in a different way. One way is that is has all of these references to Mario games. You go into this side-scrolling area and there are Goombas. You deliver a photograph to this guy and it's Princess Peach (signed, "Christine"?!) Then there's these random houses with phones in them that let you talk to this unseen guy that tells you what to do next.
Overall, it's really good and it definitely sates that 2D Zelda craving I was having.
Picking up Xenoblade Chronicles on the 3DS tomorrow…it'll be my third go at starting it, I think I'll get further into it with a handheld than a console.
I'm telling you, that Star Wars Rebels game is awesome. It is the best action platformer on IOS. It's definitely influenced by Super Star Wars (although not as punitively difficult) and it's a blast to play. It is kind of weird that Zeb is just the guy you go to in the hideout to build stuff, he really should have been playable. Maybe DLC later on, I dunno.
Also, Duck Tales! Well worth ten bucks…again.
Six episodes into Mushishi…I just absolutely adore it. There's a sense of naturalism about it that is both pastoral and vaguely menacing. This is a great series to show to people who think that anime is just a bunch of childish jibber-jabber, schoolgirls, and incomprehensible sci-fi. It's quite sophisticated, intelligent, gentle and lyrical.
I watched Metropolis, the 2002 picture directed by Rintaro, written by Katsuhiro Otomo and based on manga by Osamu Tezuka. Talk about bringing together generations! That makes the film somewhat more interesting than it actually is, to some degree…it's pretty good, but not great. Tezuka's character designs are intact, so they have that more cartoony, almost Seegar-ish quality to them, but the scope and scale of the story and backgrounds is way bigger. It's kinda-sorta based on the classic Lang film, but definitely in a more anime context. There's some really cool scenes in it and some beautiful animation, but it kind of feels hollow. The jazz score is something only the Japanese would do, but it gives the whole thing a very Gilded Age feel- which is kind of cool.
More Tezuka- showed the kids the first Unico movie, which is still weird as balls. Not as much as the second one, Unico and the Island of Magic, but there's still some strange things in it. I actually liked it better than I remembered, which is probably in part due to the fact that the DVD is really nicely transferred, unlike the bootleg-ass tapes I had 20 years ago where the whole thing looked like a messy blur. Bonus points for it actually having Japanese language and subs as well as a pretty decent dub that seems like it's better than the old one I remember. I actually didn't realize that Sanrio produced them, so that finally explained why Hello Kitty has a cameo in it. Scarlett loved it.
Totally coming up dry lately, not really wanting to listen to anything after my whirlwind love affair with Sparks. Need something new. Thinking about finally breaking down and listening to Faith No More.
Posts in discussion: Barnestorming- Luchador in Review, More Bloodborne, Link's Awakening, Metropolis
bfkiller replied the topic: #200587 09 Apr 2015 15:10
I loved Metropolis when I saw it back in 2002. I bought the DVD but actually haven't watched it since then. I should give that another watch someday and watch the city collapse to Ray Charles.
I need to get Luchador...
logopolys replied the topic: #200594 09 Apr 2015 15:30
Link's Awakening is probably my favorite Zelda title. The gameplay is super good for a handheld (especially from '93), the puzzles are tricky, and the music is awesome.
My favorite parts are probably hunting down the skeleton who stole your treasure in Catfish's Maw, the exposition and music in Face Shrine South, and exploring the non-essential caves in the Tal Tal Mountains.
Egg Shen replied the topic: #200595 09 Apr 2015 15:32
Your top secret project better be how you've been quietly working to get The Gothic Game back in print!
You better not say that you're releasing a rap album with Pete or some shit like that...
charlest replied the topic: #200596 09 Apr 2015 15:43
I'd pay for that rap album.
Michael Barnes replied the topic: #200597 09 Apr 2015 15:47
You might have already heard it. It was called "Run the Jewels 2".
Stonecutter replied the topic: #200598 09 Apr 2015 15:58
Hey Barnes, have you played Axiom Verge yet?
No, I haven't...I understand that it's very Super Metroid-influenced. It'll hit PS Plus at some point, I'll try it then. Besides, I'm still not done with Metroid Fusion, and I've got the two GBA Castlevanias on the pile.
Logopolys, you know, it's funny because when Game Boy and Game Boy Color were current I wasn't really interested. I sort of had a Game Boy (it was actually my nephew's, he left it at my house for reasons unknown and never once asked for it back. I also never reminded him) so I didn't have a lot of exposure to those games. So I've always kind of felt like they were somehow lesser, thinking back to how SNES, Genesis, N64 and even PS1 were contemporary at the time. But now, I see that these were some really good games- full featured, and definitely on par with NES/SNES quality gameplay if not graphics. I remember distinctly dismissing Link's Awakening, assuming that it was a simpler/smaller Zelda game. Nope, it's a full on Zelda title, 100%.
The skeleton business was great.
hotseatgames replied the topic: #200602 09 Apr 2015 20:04
I saw Metropolis a long time ago and remember not thinking overly much of it.
Michael Barnes wrote: No, I haven't...I understand that it's very Super Metroid-influenced. It'll hit PS Plus at some point, I'll try it then. Besides, I'm still not done with Metroid Fusion, and I've got the two GBA Castlevanias on the pile.
It's much more Metroid than Super Metroid, if that makes sense. It doesn't hold your hand nearly as much as Super. There's a map but it's very basic, there's not a lot of health
Like the Souls games, once you learn how enemies behave you can waltz through most areas, but if you get even a little bit complacent, you'll be back to getting your ass handed to you.
The power ups are uber cool.
It has too much backtracking and all of the bosses have about 50% more HP than they should (you'll have the pattern down and still have to hammer on the things a good 2-3 minutes to get the kill)
Which two GBA Castlevanias? The middle of the three (Harmony of Dissonance?) is awful and should be avoided at all costs.
Blightygamer1 replied the topic: #200609 10 Apr 2015 02:24
Thanks so much for the shout out and review of Luchador! Michael. Really appreciated. Hoping that the Backspindle Boys will be able to raise the profile as there is a huge audience potential.


Pipetto Hunter Wanderer: The Most Stylish iPhone and iPad Case!
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text:
Dina Strachan
Internationally Recognized Dermatologist, Entrepreneur, Best-Selling Author, Consultant, and Speaker.
A Better Chance Alumna '84
Before becoming an A Better Chance Scholar, Dr Dina Strachan was, in her own words, "a bit of a provincial New York kid" who didn't fully realize how much the wider world had to offer her. That all changed when her father found out about A Better Chance, which opened the door for her to attend the Hotchkiss School and to meet interesting and accomplished people from around the world.
The Hotchkiss School expected nothing less than excellence from all of its students, and Dina has carried those high standards with her – and the confidence that she could live up to them – ever since. Through her basketball coach at Hotchkiss, she attended an outdoor adventure camp that taught her wilderness survival skills and gave her a new confidence that she could meet the challenges presented to her by the whole world, not just New York City.
After graduating from the Hotchkiss School, Dina went on to graduate from Harvard University at the age of 20 and ultimately to receive her medical degree from Yale University. She completed her residency training at the University of California, San Francisco and has done additional post-doctoral training in biomedical informatics at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts and at Columbia University. She is currently on faculty at New York University and has also taught at the University of California, Los Angeles and Columbia University.
I was always a bit of a provincial New York kid.
After graduating Harvard, but before beginning medical school at Yale, Dina embarked on an internship with a grassroots development organization in India and worked at The Mattapan Community Health Center in Boston as a perinatal case manager.
Upon becoming a board-certified dermatologist, Dina's first position was as the Director of Resident Education at King/Drew Medical Center, which served a catchment area of over one million people in South Central Los Angeles. She was one of two full-time faculty training six residents. Currently, she serves as the director of Aglow Dermatology in New York. She also volunteers as an instructor at Bellevue Hospital on a weekly basis.
Dina marries her unique medical expertise with her skills as a writer and a presenter, making her a much sought after consultant and speaker. She is the author of Moxie Mindset: Secrets of Building a Profitable Independent Physicians Practice in a Competitive Market and her articles and essays have appeared in trade publications like Dermatology World and the popular healthcare blog KevinMD.com. She has also been cited in dozens of prominent local and national media sources.
She is a co-host of the popular online talk show and book club The Tea, and even appeared in a BBC America advertisement for the TV series Doctor Who before the premiere of that show's first female Doctor.
You can learn more about Dina from her websites, drdinamd.com and aglowdermatology.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, all at @drdinamd, and don't forget to subscribe to The Tea and follow them on Facebook at @jointhetea. If you can't manage any of that, just stay right where you are; Dina, who is definitely no longer "a provincial New York kid", is a devoted traveler on a mission to visit all 50 states (she's at 41 and counting) so you might just bump into her one of these days.
Justin Ifill
Event Planner, Yoga Instructor, and Entrepreneur.
Deval Patrick
71st Governor of Massachusetts, Civil Rights Lawyer, Author, and Leader for Our Time.


Sieving can control respectively set up the particle size of pharmaceutical ingredients or natural materials.
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Your products can, therefore, be separated into various particle size elements or sections into fine or rough particles.
We also offer protective screening to separate off any rough impurities.


text:
The Palazzo Vertemate-Franchi is best described as a villa due to its rural position in the Valchiavenna in the province of Sondrio in the region of Lombardy, Italy. The nearby original town of Piuro was destroyed during a landslide on August 25, 1618; and the property is administered by the comune of Chiavenna.

The Villa was built in the 16th century by the family of Guglielmo and Luigi Vertemate Franchi, and remained their property for centuries until the 1879. One source cites construction in 1577. In 1902, the property was purchased by the antiquarian  Napoleone Brianzi of Milan. He prevented the sale of two of the frescoed ceilings, and attempted to restore the palace, adding period furniture from other properties. After 1937, it was bought by A. Feltrinelli and L. Bonomi, who struggled to maintain the property. In 1988, the palace became the host of the Museum of the Comune of Chiavenna. They have sought to maintain the villa and the surrounding vineyards.

The interiors are extensively frescoed with mythologic themes (dated to 1577). Two canvases include a view of the town of Priuro prior to the landslide. The architects remain unknown. The frescoes, have been attributed to either the Campi Family; Giovanni Battista Castello, known as il Bergamasco; Aurelio Luini; Giuseppe Meda; or Lattanzio Gambara.

The fresco subjects are inspired by the Metamorphoses by Ovid. The include frescoes in the Hall of Jupiter and Mercury, with Juno and her chariot. There is a Hall of Perseus with members of the Vertemate family. Other rooms depict allegories of the arts and signs of the zodiac.

References

Vertemate-Franchi, Valchiavenna
Vertemate-Franchi, Valchiavenna
Gardens in Lombardy
Museums in Lombardy
Historic house museums in Italy


text:
const through = require('through')
const { transformSync } = require('@babel/core')
const pluginCJS = require('@babel/plugin-transform-modules-commonjs')
const { compile } = require('@riotjs/compiler')

module.exports = function riotify(file, o) {
  const opts = o || {}
  const ext = opts.ext || 'riot'
  const enableSourceMap = Boolean(opts._flags.debug)
  const content = []

  return !file.match(`.${ext}$`) ? through() : through(
    chunk => content.push(chunk.toString()),
    function() {
      try {
        const result = compile(content.join(''), {...opts, file})
        const { code } = transformSync(result.code, {
          inputSourceMap: result.map,
          sourceMaps: enableSourceMap ? 'inline' : false,
          babelrc: false,
          filename: file,
          plugins: [pluginCJS]
        })

        this.queue(code)
        this.emit('end')
      } catch (e) {
        this.emit('error', e)
      }
    }
  )
}


text:
Shadow Government: Why Professors Don't Make Good Presidents — and Why Congress Should Support Obama on Syria Anyway Why Professors Don't Make G...
Why Professors Don't Make Good Presidents — and Why Congress Should Support Obama on Syria Anyway
The unfolding fiasco of President Barack Obama's Syria policy shows why professors rarely make good presidents. With Obama having previously been a law professor for many years, some of his most debilitating characteristics come out when he lapses back into professorial mode. (As a professor myself, I recognize these things all too well.) This has ...
By Will Inboden
| September 2, 2013, 1:39 AM
Photo: EPA/ROBERT SULLIVAN
The unfolding fiasco of President Barack Obama's Syria policy shows why professors rarely make good presidents. With Obama having previously been a law professor for many years, some of his most debilitating characteristics come out when he lapses back into professorial mode. (As a professor myself, I recognize these things all too well.) This has been on painful display over the past few weeks, as the president seems to have been arguing with himself over his own Middle East policy, especially on Egypt and Syria. The vacillations, the hand-wringing, the endless second-guessing, the sanctimonious lecturing, the odd detachment from decisions of tremendous consequence — all of these are worthy more of the faculty lounge than the commander in chief. (Note in contrast that one of Obama's signature successes came when he abandoned professor mode and acted decisively in ordering the bin Laden raid.)
Just in the last two weeks we've seen Obama take both sides of multiple issues, including whether the United States will continue staying out of the Syrian conflict or will intervene; whether an attack needs to take place imminently or not; whether an attack needs U.N. Security Council endorsement or not; whether an attack needs the support of allied nations or not; whether an attack needs congressional support or not; whether American credibility is at stake in Syria or not, and so on.
Graduate school seminars are appropriate places to talk endlessly about all sides of an issue while never making and implementing a decision; the Oval Office is not.
Winston Churchill's theme to the concluding book of his six-volume history of World War II is "How the Great Democracies Triumphed, and So Were Able to Resume the Follies Which Had So Nearly Cost Them Their Life." The stakes in the Middle East today are nowhere near as severe as those of World War II, but Churchill's warning against democratic follies comes to mind in the midst of the confusions besetting both Washington and London. While Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour Party leader Ed Miliband ultimately bear the most responsibility for the vote debacle in the House of Commons, Obama is not without fault. He could have worked with Cameron to make a case for attacking Syria to the British public before the vote, and he also could have used his considerable political capital with Miliband and the Labour Party to secure the opposition's support. Ultimately this marks yet another failure of diplomacy by this administration, continuing an unhappy "diplomatic deficit" I have described before.
Meanwhile the public debate on process has obscured the more fundamental problem: The White House's intended use of force is completely misaligned with its policy goals in Syria. This administration's stated intention to do limited and circumscribed strikes advertised well in advance is at odds with its stated goal of punishing Bashar al-Assad's regime for the regime's chemical weapons use. In fact, the White House's planned approach will likely do just the opposite: It will embolden Assad and perhaps reassure other tyrants pursuing weapons of mass destruction as well. Waiting a few weeks, announcing to the world that you don't want to inflict too much pain, and then lobbing a few cruise missiles at empty warehouses in Damascus tells Assad and his ilk that there is little cost to be paid for using weapons of mass destruction against civilian populations. (Daniel Byman lays out in more detail the manifest weaknesses of this approach, as does Peter Wehner, and Peter Feaver points out how it masks the more fundamental problem of no White House strategy whatsoever for the region.)
In Federalist No. 70, Alexander Hamilton described the importance of "Energy in the Executive," particularly "in the conduct of war, in which the energy of the executive is the bulwark of the national security." By this he meant that the president of the United States needs to be able to act with dispatch, clarity, and authority, in contrast to the "feeble Executive" hamstrung by gratuitous constraints and indecision. As the U.S. Congress prepares to take up the Syria debate, I hope legislators will resist the temptation to mimic the follies that Churchill warned against and further enfeeble an already weakened president.
Congressional Republicans in particular have an opportunity to elevate the debate, to put America's global standing and interests ahead of the chance to score political points. Republicans should not let our disappointment with Obama detract from the need to restore American credibility on the world stage and inflict long-overdue punishment on a brutal dictator and adversary. As a friend of mine suggested, the upcoming Syria debate might also be an opportunity for the GOP to restore the defense spending cut by the sequester — resources that will be needed to maintain robust force projection in the Middle East among other places. On Syria itself, I hope Congress authorizes Obama to impose severe punitive measures that cripple the Assad regime — and urges him to do just that.
Will Inboden is the executive director of the William P. Clements, Jr. Center for History, Strategy, and Statecraft at the University of Texas-Austin. He also serves as an associate professor at the LBJ School of Public Affairs and as a distinguished scholar at the Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law.
Tag: Syria


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text:
Achieving goals at the piano Piano teachers
Catherine Shefski's Go Play Project
Nancy M. Williams, Founding Editor January 28, 2013
January is the month of resolutions, and in January of 2012, Catherine Shefski resolved to reclaim the piano by recording classical piano music, one piece each week for a year. She christened her effort the Go Play Project and decided to upload her recordings to SoundCloud each week. She was determined to crack through a hard malaise in which, like many piano teachers, she barely played the piano at all.
Back in the 1980s, as a graduate of the New England Conservatory, Catherine regularly learned new music and performed often. She formed a four-hands piano duo with Claire Belkovsky, and the two had engagements throughout the East Coast. She likes to joke about her big, '80s styled hairdo on her promotional flyers.
As the years unspooled, she taught piano lessons in her home, then opened The Music Studio in Pennsylvania, a space for her teaching and community performances, all the while scrambling to find time for her own practice. She published a short ebook called Go Play!, which counsels other piano teachers on how to motivate students to practice, although her own practice time had dwindled to nothing at all.
On the eve of 2012, her lack of practice became intolerable. Week by week, she made good on her intention to learn and record a new piece. By the time 2012 drew to a close, she had recorded 49 works, missing only three weeks.
To scroll through the Go Play Project's page on SoundCloud is to witness a year in the life of Catherine's sheer dedication to recording classical piano music. Here are some beloved standards of adult piano students: Schumann's tender Traumerei, Chopin's desolate Prelude in E Minor, and Erik Satie's consoling Gymnopédie.
Catherine Shefski's recording of Gymnopédie No. 1 by Satie for the Go Play Project:
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.
Rummaging through the recordings also uncovers 20th-century composers such as Philip Glass and the Argentinean, Alberto Ginastera:
Catherine Shefski's recording of Milonga by Ginastera for the Go Play Project:
Finally, the show-pieces—Beethoven's entire "Moonlight Sonata" with its devilish third movement, the whole set of Schumann's Papillons, and the technically tricky, scampering Moszkowski Etude in F Major—sit modestly among the rest. Yet their titles seem to gleam:
Catherine Shefski's recording of the Etude Opus 72 No. 6 by Moszkowski for the Go Play Project:
Now that her year of recording classical piano has come to a close, the Go Play Project has spawned changes in Catherine's life that she had not anticipated. Recently, she and Claire Belkovsky, her former duo partner, agreed to revive several works that they performed years ago, such as the Mozart Sonata in D Major for two pianos. Now Catherine, a piano teacher and concert organizer, has also become the part of herself she longed for all along, a pianist.
Catherine Shefski lives in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where she teaches piano to all ages and also hosts concerts. She is the author of Go Play!, an ebook designed for piano teachers on how to motivate the current generation of children to practice. Her Go Play Project recordings may be found on SoundCloud.
look inside 3 Gymnopedies
(Piano Solo). By Erik Satie (1866-1925). For Piano. Piano Large Works. Impressionistic and 20th Century. SMP Level 8 (Early Advanced). Collection. Fingerings (does not include words to the songs). 11 pages. G. Schirmer #LB1869. Published by G. Schirmer (HL.50262410)
look inside 4 Tangos fur Klaviertrio – Band I
Arranged by Werner Thomas-Mifune. Piano Trios. For piano trio (violin, cello, piano). Classical and Latin. Difficulty: medium-difficult. Set of performance parts. Standard notation and piano accompaniment. 21 pages. Published by Edition Kunzelmann (PE.GM0615A)
look inside Moszkowski — 15 Etudes, Op. 72
By Moritz Moszkowski (1854-1925). Edited by Maurice Hinson. For Piano. Masterworks; Piano Collection. Alfred Masterwork Edition. Form: Etude. 20th Century; Masterwork; Romantic. Advanced. Book. 72 pages. Published by Alfred Music Publishing (AP.4859)…more info
Students of Adult Piano Lessons: Gerard Colangelo, His Quest for the Piano
Satie's Gymnopédie No. 3 Amplified
The Gift of O Holy Night
Prelude in E Minor, a Poem
Chopin Waltz in B Minor Amplified
Ode to the Piano, a Poem
Flying in Adult Piano Lessons
The Piano Speaks, a Poem


text:
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- (id)configObjectForKey:(NSString *)key;
- (void)flush;

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Here's one of my favourite ways to stuff peppers with no fuss. The recipe is very easy to multiply if you're feeding a crowd. Serve with quinoa, rice, or mashed potato.
Preheat the oven to 200C. Cut the peppers in half from stem to base. Cut out the seeds but leave the stem intact.
Place the peppers skin-side down on a roasting tray. Place a basil leaf in each pepper, scatter over the garlic and pine nuts, top with a slice of halloumi, and finish with 1 tbsp of olive oil in each pepper half.
Bake for 20-30 mins, until the cheese is golden.


Dan Shearman is a nose-to-tail street food chef, producing award winning sustainable street food.
His adventures have seen him cooking on the BBC with MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace, feeding the likes of Harrison ford on the set of Star Wars, cooking for hundreds of people in the Calais and Dunkirk refugee camps, through to serving the crown prince of Dubai under the shadow of the Burj Khalifa.
As a food truck chef, Dan has his finger on the pulse of modern street food and brings a unique take to whole beast cooking, incorporating Asian influences and wild foraged ingredients.
When not catering for private functions you can find Dan and his wife Hayley educating on the issues of food waste as well as wandering the allotments and rooftops of London, collecting city honey for their popular Wilderbee Urban Chilli Honey.


Jesper and Kris look refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
It's 14:15 pm and hard to imagine the building site I'm sitting in the midst of will be hosting the Zürich Four Days 2011 in a little over 24 hours.
But it has to – first and foremost, the sixes are a business proposition.
The main reason the Zürich '6' is now the Zürich '4' is money – the organisers are hoping that they'll maybe get perhaps not six, but maybe five days worth of paying punters in the door in four days.
The cote d'azur gets laid down.
The track is hired for the duration, this structure used to be used in the South Holland, Cremona (Italy) and Munich Six Days – all sadly missed.
The track, cabins, PA, and bar all come as a package.
Pete Jacques is here, working on the track; part of one of the teams of joiners who work around the clock to get the straights and bankings in place, advertising painted, cabins erected and the bar ready to take those vital kegs.
Jacquesy gets the boards down.
We didn't have too much of a drive this morning, maybe two hours, to Franco Marvulli's house in Oerlikon, a suburb of Zürich.
Jesper is staying with Franco tonight, before he checks-in to the race hotel – it all helps save those precious Suisse Francs and Euros.
We hope to get setup here, today – the main cabin that is, the trackside cabins won't be ready 'til tomorrow.
No cabins ready at this stage.
It's Thursday afternoon and Tuesday seems a long time ago but we did indeed set up the main cabin; giving us a head start over the other soigneurs – most important !
The race hotel is really nice – but five miles from the track, I guess you can't have everything.
We dined in a basement pizza restaurant in the interests of the team budget but a basic pizza and a Coke were 18 Euros – each.
Hard to believe we'll be racing on this tomorrow.
The tall, rawboned rider ambled across to the barrier; Gary Wiggins was broad and square across the shoulders, big-thighed and walked with a loose-limbed gait. His long legs made easy work of straddling the steel fence which separated the riders' enclosure from the paying public at the Gent six, back in the early 80's.
The last time we spoke to 22 year-old Englishman Matt Gibson he'd just won the European u23 Scratch Championship. Since then he's gravitated away from the track spending the last two seasons with John Herety's JLT-Condor team.


Click the button below to add the Minolta Flashmeter III to your wish list.
Details: A perfect companion for any photographer. This light meter has all the capabilities you need to take photos with natural or studio lights. Made in Japan. LCD display and a built-in digital micro-controller. Batteries included (5x LR44). ASA times from 12 to 3200 and exposure times from 30 seconds to 1/1000th . A workhorse meter to last a lifetime.


Click on the link below (www.yearbookordercenter.com) to order online (use order # 7732 or pay in the finance office. Books purchased in the 1st semester are $60 and $70 in the 2nd semester. They can sell out.
Please fill out the contact form to the right or call Ms. Britton at the number above. The following editions are sold out: 1966, 1968, 1972-1975, 1977 and 1980.


Serotype distribution and penicillin resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from middle ear fluids of pediatric patients with acute otitis media in Japan.
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Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in acute otitis media: risk factors, susceptibility patterns and antimicrobial management.


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