text:
WATCH: Brgy. Ginebra vs NLEX Highlights [QF Game 1 | November 6, 2018]
GSM November 6, 2018
Barangay Ginebra showed why they're the defending champion and No. 1 team heading into the playoffs after ripping NLEX, 111-75, to advance to the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup semifinals Tuesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Gin Kings flexed their muscles, overpowering the Road Warriors especially in the fourth quarter where they scored 35 points and allowed only 13.
Ginebra had five players in double figures led by Japeth Aguilar's efficient 18-point outing. Aguilar went 8-of-11 from the field and had 10 rebounds and a block.
Justin Brownlee recorded his second straight triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists just two nights after posting 31 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists in a 112-93 rout of TNT.
Greg Slaughter added 16 points and seven rebounds while Sol Mercado and Jeff Chan chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively.
Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel


Here is a fantastic .55ct Benitoite! This stone is light - medium blue color. The dispersion ( flash ) of this stone is amazing and very eye catching! It's a fantastic stone and would look amazing in jewelry. The rough measurements of this piece are 5.5 x 4mm! Great clarity being eye clean! Stones of this size are getting to become extremely hard to get ahold of. If you have any questions please let me know.


Hebrews 9:27 says, "...it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." All of us know that someday our lives on earth will end. But have you considered the fact that, after death, you will give an account for your life to God?
Please seriously ask yourself, if you were to face God in judgment right now, would you be ready?
Matthew chapter 25 pictures the day of judgment in which all people will come before Jesus. Those who served God faithfully will be on the right hand, and those who have not served faithfully will be on the left. The faithful will be told, "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." But the wicked will be told, "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." So the wicked will "go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
Who will be present for this judgment? 2 Corinthians 5:10 says: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." All will be there: rich or poor, male or female, doctors, lawyers, politicians, and farmers, all nationalities and all ages. Great men of all ages will be judged: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Adam, and Abraham. Your husband or wife will be there, your children and your parents, and all your friends. I will be there and, most important, you will be there.


text:
Q: Use SharpDX to capture screenshot of rotated monitor The code below successfully takes screenshots of the monitors attached to my Windows 10 laptop computer, so long as the monitors are not "flipped". When the monitors are flipped to any orientation except "landscape" the captured images are all black pixels (r,g,b,a = 0,0,0,255)
How can I modify the code below so that it will also work with flipped monitors?
Target Framework is:

*

*Net 4.8

Referenced packages are:

*

*SharpDX 4.2.0

*SharpDX.Direct2D1 4.2.0

*SharpDX.Direct3D11 4.2.0

*SharpDX.DXGI 4.2.0

*SharpDX.DXGI 4.2.0

using System;
using System.IO;
using System.Runtime.ExceptionServices;
using SharpDX;

namespace ScreenCast {

    internal static class Program {

        [STAThread]
        private static void Main() {
            var captureCount = 0;
            using var factory = new SharpDX.DXGI.Factory4();
            foreach (var adapter in factory.Adapters1) {
                using var device = new SharpDX.Direct3D11.Device(adapter);
                foreach (var output in adapter.Outputs) {
                    if (output.Description.IsAttachedToDesktop) {
                        var description = output.Description;
                        using var output1 = output.QueryInterface<SharpDX.DXGI.Output1>();
                        Capture($"{captureCount++}.bmp", device, output1);
                    }
                    output.Dispose();
                }
                adapter.Dispose();
            }
        }

        private static void Capture(string outputFileName, SharpDX.Direct3D11.Device device, SharpDX.DXGI.Output1 output1) {

            int width = output1.Description.DesktopBounds.Right - output1.Description.DesktopBounds.Left;
            int height = output1.Description.DesktopBounds.Bottom - output1.Description.DesktopBounds.Top;

            using var stagingScreenTexture = new SharpDX.Direct3D11.Texture2D(device, new SharpDX.Direct3D11.Texture2DDescription {
                Width = width,
                Height = height,
                CpuAccessFlags = SharpDX.Direct3D11.CpuAccessFlags.Read,
                BindFlags = SharpDX.Direct3D11.BindFlags.None,
                Format = SharpDX.DXGI.Format.B8G8R8A8_UNorm,
                OptionFlags = SharpDX.Direct3D11.ResourceOptionFlags.None,
                MipLevels = 1,
                ArraySize = 1,
                SampleDescription = { Count = 1, Quality = 0 },
                Usage = SharpDX.Direct3D11.ResourceUsage.Staging
            });

            using var duplicatedOutput = output1.DuplicateOutput(device);

            SharpDX.DXGI.Resource screenResource = null;
            SharpDX.DXGI.OutputDuplicateFrameInformation duplicateFrameInformation;

            AcquireFrame(duplicatedOutput, out duplicateFrameInformation, out screenResource);
            duplicatedOutput.ReleaseFrame();
            AcquireFrame(duplicatedOutput, out duplicateFrameInformation, out screenResource);

            // copy resource into memory that can be accessed by the CPU
            using var screenTexture = screenResource.QueryInterface<SharpDX.Direct3D11.Texture2D>();
            device.ImmediateContext.CopyResource(screenTexture, stagingScreenTexture);

            // Get the desktop capture texture
            var mapSource = device.ImmediateContext.MapSubresource(stagingScreenTexture, 0, SharpDX.Direct3D11.MapMode.Read, SharpDX.Direct3D11.MapFlags.None);

            using var bmp = new System.Drawing.Bitmap(width, height, System.Drawing.Imaging.PixelFormat.Format32bppArgb);
            var bmpBounds = new System.Drawing.Rectangle(0, 0, width, height);
            var bmpData = bmp.LockBits(bmpBounds, System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageLockMode.WriteOnly, bmp.PixelFormat);
            var src = mapSource.DataPointer;
            var dest = bmpData.Scan0;
            for (var y = 0; y < height; y++) {
                SharpDX.Utilities.CopyMemory(dest, src, width * 4);
                src += mapSource.RowPitch;
                dest += bmpData.Stride;
            }
            bmp.UnlockBits(bmpData);
            bmp.Save(outputFileName);

            device.ImmediateContext.UnmapSubresource(stagingScreenTexture, 0);
            screenResource.Dispose();
            duplicatedOutput.ReleaseFrame();

            // Display the texture using system associated viewer
            System.Diagnostics.Process.Start(Path.GetFullPath(Path.Combine(Environment.CurrentDirectory, outputFileName)));
        }

        static void AcquireFrame(SharpDX.DXGI.OutputDuplication duplication, out SharpDX.DXGI.OutputDuplicateFrameInformation info, out SharpDX.DXGI.Resource resource) {
            while (true) {
                try {
                    duplication.AcquireNextFrame(100, out info, out resource);
                    return;
                } catch (SharpDXException x) {
                    if (x.ResultCode.Code != SharpDX.DXGI.ResultCode.WaitTimeout.Result.Code)
                        ExceptionDispatchInfo.Capture(x).Throw();
                }
            }
        }
    }
}

A: First, I only used SharpDX for a few days, so I'm by no means an expert, but I ran into a similar problem when capturing from rotated monitor and from what I've been able to deduce captured frame is not rotated.
e.g. Your monitor is rotated 90 deg to portrait (Width x Height 1080x1920) so you'd expect the captured frame to be portrait as well, right? Nope, you get the 1920 x 1080 landscape bitmap so your screen width= bitmap height and vice versa:

Here is the code I used in my capture class, still work in progress:
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Drawing;
using System.Drawing.Imaging;
using System.IO;
using System.Linq;
using System.Threading.Tasks;
using System.Windows.Forms;
using SharpDX;
using SharpDX.Direct3D11;
using SharpDX.DXGI;
using SharpDX.Mathematics.Interop;
using Device = SharpDX.Direct3D11.Device;
using MapFlags = SharpDX.Direct3D11.MapFlags;

namespace EXM.ExampleCapture
{
    public class DXScreenCaptureUtil {
        private static ImageCodecInfo jpegCodec = ImageCodecInfo.GetImageEncoders()
                            .First(c => c.FormatID == ImageFormat.Jpeg.Guid);
        private static EncoderParameters jpegParams = new EncoderParameters() { Param = new[] { new EncoderParameter(Encoder.Quality, 60L) } };
        //Cache objects
        private static Factory1 factory = new Factory1();
        private static Adapter adapter;
        private static Device device;
        /// <summary>
        /// Gets target device (Display) based on the rectangle we want to capture
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="sourceRect">Rectangle we want to capture</param>
        /// <returns>Screen which contains the area we want to capture or null if no device contains our area of interest</returns>
        private static Screen GetTargetScreen(Rectangle sourceRect) {

            foreach (var scr in Screen.AllScreens)
            {
                if (sourceRect.X >= scr.Bounds.X && sourceRect.Y >= scr.Bounds.Y
                    && sourceRect.Right <= scr.Bounds.Width + scr.Bounds.X
                    && sourceRect.Bottom <= scr.Bounds.Height + scr.Bounds.Y
                    )
                {
                    return scr;
                }
            }
            return null;
        }

        public static (byte[], int) Capture(Rectangle sourceRect, int jpegQuality) {
            Screen targetScreen = GetTargetScreen(sourceRect);
            if (targetScreen == null) {
                throw new Exception($@"Could not find target screen for capture rectangle {sourceRect}");
            }
            //This is to instruct client receiving the image to rotate it, seems like a reasonable thing to offload it to client and save a bit of CPU time on server
            int rotation = 0;
            byte[] imageBytes = null;
            // Width/Height of desktop to capture
            int width = targetScreen.Bounds.Width;
            int height = targetScreen.Bounds.Height;
            Rectangle cropRect = new Rectangle(sourceRect.X - targetScreen.Bounds.X, sourceRect.Y - targetScreen.Bounds.Y, sourceRect.Width, sourceRect.Height);

            // Create DXGI Factory1
            if (adapter == null) { adapter = factory.Adapters.Where(x => x.Outputs.Any(o => o.Description.DeviceName == targetScreen.DeviceName)).FirstOrDefault(); }
            // Create device from Adapter
            if (device == null) { device = new Device(adapter); }

            //using (var output = adapter.Outputs.Where(o => o.Description.DeviceName == targetScreen.DeviceName).FirstOrDefault()) //This creates a memory leak!
            Output output = null;
            //I'm open to suggestions here:
            for (int i = 0; i < adapter.GetOutputCount(); i++) {
                output = adapter.GetOutput(i);
                if (output.Description.DeviceName == targetScreen.DeviceName) {
                    break;
                }
                else {
                    output.Dispose();
                }
            }

            using (var output1 = output.QueryInterface<Output1>()) {
                if (output1.Description.Rotation == DisplayModeRotation.Rotate90) {
                    width = targetScreen.Bounds.Height;
                    height = targetScreen.Bounds.Width;
                    int offsetX = targetScreen.Bounds.X - sourceRect.X;
                    cropRect = new Rectangle(
                        sourceRect.Y - targetScreen.Bounds.Y,
                        targetScreen.Bounds.Width - (sourceRect.Width + offsetX),
                        sourceRect.Height, sourceRect.Width);
                    rotation = 90;
                }
                else if (output1.Description.Rotation == DisplayModeRotation.Rotate270) {
                    width = targetScreen.Bounds.Height;
                    height = targetScreen.Bounds.Width;
                    int offsetY = targetScreen.Bounds.Y - sourceRect.Y;
                    cropRect = new Rectangle(
                        targetScreen.Bounds.Height - (sourceRect.Height + offsetY),
                        targetScreen.Bounds.X - sourceRect.X,
                        sourceRect.Height, sourceRect.Width);
                    rotation = 270;
                }
                else if (output1.Description.Rotation == DisplayModeRotation.Rotate180) {
                    rotation = 180;
                }
            // Create Staging texture CPU-accessible
            var textureDesc = new Texture2DDescription {
                CpuAccessFlags = CpuAccessFlags.Read,
                BindFlags = BindFlags.None,
                Format = Format.B8G8R8A8_UNorm,
                Width = width,
                Height = height,
                OptionFlags = ResourceOptionFlags.None,
                MipLevels = 1,
                ArraySize = 1,
                SampleDescription = { Count = 1, Quality = 0 },
                Usage = ResourceUsage.Staging
            };
                using (var screenTexture = new Texture2D(device, textureDesc))
                //Duplicate the output
                using (var duplicatedOutput = output1.DuplicateOutput(device)) {
                    bool captureDone = false;
                    SharpDX.DXGI.Resource screenResource = null;
                    OutputDuplicateFrameInformation duplicateFrameInformation;
                    for (int i = 0; !captureDone; i++) {
                        try {
                            //Try to get duplicated frame within given time
                            duplicatedOutput.AcquireNextFrame(1000, out duplicateFrameInformation, out screenResource);
                            //Ignore first call, this always seems to return a black frame
                            if (i == 0) {
                                screenResource.Dispose();
                                continue;
                            }

                            //copy resource into memory that can be accessed by the CPU
                            using (var screenTexture2D = screenResource.QueryInterface<Texture2D>()) {
                                device.ImmediateContext.CopyResource(screenTexture2D, screenTexture);
                            }
                            //Get the desktop capture texture
                            var mapSource = device.ImmediateContext.MapSubresource(screenTexture, 0, MapMode.Read, MapFlags.None);
                            var boundsRect = new System.Drawing.Rectangle(0, 0, width, height);
                            //Create Drawing.Bitmap
                            using (var bitmap = new System.Drawing.Bitmap(width, height, PixelFormat.Format32bppArgb)) {
                                //Copy pixels from screen capture Texture to GDI bitmap
                               var bitmapData = bitmap.LockBits(boundsRect, ImageLockMode.WriteOnly, bitmap.PixelFormat);
                                var sourcePtr = mapSource.DataPointer;
                                var destinationPtr = bitmapData.Scan0;
                                for (int y = 0; y < height; y++) {
                                    //Copy a single line
                                    Utilities.CopyMemory(destinationPtr, sourcePtr, width * 4);
                                    //Advance pointers
                                    sourcePtr = IntPtr.Add(sourcePtr, mapSource.RowPitch);
                                    destinationPtr = IntPtr.Add(destinationPtr, bitmapData.Stride);
                                }

                                //Release source and dest locks
                                bitmap.UnlockBits(bitmapData);
                                device.ImmediateContext.UnmapSubresource(screenTexture, 0);

                                //Save the output
                                imageBytes = CropBitmapToJPEGBytes(bitmap, cropRect, jpegQuality);
                            }
                            //Capture done
                            captureDone = true;
                        }
                        catch (SharpDXException e) {
                            if (e.ResultCode.Code != SharpDX.DXGI.ResultCode.WaitTimeout.Result.Code) {
                                throw;
                            }
                        }
                        finally {
                            //Dispose manually
                            if (screenResource != null) {
                                screenResource.Dispose();
                            }
                            duplicatedOutput.ReleaseFrame();
                        }
                    }
                }
            }
            output.Dispose();
            return (imageBytes, rotation);
        }

        /// <summary>
        /// Crop bitmap
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="orig">Original bitmap</param>
        /// <param name="cropRect">Crop rectangle</param>
        /// <returns>Cropped bitmap</returns>
        static byte[] CropBitmapToJPEGBytes(Bitmap orig, Rectangle cropRect, int jpegQuality) {
            EncoderParameter qualityParam = new EncoderParameter(Encoder.Quality, (long)jpegQuality);
            jpegParams.Param[0] = qualityParam;
            byte[] imageBytes;
            using (Bitmap nb = new Bitmap(cropRect.Width, cropRect.Height)) {
                using (Graphics g = Graphics.FromImage(nb)) {
                    g.DrawImage(orig, -cropRect.X, -cropRect.Y);
                    using (MemoryStream s = new MemoryStream()) {
                        nb.Save(s, jpegCodec, jpegParams);
                        imageBytes = s.ToArray();
                    }
                }
            }
            return imageBytes;
        }
    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Usa news site
Celebtity
'Silence of the Lambs' sequel set at CBS; Who should star?
January 12, 2020 UsanewssiteComment(0)
CBS announced on Sunday that it has given a series commitment to a sequel to "The Silence of the Lambs."
Titled "Clarice," the new series will be set in 1993, a year after the events of the Oscar-winning "The Silence of the Lambs" and tied to the young FBI trainee played by Jodie Foster in the 1991 film. CBS describes it as "a deep dive into the untold personal story of Clarice Starling as she returns to the field to pursue serial murderers and sexual predators while navigating the high stakes political world of Washington, D.C."
The project will be written and executive produced by Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet.
"After more than 20 years of silence, we're privileged to give voice to one of America's most enduring heroes – Clarice Starling," said Kurtzman and Lumet in a statement. "Clarice's bravery and complexity have always lit the way, even as her personal story remained in the dark. But hers is the very story we need today: her struggle, her resilience, her victory. Her time is now, and always."
"The Silence of the Lambs" started as a best-selling 1988 novel by Thomas Harris. The feature film it spawned earned five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
A critically-acclaimed prequel TV series, "Hannibal," premiered in 2013 and aired for three seasons.
No casting news was announced, so fans are free to speculate over who might be the best actress to fill Clarice's shoes.
Source:: The Mercury News – Entertainment
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This Disney Princess Dinnerware Set Is All Over Instagram — and Selling Out Fast Attention, Disney fanatics! Your dreams of eating like fairytale royalty can finally come true, thanks to this gorgeous dinnerware. The 16-piece ceramic set honors four…
From wearing a tie every day to killing his own meat, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has used New Year's resolutions to improve himself each year over the last decade. Here's everything he set out to do since 2009. (FB) Mark Zuckerberg made his first public New Year's resolution in 2009, when the economy tanked and Facebook wasn't profitable. Since then, he's tried all sorts…
Vanessa Hudgens Smiles as She Walks the Bad Boys for Life Red Carpet After Split from Austin Butler
January 15, 2020 Usanewssite
Hours after news broke that Vanessa Hudgens and Austin Butler had split Tuesday, the actress looked confident as she walked a red carpet alone. At the Los Angeles premiere of Bad Boys for Life, in which Hudgens stars opposite Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, the actress stepped out in a dramatic one-shouldered white gown that […]
Pope Francis Kisses Nun After Jokingly Asking Her to Promise She Won't Bite Him
January 9, 2020 Usanewssite
Pope Francis has one condition for those who want to give him a kiss: "Don't bite!" On Wednesday, while greeting a crowd of people before his weekly General Audience, Pope Francis was stopped by a nun, who asked if she could have a kiss. "Bacio, Papa!" the nun said, which means "A kiss, pope!" Reuters […]
Missy Elliott Honors Aaliyah on What Would Have Been Her 41st Birthday: 'RIP Babygal 4Ever Loved'
On what would've been Aaliyah's 41st birthday, Missy Elliott is paying tribute to the late music icon. The Grammy-winner, 48, honored the music legend with a touching video that she shared on her Twitter late Wednesday night, just hours ahead of Aaliyah's Jan. 16 birthday. In the clip, Aaliyah can be heard explaining the intersection […]
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Princess Diana's niece Lady Kitty Spencer is engaged, and her eternity-style diamond ring could be worth up to $160,000, according to experts
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A plane slid off the runway and more than 800 flights were canceled as winter weather hit the Midwest
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Leah Messer Opens Up About Addiction: I Almost Killed Myself!
The most iconic tourist attraction in 26 countries around the world

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Charming single story, move in ready home on a corner lot with an RV Gate with plenty of space for your toys. The interior has just been professionally painted floor to ceiling. This 4 bedroom 2 bath home has an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings in the spacious great room, nice lighting fixtures throughout, with a split master bedroom. Kitchen is equipped with a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, oak cabinets, a very large pantry with a window looking to the large private backyard great for entertaining and/or family activities. Popular area with close access to both I17 & the 101, shopping, entertainment, Hurricane Harbor Water park, Agave Library, hiking, Adobe Mountain Park and more! Don't miss this one it will go Quick!!
I am interested in 3097 W Country Club Terrace, Phoenix, AZ 85027.


It takes a certain clout to be a studio's first choice to headline a big-budget action movie. More so if the studio is no less than Warner China Film, the Chinese-based arm of Warner Bros.
But that was what director Benny Chan was. He had liked the Hollywood movie "Cellular" and so when the studio contacted him about doing a possible remake of it in Hong Kong, he immediately said yes.
Don't think however that his version "Connected" was simply a slavish copy of the original. Quite the contrary, in fact, as Chan revealed that much thought and hard work went into revamping the Hollywood version into a Hong Kong movie.
For one, Chan, who co-wrote the screenplay, wanted to make the characters more real and believable than the Hollywood original.
"In the Hollywood version, the main character is a slacker. But Louis Koo's character, Bob, is instead a typical Hong Kong guy- always busy," he explained. What would make such a guy put down everything and help a total stranger in need was what he was interested to explore.
Even so, it took time for him to convince himself of the plausibility of such a scenario. Why believe someone else who asks for help, especially if you don't even know that person?
There were other elements that he also added into his version "Connected". For one, the message of helping others in need is something that he wanted to emphasize. In line with this vein was also a stronger human element in the story, which he did by injecting the possibility of a romance between Louis Koo's character and Barbie Hsu's character.
The director whose name is probably now synonymous with Hong Kong action movies has much praise for his lead actor, Louis Koo, whom he describes as "very hardworking". Because Louis and Barbie's scenes were filmed separately, there was a need to reshoot some of Louis' scenes so that his expressions would be more appropriate vis a vis Barbie Hsu's.
In fact, Louis Koo was the director's first choice to play the role of Bob, a role he described as the most difficult in the movie. The two had struck up a good working relationship while on the set of their previous collaboration Rob-B-Hood and Chan had promised Koo that they would work together again.
Indeed, if Louis Koo has aspirations of becoming a Hong Kong action star, he has hedged a most wise bet on director Benny Chan. After all, Connected looks set to be another sure-fire action hit and the newest addition to Chan's resume of successful big-budget action movies. It may not be too far-fetched to say that Benny Chan probably is the closest thing that Hong Kong has to Hollywood's Michael Bay.


Finally the book related to the 7sins contest and exhibitions is released.
Thanks for the fast shipping Jose! The work of the 30 best artists is featured. Definitely a musthave in your bookshelf. As soon as I know where to order I'll add the info.


text:
Q: This Field can not be changed Django Validation Error All
I am trying to create valiadtion check that will check after saving the "Name" and "Address that field can not be changed,
How I can do that?
class Institution(CustomModel):
    name = models.CharField(max_length=256,
                        null=False,
                        blank=False,
                        verbose_name=_('Name'))
    address = models.ForeignKey('Address',
                            on_delete=models.PROTECT,
                            null=False,
                            blank=False,
                            verbose_name=_('Address'))

A: only you need is setting editable=False in your model
Check the Docs


Community Lutheran Church exists to let other people know they matter to God, as we let them know they matter to us. We share in Christ's love for the world through our worship and learning, and seek to reach out in His name with witness and service to all people. We believe the Holy Spirit calls us to be an inviting, caring community.
We are a ministry of the church and follow a weekday educational curriculum designed for our preschoolers. All children will be taught Bible lessons suitable for their age. Throughout the year these basic concepts will be presented to your child: God, Jesus, Home, Church, Natural World, Community, Others and Self. We include a basic preschool educational curriculum taught in a loving Christian environment. Included are: Colors, Numbers, Shapes, the Alphabet, Cognitive Skills, Language Skills and Large and Fine Motor Skills. We pride ourselves in helping to build a strong foundation on which your children can grow. By laying one block at a time, we give the children support they can count on in their future. Each teacher is responsible for a daily schedule and a lesson plan. All classes are taught the basic curriculum for the appropriate age level.
A CHRIST-CENTERED PRESCHOOL WELCOMING ALL CHILDREN AGES 2 1/2 THROUGH 5 Our half-day Christ-centered preschool program was established in 1981 as a ministry of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Good Shepherd's daily program of Christian education relates to the experience of young children, addressing their complete developmental needs. In addition to addressing their educational, social, emotional, and physical needs, we provide a loving environment to nurture their spiritual needs. In an informal, caring atmosphere, learning centers and discovery activities build foundations for future academic growth. Preschool registration for the fall 2015 classes has begun. Open enrollment continues throughout the school year, class size permitting, as Good Shepherd maintains a low student/teacher ratio. The Christian curriculum used at Good Shepherd includes a rich combination of many resources. We use the Beginner's Bible materials extensively in the classroom (Zondervan Publishers) as well as specific lessons from Early Childhood Devotions and publications from Concordia Publishing House, the Southern Early Childhood Association, and NAEYC. These materials relate to the experiences of the young child while providing Christian guidance. Our pastor, director of Christian education, or music director shares a Bible message each week in Chapel. Our weekly music program teaches the children many wonderful songs and provides them the opportunity to choose a simple musical instrument to play. In early December, all the children perform a Christmas program for their families and friends, followed by a fellowship event.
St. David's Episcopal Church is a child care center in Ashburn, VA.... At St. David's Episcopal Church, we enroll children ages 2.5-6. We are a large center. Our Preschool helps children and their families learn to love each other as they learn to be loved by Jesus. Our long legacy begins when Margaret Mercer purchased Belmont Plantation in 1836 and began a school for girls. Soon, she added a chapel on our present site and dedicated herself to providing classes for the surrounding community. In Spring 2002, our parish revived this legacy by welcoming our first preschool classes.
Sterling United Methodist Church is a child care center in Sterling,... VA. At Sterling United Methodist Church, we enroll children ages 2.5-6. We are a large center. To learn more about us, please send us an email.
First Baptist Church of Sterling is a child care center in Sterling,... VA. At First Baptist Church of Sterling, we enroll children as young as 24 months through 12 years and 11 months old. We are a large center. To learn more about us, please send us an email.
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rock pool secrets | Educate.Empower.
Rock Pool Secrets by Narelle Oliver was the last book she produced in her artistic career and it truly is a wonderful book to be remembered by.
Rock Pool Secrets take children on a journey into the secrets of a rock pool through high and low tide. Children can discover the different animals that hide amongst the rocks and see how they survive fluctuations in the water level, food availability and predators.
Rock Pools are always a fascinating place to be and there is so much hidden deep down crevices and cracks, behind seaweed and darkness.
Each page engages the reader as they search for camouflaged animals, hidden molluscs and inky octopuses.
Rock Pool Secrets is a beautiful book to help your child become aware of these imagination inspiring places and how something so small can do so many amazing things.
Learn about different animals that live in rock pools. Discover their life cycles, habitat and eating habits.
Are there any famous rockpools in the world and why are they famous?
Using this book as a springboard, choose another area of interest in the area of science. How could you present this new topic in an interesting and engaging manner? Try to engage your peers in a new way so that they can learn something new.
Why do we need rockpools?
How can the ph of the water effect the livelihood of rock pool creatures?
What sort of creatures only live in rockpools?
Are rockpools ever in danger of destruction?
If all rockpools were destroyed, what might the oceans look like?


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When it Comes to Electrifying Fleets
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There's more to fleet management than simply getting your clients the vehicles they need. That's why we have multiple EV adoption options available as part of our one-size-doesn't-fit-all philosophy to electric vehicles.
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EV Ecosystem: How to Successfully Approach EV Adoption
Written By: Lisa Drake, Assistant Director, Fleet Electrification
Future of Fleet
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly popular option in commercial transportation with top companies like Amazon, AT&T, Comcast, Frito-Lay, IKEA, and PepsiCo either making a commitment to more sustainable vehicles or already adopting EVs into their fleet.
Electric vehicles offer a number of benefits — including a more sustainable form of transportation that helps reduce your carbon footprint and provides federal tax incentives — but the process to move from gas-powered vehicles to electric may seem a bit overwhelming and confusing. What are the best makes and models? What kind of charging infrastructure do you need? Where do you even begin?
This guide will help. Keep reading to learn more about the EV adoption process and why partnering with a fleet management company can help ease the transition — helping you optimize your fleet for both efficiency and sustainability.
Vehicle Makes and Models
It's no secret that there has been a recent global focus on sustainability initiatives, and as a result, automotive manufacturers are supporting this shift with an increased production of electric vehicles. As EVs increase in popularity, models are becoming more affordable and accessible for both personal and commercial use. In addition to passenger cars, there are also electric vans and pickup trucks. While light- and heavy-duty electric trucks are being manufactured, they aren't as widely available.
There are three main types of electric vehicles:
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) or All-Electric Vehicles (AEVs) — These vehicles run entirely on an electric motor that's powered by a large internal battery. They must be plugged in to charge the battery and use regenerative braking to reduce wasted energy while driving.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) — These vehicles have both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. While they generate some power through gasoline, they can also charge their batteries through regenerative braking and have a larger battery that can be plugged in for charging.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) — These vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that uses a smaller internal battery compared to a BEV. A traditional hybrid is recharged through regenerative braking and receives most of its energy through gasoline.
Here are a few benefits and drawbacks of each vehicle type.
Benefits Drawbacks
Less expensive to fuel than internal combustion engines
Less expensive maintenance costs
No tailpipe emissions
Needs to be charged electrically
Can be challenging to access charging depots
Have good fuel economy even after electric range is drained
Has the advantages of an electric vehicle for shorter trips with the gas engine and fuel for longer commutes
Needs to be recharged frequently to maintain efficiency
Don't have to charge batteries
Can fill up on fuel at traditional gas station
Higher purchase price compared to the equivalent ICE model
Information gathered by Consumer Reports
Battery Basics
Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in cell phones and laptops, are the most popular battery in electric vehicles. According to Nissan, lithium-ion batteries "have higher energy densities than lead-acid batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries, so it is possible to make the battery size smaller than others while retaining the same storage capacity."
According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, other benefits to lithium-ion batteries include:
A high power-to-weight ratio
High energy efficiency
Good high-temperature performance
Low self-discharge
One of the major benefits of a battery-operated vehicle is that electric and hybrid vehicles produce no or low exhaust emissions.
Charging Infrastructure
It's important to understand that there are three levels of EV charging:
Level 1 — These stations are typically for personal use. Drivers simply plug into a standard wall outlet, and the vehicle will take 24 hours or longer to fully charge. Level 1 charging stations do not require any investment, but they charge vehicles at a slower rate, which is why they are not recommended for EV fleets.
Level 2 — These stations are the most common at workplaces, and each level 2 connector is capable of charging more than one vehicle per day. These stations can be installed in a home for faster charging since they will fully charge an EV overnight. Many public charging stations are also Level 2.
Level 3 — Also known as Direct Current (DC) Fast Charging, Level 3 charging ports are available in some public depots. They can charge an electric vehicle up to 80% in just 20 minutes, but this type of charging is more expensive and may degrade a vehicle's battery if used daily. DC fast charging, however, can be used as part of a fleet strategy to relieve charging congestion or to allow employees to charge vehicles quickly.
There are several options when it comes to charging your electrical vehicles.
Depot — This refers to an overnight hub where fleet vehicles can recharge.
Home — Drivers may have their own charging stations so that they can charge their vehicles directly from their own home.
Public charging — Level 1-3 charging stations are available across the U.S. Drivers can search for both public and private charging stations on the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fueling Station Locator map.
Adoption Strategies
There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to EV adoption since each organization and business is different. Your fleet management company will work with you to determine a successful strategy for your short-term and long-term goals when approaching EV adoption..
One of the best short-term strategies is the implementation of a pilot program. With the help of your FMC, you can implement EVs in a select portion of your fleet to learn, assess, and understand how to scale across operations.
Most organizations would have the long-term goal of a complete implementation of EVs and the appropriate charging infrastructure for every vehicle in their fleet.
EV Tax Credits and Government Incentives
Since there is a national push toward more sustainable transportation, government entities and utility companies are offering a variety of financial incentives to businesses and organizations that are transitioning to EVs.
An electrical vehicle tax credit is a government incentive to encourage the purchase of BEVs and PHEVs. If an EV is leased, in most instances the fleet management company receives the tax credit but typically factors it into the cost of the lease.
Under the Qualified Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Tax Credit, certain new EVs are eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500.
There are also incentives for installing EV charging stations and state incentives for EV fleets. Many local governments and power companies offer EV savings, as well.
The electric automotive industry is constantly evolving and expanding, which means there are a variety of vans, trucks, buses, and sedans available for both personal and commercial use.
While there is a solid selection of EVs on the market for passengers, pickups and heavy-duty trucks are not as available at mass market levels — with the exception of California where EV trucks are more incentivized.
Manufacturers of EVs include well-known brands such as Ford, Chevrolet, Tesla, and GMC, as well as emerging automotive innovators like Lucid and Xos.
The latest EV makes include:
Compact Sedans
Full-Size and Intermediate Sedans
Small, Intermediate, and Full-Size SUVs
Full-Size Vans
Small and Intermediate Crossovers
Light, Medium, and Heavy Trucks
Luxury Sedans and SUVs
The future of electric vehicles is extremely promising, especially since there has been a drive for more eco-friendly transportation in Washington, D.C. with President Biden's economic plan. According to the White House, since President Biden took office in January 2020, "companies have invested nearly $85 billion in manufacturing of electric vehicles, batteries, and EV chargers in the United States."
In 2021, two executive orders were signed "intended to encourage more widespread adoption of battery electric vehicles in the United States and thereby moving the country closer to achieving its net-zero emissions goal." One of the executive orders set a goal that 50% of all passenger vehicles and light trucks sold in 2030 be zero-emission vehicles.
EV Sales Are Steadily Growing
Global EV sales continue to rise with the sale of 6.6 million electric cars in 2021 (including plug-hybrids and fully electric vehicles) — a new record.
EV registrations have grown over 250% in the past five years, and the types of EV models that consumers and businesses are buying seem to be changing as model selection continues to improve. For example, electric SUV sales as a percentage of total EV sales jumped from 17% in Q2 of 2018 to 59% in Q2 of 2022.
"The types of electric vehicles consumers are gravitating towards mirrors that of the larger automotive industry, with the obvious exception of pick-ups due to limited availability," explains John Howard, Experian's director of product management for automotive, in an article about EV registrations. "We can attribute part of the allure of electric vehicles to the newer variety of makes and models available. Leveraging this kind of data and trends can help all auto industry players understand the landscape and make informed decisions as we move to a more electric market."
Certain states and countries are also moving quickly to adopt electric vehicles with California leading the way in the United States by offering numerous laws, incentives, regulations, and other initiatives involving alternatively-fueled vehicles. Examples of incentives and programs in the Golden State include the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, the School Bus Replacement Program, and the Hybrid and Zero Emissions Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project. The goal of all of these projects is to help California end the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035.
EV Sales Are Supported by U.S. Government Initiatives
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes a stipulation that families who take advantage of EV tax credits are eligible to save more than $1,000 each year. Consumers can also receive up to $7,500 in tax credits for new EVs and $4,000 for pre-owned EVs. This includes the tax credit for light-duty electric vehicles, which has been extended through 2032. Other highlights of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 include:
In 2024, taxpayers can transfer tax credits to dealerships in order to receive credit as a rebate.
Pre-owned electric vehicles under $25,000 will be eligible for federal tax credits of $4,000 (or 30% of the vehicle's price, whichever number is lower).
Owners of commercial EVs will be eligible for a "tax credit of up to 30% of the incremental cost between the EV and a comparable internal combustion vehicle." There is a $40,000 cap.
There is also a federal tax credit on EV charging equipment, which has been extended through 2032. Taxpayers will receive 6% with a maximum credit of $100,000 per charging unit. The only condition is that the equipment must be located in a low-income community or rural area.
The Future of Batteries — Recycled Minerals
Most of the electric vehicles on the market today use lithium-ion batteries, which can be repurposed or recycled at certain locations around the country. "Once materials have been recovered, they can then be processed and used in the manufacturing of new lithium-ion batteries," explains the nonprofit organization Union of Concerned Scientists. "This is a preferable source to using virgin ore because it reduces the amount of mining necessary to produce EVs."
Charging Stations Will Be Extremely Accessible
There are more than 46,000 public EV charging stations across the U.S. — and the number is only going up. Market research indicates that EV charging stations will increase from $5.3 billion in 2018 to $30.4 billion by 2023. This is in addition to the growth expected from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which encourages an investment in EV charging stations.
One of the best ways to ensure a successful adoption of EVs is to partner with a fleet management company. In addition to being industry experts, the right FMC can customize the adoption process to benefit your company and specific fleet needs. Let's explore some of the major advantages of this partnership.
EV Fleet Management Consulting — Fleet management consultants will review your current and future needs and discuss which EVs (and charging strategies) are best suited for your business and budget.
Pilot Program — With the help of your FMC, you can implement EVs in a select portion of your fleet to learn, assess, and understand how to scale across operations. You can determine a timeframe and focus on gathering the appropriate data and feedback so that you can make an informed decision about the future of your EV fleet.
EV Funding & Management — If you're considering switching to EVs, your FMC will work with you every step of the way from acquisition and customized EV lease options through remarketing and deployment.
EV Fleet Telematics & Tracking — Telematics data and electric vehicle analytics allow fleet managers to make more informed decisions. As you move to EVs, additional telematics data becomes available. The right FMC will help you install and activate telematics and tracking systems on vehicles to help optimize your fleet and increase productivity.
EV Upfits & Branding — Upfits are essential in practically every industry, and any type of electric truck or van can be customized to suit your needs. Your FMC should have staff and vendor partners that specialize in EV upfitting and can also put you in touch with partners who specialize in EV conversion.
Charging Infrastructure — You'll benefit from a network of charging partners that allows you a fully-charged, total cost of ownership-maximized fleet.
Acquisition — Your FMC team can guide you through the funding and buyout process and ensure you have the right EV solutions for your fleet.
5 Steps to EV Adoption
The road to EV adoption is not as challenging as you may think! We break it down into five easily attainable steps:
Learn — Educate your organization about electric vehicles and the EV landscape as a whole. Gather resources, including data about the latest makes and models, related technology, and information about support services such as charging and infrastructure.
Align — Discover how EVs work with your existing fleet strategy. How is your organization positioned on electric vehicles? Determine your Environmental Social Governance (ESG) goals, and then strive for buy-in from leadership, stakeholders, and ultimately, your engine organization.
Plan — The planning step includes three important parts: measure, model, and adopt. Assess where EV adoption fits in with your fleet.
Pilot — Implement EVs in a select portion of your fleet to determine the best implementation plan. This is the best way to test what works (and what doesn't) without fear of major issues impacting your business operations. Your FMC will be working alongside you to take any lessons you may learn and implement them as part of your larger EV adoption plan.
Adopt — The time is now to make your EV vision a reality. Work toward full EV adoption and integration, optimize EV performance, and track progress toward your sustainability goals.
Download The Complete Guide to EV Adoption for More Detail
Ready to Go Electric?
We understand that transitioning to electric vehicles can seem challenging, but the advantages of electric vehicles are only growing — and there are many benefits to partnering with an FMC like Merchants Fleet. Our EV experts will ensure the process is seamless one. They have the knowledge and expertise to answer your questions and figure out exactly what you need.
If you're interested in electrifying your fleet, contact Merchants Fleet today for a free assessment.
Lisa Drake
Lisa Drake serves as Assistant Director, Fleet Electrification and joined Merchants Fleet in 2021. Drake brings close to three decades of environmental and sustainability expertise to help Merchants drive electrification in the fleet industry. At Merchants, she drives progress on electrification of fleets both internally and for our clients and develops new tools and resources for successful EV adoption.
Related Posts & Resources
Future of Fleet, Industry Insights
Middle Mile Delivery: Trends, Challenges, & Costs Explained
Articles, Future of Fleet
Dispelling Some EV myths About Fleet Electrification
How Much Energy Are You Saving by Using an Electric Vehicle?
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Forums > World Strategic Defence Area > World Military Pictures >
Today's US Navy Photos & Videos
Discussion in 'World Military Pictures' started by bd popeye, Mar 12, 2008.
bd popeye The Last Jedi
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191101-N-UB406-0035 by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, on Flickr
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 1, 2019) Sailors aboard the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) communicate information as an MH-60R Seahawk assigned to the 'Magicians' of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM 35) prepares to take off from the ship's flight deck. Gridley is underway on a scheduled deployment as the flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group One to conduct maritime operations and provide a continuous maritime capability for NATO in the northern Atlantic. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cameron Stoner)
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 1, 2019) Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Cody Hamilton prepares to board an MH-60R Seahawk assigned to the 'Magicians' of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM 35) during flight operations onboard the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cameron Stoner)
USS Mount Whitney by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, on Flickr
TYRRHENIAN SEA (Nov. 6, 2019) A MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the "Dragon Whales" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 lands aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) while transiting the Tyrrhenian Sea Nov. 6, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)
TYRRHENIAN SEA (Nov. 6, 2019) Crew of the MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the "Dragon Whales" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 prepare to embark the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) while transiting the Tyrrhenian Sea, Nov. 6, 2019. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)
TYRRHENIAN SEA (Nov. 6, 2019) A MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the "Dragon Whales" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 departs the flight deck of the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) while transiting the Tyrrhenian Sea Nov. 6, 2019. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)
#4311 bd popeye, Nov 7, 2019
Equation likes this.
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 7, 2019) Sailors assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) air department run to secure an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the "Dragon Whales" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 to the flight deck. Ford is currently underway conducting an independent steaming exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Connor Loessin)
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 7, 2019) USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Sailors conduct small boat operations in the Atlantic Ocean. Ford is currently underway conducting an independent steaming exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Connor Loessin)
TYRRHENIAN SEA (Nov. 7, 2019) A MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the "Dragon Whales" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 departs the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) while transiting the Tyrrhenian Sea Nov. 7, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)
TYRRHENIAN SEA (Nov. 7, 2019) The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) transits the Tyrrhenian Sea, Nov. 7, 2019. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)
TYRRHENIAN SEA (Nov. 7, 2019) Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Tammen Birondo, assigned to, Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, prepares lunch in the Flag Mess aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) while transiting the Tyrrhenian Sea Nov. 7, 2019. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)
PEARL HARBOR (Nov. 7, 2019) The Arleigh-Burke Class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) returned to their homeport of Pearl Harbor, Nov. 7. William P. Lawrence completed a successful deployment after conducting various operations and exercises in the 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica O. Blackwell/Released)
PEARL HARBOR (Nov. 7, 2019) Chief Operations Specialist Michael Buesch, assigned to the Arleigh-Burke Class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), greets his wife with the ceremonial "first kiss" during a homecoming celebration, Nov. 7.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica O. Blackwell/Released)
PEARL HARBOR (Nov. 7, 2019) Lt. Tracy Malcolm, assigned to the Arleigh-Burke Class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), is greeted with a lei by her family and friends during a homecoming celebration, Nov. 7. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica O. Blackwell/Released)
PEARL HARBOR (Nov. 7, 2019) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Keith Vandiver, assigned to the Arleigh-Burke Class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), embraces his children during a homecoming celebration, Nov. 7. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica O. Blackwell/Released)
PEARL HARBOR (Nov. 7, 2019) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Kyle Woody, assigned to the Arleigh-Burke Class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), is welcomed by his wife, Brytnea, and children during a homecoming celebration, Nov. 7. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica O. Blackwell/Released)
Life aboard a Modern USN DDG....2019
An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in the Atlantic Ocean, Nov. 9, 2019. The John C. Stennis is underway conducting routine operations in support of Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Grant G. Grady)
U.S. Navy Logistics Specialist 1st Class Shellie Morris, from Marysville, California, unloads cargo from a C-2A Greyhound, assigned to Fleet Logistics Combat Support Squadron (VRC) 40, on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in the Atlantic Ocean, Nov. 9, 2019. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Grant G. Grady)
U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Yaovi Ammetto, from West Africa, walks on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as an E-2D Hawkeye, assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126, lands on the flight deck in the Atlantic Ocean, Nov. 9, 2019. (U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua L. Leonard)
U.S. Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Andrew McIngvale, left, from Hernando, Mississippi, services the tail wheel on an MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in the Atlantic Ocean, Nov. 9, 2019. The John C. Stennis is underway conducting routine operations in support of Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jarrod A. Schad)
U.S. Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Nicholas Chisholm, from Waupaca, Wisconsin, carries chains on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in the Atlantic Ocean, Nov. 9, 2019. The John C. Stennis is underway conducting routine operations in support of Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jarrod A. Schad)
USS John C Stennis (CVN 74)
#4315 bd popeye, Nov 11, 2019
U.S. Marines assigned to Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, attached to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) 19.2, conduct MV-22 Osprey landing qualifications, logistics support, and refueling operations with expeditionary staging base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) in an undisclosed location, Oct. 30, 2019. The SPMAGTF-CR-CC is a quick reaction force, prepared to deploy a variety of capabilities across the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kyle C. Talbot)
U.S. Marines assigned to Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, attached to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) 19.2, prepare for take-off after conducting MV-22 Osprey landing qualifications, logistics support, and refueling operations with the expeditionary staging base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) in an undisclosed location(parts unknown), Oct. 30, 2019. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kyle C. Talbot)
A crew member aboard the expeditionary staging base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) performs refueling operations to support MV-22 Osprey landing qualifications by U.S. Marines assigned to Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, attached to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) 19.2 in an undisclosed location, Oct. 30, 2019. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kyle C. Talbot)
U.S. Marines assigned to Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, attached to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) 19.2, conduct MV-22 Osprey landing qualifications, logistics support, and refueling operations with expeditionary staging base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) in an undisclosed location, Oct. 30, 2019. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rhita A. Daniel)
U.S. Marine crew chiefs assigned to Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, attached to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAGTF-CR-CC) 19.2, communicate during a MV-22 Osprey landing qualifications on the expeditionary staging base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) in an undisclosed location, Oct. 30, 2019. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rhita A. Daniel)
USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3)
USS Normandy (CG 60) conducts an anti-submarine warfare exercise. by Official U.S. Navy Page, on Flickr
USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) returns to homeport at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. by Official U.S. Navy Page, on Flickr
An F/A-18F Super Hornet lands aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). by Official U.S. Navy Page, on Flickr
An E-2D Hawkeye performs a touch-and-go landing aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in the Atlantic Ocean. by Official U.S. Navy Page, on Flickr
EODMU-8 conducts military free-fall training in Rota, Spain. by Official U.S. Navy Page, on Flickr
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 2, 2019) An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter assigned to the "Sea Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 lifts off from the flight deck of the Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7). During this deployment to the U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility, USS Detroit, with embarked helicopter and USCG law enforcement detachment, will support Joint Interagency Task Force South's mission, which includes counter-drug patrols and detection and monitoring of illicit traffic in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin Bowser/Released)
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 2, 2019) Sailors perform maintenance on an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter assigned to the "Sea Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 on the flight deck of the Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin Bowser/Released)
Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) successfully completed the conversion of USS La Jolla (SSN 701) into a Moored Training Ship Nov. 7 2019. Photo by Shelby Wilfong Norfolk Naval Shipyard
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 10, 2019) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Matthew Deantonio, from Poughkeepsie, New York, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) air department, tows a F/A-18 Hornet shell with a spotting dolly through the ship's hangar bay. The aircraft shell is used for training by Sailors to simulate firefighting response to aircraft casualties. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Zack Guth)
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Nov. 12, 2019) - The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) departs Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard after completing an engineered overhaul to prolong the life of the submarine. During the shipyard period, shipyard employees and the crew performed multiple repairs, conducted preventative maintenance, and installed equipment upgrades to tactical systems and the propulsion plant. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Amanda R. Gray/Released)
Click the links for HI-RES and full captions.
International navy ships are underway in formation during Annual Exercise 19. by Official U.S. Navy Page, on Flickr
USS Boxer (LHD 4) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. by Official U.S. Navy Page, on Flickr
A Sailor stands watch aboard USS Milius (DDG 69). by Official U.S. Navy Page, on Flickr
USS Lassen (DDG 82) receive cargo during a replenishment-at-sea. by Official U.S. Navy Page, on Flickr
A Sailor stands watch aboard USS Lassen (DDG 82). by Official U.S. Navy Page, on Flickr
191116-N-EI510-0156 by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, on Flickr
LISBON, Portugal (Nov. 16, 2019) Operations Specialist 2nd Class Patrick Hawkins stands watch aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) as the ship departs Lisbon, Portugal, Nov. 16, 2019. Mount Whitney, forward-deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Barnes)
LISBON, Portugal (Nov. 16, 2019) Sailors stand security watch aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) as the ship departs Lisbon, Portugal, Nov. 16, 2019. Mount Whitney, forward-deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Barnes)
191114-N-IW125-2193 by U.S. Pacific Fleet, on Flickr
PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 14, 2019) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Blue Diamonds" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt is conducting routine operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Huynh)
PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 14, 2019) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Jack Blakenship, from High Springs, Fla., sprays the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during a fresh water washdown. Theodore Roosevelt is conducting routine operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nickolas V. Huynh)
191109-N-EA818-0344 by U.S. Pacific Fleet, on Flickr
INDIAN OCEAN (Nov. 9, 2019) The U.S. Navy Pressurized Rescue Module (PRM) returns from a dive aboard the Royal Malaysian Navy submarine rescue ship MV Mega Bakti during exercise Pacific Reach (PACREACH). PACREACH is a triennial, multi-lateral submarine rescue exercise aimed to demonstrate regional Submarine Abandonment and Escape Rescue (SAER) capabilities by conducting simulated submarine rescue missions utilizing the Submarine Rescue Diving Recompression System (SRDRS) and PRM. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thomas Gooley/Released)
20th Century US Navy PIX!!
bd popeye, Jan 7, 2017, in forum: World Military Pictures
bd popeye
Favorite US Navy Photos for 2013
bd popeye, Dec 28, 2013, in forum: World Military Pictures
My Favorite 25 US Navy pics: 2009 Edition
Jeff Head, Apr 6, 2009, in forum: World Military Pictures


A federal judge has dismissed a discrimination lawsuit that said one of New Jersey's top pork roll makers fired a worker for passing too much gas.
Louann Clem said her husband struggled with extreme gas and uncomfortable diarrhea due to gastric bypass surgery.
Her suit claimed Case Pork Roll President Thomas Dolan complained about the side effects and told her husband to work from home due to the smell. She also worked at the firm.
Clem's initial claim was dismissed last summer. Her amended lawsuit said managers made "insulting and humiliating" comments that caused her mental and physical anguish.
The court eventually dismissed that claim in January, saying she failed to prove the managers created an abusive work environment.


Ever been labeled something that puzzled you?
Recently, a fellow writer wrote that I was unethical. At first, I thought she meant someone else, and thought, "What does she mean? That's not true of that person," but then realized she referenced a blog post I wrote last year regarding how pride can get in the way of receiving feedback or criticism. No names were mentioned. In fact, the only person readers knew was involved was me, and I admitted that even now, after decades as a writer, my pride is still sometimes stung by harsh criticism.
Another label put on me in the past — this time by a publisher — is "the editor who makes authors cry". That is not an appellation of which to be proud. By no means. My goal has been and always will be to help authors produce their best work. Sometimes, they can be so in love with their creations that they cannot see flaws or weaknesses, missed storytelling opportunities, or clunky sentences. When an editor tells them what needs revising, they don't receive the news well.
There is an implied compliment in the fact that someone else is taking the time to not only read one's work, but to help one improve it. However, we writers often react with affront, with offended pride and scathing words toward the "clueless", "high-handed", "overbearing" editor. We don't see his/her true intent. All we know is that we didn't receive the praise and the rubber-stamped approval we desired.
We may find — as I did while editing Dragon's Rook — that snarky, scolding feedback that shoots wide of the mark can still contain something valuable. When I stepped back and looked at the advice with cold objectivity, I saw a couple pieces I could use. As a result, I tore apart one scene that had been troubling me. The reconstructed version is many times better than the original.
So, then, what should I do when I'm now the one giving the ugly, scathing criticism?
Write it all out, and then don't say most of it.
Recently, a PR firm requested I review a new novel by a young author. After reading the back cover blurb and the dark, well-written prologue, I had high expectations for the book. Below is the review. For the author's sake, it will not be posted elsewhere, and has been edited here to obscure the author's identity.
Although marketed as contemporary literary fiction, this novel could also be described as speculative fiction, a mix of modern and futuristic, of post-apocalyptic dystopian and the quest for utopia-via-enlightenment, of a perverse coming-of-age/search-for-meaning story with a science fiction existentialist-absurdist tale.
It is not often I write a review like this. I want to write only the positives, but the cons are weighty. To be blunt, this book needs an editor, for content as well as mechanics.
It runs the risk of being "a tale…full of sound and fury, signifying nothing," (Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 5). The writing is often preening and pretentious, but that could be the result of a conscious stylistic choice on the part of the author, matching the attitudes and egos of the characters.
Yet it sometimes feels like the writer is trying to make use of every high-sounding turn of phrase he can conjure or every word he can find in the dictionary. One is left wondering if, by the sheer volume and length of words, the author believes he has communicated—but, perhaps, I am not the audience for this work. I can wax lyrical with the most poetic of the poets, but prefer straightforwardness to roundaboutation.
As Macbeth might say, "Thou comest to use thy tongue; thy story quickly," (Act 5, Scene 5).
And some lines read like refugees from a modern-day "Jabberwocky"—they have a sound and a rhythm, and therefore the reader might almost think he understands their meaning or the author's intent. But repeated readings reveal, no, the words really do make no sense.
The notes of a distant piano played a melodic Bach and a blue Chopin to the beat of Kerouac. The sounds were unremitting as they'd always been in her mind. Real, but at the same time not real. Resonating. Vibrating. For she was a lollipop made of cherry and petrol, more given to the depths of trench coats and dark alleys; lethal-red lipstick, rocking a tear that was not a tear, but moisture secreting the nostalgia of an instinct held away from mankind by the missing link. From the real show and state.
Thank you, Google Translate. Sense to make, you do not.
In the novel you're about to read, I do not seek to victimize technology, nor to condemn our evolution, but to instill the realization that we are the product of our own thoughts, our own ideas, our own dreamed of reveries. We are the discomfort and leisure of humanity, the bright flame and its grey ashes. By nature we are born free.
Can't argue with that last line. No doubt the author and I would find agreement on several other points. But how does one "victimize technology"?
Confession: I skimmed the second half of the book. Perhaps the story improved as it progressed. However, despite seeing interesting passages, I was not compelled to continue. The green-visored, cigar-chomping curmudgeonly editor who lives in the back of my brain could tolerate no more, and he suspects that publisher, editor, author, and the originator of the "editorial review" on the back cover are one and the same.
Nonetheless, [name redacted] is talented and intelligent, and is definitely an author to look for in the future. Give him time.
And his website waaaaay outclasses mine.
It's true many novels by Christians are poorly written. That's also true of many other kinds of novels. In fact it's true of most novels of every kind, but it's not a particular indictment of mediocre writers or the readers who enable them. Most people don't really care about excellence in architecture, sculpture, painting, or dance . . . or government, commerce, marriage, or anything else in life that ought to matter.
It's a thought-provoking read, not only for writers who happen to be Christians, but for any writer who strives for excellence.
As an editor, I am constantly confronted by the "good enough" work of fellow writers who just want me to sign off on their manuscripts rather than helping them shape those manuscripts into polished books. The constant fight to challenge other writers toward excellence can be wearisome, but it's not a fight I can ignore.
Just this past week, I had an e-mail conversation with a rookie novelist whose work is being published soon. He acknowledges that it needs more crafting, but it's been praised so highly by so many people—I was his only negative reviewer—that he's going ahead with publication, because (as he put it himself) it's good enough.
Not to sound overly pessimistic, but I've been feeling like the "lone voice crying in the wilderness"—and then I read Mr. Dickson's eloquent, thought-provoking post. I'm dropping a copy into my archives so I can pull it out whenever I need encouragement. Or a kick in the pants.


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The Place of Honour in Relationship was systematically discussed by Sis. Obayomi OlabisiBenjamin during our weekly Disciplers Convocation at the Centre for New Dimension Leadership, Abuja. You will really be blessed!


The latest in an ever-growing number of artists to try their hand at VR technology, Collishaw has recreated one the earliest ever photography exhibitions – when pioneer William Henry Fox Talbot presented some of his pictures at a school in Birmingham in 1839. Visitors can become fully immersed in this portal to the past and walk freely about the digitally reconstructed room. Appearing as ghostly figures to other visitors, you can touch bespoke vitrines and fixtures, interact with objects on display, hear rioters outside and even feel the warmth of an open fire. Spooktacular. Find out more here.
Having never really considered VR before (I am definitely a slow-adopter of new technology), my original motivation to see this installation was its link with William Henry Fox Talbot, one of the founding fathers of photography and the installation's creator Mat Collishaw, whose wonderful work I saw recently at a private gallery.
Once signed up though, I was really excited about the new technology and how it would work. I was not disappointed. The idea that you can walk into a room that is a complete blank canvas, yet experience a whole new world, simply by putting on a pair of 'goggles' is really something else.
The technology itself was a little glitchy (I had to have my headset replaced as it kept cutting out, and my second set wasn't quite syncing correctly, so I walked into a cabinet, which appeared much further away, much to the amusement of my companion watching from outside) but that was forgivable as it was the last day and the machines were probably 'tired'. It was also smaller than I had expected - we were only in there for 6 minutes. But it was still a fantastic experience and a great chance to tap into something I'd never seen before.
I loved the fact that they decided to use this super futuristic technology to step right back into the past. I thought that was pretty clever and a wonderful way to blend the future of visual technology with its origins. I am quite excited to see what will happen in the future with this technology now and I suspect Somerset House, having done this for the very first time, will produce something even more interesting with it at some point over the next few years. For now, I shall continue to be in love with vintage photography but perhaps consider a different way of seeing as a possibility as well. I suspect that's what Henry Fox Talbot, being an innovator, would have done.
With only juts under 2 weeks to go, I would defiantly encourage anyone who is reading this to buy your ticket - they are cheap at only £4.50.
This exhibition is a really interesting idea, combining augmented reality and virtual reality to recreate the first ever photography exhibition in the world from 1839.
When you arrive you are given a briefing, while you wait and are able to watch other people through a window. The room is a clean while replica of the virtual room you will be standing in, with all the furniture and display cases included in white.
You wear a backpack, earphones and an Oculus VR head set to walk around in this space. The attention to detail is amazing, with an electric heater pumping out heat near the virtual fireplace. and the ability to feel the bars across the window and things happening outside. There were a couple technical hiccups initially, but overall it was a really cool exhibition and the tech worked surprisingly well. You can see other people as disembodied white ghost like figures moving around the space so you don't bump into anyone and (if it works) you can use your hand to 'pick up' and look closer at the exhibition photos.


Willard is an English surname, from the Old German and Old English Wilheard, a compound name formed from the parts wil, meaning desire or indeed will, and hard, for brave or strong. Both of these were common components of Old German names, as Germanic tribes focused on force over civilization. Willard family history begins with William Wilard, noted in the Pipe Rolls of Norfolk, and comes to the New World with John Willard, who sailed from England to Barbados in 1635. Willard genealogy includes Indiana Governor Ashbel Willard, Admiral Robert Willard, and Baltimore and Ohio Railroad president and Johns Hopkins trustee Daniel Willard.