text:
Q: WPF: changing colors of datagrid rows from menu option I can use style triggers to get the data-grid rows colored but I want to have a menu option that will change the colors on the fly.  When I click the color menu item and select a style I want that reflected in the data-grid.  I have read about using the loading row option but that requires reloading all the data in the data-grid.  I have tried to understand how to use converters but I haven't found an example that relates exactly to what I am trying to do.  In my example code I simply want to change the color based on the "Conference" column in the datagrid.
Subtle: AFC = Pink and NFC = lightblue
Vivid: AFC = Red and NFC = Blue
I am fairly new to WPF so any suggestions are appreciated.  I am hoping someone can provide some sample code that would accomplish this.  Thanks in advance.
XAML:

<DockPanel Name="DockPanel1" >:

    <Menu Height="30" HorizontalAlignment="Stretch" VerticalAlignment="Top" DockPanel.Dock="Top" >
        <MenuItem Header="Color">
            <MenuItem Header="Subtle"  Click="MenuItem_Click"></MenuItem>
            <MenuItem Header="Vivid"   Click="MenuItem_Click"></MenuItem>
        </MenuItem>
    </Menu>

    <DataGrid  Name="dataGrid1"
               AutoGenerateColumns="True"
               Width="495" Height="412"
               DockPanel.Dock="Top"
               ItemsSource="{Binding}">
        <DataGrid.RowStyle>
            <Style TargetType="DataGridRow">
                <Style.Triggers>

                    <DataTrigger Binding="{Binding Conference}" Value="AFC">
                        <Setter Property="Background" Value="Pink"/>
                    </DataTrigger>
                    <DataTrigger Binding="{Binding Conference}" Value="NFC">
                        <Setter Property="Background" Value="LightBlue" />
                    </DataTrigger>
                </Style.Triggers>
            </Style>
        </DataGrid.RowStyle>
    </DataGrid>

</DockPanel>

Code Behind:
namespace DataGridRowColorTest
{
/// <summary>
/// Interaction logic for MainWindow.xaml
/// </summary>
public partial class MainWindow : Window
{
    DataTable teams = new DataTable();

    public MainWindow()
    {
        InitializeComponent();
        loadDataGrid();
        this.DataContext = this;
    }

    private void loadDataGrid()
    {
        teams.Columns.Add("Location");
        teams.Columns.Add("Name");
        teams.Columns.Add("Conference");
        teams.Columns.Add("Division");
        teams.Rows.Add("Baltimore", "Ravens", "AFC", "North");
        teams.Rows.Add("Cincinnati", "Bengals", "AFC", "North");
        teams.Rows.Add("Cleveland", "Browns", "AFC", "North");
        teams.Rows.Add("Pittsburgh", "Steelers", "AFC", "North");
        teams.Rows.Add("Houston", "Texans", "AFC", "South");
        teams.Rows.Add("Indianapolis", "Colts", "AFC", "South");
        teams.Rows.Add("Jacksonville", "Jaguars", "AFC", "South");
        teams.Rows.Add("Tennessee", "Titans", "AFC", "South");
        teams.Rows.Add("Buffalo", "Bills", "AFC", "East");
        teams.Rows.Add("Miami", "Dolphins", "AFC", "East");
        teams.Rows.Add("New England", "Patriots", "AFC", "East");
        teams.Rows.Add("New York", "Jets", "AFC", "East");
        teams.Rows.Add("Denver", "Broncos", "AFC", "West");
        teams.Rows.Add("Kansas City", "Chiefs", "AFC", "West");
        teams.Rows.Add("Oakland", "Raiders", "AFC", "West");
        teams.Rows.Add("San Diego", "Chargers", "AFC", "West");
        teams.Rows.Add("Chicago", "Bears", "NFC", "North");
        teams.Rows.Add("Detroit", "Lions", "NFC", "North");
        teams.Rows.Add("Green Bay", "Packers", "NFC", "North");
        teams.Rows.Add("Minnesota", "Vikings", "NFC", "North");
        teams.Rows.Add("Atlanta", "Falcons", "NFC", "South");
        teams.Rows.Add("Carolina", "Panthers", "NFC", "South");
        teams.Rows.Add("New Orleans", "Saints", "NFC", "South");
        teams.Rows.Add("Tampa Bay", "Buccaneers", "NFC", "South");
        teams.Rows.Add("Dallas", "Cowboys", "NFC", "East");
        teams.Rows.Add("New York", "Giants", "NFC", "East");
        teams.Rows.Add("Philadelphia", "Eagles", "NFC", "East");
        teams.Rows.Add("Washington", "Redskins", "NFC", "East");
        teams.Rows.Add("Arizona", "Cardinals", "NFC", "West");
        teams.Rows.Add("San Francisco", "49ers", "NFC", "West");
        teams.Rows.Add("Seattle", "Seahawks", "NFC", "West");
        teams.Rows.Add("St. Louis", "Rams", "NFC", "West");

        dataGrid1.DataContext = teams;
    }

}

}

A: if you want to use a converter as you wish you should do something  like this :
//xaml
   <Window x:Class="WpfApplication1.MainWindow"
    xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml/presentation"
    xmlns:x="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml"
    xmlns:Conv="clr-namespace:WpfApplication1"
    Title="MainWindow"
    Width="525"
    Height="350">
<Window.Resources>
    <Conv:ConverterColor x:Key="convColor"></Conv:ConverterColor>
</Window.Resources>
<DockPanel Name="DockPanel1">

    <Menu Height="30"
          HorizontalAlignment="Stretch"
          VerticalAlignment="Top"
          DockPanel.Dock="Top">
        <MenuItem Header="Color">
            <MenuItem Click="MenuItem_Click"  Header="Subtle" />
            <MenuItem Click="MenuItem_Click" Header="Vivid" />
        </MenuItem>
    </Menu>

    <DataGrid Name="dataGrid1"
              Width="495"
              Height="412"
              AutoGenerateColumns="True"
              DockPanel.Dock="Top"
              ItemsSource="{Binding}">
        <DataGrid.RowStyle>
            <Style TargetType="DataGridRow">
                <Setter Property="Background" Value="{Binding Conference,Converter={StaticResource ResourceKey=convColor}}"></Setter>
                <!--<Style.Triggers>
                    <DataTrigger Binding="{Binding Conference}" Value="AFC">
                        <Setter Property="Background" Value="Pink" />
                    </DataTrigger>
                    <DataTrigger Binding="{Binding Conference}" Value="NFC">
                        <Setter Property="Background" Value="LightBlue" />
                    </DataTrigger>
                </Style.Triggers>-->
            </Style>
        </DataGrid.RowStyle>
    </DataGrid>

</DockPanel>

namespace WpfApplication1
{

/// <summary>
/// Interaction logic for MainWindow.xaml
/// </summary>
public partial class MainWindow : Window
{
    DataTable teams = new DataTable();

    public MainWindow()
    {
        InitializeComponent();

        loadDataGrid();
        this.DataContext = this;
    }

    private void loadDataGrid()
    {
        teams.Columns.Add("Location");
        teams.Columns.Add("Name");
        teams.Columns.Add("Conference");
        teams.Columns.Add("Division");
        teams.Rows.Add("Baltimore", "Ravens", "AFC", "North");
        teams.Rows.Add("Cincinnati", "Bengals", "AFC", "North");
        teams.Rows.Add("Cleveland", "Browns", "AFC", "North");
        teams.Rows.Add("Pittsburgh", "Steelers", "AFC", "North");
        teams.Rows.Add("Houston", "Texans", "AFC", "South");
        teams.Rows.Add("Indianapolis", "Colts", "AFC", "South");
        teams.Rows.Add("Jacksonville", "Jaguars", "AFC", "South");
        teams.Rows.Add("Tennessee", "Titans", "AFC", "South");
        teams.Rows.Add("Buffalo", "Bills", "AFC", "East");
        teams.Rows.Add("Miami", "Dolphins", "AFC", "East");
        teams.Rows.Add("New England", "Patriots", "AFC", "East");
        teams.Rows.Add("New York", "Jets", "AFC", "East");
        teams.Rows.Add("Denver", "Broncos", "AFC", "West");
        teams.Rows.Add("Kansas City", "Chiefs", "AFC", "West");
        teams.Rows.Add("Oakland", "Raiders", "AFC", "West");
        teams.Rows.Add("San Diego", "Chargers", "AFC", "West");
        teams.Rows.Add("Chicago", "Bears", "NFC", "North");
        teams.Rows.Add("Detroit", "Lions", "NFC", "North");
        teams.Rows.Add("Green Bay", "Packers", "NFC", "North");
        teams.Rows.Add("Minnesota", "Vikings", "NFC", "North");
        teams.Rows.Add("Atlanta", "Falcons", "NFC", "South");
        teams.Rows.Add("Carolina", "Panthers", "NFC", "South");
        teams.Rows.Add("New Orleans", "Saints", "NFC", "South");
        teams.Rows.Add("Tampa Bay", "Buccaneers", "NFC", "South");
        teams.Rows.Add("Dallas", "Cowboys", "NFC", "East");
        teams.Rows.Add("New York", "Giants", "NFC", "East");
        teams.Rows.Add("Philadelphia", "Eagles", "NFC", "East");
        teams.Rows.Add("Washington", "Redskins", "NFC", "East");
        teams.Rows.Add("Arizona", "Cardinals", "NFC", "West");
        teams.Rows.Add("San Francisco", "49ers", "NFC", "West");
        teams.Rows.Add("Seattle", "Seahawks", "NFC", "West");
        teams.Rows.Add("St. Louis", "Rams", "NFC", "West");
        dataGrid1.DataContext = teams;
    }

    private void MenuItem_Click(object sender, RoutedEventArgs e)
    {

    }

}
[ValueConversion(typeof(string), typeof(Brush))]
 public class  ConverterColor:IValueConverter
 {

     public object Convert(object value, Type targetType, object parameter, System.Globalization.CultureInfo culture)
     {
         SolidColorBrush solColBrsh=new SolidColorBrush(Colors.Red);
         string conference = (value as string);
         switch (conference)
         {
             case "AFC":
                 solColBrsh = new SolidColorBrush(Colors.Pink);
                 break;
             case "NFC":
                 solColBrsh = new SolidColorBrush(Colors.BlueViolet);
                 break;
             default:
                 break;
         }
         return solColBrsh;
     }

     public object ConvertBack(object value, Type targetType, object parameter, System.Globalization.CultureInfo culture)
     {
         throw new NotImplementedException();
     }
 }

}
Hope this  help

A: You could use Resources:
<Window.Resources>
    <SolidColorBrush x:Key="afc" Color="Pink" />
    <SolidColorBrush x:Key="nfc" Color="LightBlue" />
</Window.Resources>

And reference them dynamically:
<DataTrigger Binding="{Binding Conference}" Value="AFC">
    <Setter Property="Background" Value="{DynamicResource afc}"/>
</DataTrigger>
<DataTrigger Binding="{Binding Conference}" Value="NFC">
    <Setter Property="Background" Value="{DynamicResource nfc}" />
</DataTrigger>

Then all you need are two separate MenuItem.Click handlers to change the brushes in Resources:
private void MenuItem1_Click(object sender, RoutedEventArgs e)
{
    this.Resources["afc"] = Brushes.Pink;
    this.Resources["nfc"] = Brushes.LightBlue;
}

private void MenuItem2_Click(object sender, RoutedEventArgs e)
{
    this.Resources["afc"] = Brushes.Red;
    this.Resources["nfc"] = Brushes.Blue;
}


Users ask how to save directly from JMP to their organization's template, rather than to the default plain PowerPoint template provided by JMP that is installed when you install JMP 12.
Of course, you can save from JMP to the default, plain PowerPoint included in your JMP installation and then apply any template from within PowePoint.
Dan Valente just showed me a shortcut to let you save from JMP directly to a custom template, such as your organization's PowerPoint template. To do this, simply replace the default .pptx file shipped with JMP 12 (or JMP Pro 12) with a .pptx created using your template.
Find the default template shipped with JMP. It is stored as C:\Program Files\SAS\JMP\12\pptx\JMPExportTemplate.pptx or C:\Program Files\SAS\JMPPRO\12\pptx\JMPExportTemplate.pptx.
Replace JMPExportTemplate.pptx in the applicable directory with your template saved as JMPExportTemplate.pptx. You can do this by opening a PPT that uses your custom template, then SAVE it to C:\Program Files\SAS\JMP\12\pptx\JMPExportTemplate.pptx or C:\Program Files\SAS\JMPPRO\12\pptx\JMPExportTemplate.pptx.
The next time you save JMP open reports to PowerPoint using File>Save As>PowerPoint Presentation (*pptx), JMP will save to your organization's template.
On my work computer, i am not allowed to save or edit any file in the directory you gave(no administrator privilege). Will there be any walk around solutions? I check the Preference/File Path, where does not list this directory.
robust1972: One simple workaround would be to use the JMP File -> Save As -> PowerPoint Presentation to create the presentation in the native JMP default template. Save this presentation. Then within PowerPoint, open YOUR desired template, and import all slides using the PowerPoint capability to import slides from one presentation into another. If there are some slides you know you don't want you can deselect these out of the import process. Then within PowerPoint, File -> Save As to make sure you keep this originally imported bunch of slides in the NEW template. Then you can edit inside this new file within PowerPoint as required.
When JMP 12 was launched, one could supposedly transfer a JMP output table or chart to PowerPoint with a "single click". I was never able to accomplish this and am still copying and pasting from JMP to PPT one item at a time. Minitab does an excellent job of sending output to PPT. You just right-click the chart's name and select "Send To Microsoft PowerPoint". Minitab automatically opens PPT and transfers the chart, or if PPT is already open, the chart is appended after the last PPT slide. It would sure be nice if JMP could do this, or am I missing something? Thanks!
In JMP 12 you can save the graph/report you are working with directly to PowerPoint by going to File > Save As > PowerPoint.
billw, Right, BUT the title goes to a 44 font and the slide orientation goes to landscape. Besides, the procedure you mention is NOT "one click" as advertised. To me, it is just as easy to select, copy, and paste into PowerPoint, but this is tedious when you have 20 charts/graphs to transfer.
Too add just a bit to Bill Worley's comment above, there are multiple file formats supported by this 'en masse' export...MS Word, pdf files, .rtf files, just to name a few.


text:
EU Commission publishes draft revised VBER and Vertical Guidelines
14 July 2021 | Europe
On 9 July 2021, following a comprehensive consultation process, the EU Commission (Commission) published its proposals for a revised Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (Draft VBER) and Draft Vertical Guidelines, due to replace the current regime which expires on 31 May 2022. The previous evaluation steps (see here for more detail) identified a number of areas where the current rules are potentially not functioning well, due to a lack of clarity, the existence of a number of gaps, but in particular because the current rules are not adapted to the strong growth of online sales and the emergence of new market players such as online platforms. We have set out below the key proposed changes in more detail. Of particular note are:
The revised Article 4 Draft VBER setting out the hardcore restrictions, which is now more clearly structured, listing the permitted territorial/customer restrictions for each type of distribution agreement and allowing greater flexibility in the design of distribution models;
The approach to online sales restrictions, which recognises that significant developments in e-commerce have taken place since the original VBER and Vertical Guidelines were adopted in 2010, and no longer treats the majority of online sales restrictions as passive sales restrictions and recognises that online sales and brick-and-mortar shops are inherently different in nature;
The treatment of dual distribution, which is both more generous (now includes wholesalers and importers in addition to manufacturers) and more restrictive (with the introduction of a 10% aggregate market share level on the relevant market at retail level);
So called 'wide' MFNs, requiring a buyer of online intermediation services not to offer, sell or resell goods or services to end users under more favourable conditions using competing online intermediation services, are now listed as excluded restrictions in Article 5 Draft VBER, for which the exemption of he VBER will not be available;
RPM remains a hardcore restriction and the Draft Vertical Guidelines provide little additional guidance on possible efficiency defences.
The Commission is now consulting on its proposals for a revised VBER and revised Vertical Guidelines. The consultation is available through DG Comp's website and submissions are invited by 17 September 2021. The Commission will then finalise the current drafts with a view to having the new rules in place on 1 June 2022. The main changes proposed for the revised VBER and Vertical Guidelines relate to:
Dual distribution agreements
The block exemption in the VBER does not apply to vertical agreements between competing undertakings, but there is an exception for dual distribution agreements, where a supplier is a manufacturer and also sells its goods or services directly to end customers, therefore competing with its independent distributors at retail level. The Commission notes that originally rather limited scenarios of dual distribution have become increasingly common, due to the growth in online sales which has facilitated direct sales by suppliers, either through their own online stores or via online marketplaces. It has expressed concerns that the current exception for dual distribution is likely to exempt vertical agreements where possible horizontal concerns are no longer negligible, and is proposing a revised approach to dual distribution agreements under the Draft VBER.
On the one hand the Commission proposes to extend the current exception, by making it applicable not only to manufacturers but also to wholesalers and importers, as well as explicitly clarifying that the exception applies to all aspects of a dual distribution system and any horizontal restrictions by effect, including those resulting from the exchange of information between competing undertakings (Draft Vertical Guidelines paragraph 87).
On the other hand the Commission proposes to introduce a new market share threshold for the dual distribution exception, limiting the exception to agreements where the parties' aggregate market share in the relevant market at retail level does not exceed 10% (Article 2(4)(a) and (b) Draft VBER). If the combined market share exceeds this 10% threshold at retail level but remains below the market share thresholds of Article 3 Draft VBER (i.e. 30% of the relevant market), the block exemption will in general still apply, except for any exchange of information between the parties, which must be assessed under the rules applicable to horizontal agreements (Article 2(5) Draft VBER).
Vertical agreements which, directly or indirectly, in isolation or in combination with other factors under the control of the parties, have as their object to restrict competition between the competing supplier and buyer will not benefit from the exception set out in Article 2(4) Draft VBER.
The exception shall also not apply where a provider of online intermediation services that also sells goods or services in competition with undertakings to which it provides online intermediation services enters into a non-reciprocal vertical agreement with such a competing undertaking (Article 2(7) Draft VBER).
Hardcore restrictions and permitted territorial and customer restrictions
Article 4 of the current VBER sets out the list of hardcore restrictions to which the block exemption will not apply. Restrictions on the territory into which or on the customers to whom the buyer may sell the contract goods or services are listed as hardcore restrictions, but with a number of exceptions depending on the type of distribution agreement in question.
Suppliers consider the current rules to be particularly complex, unclear and preventing them from designing their distribution systems according to their business needs. In response to this criticism the Commission has redrafted Article 4 setting out more clearly the permitted territorial and customer restrictions for each type of distribution agreement. The new Article 4 in the Draft VBER proposes a more differentiated approach that allows the supplier to restrict its buyers to a varying degree depending on whether the agreement is one for exclusive distribution, selective distribution, or 'free' distribution (neither exclusive nor selective). It also provides businesses with more flexibility in designing their distribution systems, allowing for shared exclusivity in a territory or for a customer group by allowing the allocation of more than one 'exclusive' distributor and providing greater protection for members of a selective distribution system against sales from outside the territory.
Exclusive distribution
Under an exclusive distribution system the supplier allocates a territory or customer group exclusively to itself or to one or a limited number of buyers and restricts other buyers from actively selling into the exclusive territory or to the exclusive customer group (Article 1(1)(g) Draft VBER).
In contrast to the current rules the Draft VBER introduces the concept of 'shared exclusivity', allowing the supplier to appoint 'a limited number of buyers' in a given territory or for a given customer group as exclusive distributors. However, the Commission highlights that exclusive distribution must not be used to shield a large number of distributors from competition located outside the exclusive territory, as this would lead to a partitioning of the internal market. The number of appointed distributors should therefore be determined in proportion to the allocated territory or customer group in such a way as to secure a certain volume of business that preserves their investment efforts (Draft Vertical Guidelines paragraph 102).
In an exclusive distribution system the supplier may restrict:
Active sales by the exclusive distributor, or the exclusive distributor and its customers that have entered into a distribution agreement with the supplier or with a party that was given distribution rights by the supplier, into a territory or to a customer group reserved to the supplier or allocated by the supplier exclusively to one or a limited number of other buyers (Article 4(b)(i) Draft VBER).
In contrast to the current regime the supplier is allowed to demand a 'pass on' of the active sales restriction to the buyer's customers (Draft Vertical Guidelines paragraph 206), if they have entered into a distribution agreement with the supplier or with a party that was given distribution rights by the supplier.
Active or passive sales by the exclusive distributor, or the exclusive distributor and its customers to unauthorised distributors located in another territory where the supplier operates a selective distribution system for the contract goods or services (Article 4(b)(ii) Draft VBER).
This allows the supplier to protect its selective distribution system in a different territory. Again the supplier is allowed to demand a 'pass on' of the active sales restriction to the buyer's customers – in this case even if the buyer's customers have not entered into any distribution agreement with the supplier or other third parties with distribution rights.
The other restrictions the supplier may apply in an exclusive distribution system mirror the current exceptions allowed for under Article 4(b) VBER (location clause), Article 4(b)(ii) VBER (restriction of sales to end users by buyer operating at wholesale level) and Article 4(b)(iv) VBER (restriction on selling components to manufacturers competing with the supplier).
Selective distribution
The definition of selective distribution remains unchanged under the Draft VBER: the supplier undertakes to sell the contract goods or services, either directly or indirectly, only to distributors selected on the basis of specified criteria and where these distributors undertake not to sell such goods or services to unauthorised distributors within the territory reserved by the supplier to operate that system.
In a selective distribution system the supplier may restrict
Active sales by the members of the selective distribution system, or the members of the selective distribution system and their customers that have entered into a distribution agreement with the supplier or with a party that was given distribution rights by the supplier, into another territory or to a customer group reserved to the supplier or allocated by the supplier exclusively to one or a limited number of buyers (Article 4(c)(i), first hyphen Draft VBER).
This exemption allows the supplier to protect its exclusive distribution system in another territory against sales from buyers in a selective distribution system, in the same way that under Article 4(b)(i) Draft VBER the supplier may demand to pass on this obligation to customers of its selective distributors (Draft Vertical Guidelines paragraph 206 ) – if they have entered into a distribution agreement with the supplier or other third parties with distribution rights.
Active or passive sales by the members of the selective distribution system or their customers to unauthorised distributors located within the territory where the selective distribution system is operated (Article 4(c)(i), second hyphen Draft VBER).
This exemption is similar to the exception currently contained in Article 4()(b)(iii) of the current VBER. However, the proposed version now in addition allows the supplier to demand that the buyer's customers are also bound by this restriction.
The other permitted restrictions in Article 4(c)(i) Draft VBER mirror the current permitted restrictions under Article 4(b) VBER (location clause), Article 4(b)(ii) VBER (restriction of sales by wholesalers) and Article 4(b)(iv) VBER (restriction on selling components to manufacturers competing with supplier).
Article 4(c)(ii) Draft VBER mirrors the current restriction on cross-supplies between members of the selective distribution system (Article 4(d) VBER). Article 4(c)(iii) Draft VBER prohibits the restriction of active or passive sales to end users by members of the selective distribution system operating at the retail level of trade, except in the situation set out in the first hyphen of Article 4(c)(i) Draft VBER.
A free distribution system is defined in Article 4(d) Draft VBER as a model in which the supplier operates neither an exclusive nor a selective distribution system.
Under a free distribution system the supplier may impose restrictions on its buyers (and the buyer's customers) in order to protect the territories in which it has set-up an exclusive or a selective distribution system. In particular the supplier may restrict:
Active sales by the buyer, or the buyer and its customers that have entered into a distribution agreement with the supplier or with a party that was given distribution rights by the supplier, into a territory or to a customer group reserved to the supplier or allocated by the supplier exclusively to one or a limited number of buyers.
Active or passive sales by the buyer or its customers to unauthorised distributors located in a territory where the supplier operates a selective distribution system for the contract goods or services.
Again (as for exclusive and selective distribution), the other restrictions the supplier may apply in a free distribution system mirror the current exceptions allowed for under Article 4(b), Article 4(b)(ii) and Article 4(b)(iv) VBER.
Online sales restrictions
Online sales restrictions that qualify as a hardcore restriction are now defined in Article 1(1)(n) of the Draft VBER as a restriction that, directly or indirectly, in isolation or combination with other factors, has as its object to prevent the buyers or their customers from effectively using the internet for the purpose of selling their goods or services online or from effectively using one or more online advertising channels.
The decisive question will therefore be what "effectively using the internet" for selling or advertising exactly means. The Commission provides additional guidance in the Draft Vertical Guidelines (paragraphs 188 - 201). This additional guidance reflects recent case law from the CJEU, in particular the decisions in Pierre Fabre and Coty Germany GmbH. In line with this case law the Commission clarifies inter alia that
A direct or indirect ban on sales on online marketplaces can in principle be block-exempted (Draft Vertical Guidelines paragraph 194).
A restriction of the use of price comparison websites, or paid referencing in search engines, will amount to a hardcore restriction under the VBER (Draft Vertical Guidelines paragraph 192). The Commission holds the view that the ability to advertise allows a distributor to attract potential customers to its website, which is a prerequisite for being able to sell online.
A requirement for the buyer to pay a different price for products intended to be resold online than for products to be resold offline, so-called 'dual pricing', is currently considered to be a hardcore restriction (current Vertical Guidelines, paragraph 52). The Commission now looks set to relax its strict approach to dual pricing, provided the dual pricing is intended to incentivise or reward an appropriate level of investment and relates to the costs incurred for each sales channel (Draft Vertical Guidelines paragraph 195). This change in approach is motivated by the Commission's view that online sales have by now developed into a well-functioning sales channel and therefore no longer require special protection by qualifying certain indirect measures restricting online sales as hardcore restrictions.
In the context of a selective distribution system suppliers will no longer be required to impose the same qualitative criteria on online sales that they impose on brick-and-mortar shops. The Commission recognises that both channels are inherently different in nature.
The Draft VBER now defines active and passive sales in Article 1(1)(l) and Article 1(1)(m). In respect of online sales, the concept of active sales is construed more widely than under the current regime, which treats almost any online selling as a form of passive selling. In particular:
Offering language options on websites other than those used in the territory for which the distributor is established, amounts to active sales under the Draft VBER and can therefore be prohibited in the context an exclusive distribution agreement. Under the current regime the Commission takes the view that offering different language options on the website does not, of itself, change the passive nature of online sales (Current Vertical Guidelines, paragraph 52).
Offering a website with a domain name corresponding to a territory other than the one in which the distributor is established also constitutes active selling, and can therefore be prevented where active sales restrictions are permitted.
Treatment of online intermediation services
The online platform economy plays an increasingly important role for the distribution of goods and services, and the Commission proposes to treat providers of online intermediation services as 'suppliers' within the meaning of the VBER, irrespective of whether the provider is a party to the transaction it facilitates (Article 1(1)(d) Draft VBER). Online intermediation services are defined as:
Services that allow undertakings to offer goods or services to other undertakings or to end users with a view to facilitating direct transactions between such undertakings or between such undertakings and end users, irrespective of whether and where those transactions are ultimately concluded, and that constitute information society services within the meaning of EU Directive 2015/1535.
The Commission points out that undertakings active in the online platform economy enable new ways of doing business, some of which are not easy to categorise under the concepts traditionally associated with vertical relationships between suppliers and distributors in the brick-and-mortar environment (Draft Vertical Guidelines paragraph 60). In order to clarify the rights or obligations of online intermediation service providers the Draft VBER proposes to treat them as suppliers. This means that online intermediation services must comply with Article 4(a) of the Draft VBER to avoid a hardcore restriction with regard to intermediated goods or services. In particular, any imposition of fixed or minimum sales prices by a such a service provider for transactions that it facilitates will be regarded as a hard-core restriction under Article 4(a) draft VBER (Draft Vertical Guidelines paragraph 179).
Parity obligations (most-favoured nation/customer ('MFN') clauses
MFN clauses, that require a business to offer the same or better conditions to its contracting party as those offered on any other sales channel, are block exempted under the current rules. The Commission evaluation showed an increase in the use of parity obligations across sectors, notably by online platforms. At the same time, several national competition authorities have held that MFN clauses can have negative effects on competition.
In light of these developments the Commission now proposes to remove the benefit of the block exemption for such across-platform retail parity obligations imposed by providers of online intermediation services. A new type of excluded restriction has been added under Article 5 of the Draft VBER which provides that the block-exemption will not apply to:
Any direct or indirect obligation causing a buyer of online intermediation services not to offer, sell or resell goods or services to end users under more favourable conditions using competing online intermediation services (Article 5(1)(d) Draft VBER). Instead, these types of restriction will now require an individual assessment under Article 101 TFEU.
Other narrow retail parity obligations, as well as wholesale parity obligations, will continue to benefit from the safe harbour provided by the Draft VBER.
Tacitly renewable non-compete obligations
Non-compete obligations the duration of which is indefinite or exceeds a period of five years are currently listed as excluded restrictions under Article 5 of the VBER and will therefore not benefit from the block exemption. In addition, Article 5(1) of the current VBER provides that a non-compete obligation that is tacitly renewable beyond a period of five years shall be deemed to have been concluded for an indefinite duration.
In an effort to reduce costs and administrative burden on the parties, the Commission suggests allowing tacitly renewable non-compete obligations to benefit from the block exemption. In its Draft Vertical Guidance the Commission clarifies that non-compete obligations that are tacitly renewable beyond a period of five years are covered by the block exemption and do not count as indefinite, provided that the buyer can effectively renegotiate or terminate the vertical agreement containing the obligation with a reasonable notice period and at a reasonable cost, allowing the buyer to effectively switch its supplier after the expiry of the five-year period (Draft Vertical Guidelines paragraph 234).
RPM efficiencies
The evaluation process has shown that market participants consider that the current rules governing a potential justification of RPM measures lack a sufficient degree of legal certainty. RPM remains a hardcore restriction under Article 4 of the Draft VBER , but the Commission has (slightly) expanded its guidance regarding potential efficiencies of RPM (Draft Vertical Guidelines paragraph 182).
However, in terms of substance the Draft Guidelines cover the same three examples of efficiency defences as listed in the current guidance, namely, using RPM to:
Induce distributors to increase promotion efforts in the introductory period of a new product
Coordinate a short-term low price campaign
Avoid free-riding with regard to pre-sale services for complex products
The Draft Vertical Guidelines are therefore disappointing in this regard and the Commission can be expected to receive a further plea for greater clarity on the possible RPM efficiencies during the public consultation.
See how we help our clients in
Competition, Regulation and Trade
If you have any questions, or would like to know how this might affect your business, phone, or email these key contacts.
Kyriakos Fountoukakos
EMEA Regional Head of Practice – Competition, Regulation and Trade, Brussels
Kyriakos is the Brussels Office Managing Partner and EMEA Regional Head of Practice for Competition, Regulation and Trade and deals with all aspects of European Union and United Kingdom competition law.
Banks and other Financial Institutions
Kyriakos.Fountoukakos@hsf.com
Dr Florian Huerkamp, MJur (Oxford)
Counsel, Germany
Dr Florian Huerkamp is a Counsel in our Competition, Regulation and Trade Practice in Germany.
Manufacturing and Industrials
Florian.huerkamp@hsf.com
Kristien Geeurickx
Professional Support Consultant, London
Kristien.Geeurickx@hsf.com
Dr Marcel Nuys
Partner, Germany
Dr Marcel Nuys is a Partner in our Düsseldorf office and leads our German Competition practice.
Marcel.Nuys@hsf.com
Daniel Vowden
Partner, Brussels
Daniel is an expert in EU and UK competition law matters.
Daniel.Vowden@hsf.com
Partner, London
Susan is a partner in the London Competition, Regulation & Trade team.
Susan.Black@hsf.com
The contents of this publication are for reference purposes only and may not be current as at the date of accessing this publication. They do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking any action based on this publication.
© Herbert Smith Freehills 2022
Subscribe to stay up-to-date with insights, legal updates, events, and more

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Hailstone History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Early Origins of the Hailstone family
The surname Hailstone was first found in Shropshire at Halston, an extra-parochial liberty, in the hundred of Oswestry. "The Knights Templars had a preceptory here, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, which subsequently belonged to the Hospitallers. Halston House is a handsome mansion, in front of which is a fine sheet of water, formed by a diversion of the channel of the river Perry." [1]
However, we must look to Cheshire to find some of the first entries for the family. Thomas Halstein was listed there in 1227 and the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273-1279 included a listing for John Halsteyn. The Subsidy Rolls of 1327 included an entry for William Halsteyn. A few years later, John de Halston was recorded in the Subsidy Rolls for Worcestershire in 1332. [2]
Set of 4 Coffee Mugs and Keychains
Early History of the Hailstone family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hailstone research. Another 59 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1379, 1583, 1759 and 1847 are included under the topic Early Hailstone History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Hailstone Spelling Variations
Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Hailstone have been found, including Hailstone, Halstone, Halston, Hailston, Helistones, Ailston, Ailstone, Aylston and many more.
Early Notables of the Hailstone family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Hailstone Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Hailstone migration to the United States +
Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Hailstone, or a variant listed above:
Hailstone Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Thomas Hailstone, who settled in America in 1765
Hailstone migration to Australia +
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:
Hailstone Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
George Hailstone, aged 36, a farm labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1851 aboard the ship "Marion" [3]
Hailstone migration to New Zealand +
Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:
Hailstone Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
Mr. William Hailstone, (b. 1835), aged 27, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Edward Thornhill" arriving in Nelson, South Island, New Zealand in 1862 [4]
Contemporary Notables of the name Hailstone (post 1700) +
Stephen Hailstone (1865-1934), American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Utah, 1916 (member, Committee on Permanent Organization) [5]
Herbert Hailstone (1850-1896), English author and scholar who grew up in Bottisham, Cambridgeshire, the son of Reverend John Hailstone
Samuel Hailstone (1768-1851), English botanist, born at Hoxton, near London [6]
John Hailstone (1759-1847), English geologist, born near London on 13 Dec. 1759 and was placed at an early age under the care of a maternal uncle at York [6]
Dominic Hailstone (b. 1973), English film director, screenwriter and digital artist
Bernard Hailstone (1910-1987), English painter, best known for his Second World War portraits of transport and civil defence workers
Reginald John "Reg" Hailstone (1901-1963), Australian grazier and civic leader in the Lachlan Valley area of New South Wales
Stuart Hailstone (1962-2020), South African squash player, representing South Africa and Scotland
Hundredorum Rolls
Subsidy Rolls
First Fleets
^ State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) MARION 1851 - HER HISTORY. Retrieved http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1851Marion.htm
^ New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
^ The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, August 18) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
^ Wikisource contributors. "Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900." Wikisource . Wikisource , 4 Jun. 2018. Web. 30 June 2020
Hailstone (English)


text:
Home » TV & Movies » Christmas food supply in 'critical' risk due to CO2 shortage, industry boss warns
Christmas food supply in 'critical' risk due to CO2 shortage, industry boss warns
CO2 shortage: Meat industry boss warns of Christmas food supplies
Meat industry boss David has warned that festive favourites such as pigs in blankets and turkey could be missing this Christmas, saying the situation "has be to resolved". The warning came as the government said it had been holding emergency talks with meat processors amid a shortage of carbon dioxide.
LBC host Nick Ferrari asked the caller: "In a little over three month's time, many people will hope to be sitting down to a traditional Christmas dinner.
"Is that at risk?"
The meat industry boss replied: "The poultry side. Yes, it is at the end of the day."
"They have been fairly vocal, same as us.
"It's critical to the food supply chain for pigs and poultry, and all of the products that we produce from pork, from fresh pork to sausage to bacon.
"It runs right across the sector."
The host said: "So we've got days really. Obviously not so much poultry, but for the pork industry.
"This needs to be resolved in days, not weeks."
The caller continued: "Indeed, absolutely. And we're really confident.
"We had a meeting with government yesterday, that this situation will be resolved. It has to be resolved.
"We are not the only users of co2, the nuclear industry use it.
"So do the NHS and other sectors for things like ripening fruit for instance."
CO2 is used in the meat industry to stun animals before slaughter.
The slaughter process has two stages: Stunning and 'sticking' (neck cutting).
Stunning causes an animal to lose consciousness so the animal can't feel pain when it's slaughtered.
Iceland boss Richard Walker has previously told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that UK food supplies will be under threat long before Christmas.
He said: "This is no longer about whether or not Christmas will be okay, it's about keeping the wheels turning and the lights on so we can actually get to Christmas. "This could become a problem over the coming days and weeks, so this is this is not an issue that's months away."
MAFS UK's Morag says a game 'forced' her to bring up Josh's 'DMs' following explosive row
La Fabrica Nocturna Cinéma, Sayaka Board Fantasy Crime Thriller 'One Whale,' Latido Films to Sell (EXCLUSIVE)


This morning, I went to get coffee at Dunkin Donuts, and was reminded why I take such joy in the Christmas season. I know, I know....how exactly did coffee remind you of why you enjoy Christmas?
Well, I waited in line (in my toasty warm car) and ordered my iced latte (yes, this crazy girl loves iced beverages during the winter); when I got up to the window to pay - I was informed that the person before me had bought my coffee!!
It bought the biggest smile to my face! I, of course, said that I'd pay for the person behind me. That brought an even bigger smile to the girl at the drive-through. "Bless you", she said. "I have to tell you that this has been going on for FOUR HOURS."
I gasped in amazement. I come from a city of nice people - but was utterly amazed that the Christmas spirit of giving had lasted that long.
And that, is why I love Christmas.
That is SUCH an awesome story! Amazing!
That was pawesome! Nobody does that here!
that is great!! Everyone is in the Christmas spirit!!
you hoomans are really NICE hoomans......what good hearts and i loooove you lots for doing that bol......want to come live here????
That is such a great thing to have happen. What a way to make someones day.
That is so cool! Makes me want to do that at my Starbucks!


text:
Software & Internet	Enterprise
Call Center Software Social Media Support Knowledge Base Software
WhatsApp Help Desk Contacts
It looks like you're trying to reach WhatsApp's customer service team. Unfortunately, we're not associated with WhatsApp's support team. We are two entirely different business organizations. However, to make your life a little easier, we've researched WhatsApp's website and found the following customer support contact details. Please get in contact with WhatsApp's representatives by reaching out to them directly using the contact information below.
WhatsApp Customer Service Contacts
WhatsApp Email Support
WhatsApp Live Chat Support
WhatsApp Call Center Support
https://www.whatsapp.com/contact/
WhatsApp Knowledge Base
https://www.whatsapp.com/features/
WhatsApp Forum
instagram.com/whatsapp/
WhatsApp Facebook Page
facebook.com/WhatsApp/
WhatsApp Twitter
twitter.com/whatsapp
WhatsApp support agents usually replies to email within 15 Minutes	.
WhatsApp live agents usually pick up chats within 15 Minutes	.
WhatsApp call representatives usually pick up calls within 6 Hours	.
WhatsApp Terms & Conditions
WhatsApp Privacy Policy
WhatsApp Security Policy
WhatsApp GDPR
WhatsApp Wikipedia Page
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WhatsApp
WhatsApp Affiliate Program
WhatsApp is a software & internet service company. WhatsApp is a messaging app that uses the internet to send messages, images, audio or video.
What kind of support does WhatsApp offer?
Customer service team of WhatsApp offers the following support channels: chat, social media support and self-service support.
How do I contact WhatsApp?
You can contact the WhatsApp support team by leaving them a message on one of the social media platforms or by their app. Alternatively, you can use their knowledge base if you prefer self-service support.
What is WhatsApp's email address?
WhatsApp doesn't have email support.
Does WhatsApp have live chat?
No, WhatsApp doesn't have live chat support.
How do I speak to someone on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp has telephone customer support by their app https://www.whatsapp.com/contact/?subject=messenger.


Nevertheless, specialization continued past this optimal point, and into less-and-much less functional fragmentation – such that science lost unity and specialisms lost the capacity to serve as mutual checks. This workshop brought collectively papers from a range of various disciplinary, regulatory, and practical perspectives to examine the potential rewards and pitfalls of behavioural science as applied to policy. Personal computer science majors are usually the coders or software developers for bug fixes and creators of the next software program release. In accordance with public policy getting concerned about the well-getting of its citizens, science policy's goal is to contemplate how science and technologies can very best serve the public. This is a actually great outline for middle school science projects and even for higher college science displays.


text:
require 'rubygems'
gem 'google-adwords-api'
require 'adwords_api'

API_VERSION = :v201101

def delete_ad()
  # AdwordsApi::Api will read a config file from ENV['HOME']/adwords_api.yml
  # when called without parameters.
  adwords = AdwordsApi::Api.new

  # To enable logging of SOAP requests, set the log_level value to 'DEBUG' in
  # the configuration file or provide your own logger:
  # adwords.logger = Logger.new('adwords_xml.log')

  ad_group_ad_srv = adwords.service(:AdGroupAdService, API_VERSION)

  ad_group_id = 'INSERT_AD_GROUP_ID_HERE'.to_i
  ad_id = 'INSERT_AD_ID_HERE'.to_i

  # Prepare for deleting ad.
  operation = {
    :operator => 'REMOVE',
    :operand => {
      :ad_group_id => ad_group_id,
      :ad => {
        :xsi_type => 'Ad',
        :id => ad_id
      }
    }
  }

  # Delete ad.
  response = ad_group_ad_srv.mutate([operation])
  if response and response[:value]
    ad = response[:value].first
    puts 'Ad id %d was successfully deleted.' % ad[:ad][:id]
  else
    puts 'No ads were deleted.'
  end
end

if __FILE__ == $0
  begin
    delete_ad()

  # Connection error. Likely transitory.
  rescue Errno::ECONNRESET, SOAP::HTTPStreamError, SocketError => e
    puts 'Connection Error: %s' % e
    puts 'Source: %s' % e.backtrace.first

  # API Error.
  rescue AdwordsApi::Errors::ApiException => e
    puts 'API Exception caught.'
    puts 'Message: %s' % e.message
    puts 'Code: %d' % e.code if e.code
    puts 'Trigger: %s' % e.trigger if e.trigger
    puts 'Errors:'
    if e.errors
      e.errors.each_with_index do |error, index|
        puts ' %d. Error type is %s. Fields:' % [index + 1, error[:xsi_type]]
        error.each_pair do |field, value|
          if field != :xsi_type
            puts '     %s: %s' % [field, value]
          end
        end
      end
    end
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


This week, we are so excited to share Rob's interview with Bestselling Author of numerous books including The Four Tendencies and Co-Host of The Happier Podcast, Gretchen Rubin. Rob and Gretchen dove deep into how she switched from a career in law to become a writer and all about the unique Four Tendencies people have according to their inner and outer expectations: Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels.
Why we try to change our tendencies and who we are even though there's absolutely no need to do that.
The fact that 40% of the population are Obligers.
How to make a change in your life without changing your inner nature no matter what tendency you have.
Why Rebels have a "could do" list instead of a to-do or goals list.
What defines an Upholder and why they're so driven to succeed with just a little bit of accountability.
How Gretchen discovered The Four Tendencies by observing people including herself.
What an Obliger Rebellion is and why it can be a beneficial breakthrough for an Obliger.
How the Four Tendencies can overlap for some people.
Gretchen Rubin is one of today's most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness and human nature.
She's the author of many books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, and The Happiness Project. She has an enormous readership, both in print and online, and her books have sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide.
On her top-ranking podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, she discusses happiness and good habits with her sister Elizabeth Craft. (Gretchen is an Upholder, Elizabeth is an Obliger).
Gretchen Rubin has been interviewed by Oprah, eaten dinner with Daniel Kahneman, walked arm-in-arm with the Dalai Lama, had her work written up in a medical journal, and been an answer on the game show Jeopardy!
She started her career in law and was clerking for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor when she realized she wanted to be a writer.
1:30 Check out our previous interview: OSF 233 Dr. Joel Fuhrman: Is Fast Food More Addicting Than Drugs?
1:40 About today's guest, Bestselling Author, Gretchen Rubin.
5:00 Come and let us coach you on a podcast episode!
10:55 A question from an OSF Facebook Group Member on natural digestive enzymes and probiotics.
12:30 What's better for you? Raw vs. cooked vegetables.
18:00 How Gretchen began her new career in writing after working in the world of law for so long.
22:00 How Gretchen and her husband supported each other during their career changs.
25:00 The Four Tendencies: Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, and Rebel as well as outer and inner expectations.
27:50 Why the majority of people (40% of us) are Obligers and we're trying to change our tendencies to be a different person.
28:30 Why Obligers tend to outsource and reach for help to stay on track with their inner expectations and how they do it.
30:30 How to make a change in your life without changing your inner nature no matter what tendency you have.
31:50 How Rebels try to get work done with a "Could Do" list.
33:10 Upholders and how they're so driven to succeed with just a little bit of accountability.
34:00 How Gretchen discovered The Four Tendencies within people including herself.
36:40 Can the Four Tendencies overlap? How do you tip into other personalities?
38:00 Rebels - What are they like? How can you deal with them or help them?
42:40 The Obliger Rebellion: What it is and what happens during one.
49:30 How The Four Tendencies can benefit and help you get to know yourself better.
50:30 Secrets of Adulthood - About this section of her website and some of her favorite secrets.
51:00 About one specific secret of adulthood - "What you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while."
53:10 Learn how to can be on the podcast and work with Devon and me in a coaching session!
Check out our previous interview: OSF 233 Dr. Joel Fuhrman: Is Fast Food More Addicting Than Drugs?
Thanks for listening/reading episode 234 with Gretchen Rubin: Navigating Expectations With The Four Tendencies! We hope you have gained more knowledge on how to be a healthier you.


text:
PreviewsVideo Games
Back 4 Blood from Turtle Rock Is Vying to Reclaim the Left 4 Dead Throne – Hands-On
By Mark Delaney December 22, 2020
It's been 11 years since Turtle Rock Studios and Valve released Left 4 Dead 2, though passionate fans surely don't need to be refreshed on the time apart. During the drought of over a decade, countless imitators have risen to the challenge of trying to deliver the Left 4 Dead 3 Valve never got around to making. Earthfall reskinned the familiar gameplay with aliens, and Vermintide settled on giant bipedal rats. Plenty of others, like Zombie Army and World War Z, haven't shied from the direct comparisons and delivered their own undead hordes.
Each effort has its fans, but they all arguably lacked one signature element: nail-biting pacing, and in Back 4 Blood, Turtle Rock's spiritual sequel to Left 4 Dead, it's clear the studio that popularized this genre so many years ago is still able to conjure up that mojo.
Left 4 Dead was a good shooter, but not exceptional. It didn't look great at launch. One could argue its gameplay loop was even a bit lacking, though post-launch support for Left 4 Dead 2 would eventually shut down such talks. But it's remained an all-time classic because of its strong focus on teamwork in the face of an unpredictable, unseen enemy. The AI Director allowed each game to play differently, so players rushing through a level might get hit with a hulking Tank zombie to steer them backwards, or those dragging their feet might alert hordes more commonly to keep them moving through the movie-like campaigns.
Despite some aforementioned games attempting similar technology, only Back 4 Blood seems to have properly tuned that intelligent machine learning system to deliver optimal drama to players. The results are a game bursting with nostalgia, but also unafraid to reinvent itself in some ways. Though my time with the game's alpha offered just one four-chapter campaign for players to test this past weekend, Back 4 Blood already feels like the proper reunion tour for the development team. I'm excited to see what other settings the game's multiple campaigns will take players to, just like Left 4 Dead did so many years ago.
The mostly rural setting, twangy music, and quippy characters all felt like they'd fit right in alongside campaigns like Blood Harvest and The Parish as well as darkly comical characters like Louis and Ellis. New heroes like Evangelo and Hoffman deliver enough one-liners to help you understand who they are without the game ever slowing down for even a single cutscene.
With levels taking players through blown-up neighborhoods, blue-collar factories, and an eventual pulse-pounding bridge finale, Back 4 Blood's first revealed campaign feels like lost DLC in a way. Though flashlights seem to be missing right now, I'm hoping that's just an in-progress feature, as otherwise Back 4 Blood captures a very similar feeling of the games that inspired it — one of tension, with crows cawing tauntingly and nearby unseen zombies gurgling, but not without some campiness, as evidenced by an NPC hiding behind a fort of tables and chairs, begging not to go outside with you.
Even the new special infected, or "ridden," as the zeds are called in this new universe, don't stray far from their predecessors. The Retch plays like a Spitter-Boomer combo, while the game's best new monster, the Ogre, is essentially a massive, multi-stage boss battle with something the size of, I don't know, 10 Tanks or so. But this familiarity breeds comfort, like recalling a song you haven't listened to since high school, even if plenty of other bands tried the same sound in the interim.
Nothing beats the original, and because of Back 4 Blood's wisely delivered pace, it seems what this genre needed was its progenitor back. So many games have given us the quippy characters, the varied monsters, the filmic campaigns, but none to date have really captured the feeling of watching your friends all drop down a ledge just before you're caught up by a horde and there's no way back for them to save you. No imitator has replicated the same scratching-at-your-heels thrill of The Parish's unique beeline finale, but Back 4 Blood manages to do it.
In fact, it even builds on it with new bomb-setting mechanics. These ask players not to rush from end to end of the bridge like we saw in L4D2, but to pause to blow up the bridge with smartly placed bombs, all the while hordes keep pace. It requires more teamwork than its predecessors and reminded me of the increased focus on teamwork in a genre already tending to be laser-focused on it.
There are other innovations in Back 4 Blood too. Away from Valve's Source engine, players can now aim down sights and sprint, two things that weren't available in L4D or its sequel. Weapons run the gamut of classes, like SMGs, rifles, shotguns, and melee, and in general they feel reliable and powerful, more so than before in some cases. For instance, the sawn-off packs just three shells before a reload is needed, but those three can clear a room. On the other hand, the reach of melee weapons feels off compared to before, and I made some painful mistakes before I reconfigured how to use a blade or bat well in combat.
New weapon attachments and an in-game upgrade store mean players should scour each environment for copper, the game's currency, to buy crucial supplies like med kits, ammo, and throwables. I found Back 4 Blood to be gleefully more challenging than its predecessors as a result, but with a solid team, it was even more satisfying to make it out alive.
In the best change of all, a customizable card system gives players some agency in how the Game Director (AI Director) plays out. Buffs for you and the zombies alike are dealt with partial randomness, letting players inject bonuses of their choosing from a small handful of cards. This system felt confusing at first, but the cards themselves were clear and descriptive and allowed for character builds to emerge as campaigns went on. If after level one I made it so my character heals for 2 health whenever she notched a melee kill, it was wise to supplement that in the next chapter with a bonus that gave her a momentary speed burst after a melee kill as well. Some cards also came with penalties to offset the perks too, demanding players choose wisely and play off their group's strengths and weaknesses.
My favorite card skill I saw in Back 4 Blood was one that heals both of you when you heal another character, rewarding those old selfless Left 4 Dead players. In the end, the card system takes the various shapes of Left 4 Dead's characters and gives them each RPG-like skill trees to build out much more malleable, though still wise-cracking, survivors.
As a massive Left 4 Dead fan, I always thought I would be happy with a spiritual successor from Turtle Rock that didn't even offer new gameplay layers. I figured new characters and campaigns were all I needed. Maybe that's still true, but after going hands-on, I can see the value in growing the genre in the ways Back 4 Blood does. Turtle Rock has created a science out of knowing when to hit players with a horde, or a trio of special infected, or things like car alarms and Witches that punish recklessness, making the imitators look a little less polished in the process. But leave it to the original rockstars of co-op zombie shooting and slashing to reinvent their own wheel in sometimes subtle, sometimes not-so-subtle (hello, Ogre) ways. After more than a decade of studios trying to claim Turtle Rock's throne, it may soon feel like they never even left.
Mark Delaney
Mark is a Boston native now living in Portland, Oregon. Formerly the Features and Reviews Editor of TrueAchievements, he's been writing online since 2011 and continues to do so as a freelancer today for outlets like Escapist, GamesRadar, EGM, and OpenCritic. Outside of games, he is an avid biker, a loud animal advocate, an HBO binge-watcher, and a lucky family man. He almost never writes in the third-person.
Thanks to Mortal Shell, 2020 Was the Year I Finally Found the Magic of Souls-likes
History of Swear Words Full Trailer with Nic Cage Is Definitely NSFW
10 Fantastic Indie Games Not to Miss on Xbox Game Pass


I play an online game called World of Warcraft and have a lot of fun. My wife and oldest daughter play a bit a well. I got to play tonight as the wife and children (all of them) were sleeping.
WoW (for short) is online role-playing game with millions of players. You get to play this game with and against other people, as well as, computer generated enemies. I belong to a guild, just a group of friendly players, and we tend to play together when more then a couple are online. Tonight, we continued in our Kara run and did well. I had a great time and got a new piece of gear.
This is not a game blog so I do not/will not talk a ton about WoW, but I great time tonight playing. I know a lot of people who sit in front of a TV for the last few hours of their day. A couple nights a week, I like to spend mine in a computer world playing with friends. It was a nice way to end a very long day.


text:
The 10 best cyberpunk games on PC
By Richard Cobbett 01 January 2020
Enter the future with these classic trips to the dark side of science-fiction.
(Image credit: Square Enix)
There's an innate joy to a good cyberpunk game; that sense of fighting The Man, of struggling up from the gutter in a world that doesn't care, of being a rebel with a cause and, more importantly, some serious hardware. Sometimes it's a depressing odyssey, other times, very tongue in cheek. Here, then, are our pick of the games worth selling your genitals on the black market for.
(Image credit: Eidos Interactive)
Publisher: Eidos Interactive
Developer: Ion Storm
Few cyberpunk games have the same indie-rock feel as Anachronox, the game from Ion Storm that wasn't Deus Ex or Daikatana. It's Tom Hall's tribute to pretty much everything Tom Hall loves, from the dimension-shifting titular planet to comic book worlds, to the fact that you spend much of the game travelling with a planet as a companion. A literal planet. Shrunk down, hovering next you, its people voting on what they all want to do next. Anachronox is a janky experience to be sure, but an unforgettable one, and it's a genuine tragedy we'll never get the planned sequel.
9. Beneath a Steel Sky
(Image credit: Revolution Software)
Publisher: Virgin
Developer: Revolution Software
Beneath A Steel Sky offers a different feel to most cyberpunk; a somewhat low-key, sardonic take, in a city that thrives on cruel mundanity. It's not long before you're digging deeper into cyberpunk tropes, however, as you battle the omnipresent computer system LINC, explore cyberspace in search of clues, and save a city that's Blade Runner by way of Hull. Along the way you get the delightful company of your robot buddy Joey, who mirrors the genre's love of transhumanism with his own slow evolution from humble circuit board to—well, spoilers. Best of all, it's completely free.
8. Technobabylon
(Image credit: Wadjet Eye Games)
Publisher: Wadjet Eye Games
Developer: Wadjet Eye Games
It may be a fantastic adventure, but Technobabylon stands out most for having a deep sense of heart. Cyberpunk is often a cold genre, either through pessimism or a focus on the dehumanising nature of technology. Technobabylon flips that, with a story that comes at the usual elements from an entirely human direction—family, loss, isolation and community. Its icier elements remain brutal, from restaurants that serve cloned human flesh to terrorists whose bones have been turned into bombs, but it's the warmth that makes it unforgettable. That and the jingle for T.H.E. Foods, which will, alas, never leave you.
7. VA-11 HALL-A
(Image credit: Ysbryd Games)
Publisher: Sukeban Games
Developer: Ysbyrd Games
Most cyberpunk games have you fighting against a corrupt system in some way. VA-11 HALL-A is more about helping it get drunk. It's a mix of visual novel and bartending simulator, where you bounce between mixing drinks and talking with the bizarre visitors at your seedy bar. The trick is that, by mixing the right drinks, you can make them open up and tell you stories of the harsh world outside. Some of those guests are dogs. It's that kind of bar. VA-11 HALL-A's clever ideas and well realised setting are well worth visiting for a round or two.
6. EYE: Divine Cybermancy
(Image credit: Streum on Studio)
Publisher: Streum on Studio
Developer: Streum on Studio
We're meant to give you a pithy summary of EYE at this point, but that's just not going to happen. You won't find many games so devoted to making your brain melt, from its convoluted plot to the way the game works. You're an amnesiac caught in a dreamscape, and things only get more surreal when you enter the real world and find yourself surrounded by groups with names like the Secreta Secretorum and the Meta-Streumic Force. EYE is every cyberpunk trope thrown into a big futuristic blender and then spiced up with a little LSD. It's endlessly fascinating, especially if you like Deus Ex but find it just a bit too predictable.
5. System Shock 2
Developer: Irrational Games
The System Shock series isn't quite the same flavour of cyberpunk as most of the games on this list, but it stands as one of the first truly successful attempts at the genre. Its villain, rogue AI SHODAN, is deservedly considered one of gaming's greatest baddies, and the first game's take on cyberspace as a surreal maze of wireframe graphics and deadly geometric shapes certainly warrants the series its place. The sequel largely drops that element, but replaces it with a new interest in transhumanism by way of the 'improvements' offered by a more evolved SHODAN, who refuses to be humbled by needing to rely on a mere fleshbag.
4. Watch Dogs 2
(Image credit: Ubisoft)
Developer: Ubisoft
The first Watch Dogs was more overtly cyberpunk than its sequel, but it's also a far inferior game. Watch Dogs 2 picks up everything it did well, particularly the use of hacking as a primary weapon and a city in which everything can be manipulated, and throws out everything else. While the sequel doesn't have much raw story, it does a great job of making new hero Marcus Holloway feel like part of something important. Watch Dogs 2 puts you at the bottom of the social ladder, then hands you a hacksaw to bring the system crashing down. Doing so makes for great set-pieces and a genuine feeling of power.
3. Blade Runner
(Image credit: Virgin)
Developer: Westwood Studios
Westwood's Blade Runner absolutely nails the style of the movie, recreating its locations with fully animated backgrounds, and offers a score painstakingly recreated by the composer from the original. It's a brand new story in the Blade Runner universe, playing out concurrently with Deckard's. The first act especially is a masterful bit of work, plunging you deep into the world and dripping with atmosphere. You get to perform the Voight-Kampff test, face off with replicants who aren't afraid to thrust you into an arcade sequence without warning, and generally live for a while in a more-or-less perfect recreation of LA, 2019.
2. Shadowrun: Dragonfall
(Image credit: Paradox Interactive)
Publisher: Harebrained Schemes
It's amazing that we had to wait so long for either of the two big cyberpunk tabletop RPGs to make their way to PC—if you ignore Microsoft's team-based FPS Shadowrun, which everyone really should. Despite both SNES and Mega Drive owners getting Shadowrun games in the early '90s, we had to wait until 2013 for Harebrained Schemes' Shadowrun Returns. The original campaign, Dead Man's Switch, is solid enough. The sequel (originally an expansion pack before thankfully being re-released as a standalone game), is phenomenal.
Shadowrun's take on cyberpunk is a complex one, mixing in magical and fantasy elements, with the players—shadowrunners—as mercenaries in a world gone mad. Dragonfall absolutely nails this, essentially giving you a team, a general objective to raise enough money for a big mission, and a city of opportunities to pick and choose from. It's not a complex business simulation or anything like that, but it conveys the vibe of being a shadowrunner far more effectively than a series of mandatory missions ever could. You spend time with your team and get to know their personalities and problems, help them out, and slowly improve your gear until you're ready to take on literal dragons.
All of this plays out in two basic modes: RPG exploration, and solid tactical combat that makes good use of your team and their abilities. The magical parts of the setting really help with these, allowing the action to go beyond guns.
The third game, Shadowrun: Hong Kong, was also an excellent RPG, but it was this sense of actually being in control that made Dragonfall stand out, both in its series and the genre in general. It's a structural approach we don't often see, and yet one that doesn't get in the way of a strong main storyline and a satisfying ending. What Dragonfall lacks in raw technology, with its relatively simple engine and graphics, it more than makes up for in scope and heart.
It's one of the best RPGs of the last few years, and one of the best cyberpunk games full stop. Harebrained is now part of strategy behemoth Paradox Interactive—here's hoping it's working on something even bigger and better.
1. Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Developer: Eidos Montreal
Honestly, the question was never whether Deus Ex would end up topping this list, but whether this or the original would take the crown.
The first game is of course a classic, but time hasn't been especially kind to its technology or some of its ideas, and politically it's from a very different era. Human Revolution lacks some of its raw scope and imagination, but is a far sleeker experience that builds on what the original does so well, and what other franchises have brought to the immersive sim genre in the intervening years. Yes, the boss fights suck, and can rightly go and stand in the corner with those copies of Invisible War and Mankind Divided's garbage ending, but in all other respects, Human Revolution still holds up extremely well as a glimpse of a possible future.
It helps that, while the original Deus Ex was largely built around conspiracy theories—groups like the Illuminati and so on—Human Revolution concentrates on transhumanism and the societal chasms between the haves and have-nots that are only widened by the addition of technology. As gravelly-voiced, professional not-asker-for- this Adam Jensen, you're in the rare position of being in the middle of the situation, with a body full of fancy toys that isn't exactly yours. You're neither truly with the rich and powerful in their ivory towers, nor down with the gutter-rats, but perfectly placed to either prop up a failing society or help it come crashing down.
This gives Human Revolution a resonance that many other supercop fantasies struggle with, in a world perfectly set up to explore technology in both its positive and negative forms. The same science that can replace an arm or eyeball can also be abused, or simply demonised, with just a few flicks of a switch. Fancy cyborg gear can elevate the average person, but also make them subject to its creators in both body and soul. Is it a fair trade? What if the people just seize it?
The sequel, Mankind Divided, focuses on the social issues of all this, with questionable success. Human Revolution handles it more elegantly by simply presenting the situation, and allowing you, the player, to decide which path is correct. Admittedly, this boils down to pressing a button and watching a video clip, but still. While it lasts, it's a solid shooter, a thought-provoking game, and also it lets you punch people through walls.
Best gaming motherboards in 2021
The best gaming PC in 2021
The best gaming laptops in 2021


text:
About Inviato
Inside Look: J.K. Place Malibu
Tuesday February 23 2016
Known for its luxury boutique hotels in prime locations in Florence, Capri and Rome, J.K. Place has a devoted fan base who wouldn't dare consider any place else when heading to these Italian destinations. In each and every intimate hotel, you will find the seamless combination of chic and contemporary style (all by interior designer Michele Bonan), personal service and superlative comfort.
J.K. Place Roma
J.K. Place Capri
J.K. Place Firenze
J.K. Place is now moving into unfamiliar territory – not only by setting its sights beyond Italy to the shores of affluent, surfer-town Malibu, California but also in creating a sensational 'pop up' for one week of 'culinary indulgence' this March. Those who who have an affinity for incredible wines and cuisine (and share J.K. Place's passion for Italian living) in an incredible setting need only pick one night from 6-9 p.m. between March 14th and 17th to attend, with the option of bringing a guest.
Space has filled so quickly, all openings are only now available on a 'wait list' basis (which I put my brother on, unbeknownst to him). Nonetheless, images of the location looked so incredible, we wanted to share them below with our readers.
Whose place is this, you ask?
Well, we did our own sleuthing to discover this is the private home of real-estate maven Kurt Rappaport. Spread over six acres on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this 22,000 square foot modern residence built in 2006 just off the Pacific Highway includes a 168-foot infinity pool (with the honors of being the longest residential pool in California!), seven bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a screening room, and adjacent guest house. Its estimated value? A paltry $100MM. Last summer, Mr. Rappaport was asking $750,000 a month to rent his home (you read that right). It's unclear if anyone succumbed to the tempting offer or just went ahead and booked a tad less expensive shack through Airbnb.com.
Perhaps this 'California Dreaming' experience will give J.K. Place the impetus to build a luxury boutique hotel in this affluent beach locale, which surprisingly has a dearth of hotel offerings. Something tells me a fourth outpost and boutique hotel would be received quite well here by J.K. Place aficionados and beyond! Could this be the start of something new?
Follow Inviato Travel on Instagram
Inviato Travel
© 2014-2020 Inviato Travel • All rights reserved
Sign up for our newsletter to get informed about the latest hotel openings, check out our latest hotel reviews and access our insider black book of addresses in trending destinations.
Request URL: https://www.inviatotravel.com/inside-look-j-k-place-malibu/
Please complete all * marked fields. Thank You!


My friend Old Seed is teaming up with Andy Kerr tonight!
My friend Craig Bjerring is back in town. He has been making music under the Old Seed moniker and he is teaming up with his punk-rock-legend-idol Andy Kerr, the guitarist of early NoMeansNo , it's gonna be at Occii, Amsterdam tonight. Hope to see you there!
Also, I will play a few shows in the near future, on the 18th of March I will be playing at de Spinhuis, as they commemorate the Paris Commune. Dennis Bos, the author of 'Blood and Barricades' (sic) will come speak, and hopefully Almudena y Davide will play, as will Leo Svirsky, fingers crossed!
Then on the 20th of March I will play at the parents of two of the Bucket Boyz, where we might play a few songs together, again fingers crossed!
And at the 2nd of April, I will play at the 10 year anniversary of a community kitchen in Zaandam! As soon as I got more info on that I will update this!


Savannah is a beautiful six-bedroom, six-bathroom oceanfront beach vacation rental house located in the Cherry Grove section of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This home away from home can sleep 22 guests and offers a variety of amenities. It includes seven flat-screen TVs, seven DVD players, a covered porch with furniture, tile flooring, outside shower, vaulted ceilings, in-unit washer and dryer, central heating and air, and wireless Internet access.
Being an oceanfront property, Savannah is only a short jaunt from the soft sand of the beach. Make memories with friends and families alike as you have endless fun on the shore of the Atlantic. Go swimming and experience firsthand the beauty of the world that exists just underneath the surface. Work on your tan and soak up the rays as the sounds of the native wildlife and the waves washing ashore relax you. Go for a refreshing stroll along the shoreline as the waves lap at your feet and you admire the natural beauty of the world around you.
The North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina community is bustling, with something to do around every corner. Black River Outdoors is a one of a kind kayaking adventure as one of their amazing guides show you a side of the Grand Strand that most visitors never get to see. Two-, four-, and six-hour guided tours are available to a wide variety of locations up and down the Grand Strand. Advance purchase is always recommended, as tours often sell out quickly. Experience high speed thrills at Broadway Grand Prix. Challenge your friends and family on seven go kart tracks and two 18-hole mini golf courses on the premises. Broadway Grand Prix is fun for the whole family, and will keep everybody smiling the whole time. Carolina Backwoods ATV Adventure Tours offers fun for the whole family and for all skill levels with its off road fun park. Rated the number one attraction in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, by Trip Advisor, Carolina Backwoods ATV Adventure Tours is a one of a kind experience that you do not want to miss out on.
Our family enjoyed staying at Savannah. We had everything we needed. We loved the deck and our view. The house was very spacious. Overall, we loved the house and hope to return one day.
second time staying here . Great house very clean and has everything you need. Newly remodeled looks awesome. Great location love watching the dolphins jumping from the great deck would highly recommend the savannah house !!!
loved this house out of all the houses we have stayed in!!
Create a single property brochure by clicking "Single-Property MyBrochure" below, or add "SAVANNAH" to your Beach Bag to create a custom Multi-Property MyBrochure.


Pardon our pause... we're working on our latest story – our own.
We'll have a NEW site ready for its debut soon.
Until then, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Click here to continue to our current site.
"We're busy developing the latest chapter in WordWrite's capital 'S' story and soon, we'll share it here, so you can learn why you would want to do business with us, partner with us or work for us.
"Stay tuned for more updates, including our recent big move to a new office. Check out sneak peek photos below."
Sign up for our monthly newsletter, The WordWriter!
Copyright © 2019 WordWrite Communications LLC. All Rights Reserved.


William Wegman was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts in 1943. He received a BFA in painting from the Massachusetts College of Art, Boston and an MFA in painting from the University of Illinois, Champagne-Urbana in 1967.
In the fall of 1970 he moved to Southern California where he taught for one year at California State College, Long Beach. By the early 1970s, Wegman's work was being exhibited in museums and galleries internationally.
Wegman has been the recipient of two Guggenheim Fellowships and two National Endowment for the Arts grants. Wegman's work has been exhibited in museums and galleries across the world. His work was included in such seminal exhibitions as When Attitudes Become Form and Documenta V, as well as a retrospective organised by the Kunstmuseum Lucerne in 1990, which travelled to museums including the Centre Pompidou, Paris and The Whitney Museum of American Art, New York. Recent exhibitions include William Wegman and California Conceptualism, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Being Human, which was the central exhibition at Rencontres de la Photographie in Arles in 2018 and which begins a four-year travelling tour at The National Gallery of Australia, Melbourne Autumn 2018.


text:
Q: Add a search and filter function using javascript I have to add a search and filter function.There is a search box in the page. When a user enters a search term in the box, the list of positions is filtered using this search term so that only those jobs with this term in the title are shown.  If multiple words are entered (separated by spaces) then jobs showing either word are shown (ie an implicit OR between search terms).
I have a positions.json file which I have used to generate the latest 10 positions, get the full details of them with a click and add an apply form in it. Now I am not sure how to do the search and filter thing. I am only suppose to use jQuery and handlebar libraries nothing else.
I have this code currently, removed the getJson as I cant seem to incorporate it correctly. If I use it the previous latest 10 list that I generated also go away. Right now stuck here with a broken code in the javascript.
var searchField = $(this).val();
if(searchField === '')  {
$('#filter-records').html('');
return;
}

var regex = new RegExp(searchField, "i");
var output = '
';
var count = 1;
$.each(data, function(key, val){
if ((val.title.search(regex) != -1) ||
(val.title.search(regex) != -1)) {
output += '

';
output += '
';
$('#filter-records').html(output);
});

the html code
<!DOCTYPE html>

<meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>Jobs!</title>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="/static/css/style.css">

Jobs!

 Search for a Job

        <input type = "text" name = "search" placeholder="Search" class =
    "filter-records" />

 Available Jobs

A: Here's a vague overview of how this should work. Can't remember if using Jquery to get file contents is async or not, if it is, this will all have to be nested. The general idea is pretty straight forward, but you'll have to apply some effort (Google / Stack Overflow) to figure out the rest. But having it all laid out in steps should help. Focus on one thing at a time.
use this if you're stuck : https://oscarotero.com/jquery/
It's a cheat sheet for jquery
First off, reading the file from jquery. There's tons of resources on that.
Second step, Again should be pretty straight forward with jquery. Get the search content
Third step is taken care of, the easiest, filter your matching results.
Last step, use handlebars. Will post a link to a handle bars project I did ages ago in the comments

function GenerateSearchHashMap(string searchText)
{
  let hash = {};
  searchText.split(' ').forEach(pos => hash[pos] = true);
  return hash;
}

function FilterMatchingPositions(arraryOfPositions, matchingHash)
{
  return arrayOfPositions.filter(pos => matchingHash[pos]);
}

function ExecuteSearch()
{
  //Use Some J Query to get your positions
  let positions = GetPositionsFromJQuery();

  //Get search bar text
  let searchText = GetSearchText();

  let searchHash = GenerateSearchHashMap(searchText);
  let results = FilterMatchingPositions(positions, searchHash);
  HandleBarsDoesSomeStuff(results);
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in children with cystic fibrosis: one centre's experience
Elise Weir1,
Paul D Burns2,
Anne Devenny1,
David Young3,
James Y Paton4
1Department of Respiratory Paediatrics, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
2Department of Respiratory and Sleep Physiology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
3Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
4School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
Correspondence to Dr Elise Weir, Department of Respiratory Paediatrics, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK; elise_yu{at}doctors.org.uk
Background While exercise testing is increasingly used as a prognostic indicator in cystic fibrosis (CF), it is reported to be underused in UK CF centres, particularly in children. Here, we evaluated the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) results in children and young people with CF at CF annual review and its possible clinical value.
Method An observational study comparing CPET results using a cycle ergometer ramp test (peak oxygen uptake (Vo2peak)) and pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)) was performed with body mass index (BMI) used as a disease severity marker. Data were identified from clinical case notes and our CF database.
Results Thirty-eight children and young people (mean age 11±2.4, range 7–14 years; 17 males and 21 females) completed at least one CPET with 95% achieving technically satisfactory tests allowing measurement of Vo2peak. Mean Vo2peak was 107 ±17.6% predicted, range 74%–150% predicted, with 8% having a reduced Vo2peak of <85% of predicted. Mean FEV1 z-score was −0.77±1.24, range −4.42 to 2.24. We did not demonstrate a significant correlation between Vo2peak % predicted and FEV1 z-score (r=0.25, p=0.13), or between Vo2peak % predicted and BMI z-score (r=−0.05, p=0.77). Twenty-eight of 38 completed a second CPET the following year with 71% showing a decline in Vo2peak (mean decline of 8% of predicted value, equivalent to 3.8 mL/kg/min).
Conclusion CPET is feasible with 95% of children and young people achieving technically satisfactory assessments starting from age 7. In this group with relatively mild CF, mean Vo2peak was normal with no significant correlation between Vo2peak and FEV1 or BMI, as markers of disease severity. The majority demonstrated a normal Vo2peak. However, 71% showed a downward trend on repeat testing 12–18 months later.
cardiopulmonary exercise testing
pulmonary function
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2016-310651
Contributors AD instigated, designed and supervised the study. EW and PDB contributed to the design of the study, collected the data and analysed results with DY. EW and PDB wrote the article. JYP reviewed and commented on the article.
Competing interests None.
Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/


Image Habitat is a Long Island-based small business offering affordable, professional real estate listing photography and floor plan services.
We specialize in exceptional service, consistently delivering a high-quality product.
All of our images are professionally photographed and edited, and delivered to you through our feature-rich tour platform.
Professionally photographed listing images garner more clicks!
We shoot in both HDR (High Dynamic Range) and conventional formats.
HDR images yield a more realistic presentation of a property, enhancing shadows and reducing brighter areas within each image.
Our proprietary shooting and editing methods set us apart from the competition.
Conventionally photographed images are typically reserved for exterior photos which are edited to enhance green grass areas, with the addition of a blue sky. There is no additional charge for these enhancements!
Stunning listing images, coupled with floor plans containing hot spots, delivered through our exciting platform!
Give buyers a preview, with a floor plan!
Multiple brochure options for your open houses, printed right in your office!
Show off your listings, print brochures, engage buyers and track your marketing efforts, all from our tour platform.


The Professional Wide II Massage Table is built to withstand a static weight of 3000lb and a working weight of 600lb. When you need a wide massage table this is what you need with a width of 30" or 41" with the optional Expandable Side supports. The Professional Wide II Massage Table will support even your largest clients but with our 3 layered foam system it will also be comfortable for even your smallest clients, making the Professional Wide II Massage Table a must have.


text:
DirtFork
Home Lifestyle Win A Chance To Play Wiz Khalifa In His First-Ever Gaming Livestream...
Win A Chance To Play Wiz Khalifa In His First-Ever Gaming Livestream Event For Charity
Ed Miller
With the need for more original entertainment these days, livestream gaming has noticed a significant boost the last several months – and all sorts of celebrities have been getting in the game. The latest celebrity to host their first-ever gaming livestream is multi-platinum recording artist Wiz Khalifa, who has teamed up with global esports team, the Pittsburgh Knights, and charity fundraising platform, Softgiving, for the Wiz and Friends Charity Livestream on July 11.
Khalifa is a strategic partner for the Knights, a global esports organization established in Pittsburgh in 2017 that's partnered with the city's Pittsburgh Steelers, and will be featured at the center of the team's new philanthropic initiatives, including upcoming charity stream events. The Wiz and Friends Charity Livestream will benefit Rise Above the Disorder, which provides a universal mental healthcare system accessible to youth all over the world. All funds raised will support people of color in need of mental health care. In addition to Khalifa, Twitch streamer Austin – formerly RajjPatel – will be featured at the event, along with soon to be announced musical artists, professional athletes and members of Khalifa's artistic collective, Taylor Gang.
Introducing #WizandFriends Livestream for Charity supporting @youarerad. We're bringing together music, gaming, and so much more with the man himself: @wizkhalifa
And you can already win a chance to play with Wiz on stream by donating. 👇
📆 July 11
🔗 https://t.co/mIVZozGKio pic.twitter.com/vuk67ym4Q2
— Pittsburgh Knights (@KnightsGG) June 16, 2020
To help get donations, Khalifa and the Knights have even sweetened the pot for gamers and music fans alike. They're giving away two opportunities to play against the Pittsburgh native and first-time streamer, offering anyone who donates to the event's website, prior to Tuesday's deadline, a chance to win a spot gaming with Khalifa on the livestream. So far, they've raised over $10,000 in donations.
"Nowadays artists are breaking music as well as premiering on different platforms like Twitch," Khalifa said in a statement. "I have always tried to be at the forefront of technology and I think this is another amazing moment in history. I am happy to be a part of it."
The 32-year-old Forbes-profiled entrepreneur is no rookie when it comes to the video game landscape, having launched his own on-brand top-rated mobile game back in 2017. This partnership between Khalifa and the Knights provides the chance to bring attention to all sorts of various charities, especially one like RAD which is highlighting an underlying effort currently being caused by front page news.
For more information about the July 11 livestream, check out the Knights' website.
Rise Above the Disorder
Softgiving
Taylor Gang
Wiz and Friends Charity Livestream
Previous articleThe Best Idea Stephen King Never Wrote Was An Existential Novel About Jason Voorhees
Next articleNew England-Based Brewery Creates Beer To Troll The Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ed is the co-founder of Dirtfork, a native Philadelphian and an alum of Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism who has freelanced for a number of print and web-based outlets during his career, including seven years with CraveOnline. When he's not interviewing J.J. Watt and riding in an IndyCar with Mario Andretti, Ed enjoys spouting off obscure movie quotes, devouring a great plate of Mexican food and going on adventures with his wife and adopted dog.
Xbox Sets World Record After Projecting Destiny 2 On Colorado Mountaintop
Cake Artist Meticulously Recreates 'Home Alone' House To Honor Film's 30th Anniversary
Pizza Hut Becomes First Pizza Company To Offer Plant-Based Meat Pizza Nationwide
In A Year of Unpredictability, Sports Has Been Nothing Short Of...
Shane Shoemaker - January 14, 2021
In a year that almost wasn't for both professional and collegiate sports, everyone wondered who the odds would favor in each sport...
Thirsty Thursday: Corporate Ladder Brewing Company's Xenomorph Blood
Let's Open A Brewery: Laying The Groundwork For Your New Business
Tweets by dirtfork
© Dirtfork Magazine


text:
WHAT'S wrong with the Embassy?
Tehanu @ 5:46 pm EST
I think the most unsettling thing about this whole Wellington Premiere kerfuffle has been the fact that nobody was saying WHAT was wrong with the Embassy Theatre and so it was difficult to judge whether New Line's demand that it be brought up to ''a suitable standard" was a big deal or not.
The Embassy trustees, the Mayor of Wellington and New Line have been talking to each other and although initially they were sending out some confusing signals, today it looks like they're determined to find a solution that will keep the premiere in Wellington.
Mayor Kerry Prendergast was interviewed on Radio NZ this morning and she told listeners (finally) what New Line wanted to see improved: The seating, the toilets, the paint in the auditorium (not sure I heard that right) and the addition of a lift.
Well, that's a relief. If they'd been asking for major structural refitting to make it earthquake-proof - something I understand the Trust would like to see happen - well, I can't see how the work could even be done in time. But as it is, it seems do-able between now and December.
The Mayor was drawn into revealing the level of support they were thinking of offering: They would be happy to match the Embassy Trust's contribution to the upgrade dollar for dollar, and were looking at a figure of around $2 million; apparently the Trust feels that they can match that figure from their own fundraising.
There will be a meeting later today, where the Trust will bring their revised figures for the necessary refurbishments to the theatre, and the Council will vote on their level of funding of it. So with any luck the issue should be resolved today!