text:
August 22, 2018 August 17, 2018 Staff
Plumas County Behavioral Health Commission to hold a Public Hearing on
the draft Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Reversion Plan Update to the Program and Expenditure Plan, 2017-2020
Notice is hereby given that Plumas County Behavioral Health MHSA Program is opening a 30-day public comment period from August 1 through September 5, 2018, and the Plumas County Behavioral Health Commission will hold a public hearing to receive public comment and written stakeholder feedback, on the draft Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Reversion Plan Update to the Program and Expenditure Plan, 2017-20, at its regularly scheduled meeting on September 5, 2018, at noon (12:00pm) in the Plumas County Main Library meeting room, 445 Jackson Street, Quincy, California, during the Commission's regularly scheduled meeting. This plan update concerns the County's proposed reversion plan as required by Assembly Bill (AB) 114.
The draft plan update may be examined or obtained at the office of Plumas County Behavioral Health, 270 County Hospital Road, Suite 109, Quincy, at Chester, Greenville, and Portola Wellness Centers, and at Plumas County libraries. The plan update may also be viewed at the Plumas County Behavioral Health MHSA webpage: (http://www.countyofplumas.com/DocumentCenter/View/17799)
Additionally, for more information on or to receive a copy of the proposed update, please contact Aimee Heaney, MHSA Coordinator, at [email protected], in writing at the office of Plumas County Behavioral Health, or by phone at 530-283-6307, ext. 1016.
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Sept. 5, 2018|
The following person has abandoned the following Fictitious Business Name: SIERRA FLOORS.
Business Address: 73 COMMERCIAL STREET, PORTOLA, CA 96122, County of Plumas.
LAURA ALLEN, 73 COMMERCIAL STREET, PORTOLA 96122; MICHAEL ALLEN, 73 COMMERCIAL STREET, PORTOLA, CA 96122.
Filed: July 23, 2018.
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 2018|
The following person(s) is/are doing business as: STATION CAFÉ, INC.
Business Address: 164 EAST SIERRA AVE., PORTOLA, CA 96122, County of Plumas.
Mailing Address: 164 EAST SIERRA AVE., PORTOLA, CA 96122.
MANPREET SINGH KAHLON, 4018 MT. JEFFERSON DR., PORTOLA, CA 96122; SANJEEV KUMAR, 197 W. SPRUCE AVE., PORTOLA, CA 96122; STATION CAFÉ, INC. 164 EAST SIERRA, PORTOLA, CA 96122.
Signed: /s/ Sanjeev Kumar.
The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GRAEAGLE MEADOWS; GRAEAGLE MEADOWS RENTALS & SALES.
Business Address: 6934 HIGHWAY 89, GRAEAGLE, CA 96103, County of Plumas.
Mailing Address: P. O. BOX 766, GRAEAGLE, CA 96103.
DONALD F. WILLIAMS, P.O. BOX 14, TAHOE CITY, CA 96145.
Signed: /s/ Donald Williams.
The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SIERRA FLOORS.
Business Address: 73 COMMERCIAL STREET, PORTOLA, CA 96122, County of Plumas; Phone: 530-832-0450.
BRIAN ALLEN, 71654 JAMIE WAY, PORTOLA, CA 96122; LAURA ALLEN, 71654 JAMIE WAY, PORTOLA, CA 96122.
This business is conducted by: Copartners.
The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ARGENTO'S MOBILE WELDING.
Business Address: 58400 HIGHWAY 70, CROMBERG, CA 96103, County of Plumas; (530) 415-9877.
JOSEPH ARGENTO, 58400 HIGHWAY 70, CROMBERG, CA 96103.
Signed: /s/ Joseph Argento.
Aug. 8, 15, 22, 29, 2018|
The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MAMA FIG YARN AND ART COLLECTIVE.
Business Address: 7597 HIGHWAY 89, #6, GRAEAGLE, CA 96103, County of Plumas.
Mailing Address: P.O. BOX 191, SIERRAVILLE, CA 96126.
ADRIENNE ANILA, 121 MAIN STREET, CALPINE, CA 96124.
Signed: /s/ Adrienne Anila.
By: Marcy DeMartile, Deputy
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS CALLING FOR BIDS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Plumas Unified School District ("District"), acting by and through its Board of Trustees, hereinafter referred to as the DISTRICT will receive up to, but not later than 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 30, 2018, sealed bids for the award of a contract for the Plumas Unified School District (PUSD) Facility Maintenance Projects at Quincy Elementary School – Bid Package PU2018.2.24.A Abatement. Bids shall be received at the Plumas Unified School District office located at 1446 East Main Street, Quincy, CA 95971 and shall be opened and publicly read aloud at the above-stated time and place. Responses must be sealed and clearly marked "Facility Maintenance Projects at Quincy Elementary School- Bid Package PU2018.2.24.A Abatement". Facsimile copies of the bid will not be accepted.
Each bid must conform and be responsive to this Notice to Contractors, the Information for Bidders, and all other documents comprising the pertinent Contract Documents. All interested parties may obtain a copy of the bid package from the Plumas Unified School District office located at 1446 East Main Street, Quincy, CA 95971 or via email request to [email protected]
The successful bidder shall commence work on or before September 10, 2018. All work shall be completed no later than September 30, 2018. There will be a mandatory pre-bid walk at Quincy Elementary School, 246 Alder St, Quincy, CA, at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 24, 2018.
In contracts involving expenditures in excess of $25,000.00, the successful bidder shall file a payment bond issued by an admitted Surety authorized to conduct business in California, in the form set forth in the Contract Documents. A payment bond may be required for contracts involving smaller expenditures at the option of the District.
All forms must be completed, signed, and returned with the bid. The contract award will be based on the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The lowest bid shall be the lowest total of the bid prices on the base contract. Minority, women, and disabled veteran contractors are encouraged to submit bids.
The contract is for a public work. Contractor and any subcontractor shall pay all workers on the project at least the general prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations ("DIR") pursuant to Labor Code section 1770 et seq. Prevailing wage rates are available from the District or online at: http://www.dir.ca.gov.
No contractor or subcontractor may be listed on a bid proposal or awarded a contract for public work unless currently registered with the DIR pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5. This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR.
Each bidder shall be a licensed contractor at the time the bid pursuant to the Business and Professions Code and such license(s) shall remain in active and good standing for the duration of the contract. The bidder shall be licensed in one or more the following classifications: IICRC Certification is required for this mold remediation project; CDPH trained and certified to perform the lead abatement work; B-ASB licensure or its equivalent is required to perform the asbestos work on this project. DOSH registration must also be current.
Signed: D. Kevin Nolen, Construction Manager for
1446 East Main St., Quincy, CA 95971
Aug. 15, 22, 29, 2018|
The following person has abandoned the following Fictitious Business Name: KS ARTS.
Business Address: 2243 PINE STREET, QUINCY, CA 95971, County of Plumas.
KEVIN SALAZAR, 2243 PINE STREET, QUINCY, CA 95971.
Signed: Kevin Salazar
Filed: Aug. 7, 2018.
Aug. 15, 22, 29, Sept. 5, 2018|
The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LATERAL LINE AQUATIC CONSULTING.
RYAN THONI, 307 JACKSON STREET, QUINCY, CA 95971.
Signed: /s/ Ryan Thoni.
Filed: Aug. 2, 2018
The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KS ARTS CONSTRUCTION.
Business Address: 25 REDBERG, SPACE 8, QUINCY, CA 95971, County of Plumas; Phone: 530-616-1067.
Mailing Address: 25 REDBERG, SPACE 8, QUINCY, CA 95971.
KEVIN SALAZAR, 25 REDBERG, SPACE 8, QUINCY, CA 95971.
Signed: /s/ Kevin Salazar.
The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RCO MUSCLE THERAPY.
Mailing Address: PO BOX 934, VERDI, NV 89439.
ROBERT OWENS, 6382 MEADOW HILL CIRCLE, RENO, NV 89519.
Signed: /s/ Robert Owens.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Plumas Unified School District ("District"), acting by and through its Board of Trustees, hereinafter referred to as the DISTRICT will receive up to, but not later than 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, sealed bids for the award of a contract for the Plumas Unified School District (PUSD) Facility Maintenance Projects at various District locations. Bid Package PU2018.D.1.A Re-Roofing of Portable Buildings at C. Roy Carmichael Elementary, Quincy Elementary, and Chester Elementary. Bids shall be received at the Plumas Unified School District office located at 1446 East Main Street, Quincy, CA 95971 and shall be opened and publicly read aloud at the abovestated time and place. Responses must be sealed and clearly marked "Plumas Unified School District (PUSD) Facility Maintenance Projects at various District locations. Bid Package PU2018.D.1.A Re-Roofing of Portable Buildings at C. Roy Carmichael Elementary, Quincy Elementary, and Chester Elementary". Facsimile copies of the bid will not be accepted.
The successful bidder shall commence work on or before September 10, 2018. All work shall be completed no later than October 20, 2018 with the exception of 3 roofs at C Roy Carmichael Elementary (Buildings 24, 25, and 26) which must be completed no later than September 28, 2018 (including inspections and District approval).
Each bidder shall be a licensed contractor at the time the bid pursuant to the Business and Professions Code and such license(s) shall remain in active and good standing for the duration of the contract. The bidder shall be licensed in one or more the following classifications: California C39 license in good standing.
Aug. 22, 29, 2018|
The Plumas County Board of Supervisors will open its hearing on the 2018/2019 County Budget at 1:00 p.m. on September 4, 2018. The proposed budget documents are available to members of the general public at the Board of Supervisors Office in the County Courthouse, Room 309. The hearing will take place in the Board of Supervisors Chambers in the County Courthouse, Third Floor, Room 308, Quincy, California. Any member of the general public may appear at the hearing and be heard regarding any item of the budget or for the inclusion of additional items.
The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MOUNTAIN FREEDOM.
Business Address: 72735 HWY. 70, PORTOLA, CA 96122, County of Plumas; (530) 832-9688.
Mailing Address: P O BOX 1009, PORTOLA, CA 96122.
JEANINE M. CARLE, 72735 HWY. 70, PORTOLA, CA 96122; NIELS PETER VANG, 72735 HWY. 70, PORTOLA, CA 96122.
Signed: /s/ Jeanine Carle.
Filed: Aug. 14, 2018
Aug. 22, 29, Sept. 5, 12, 2018|
The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SUZANN'S CLEANING SERVICE.
Business Address: 435 FEATHER RIVER DRIVE, CHESTER, CA 96020, County of Plumas; (530) 816-9348.
Mailing Address: P O BOX 1958, CHESTER, CA 96020.
SUZANN R. RAMOZ, 435 FEATHER RIVER DRIVE, CHESTER, CA 96020.
Signed: /s/ Suzann R. Ramoz.
The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ARTESIAN FARM.
Business Address: 3098 CHANDLER ROAD, QUINCY, CA 95971, County of Plumas; (530) 283-9349.
Mailing Address: 3098 CHANDLER ROAD, QUINCY, CA 95971.
SIERRA GALLAGHER, 3098 CHANDLER ROAD, QUINCY, CA 95971.
Signed: /s/ Sierra Gallagher.
The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KONINKRIJK KOFFIE.
Mailing Address: 645 W. BURNT CEDAR ROAD, WESTWOOD, CA 96137.
RACHEL BETZLER, 646 W. BURNT CEDAR ROAD, WESTWOOD, CA 96137.
Signed: /s/ Rachel Betzler.
The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NICK'S HEATING AND REFRIGERATION.
Business Address: 125 BESKEEN LANE, QUINCY, CA 95971, County of Plumas; (530) 394-7503.
Mailing Address: 125 BESKEEN LANE, QUINCY, CA 95971.
NICK BOYD, 125 BESKEEN LANE, QUINCY, CA 95971.
Signed: /s/ Nick Boyd.


text:
Civil War Timeline
Published Sources
Browse by Topic or Event
First Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry
The First Minnesota Infantry was the first unit raised by the state to fight in the Civil War. It was also the first regiment from any state offered for national service. In each engagement, from the First Battle of Bull Run (July 1861), to the Peninsula Campaign (May-June 1862), to Antietam (September 1862), and Fredericksburg (December 1862), the First Minnesota solidified its reputation as one of the most courageous regiments in the Army of the Potomac. Its charge at Gettysburg (July 1863), one of most heralded in the Civil War, played a pivotal role in deciding a Union victory in the battle.
For more on the First Minnesota and its service, see the summary and additional resources listed in the History Topic page. The following manuscript collections are organized by military unit and alphabetized by the last name of the soldier. Each collection title is followed by the soldier's company and regiment number in parentheses, if applicable. Descriptions are brief and may be incomplete. Follow the links below to the Minnesota Historical Society's online catalog and finding aids for full descriptions and call numbers.
First Minnesota Infantry Regiment Letters and Research Files, 1991 - 1993. This large collection of clippings, obituaries, and copies of letters and diaries was compiled by Richard Moe in preparation for his book, The Last Full Measure: the Life and Death of the First Minnesota Volunteers.
Regimental Records, First Minnesota Infantry Regiment, 1861 - 1864.
A collection of lists, reports, correspondence, and other papers relating to the Regiment.
H.S. Rowe, Topographical Map of the Fredericksburg Battlefield, 1862.
Shows positions occupied by the Regiment.
Howard S. Abbott and Family Papers, 1859 - 1948. (Asa Townsend Abbott, E, 1st)
Letter regarding transfer of Lieutenant Abbott to the Signal Corps.
Marion Abbott Diary and Genealogical Data, 1861 - 1975. (F, 1st)
Corporal Abbott's diary covers June - August 1861, including the Battle of Bull Run.
Edmund Rice and Family Papers. (William Acker, C, 1st)
Includes two September 1861 letters from Acker, later a Captain in the 16th U.S. Infantry, with minimal information on the regiment. Other letters describe the recovery of Acker's body after his death at the battle of Shiloh.
Amos Osmon Berry Civil War diary and transcript, 1861-1863 (E, 1st)
Diary covering Berry's service from May 23, 1861 to July 3, 1863. The diary mentions the Battle of Bull Run, a visit by President Lincoln to the troops (July 8, 1862), the Battle of Antietam, the Battle of Fredericksburg, and the Battle of Gettysburg. Includes a typed transcript (1958).
Henry T. Bevans Papers, 1846, 1861 - 1911. (F, 1st)
Correspondence and clippings cover Sergeant Bevans' service in the Regiment, commission to Hatch's Battalion of Minnesota Cavalry, and resignation for work with the U.S. Secret Service.
Samuel Bloomer Papers, 1861 - 1920. (B, 1st)
Color Sergeant Bloomer's letters and diaries describe the battle of Antietam, where he lost a leg.
Daniel Bond Reminiscences, Undated. (F, 1st)
Based on his diaries, Corporal Bond's 334 handwritten reminiscences cover his service with the Regiment and Battalion, his capture, and his imprisonment at Andersonville.
George Boyd and Family Papers, 1852 - 1961. (E, 1st)
Include Lieutenant Boyd's commissions and Company E muster rolls.
George R. Buckman Papers, 1863 - 1865. (G, 1st)
Detailed and insightful daily journal of Sergeant Buckman's service in the Second Corps Hospital following Gettysburg through his muster out at Fort Snelling.
Alfred P. Carpenter Letter, July 30, 1863. (K, 1st)
Transcript of July 30, 1863 letter describing Carpenter's Gettysburg experiences.
George E. Collins Letter, June 6, 1861.
Bandsman Collins' letter from Fort Snelling of June 6, 1861.
William Colvill Biographical Sketches and Letters, [1863], 1933-1936.
Reminiscences of the Regiment's colonel at Gettysburg.
Charles E. Davis Letters, 1859 - 1866. (I, E, & C, 1st)
Nearly 200 detailed letters of this sergeant, regimental sergeant major and later officer include information on the regiment's training, daily activities, politics, and campaigns.
G. Merrill Dwelle and Family Papers, 1843 - 1896. (L, 1st)
Descriptive letters and diary include activities of the Regiment during the Peninsular Campaign. (A second diary has a bullet hole from Antietam.)
Thomas Dwelle Papers, 1861 - 1863. (K, 1st)
Typescript of Dwelle's 1862 diary and copies of medical furlough papers.
Biographical data on Hattie Augusta Roberts Eaton, 1930, 1934. (William Eaton, H, 1st)
Account of service in the Regiment and as a prisoner of war.
Jerome Farnsworth and Family Papers, 1861 - 1902. (G, 1st)
Around 20 letters covering May, 1861 - July, 1863 until his death at Gettysburg.
Autobiographical Reminiscences of Everett W. Foster, 1933. (I, 1st)
Reminiscences of Foster's two months' service with the Regiment in 1861. The collection (call number P939: Foster, Everett W.) can be viewed in the Gale Family Library at the Minnesota History Center.
Joseph P. Garrison and Family Papers, 1859 - 1863, 1996. (F, 1st)
Photocopies of letters from Fort Snelling and Virginia plus condolence letters from others in the Regiment following Garrison's wounding and capture at Bull Run and subsequent death in Richmond.
Orrin F. Smith and Family Papers, 1829 - 1932. (Charles Goddard, K, 1st)
Around 113 letters from young Charles Goddard to his mother contain excellent trivia on life in the Regiment.
Hanford L. Gordon Papers, 1868 - 1920. (D, 1st)
General materials on the Regiment and service of Gordon, later of literary note.
Willis A. Gorman and Family Papers, 1847 - 1899.
Collection includes correspondence relating to Gorman's 1861 tenure as Regimental commander.
Mortimer Robinson and Family Papers, 1859 - 1874. (Seth Hammon, D, 1st) Lieutenant Hammon's copybook, dated November 1861 through October 1863, with numerous letters from unit members, plus additional material on Hammon, who served as a drummer boy. The papers (call number M66) can be viewed in the Gale Family Library at the Minnesota History Center.
Philip Rice Hamlin and Jacob Leslie Hamlin Papers, 1861 - 1865. (Phillip Rice Hamlin, F)
Letters of Corporal, Sergeant and later First Sergeant Hamlin from 1861 to a few days before his death at Gettysburg. Letters from soldiers to his parents discuss his death.
Christopher B. Heffelfinger Papers, 1861 - 1929. (D, 1st)
Lieutenant Heffelfinger's letters include a lengthy description of Bull Run.
John T. Hoblit Civil War Diary and Related Papers, 1861 - 1862. (D, 1st)
Diary covers 1861 at Camp Stone and the battle of Balls Bluff.
Return Ira Holcombe Papers, 1859 - 1916.
Papers of St. Paul writer and editor include a manuscript regimental history, published in 1912.
John Franklin Hoyt Papers, 1855 - 1886. (Mark A. Hoyt, F, 1st)
Detailed sketch and illustrated manuscript journal of the Peninsular Campaign until quartermaster Lieutenant Hoyt's resignation for disability in July of 1862.
Charles William Hughes Letter and Diary, 1862, 1864. (D, 1st)
Includes a November 1862 letter and an 1864 diary of his experience as a teamster with the Sully Expedition.
Sketch of the Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. (Javan B. Irvine, A, 1st)
Sketch map of portions of the Bull Run battlefield showing locations of the Regiment during the battle.
Biographical data on Josias Ridgate King, 1863 - 1916. (A, 1st)
Primarily newspaper clippings recounting King's service.
William Larned and Family Papers, 1849 - 1866. (C, 1st)
Short typescript accounts of Lieutenant Larned's service in the Regiment and the Mounted Rangers, plus his Fisk Expedition diary.
William Lochren and Family Papers, 1852 - 1925. (E, K, 1st)
Includes material on Sergeant and later Lieutenant Lochren's service with the Regiment and a unit history.
Adam Marty Correspondence, 1861 - 1919. (B, 1st)
Seven letters from Corporal Marty giving his perspective on the war, his officers and describing actions at Ball's Bluff and Harpers Ferry.
Matthew Marvin Papers, 1861 - 1895. (K, 1st)
About 60 letters and 3 diaries plus postwar letters from Marvin attempting to obtain pensions for fellow veterans of the Regiment.
Harry G. Benton and Family Papers, 1862 - 1894, 1953. (John McEwen, A, 1st)
A June 22, 1862 letter from McEwen discusses the Battle of Fair Oaks.
Ard Godfrey and Family Papers, 1839 - 1945. (Lewis Meeker, D, 1st)
The papers contain a letter written by Meeker in June of 1862 from Camp Lincoln in Richmond, Virginia.
Anton and Louis Muller Letters, 1860, 1861. (B, 1st)
Two letters in German with translations.
Charles Muller, History of the First Minnesota Infantry Regiment, Company A. (A, 1st)
Handwritten description of the Gettysburg Campaign prepared in later life. The collection (call number CCT.M958) can be viewed in the Gale Family Library at the Minnesota History Center.
Edward Z. Needham Papers, 1861 - 1865. (G, 1st)
Microfilm of diaries and papers by Needham include descriptions of Bull Run.
Edward D. Neill and Family Papers, 1786-1931.
Detailed letters of Presbyterian Minister Neill who served as regimental chaplain until July 1862 and as a personal secretary to Presidents Lincoln and Johnson, 1864 - 1865. Most are to his family and in a difficult-to-read hand.
Joseph A. Wheelock and Family Papers, 1719, 1756, 1803 - 1906. (Edward Neill)
Includes letters from Chaplain Neill.
Harrington and Merrill Family Papers, 1732 - 1963. (Lloyd Pendergast, D & I, 1st)
Includes many letters dated 1861 to 1865, including a detailed account of the Battle of Bull Run. Pendergast transferred to the US Cavalry in October 1862.
William Wirt Pendergast and Family Papers, 1816 - 1986. (Lloyd Pendergast, D & I, 1st)
Collection includes several letters, most dated after Lloyd's transfer to the US Cavalry.
Charles E. McColley, The Story of the First Minnesota at Gettysburg. (Ellet Perkins, D, 1st)
Manuscript about the Regiment at Gettysburg includes details about Ellet Perkins. The collection (call number FE515.5) can be viewed in the Gale Family Library at the Minnesota History Center.
Thomas H. Pressnell Incidents in the Civil War. (C, 1st)
Twelve detailed papers delivered to Grand Army of the Republic veteran audiences cover the Regiment's service.
Elias H. Connor Papers, 1858 - 1886. (Frank Rollins, D, 1st)
Includes two letters from Rollins.
Robert L. Morris and Jasper N. Searles Papers, 1861 - 1865. (H, K, G, 1st)
About 25 of Searles' letters to his family in Hastings detail life in the Regiment, particularly 1861-1862, plus his incomplete 1861 diary.
Myron Shepard Diaries, 1862 - 1864. (B, F & H, 1st)
Three diaries written by Sergeant, later Lieutenant Shepard.
DeWitt Smith Papers, 1861 - 1864. (D, 1st)
Letters and documents of Captain Smith, later a paymaster and killed by guerillas.
Biographical Data on Isaac and Patrick Taylor (E, 1st)
An 1861 and an 1864 letter, plus newspaper clippings and biographical notes.
Joseph G. Trevor Diary, 1862. (E, 1st)
Diary records movements during the Peninsular and Maryland Campaigns, May to December 1862.
Abraham Edward Welch and Family Papers, 1830 - 1879. (F, 1st)
Documents on Lieutenant Welch's career with the Regiment including wounding and capture at the Battle of Bull Run. Welch later served in the Dakota War and as a major in the Fourth Minnesota.
Alexander Wilkin and Family Papers, 1819 - 1864. (A, 1st)
Correspondence of Captain Wilkin, later promoted to major and transferred to the Second Minnesota, and later colonel of the Ninth Minnesota until killed in action at Iuka.
Fletcher Williams Papers, 1849 - 1894 (Alexander Wilkin, A, 1st)
Williams' papers contain a biographical sketch of Colonel Wilkin.
James A. Wright Papers, 1907 - 1914, (F, 1st)
Includes Lieutenant Wright's typescript history (The Story of C. F, First Regiment) of the company in which he served as corporal, sergeant and first sergeant. Published as No More Gallant A Deed. Also correspondence related to writing the history.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Cisco Blogs / Executive Platform / Cisco on Fortune's "World's #MostAdmired Companies" List
Cisco on Fortune's "World's #MostAdmired Companies" List
John Earnhardt
Once again, Cisco is honored to be on Fortune Magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies" List. Fortune tells us that the Most Admired list is the "definitive report card on corporate reputations." We are also included in the Top 10 "Most Admired Tech Companies" list.
Cisco Chairman and CEO John Chambers stated, "We are honored to be recognized by our peers as one of the most admired companies in the world. We know we would not be on this prestigious list without our customers, our innovative employees, our partners and our investors. So, on behalf on all of them, we thank Fortune for this honor and will strive to live up this honor each and every day."
Congratulations to all Cisco employees who develop the best technology in the world and help solve our customers' most pressing business needs. Congratulations also to our fellow Silicon Valley companies on this list: Apple, Google, Intel, E-Bay and Facebook. The full list is here.
And, as our CEO reminds us, those companies that are on top today can be gone or on the bottom if they miss a market transition. To further prove this point, Fortune also includes a list of companies that were on their FIRST list of companies ranked by reputation from 1983. Seven companies that were on that list, including Kodak, Wang and Rockwell are no longer around. So, if you are a Cisco employee reading this, my advice for you is this: pat yourself on the back, then GET BACK TO WORK*!! : )
The methodology and survey for this list, developed at Hay Group, is as follows:
– Started with approximately 1,400 companies: the Fortune 1,000 — the 1,000 largest U.S. companies ranked by revenue and non-U.S. companies in Fortune's global 500 database with revenue of $10 billion or more.
– Hay then selected the 15 largest for each international industry and the 10 largest for each U.S. industry, surveying a total of 687companies from 30 countries.
– To create the 57 industry lists, Hay asked executives, directors, and analysts to rate companies in their industry on nine criteria, from investment value to social responsibility. A company's score must rank in the top half of its industry survey to be listed. Because of the distribution of responses, only the aggregate industry scores and ranks are published in health care, pharmacy, and other services; mining and crude oil production; specialty retailers — apparel; tobacco; trading companies; and wholesalers — diversified.
– To arrive at the top 50 Most Admired Companies overall, the Hay Group asked the 3,800 respondents to select the 10 companies they admired most, from a list made up of the companies that ranked in the top 25% in last year's survey, plus those that finished in the top 20% of their industry.
– Anyone could vote for any company in any industry, which is why some results may seem anomalous. For example, BMW is in the top 15 Most Admired Companies and second in the motor vehicles industry, behind Toyota Motor (ranked 29th in the top 50).
*Although, as a Cisco employee, you can use Cisco's great, collaborative technology to do it from wherever you like.
(Hay Group, which has conducted the research for the World's Most Admired Companies list since 1997 and for America's Most Admired Companies since 2001, is a global management consulting firm. For information about Hay Group's services, go to haygroup.com.)
Tags: collaboration Fortune innovation Most Admired reputation
David baker says:
I like the advice to " get back to work"
None of them were at work in the first place.
Just think what Cisco could achieve.
Solar Power says:
vvpost
i like cisco , and i want work in cisco
Fiorenzo Angelini says:
I like John's advise to "pat yourself on the back, then GET BACK TO WORK" and it is correct for us to celebrate and to be proud of the contribution each of us gives to Cisco success. Personally, as a Cisco employee, I'm grateful to John Chambers and his leadership team for their capability to build a clear and winning vision, the most important element of this success.
In the last period I thought several times about our vision and the steps we went through. Connecting the dots, it is impressive the impact on the world we are having and the capability to execute towards this vision. It is impressive how this vision was "correct" since the beginning. Thinking about it, I find Fortune's analysis quite elementary. I would liked to see an analysis comparing companies for the impact they are having in the world, where the impact is seen from business, social and cultural points of view all together; for the solidity and stability of their vision. I'm not such an expert but I'm quite convinced that Cisco, and John primarly, would get much stronger recognition.
SkillGalaxy.com connects employers to suppliers, recruiters and candidates. Using SkillGalaxy.com, Employers can easily and conveniently find permanent candidates by paying finders fee and also hire 1099/temporary contract candidates. Employers can also post jobs to attract candidates directly.
SkillGalaxy is beneficial to both small and large corporations. It can serve as a single and enterprise-wide hiring service or can be used on per need basis. With thousands of registered suppliers and independent recruiters at SkillGalaxy, which are managed by our support staff, employers get access to cutting edge technology along with a large pool of resource of candidates and suppliers.
Visit http://www.SkillGalaxy.com for further details


Farm in Crete Senesi with 5-star farmhouse in the main house and annex of 1700 for a total of 700 sqm, equipped with 4 hectares of land and a reserve of white truffles.
We are in the countryside immersed in nature but close to all services and close to the city of Siena.
The farm and the annex, now well managed as a farmhouse, have been completely restored recently enhancing the best characteristics of the area and the available spaces. The main building of about 600 sqm has a large very special hall with brick vaulted ceiling and has 5 apartments in total including the manor house. Next to the farm there is a large veranda ideal for outdoor summer dinners. The annexe is located in location independent within the park and has internally an apartment with 2 rooms. The apartments have a total of 9 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, all have independent heating, air conditioning and internet access with optical fibre. Beautiful heated pool in the open position towards the campaign.


text:
\section{Introduction}
Versatile video coding (VVC) \cite{PCS1} achieves a higher compression performance compared with the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) \cite{Sullivan1}. Similar to previous video coding standards, the VVC also employs a hybrid scheme which includes the block-based prediction and transform coding to compress videos. Due to the quantization of the transform coefficients in each small block, the artifacts, such as the blocking artifacts and the ringing effects, usually exist in the compressed videos, especially at the low bit-rate. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the quality of compressed video

In this work, we focus on the quality enhancement for the compressed video signals based on the latest convolutional neural network (CNN) method. The video quality enhancement may be regarded as the extension of the image quality enhancement in the temporal dimension. Such an extension introduces more prior information which can be used to potentially improve the quality of each individual frame. However, there still exist some challenges to utilize these information to construct an efficient CNN-based solution.
First, removing compression artifacts from videos requires the understanding of not only the spatial context of the single frame but also the motion information across frames.
Second, although it is possible to find missing content of the same scene or object in adjacent frames, the interference information will be introduced to the target frame if the adjacent frames are directly input to network as a reference.
Third, due to the quality fluctuation across compressed video frames, it is very difficult to enhance all video frames with a single model.

\begin{figure}[t]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=7.0cm]{overview.pdf
\caption{The framework of our proposed SDTS-based method
\end{figure}

We propose a novel end-to-end deep learning architecture in this work to tackle the above issues. The framework of the proposed network is shown in Fig. 1, which consists of a temporal fusion subnet and a spatial detail enhancement subnet. The first subnet is utilized to estimate and compensate the temporal motion across frames, and the second one is employed to reduce the compression artifacts. In addition, as pointed out in \cite{key1,key2,key4,Yang16} that the low-quality frames (LQFs) may be enhanced using the adjacent high-quality frames (HQFs), we also employ the adjacent HQFs  as a reference to enhance the low-quality frames. The experimental results demonstrate the performance of the SDTS-based method

\section{Related Work}
Deep learning has been successfully applied to video super-resolution \cite{Caballero}, deblurring \cite{Unet3} and inpainting \cite{chuan1}, and can also be employed to enhance the quality of compressed image/video \cite{Yang16, Dai14, Dong9_15,Tai17, Wang15_17Chao, Wang12_16, meng1,Zhang13_17,partition}. Particularly, Dong \textit {et al.} \cite{Dong9_15} firstly proposed ARCNN to reduce the JPEG artifacts of images. Later on, DnCNN \cite{Zhang13_17} and MemNet \cite{Tai17} were proposed for image restoration, including the image quality enhancement.
For the quality enhancement of compressed video, VRCNN \cite{Dai14} was proposed as a variable-filter-size residue-learning network \cite{res} for the post-processing of HEVC intra coding. Wang \textit {et al.} \cite{Wang15_17Chao} developed a Deep CNN-based Auto Decoder (DCAD), which contains 10 CNN layers to reduce the distortion of compressed video. These methods were proposed based only on the prior information of a single frame,  so the enhancement performance is still limited. To tackle this problem, Yang \textit {et al.} \cite{Yang16} proposed a MFQE model with multi-frame input for quality enhancement of HEVC compressed video in which the information of neighboring key frames was considered. Meanwhile, Meng \textit {et al.} \cite {meng1} designed a multi-frame guided attention network by taking advantage of the intra-frame prior information and multi-frame information to enhance the quality of the HEVC compressed video. The experimental results of \cite{Yang16} and \cite {meng1} have demonstrated that utilizing the multi-frame information to build up the network for video quality enhancement can achieve excellent performance

\section{Our Proposed method}\label{sec:format
The proposed network consists of a temporal fusion subnet and a spatial detail enhancement subnet. Particularly, the temporal fusion subnet has two key modules, i.e., the motion compensation (MC) module and the fusion module. In this section, we focus on the design of  these three modules.
\subsection{MC Module
The multi-frame video processing networks are normally built upon the fact that different observations of the same object or scene are probably available across frames of a video. As a result, content or scene, which are lost due to certain processing on the target frame, may be found in adjacent frames. Therefore, an intuitive idea is to enhance the compression quality of target frame by directly inputting multiple frames to the network. However, due to inter-frame motion, the interference information may be introduced to the network, especially for those scenes with drastic motion. To tackle this problem, we firstly employ a subnet to estimate and compensate the temporal motion across frames. Then, the compensated adjacent frames are used to enhance the quality of target frame.

In \cite{Caballero}, Caballero \textit {et al.} proposed the spatial transformer motion compensation (STMC) for video super-resolution. The basic idea of STMC is to predict the optical flow of adjacent frames to current frame by multi-scale down-sampling network. Suppose $I_t$ and $I_{t+1}$ are two consecutive frames, the optical flow related to adjacent frame $I_{t+1}$, whose reference frame is $I_{t}$, is a function of motion parameter ${\theta _{\Delta ,t + 1}}$. This optical flow can be represented by two feature maps corresponding to displacements of the $x$ and $y$ dimensions, i.e., ${\Delta^x_{t + 1}}$ and ${\Delta^y_{t + 1}}$, as ${\Delta _{t + 1}} = \left( {{\Delta^x_{t + 1}},{\Delta^y_{t + 1}};{\theta _{\Delta ,t + 1}}} \right)$. Then, the compensated frame $I_{t+1}^\prime$ can be expressed as
\begin{equation}
I_{t+1}^\prime\left( {x,y} \right) = {\cal I}\left\{ {{I_{t + 1}}\left( {x + {\Delta^x _{t + 1}},y + {\Delta^y_{t + 1}}} \right)} \right\},
\end{equation}
where ${\cal I}$ denotes the bilinear interpolation. STMC consists of a coarse ($\times4$) and a fine ($\times2$) scale optical flow estimation

\begin{figure}[t]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=8.2cm,height=4.3cm]{MC3.pdf}
\caption{Top: flow map estimated relating the original frame. Bottom: the consecutive frames without and with MC (No MC and MC).}
\vspace{-0.6em}
\end{figure}

\begin{figure*}[t]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=18.0cm] {ENet.pdf
\caption{The temporal fusion module and spatial detail enhancement subnet.} %
\end{figure*}

We make several modifications on STMC to adapt it to our proposed SDTS method.
First, we employ the coarse-to-fine ($\times4$ and $\times2$) flow estimation modules to handle large scale motion. Also, we develop a flow estimation module without down-sampling processing to handle still scenes in the video. Therefore, the final compensated frame $I_{t+1}^\prime$ is obtained by warping the target frame with the total flow

\noindent
\begin{equation}
I_{t + 1}^\prime= {\cal I}\left\{ {{I_{t + 1}}\left( {\Delta _{{\rm{t}} + 1}^c,\Delta _{{\rm{t}} + 1}^f,\Delta _{{\rm{t}} + 1}^s} \right)} \right\},
\end{equation}

\noindent
where ${\Delta _{{\rm{t}} + 1}^c}$, ${\Delta _{{\rm{t}} + 1}^f}$ and ${\Delta _{{\rm{t}} + 1}^s}$ denote the coarse flow, fine flow and still scenes flow, respectively. Second, we find that motion compensation relies to a large extent on the accuracy of motion estimation. Therefore, the proposed MC module is firstly trained under the supervision of raw frames to get a more accurate motion estimation, then the whole network is jointly fine-tuned based on this MC module

To verify the effectiveness of our proposed MC module, we present the error maps between two consecutive frames $I_t$ and $I_{t+1}$ in Fig. 2. One can see from Fig. 2 that using the proposed MC operation induces less error in the compensated frame, and our proposed MC method can well eliminate interference in the adjacent frame.

\vspace{-1em}
\subsection{Multi-frame Fusion Module}
The CNN-based temporal information fusion methods have been proposed for various applications, which are mainly classified into early fusion \cite{Early}, slow fusion \cite{Slow} and 3D convolutions \cite{3D}. Early fusion is one of the most straightforward fusion methods, which collapses all temporal information in the first layer. Slow fusion partially merges temporal information in a hierarchical structure and it is slowly fused as information progresses through the network, this fusion method has shown better performance than early fusion for some video applications \cite{Caballero,Slow}. Therefore, we adopt the slow fusion mode as the temporal information fusion method in the SDTS and more details can be found in Fig. 3.

\subsection{Enhancement subnet (ENet)}
The enhancement subnet (ENet) is used to reduce the compression artifacts and enhance the reconstruction effect of target frame in our work. The experimental results in \cite{Hu26} and \cite{IDN} demonstrate that adaptively recalibrating the responses of channel-wise features with coarse-to-fine structure can improve the representation of the network. Therefore, we construct our ENet with a series of coarse-to-fine residual slice blocks (Res$\_$Slice$\_$Block), as shown in Fig. 3. Specifically, only a part of the previous features are delivered to the following modules in each Res$\_$Slice$\_$Block to extract useful information progressively. The local short-path information and the local long-path information are aggregated by concatenation. The slice and concatenation in the Res$\_$Slice$\_$Block are used to control how much the useful information in current state will be reserved and delivered to the next unit. When the weights of both the operators are close to zeros, the information delivered from the previous state will be ignored by the current state. Conversely, more useful information in previous state will be delivered to current state.

\subsection{Training Strategy}
\noindent{\bf{Phase 1}}
The MC module is firstly trained under the supervision of raw frames $I_0^R$ to get more accurate optical flow information. The loss of MC module can be written as
\begin{equation}
{{\cal L}_{ME}} = \sum\limits_{i = - T}^T {{{\left\| {{\cal I}\left( {I_{0 \to i}^R;\Delta _i^R} \right) - I_0^R} \right\|}^2}}.
\end{equation}

\noindent{\bf{Phase 2}} We use Euclidean loss between the reconstructed target frame $I_0^{Rec}$ and the ground truth $I_0^H$ to train the quality enhancement subnet,
\begin{equation}
{{\cal L}_{ENet}} = \sum\limits_{i = - T}^T {{{\left\| {I_0^H - I_0^{Rec(i)}} \right\|}^2}}.
\end{equation

\noindent{\bf{Phase 3}} We finally fine-tuned the SDTS network
by a joint loss function,
\begin{equation} \label{totalloss}
{\cal L} = {{\cal L}_{ME}} + {\lambda _2}{{\cal L}_{ENet}},
\end{equation}
where ${\lambda _2}$ is the weighting factor that balances the loss terms.

\section{Experiment}
We implement our SDTS framework on TensorFlow platform \cite{TF}. All the experiments are conducted on a PC with Intel Xeon E5 CPU and NVidia GeForce GTX 1080Ti GPU. We conduct all experiments on the same dataset to make a fair comparison between various methods, and all compared methods are retrained over the training dataset according to authors' recommended parameters.

\noindent {\bf{Data Preparation}}
The training and test sequences  in the experiment are compressed in the common test conditions (CTCs) \cite{CTCvvc} by  VVC reference software, VTM3.0, under Low-Delay P (LD) configuration. We specify the Quantization Parameters (QPs) to 32 and 37, respectively. When training the SDTS models, in each video clip, we randomly select the raw frame, its corresponding decoded target frame and the adjacent frames to form the training pairs.

\noindent {\bf{Model Training}}
All the proposed models are trained following the same protocol and share similar hyper-parameters. Filter sizes are set to 3$\times$3, and all non-linearities are rectified linear units except for the output layer, which uses a linear activation.
During training, we use a mini-batch size of 8. To minimize the loss functions of (\ref{totalloss}), ${\lambda _2}$ is empirically set to 0.01, we employ Adam optimizer \cite{Adam} with a start learning rate of 1e-4, decay the learning rate with a power of 10 at the $10^{th}$ epochs, and terminate training at 30 epochs. To save training time, we first train the model at QP 37 from scratch, and the model at QP 32 is fine-tuned from it.

In VVC, the distance between two HQFs that encoded under the LD configuration is normally less than five frames, such a short distance indicates that there exist high correlations among adjacent frames.  As mentioned earlier, the LQFs may be enhanced using the adjacent HQFs. In addition, since the quality fluctuations across compressed video frames under LD configuration, it is difficult to enhance all video frames by utilizing a single model.
In this work, we train a separate model for LQFs and HQFs, respectively, to enhance the quality of VVC compressed video.
Both the trained models for the quality enhancement of LQFs and HQFs  are proposed by taking advantage of the nearest adjacent HQFs of the corresponding target frame.

\renewcommand{\arraystretch}{2.2}
\begin{table}[t]
\centering
\fontsize{5.5}{6.5}\selectfont
\caption{Comparisons of different methods on $\Delta$PSNR (dB) over VTM3.0 baseline at QPs 37 and 32}
\label{tab:table1}
\centering
\begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|c|c|c|c|c|}
\cline{1-8}
\multicolumn{1}{|c|}{\multirow{1}{*}{{\bf QP}}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{\multirow{1}{*}{{\bf Class}}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{\multirow{1}{*}{{\bf Seq.}}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{\makecell{\bf VRCNN\\ \cite{Dai14} }}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{\makecell{\bf DCAD\\ \cite{Wang15_17Chao}}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{\makecell{\bf MFQE\\ \cite{Yang16} }}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{\makecell{\bf SDTS \\ (SF)}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{\makecell{\bf SDTS\\ (MC)}}\\
\cline{1-8}
\multicolumn{1}{|c|}{\multirow{16}{*}{{\bf 37}}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{\multirow{5}{*}{{\bf B}}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{Kimono1}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.0656}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.0743}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1609}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1793}%
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2687}\\
\cline{3-8}
&\multicolumn{1}{c| }{\multirow{1}{*}{}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{ParkScene}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1013}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1285}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2404}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2485}%
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.3664}\\
\cline{3-8}
&\multicolumn{1}{c| }{\multirow{1}{*}{}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{Cactus}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.0832}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.0746}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1548}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2232}%
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2799}\\
\cline{3-8}
&\multicolumn{1}{c| }{\multirow{1}{*}{}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{BasketballDrive}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.0452}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.0711}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{-0.0421}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{-0.0571}%
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{-0.0376}\\
\cline{3-8}
&\multicolumn{1}{c| }{\multirow{1}{*}{}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{BQTerrace}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1249}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1932}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1953}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2375}%
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2882}\\
\cline{2-8}
&\multicolumn{1}{c| }{\multirow{4}{*}{{\bf C}}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{RaceHorsesC}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.0671}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.0691}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.0583}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.0738}%
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1412}\\
\cline{3-8}
&\multicolumn{1}{c| }{\multirow{1}{*}{}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{BQMall}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1029}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1232}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2155}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.3396}%
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.3835}\\
\cline{3-8}
&\multicolumn{1}{c| }{\multirow{1}{*}{}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{PartyScene}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.0634}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.0582}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1206}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2600}%
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.3044}\\
\cline{3-8}
&\multicolumn{1}{c| }{\multirow{1}{*}{}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{BasketballDrill}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.0704}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1006}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1056}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1705}%
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1984}\\
\cline{2-8}
&\multicolumn{1}{c| }{\multirow{4}{*}{{\bf D}}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{RaceHorses}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1407}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1763}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2192}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2071}%
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.3567}\\
\cline{3-8}
&\multicolumn{1}{c| }{\multirow{1}{*}{}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{BQSquare}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1893}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1947}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1895}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.4081}%
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.4460}\\
\cline{3-8}
&\multicolumn{1}{c| }{\multirow{1}{*}{}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{BlowingBubbles}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.0833}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1206
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2371}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.3031}%
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.3754}\\
\cline{3-8}
&\multicolumn{1}{c| }{\multirow{1}{*}{}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{BasketballPass}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1251}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1455}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.3027}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.3866}%
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.4882}\\
\cline{2-8}
&\multicolumn{1}{c| }{\multirow{3}{*}{{\bf E}}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{FourPeople}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2185}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2232}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2997}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.4593}%
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.4761}\\
\cline{3-8}
&\multicolumn{1}{c| }{\multirow{1}{*}{}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{Johnny}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2029}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2105}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2906}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.3957}%
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.4256}\\
\cline{3-8}
&\multicolumn{1}{c| }{\multirow{1}{*}{}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{KristenAndSara}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.1943}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2013}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.2934}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.4272}%
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{0.4577}\\
\cline{2-8
&\multicolumn{2}{c| }{\multirow{1}{*}{{\bf{Average}}}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{\bf 0.1174}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{\bf 0.1353}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{\bf 0.1939}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{{\bf{0.2664}}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{{{\bf{0.3262}}}}\\
\cline{1-8}
\multicolumn{8}{c}{~}\\[-8pt]
\cline{1-8}
\multicolumn{1}{|c| }{\multirow{1}{*}{{\bf{32}}}}
&\multicolumn{2}{c|}{\bf Average}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{\bf 0.1004}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{\bf 0.1251}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{\bf 0.1974}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{{\bf{0.2703}}}
&\multicolumn{1}{c|}{{{\bf{0.2871}}}}\\
\cline{1-8}
\end{tabular}
\end{table}

\subsection{Quantitative Evaluation}
To verify the performance of the proposed SDTS-based method, we evaluate the performance of our SDTS method in terms of $\Delta$PSNR, which measures the PSNR difference between the enhanced and the original compressed frame. We compare our SDTS-based method with some state-of-the-art algorithms, that is, VRCNN \cite{Dai14}, DCAD \cite{Wang15_17Chao} and MFQE \cite{Yang16}. Particularly, VRCNN and DCAD are single-frame based methods, while MFQE is a multi-frame based video quality enhancement method.
In addition, in order to verify the effect of MC module in the temporal  fusion subnet, we also retrained a model that disables the MC module as a comparison. The temporal fusion component of the comparison model is only  implemented by slow fusion, and the corresponding retrained model is denoted as SDTS$\_$SF. The trained model with MC module is denoted SDTS$\_$MC.

Table \ref{tab:table1} presents the $\Delta$PSNR results of each test sequence at QPs 37 and 32. It can be seen from Table \ref{tab:table1} that our SDTS method outperforms (on average) the other methods. Specifically, the highest $\Delta$PSNR of our SDTS reaches 0.4882dB for MC mode at QP 37, the averaged $\Delta$PSNR gains of our SDTS method is 0.3262dB and 0.2664dB for MC and SF modes, respectively, which are much higher than that of MFQE method (0.1939dB), the state-of-the-art method.
 Besides, when compared with VRCNN and DCAD methods, the SDTS method can even achieve a much higher PSNR gain.
As shown in Table 1, this result has a similar trend at QP 32.
Based on these results, we can conclude that the spatial prior information and multi-frame temporal information play important roles in the quality enhancement for VVC compressed videos.

\vspace{-0.3em}
\subsection{Quality Fluctuation
We also compare the quality fluctuation of compressed video between various methods. As shown in Fig. 4, we provide the quantified $\Delta$PSNR results for 15 consecutive frames of the test video ``BlowingBubbles".
Although we only present the results of this test sequence in Fig. 4, we find that all other test sequences have similar results.
From Fig. 4, one can see that the $\Delta$PSNR curve of our SDTS method is always over the $\Delta$PSNR curves of comparison methods, which indicates that our method can reach a higher $\Delta$PSNR gain for each single frame than the comparison methods. Therefore, our proposed SDTS method is effective to mitigate the quality fluctuation of VVC compressed video, as well as enhancing the quality of  compressed video.

\begin{figure}[t]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=85mm] {fluctuat.pdf
\caption{Quality fluctuation of ``BlowingBubbles" at QP 37.}
\vspace{-0.3em}
\end{figure}

\vspace{-.2em}
\section{Conclusions}
We proposes a novel CNN-based method to enhance the VVC compressed videos by jointly exploiting spatial details and temporal structure. Our proposed method, i.e. the SDTS-based network, consists of a temporal information fusion subnet and a spatial detail enhancement subnet. The former subnet is utilized to estimate and compensate the temporal motion across frames, and the latter one is employed to enhance the reconstruction quality of the VVC compressed video. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed SDTS-based method achieves the state-of-the-art performance.

\vspace{1.5em}
\noindent
\textbf{Acknowledgement}
This work was partially supported by the Applied Basic Research Program of Sichuan Province under Grant 2019YJ0163, by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant 61672134, 61701310, by the Free Exploration Grant for Basic Research of Shenzhen City JCYJ20180305124209486, and by the Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities of China under Grant ZYGX2016J038.
\bibliographystyle{IEEEbib}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


Each year, The Guelph Lecture - On Being Canadian adds a new voice to the ongoing conversation of what it means to be Canadian. This year, Louise Fréchette will be the guest speaker.
Madame Fréchette served as the first Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, a postition she held for eight years at the culmination of a distinguished career as a Canadian diplomat and public servant. She currently serves as a Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation in Waterloo. She has been named one of the hundred most influential women in the world by Forbes Magazine.
Brian Stewart is one of Canada's most experienced foreign correspondents and most respected foreign affairs analysts. He is senior correspondent for The National, and host of Our World.
This year's pre-show musical component features Ndidi Onukwulu with Madagascar Slim and their band. In 2006, Onukwulu released No I Never, an album heavily steeped in the themes and moods of traditional blues songs. Pre-show live music will begin at 6:30 pm.


Want To Living In Hillside House? Be Inspired By Design Of Cole Valley Residence.
This ocean front penthouse was Designed by Pfuner Interiors. The Sunny Isles Beach high rise is two stories and 5,600 square feet of luxurious living space.
Cool Modern Home Picture. Simple And Elegant.


Greetings - do you still have this for sale?
Greetings! Do you still have this Ronald Colman Readings from the Bible for sale?
did you ever sell this or do you still have it?
Musical Heritage Society Record Collection 34 LPs Single, Double, and Box Sets.
Dang! Sorry I missed this fabulous auction!
Dear Sir, It's possible to get some Speak-o-phone from somebody, please? In eBay there aren't anyone! Many thanks.
Hola Mega_Latin_Records, estoy interesado en el disco LOS PIRATAS DEL MAGDALENA /LURUACO // GARZON Y COLLAZO / EL CAMARON de 78 rpm, que tiene un precio de 6.99 USD, pero veo que ya no esta listado para compra. ¿como podría adquirirlo? Soy julirod julirod2005@yahoo.com muchas gracias.
Hello! Do you still have this LP to sell? If so, do you ship to Brazil? Thanks. Mariana.
Quiero comprar esto ahora como le hago??????
I have a 78 with a picture sleeve of this record but I can't find any information on it. Does anyone know anything about the 78 RPM version?
Hi is this still avalible ?
Presha- Gimmie Mines 1999 *VERY RARE* 12"
Is this item -- "Georgia Pines" by The James Gang (Ascot 2196) -- still available?
Does anybody still have this 45 RPM record? I have been looking for this song by Freddy Fender for a long time.
Rare Banksy record. Keep it real/ laugh now. Limited edition gold. No 432.
What website can I buy with you? Is he in perfect condition?
Hi. I want buy. You have?
Still have this vinyl ??
Como puedo comprar este lp?
Joe Claussell Womack & Womack My Dear (The Letter) Remix 12" SIngle RARE!
Did anyone buy this from you? I would totally buy this!!
Looking to buy this. Please contact me.
Looking to buy. Please contact me.
I have one of these albums!
Todavía está en venta ?
Exotica Rock Palatons SCAVENGER #7961 "Jungle Guitar"/"Love Angel" Las Vegas NV.
Hello, Can someone tell me where to purchase this record?
hi there..i won this from u on ebay item number	132327978113. For reasons I don't wanna discuss here, I can't do this transaction through the Paypal. Can we work it out so that I can pay u directly? Contact me please if u would...masai27@icloud.com. Thanks in advance.
ECO LOS SONIDOS DE LA CUMBIA"LA LEY PODEROSA"PLAYAS DE MI TIERRA"JOSE DOLORES"
Everett and Ardith are my grandparents, have you sold this?
I've been looking for this LP. Please let me know if you have a copy or if it was not sold. Thanks!!


text:
Alfred Christian Ludvig Jensen (antog ca. 1880 navnet Alfred Råvad, i USA Roewade) (10. juli 1848 i Rådvad – 3. april 1933 i København) var en dansk arkitekt og byplanlægger.

Alfred Råvad var søn af murermester Jens Christian Jensen og Andrea Louise Martens. Han blev udlært billedskærer hos Th. Almind, tegnede hos stukkatør Chr. Berg og kom i lære hos faderen. Han gik dernæst på Teknisk Skole og blev optaget som medlem af Akademisk Arkitektforening 1914. han var ansat som medhjælp hos arkitekt Leth og hos J.A. Stillmann. Han havde egen tegnestue i København 1876-1890 og 1915-1933, rejste i den mellemliggende periode til Chicago, hvor han arbejdede 1890-1914 og var bygningsinspektør for Chicago and Northwestern Railway 1900-1904. Han havde Byplanstuen sammen med Sven Risom 1924. Derudover var han sekretær for Den frivillige Selvbeskatning til Forsvarets Fremme 1884-90 og formand for den antisemitiske Foreningen til Fremmedelementers Begrænsning 1917-22 (senere Dansker-Ligaen). Ud over opholdet i USA var han i Tyskland 1873 og Belgien og Frankrig 1875. Han udstillede i Rådhushallen, København 1909.

Alfred Råvad begyndte sin karriere som typisk historicistisk arkitekt, men hans interesser var ikke begrænsede til dette. Han var bredt interesseret i politik og byplanlægning, og han var en af de første, der præsenterede funktionen som arkitekturens væsentligste ærinde. Hans mangeårige ophold i Chicago, hvor han bl.a. lavede udviklingsplaner, lærte ham de nyeste tendenser inden for sit fag. Han var en fremsynet skikkelse, men også en fantast, der var for ufokuseret til at skabe et livsværk. Med Borgmesterbogen (1929) efterlod han et stort anlagt værk, der var et inciterende indlæg i datidens debat uden sidestykke, oprindeligt skabt som tillæg til Arkitekten. Heri introducerer Råvad bl.a. den idé om en fingerplan for hovedstadens udbygning, som Egnsplankontoret (Teknisk kontor for udvalget til planlægning af Københavnsegnen) i 1947 tog æren for.

Råvad havde en stor, samlende helhedsplan for København, som ud over Fingerplanen også inkluderede en lang række andre, separate projektforslag, ikke mindst udgravning af Øresundsrenden med formålet at tiltrække skibstransport med bestandigt voksende skibstonnage. Tidens politiske kræfter var dog ikke fremsynede nok til at tro på denne udvikling, og da Kielerkanalen hævede sine broer til over 40 meter, mistede Frihavnen en stor del af verdens omskibning af godstransport til Tyskland.

Råvad blev gift 1. gang 17. november 1876 i København med Laurine Annette Hastrup (15. marts 1851 på Frederiksberg – 1910 i Chicago), datter af fyrbøder, senere overfyrbøder Anton Hastrup og Ingeborg Juliane Larsen. 2. gang ægtede han 14. december 1929 i Søborg Gerda Christine Louise Jensen (11. maj 1902 i København – 20. februar 1982), datter af maskinarbejder, senere smed Anthon Ferdinand Adolf Jensen og Gyde Marie Petersen. Råvad er begravet på Bispebjerg Kirkegård.

Værker

(Sammen med Aug. Johansen)
 Martinskolen, Frederiksberg (1877)
 Svanholmvej 8-10, Frederiksberg (1877-78)
 Søndermarkshuset, Kammasvej 2, Valby (1878, skal nedrives jf. lokalplan for Carlsberg)
 Nørrebrogade 88, Nørrebro (1878-79)
 Smallegade 29B/Frederiksberg Bredegade 19-21, Frederiksberg (1879, nedrevet)
 Emdrupborg Højskole (ca. 1880, nedrevet)
 Handskemagerforeningens Stiftelse, H.C. Ørsteds Vej 60-62, Frederiksberg (1880, vinduer ændret)
 Møllegade 15-19, Nørrebro (1880)
 Gammel Kongevej 29 B, Frederiksberg (1882, ændret 1908 af Heinrich Hansen ifm. Det Ny Teaters opførelse)
 Vodroffsvej 46, Frederiksberg (1882-84)
 Villakvarter, Valbygårdsvej, Valby (1882-84)
Alene:
 Ejendommen Rørholm, Øster Søgade 32, København (1882-84)
 Ålholmvej 46, Valby (1930, eget hus)
Projekter:
 Byvåben for Chicago (1892, 1. præmie)
 Plan for Københavns bebyggelse (konkurrence 1908-09, præmieret)
 Ny Strandvej ved København (1923)
 Nationalmuseets placering i forbindelse med ny Strandvej ved København (1926)
Skriftlige arbejder:
 Kunst og Kunstakademiet, et Par Ord til Overvejelse for Kunstnere og Kunstvenner, 1883. (Under pseudonymet Anterides)
 Et større Danmark, 1915.
 De danske Rigslande, Nationalt Program for et større Danmark, 1916.
 Storby og Købestævne, 1925.
 Vor Muldtid og Deltadannelsen, 1926.
 Borgmesterbogen. En Bog om dansk Byplanlægning, 1929.
 Desuden pjecer og artikler i dag- og fagblade, bl.a. Tidsskrift for Kunstindustri og Architekten.

Kilder og litteratur
 Hans Helge Madsen, Chicago – København. Alfred Råvads Univers, København: Gyldendal 1990.
 Jørgen Hegner Christiansen, "Alfred Råvad", i: Sys Hartmann (red.), Weilbachs Kunstnerleksikon, København: Rosinante 1994-2000.
 Alfred Råvad, "Borgmesterbogen, En bog om dansk byplanlægning, for embedsmænd under stat og by, folkerepræsentanter, ingeniører og architekter samt skatteydende borgere, (gående, ridende og kørende, sejlende og flyvende)" 1929, Architekten
 Richard Swett w. Colleen Thornton, "Leadership by design. Creating an architecture of trust". Greenway Group 2005.

Eksterne henvisninger

Arkitekter fra Danmark
Danskere i 1800-tallet
Danskere i 1900-tallet
Debattører fra Danmark
Faglitterære forfattere fra Danmark
Byplanlæggere fra Danmark
Historicistiske arkitekter
Dansksprogede forfattere fra Danmark
Billedskærere fra Danmark
Personer i Kraks Blå Bog (afdøde)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Tag Archives: Hugh Jackman
Posted on April 25, 2017 by Daniel Prinn
Released: March 3, 2017. Directed by: James Mangold. Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen. Runtime: 2h 21 min.
In 2016, Deadpool really started to push the limits of the superhero subgenre, but with Logan, director James Mangold takes the envelope, slashes it apart and creates something that reinvents the idea of what a superhero film can be.
I love it when superhero films offer something different than we're used to seeing. Mangold does just that with Logan, as he takes a beloved character and creates something so different and original.
The year's 2029 and Logan (Hugh Jackman) is working as a limo driver and is taking care of Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) on a border town in Mexico. Logan's aging and weary and is trying to hide from the world. His existence is upturned when young mutant Laura (Dafne Keen) arrives and is being pursued by mysterious forces.
Logan feels different because it's so grounded in realism, and a limited use of CGI helps with that. The world created is fascinating: Everyone's heard of the X-Men because they're written about in comic books, and some characters are even Wolverine fans. The world feels real and it looks great. Its setting gives it a Western movie feel and its cinematography complements the story's raw mood.
The atmosphere and style truly capture the story, and even the score feels like it becomes a character. The story is character-driven, and you feel everything these characters are going through, which makes it so human. It sends you on a roller coaster of emotions and it makes the experience gritty and unique.
Logan's also raw because our heroes are so vulnerable. Logan has a vulnerability in his older age as he's past his former glory and isn't as invincible as he used to be. Even the villainous Pierce (Boyd Holbrook) notes, "Seeing you like this breaks my heart."
It's more heartbreaking seeing Charles Xavier in his state. I don't want to spoil it but I'll say his condition creates some compelling sequences. It's enlightening seeing Charles in old age, to know that even the greatest mutants grow old, and Patrick Stewart delivers a striking and vulnerable performance.
His relationship with Logan features the usual tough-love and fatherly vibe, and Charles' guidance creates great dialogue. Their chemistry's endearing and their banter finds new life with an R-rating, because it's so damn funny. Logan's become self-loathing, and our anti-hero finds purpose with Laura. Logan's relationship with Laura is great; their chemistry is entertaining to watch as it evolves. Their dynamic is cool where they eventually have to talk, and it's not cliché banter. Laura is largely mute for the film and emotes distrust well and has a heartwarming curiosity.
Dafne Keen is charming and fiery as Laura, and it is such a good debut. Keen captures the character's rage so well with a convincing ferocity. She's great in action, and handles drama even better.
Hugh Jackman in his last hurrah as Wolverine in Logan. (Source)
Hugh Jackman effectively portrays Logan's depression. The R-rating allows writers to explore adult themes like this as it reaches a level of sophistication rarely seen in a comic book film. In other X-Men films Logan does feel haunted, but with the mature storytelling, you truly feel and get a sense of how haunted he is at this point in his life.
Jackman is so great physically and moving emotionally. He's so visceral in rage, and even though the character's older now, he's badass and still strong enough to break a shotgun over his knee. His last outing as Wolverine is easily his most remarkable.
Back to the writing. I can't give enough kudos to writing team James Mangold, Scott Frank and Michael Green, who take X-Men storylines (namely "Old Man Logan") and mix them into such an original story. They take time telling it, and there are intimate moments and poignant drama throughout.
A scene has our trio eating dinner with a family they've met and it's funny and has great banter. The film has a great capability to slow down and show charming, human scenes like this that develop characters. It shows patience in storytelling, and it shows a comic book movie doesn't need relentless, non-stop action to be supremely entertaining. The bursts of action are still amazingly directed. They're bloody and brutal, and just a hell of a lot of fun.
With Logan, I'll only complain about its villains. Boyd Holbrook is menacing, yet destructible, and has presence as Pierce, but there's something to be desired since we don't know who he works for as they make it mysterious in the beginning. Instead of feeling mysterious, it's often confusing and frustrating. When we find out who they are and what they're doing, it's great and interesting, because it strengthens the story.
This gears up to a great finale that is well worth the wait for action junkies. It's bloody and thrilling. It's a bittersweet end to an era since Jackman's been Wolverine for 17 years. As the credit rolls, a chapter of film history rolls with it. Logan is the best of the Wolverine trilogy and it's just the fitting send-off that Hugh Jackman deserves.
Posted in 2017, Reviews # - M	| Tagged 2017, action, Boyd Holbrook, Comic book, Dafne Keen, Deadpool, Drama, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Hugh Jackman, James Mangold, Logan, Michael Green, Movie Review, Movies, Old Man Logan, Patrick Stewart, Sci-fi, Science Fiction, Scott Frank, Stephen Merchant, Superhero, The Wolverine, thriller, Wolverine	| 4 Replies
Eddie the Eagle (2016)
Posted on March 1, 2016 by Daniel Prinn
Released: February 26, 2016. Directed by: Dexter Fletcher. Starring: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Jo Hartley. Runtime: 1hr 46 min.
Inspired by the life story of Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards, the only slightly fact-based Eddie the Eagle is a touching story about chasing a dream.
What makes this so inspiring is that Eddie was never the most natural athlete. He's shown with a brace on his knee from a young age, but he would have these passions for different sports where he just wanted to go to the Olympics.
This seemed to be after he read a book, Moments of Glory, about notable moments at the Olympic Games – and he wanted one of those moments for his own.
After Eddie, portrayed by Taron Egerton, isn't able to go along with the alpine skiing team because he just isn't "Olympic material," he has to forge his own way to the 1988 Winter Olympic Games by becoming his own ski jumping team.
We see Eddie's journey there alongside his very hesitant coach, Bronson Peary, portrayed by Hugh Jackman.
Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman in Eddie the Eagle. (Source)
The characters at hand are definitely the beating heart of the feature – where in a sports movie like this, if the main character isn't great – nothing about it works. It's not the case with Eddie Edwards, as he's really just an inspiration.
He's just the poster boy for trying the best someone can do and just never underestimating themselves. He's also truly a role model for any kid on the playground who was always picked last. He's just inspiring for those who aren't natural athletes – and basically, everyone.
The reel counterpart of Edwards is Taron Egerton who was great in Kingsman: The Secret Service. He's excellent here, too, even if he's much less cooler than a spy. The way he looks adversity in the face and bounces back as Eddie is marvelous.
He truly sells the optimism and tenacity of the character. Also notable is Hugh Jackman as the drunken coach. He, as well as Egerton, brought a ton of humour to the film and their banter was delightful.
The characters surrounding Eddie very much get the Hollywood treatment. There's an unprecedented amount of cruelty from even those close to Eddie – where his sweet mother (Jo Hartley) seems to be the only person to believe in him throughout the film.
Taron Egerton as Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards in Eddie the Eagle. (Source)
The British Olympic Association were depicted as especially cruel – where they tried their hardest to not allow him to compete in the Games. They seemed afraid because he's not exactly the face that sponsors might want to invest in. The Committee think he doesn't have any of the qualities of an Olympian – even though he sure as Hell has more heart.
The cruelty from basically everyone just feels a bit over-the-top in its lack of realism, but it just seems tailored to make us angry that they're undermining him and make the audience root harder for Eddie.
It's manipulative in a way – but it works. The cruelty probably did get so Hollywood because only about 10 to 15 per cent of this is factual, suggested Edwards himself in an interview with BBC.
The film still tells a rousing tale all the same, and it appears to keep the absolute heart of the man and his spirit and love for the sport intact. It only adheres to sports movie formulas on the road to the Olympics – and going against it since Eddie wants to participate and isn't a natural athlete.
He's like the Rudy Ruettiger of ski jumping – he just wants to show how much heart he has and have his moment to shine. It's a feel-good, lighthearted underdog story and I found myself smiling throughout.
Posted in 2016 films, Reviews # - M	| Tagged 2016, 2016 films, Biography, Calgary Olympics 1988, Christopher Walken, comedy, Drama, Eddie Edwards, Eddie the Eagle, Germany, Hugh Jackman, Jim Broadbent, Jo Hartley, Keith Allen, Kingsman: The Secret Service, Movie Review, Olympics, Rudy, Ski jumping, Taron Egerton, United Kingdom, USA, Winter Olympic Games	| Leave a reply
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Released: May 23, 2014. Directed by: Bryan Singer. Starring: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender. Runtime: 133 min.
X-Men of the old age and the new age team up in the franchise's most outstanding and most ambitious film to date. I am ecstatic to report that this film doesn't disappoint. Simon Kinberg writes the characters into such a sound and absorbing atmosphere that is honestly impossible to resist. He writes the screenplay so well with some phenomenal pacing that never let's your attention span waver. The story follows Wolverine (Hugh Jackman in a strong outing) as he goes back in time to prevent an occurrence that will create a weapon that could wipe out mutants and humans alike.
What is perhaps most impressive about Kinberg's screenplay that he is able to pace the film so well, that it never let's your attention waver. He is also able to make up for past mistakes. For a time travel film, the plot is easy to follow – and mildly simplistic. That is not to say that it's nothing short of brilliant, however. This is a true treat for comic book fans and the casual movie-goer because it balances vibrant and intelligent entertainment with great storytelling. It's fascinating to see James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart give different takes on the character of Charles Xavier in the same film.
It's such a treat to see Charles Xavier at a time where he didn't quite know where he was a person. It's great to see Logan and future Charles guide him, in scenes that are so well-written. The humour hits on every mark, even in dazzling action sequences. There's a scene-stealer found in Evan Peters' Quiksilver, who I think might be worth the price of admission alone. Back to James McAvoy: He gives such an interesting and vulnerable performance as Charles Xavier. It reminds us that, as a character, even the most intelligent people can lose their way. I think it adds such a great layer to the character of Charles. It's also interesting that Charles chooses his legs over his powers. Nicholas Hoult portrays Hank McCoy/Beast, and I thought the creature design for him is stronger than in First Class.
Also great is Michael Fassbender as Magneto as a young man. Even when Charles and Magneto are on the same side, Erik is like the mischievous Loki of the X-Men universe. Fassbender is still charming as the character. Jennifer Lawrence brings it as the younger Mystique. She is confident as a character who has also lost their way after parting from Charles, a person in her life who has always tried to guide her. That aspect also gives Charles an appealing layer. Mystique is so interesting this time around, and I am so glad to see the character in the spotlight in these youngster X-Men movies. I always thought her characterization was mildly weak in the original trilogy, and I just feel honoured getting to see her grow as a phenomenal villain that feels extremely easy to relate with. She also looks so much better with shorter hair. The diverse Lawrence is the right actress to tackle the role.
It's fantastic to see the X-Men franchise back in its right form. Bryan Singer is the man to do that because of his touch in the original franchise. He brings his style to the original characters, and with the help of Matthew Vaughn's wit, Singer is able to keep the great style that made X-Men: First Class so damn great. It's also really fun seeing these superhero flicks drop the F-bomb each time. I don't think this feels completely like a super hero film. It feels like a great action film boasting on-point storytelling that audiences everywhere can enjoy. It's a great feeling. One reason why the X-Men universe is my favourite amongst comic book movies, is because of its compelling character work.
There's not one boring character. The villain in this film is mastermind is Doctor Boliver Trask, a mastermind trying to get a weapon project called Centinnels to protect against mutants. He is portrayed by Peter Dinklage, a small man with a booming presence. He plays a smart and effective villain. There's also never a boring action sequence. By the way, this film features some of the most memorable action sequences put onto screen this year. The opening scene is just crazy good. It's delightful seeing all of these original characters take the screen again, too. It follows that with a bunch of nifty action sequences that boast phenomenal direction by Singer.
I cannot wait to see this near-perfect film again. It might leave you with a few questions, but I can't take any marks off for that. It's a time-travel film, and sometimes that gets confusing, but I think it handles its concepts with brilliance. The third act only gives you the most questions, but I think they'll be answered in later films. There's just one thing that I had to question during the third act: Was there a major league baseball stadium in Washington in 1973? (I learn the team moved to Texas in 1971, so the stadium wasn't being used for baseball.)
I guess the facts aren't important, because how the stadium plays into the story is just outstanding. My questioning of that factual error is just me being a logic monster. I was also disappointed by the fact we don't get to see any more action from Banshee or Azazel from First Class. At least it makes up for it with a lot of great new mutants. The film is visually dazzling and just all-around enjoyable. See it, and see it often. This is the film that demands the most views out of the franchise thus far, for its entertainment value, emotional connectivity, and sheer brilliance.
Posted in Uncategorized	| Tagged 2014, Bryan Singer, Evan Peters, Game of Thrones, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, Matthew Vaughn, Michael Fassbender, Movie Review, Nicholas Hoult, Patrick Stewart, Peter Dinklage, Shawn Ashmore, Simon Kinberg, Thor, X-Men, X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: First Class	| 3 Replies
Posted on June 25, 2014 by Daniel Prinn
Released: July 26, 2013. Directed by: James Mangold. Starring: Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Tao Okamoto. Runtime: 126 min.
The Wolverine has a stronger story than Wolverine's first solo outing in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, but still not a fully compelling one. It just doesn't seem like a fun film can be made for the most popular character of the X-Men. A problem of this film is that it really doesn't feel like an X-Men film until it really gets into the story – the story and the Japan location gives it such a different atmosphere than the other films. It opens with Logan having a dream of saving a man from the World War II bombing in Nagasaki. Then, he's sort-of just a woodsman living his life out in a cave in Canada. He's still really shaken up about what he had to do Jean in X-Men: The Last Stand. The person whose life Logan saved all those years ago, a man named Yashida, requests Logan's company to thank him for saving his life and he also wants to give him a gift. Once there, he is embroiled in a conflict involving Japanese mafia, and must confront his own demons.
Logan is given an extra layer of vulnerability, which is a sometimes nice aspect for other characters – but for such a badass character, he's just boring with this layer. I think this is a more realistic and grittier attempt than the first Wolverine. At times this feels more like a swordfighting/kung-fu movie with mutants than a true X-Men film. It surely keeps the X-Men franchise on a decent path to keep the general narrative going for the franchise, but sometimes there's so little going on that this just gets boring. A solid finale and a dazzling bullet train sequence caught my attention, but that was about it. An archer brings some fun to the film, as Mangold directs some nifty set pieces with (and without) the archer. The villain of the film, a woman whose poisonous power of a viper snake reminded me of Poison Ivy. Overall, this is an okay film with prominent themes of greed and it features a strong score. The action's just a bit too spaced out to be anything truly compelling.
The performances are all pretty okay. I liked Janssen's brief performance as Jean. Yukio (a well-cast Rila Fukoshima) is a cool character, as she has the power to see how people will die. I think it's a poignant characterization, since she'll see how all of her loved ones will die. I liked Jackman's chemistry with Tao Okamoto as Mariko, Yashida's granddaughter. The films have some decent aspects, as this surely has stronger visuals than the first Wolverine.
Posted in Uncategorized	| Tagged 2013, action, Famke Janssen, Hugh Jackman, James Mangold, Rila Fukoshima, Sci-fi, Tao Okamoto, The Wolverine, X-Men, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, X-Men: The Last Stand	| 5 Replies
Released: May 1, 2009. Directed by: Gavin Hood. Starring: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston. Runtime: 107 min.
While a seasoned fan of the X-Men franchise will surely be disappointed by this film, I'm think a casual fan could be entertained. This is a popcorn flick more concerned with just giving its audience a mildly entertaining 107 minutes. Obviously, this is a prequel that follows the origins story of Wolverine, and while future Wolverine won't know the answers to his past, at least we as audience members get answers. That's one of the reasons that this film is partly a delight. Though, his transformation scene to be inserted with an adamantium exoskeleton feels nowhere near as raw as it did previewed in X2.
By the way, Logan had a much less cool set of bone claws before he got his awesome ones. I'm not being picky because if I had a set of any sort-of claws, I'd be pleased. There's a cool scene where we learn why Wolverine is called that. His relationship with Kayla Silverfox (portrayed by a great newcomer Lynn Collins) is nice, as they share a great chemistry. We learn that Wolverine was born roughly around 1838 in the Northwest Territories of Canada. That's pretty awesome, isn't it? We also see him go through a bunch of wars in a decently directed sequence by Gavin Hood.
Logan's brother is a guy named Victor Creed (played leeringly by Liev Schreiber), who's Sabretooth. He has the fingernails of a bag lady. But, since Creed is obviously Sabretooth, it really doesn't explain why he didn't recognize Wolverine in the original X-Men. Hey, what can I say, I'm a fan of logic. Victor obviously has rage issues and is trigger happy, and is uninspiredly cruel. It gets explained later in the film, but his rampage of violence against his old team is just a bit strange at first to base a story around. Victor's readiness for violence makes this feel all a little clichéd.
The timeline of the film isn't that enjoyable because you can never really tell where it's set without doing research, since Logan doesn't age. I assume the film is set in the late 1970s or early 1980s because I learn that the last war in the montage was the Vietnam war. But does that really make sense when Stryker looks like 25 in another movie in the franchise? My point: The film is awful at establishing a strong time period.
I like the mutants that are on the team that Logan was on. One cool one is Bradley (Dominic Monaghan), who is a telekinetic. He has a really cool scene at a carnival. Will.i.am is also good as a teleporter. Stryker gets a cool characterization, and we can see that he's always been a dick. Though, Cox is an infinitely better Stryker than Danny Huston. There are some awesome action sequences (notably Logan fighting a helicopter), but there are also a lot of silly comedic attempts, and just silly occurrences in general. Take for instance: An idiotic fight that's started by a trucker who wouldn't get off the road to let Logan pass. Logan confronts him about it, and in a very short dialogue exchange, the guy takes a swing at him even though Logan asks nicely. It's ridiculous. There are some strong attempts at comedy, though, which hit. This is only sporadic.
The characters are boring. Especially Victor, who's just a boring psychopath. You have to question why he uninspiredly hates his brother so much, just for walking out on the mercenary group. When Logan and him meet again, they fight – and you know it's a brawl in Canada when there are a whole bunch of logs nearby. Logan has an idiotic tension with Agent Zero, shown when Zero shoots Logan's cigar in a hideous and artificial visual. I learn that there was an early copy of the film leaked online, and I'm almost convinced I watched that copy – because the visuals are absolutely hideous at times. They look partly unfinished and unconvincing. Since I am not sure if I watched the good visuals of the film, I won't take marks off for that. Well, as many marks. Because, crap, the film looks so ugly at times. The poor visuals make this look like a crappy video game. The lackluster storytelling doesn't help, either. Nor does the god-awful editing, the quick edits just suck. At times, this isn't fun to watch because of it. Kevin Durand's character is hideous when he's a CGI-assisted fatty.
It's not that great when Agent Zero's powers are never explained, because he just seems like an assassin who's good with a gun and has impossibly cool acrobatic ability. I mean, how could one gain so much momentum to do a twenty foot backflip just catching guns? The film's worst misfortune is featuring Gambit, an awesome mutant who deserves so much better than this. What's unrealistic in the direction is how many times people are stabbed, and how there's hardly any blood throughout. The occasional poignant occurrence rings true, but they're just that – occasional. This is popcorn-munching, illogical fun. Take it or leave it, really. The finale is a bit fun, but if characterization is your favourite part about the franchise, you won't get any of it this time around.
Posted in 2000s, Reviews N - Z	| Tagged 2009, Brian Cox, Danny Huston, Dominic Monaghan, Gavin Hood, Hugh Jackman, Kevin Durand, Liev Schreiber, Lynn Collins, Taylor Kitsch, X-Men, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, X2: X-Men United	| 1 Reply
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Released: May 26, 2006. Directed by: Brett Ratner. Starring: Hugh Jackman, Famke Janssen, Halle Berry. Runtime: 104 min.
I guess all mutants getting along was nice when it lasted. This time Charles Xavier's (Patrick Stewart) X-Men face off against Magneto's (Ian McKellen) Brotherhood. Stewart's limited screen time helps prove that a presence will still be felt throughout the flick. In this film, a cure is introduced for mutants everywhere. Is mutation something that really needs to be cured? Do mutants really need to conform to what everyone else looks like? Is it cowardice if they choose to take the cure? This time, it touches on the idea that some mutants might benefit from the cure. This is basically in Rogue, who might benefit from it because if she holds onto someone too long, she could kill them. I learn that she is contributes a lot more in the comic books, when she's felt sidelined to me in the films – at least in terms of battle. I think that's awesomely touched on more intelligently with Mystique's characterization in 2011's X-Men: First Class.
This film just doesn't feel as smart as the first two films. Heck, it's still fun – but there are a lot of frustrating occurrences, mainly because some are so unnecessary. Something this film is missing is Bryan Singer's direction. He just brought such an intelligent style to it, and it just feels like it's lacking. This time Brett Ratner directs the film, and it's a bit of an odd choice. Prior to this he directed the Rush Hour franchise and the Hannibal Lecter flick Red Dragon. It was a cool attempt, but it's only successful to some avail. The fighting for freedom just feels a bit too clichèd this time around under Ratner's eye.
Like the Rush Hour flicks show, his style of direction just feels a bit familiar, and not quite a memorable style you could recognize a single director for. Though, he does direct a phenomenal prison escape sequence and kudos to the cinematography department during it. The actors bring humour to the film, per usual, it just isn't as strong because the story gets dark at times. The film handles heartbreaking aspects of characterization well to some degree, just not perfectly like the last two films. It does handle being a blockbuster pretty well, though, because this is all really fun.
It's cool how Jean is a new sort-of character this time around, found in her alter-ego Phoenix, who is much more aggressive and angry than the regular Jean. Professor X wants to contain it in a series of psychological barriers, while Magneto wants to let her out of her cage. What happens with that is an intense sequence. Janssen gives her most interesting performance of the franchise thus far. In Wolverine and her relationship, Hugh Jackman brings some power to his performance.
There are some good other mutants. It seems that the Beast, a political representative for mutants, is replacing the blue good guy (Nightcrawler in the last film) this time around. I love Ben Foster as the Angel, even though I would have loved to see more from the character. Callisto (Dania Ramirez) on the villains side is a really cool villain, because she's like a walking, talking Cerebro. She can sense when mutants are near, and also know their power level. There's a sort-of porcupine blowfish villain named Kid Omega who's kind-of fun. He's portrayed by Ken Leung, and I think I subconsciously assumed he was a villain when I saw him on TV's Lost because I recognized him from this villainous role. As a villain, Pyro (Aaron Stanford) is a bit of a bland idiot. I thought he was a lot more fun as an antagonizing hero.
I think the title indicates that there might be a few losses from all ends. I think there's a minor problem when the opening simulation fighting sequence is the same amount of fun as the finale, but that might be because it's lacking a few fun characters who would be helpful. The finale should just stand out in memory more, as far as I'm concerned. Don't get me wrong, I like the finale and I like the film, but it's just disappointingly not as character-driven as the previous two films.
Posted in 2000s, Reviews N - Z	| Tagged 2006, Aaron Stanford, action, Adventure, Anna Paquin, Ben Foster, Brett Ratner, Bryan Singer, Dania Ramirez, Famke Janssen, Halle Berry, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Kelsey Grammer, Ken Leung, Patrick Stewart, Red Dragon, Rush Hour, Science Fiction, Shawn Ashmore, Superhero, thriller, TV's Lost, X-Men, X-Men: First Class, X-Men: The Last Stand	| 3 Replies
X2: X-Men United (2003)
Released: May 2, 2003. Directed by: Bryan Singer. Starring: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry. Runtime: 134 min.
Featuring one of the most impressive and compelling opening sequences of the franchise, X2: X-Men United just gets better from there. What a cool way to introduce the Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming), too. It sets up the plot well, as Nightcrawler's attempted assassination on the President gives William Stryker (Brian Cox) an excuse to infiltrate Xavier's school to detain and question mutants to get answers. The plot's smart; and it's great how Stryker holds a key to Logan's past. Cerebro, Professor Xavier's (Patrick Stewart) way to track humans, is introduced as a plot point more-so than the previous installment. This plot device is also a deadly weapon in ways.
William Stryker is an interesting villain played well by Brian Cox. I love the fact that mutants team up to beat Stryker. They set aside differences to unite, thus the title. It's an enjoyable chemistry with everyone, and I think the characterization for Jean (Famke Janssen's character) is stronger this time around. I think the relationship with Jean and Logan is great. I like James Mardsen, but some of his reactions near the end are god-awful, in a sort-of hilariously bad way. He's just a bit over-the-top at the end.
This film's visuals are impressive. The cinematography is also beautiful, especially when they're in the Canadian Rockies. There are a few AWESOME action sequences which make the film really entertaining. The action scenes that are my personal favourites are when the military folks infiltrate Xavier's school, the opening sequence, and the encounter at Bobby's house is also awesome.
I think the third act drags a bit, but it gets back on pace in the great finale. Hugh Jackman has a grounded performance at times, which is nice. I like how this film gives him the first truly raw characterization about his past. Some new mutants are awesome, especially Lady Deathstrike (Kelly Hu), a great opponent for Wolverine. (I really like some poignancy in select moments in their battle.) A mutant named Jason has always creeped me out. His powers and the illusions he can cast give the third act such a dark tone. That's an aspect of the film that I've never been able to bite onto. Still, this is a strong outing that is better than its predecessor.
Posted in 2000s, Reviews N - Z	| Tagged Alan Cumming, Brian Cox, Famke Janssen, Halle Berry, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Kelly Hu, Patrick Stewart, X-Men, X2: X-Men United	| 2 Replies


text:
package com.cqvip.zlfassist.zkbean;

import com.google.gson.annotations.Expose;
import com.google.gson.annotations.SerializedName;

public class ZkArea {

	public ZkArea() {
	}

	@Expose
	private String zkbyinfo;
	@Expose
	private String zkfwcount;
	@Expose
	private String zkfwinfo;
	@Expose
	private String areaname;
	@Expose
	private String subjects;
	@Expose
	private String arealevel;
	@Expose
	private String classtypes;
	@Expose
	private String zkbycount;
	@Expose
	private String funds;
	@Expose
	private String level;
	@SerializedName("_id")
	@Expose
	private String id;
	@Expose
	private String medias;
	@Expose
	private String areaidlevel;
	@Expose
	private String organs;
	@Expose
	private String writers;
	@Expose
	private String fwdetail;
	@Expose
	private String zkhindex;

	public String getZkbyinfo() {
		return zkbyinfo;
	}

	public void setZkbyinfo(String zkbyinfo) {
		this.zkbyinfo = zkbyinfo;
	}

	public String getZkfwcount() {
		return zkfwcount;
	}

	public void setZkfwcount(String zkfwcount) {
		this.zkfwcount = zkfwcount;
	}

	public String getZkfwinfo() {
		return zkfwinfo;
	}

	public void setZkfwinfo(String zkfwinfo) {
		this.zkfwinfo = zkfwinfo;
	}

	public String getAreaname() {
		return areaname;
	}

	public void setAreaname(String areaname) {
		this.areaname = areaname;
	}

	public String getSubjects() {
		return subjects;
	}

	public void setSubjects(String subjects) {
		this.subjects = subjects;
	}

	public String getArealevel() {
		return arealevel;
	}

	public void setArealevel(String arealevel) {
		this.arealevel = arealevel;
	}

	public String getClasstypes() {
		return classtypes;
	}

	public void setClasstypes(String classtypes) {
		this.classtypes = classtypes;
	}

	public String getZkbycount() {
		return zkbycount;
	}

	public void setZkbycount(String zkbycount) {
		this.zkbycount = zkbycount;
	}

	public String getFunds() {
		return funds;
	}

	public void setFunds(String funds) {
		this.funds = funds;
	}

	public String getLevel() {
		return level;
	}

	public void setLevel(String level) {
		this.level = level;
	}

	public String getId() {
		return id;
	}

	public void setId(String id) {
		this.id = id;
	}

	public String getMedias() {
		return medias;
	}

	public void setMedias(String medias) {
		this.medias = medias;
	}

	public String getAreaidlevel() {
		return areaidlevel;
	}

	public void setAreaidlevel(String areaidlevel) {
		this.areaidlevel = areaidlevel;
	}

	public String getOrgans() {
		return organs;
	}

	public void setOrgans(String organs) {
		this.organs = organs;
	}

	public String getWriters() {
		return writers;
	}

	public void setWriters(String writers) {
		this.writers = writers;
	}

	public String getFwdetail() {
		return fwdetail;
	}

	public void setFwdetail(String fwdetail) {
		this.fwdetail = fwdetail;
	}

	public String getZkhindex() {
		return zkhindex;
	}

	public void setZkhindex(String zkhindex) {
		this.zkhindex = zkhindex;
	}

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Optical Communications and Photonics MakerSpace
The Optical Communications and Photonics MakerSpace is a project funded by the European Space Agency and implemented by the Libre Space Foundation.
Its aim is to bring together a diverse community of makers, including open-source hackers, radio amateurs, and researchers, start-up companies, crowd-funded projects, community initiatives, hackerspaces, multi-disciplinary academic labs, non-profit technology companies/foundations and others. The goal of forming this passionate community is to run experiments and tackle challenges related to optical communications and photonics. By providing funding and resources this goal will be achieved, allowing, thus, the opening up of space communications development to a wide variety of people, organizations and companies.
This is a project that has just kicked off and it is still at its initial phase. Stay tuned for more updates.
QUBIK
Libre Space Foundation - 2023 - CC-BY-SA


text:
Edith Keiderling works for Rifton helping customers in Illinois and North Carolina.
My Thanks for a Magical Moment
December 20, 2016 by Edith Keiderling
About 40 miles north of Chicago, in Lake County, there is a special school called Laremont, and it was there a few weeks ago that I was reminded how fortunate I am in my line of work.
You see, I've worked for the last five years in customer service for Rifton. And because I cover the state of Illinois, every two years I attend an event there for school therapists. This year I scheduled an extra half day to visit the Laremont School.
Laremont is a center-based school that provides services for 150 students with profound and multiple disabilities. Several years ago one of their students, Scott, died at the age of 11. Scott loved his Rifton trike, and after his death his parents came and visited us at Rifton. They wanted to see where their son's trike had come from, and a special friendship formed. Since then Laremont organizes an annual 5K race called Running for Scott, and they use the money they raise to buy more trikes for kids like Scott.
Upon arriving at Laremont three of us from Rifton were given a tour by Liz and Jen, two therapists there. It was heartwarming to meet the kids and witness their love for the staff. To my astonishment, we were treated like visiting royalty. Students and staff were wearing Running for Scott tee-shirts in his honor, and to welcome us.
And then, in a moment of pure magic that I won't forget, we were led to the center of the building where the four main hallways intersected. We were asked to be seated in three chairs prepared for us, and, on cue, music started playing over the public address system. From doorways up and down each hallway poured children in walkers, wheeled chairs, mobile standers, gait trainers. Some propelling themselves, some walking haltingly, some being pushed or guided by staff. They converged around us, a throng of stunningly beautiful humanity, each carrying a flower and a hand-made greeting, coming to thank us. To thank us! What had we done to deserve this outpouring? I still don't know, but it doesn't matter. I was there, and that is enough. To each of you at Laremont, I will always treasure your gifts. Thank you and merry Christmas!
developmental disabilites school based therapy
Danene Park | December 21, 2016
Nice article! Very sweet.
Mike | December 22, 2016
What a great story - thank you for sharing. My son loves his trike too. Rifton makes the best equipment - so helpful to his recovery and to experience the joy of life. Happy Holidays and thank you for all you do!