text:
Virtua Racing
SEGA AM2, Time Warner Interactive
SEGA, Time Warner Interactive
Genesis Cartridge, Mega Drive Cartridge, CD-ROM
Arcade, Mega Drive, Genesis and Saturn
Retail Features
Main Credits
Yu Suzuki
Takenobu Mitsuyoshi
Arcade Specifications
Arcade System
International Release Date(s)
Arcade machines
European Release Date(s)
North American Release Date(s)
Japanese Release Date(s)
Awards | Changelog | Cheats | Codes | Codex
Compatibility | Covers | Credits | DLC | Help
Localization | Manifest | Modding | Patches
Ratings | Reviews | Screenshots | Soundtrack
Videos | Walkthrough
Virtua Racing, also known as V.R. for short, is a Formula 1-themed racing arcade game, developed by SEGA AM2 and released in 1992. Virtua Racing was initially a proof-of-concept application for exercising a new 3D arcade platform under development, the SEGA Model 1. The results were so encouraging, that Virtua Racing was fully developed into a standalone arcade title. Though its use of 3D polygon graphics was predated by arcade rivals Namco (Winning Run in 1988) and Atari (Hard Drivin' in 1989), Virtua Racing had vastly improved visuals in terms of polygon count, frame rate, and overall scene complexity, which all contributed to a greater sense of immersion. Virtua Racing is regarded as one of the most influential video games of all time, for laying the foundations for subsequent 3D racing games and for popularizing 3D polygon graphics among a wider audience, along with Virtua Fighter.[1]
The original arcade game has three levels, designated into difficulties. Beginner is "Big Forest", intermediate is "Bay Bridge" and expert is "Acropolis". Each level has its own special feature, for example the amusement park in "Big Forest", or the "Bay Bridge" itself, or the tight hairpin of "Acropolis". The game introduced the "V.R. View System" by allowing the player to choose one of four views to play the game (behind-the-car, top view, aerial view and cockpit view[2]). This feature was then used in most other SEGA arcade racing games, and is mentioned as a feature in the attract mode of games such as Daytona USA. It was later ported to home consoles, starting with the Mega Drive/Genesis in 1994.
1 Arcade cabinet versions
2 Home console versions
2.1 Mega Drive/Genesis
2.2 32X
2.3 Saturn
3.1 Arcade version
3.2 Console versions
Arcade cabinet versions[edit | edit source]
V.R. was released in a "twin" cabinet – the standard and most common version, which is effectively 2 complete machines built into a single cabinet. The Twin cabinets for the USA were manufactured by contract at Grand Products, Inc. in Illinois for SEGA and were built using Wells-Gardner 25" monitors, nearly all of which had Zenith picture tubes with a manufacturing defect that caused them to fail after a few years of use. As a result of this, many V.R. machines were parted or thrown out and are an uncommon sight today. The Twin cabinet that was sold in the rest of the world was built by SEGA in Japan and used 29" Nanao monitors.
Also available was an upright (UR), which was a single-player cabinet using the same force-feedback steering as the twin.
There was also a Deluxe version, known as the V.R. DX cabinet type, which is also a single-player machine and has a 16:9 aspect-ratio monitor (the first use of a widescreen aspect ratio monitor in an arcade game), and 6 airbags (3 on each side) built into the seat that will inflate and "nudge" the player when cornering, and one more airbag on the player's back that inflates under braking. The seat is also adjustable via "forward" and "back" buttons using air pressure. V.R. DX's force-feedback steering also uses two pneumatic cylinders to rotate the steering wheel, which differ from the electric motor-and-clutch system that the upright and twin versions use (which have no inbuilt air system), so the steering feel is quite different.
Virtua Formula was released in 1993. It was unveiled at the opening of SEGA's second arcade amusement park Joypolis, where a whole room with 32 machines was dedicated to the game. Virtua Formula was effectively a "super DX" version of V.R. and the player sat in a full-motion hydraulically actuated Formula One car 'replica' in front of a 50-inch screen. Most of these units were converted into SEGA's second-generation Indy car simulator, Indy 500, and are commonly found at larger SEGA Gameworks locations in the USA.
All versions of Virtua Racing are linkable up to 8-players; meaning 4 twin units or 8 DX, UR, or Virtua Formula cabinets can be linked together using fiber-optic cables. In addition this, there was an optional display known as the Live Monitor that would sit on top of the twin cabinets and replay action shots of what was occurring on the live players in a "virtual sportscast" by a virtual commentator, "Virt McPolygon".[3] The multiplayer Virtua Formula version also features an on-air camera, showing players' facial expressions on a monitor above the cabinet.[4] The 4-player Virtua Formula deluxe cabinet cost £250000 for arcade operators[4] (equivalent to £448436 or $688817 in 2019), and £3 per play for players[4] (equivalent to £5.38 or $8.27 in 2019).
Home console versions[edit | edit source]
Mega Drive/Genesis[edit | edit source]
Due to the complexity of the Model 1 board, a home console version seemed unlikely, until 1994 when a cartridge design incorporating the SEGA Virtua Processor on an extra chip was created to enable a version on the Genesis/Mega Drive. This chip was extremely expensive to manufacture, leading SEGA to price the Genesis version of Virtua Racing unusually high: US$100 in the United States[5] and £70 in the United Kingdom.
The game was incompatible with Majesco's re-released Genesis 3 from 1998, and would not work on any Genesis equipped with a 32X.
A version of the game was also planned for the SEGA VR, a virtual reality headset accessory for the Mega Drive/Genesis that was planned to release in fall 1993.[6] However, the game, along with the accessory, was later cancelled.
32X[edit | edit source]
The 32X version, also known as Virtua Racing Deluxe was released in 1994, developed by SEGA AM2, and published by SEGA under the SEGA Sports label. It performs much closer to the original arcade and includes two extra cars ("Stock" and "Prototype") and two new tracks ("Highland" and "Sand Park").[7] Due to the poor sales of the 32X, the game was not as popular as its Genesis predecessor.
Saturn[edit | edit source]
The Saturn version, previously known by the working title Virtua Racing Saturn, was released in 1995 and developed and published by Time Warner Interactive. The Saturn release has the game soundtrack as standard Red Book audio, which can be listened to in any CD player. The Saturn version also includes seven new courses and four new cars. Unlike other versions, it features Grand Prix mode, where players drive a series of cars and the tracks to earn points.
Playstation 2[edit | edit source]
A remake was released for the PlayStation 2 under the SEGA Ages 2500 label known as Virtua Racing: FlatOut. It was released in Japan in 2004 and in North America and Europe in 2005 as part of the SEGA Classics Collection. It includes three new courses and four new cars.
Reception[edit | edit source]
Computer and
Video Games 90%[4] 84%[8] 93%[9]
Consoles + 94%[10] 65%[11]
Edge 8/10[12] 8/10[13]
Monthly 9/10[2] 31/40[14]
Famitsu 32/40[15]
GamePro 5/5[16] 5/5[17]
Joypad 96%[18] 91%[19]
Mean Machines
SEGA 90%[20] 90%[21] 86%[22]
Mega 92%[23]
Advanced Gaming 92%[24]
Mega Power 92%[25]
MegaTech 93%[26]
Player One 99%[27] 97%[28] 40%[29]
SEGA Saturn Magazine 90%[30] 77%[31]
SEGA Power 91%[32] 90%[33] 91%[34]
Ultimate Future Games 89%[35] 42%[36]
Gamest Awards
(1992) Best Action Game (Nominee),
Best Director (Nominee),
Best Graphics (Nominee)[37]
(1996) Top 100 Games of All Time
(11th)[38]
Arcade version[edit | edit source]
The game was a commercial success in the arcades. In North America, RePlay's coin-op charts in April 1993 listed Virtua Racing as the highest-earning deluxe video game arcade cabinet.[39] It remained the highest-earning deluxe cabinet in the May 1993 charts.[40]
The arcade game was critically acclaimed. Electronic Gaming Monthly gave it 9 out of 10, stating "SEGA has created a racing masterpiece", praising the "incredibly fluid" graphics as "smooth and mobile", the "air bladder system" for simulating motion, the "selection of views" and transmission types, "link-up capabilities" allowing multiplayer, and "steering wheel" featuring "a tension mechanism for added realism." They concluded, the "lifelike racing sensations are extremely impressive and exciting", and "SEGA succeeds in creating one of the most realistic racing games ever", leaving "all other racing games eating its technological dust!"[2]
Computer and Video Games reviewed the deluxe Virtua Formula cabinet, giving it ratings of 89% for graphics, 91% for sound, and 90% for gameplay, with a 90% score overall. The reviewer Paul Rand described it as "one of the most exciting arcade drives around," praising the "hydraulic control" and movements of the "full-size F1 car" cockpit cabinet which make it "feel as though you're flying along at 300km/h." He compared it favorably with Namco's Ridge Racer, noting that while it doesn't have the latter's "drop-dead stunning graphics," Virtua Racing has "the vital ingredient that makes or breaks games of this genre - a heart-pumping sense of speed."[4]
Console versions[edit | edit source]
The Mega Drive/Genesis version was also well-received. GamePro named it the best Genesis game shown at the 1994 Winter Consumer Electronics Show (CES), commenting, "While obviously a great deal of graphic clarity, detail, and color was lost, the game play is stunningly faithful to the coin-op. ... this is the best version [of Virtua Racing] you'll see until SEGA's mystery 32-bit home system leaves orbit."[41] In their later review, they complimented the game on its inclusion of all the elements of the arcade version aside from the support for up to eight players, and remarked that though the graphics are not as good as the arcade version, they feature faster-moving polygons that any other cartridge game. While they criticized the audio and low longevity, they praised it for its "fast, frantic fun" and concluded "VR is the best 16-bit racer yet" and "a must-have game." They gave it ratings (out of 5) of 4 for graphics, 4 for sound, 5 for control, and 5 for fun factor.[16]
The four reviewers of Electronic Gaming Monthly scored it 8, 8, 8 and 7 out of 10, adding up to 31 out of 40 overall, or 7.75 out of 10 average. Like GamePro, they criticized the audio, but held that the game itself, though not as good as the arcade version, was the best racer yet seen on cartridge-based systems.[14] In September 1994, Famitsu magazine's Reader Cross Review gave the Mega Drive version of an overall score of 32 out of 40, or an average of 8 out of 10.[15] Diehard GameFan stated that "the speed, graphic intensity and addictive gameplay that made the arcade game a major hit are all included in this awe inspiring release."[42] Mega placed the game at number 4 in their Top Mega Drive Games of All Time.[43]
GamePro gave the 32X version a highly positive review, stating that it successfully addressed the Genesis version's longevity problem with its new cars and new tracks. They also praised the improved graphics, details, and controls, and the retention of on-the-fly view switching even in two-player split-screen mode. Out of 5, they gave it ratings of 5 for graphics, 4 for sound, and 5 for control, with an overall fun factor of 5 out of 5.[17]
Time Warner's Saturn version received a mixed reception. SEGA Saturn Magazine gave the Saturn version a 77% score. They praised the additional tracks and cars as giving the game more depth than an arcade racer, but countered that what most gamers wanted was a straight conversion of the coin-op Virtua Racing, not a home-oriented remake. The concluded that the Saturn version is good on its own terms, but completely overshadowed by the Saturn conversion of SEGA Rally Championship, which was to be released just a few weeks after.[31]
Awards[edit | edit source]
In Japan, the arcade game was nominated for several Gamest Awards for the year 1992. It was nominated in the categories of Best Action Game, Best Director, and Best Graphics, which it lost to Street Fighter II: Champion Edition, Art of Fighting, and Xexex, respectively.[37]
In 1996, Next Generation magazine included it in their Top 100 Games of All Time list. They ranked the game at number 11 on the list, including the arcade, 32X and Saturn versions. This was above later SEGA racing games Daytona USA and SEGA Rally, with the magazine stating that while it lacks texture mapping, Virtua Racing is "the best racing game on the planet."[38]
↑ Virtua Racing – Arcade (1992). 15 Most Influential Games of All Time. GameSpot (14 March 2001). Retrieved on 19 January 2014
↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Electronic Gaming Monthly, issue 40, November 1992, page 54
↑ http://system16.com/hardware.php?id=712
↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Computer and Video Games, April 1994, page 86
↑ "SEGA's SVP Chip to be Sold Separately". GamePro (IDG) (57): pp. 174. April 1994.
↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, Video Game Preview Guide, 1993
↑ "32X Update". GamePro (IDG) (65): pp. 62–68. December 1994.
↑ Computer and Video Games, issue 152, pages 107-111
↑ Consoles +, issue 33, page 158
↑ Edge, issue 8, pages 82-84
↑ Edge, issue 16, pages 88-89
↑ 14.0 14.1 "Review Crew: Virtua Racing". Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM Media, LLC) (59): p. 33. June 1994.
↑ 15.0 15.1 読者 クロスレビュー: V.R.(バーチャレーシング). Weekly Famicom Tsūshin. No.299. Pg.38. 9 September 1994.
↑ 16.0 16.1 "ProReview: Virtua Racing". GamePro (IDG) (59): pp. 36–38. June 1994.
↑ 17.0 17.1 "ProReview: Virtua Racing Deluxe". GamePro (IDG) (66): pp. 60–61. January 1995.
↑ Joypad, issue 30, pages 126-127
↑ Joypad, issue 37, pages 98-100
↑ https://archive.org/stream/mean-machines-sega-magazine-19/MMSEGA_19_May_1994#page/n51/mode/2up
↑ Mean Machines SEGA, issue 27, pages 68-70
↑ Mega rating, issue 19, page 25, April 1994
↑ Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, issue 22
↑ Mega Power, issue 10, page 42
↑ MegaTech, issue 29, pages 32-37
↑ Player One, issue 42, pages 52-55
↑ Player One, issue 50, page 122
↑ SEGA Saturn Magazine, issue 12, page 74
↑ 31.0 31.1 Leadbetter, Richard (January 1996). "Review: Virtua Racing". SEGA Saturn Magazine (Emap International Limited) (3): pp. 88–89.
↑ SEGA Power, issue 54, pages 34-36
↑ https://archive.org/stream/Ultimate_Future_Games_Issue_02_1995-01_Future_Publishing_GB#page/n77/mode/2up
↑ Ultimate Future Games, issue 15, page 81, Future Publishing
↑ 37.0 37.1 Gamest, The Best Game 2: Gamest Mook Vol. 112, pp. 6-26
↑ 38.0 38.1 Top 100 Games of All Time, Next Generation, 1996
↑ https://archive.org/stream/Electronic-Games-1993-06/Electronic%20Games%201993-06#page/n13/mode/2up
↑ "CES Showstoppers". GamePro (IDG) (57): pp. 74–81. April 1994.
↑ Diehard GameFan, volume 2, issue 7, June 1994, pages 41-43
↑ Mega magazine, issue 26, page 74, Maverick Magazines, November 1994
System16 – SEGA Model 1 Hardware
Arcade version referenced and shown within this 2002 video piece on the history of Polygon Graphics
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MATILDA THE MUSICAL TAKES FINAL BOW IN AUSTRALIA
…That's a wrap for Matilda The Musical in Australia! Thank you to all the maggots across the country that joined us! BIG LOUD LOVE X
Photo: Matt Byrne
MATILDA Concludes Australian Tour
by BWW News Desk Jul. 16, 2017
The Royal Shakespeare Company's Australian leg of the Australasian tour of Matilda The Musical will conclude in Adelaide today after a record-breaking five-city run. The most successful musical to play in Australia in recent memory, Matilda has played to sell-out houses across the country, received extraordinary reviews and swept almost every entertainment industry awards ceremony, including the 2016 Helpmann Awards, where the show received a record thirteen awards, including Best Musical
The Australian Production commenced performances in Sydney in July 2015 and Australian audiences immediately fell in love with the show, which went on to play Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, where the tour will end for Australian audiences, having played over 750 performances.
The Most awarded musical in Australian show business history, Matilda The Musical has been the recipient of close to 100 international awards, including 16 for Best Musical.
With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
The Daily Review described the production as "nothing short of a miracle". The Australian said the show "makes you want to punch the air with delight." and Time Out Sydney pronounced the show "a freaking masterpiece".

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


 First Party Insurance Claim Attorneys Mallard & Sharp, P.A.
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Synagogue in Szydłów – the oldest preserved synagogue in the region
Jakub 9 February 2022
Travel0 Comments
I like visiting synagogues and discovering their history. Many of the facilities of this type in the Świętokrzyskie region have not survived to our times, and a large number of them are in very poor condition. There are, however, quite well preserved, and the synagogue in Szydłów is a good example of such a place.
Szydłów is an increasingly popular place among tourists, and the synagogue is a very interesting facility that complements the tourist offer of the city.
Szydłów is located 50 kilometers from Kielce and 14 kilometers from Staszów (Świętokrzyskie Province). It is a city that is constantly gaining new fans on the tourist map of the region. There are several parking lots for tourists in the city where you can leave your car.
Availability and tickets
A ticket to the synagogue costs 8 zloty normal and 5 zloty reduced. If you plan to visit Szydłów, it is worth considering a ticket for all attractions in the city, which costs 20 zloty.
The synagogue is open in high season from 10.00 to 17.00 (at weekends until 18.00), and in low season from 8.00 to 16.00, and at weekends from 10.00.
History of the synagogue in Szydłów
The synagogue was built in 1534-1564. It had the character of a defensive structure, which can be seen to this day. It has a prayer room lowered to the ground and an annex with a women's gallery (built in the 18th century). There was probably a synagogue in Szydłów before its construction.
During the aforementioned renovation, the synagogue was decorated with paintings inside. In later years, the interior of the building was most likely destroyed during a fire.
After World War II, it was used as a warehouse and cinema. From 1967 it served as a community center. It was renovated in the eighties of the previous century.
In the main hall, you can see fragments of polychrome on the walls and Aron Kodesh. An interesting element is also a huge sculpture of Moses by Gustaw Zemła.
In the display cases on one side of the room there are menorahs (also hanukiahs), and on the other side there is an exposition of indicators used for reading the Torah (Jad).
Jewish community
The Jewish community of Szydłów in the 16th century was a few percent of the total population. In 1588, they obtained the right to trade. After the city's problems related to the Swedish wars, some of the Jews moved to other places.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Jews constituted about half of Szydłów's population. Between the First and Second World War, there was a prayer house, a cheder, a mikveh, a square, three gardens and a cemetery in Szydłów. Before the outbreak of World War II, about 700 Jews lived in Szydłów. In 1942, they were transported to Chmielnik, from where they went to death, mainly to the camp in Treblinka.
Only an overgrown meadow has remained to this day of the aforementioned Jewish cemetery.
Worth a visit?
The synagogue in Szydłów is well preserved, and unfortunately most of the buildings of this type in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship were not so lucky. It is a place that is definitely worth visiting, and by the way, a visit to Szydłów, which is also pleasing to the eye of every tourist!
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Putin's Fixers
By Nikolay V. Kononov on January 27, 2023
Antarctic Diplomacy: Issues and Trends in 2022
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The annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) will be hosted this year by Germany from May 23 to June 2. Please join the Wilson Center's Polar Institute for a discussion, in advance of the 2022 Meeting, with the ATCM Chair and key heads of delegation to learn of their priorities for the Meeting and current issues in Antarctic relations.
Selected Quotes
Tania von Uslar-Gleichen: "It is Germany's strong wish and aim to maintain the values of the Antarctic treaty system. And by hosting this conference, even in these difficult times, Germany wants to show its responsibility for the unique ecosystem in Antarctica."
Ambassador Fausto Lopez Crozet: "There is one innovative element in this ATCM, particularly. We are going to meet in-person, but others will have the opportunity to attend this meeting virtually. One the one hand, we are helping curb our carbon footprint, but we also have the chance to add some value and good advice from our experts that are not traveling to the meeting but are attending the meeting."
Adam McCarthy: "Antarctica really matters to Australia. We are very much committed to maintaining an influential role in international Antarctic affairs. With that in mind, we've just announced our Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20-year Action Plan, and it is historic in terms of our funding and resources for Antarctica. Our priorities will be maintaining Antarctica's freedom, supporting the treaty system, conducting world-class scientific research, and protecting the Antarctic environment."
Miriam Wolter: "I would like to highlight our special focus on the Emperor Penguin. It is a mascot for Antarctica itself, but it is also, sadly, a symbol for the effects of climate change. In the long-term, we would like to see this species be put under the Protocol on Environmental Protection. Of course, it will not be easy, but at least we can discuss it, present research and take some steps in the right direction."
Birgit Njåstad: "Our discussions will revolve around (1) climate change; (2) human activities; and (3) increasing our knowledge or science base…Our main effort is to provide all parties with the best technical, environmental and scientific advice on matters that are relevant for governance discussions that treaty parties are having."
Tania von Uslar-Gleichen
Chair, Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting; Director International Law, German Foreign Office
Ambassador Fausto Lopez Crozet
National Director for Antarctic Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Argentina
Adam McCarthy
Chief Legal Officer and First Assistant Secretary, Legal Division at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of Australia
Birgit Njåstad
Chair of the Committee for Environmental Protection, Program Leader (Antarctica), Norwegian Polar Institute
Miriam Wolter
Head of Division for the Law of the Sea, Antarctica, and Aerospace Law, Foreign Office, German Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Evan T. Bloom
Senior Fellow, Polar Institute;
Former Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Fisheries and Director for Ocean and Polar Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Since its inception in 2017, the Polar Institute has become a premier forum for discussion and policy analysis of Arctic and Antarctic issues, and is known in Washington, DC and elsewhere as the Arctic Public Square. The Institute holistically studies the central policy issues facing these regions—with an emphasis on Arctic governance, climate change, economic development, scientific research, security, and Indigenous communities—and communicates trusted analysis to policymakers and other stakeholders. Read more
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President Barack Obama participates in a roundtable meeting with students at Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio, April 18, 2012.
To prove his point, King turned the call over to a real woman named Dawn, who got her job back in the Ohio auto industry after the economic recession. "If it weren't for the President's auto rescue, I probably still wouldn't be working," she told reporters.
There is a real reason that the Obama campaign is calling on real people at just this moment. Once again, Ohio is set up to be a perfect microcosm for the coming national campaign: A closely divided state in the industrial Midwest that suffered horribly during the great recession, while also benefiting from some of President Obama's economic rescue policies.
Just last week, both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama traveled to Ohio to worship in their respective temples of symbolism. For the President, that was a local community college, where Obama boasted of his efforts to retrain and reeducate laid off workers. For Romney, it was a shuttered Gypsum factory, where under a sign that read "Obama Isn't Working," the presumptive Republican nominee pointed the finger at his rival. "If you want to know where his vision leads, open your eyes because we have been living it for the last three years. It leads to lost jobs, lost homes, lost dreams," Romney said.
Romney, who opposed the Obama bailout of the auto industry, and supported a different government-backed restructuring plan in 2009, has been hurt in the Midwest for his tough talking opposition to the Obama bailout. In Michigan, Romney's native state, the polls have turned so sour for Michigan that Obama campaign officials have begun focusing their attention elsewhere. Unwilling to litigate the complex details of his disagreement over the bailout with the Obama campaign, Romney has responded by trying to characterize the bailout as nothing more than a corrupt, special interest ploy. "Remarkably, President Obama's allies have attempted to justify his $80 billion auto bailout," said Ohio Rep. Mike Turner, a Romney supporter, in a statement to the press meant to counter the "real people" tour. "Governor Romney will make decisions based on what's best for the economy and for American workers, not based on political favoritism and backroom deals." Turner's reference to Obama's $80 billion bailout is misleading, since a big chunk of that money–about $13 billion–was awarded by George W. Bush. About half of it has already been paid back, with more expected to be recovered in the coming years.
And so we have some clear dividing lines for the coming campaign. When Romney talks about lost manufacturing jobs, Obama will talk about the auto industry. When Obama talks about the auto industry, Romney will talk about the autoworkers unions.
And both sides will deploy "real people" to do their bidding, though so far this week, Obama is pulling ahead in the real people race. The Romney campaign has been busy reorganizing itself, and has yet to deploy the sort of organizational moxie that a multi-city "real people" swing state tour would require. "Each of the stops will be tailored to the local communities," explains Jessica Kershaw, the campaign's Ohio spokeswoman.


The National Archives today released 2,891 records related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy that are subject to the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 (JFK Act). These records are available for download online.
The President has also ordered that all remaining records governed by section 5 of the JFK Act be released, and thus additional records will be released subject to redactions recommended by the executive offices and agencies. NARA will process these records for release as soon as possible on a rolling basis.
Based on requests from executive offices and agencies the President has allowed the temporary withholding of certain information that would harm national security, law enforcement, or foreign affairs. The President also ordered agencies to re-review their proposed redactions and only redact information in the rarest of circumstances where its withholding "is made necessary by an identifiable harm to military defense, intelligence operations, law enforcement, or conduct of foreign relations; and the identifiable harm is of such gravity that it outweighs the public interest in disclosure." These instructions will allow the National Archives to release as much information as possible by the end of the temporary certification period on April 26, 2018.
The National Archives previously released 3,810 related records on July 24, 2017, including 441 records previously withheld in their entirety and 3,369 records previously withheld in part. More information about this release is available online.
In addition, the National Archives is also releasing to the public the unclassified electronic records of the Assassination Records Review Board (ARRB), including 52,387 emails and 16,627 files from the ARRB drives.
New security screenings for US-bound passengers start today!


text:
Weight Loss & Lifestyle
by Health Jade Team 6.17K views
What is glucomannan
Glucomannan as food additives
Glucomannan supplement
Glucomannan health benefits
Glucomannan and cholesterol
Glucomannan and weight loss
Glucomannan dosage
Glucomannan side effects
Glucomannan also called Konjac glucomannan is a water-soluble polysaccharide or highly viscous fiber commonly separated from Amorphophallus konjac root 1). Glucomannan (Konjac glucomannan) is a dietary fiber with a long history in food and traditional Chinese medicine 2). Glucomannan is also known as E 425 ii when used as food additives 3). Glucomannan is marketed as being helpful in reducing body weight. In otherwise healthy overweight or obese children and adults, there is some evidence that in the short term glucomannan may help to reduce body weight, but not body mass index (BMI). In 2010, the European Food Safety Authority Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies 4) concluded that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of glucomannan and the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations and the reduction of body weight. In order to obtain the claimed effect of reduction of body weight, "at least 3 g of glucomannan should be consumed daily in three doses of at least 1 g each, together with 1–2 glasses of water before meals, in the context of an energy‐restricted diet. The target population is overweight adults" 5). The conditions and restrictions of use for the health claims for glucomannan (konjac mannan) to contribute to weight loss and to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations are authorized by the Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012.
According to European Union Commission Regulation No 231/2012, both konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii) are defined as water soluble hydrocolloid obtained from konjac flour. Konjac gum is obtained by aqueous extraction, while konjac glucomannan is obtained by washing with water‐containing ethanol. In the European Union Commission Regulation, konjac flour is defined as the unpurified raw product from the tuber of the perennial plant Amorphophallus konjac.
The in vitro degradation and the in vivo digestibility of konjac glucomannan in animals demonstrated that this compound would not be absorbed intact or hydrolyzed by digestive enzymes.
Konjac glucomannan and konjac flour can be regarded as non‐toxic based on the results of acute oral toxicity studies.
Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.
Figure 1. Glucomannan chemical structure
The glucomannan main chain is polymerized by d-mannose and d-glucose with a α-1,4-pyranoside bond and a small amount of acetyl groups at the C–6 position of the side chain. These can only be hydrolyzed by α-mannase at the end of the small intestine and the colon of the human body 6). Glucomannan has good film-forming ability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and gelation performance, which is one of its most prominent features 7). The preparation methods of glucomannan gel mainly include the alkaline processing 8), borate cross-linking 9), polymer compounding 10), high voltage electric field preparation 11), and metal ion cross-linking after modification 12). The gel microstructure largely determines the performance of the gel, but glucomannan gels prepared through different methods are significantly different in terms of microstructure 13). With good biocompatibility and biodegradability 14), glucomannan gels have been widely used in food 15), pharmaceutical carriers 16), tissue scaffolds 17), absorbing materials 18) and other fields.
Konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii) are authorized as food additives in the European Union in accordance with Annex II and Annex III to Regulation (EU) No 1333/2008 on food additives and specific purity criteria have been defined in the Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 19). According to this regulation, there are distinct specifications for konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii). The Joint Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Health Organisation (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has one specification for konjac flour (INS 425). Konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii) are distinguished by their grade of purity.
In the European Union, konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii) have been evaluated by the Scientific Committee on Food in 1996 20), who could not establish an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for both the substances. For konjac gum (E 425 i), the Scientific Committee on Food 21) noted 'Adequate subchronic and long‐term feeding studies with this material are lacking and a no‐observed‐adverse-effect level (NOAEL) cannot be derived. In addition, it has not been clarified to what extent the main component glucomannan is digested in the human intestine'. For konjac glucomannan (425 ii), the Scientific Committee on Food noted that 'it was tested adequately in 90‐day feeding studies with rats and beagle dogs. These studies did not reveal any relevant toxic effects and a no‐observed‐effect level of 2.5% glucomannan in the diet can be derived, corresponding to 1.25 g/kg body weight per day. However, a long‐term toxicity/carcinogenicity study is lacking and only gene mutation tests in bacteria were performed with a negative result 22). In addition, it has not been clarified to what extent the glucomannan is digested in the human intestine'. On the other hand, the Scientific Committee on Food concluded, that 'the existing data (including genotoxicity studies with konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii) as well as human experience did not give reason for concern. Konjac materials have a long history as traditional food in Asian countries. Apart from diarrhea, abdominal pain and an effect on vitamin absorption after ingestion of high doses, no adverse effects of oral ingestion have been reported in humans'. The Scientific Committee on Food considered therefore that 'the uses of konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii) as additives at the intended levels up to 1% in food are acceptable, provided that the total intake from all sources did not exceed 3 g/day. This upper limit should be taken into account when setting the conditions of use. The Scientific Committee on Food noted that directive included a footnote in relation to similar products which points out that these substances should not be used to produce dehydrated foodstuffs intended to rehydrate on ingestion'. The Scientific Committee on Food considered that a similar remark would be applicable to konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii).
No relevant studies on short‐term and subchronic toxicity for konjac gum and konjac glucomannan are available. However, additional studies on nutritional effects are described; no relevant substance‐induced adverse effects were observed.
Based on the data available, the European Food Safety Authority Panel noted that there is no concern with respect to the genotoxicity of konjac flour.
No relevant studies on chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity for konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii) were available 23). The European Food Safety Authority Panel noted that no adverse effects were observed in rats in a long‐term feeding trial over 18 months with 1% refined konjac meal in diet, and in mice receiving 10% of konjac glucomannan with the diet for 10 months.
No reproductive toxicity studies were available 24). The European Food Safety Authority Panel considered that the developmental toxicity studies as referred to by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Health Organisation (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) 25) in cats and of Sun Tan et al. 26) in sows were both limited and not sufficient for the evaluation of the developmental toxicity of konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii).
From both human and animal data, the European Food Safety Authority Panel considered that there was no indication for concern for immunotoxicity or allergenicity with konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii) used as food additives 27).
In human studies, gastrointestinal discomfort (i.e. laxative effects, flatulence, full stomach, feeling of hungry and abdominal distension) has been reported in several clinical human studies included in two meta‐analyses. In a relevant study, a dosage of 3 g konjac glucomannan (divided in three times 1 g)/person per day corresponding to 33 mg/kg body weight per day based on mean body weight of approximately 90 kg, for 12 weeks, was associated with gastrointestinal effects (diarrhea or constipation).
Konjac (E 425) is authorized in a wide range of foods. Very few reported use levels were made available to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Only three food categories out of 67 were taken into account in the refined scenario. Thus the two refined exposure estimates (brand‐loyal consumer scenario and non‐brand‐loyal scenario) are similarly low (below 0.1 mg/kg body weight per day in any scenario and population).
According to the conceptual framework for the risk assessment of certain food additives re‐evaluated under Commission Regulation No 257/2010, European Food Safety Authority Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food 2014 28) and given that:
Current use of konjac (E 425) was limited in all food categories to maximum permitted level of 10 g/kg;
An indicative refined exposure assessment has been calculated: for all population groups, it was below 0.1 mg/kg body weight per day for the general population (mean and high level);
Konjac gum and konjac glucomannan were unlikely to be absorbed intact and were significantly fermented by intestinal microbiota;
The available database on toxicological studies was considered limited, however no relevant adverse effects were seen in rats and dogs in 90‐day feeding studies according to the Scientific Committee on Food, and the no‐observed‐adverse-effect level (NOAEL) in rats was 1,250 mg konjac glucomannan/kg bw per day;
Konjac gum and konjac glucomannan would be of no concern with respect to the genotoxicity;
After a daily dosage of 3,000 mg in adults (corresponding to 33 mg/kg body weight based on mean body weight of approximately 90 kg) for 12 weeks, several individuals experienced abdominal discomfort including diarrhea or constipation,
The European Food Safety Authority Panel concluded that there was no need for a numerical acceptable daily intake (ADI) and that there was no safety concern for the general population at the refined exposure assessment for the reported uses of konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii) as food additives under the current conditions of use at level of 10 g/kg 29).
The European Food Safety Authority Panel agreed with the conclusions of the Scientific Committee on Food (1997) that the uses of konjac (E 425), comprising konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii), as an additive at the levels up to 10 g/kg in food are acceptable, provided that the total intake from all sources does stay below 3 g/day 30).
The European Food Safety Authority Panel recommended that the European Commission considers harmonizing the microbiological specifications for polysaccharidic thickening agents, such as gums, and to include criteria for total aerobic microbial count and total combined yeasts and molds count into the EU specifications of konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii) 31).
Although the European Food Safety Authority Panel realized that the exposure to these additives is rather low, the European Food Safety Authority Panel recommended that the European Commission considers revising the current limits for the toxic elements (lead and arsenic) in the European Union specification for konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii) 32).
Glucomannan has no specific lactation-related uses. It is most often used to lower cholesterol, to treat constipation and diabetes, and is contained in products to promote weight loss. No data exist on the safety and efficacy of glucomannan in nursing mothers or infants. However, because glucomannan is not absorbable, it will not reach the breastmilk and is very unlikely to affect the nursing infant.
In 2009, the European Food Safety Authority Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies 33) prepared a scientific opinion on the scientific substantiation of health claims in relation to glucomannan (konjac mannan) and the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations. Eight randomized controlled trials, which investigated the effects of glucomannan on LDL "bad" cholesterol and/or total cholesterol at daily glucomannan doses of 3-15 g/day in either healthy, hypercholesterolemic or diabetic adult human subjects were provided 34). In weighing the evidence, the European Food Safety Authority Panel took into account that a statistically significant effect on either total or LDL "bad" cholesterol was not observed following the consumption of glucomannan in all of these studies, that reduction in total and/or LDL "bad" cholesterol concentrations did not always lead to significant reductions in the total/HDL "good" cholesterol ratio, that the vast majority of these studies had small sample sizes, and that no clear dose-response relationship was established between the consumption of glucomannan and the claimed effect. However, the European Food Safety Authority Panel considers that most studies showed a consistent effect in the reduction of serum total and LDL "bad" cholesterol concentrations at doses of about 4 grams/day of glucomannan, that the effect has been observed not only in hypercholesterolemic subjects but also in healthy individuals, and that the mechanisms by which the consumption of the food may exert the claimed effect (biological plausibility) are established. On the basis of the data available, the European Food Safety Authority Panel concluded that "a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of glucomannan and the reduction of blood cholesterol concentrations. In order to bear the claim, a food should provide at least 4 g/day of glucomannan in one or more servings. The target population is the general population" 35). The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: "Regular consumption of glucomannan helps maintain normal blood cholesterol concentrations".
In 2010, the European Food Safety Authority Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies 36) prepared another scientific opinion on the scientific substantiation of health claims in relation to glucomannan (konjac mannan) and reduction of body weight (weight loss), reduction of post‐prandial glycemic responses, maintenance of normal blood glucose concentrations, maintenance of normal (fasting) blood concentrations of triglycerides, maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations, maintenance of normal bowel function and decreasing potentially pathogenic gastrointestinal microorganisms. In weighing the evidence, the European Food Safety Authority Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies took into account that most of the intervention studies, which were of adequate sample size and duration, found a statistically significant effect of glucomannan on body weight loss in the context of a hypocaloric diet when administered as a pre-load before meals, and that the mechanism by which glucomannan could exert the claimed effect is established. On the basis of the data presented, the European Food Safety Authority Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of glucomannan and the reduction of body weight in the context of an energy-restricted diet 37). The Panel considers that in order to obtain the claimed effect, at least 3 g of glucomannan should be consumed daily in three doses of at least 1 g each, together with 1-2 glasses of water before meals, in the context of an energy-restricted diet. The target population is overweight adults. The European Food Safety Authority Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies 38) concluded that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of glucomannan and the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations and the reduction of body weight. In order to obtain the claimed effect of reduction of body weight, "at least 3 g of glucomannan should be consumed daily in three doses of at least 1 g each, together with 1–2 glasses of water before meals, in the context of an energy‐restricted diet. The target population is overweight adults" 39). A cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of glucomannan and the other claimed effects.
For weight loss: At least 3 g of glucomannan should be consumed daily in three doses of at least 1 g each, together with 1–2 glasses of water before meals, in the context of an energy‐restricted diet.
For cholesterol: At least 4 g/day of glucomannan in one or more servings.
References [ + ]
1. ↵ Merck Index, 2006. Konjac gum and konjac glucomannan. 14th Edition, Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, USA.
2. ↵ Zalewski B.M., Chmielewska A., Szajewska H. The effect of glucomannan on body weight in overweight or obese children and adults: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Nutrition. 2015;31:437.e2–442.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2014.09.004 https://www.nutritionjrnl.com/article/S0899-9007(14)00425-0/fulltext
3, 19, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32. ↵ Re‐evaluation of konjac gum (E 425 i) and konjac glucomannan (E 425 ii) as food additives. EFSA Journal 28 June 2017. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4864
4, 5, 36, 37, 38, 39. ↵ EFSA NDA Panel (EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies) 2010. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to konjac mannan (glucomannan) and reduction of body weight (ID 854, 1556, 3725), reduction of post‐prandial glycaemic responses (ID 1559), maintenance of normal blood glucose concentrations (ID 835, 3724), maintenance of normal (fasting) blood concentrations of triglycerides (ID 3217), maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations (ID 3100, 3217), maintenance of normal bowel function (ID 834, 1557, 3901) and decreasing potentially pathogenic intestinal microorganisms (ID 1558) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal 2010;8(10):1798, 27 pp. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1798
6. ↵ Jin W., Song R., Xu W., Wang Y., Li J., Shah B.R., Li Y., Li B. Analysis of deacetylated konjac glucomannan and xanthan gum phase separation by film forming. Food Hydrocoll. 2015;48:320–326. doi: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2015.02.007
7. ↵ Behera S.S., Ray R.C. Konjac glucomannan, a promising polysaccharide of Amorphophallus konjac, K. Koch in health care. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2016;92:942–956. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.07.098 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27481345
8. ↵ Du X., Li J., Chen J., Li B. Effect of degree of deacetylation on physicochemical and gelation properties of konjac glucomannanc. Food Res. Int. 2012;46:270–278. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2011.12.015
9. ↵ Gao S., Guo J., Wu L., Wang S. Gelation of konjac glucomannan crosslinked by organic borate. Carbohydr. Polym. 2008;73:498–505. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2007.12.013
10. ↵ Li Z.Y., Su Y.L., Haq M.A., Xie B.Q., Wang D.J. Konjac glucomannan/polyacrylamide bicomponent hydrogels: Self-healing originating from semi-interpenetrating network. Polymer. 2016;103:146–151. doi: 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.09.046
11. ↵ Wang L.X., Jiang Y.P., Lin Y.H., Pang J., Liu X.Y. Rheological properties and formation mechanism of DC electric fields induced konjac glucomannan-tungsten gels. Carbohydr. Polym. 2016;142:293–299. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.01.060
12. ↵ Wu L.P., Lin X.Y., Wu J.J., Zhou X.B., Luo X.G. Adsorption behavior of carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan microspheres for fluoride from aqueous solution. RSC Adv. 2016;6:89417–89429. doi: 10.1039/C6RA17183D
13, 15. ↵ Ji L., Xue Y., Zhang T., Li Z.J., Xue C.H. The effects of microwave processing on the structure and various quality parameters of Alaska pollock surimi protein-polysaccharide gels. Food Hydrocoll. 2017;63:77–84. doi: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2016.08.011
14. ↵ Behera S.S., Ray R.C. Nutritional and potential health benefits of konjac glucomannan, a promising polysaccharide of elephant foot yam, Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch: A review. Food Rev. Int. 2016;33:22–43. doi: 10.1080/87559129.2015.1137310
16. ↵ Fan L.H., Yi J.Y., Tong J., Zhou X.Y., Ge H.Y., Zou S.Q., Wen H.G., Nie M. Preparation and characterization of Oxidized konjac glucomannan/Carboxymethyl Chitosan/Graphene Oxide hydrogel. Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2016;91:358–367. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.05.042
17. ↵ Weska R.F., Achilli M., Beppu M.M., Mantovani D. Improvement of Collagen Hydrogel Scaffolds Properties by the Addition of konjac glucomannan. Adv. Mater. Res. 2011;409:187–192. doi: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.409.187
18. ↵ Chen J.F., Zhang W.Y., Li X. Adsorption of Cu(II) ion from aqueous solutions on hydrogel prepared from konjac glucomannan. Polym. Bull. 2016;73:1965–1984. doi: 10.1007/s00289-015-1588-9
20, 21, 22. ↵ SCF (Scientific Committee for Food), 1997. Food Science and Techniques, Reports of the Scientific Committee for Food, 41st Series.
25. ↵ JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives), 1993. Konjac flour, WHO Food Additives Series 32.
26. ↵ Sun Tan CQ, Wei HK, Zou Y, Long G, Ao JT, Xue HX, Jiang SW and Peng J, 2015. Effects of different amounts of konjac flour inclusion in gestation diets on physio‐chemical properties of diets, postprandial satiety in pregnant sows, lactation feed intake of sows and piglet performance. Animal Reproduction Science, 152, 55–64.
28. ↵ EFSA ANS Panel (EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food), 2014. Statement on a conceptual framework for the risk assessment of certain food additives re‐evaluated under Commission Regulation (EU) No 257/2010. EFSA Journal 2014;12(6):3697, 11 pp. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3697
33, 34, 35. ↵ EFSA NDA Panel (EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies), 2009. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to glucomannan and maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations (ID 836, 1560) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on request from the European Commission. EFSA Journal 2009;7(9):1258, 14 pp. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1258
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Utah Senate Gives First Approval to 4.8 Percent Beer In Grocery Stores
JT Nebeker for KUER
After other states dropped 3.2 beer regulations, Utah is left grappling with what to do about their own laws.
A proposal to allow stronger beer in grocery and convenience stores received preliminary support from the Utah Senate on Monday.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jerry Stevenson, R-Layton, would allow beer up to 4.8 percent alcohol by weight (ABW) in stores and on tap, up from 3.2 percent. Currently any brew stronger than 3.2 ABW must be purchased in state-run liquor stores.
Stevenson is running the bill as some big brewers like Anheuser-Busch scale back production of 3.2 percent beer products. Over the past few years, states including Colorado and Oklahoma have raised the limit on beer sold in their stores, eliminating demand for low-gravity beer.
"A lot of the manufacturers are taking products off the market. They're actually reducing the 3.2 products because they have to be specially manufactured or diluted," Stevenson said.
The Senate voted 21-8 in support of the bill during its first debate. It will have one more Senate vote before going to the Utah House of Representatives.
Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, strongly opposed the move. In the past, Hillyard said he has run legislation to try to block sales of refrigerated beer after 10 p.m. and worried Stevenson's bill would increase access to alcohol for minors.
"I don't care what other states do. I'm concerned about my kids, " he said, adding that he thinks the proposal would be a "slippery slope" toward wine sold in Utah grocery stores.
Sens. Gene Davis, D-Salt Lake City, and Dan McCay, R-Riverton, switched to "no" votes Monday after initially supporting the bill during its Feb. 7 committee hearing.
Davis said he changed his mind because several small breweries in his district asked him to reconsider.
A trade organization for local craft breweries said it supports raising Utah's beer limit, but opposes Stevenson's bill because it "would benefit out-of-state breweries at the expense of small, locally owned breweries who employ thousands of Utahns," said Utah Brewers Guild Executive Director Nicole Dicou.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which prohibits alcohol consumption among its members, also opposes the bill.
But some conservative lawmakers used free-market rationale to argue in favor of the bill.
"This bill will enhance our grocery store and convenience store experience," said Sen. Don Ipson, R-St. George. "It's already affecting their business."
Some products, including six-pack bottles of Corona, have already been pulled from store shelves.
Sen. Kathleen Riebe, D-Cottonwood Heights, said she spent several years working in the tourism industry and voted in favor of the bill.
"The perception is that Utah has crazy laws. I think this bill only decreases that perception," Riebe said.
News beerUtah Liquor Laws2019 Utah Legislature#utpol
Nicole Nixon holds a Communication degree from the University of Utah. She has worked on and off in the KUER Newsroom since 2013, when she first joined KUER as an intern. Nicole is a Utah native. Besides public radio, she is also passionate about beautiful landscapes and breakfast burritos.
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Last week meant the end of the school year for K-12 kids in Mississippi, Fortunately, it won't be the end of having regular meals.
Through funds provided by the US Department of Agriculture, students who rely on free breakfasts and lunches during the school year will be provided those meals through the summer.
Both the Columbus Municipal School District and the Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District will open school cafeterias to provide breakfasts and lunches to any child under age 18 regardless of whether or not they attend school in the district.
The national program is especially important in Mississippi, where almost 13 million struggle with hunger, according to Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization.
Last year, Columbus and Starkville schools provided 43,000 meals over the summer and organizers expect to provide a similar number of meals this year.
That so many of our children must rely on these meals should stir our consciences and call us to action.
Anyone who believes that this program, as vitally important as it may be, is a solution suffers from a diminished sense of empathy. Children get hungry on weekends, too, and as important as these breakfasts and lunches are, it does nothing to prevent a child from going to bed hungry at night.
That reality should both break and open our hearts.
There are many who work tirelessly in our community to combat child hunger. Backpack programs that provide children with food they can easily prepare for themselves over the weekend is an act of mercy. Others in different ways and on different scales do what they can to feed our poor children.
But the majority of us do nothing or, at least, do nothing consistently.
We urge every citizen to take up this important cause. Contact your area charities, your civic groups, your churches. They may have feeding programs that need your contribution, whether it be financial or as a volunteer.
If you can't find such a program, start one yourself.
"Nothing can be done," is true only if we choose to do nothing.
Somewhere tonight in our community, a child will go to bed hungry.
If you're not OK with that, consider this a call to conscience -- and to action.


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Delaware Thunder to play hockey at Centre Ice Rink
May 29th, 2019 · by Delaware State News · Comments:
HARRINGTON — Delaware Pro Hockey LLC announced Wednesday that the Delaware Thunder professional hockey club, a member of the Federal Hockey League will play at the Delaware State Fairgrounds at the Centre Ice Arena beginning in October.
The Delaware Thunder is owned by an investment group, Delaware Pro Hockey LLC, headed by majority owner Charles F. Pens, Sr. who will assume the role of president and general manager.
According to a press release "The Delaware Thunder will offer fun family entertainment at affordable prices. The Thunder organization plans to have a positive impact as we connect our players to the people in the community and grow the sport of hockey in the area. The Delaware Thunder is committed to bringing hard-hitting, fast-paced hockey to the people of the Delmarva region."
The Federal Hockey League schedule is still in development.
Tickets will be available soon for purchase at 302-398-PUCK. For more information, visit www.delawarethunder.com.
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Q: Limited root access I have a rather unique situation that I need to come up with a solution for. We have servers by which a remote team requires having root access to our servers to perform certain jobs. We need to still allow them root access, but deny them from the ability to use iptables, visudo & passwd.
We are going to force them to not be able to login as root any longer and to login with user accounts that have all root functionality except for the above mentioned functions.
Can someone describe to me what I would need to do to accommodate this?
Thanks.

A: would not that be the job of sudo? or you can look into jail or restricted/limited shell if sudo is not what you can use.

A: You want to make use of sudo and learn how to edit the /etc/sudoers file, that said, there are ways for a user to circumvent these controls if they try.
Some good discussion on this topic here:
Editing sudoers file to restrict a user's commands
and here:
http://linsec.ca/Using_Sudo_to_Limit_Access

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


The Trade Coalition is the name of the goblins' merchant empire. All goblin organizations and Cartels are presumably a part of the coalition.
The Trade Coalition is the goblins' merchant empire, and is ruled by all five of Undermine's trade princes. It is huge, far-reaching and massively complicated. It commands the Trade Fleets. The Trade Coalition condones smuggling and slavery. Undermine contains the headquarters of the Trade Coalition.
The Trade Coalition has little influence over Revilgaz, and indeed the Raiders attempt to go under, above, or around the coalition's head. Goblin barons are allegedly there to serve as magistrate over the land and holdings owned by a trade prince.
The five (more or less) trade princes collectively control the Trade Coalition. Run by Undermine's trade princes, the Trade Coalition controls much of the commerce throughout the world. Trade Prince Steamwheedle, the richest known goblin on Azeroth, runs the shipping division practically on his own.
Ratchet is the chaotic urban center of the empire of the Trade Princes.
Before he was a Trade Prince, one of Jastor Gallywix's titles was "big goblin in the Trade Coalition". He owned a majority of Trade Prince Maldy's holdings in the Trade Coalition through a hundred false fronts and small businesses.
This page was last edited on 29 September 2018, at 00:28.


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Q: Did any Gryffindor marry a Slytherin? Supposedly House Gryffindor and House Slytherin have a centuries-old enmity, but at some point this must have been overcome at least by a few individuals.
In canon (books, Pottermore, interviews, anything with JKR's stamp of approval), has there ever been a Gryffindor-Slytherin marriage?
I'm sure one could write a good Romeo and Juliet-style story along these lines, but fanfics are NOT accepted!

A: TL:DR There are no confirmed instances, but given the scarcity of pure-blood families it is likely that at least one marriage between a Slytherin and a Gryffindor took place merely through lack of options

Magical opinion underwent something of a shift after the International Statute of Secrecy became effective in 1692, when the magical community went into voluntary hiding following persecution by Muggles. This was a traumatic time for witches and wizards, and marriages with Muggles dropped to their lowest level ever known, mainly because of fears that intermarriage would lead inevitably to discovery, and, consequently, to a serious infraction of wizarding law.  Pottermore - Pure-Blood

The entire premise for my answer comes from this quote above and the fact that typically but not always Families have a traditional Hogwarts House. The fact that the majority of wizarding families had to breed among themselves leads me to believe that there was a greater chance of a Slytherin to Marry a Gryffindor. With a limited number of families to choose from anyway, and then ideally finding someone you are somewhat interested in reduces numbers significantly.
It's almost important to note that whilst Slytherins (at least the ones we know of) tend to be of a more pure-blood wizard only marriages, we know that Andromeda Tonks married a muggle, as did Isla Black. This seems more uncharacteristic for a Slytherin than Marrying a pure-blood Gryffindor (which as far as we know could be a School only rivalry).
I have found no absolute confirmed instances of a Slytherin and a Gryffindor marrying. I have split my answer into three sections.

*

*Possibilities Taken from Canon

*Canon Black Family Tree Marriages (The one JK Drew and Auctioned)

*Non-Canon (film) Black Family Tree Marriages

Although it could be stated that the film tree is also canon as JKR drew it, I believe if she was 100% happy with it she would have included it in her charity auction drawing
Possibilities Taken From Canon
Fleamont Potter (James's Dad) and Euphemia (Last Name Unknown)
All we really know about Euphemia is that she must have been a pure-blood as James was a pure-blood which leaves us with very little to go on.
Minerva McGonagall and Elphinstone Urquart
Given that:

Through all her early years at Hogwarts, Minerva McGonagall remained on terms of friendship with her old boss at the Ministry, Elphinstone Urquart.

and that:

and fond of her much older boss, Elphinstone Urquart
Both Excerpts can be found on Pottermore - Professor McGonagall.

Minerva and Elphinstone met at the MoM, it is unlikely that Minerva would have held any Hogwarts House prejudice towards Elphy, now we know that Minerva is a Gryffindor but I couldn't find anything about Elphy's House unfortunately.
Canon Black Family Tree
Taken from here.
A lot of my reasons for suggesting the following were pairings of Gryffindor and Slytherin falls down to our current knowledge of the family names and their Hogwarts House.
Callidora Black and Harfang Longbottom
Presumably this would be Nevilles Great Grandfather and Great Grandmother. We know Neville is a Gryffindor and that his father was also brave enough to fight Voldemort and never give up any secrets even under Cruciatus (leading me to believe he was also a Gryffindor). Whether or not the rest of his ancestors were Gryffindor is speculation but It seems likely enough to me.
Lucretia Black and Ignatius Prewett
This would presumably be Molly's Father, given the time stated on the black family tree. Again it is possible from the family name that he was a Gryffindor.
Cedrella Black and Septimus Weasley
This would be Arthur's parents, which again leads us to the same speculation of a Slytherin (Black) and Gryffindor (Weasley) paring. I think it is stronger here considering that out of all the Weasleys we know they are all in Gryffindor.
Non-Canon Black Family Tree (Film)
Charlus Potter and Dorea Black
Again another Potter marrying into the Black family, which is another possible G -> S marriage.
Marriages that have no leading evidence towards a Slytherin and Gryffindor union but has a tiny slither of hope.
Sirius Black and Hesper Gamp
Whilst we have no knowledge of the Gamp family other than one of them created the laws of transfiguration, I thought it was a possible pairing (perhaps more likely a Ravenclaw)
Belvina Black and Herbert Burke
Who are most likely the Parents of Mr.Burke from Borgins and Burkes. Probably Slytherins with their Dark Arts and Items! shakes fist
Charis Black and Caspar Crouch
Barty Crouch Seniors Parents, I don't believe it's known what house Barty Crouch was in. I presume Junior was a Slytherin considering his Death Eater ties.
Cygnus Black and Druella Rosier
Evan Rosier (Modern Day Rosier) was a confirmed Death Eater.
1) Licorus Black and Magenta Tripe
2) Jimbo Blishwick and Misapinoa Black
3) Cygnus Black I and Ella Max

A: We know Andromeda Black and Ted Tonks were  probably in different houses because Slytherin rarely allows Muggleborns. Andromeda was in Slytherin

She attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the 1960s and was sorted into Slytherin House.

Ted Tonks' house is unknown, but I think it was either Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, because he is very brave and his daughter was a Hufflepuff.

A: I can't find any absolute confirmations, making this an excellent (and annoying) question! However, here are some possibilities/notes on the subject.
Known "family" houses
It is by no means guaranteed that family members are sorted into the same houses, but there are some patterns.

*

*James Potter, Lily Potter (née Evans), Harry Potter and James Potter Jr were all sorted into Gryffindor.

*Arthur Weasley and Molly Weasley (née Prewett), along with all their children, were Gryffindors.

*Lucius Malfoy, Narcissa Malfoy (née Black) and Draco Malfoy were all Slytherins.

*The Black family, bar Sirius, were all in Slytherin - as Slughorn said, "The whole Black family had been in my house, but Sirius ended up in Gryffindor! Shame — he was a talented boy. I got his brother Regulus when he came along, but I'd have liked the set."

The Black family tapestry
Based on this, I'm making an educated guess that members of the Black family tended to appear in Slytherin (and seemed to somehow disappear from the tapestry when they didn't), and that the Potters and the Weasleys tended to be Gryffindors. We know that members of the Longbottom and the Prewett family ended up in Gryffindor, but we don't have enough information to prove a family tradition.
A few traditionally "Gryffindor" names pop up on the Black family tapestry seen in the films. Although this isn't as canon as the books, we know JKR had a lot to do with the films, so it depends how much faith you put in that.

*

*Dorea Black (1920-1977) married Charlus Potter.

*Cedrella Black (unknown, likely 20th century based on tapestry placement) married Septimus Weasley (as pointed out by GreenMatt in the comments). Her spot is charred off the tapestry.

Also:

*

*Lucretia Black (1925-1992) married Ignatius Prewett.

*Callidora Black (1915-1996) married Harfang Longbottom.

*Arciorus (sp?) Black (1901-1991) married Melania Macmillan (possibly a relation of Ernie Macmillan, Hufflepuff).

Trivia

*

*Slytherins aren't always Death Eaters, or "Evil 4 Lyfe" - Regulus Black was a Slytherin and actively fought against Voldemort, albeit briefly; Slughorn was a Slytherin (and it's not difficult to picture him getting along with members other houses).

*Non-Slytherins aren't always great either, producing their fair share of Dark Wizards.

*There's a pretty big canon precedent for romantic feelings between Gryffindor and Slytherin - Lily and Severus did maintain a friendship for several years (more than can be said for any Gryffindors/Slytherins we know of during Harry's time), and Snape's feelings are pretty well-known by the final book. I'd be surprised if Snape was the only Slytherin to ever fall in love with a Gryffindor (or vice versa).

*Hogwarts was founded over a thousand years ago, and according to JKR, "Slytherin's discrimination on the basis of parentage was considered an unusual and misguided view by the majority of wizards at the time. Contemporary literature suggests that Muggle-borns were not only accepted, but often considered to be particularly gifted." Opinion changed in the 17th Century after Muggle persecution, but we might think that before then, many Slytherins may not have had the vitriolic view of Muggle-borns that would might put many Gryffindors off considering them as a potential partner.

*By no means a direct link, but an interesting Pottermore marriage tidbit I only discovered the other day: Celestina Warbeck was a Gryffindor and married three times (her backing dancer, her manager, and a composer). One of them may have been a Slytherin.

Based on that, I conjecture that it is very likely that a Slytherin and a Gryffindor married at some point.
A section of the tapestry, for reference:


In any case, I will be disappearing for a month. If every month were like November, I'd probably have finished and published my first two novels by now. However, my family would have disowned me and I'd be living in a pigsty. Perhaps it's no coincidence that many brilliant and successful authors were shunned by society.
Once the wordcount widget is available (generally after the first few days, when the NaNoWriMo server recovers from its overload), I'll update this post. All two of my readers can then keep up with the race to the finish!
Meanwhile, I thought it was extremely appropriate that this song just happened to be playing on my random playlist.
Love the song! Looking forward to what this produces, may it be fruitful!
Hey - where's this blog come from? How is it that I missed this entirely???
@Ricardipus, it's been around for a few months. I haven't really devoted enough time to it, as you can tell.


The Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Tax Integrity Bill 2017) was passed on Wednesday the 16th of November 2017 as a means of reducing pressure on housing affordability.
The 1st of July may not be all fireworks and champagne but there is definitely reason to reflect and celebrate.
On 1st April, Precedent Productions hosted the Small Business Champion Awards, recognising Australia's most outstanding small businesses. PLH Accountants was proud to be finalists in two categories for the prestigious awards.
Win a holiday in the Greek Islands!
This competition is being run in conjunction with our friends at MoneyTrends and when you enter you will go into the draw to win an 8 night holiday to the Greek Islands with a total value of up to A$9,490.
Small Hunter Valley Firm takes out 3 major awards!
Peter & Linda Holmes of PLH Accountants of East Maitland, NSW, were one of these outstanding smaller firms recognised as "leading the way in terms of striving to get to the future first" by Best Practice.
With a recent spike in ATO scams, it is important for you to know what to look for when you are contacted regarding your tax matters.
If you or someone you know receives a suspicious phone call that you are unsure about, do not panic!
If you are the owner of a property with a swimming pool or spa, this law applies to you. This relates to both residential and accommodation style properties.


Looking for a new home in Jones Point? It is a great time to buy real estate in Jones Point and our site is a great place to begin your search. You can check out Jones Point schools, market statistics, the latest listings and more. Whether you are a first-time home buyer or you are already familiar with the home buying process, you can be assured that you have the best tools and the perfect agent available to help with your Jones Point home search.
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