Post-truth has been declared word of the year, by the Oxford Dictionary.
I have to confess, I can't recall ever hearing of the word prior to the announcement, but rarely have I been confused with owning hip, cool, and trendy oratory. I have no doubt though, our cultural frontline linguists know what they are talking about!
There is a drop of irony here, post-truth's rise to the top coincided with Donald Trump's victory in the Presidential election. Apparently, the Presidential campaigns were responsible for a spike in world-wide usage of post-truth, as was the Brexit campaign earlier in the year.
According to the official website, post-truth first appeared in 1992, in an essay written by the late Serbian-American playwright Steve Tesich. In 2016 there has been an observed 2000% increase in its usage, thus warranting the title of Oxford Dictionaries' word of the year.
The word may be new, but the concept has had a long run through history.
In the 4th Century BC Aristotle pre-empted post-truth when he spoke of the tripartite art of persuasion: ethos, logos, and pathos.
Jesus Christ spoke of post-truth. In the parable Lazarus and the Rich Man, Jesus makes the point, that should a man rise from dead, people will not believe the evidence if they are not also prepared to believe God at his word. In other words, empirical demonstration is important but it is not suffice to persuade a person of what is true and good.
Accordingly, the Bible adds a fourth category to Aristotle's tripartite art of persuasion: pnevmatikós (or spiritual). Ardent rationalists may scoff at this notion, but perhaps it is the case that their post-truth commitment to naturalism denies them the reasonable conclusion of accepting the reality of Christ, including the overwhelming evidence of his resurrection from the dead.
Post-truth is a word that carries with it an air of elitism and superiority. It is used to denigrate those whom we deem are less rational and intelligent.
Stephen Fry is an example of a generation who credit science and rationalism as being security for human progress. Indeed, in the recent election a wave political experts and pollsters proclaimed the moral high ground on the basis of their education and they decried the uneducated who followed Donald Trump.
Whether we believe ourselves intelligent or not, and whether we have letters running after our name or not, we have always been post-truth, at least part-time.
The reality is we all need facts and truth to live well, and we adhere to these when these thing conform to our likes and wants. But rarely, are our ethical positions and personal decisions determined solely or even primarily because of what is true.
Today I was reminded of a classic post-truth moment in Victoria this year. Roz Ward has found herself in the media's eye once again, with a photograph capturing the Safe Schools architect bullying a bystander during an anti-Trump demonstration in Melbourne yesterday. As I saw the photograph I was reminded of Roz Ward's now infamous declaration, that the Safe Schools program is not primarily about creating Safe Schools but is designed to teach children Marxist values. Despite the repeated admission by this key designer of the curriculum, many politicians and social commentators have glued blue tac to their ears, and pretended the truth had never been leaked. Why? Political and social ideology trumps a confession.
Post-truth is not a 2016 problem, it is a human problem. Our word of the year communicates something about the proclivity of the human heart. Searching for truth is a noble task; as Jesus himself said, 'the truth will set you free'. But knowing what is true and listening to it requires more than simple assent to objective facts. It requires a posture of humility, whereby we allow truth, especially God's truth, to penetrate and challenge and restore.


Most people who make the trek to the National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods come to admire the world's second tallest crucifix. I, however, was on a quest to see the church that architect Alden B. Dow (1904-1983) designed in 1949.
As I entered the simple space inspired by a Native American long house, my eyes went straight to the light fixtures hanging from the ceiling. Even without providing illumination, they were striking works of art.
It was then that I realized that a talented architect was at work here, making a utilitarian object beautiful by using the power of light to evoke the mood. And I couldn't wait to experience what is considered to be the crown jewel of his work — his home and studio in Midland, Michigan.
Dow's father, Herbert, founded The Dow Chemical Company in 1897, making Midland an industrial mecca where chloroform, aspirin, Epsom salts, indigo dye and other life-changing products were developed. But Alden made Midland a showplace of modern architecture, designing over 100 buildings there that were intended for living, worshiping, working, learning, governing and enjoying leisure time.
During a career in which he designed more than 600 structures, Dow approached his work with honesty, humility and enthusiasm, finding inspiration in nature, the Japanese aesthetic, color, and even play. What resulted were stylish, efficient and very liveable structures. The first two decades of his career reflected the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright and his organic approach to architecture; Dow worked at Taliesin in the summer of 1933. Later, his work reflected "composed order," taking creative, original approaches to practical matters like the building site and the owner's budget, needs and personalities. Every imaginative detail of Dow's work was decided upon with great care.
His Unit Blocks, which he patented in 1936, were used to build various structures with interesting textures and patterns. Made from cement and cinder ash residue from the Dow Chemical Company's coal furnaces, these one-foot-square beveled blocks had 45-degree angled sides, and were painted white. Seen from the front, each block appears to be a square; when seen from above, it resembles a parallelogram. Both structurally sound and decorative, they could be paired and stacked into columns to form covered arcades, planters, and even steplike chimney structures for climbing.
All of Dow's principles combine in one tremendous composition: His home and studio.
Dow began designing his studio in 1933; it was completed in 1937. His home followed, from 1939 to 1941. The complex was sited on part of his father's property.
The end result is extraordinary. You can tell that just by looking at the front gate. A stream on the property was diverted to create a reflecting pond, in which the building was sited. It seems to glide through the water like an ocean liner.
The structure is defined by parallelograms, triangles and Unit Blocks, from sawtooth projections on the copper roof to red glass triangles inset in windows and doors.
Dow's studio resembles a railroad car. Lit by a long row of four-foot-square casement windows, one drafting room accommodates five drafting tables, work stations and storage cabinets. Another is sunken to follow the contours of the surrounding sloping land.
steps lead down into a raspberry-and-moss green sitting area accented with white Unit Block walls, red upholstered chairs and red cypress furniture. The conference room, known as the Submarine Room, has a floor that is sunk 18 inches below the surface of the surrounding pond, so seated visitors are at eye level with the surface of the water. The windows are hidden under a seamed copper, angled roofline that is only five feet high.
"Fun can be found almost everywhere," Dow said. That's true just about everywhere you look in this extraordinary place.
He put Unit Blocks in the pond, some just under the surface, like stepping-stones, for his children and his guests alike to test their agility.
He originally fitted the living room's cathedral ceiling with strips of Dow Chemical's Ethocel plastic; hidden fluorescent lighting made the ceiling glow like the moon at night. The Dow children could dangle their legs through a wooden latticework trellis on the ceiling of Mrs. Dow's library. In the family's game room, he placed votive candles in blank spaces between Unit Blocks to light the space.
Trains travel throughout the house on a plywood track, journeying through tunnels in the master bedroom, sitting rooms, Dow's office and the playroom, which now houses the Alden B. Dow Archives.
The playroom was once filled with all manner of toys, from wind-ups and wooden horses to airplanes, and many of them are still there today. The home's theater was a spectacular place to view Dow's home movies.
Color makes the home an extraordinary place. Fascinated by Alexander Calder mobiles, Dow created his own versions with brightly colored disks, rectangles and squares hanging in stairways, echoed in compositions in carpets. Apple green, purple, red-orange and mustard-yellow combinations complement a carpet woven in an abstract design of yellow, green, red-orange, blue, and dark purple on an off-white background.
Dow designed a teak dining table, upholstered chairs with barrel-shaped arms, and many other pieces of furniture for his home and studio, all manufactured by Herman Miller, Inc. of Zeeland, Michigan. Cozy niches provide display space for pottery, mechanical toys and other decorative art objects from Dow's collection.
Dow's creativity extended to the home's surroundings. A porch with sheer copper mesh screens is cantilevered over the pond, providing a beautiful view of the garden. Oriental-inspired red bridges lead to his father's magnificent gardens. In 1962, he designed a series of abstract wooden garden lanterns, fashioned from geometric shapes. Some resemble tree trunks; others look like pagodas assembled from diamond-shaped redwood leaves. The June 1962 issue of House Beautiful included a feature on Dow's lanterns. For $2, readers could send for the working drawings of six garden lights and create versions of them for their own gardens.
Dow's creativity extended beyond architecture. His passion for trains is evident. An avid motion-picture taker, Dow created "Somnophonics," dreamy interpretations of classical piano music by modern dancers whose movements before primary-colored floodlights and translucent screens created artistic shadows. He even designed his own clothes. Vests zipped up on the side and had long lapels. Trousers lacked belts and suspenders. Nothing had buttons.
For more on Alden Dow, read Alden B. Dow: Midwestern Modern, by Diane Maddex; The Architecture of Alden B. Dow and Life Imitates Architecture: Taliesin and Alden Dow's Studio, both by Sidney K. Robinson; Composed Order: The Architecture of Alden B. Dow, edited by Robert G. Waite and Judith O'Dell; A Way of Life, from an exhibition at the Midland Center for the Arts; and Reflections, by Alden B. Dow. Also see "Garden Lights Should Do More Than Light," in the June 1962 issue of House Beautiful, and "Alden Dow: His Modern Homes Are Not Monastic," from the March 15, 1948 issue of Life, pages 88-92.
This entry was posted in Architecture, Art, Michigan, Museums, Travel. Bookmark the permalink.
What an interesting essay. So much talent in one family. Some of Alden Dow's creations are timeless. I have visited Taliesen West and can see the resemblance in some of the works. Thanks again, T.


AN AMNESTY on guns at Tonbridge police station has been so successful that the police have extended it by 48 hours.
Kent Police are appealing for the public to 'surrender' unwanted or illegal firearms and ammunition at the front counter until Sunday February 3 - the amnesty was due to end on Friday.
More than 120 firearms, including shotguns and pistols, have been handed in along with approximately 2,000 rounds of ammunition.
Detective Chief Inspector Patrick Holmes said: "We have had such an excellent response to this year's surrender that we decided it would be beneficial to extend the surrender, allowing more members of the public who may not have been able to visit a station just yet, time to bring in their unwanted or illegally held firearm.
"Every firearm off the streets is another weapon which has been prevented from being potentially used in criminal activity so I would encourage residents to please continue to take full advantage of this surrender and hand over any unwanted or unlicensed firearms."
He added: "You could help save a life by preventing it from falling into the wrong hands and you will not be prosecuted for possessing the weapon."
The items include replica and antique firearms, air weapons, BB guns, imitation firearms, component parts and other ballistic items.
Those taking part can remain anonymous. A police spokesperson said: "Many firearms are held innocently with owners unaware of their illegality, or are overlooked heirlooms forgotten in people's homes.
"Any firearm believed to be linked to criminal offences will be investigated in the usual manner.
More than 300 guns were handed in to Kent Police during last year's amnesty including a Second World War era pistol.
Anyone who wants to dispose of a firearm or ammunition but cannot go to the police station can call 101 and a collection will be arranged.


Outstanding solution is one of the ideal features to picking a mattress from this firm. To be certain, this is one of the most appealing examples of memory foam mattresses you are going to locate. In addition, Forbes ranked DreamCloud as the best memory foam mattress in 2018.
Contrast those costs to some of the leading Dreamcloud rivals. Shifman and Sleep Number 18 are two instances of companies that put out comparable products. Those beds can begin in the $3000-dollar variety, with Shifman mattresses typically opting for more than 6 grand. The beds from those companies do not include tests as long as the one you'll get with Dream Cloud. Dreamcloud is one of the only crossbreed bed firms to supply a lifetime service warranty on their items.
In order to appreciate every little thing these mattresses have to supply, we require to think about the different products that bring these mattresses to life. The even more you find out about this mattress, the much easier it is to comprehend why they have become so preferred with individuals looking for affordable high-end beds.
These preserve the cooling feeling of the mattresses. Latex is also made use of in the creation of the Dream Cloud. This ensures a bed mattress with some of the best side assistance to be located anywhere.
These beds are noted as well as celebrated for being developed to last. Your Dream Cloud mattress purchase will consist of one cost-free cleansing. This is valued at around $300, and it kicks in after you've owned the bed for at least one year.
If you keep your Dream Cloud for greater than five years, Dreamcloud will recondition the mattress, recovering it to its previous magnificence. The outstanding component? Dreamcloud will do this for definitely on the house. They seem to be rather dedicated to maintaining their customers as Dreamcloud enthusiasts for the foreseeable future. Making use of these functions, it appears affordable that you will certainly be able to enjoy the bed for a long time to come.
Suppleness is naturally something you are going to keep in mind when it comes to shopping for the finest beds. You desire something that is versatile in this arena, but you definitely additionally desire something that will keep your specific requirements in mind.
Therefore, maintain in mind that these mattresses are only created at the medium-firm degree. This gives it a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness range. This is considered to be a high-end level of firmness, and it is capable of satisfying the demands of lots of people. Thankfully, Dream Cloud provides an astonishing 1-year test of their mattress. To put it simply, if you aren't happy, returning the mattress ought to not be a trouble at all.
PRO: The rate is fairly just wonderful. As we pointed out before, this is one of one of the most inexpensive deluxe hybrid bed mattress we have ever seen.
PRO: The products are a few of the finest ever used to produce a bed mattress. Check the reviews, as well as you will certainly locate a bed that practically anyone can enjoy. A big component of that boils down to the materials they make use of.
PRO: Remember that a hybrid mattress can suggest getting the very best of all globes. DreamCloud combines coils with memory foam to offer you an excellent experience.
PRO: The 1-year test and life time warranty makes the prospect of at the very least experimenting with this bed mattress a lot more enticing.
PRO: White handwear cover solutions ensure your bed will last for many years ahead.
CON: The lack of numerous suppleness degrees can be a little frustrating to some. Still, there is a superb possibility that you are going to love every little thing this product gives the bed room.
Simply placed, the Dreamcloud mattress is an example of the hybrid high-end beds that have come to be so prominent in recent years. Those bed mattress can start in the $3000-dollar range, with Shifman mattresses normally going for more than 6 grand. In order to appreciate whatever these bed mattress have to use, we need to take into consideration the different products that bring these bed mattress to life. The even more you find out concerning this mattress, the easier it is to recognize why they have actually ended up being so prominent with individuals looking for affordable high-end mattresses.
If you keep your Dreamcloud for more than five years, Dream Cloud will certainly replace the bed mattress, recovering it to its former splendor.


(Tiruvanthapuram Arrival) Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to Tiruvanthapuram. From the airport drive straight to Kovalam which has one of the most beautiful beaches of the world. The surf here is ideal for surf riding and the water invites the visitor to ride the "Catamaran" or log with the fisherman, or to take a cool swim. Nearby is the Beach centre of aquatic sports. Arrive & check in hotel. Rest of the day free to relax & exploring the beach. Overnight at hotel.


text:
Affinity on iPad Questions
Trace Function
By Richard S., December 7, 2018 in Affinity on iPad Questions
Richard S. 90
Digital Media Creator
Location: UK, Earth, Solar System, Local Interstellar Cloud, Local Bubble, Gould Belt, Orion–Cygnus Arm, Milky Way Galaxy, Milky Way Sub-Group, Local Group (Local Galaxy Cluster), Virgo Supercluster, Laniakea Supercluster, (Local Supercluster Group), Pisces-Cetus Supercluster Complex, (Galaxy Filament)
Is there some kind of trace feature in AD, whereby I can import a jpg for example, and then inside AD, convert it into a vector?
Thank you all in advance.
High-End Photographic Prints
stokerg 387
We don't have an auto trace tool in the iPad or Desktop version yet. It's one of the most requested feature and something the Dev team would like to add at some point in the future.
There are 3rd party options but i don't like recommending software i haven't used, so i'll leave that to some of the forum regulars who have experience with them to comment
Inkscape.org
I almost use it just for that when the rare situations where I need it . Weird as it sounds, it did cut me time when doing low relief and embossing for game dices... (to be exported to blender and extruded/intruded/booleans there, to export the 3D mesh and send to factory). Also saved the day one gig I had to make in minutes, just vectorizing silhouettes for an event (friend event, open source thing) , with had like zero time for me to do that by hand. Inky saved the day..... Also as Inkscape has an amazing ink brush (very good control settings and response), and well, a lot of formats for import/export. You're never short of converters, you know, specially in the vectors world..... Still, for a ton of reasons related to how good AD is, and that there are some big limitations in the other one, AD is my main thing for vectors work since a while. But is really helpful to have that other free thing installed. I've done that with every major 2D/3D package I've got, at jobs or at home.
What happens is that it has the great Potrace embedded. You need to tweak the settings quite, I even do so depending on the type of tracing I want (ie, not the same when u need a silhouette, than when is about making a pop art-like several colors poster). But as I say, auto-tracing is sth that only makes sense for my work like twice a year or so.... Still, as I tweaked stuff a lot, I get almost a clean result in a first go. Fast tips : reducing color detection to 2 - 8 colors, often 2 -3. And playing quite with the smoothing settings to get a good balance of accuracy/ fewer number of nodes. You want it clean and easily editable at the max, so that u have less work on a final cleaning.
Like in most cross platform free open source software, be very sure to pay attention to updates. They improve a lot with every version but often don't have in place a system to warn you about updates, but in some cases you can subscribe to a mailing list. Inkscape is particularly slow in updates, but it has at least a few per year. Gimp is going faster, and Blender is super active. If you need auto trace, just get this thing, IMO. It's super fast and easy just exporting that in whatever the vector format you prefer, and import it into AD and then start working over it.
Top menu ---> PATH ---> Vectorize bitmap. If I remember right.
Trust me, it works. You only need to fiddle (no auto tracer does a perfect job out of the box. Or what I consider perfect, that is )
Richard S. and stokerg reacted to this
Go To Topic Listing Affinity on iPad Questions

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
LIssole est une rivière de France qui coule dans le département du Var, en région Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. C'est un affluent du Caramy, donc un sous-affluent de l'Argens.

Géographie
De , l'Issole prend sa source sur les flancs nord du plateau d'Agnis, (prolongeant la chaine de la Sainte Baume à l'est, et culminant à  au Mourre d'Agnis, museau d'agneau en provencal), au sud de Mazaugues, pas très loin de celle du Caramy dans lequel il se jette au nord de Cabasse.

Communes traversées
 Mazaugues, La Roquebrussanne, Néoules, Garéoult, Forcalqueiret, Sainte-Anastasie-sur-Issole, Besse-sur-Issole, Flassans-sur-Issole, Cabasse.

Affluents

Hydrologie

L'Issole à Cabasse
Le débit de l'Issole a été observé durant une période de 36 ans (1974-2009), à Cabasse (au lieu-dit Pont des Fées), localité du département du Var située au niveau de son confluent avec le Caramy. Le bassin versant de la rivière est de .

Le module de la rivière à Cabasse est de /s.

L'Issole présente des fluctuations saisonnières de débit assez marquées, avec des hautes eaux d'automne-hiver portant le débit mensuel moyen à un niveau situé entre 1,80 et /s, de novembre à mars inclus (avec un maximum très net en janvier), et des basses eaux d'été, de juillet à septembre inclus, avec une baisse du débit moyen mensuel jusqu'à /s au mois d'août.

Étiage ou basses eaux
À l'étiage, c'est-à-dire aux basses eaux, le VCN3, ou débit minimal du cours d'eau enregistré pendant trois jours consécutifs sur un mois, en cas de quinquennale sèche, peut chuter jusque /s, en cas de période quinquennale sèche, c'est-à-dire arrêt total de l'écoulement, le cours d'eau étant ainsi à sec.

Crues
Les crues peuvent être assez importantes, compte tenu du faible débit moyen et de la petitesse de son bassin. Les QIX 2 et QIX 5 valent respectivement 28 et /s. Le QIX 10 est de /s, le QIX 20 de /s, tandis que le QIX 50 vaut /s.

Le débit instantané maximal enregistré à Cabasse durant cette période, a été de /s le , tandis que la valeur journalière maximale était de /s le même jour.

Lame d'eau et débit spécifique
L'Issole est une rivière moyennement abondante. La lame d'eau écoulée dans son bassin versant est de 202 millimètres annuellement, ce qui est inférieur à la moyenne d'ensemble de la France tous bassins confondus (), mais correspond aux valeurs des autres cours d'eau de la région. Le débit spécifique (ou Qsp) de la rivière atteint 6,4 litres par seconde et par kilomètre carré de bassin.

Voir aussi

 la Caramy
 l'Argens

Notes et références

Notes

Références

Système hydrologique de l'Argens
Cours d'eau dans le Var

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


"That's pretty brave of you to ask," Atalia flipped out a pack of cigarettes, lit one and set it between her lips. A puff of smoke was swept into the air around them. This man was proving to be completely contrary from what had happened before. But the spirit wouldn't just underestimate or overestimate him now. "Considering that you were on our trail before."
"I wouldn't use the phrase 'on our trail,'" Vincent commented. "I prefer to think that I was watching over interesting subjects. What is your name?" Of course, he already knew, but it was good to ask.
"Same thing." Atalia murmured, puffing out another cloud of smoke. Shifting back, she turned to look straight at the male, this time, getting a better look at him. He seemed very young, and not quite built yet. His disregarding eyes created a sort of dangerous appeal, however. The ram spirit was still suspicious about his motives, and that unusual aura he was giving off. It was repulsive, and made it difficult to breathe. "Atalia X. Fales."
Vincent coughed slightly when she let out another puff of smoke. "You can call me Vincent." He tilted his head, looking at her curiously. "So, why are you and your friends here? You don't have to answer, of course, but I might be inclined to tell you more about myself if you do."
Atalia leaned back a little, scratching the rim on her golden horns and let out a hesitant sigh. The appearance of her mien became unusually relaxed as he seemed openly willing to talk, if she did. "They aren't really my friends," She groaned. "If you were keeping watch carefully, you would have known they were treating me after I healed their friends. So, you could say we're mutually bonded." The ram spirit couldn't help the teasing emphasis, and continued. "And you? Why are you here, Vincent?" She felt as though she already knew the answer, but the one question couldn't hurt.
"Me? I've got nowhere else to go. This, at least, is interesting. I do get bored, after all," Vincent said, completely honest. "You and them are going to become friends, or at least allies. People don't usually forget others who heal them, you know."
Atalia frowned, this kid was definitely a bit on the weird side. "So you just follow interesting people around, huh?" Her gaze softened a little and she held the burning cigarette between her fingers. Vincent's words were a little bit haunting. You and them going to become friends... That kind of thing was a bit impossible for someone like her. A traveling doctor who barely made any permanent attachments with her patients. The spirit halfheartedly laughed. "I doubt that. I've already gotten on that elf's bad side." She said, her smoldering cigarette pointed toward Elza. "Why don't you go make friends with them? It'd be more interesting for you."
"Friends? I don't make friends," Vincent scoffed contemptuously. "Plus, no one appreciates stalkers, anyways. I'm better off by myself. Working with others gives me a headache anyways. You have to listen to their opinions and what they want. It's just cumbersome."
"Well, I can't argue with that." She sneered, brushing her hair from before her eyes. "That's why I've stayed away from most people." Mushing the tip of her cigarette into an ashtray beside their table, the spirit leaned her arm across the table. Atalia was still curious about what Vincent was, and that repulsive atmosphere he carried. "So, what's up with that dark aura around you?" She inquired, straightforwardly.
"Have you heard of Velona?" Vincent inquired, looking directly at her. Most people would flinch at the mention of "the children of Death." They would avoid him, look at him with frightened eyes, and treat him with a frightened respect.
"Velona?" Atalia cocked her head to the side, this was a word she'd never heard before.
"We are called the children of death. We're avoided everywhere. Why? We can visit the spirits of the dead and the lost. No one likes the Velona, who can disappear anytime to visit people they've lost, while most people just lose their loved ones, and it stays that way. They hate us, but they don't want to anger us," Vincent said as he carefully watched Atalia's reaction.
Atalia narrowed her eyes sheepishly and reached over to scratch her horns once more. "That's quite a speech, I've never heard of a Velona before." She muttered, then paused. No wonder I've been feeling like this. He's connected with death. "To be honest with you," The spirit sighed, trying to keep her carefree appearance. "Physically and mentally, I've been quite uneasy around you, Vincent." Her eyes regained their usual vibrancy, and she watched, waiting for his reaction.
"I understand that." He sighed. Atalia reminded him so much of his dead sister, Linette. She was always aspiring to be a healer, even when he offered to train her to be anything else. It hurt to think of Linette, even after all these years. "I'm not welcomed anywhere, really."
"Eh, what a depressing life you have." Atalia exhaled deeply, then grinned at him. Friends aren't that bad to have, yknow. She leaned into her hand, fingers curling around her pale cheeks. The spirit's mood lightened a little. But hopefully, her gaze didn't provoke any suspicion to this Velona-sometimes it scared people when she looked happy. "Then if you like how interesting we are, you can follow us, Vincent." And the ram spirit voice was barely audible and she smiled, probably for the first time since the dragon had attacked their group.
"I hate working in groups. Plus, they'll all avoid me anyways." Vincent let out a short breath and was startled by Atali's happiness. What about him made her happy? He was just a reclusive death-bringer.
Atalia frowned and brought back her usual colder countenance. It was amusing to see Vincent's reaction, as it was always with everyone else. "I'm already aware that," she murmured. "I was referring to how you like stalking people."
"Ah. You won't tell them, of course?" He asked, noticing that she had became colder again. They were somewhat alike, now that Vincent thought of it. Not that he wanted to be like her, but he didn't mind it as much as he thought he would.
"Of course not," She replied, then shot him a threatening glare. "Not unless you have something else planned." Abruptly, Atalia slammed her hand against the table, wondering if her rash movements would startle him again. The other customers started to peer at the two of them, and a growl rumbled from the spirit's throat. "If you do anything to harm anything or anyone, then, I'll make sure you pay for it."
"Calm down, Atalia," Vincent said calmly, glancing around him. "You're attracting attention. Well then, I'll see you around?" He stood up, ready to leave. The inside of the inn was getting to him, anyways. He needed fresh air.
Atalia sighed, then nodded. There was no point in continuing the conversation, she'd gained the information needed. "See you around." She lifted her arm in a slight wave, but the doctor didn't turn to look at Vincent. The ram spirit left her seat, strolling back to where the elf and her shapeshifting partner sat. She'd have to convince them to let her stay within their little group for the time being.
After he left to go outside, Vincent immediately climbed a large tree and sat comfortably on a high branch, letting out a breath. He immediately dove into the spirit world. After wandering around in the spirit world, he found Linette. She looked at him, her face happy to see him. They would've hugged, but he couldn't touch her. Sharing a glance, they talked for a while about ordinary things, such as Vincent's wellbeing and the newest events. It seemed like their meeting was too short when Vincent fell the tugging of the physical world and return, saying goodbye to Linette.
Elza glanced up, a smile hovering over her embarrassed features, at the feeling of a person nearby. Her happiness faltered as she realized it was Atalia, the gloomy healer, but she didn't let it show on her face. Temporarily separating herself from the hubub around her, the elf asked, "So, good morning, Atalia! I trust you slept well. Can I help you?"
Aaron shook his head from across the table, disapproving of Koe's outbursts of laughter but hardly containing his own. Rosa and this mystery man were just so awkward, it was almost infectious. The werewolf had his hand pressed against his mouth in order to keep from erupting into a laughing fit.
Will continued on through the unfamiliar terrain, occasionally hearing the far-off screech of some bird. However, he had a sinking suspicion that he was now in demon-infested territory, and the bird was not a bird at all, but some man-devouring harbinger of death. Will summoned a sword, even though it would do absolutely nothing against a demon. It was mainly for the slight, diminishing sense that he was a mouse in a den of tigers. Either way, it gave him a bit of courage, and he continued moving, doing his best to cover his tracks as he went.
Atalia attempted at making a casual, carefree smile, in order to ease the tension she'd already created with Elza, but it ended as an awkward cringe. "Eh, how do I put this..?" She muttered, scratching her head. The ram spirit was sulking, asking for favors like this wasn't her sort of thing. "Er.. do you mind if I work with your group for a bit? There's no pay needed of course.. I just.." Her eyes wandered to the ceiling, the show she was putting on wasn't very her.. and it was getting annoying. Atalia lit another cigarette, her cheeks rosy in embarrassment. "I have any.. people to be with."
Koe looked at Rosa and the others, "Well we're going to the hot springs soon right!? Maybe you, Rosa could come and join us girls, and uh, mysterious kissing stranger over there could go with the guys, or something. So thats what we can do. Yep," She interjected, grinning. Then she smiled, warmly, at Atalia. "You should come too,"
Habit blinked, slightly repulsed on the inside at the idea of bathing with the other males, he smiled and shook his head gently. "Thank you for the offer but.. I have to get supplies for my next trip around the mountains. And that could take awhile," His face returned to a normal color, before he blushed again, kicking at the ground. "But uh... Maybe I could meet up with you guys later?" He looked at Rosa. Then looked at the others, "I'm, formally, Habit by the way, before I forget to tell you," He chuckled slightly.


text:
COVID-19 : How to get through the crisis with an online strategy
Pre-recorded webinar
COVID-19: How to get through the crisis with an online strategy
The COVID-19 pandemic is transforming the economy and bringing unprecedented challenges to businesses across Canada. As more customers go online for products and services, pivoting your business to take full advantage of these online opportunities can position you to emerge stronger in terms of who you sell to, how you sell and what you sell.
Join BDC Chief Economist Pierre Cléroux who will give an economic update, and other experts who will share their expertise on adapting your business online during the pandemic and beyond.
Who should watch?
All Canadian businesses impacted by COVID-19
You'll discover:
What to expect from the economy in the coming months
How to review your business strategy
How to leverage e-commerce
Watch the webinar on YouTube
Pierre Cléroux
Vice President, Research and Chief Economist, BDC View full biography
Sandra Coffey
Senior Business Advisor, BDC Advisory Services
Sandra is a bilingual senior executive with almost 30 years of experience in management and marketing, in particular with information technology companies. At BDC, she works with entrepreneurs to help them establish solid strategies for business success and build up their management structure to achieve sustainable growth. A lawyer by profession, Sandra taught business strategy at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University from 2010 to 2013. An avid practitioner of several sports, Sandra is 3rd DAN black belt in karate and owner of a karate school for women and girls.
Tyler Lockyer
Business Advisor, BDC Advisory Services
Tyler Lockyer began his career as an independent web developer; planning, designing and developing websites for local businesses. This experience drove a passion for all things technology, and a career helping companies build ground up digital strategies. At BDC, Tyler now works with entrepreneurs to help them drive website strategy and digital marketing planning. From rich website strategies that help educate and convert traffic into customers, to writing business operating models and requirements for e-commerce, Tyler fully understands the spectrum of digital, and how it touches operations, product, marketing, sales, and customer service. He also has entrepreneurial experience, having developed a start-up brewery and facilitated a merger.


text:
The weighted fusion category algebra and the q-Schur algebra for GL(2)(q)
Sejong Park
We show that the weighted fusion category algebra of the principal 2-block b(0) of GL(2)(q) is the quotient of the q-Schur algebra S-2(q) by its socle, for q an odd prime power. As a consequence, we get a canonical bijection between the set of isomorphism classes of simple kGL(2) (q)b(0)-modules and the set of conjugacy classes of b(0)-weights in this case. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Journal of Algebra
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalgebra.2007.10.025
Published - 1 Jan 2008
function system
weighted fusion category algebra
Alperin's weight conjecture
q-Schur algebra
general linear-groups
Park, S. (2008). The weighted fusion category algebra and the q-Schur algebra for GL(2)(q). Journal of Algebra, 319(1), 93-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalgebra.2007.10.025
The weighted fusion category algebra and the q-Schur algebra for GL(2)(q). / Park, Sejong.
In: Journal of Algebra, Vol. 319, No. 1, 01.01.2008, p. 93-101.
Park, S 2008, 'The weighted fusion category algebra and the q-Schur algebra for GL(2)(q)', Journal of Algebra, vol. 319, no. 1, pp. 93-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalgebra.2007.10.025
Park S. The weighted fusion category algebra and the q-Schur algebra for GL(2)(q). Journal of Algebra. 2008 Jan 1;319(1):93-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalgebra.2007.10.025
Park, Sejong. / The weighted fusion category algebra and the q-Schur algebra for GL(2)(q). In: Journal of Algebra. 2008 ; Vol. 319, No. 1. pp. 93-101.
@article{930095b044014a1299af94b280d4add9,
title = "The weighted fusion category algebra and the q-Schur algebra for GL(2)(q)",
abstract = "We show that the weighted fusion category algebra of the principal 2-block b(0) of GL(2)(q) is the quotient of the q-Schur algebra S-2(q) by its socle, for q an odd prime power. As a consequence, we get a canonical bijection between the set of isomorphism classes of simple kGL(2) (q)b(0)-modules and the set of conjugacy classes of b(0)-weights in this case. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.",
keywords = "function system, weighted fusion category algebra, Alperin's weight conjecture, q-Schur algebra, general linear-groups",
author = "Sejong Park",
doi = "10.1016/j.jalgebra.2007.10.025",
journal = "Journal of Algebra",
T1 - The weighted fusion category algebra and the q-Schur algebra for GL(2)(q)
AU - Park, Sejong
N2 - We show that the weighted fusion category algebra of the principal 2-block b(0) of GL(2)(q) is the quotient of the q-Schur algebra S-2(q) by its socle, for q an odd prime power. As a consequence, we get a canonical bijection between the set of isomorphism classes of simple kGL(2) (q)b(0)-modules and the set of conjugacy classes of b(0)-weights in this case. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
AB - We show that the weighted fusion category algebra of the principal 2-block b(0) of GL(2)(q) is the quotient of the q-Schur algebra S-2(q) by its socle, for q an odd prime power. As a consequence, we get a canonical bijection between the set of isomorphism classes of simple kGL(2) (q)b(0)-modules and the set of conjugacy classes of b(0)-weights in this case. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
KW - function system
KW - weighted fusion category algebra
KW - Alperin's weight conjecture
KW - q-Schur algebra
KW - general linear-groups
U2 - 10.1016/j.jalgebra.2007.10.025
DO - 10.1016/j.jalgebra.2007.10.025
JO - Journal of Algebra
JF - Journal of Algebra
10.1016/j.jalgebra.2007.10.025


text:
Peanut Stew with Spinach and Miso
This is a substantial, creamy peanut stew with plenty of spice from a good dollop of curry paste. Use your favorite brand of curry, a homemade paste, or even the ubiquitous Thai Kitchen brand. Canned crushed tomatoes are easy to find (and good here!), but this soup gains extra depth of flavor with canned fire-roasted tomatoes. I thought about making the miso optional, because, really, it is. But it's a nice addition, lending extra body, flavor, and dimension.
Soul-Hugging Lentil Shepherd's Pie
PREP TIME: 45 MINUTES • TOTAL TIME: 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES • SERVES 6
This soup is a lovely soft yellow; it sings with the color of spring, and gently soothes.
30-Minute Green Chicken Chili
While working at Food & Wine magazine in my early twenties, some of the editors were raving about Hatch green chillies as we chatted, and, not wanting to seem like a total idiot, I nodded enthusiastically and then immediately went to search what these things were. They are, in fact, pretty awesome, and come from a town called Hatch in New Mexico, USA. You can add them to soups, stews, salsas or use as toppings for burgers or pizzas for a great depth of flavour. They range in heat level (and also offer a subtle sweetness to them), so buy whichever are better for your palate.
Polish Sausage with Cabbage & Mushrooms
With its intriguing blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, Krakow's town square blanketed in a thick layer of February snow is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. But it's not for the faint hearted – stinging Siberian winds whip around the buildings and a post-wander warm-up was definitely required. So it's fortunate that the Poles have comfort food pegged, and bigos (hunter's stew) is everything you could hope for on a wintry day. Polish kabernos sausage has an amazing, distinctive smoky flavour that makes it the star of this soup, which is roughly based on that classic Polish dish.
Tom Kha Soup with Shrimp
Every single meal is an opportunity to nourish your body and do something good for yourself," says Annie Lawless, cofounder of the organic cold-pressed juice company Suja Juice, who's now running her own nontoxic beauty brand, Lawless Beauty. When it comes to mealtime, she goes for unprocessed foods that give her body the nutrition it needs, like this tom kha soup filled with healthy veggies, spices, and herbs—the ultimate comfort food at the end of a long day.
Beef Bone Broth (Sagol-Gukmul)
When Korean mothers have to leave their families for a few days, they often make a big cauldron of beef bone broth so their husbands and children can survive without Mom's cooking during her absence. It's become kind of a joke in families, even depicted on Korean TV comedies—a mother is cooking up a big pot of bone broth, so her children and husband are worried. "Where are you going?"
Rassolnik
Fermentation lies at the heart of Russian cuisine as one of the most ancient techniques of preparing food. As you will notice throughout this book, numerous recipes rely on sauerkrauts, kvass, or rassol (the fermentation liquid) for their distinct tangy flavor. This soup, which carries the name rassol in its very title, is the embodiment of such a tradition. While historically rassolnik is an old Russian dish, the go-to recipe in our family comes from Poland. Back in the 1970s, my mom took part in a school program that allowed Soviet kids to find pen pals in neighboring socialist countries. She hit the jackpot, since she was linked up with a boy in Poland (the most coveted country of all friendly socialist ones). After a few years of correspondence, my mom and her parents were invited—and most importantly permitted by the Soviet officials—to visit her pen pal. Along with a bag full of trendy garments, chewing gum, and fancy stationery, which made her the coolest teenager in school, she brought back this recipe for a good old Russian rassolnik, cooked by her Polish friend's mom. The delicious soup always reminds me of the interwoven nature of the Soviet and Slavic histories and cuisines.
Turkey Pozole Verde
Recipe provided by chef Hugo Ortega of Hugo's, Caracol Restaurant, and Backstreet Cafe. Good for any time of year, but especially satisfying when you've got a lot of leftover Thanksgiving turkey but you're tired of turkey sandwiches.
123NextLast


Ben is the author of two books: Jerry's Vegan Women (fiction, 2015) and The Vegan Monologues (essays, 2009). Both were published by Apprentice House, Loyola University Maryland.
His writing has been featured by prominent media including: The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, National Public Radio, The Baltimore Sun, The Des Moines Register, VegNews, and Sky and Telescope Magazine.
Ben's essays and stories have appeared in print and online journals including: Empty Mirror, The Good Men Project, Flock, Work Literary Magazine, Sport Literate, The Artist Unleashed, and Smile Hon You're in Baltimore.
He holds a master of arts in writing from Johns Hopkins University, as well as a master of science in computer systems management from the University of Maryland, and a bachelor of science in computer information science from Cleveland State University.
Ben has also been a staff writer for retinal research, non-profit, long-term care, and hospice care organizations.
In 2003, Ben won the Penny Ante Humor Scholarship at the Stonecoast Writers' Conference (University of Southern Maine).
In 2002, he won second place at the Des Moines National Poetry Festival.
He's been a vegetarian since 1991 and a vegan since 2004.


text:
Ecobat Battery UK Ltd Modern Slavery Statement 2019
This statement is published in accordance with Chapter 30, Part 6, Section 54 (Transparency in supply chains etc.) of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015. It constitutes the slavery and human trafficking statement for Ecobat Technologies Limited ("Eco-Bat"), and its UK subsidiaries H J
Enthoven Ltd. and Manbat Ltd. for the financial year ending 31 December 2019.
Eco-Bat and its global subsidiaries take seriously their corporate responsibility to ensure materials used in their products are sourced in an ethical manner. Eco-Bat is committed to ensuring that its supply chain reflects its values and respect for human rights.
In line with its corporate culture and ethics, Eco-Bat is committed to being a good corporate citizen including ensuring the health, safety and protection of people who come into contact with its products and business, as well as managing its obligations in relation to modern slavery which is defined to include forced labour, servitude, human trafficking and other hidden third party exploitation of workers. Eco-Bat expects a similar commitment from its global supply chain partners.
Eco-Bat Technologies is the world's largest producer of lead, producing over 800,000 metric tonnes per year from over 15 facilities in Europe, the USA and South Africa. Eco-Bat maximizes the value of its operations by producing the highest quality lead and lead alloys, specifically designed for the battery, mining and other industries both from recycled and primary materials. In addition, Eco-Bat processes and supplies in various forms silver, lead anodes and sheet, zinc, aluminum, industrial minerals, plastics, polyfoams, and provides services including spent battery collection and distribution of new batteries. Excellence is the watchword throughout all operations, but particularly in customer service, technical expertise and health, safety and environmental matters.
Eco-Bat Code of Ethics and Business Conduct:The Eco-Bat Board of Directors and the Senior Management Team are committed to our Group's core values and expect the same commitment from every employee. Ethical behaviour; superior product offerings; service quality; health, safety and environmental leadership; technology innovation – these values define Eco-Bat. Preserving the trust and respect of our stakeholders is the responsibility of every individual in the Group. Our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (the "Code") is designed to help each of us meet that obligation. The Code explains Eco-Bat's policies for how we conduct business around the world. The principles support full compliance with applicable laws. They also represent the practical ways that we put our values to work every day. We must all commit to understanding, upholding and abiding by the Code.
Ethics and Confidential Helpline Policy:
Eco-Bat also operates an Ethics and Confidential Helpline Policy which encourages individuals to report wrongdoing in any form, including but not limited to human rights violations, such as Modern Slavery. A copy of the Confidential Helpline contact details are displayed throughout our sites, with awareness reiterated and discussed as part of our ongoing communication and training.
Conflict Minerals Policy Statement:
Eco-Bat has determined that it currently requires the use of one or more of the four listed conflict minerals for the production of some of its products. However, Eco-Bat endeavours not to directly purchase any Conflict Minerals that directly or indirectly finance or benefit armed groups in the DRC or adjoining countries. To this end, Eco-Bat requires its direct suppliers to be DRC conflict-free and, in addition, has implemented internal due diligence measures for conflict-free sourcing.
OUR SUPPLY CHAIN DUE DILIGENCE MEASURES
Eco-Bat uses a wide range of suppliers who supply goods for sale, provide services at and support our operations. The supply chain involved in the manufacture of some of our products is complex, involving multiple levels between Eco-Bat and the source of raw materials entering the manufacturing process. Whilst this makes it a challenge to effectively manage the risks of Modern Slavery throughout the entire supply chain, the approach we take is to actively manage and use our direct suppliers as the means by which we clearly communicate our expectations down the supply chain.
In furtherance of the goal of ensuring that slavery and human trafficking are not used within its supply chain, Eco-Bat has implemented the following internal due diligence measures for ethical sourcing:
Supplier Verification
Eco-Bat is committed to working only with suppliers that do not use any indentured or forced labour, slavery, servitude, or any other methods that could contribute to slavery or human trafficking. Within the terms of supplier agreements and contracts, Eco-Bat requires suppliers to verify that they are conducting business and operations in accordance with all applicable jurisdictional laws and regulations, including those pertaining to all acceptable labour practices.
Eco-Bat's supplier agreements and contracts include clauses and provisions confirming that suppliers conduct business and operations in compliance with all applicable laws relating to hiring, wages, hours and conditions of employment, occupational health and safety, and all other labour and workplace laws and regulations. While Eco-Bat has not conducted audits of its suppliers, Eco-Bat's supplier agreements endeavor to include Eco-Bat's right to conduct compliance audits of its suppliers. Eco-Bat also requires that its suppliers certify that they will conduct their activities in compliance with all applicable laws, including those that require them to treat workers fairly, to respect human rights, and to provide safe and healthy work environments. Eco-Bat will continue to maintain business relationships only with companies that do not use any slavery, servitude, indentured or forced labour, or any other methods that could contribute to modern slavery or human trafficking.
Internal Standards and Training
Eco-Bat employees are required to adhere to all applicable laws and standards and to behave in an ethical manner at all times as a condition of employment. Eco-Bat provides its employees with direct responsibility for supply chain management with additional training relating specifically to identifying modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking issues, and how to mitigate risks within the supply chain. In addition to employee training, Eco-Bat plans to raise further awareness of modern slavery issues by displaying posters across our entities and operating facilities.
Employee "Right to Work"
Eco-Bat undertakes "Right to Work" checks on all direct employees, contractors, associates and suppliers prior to them commencing any role or work with the business. This includes checking, where applicable, that the proposed employee has a valid work permits and is of an appropriate age to work. All new Employees joining Eco-Bat are provided with copies of the relevant policies including our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is explained to them during their induction. In addition, each separate entity has their own Eco-Bat Employee Handbook which is more specific to the location and reinforces the Eco-Bat values and expectations of all employees.
Stronger2gether Campaign
In July 2018, we incorporated a new element to our induction programme which utilises resources from the Stronger2gether campaign to raise awareness of Modern Slavery, particularly forced labour, labour trafficking and other hidden third-party exploitation of workers, and ensures that all new employees have information available regarding information about the above.
The organisation has reviewed its key performance indicators (KPIs) in respect of compliance with Modern Slavery Compliance and has set the following targets for monitoring.
requiring all staff working in our procurement and HR teams to have completed training on modern slavery during 2020; and
development, distribution and display of awareness posters and materials across all UK sites.
In addition to the planned actions above over the course of the next financial year we will continue to enhance our proceedures to help us identify, prevent and mitigate any risks of modern slavery or human trafficking in relation to new and existing suppliers.


Nightingale Fitness Bootcamp & Personal Training Video [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa0dGG5y-90?rel=0&modestbranding=1&w=580&h=385] Description See what Nightingale Fitness has to offer!
Dance Tips – Video : [HAUL]: costumes de danse orientale! ♡ bellydance costumes!


text:
Firefighters work as smoke billows from a three-story building of Kyoto Animation in a fire in Kyoto, western Japan, Thursday, July 18, 2019. Kyoto prefectural police said the fire broke out Thursday morning after a man burst into it and spread unidentified liquid and put fire. (Kyodo News via AP)
The Latest: 12 presumed dead in arson at Japan film studio
TOKYO (AP) — The Latest on a fire in a Japanese animation studio (all times local): 3 p.m. A Japanese fire official says at least 12 people are presumed dead and more could be missing after they were trapped by fire at a popular animation production studio in Kyoto. Kyoto fire department official...
Smoke billows from a three-story building of Kyoto Animation in a fire in Kyoto, western Japan, Thursday, July 18, 2019. Kyoto prefectural police said the fire broke out Thursday morning after a man burst into it and spread unidentified liquid and put fire.(Kyodo News via AP)
Suspected arson in Japan animation studio kills 1, 35 hurt
TOKYO (AP) — A man burst into a famous animation production studio in Kyoto and started a fire early Thursday, leaving at least one dead and 35 others injured, some critically, Japanese authorities said. The fire broke out at a three-story building of Kyoto Animation in Uji city in southern Kyoto,...
The sun sets behind telescopes at the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii's tallest mountain, Sunday, July 14, 2019. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the base of Hawaii's tallest mountain to protest the construction of a giant telescope on land that some Native Hawaiians consider sacred. State and local officials will try to close the road to the summit of Mauna Kea Monday morning to allow trucks carrying construction equipment to make their way to the top. Officials say anyone breaking the law will be prosecuted. Protestors have blocked the roadway during previous attempts to begin construction and have been arrested. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)
HONOLULU (AP) — Thousands of protesters joined a swelling effort Wednesday to stop construction of a telescope they have long tried to keep off a mountain considered sacred to some Native Hawaiians, blocking a road to Hawaii's highest peak and prompting the arrest of a group of elderly...
FILE - This file photo provided by the Macon County Sheriff's Office in Decatur, Ill., shows Brendt Christensen. Andrea Christensen, the sister of former University of Illinois student Brendt Christensen who is convicted of killing a Chinese scholar, told a jury, Monday, July 15, 2019, deciding whether he should be executed that he was a "very gentle person" who never raised his voice. (Macon County Sheriff's Office via AP, File)
PEORIA, Ill. (AP) — Jurors began deliberating but didn't reach a decision Wednesday on whether a former University of Illinois doctoral student should be put to death for the brutal slaying of a scholar from China he abducted at a bus stop. Brent Christensen's attorney, Elisabeth Pollock, teared up...
Gwen Carr, mother of chokehold victim Eric Garner, speaks outside the U.S. Attorney's office, in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Tuesday, July 16, 2019, as Rev. Al Sharpton listens, center. Federal prosecutors won't bring civil rights charges against New York City police officer Daniel Pantaleo, in the 2014 chokehold death of Garner, a decision made by Attorney General William Barr and announced one day before the five-year anniversary of his death, officials said. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
De Blasio beats back calls to fire officer in Garner death
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio beat back repeated calls Wednesday for him to fire the police officer accused of using a fatal chokehold on Eric Garner five years ago, saying he was obligated to keep his opinions to himself until police department disciplinary proceedings are...
FILE - In this June 26, 2019, file photo, Musician R. Kelly departs from the Leighton Criminal Court building after a status hearing in his criminal sexual abuse trial in Chicago. Fighting federal child sex crime charges is already proving to be a different experience for Kelly than when he successfully fought child pornography charges in state court. A judge ordered him held in federal custody without bond Tuesday, instead of releasing him on bond as before his 2008 trial. (AP Photo/Amr Alfiky, File)
CHICAGO (AP) — The difference between R. Kelly's life in 2002 when he was last charged with child sex-related crimes and his arrest last week on even more serious charges was on full display when the R&B singer turned and slowly walked out of court. Each step Tuesday was cut shorter than normal...
This image made from a photo trapping system of the Autonomous Province of Trento and made available Wednesday, July 17, 2019 shows a bear, dubbed M49, at 22.54pm on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 walking in a forest after its escape from an electrified enclosure, in the woods of Marzola, near Trento, northern Italy. The brown bear has eluded capture for a third day Wednesday, while appeals mounted for the animal to stay unharmed. (Autonomous Province of Trento via AP)
ROME (AP) — A brown bear in Italy has eluded capture for a third day, following its escape from an electrified enclosure in a forested Alpine region. Appeals mounted urging authorities not to shoot it. It's not clear how the bear got past an electrified fence, then scaled a nearly 4-meter (13-foot...
BC-Deep South News Digest
Good afternoon! Here's a look at how AP's news coverage is shaping up today in the Deep South. Questions about today's coverage plans are welcome and should be directed to: The Atlanta AP Bureau at 404-522-8971 or apatlanta@ap.org The Columbia AP Bureau at 803-799-5510 or apcolumbia@ap.org The...
FILE - In this Dec. 12, 2018, file photo, Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former lawyer, leaves federal court after his sentencing in New York. Federal prosecutors have told a judge in New York Wednesday, July 17, 2019, that they have concluded their investigation into campaign finance violations committed by Cohen. U.S. District Judge William H. Pauley III said that the conclusion of the case clears the way for the public release of sealed search warrant materials dealing with the investigation. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle, File)
NEW YORK (AP) — Federal prosecutors have told a judge in New York they have concluded their investigation into campaign finance crimes committed by President Donald Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen. The closure of the case is the strongest suggestion yet that federal prosecutors have decided...
A girl holds a flower as friends and family of victims from Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 plane crash attend a ceremony marking the fifth anniversary of the tragedy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Wednesday, July 17, 2019. Five years after a missile blew Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 out of the sky above eastern Ukraine, relatives and friends of those killed gathered Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur and at a Dutch memorial to mark the anniversary. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
VIJFHUIZEN, Netherlands (AP) — With songs, speeches and solemn silence, relatives and friends on Wednesday commemorated the 298 passengers and crew killed five years ago when a missile blew Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 out of the sky above war-torn eastern Ukraine. Central to the memorial service at...


On July 1, 2005, Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to launch an independent, consolidated department with a primary focus on early childhood learning and care. This innovative governance structure had equal standing with the state's Department of Education and Board of Higher Education. In Massachusetts, and nationally, the new Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) was greeted with excitement, high expectations and a keen sense of watchfulness. The new consolidated Department was expected to improve upon the previous system and forge new ground in early education through the development of a system of universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) for every three-, four-, and five-year-old child in the Commonwealth. The creation of the Department was viewed as an opportunity for Massachusetts "to lead the way in providing coordinated, cost-effective, high-quality early education and care."
The creation of the Department was the culmination of several years of work by advocates and policymakers and was influenced by a growing focus statewide and nationally on the importance of high-quality early education. The primary impetus for the agency was to develop a system of UPK through a mix of private and public providers, which the existing governance structure was not capable of overseeing. Several additional factors contributed to a heightened focus on the needs of the youngest children. Brain research over the past decade has directed increased attention to early education as it showed the long-term impact of high-quality early education and its potential return on investment. Specifically, research has shown that low-income children who participate in a high-quality early education are more likely to excel in school, stay off welfare and out of jail, and to later become good parents themselves. Research into the economics of early education also showed that investments in high-quality early education could lead to as much as a 16% return on investment. Growth nationally in the number of women engaged in the workforce further elevated the focus on the need to provide access to high-quality early education and care --and this growth is projected to continue.
Another important factor influencing the creation of the Department was the move toward standards and accountability in K-12 education, which aspires to have all children achieve to their fullest potential. Increasingly, it has become evident that a high-quality early education experience is a fundamental component of an educational continuum that ensures that children, especially those at-risk, have the necessary foundation to succeed in the K-12 system and in life.
This case study describes the evolution of EEC from its early conceptions to its impact in its first two and a half years. The goal of the study is to provide a reference and resource for other state governments, advocacy groups and philanthropies seeking to develop a consolidated governance structure for early education and care. While this case focuses primarily on EEC's services for children ages three through five, it is important to note that the agency serves children age birth through 14. Through this case, we chronicle the purpose, history and evolution of EEC, articulate "lessons-learned" to date and identify future opportunities and challenges for EEC as it strives to meet its statutory mandates.
Part Three - EEC's progress to date, as well as the challenges that lie ahead and lessons for other states.
Copyright Rennie Center and Strategies for Children, Inc.


I am taking the Storm trooper and the caravan from Otjiwarongo back home to Cape Town on the 17th May and I already had to opt out of a 14 th May Faces of the Namib tour due to possible work commitments. I am DYING to get the Stormtrooper into the Namib desert .
Is anyone aware of a day trip dune driving somewhere around the Eastern edge of the desert. I am not keen on driving all the way to Luderitz to do that.
Lots of guys in Walvis. Not sure about further south though.
Last edited by Kagiso II on 06 May 2017 23:32, edited 2 times in total.
I can do a self drive trip to sandwich harbour from walvisbay . Travel about 55 km south and do some few dunes .
More than welkome to phone ill even try to arange something els if it is possible.