text:
SDB II Clears Live Testing
Raytheon's Small Diameter Bomb II successfully destroyed moving targets during recent live fire tests, opening the door to low-rate initial rate production, the company announced on Feb. 16. "These tests showcased the weapon's new multi-effects warhead that provides SDB II with the capability to destroy targets while reducing collateral damage," said company program director John O'Brien. Air Force and industry testers completed two live-munition test drops at White Sands Missile Test Range, N. M., and plans additional test-drops as SDB II begins LRIP, according to the release. SDB II employs an enhanced three-mode millimeter-wave radar, imaging infrared, and semi-active laser seeker package to enable it to distinguish and hit moving targets from up to 46 miles. Raytheon successfully hit moving targets in a series of inert test-drops last September.
Second B-21 Under Construction as Bomber Moves Toward First Flight
Pentagon Shifts Israel to CENTCOM Responsibility
Aviano F-16s Practice 'All-Domain Targeting' Near Black Sea
US Down to 5,000 Troops Across Afghanistan, Iraq
New Nuclear Cruise Missile Ahead of Schedule for Next Development...
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The first flight of the secretive B-21 bomber has slipped to mid-2022, but the program is moving along well, Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office director Randall Walden said in an exclusive interview. The second copy of the B-21, which will be used for structural testing, is now on the production…
The Pentagon has changed the combatant command responsible for operations involving Israel from U.S. European Command to U.S. Central Command, following White House-brokered accords between the country and multiple Persian Gulf states. The update to the Unified Command Plan comes as the Trump administration finishes its final week in office.…
Pence Honors Chuck Yeager's 'Great American Life' at Memorial Service
Vice President Mike Pence honored the life, career, and character of World War II ace and renowned Air Force test pilot Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager at a Jan. 15 memorial service in West Virginia. "Yeager has been an inspiration to every American pilot, and will be throughout time," Pence said.…
F-16 fighter jets from the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, practiced combat cooperation with the Romanian Air Force while conducting "all-domain targeting operations" in a Jan. 14 bilateral exercise in the Black Sea region, according to a U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa release. It's another…
U.S. military forces in Afghanistan and Iraq have shrunk to 5,000 troops across both countries, with 2,500 personnel in each, meeting a Jan. 15 deadline from President Donald J. Trump to reduce the military's footprint in the Middle East. The withdrawal marks the lowest level of American troops in Afghanistan…
New Nuclear Cruise Missile Ahead of Schedule for Next Development Phase
The Air Force's highly classified Long-Range Stand Off nuclear cruise missile program is running ahead of schedule and could enter the engineering and manufacturing development phase in May—as much as nine months ahead of schedule, the Air Force's deputy chief of staff for strategic deterrence and nuclear integration said Jan.…
30 Years After Desert Storm: Jan. 19
In commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm, Air Force Magazine is posting daily recollections from the six-week war, which expelled Iraq from occupied Kuwait.
30th Anniversary of Desert Storm
Operation Desert Storm, the six-week conflict that redefined modern warfare and introduced elements such as stealth, large-scale use of precision weapons, and space support, began 30 years ago Sunday. The operation shaped the world's militaries, which underwent a "revolution in military affairs" in its aftermath.
DOD Grapples With Extremist Troops as Congress Urges Investigation
The Pentagon is reckoning with the growing presence of ideological extremists in its ranks, especially white supremacists and militia members who target troops to bolster their organizations' credibility. A group of lawmakers on Jan. 14 called on the Defense Department to launch a "comprehensive" investigation into the problem. The issue…


Aaron Dunford from Fusion Peak writes for Karmea on being prepared for your winter rides. Hailing from Canada, he knows a thing or two about riding in extreme conditions. Our Sydney winters pale in comparison, no excuses this winter, get out and ride that bike.
Winter is almost here and there are a few things you can do to make your next early morning winter ride a fantastic one. And avoid missed training opportunities due to foul weather.
After a good night's sleep and a warm breakfast of low GI carbohydrates and coffee you are ready to suit up. I like to pack the Moka Pot and lay out all my gear the night before so I can have a quick get away.
Layering is key to any winter activity, we start cold, then we warm up, sweat and when we slow down or stop we cool down again. Layering well helps us to be able to regulate our body's temperature, especially when exercising; it is also important for our clothes to breath so we do not end up soaking wet under our rain jacket.
Let's start at the feet, I like to wear my usual riding socks and shoes but add wind or rainproof booties, these are a great way to keep your toes warm. Ladies, I know many of you get cold and even numb toes, for comfort and efficiency on your bike you need to feel your toes. The booties will make a big difference and can be ankle high or just simple toecaps and made from 3 mm neoprene, thin nylon or even Gore-Tex. Choose something that fits snugly and doesn't flap around, remember to always remain as aerodynamic as possible.
Leg warmers are an obvious advantage in cold weather; they come in ¾ or full length. I like the ¾ length because I always get chainring grease on my lower leg and full length would get dirty and greasy. Knicks over top and chamois cream underneath finish up the lower layers. For extreme rain and cold, there are some great full or ¾ length cycling pants that are made from waterproof / breathable materials and are excellent but since moving to Australia mine have not been used.
On top if it's really cold, a polypropylene or wool undershirt can be good but it's hard to shed on the go, I like a long sleave jersey (arms can be pulled up once you warm up). Or arm warmers as they can be pulled down and stowed easily. A good wind proof vest or jacket is key to keeping your core warm, and again can be stripped once you have warmed up. I like to use a vest because I find I can cool down quite easily by simply opening the zipper slightly. When choosing a rain jacket, make sure if it has hood that it can be stowed in the jacket's collar, if not it will rub on your helmet and may even fill up with rain.
Full-fingered gloves are a must on a cold morning, if you can't feel your fingers, how can you feel your brakes? If you like padding in your mitts Specialized makes some very well padded full fingered gloves.
And last but not least, in Canada on a cold day I wear a toque under my helmet, also know as a beanie or wool hat it can in fact be made of wool or nylon and should fit snugly and cover the ears.
Now you are dressed for a cold and or wet ride. You need to make sure your bike is ready to go too. Check your tyre pressure; lowering tyre pressure will increase your contact surface area and increase friction on wet roads, five PSI lower can be effective. If you don't have a track pump with a gauge, buy one. Lube your chain with light chain oil, I like biodegradable products as the seem to be less sticky. Always wipe the oil off the chain to keep your drive train clean. Old towels make the best rags. It's also a good idea to lube your derailleur pivots, again wiping excess oil. Keep an eye too on dirty rotten brake pads they are worn heavily in the rain.
Lights; check your lights are working well. I keep fresh batteries for my lights in the garage next to my lube and rag and pump, and will gladly forfeit a ride if my lights are not working. They are paramount for your safety. Also any new purchases of winter riding gear should have some reflective value, the more the better. And treat your self to the good stuff, you will be glad you did especially when it gets really ugly and all your friends sleep in.
Mudguards are in the realm of the dog sled for most of us in Sydney, we would never use them… However a great friend of mine once told me a sad story where she was turned around at an early morning group ride in the U.K. for not having mudguards. In Canada we use mudguards 8 months out of the year and many cyclists have a winter bike some with heated bar tape. The thing about the mudguard is, they are not cool and make your bike look slow. They do however keep you, your bike and your mates cleaner and dryer.
Winter riding is colder, darker and more dangerous than riding in the summer but if you take care of your bike and you body you will be warm, visible and running smooth on your next winter ride.
Aaron Dunford runs Fusion Peak, a custom bike fitting company.
We've had several bike fittings from this local guru of all things two wheeled, and can highly recommend him to anyone who enjoys riding and is serious about looking after their bodies while doing so. If you suffer from discomfort on the bike please, please give Aaron a call. It makes no sense that you should hurt at all when riding and a proper fitting bike should give you hours of endless pain free fun.
Read our blog on our bike fit experience with Aaron here.
Aaron is also an amazing bike techy and is available for servicing and general bike love when ever your trusty steed needs that little extra attention!
Contact Aaron today for more details.


This Christmas has been the laziest Christmas holiday for as long as I can remember. We've done hardly anything. And that's ok. There's no reason to feel mum guilt.
But it's hard not to feel bored or want to do more. We did visit Waddesdon Manor on the first Sunday of the holidays. It turned out to be a great time to visit. But I think we're going to have to take friends with us in future as I'm sure N will get bored before too many years of visiting.
Otherwise, I've suggested we go out for the day and N just hasn't wanted to go. He's announced he never really enjoys the places we visit, that he's just pretended. He's put a ban on visiting National Trust, but that's not going to happen and I'm sure he'l grow up and look back on the places he went to as a child with fondness as I now do when I look back.
Apart from Waddesdon, a trip to the park and cinema, and soft play, I think we've both run out of ideas for places to visit. I like to visit new places but winter means many places are closed. Others aren't suitable for outdoor playgrounds unless you can cope with the cold or wet for a decent length of time. So we've pottered at home a lot instead.
I'm not really a fan of being at home. It makes me think of everything that needs doing.
Thinking of meals to cook.
And all the blogging I want and need to get done. But can't because N is generally at home as he's gone off going out on the farm. I don't want him on Youtube all day which he'd do given the chance, so we've played lots of games, he's done Lego building, and baked etc.
He's happy, but I'd rather be out exploring rather than sitting at home. We've had lovely family time, but it feels more enclosed and stifling being at home al the time.
This second week of holidays we've arranged lots of playdates and meeting up with friends. So I get adult conversation while the boys all get to catch up and play together. It was hard to think of places to visit that don't need driving for ages, don't cost a fortune and that entertains children who might like totally different things.
While I might look back and be disappointed at the lack of proper days out when we've had 2 weeks off, we have had plenty of time off to sit back and chill out. Just enjoying having time off together, to chat and plan other things.
Do you get up to much in school holidays? Or do you prefer to have a more relaxed time off?
There's also the excuse that lots of places are closed over the winter!. I suppose on a farm it's quite a busy time – we're calving, it's shoot season as well, so things are pretty busy anyway.


text:
using System;
using System.Linq;
using NUnit.Framework;
using Umbraco.Core;
using Umbraco.Core.Models;
using Umbraco.Core.Models.Rdbms;
using Umbraco.Core.Persistence;
using Umbraco.Core.Persistence.Caching;
using Umbraco.Core.Persistence.Querying;
using Umbraco.Core.Persistence.Repositories;
using Umbraco.Core.Persistence.UnitOfWork;
using Umbraco.Tests.TestHelpers;
using Umbraco.Tests.TestHelpers.Entities;
using umbraco.editorControls.tinyMCE3;
using umbraco.interfaces;

namespace Umbraco.Tests.Persistence.Repositories
{
    [DatabaseTestBehavior(DatabaseBehavior.NewDbFileAndSchemaPerTest)]
    [TestFixture]
    public class RelationRepositoryTest : BaseDatabaseFactoryTest
    {
        [SetUp]
        public override void Initialize()
        {
            base.Initialize();

            CreateTestData();
        }

        private RelationRepository CreateRepository(IDatabaseUnitOfWork unitOfWork, out RelationTypeRepository relationTypeRepository)
        {
            relationTypeRepository = new RelationTypeRepository(unitOfWork, NullCacheProvider.Current);
            var repository = new RelationRepository(unitOfWork, NullCacheProvider.Current, relationTypeRepository);
            return repository;
        }

        [Test]
        public void Can_Instantiate_Repository_From_Resolver()
        {
            // Arrange
            var provider = new PetaPocoUnitOfWorkProvider();
            var unitOfWork = provider.GetUnitOfWork();

            // Act
            var repository = RepositoryResolver.Current.ResolveByType<IRelationRepository>(unitOfWork);

            // Assert
            Assert.That(repository, Is.Not.Null);
        }

        [Test]
        public void Can_Perform_Add_On_RelationRepository()
        {
            // Arrange
            var provider = new PetaPocoUnitOfWorkProvider();
            var unitOfWork = provider.GetUnitOfWork();
            RelationTypeRepository repositoryType;
            using (var repository = CreateRepository(unitOfWork, out repositoryType))
            {

                // Act
                var relationType = repositoryType.Get(1);
                var relation = new Relation(NodeDto.NodeIdSeed + 2, NodeDto.NodeIdSeed + 3, relationType);
                repository.AddOrUpdate(relation);
                unitOfWork.Commit();

                // Assert
                Assert.That(relation, Is.Not.Null);
                Assert.That(relation.HasIdentity, Is.True);
            }
        }

        [Test]
        public void Can_Perform_Update_On_RelationRepository()
        {
            // Arrange
            var provider = new PetaPocoUnitOfWorkProvider();
            var unitOfWork = provider.GetUnitOfWork();
            RelationTypeRepository repositoryType;
            using (var repository = CreateRepository(unitOfWork, out repositoryType))
            {

                // Act
                var relation = repository.Get(1);
                relation.Comment = "This relation has been updated";
                repository.AddOrUpdate(relation);
                unitOfWork.Commit();

                var relationUpdated = repository.Get(1);

                // Assert
                Assert.That(relationUpdated, Is.Not.Null);
                Assert.That(relationUpdated.Comment, Is.EqualTo("This relation has been updated"));
                Assert.AreNotEqual(relationUpdated.UpdateDate, relation.UpdateDate);
            }
        }

        [Test]
        public void Can_Perform_Delete_On_RelationRepository()
        {
            // Arrange
            var provider = new PetaPocoUnitOfWorkProvider();
            var unitOfWork = provider.GetUnitOfWork();
            RelationTypeRepository repositoryType;
            using (var repository = CreateRepository(unitOfWork, out repositoryType))
            {

                // Act
                var relation = repository.Get(2);
                repository.Delete(relation);
                unitOfWork.Commit();

                var exists = repository.Exists(2);

                // Assert
                Assert.That(exists, Is.False);
            }
        }

        [Test]
        public void Can_Perform_Get_On_RelationRepository()
        {
            // Arrange
            var provider = new PetaPocoUnitOfWorkProvider();
            var unitOfWork = provider.GetUnitOfWork();
            RelationTypeRepository repositoryType;
            using (var repository = CreateRepository(unitOfWork, out repositoryType))
            {

                // Act
                var relation = repository.Get(1);

                // Assert
                Assert.That(relation, Is.Not.Null);
                Assert.That(relation.HasIdentity, Is.True);
                Assert.That(relation.ChildId, Is.EqualTo(NodeDto.NodeIdSeed + 2));
                Assert.That(relation.ParentId, Is.EqualTo(NodeDto.NodeIdSeed + 1));
                Assert.That(relation.RelationType.Alias, Is.EqualTo("relateContentOnCopy"));
            }
        }

        [Test]
        public void Can_Perform_GetAll_On_RelationRepository()
        {
            // Arrange
            var provider = new PetaPocoUnitOfWorkProvider();
            var unitOfWork = provider.GetUnitOfWork();
            RelationTypeRepository repositoryType;
            using (var repository = CreateRepository(unitOfWork, out repositoryType))
            {

                // Act
                var relations = repository.GetAll();

                // Assert
                Assert.That(relations, Is.Not.Null);
                Assert.That(relations.Any(), Is.True);
                Assert.That(relations.Any(x => x == null), Is.False);
                Assert.That(relations.Count(), Is.EqualTo(2));
            }
        }

        [Test]
        public void Can_Perform_GetAll_With_Params_On_RelationRepository()
        {
            // Arrange
            var provider = new PetaPocoUnitOfWorkProvider();
            var unitOfWork = provider.GetUnitOfWork();
            RelationTypeRepository repositoryType;
            using (var repository = CreateRepository(unitOfWork, out repositoryType))
            {

                // Act
                var relations = repository.GetAll(1, 2);

                // Assert
                Assert.That(relations, Is.Not.Null);
                Assert.That(relations.Any(), Is.True);
                Assert.That(relations.Any(x => x == null), Is.False);
                Assert.That(relations.Count(), Is.EqualTo(2));
            }
        }

        [Test]
        public void Can_Perform_Exists_On_RelationRepository()
        {
            // Arrange
            var provider = new PetaPocoUnitOfWorkProvider();
            var unitOfWork = provider.GetUnitOfWork();
            RelationTypeRepository repositoryType;
            using (var repository = CreateRepository(unitOfWork, out repositoryType))
            {

                // Act
                var exists = repository.Exists(2);
                var doesntExist = repository.Exists(5);

                // Assert
                Assert.That(exists, Is.True);
                Assert.That(doesntExist, Is.False);
            }
        }

        [Test]
        public void Can_Perform_Count_On_RelationRepository()
        {
            // Arrange
            var provider = new PetaPocoUnitOfWorkProvider();
            var unitOfWork = provider.GetUnitOfWork();
            RelationTypeRepository repositoryType;
            using (var repository = CreateRepository(unitOfWork, out repositoryType))
            {

                // Act
                var query = Query<IRelation>.Builder.Where(x => x.ParentId == NodeDto.NodeIdSeed + 1);
                int count = repository.Count(query);

                // Assert
                Assert.That(count, Is.EqualTo(2));
            }
        }

        [Test]
        public void Can_Perform_GetByQuery_On_RelationRepository()
        {
            // Arrange
            var provider = new PetaPocoUnitOfWorkProvider();
            var unitOfWork = provider.GetUnitOfWork();
            RelationTypeRepository repositoryType;
            using (var repository = CreateRepository(unitOfWork, out repositoryType))
            {

                // Act
                var query = Query<IRelation>.Builder.Where(x => x.RelationTypeId == 2);
                var relations = repository.GetByQuery(query);

                // Assert
                Assert.That(relations, Is.Not.Null);
                Assert.That(relations.Any(), Is.True);
                Assert.That(relations.Any(x => x == null), Is.False);
                Assert.That(relations.Count(), Is.EqualTo(2));
            }
        }

        [Test]
        public void Can_Delete_Content_And_Verify_Relation_Is_Removed()
        {
            // Arrange
            var provider = new PetaPocoUnitOfWorkProvider();
            var unitOfWork = provider.GetUnitOfWork();
            RelationTypeRepository repositoryType;
            using (var repository = CreateRepository(unitOfWork, out repositoryType))
            {

                var content = ServiceContext.ContentService.GetById(NodeDto.NodeIdSeed + 2);
                ServiceContext.ContentService.Delete(content, 0);

                // Act
                var shouldntExist = repository.Exists(1);
                var shouldExist = repository.Exists(2);

                // Assert
                Assert.That(shouldntExist, Is.False);
                Assert.That(shouldExist, Is.True);
            }
        }

        [TearDown]
        public override void TearDown()
        {
            base.TearDown();
        }

        public void CreateTestData()
        {
            var relateContent = new RelationType(new Guid(Constants.ObjectTypes.Document), new Guid("C66BA18E-EAF3-4CFF-8A22-41B16D66A972"), "relateContentOnCopy") { IsBidirectional = true, Name = "Relate Content on Copy" };
            var relateContentType = new RelationType(new Guid(Constants.ObjectTypes.DocumentType), new Guid("A2CB7800-F571-4787-9638-BC48539A0EFB"), "relateContentTypeOnCopy") { IsBidirectional = true, Name = "Relate ContentType on Copy" };

            var provider = new PetaPocoUnitOfWorkProvider();
            var unitOfWork = provider.GetUnitOfWork();
            var relationTypeRepository = new RelationTypeRepository(unitOfWork);
            var relationRepository = new RelationRepository(unitOfWork, NullCacheProvider.Current, relationTypeRepository);

            relationTypeRepository.AddOrUpdate(relateContent);
            relationTypeRepository.AddOrUpdate(relateContentType);
            unitOfWork.Commit();

            //Create and Save ContentType "umbTextpage" -> (NodeDto.NodeIdSeed)
            ContentType contentType = MockedContentTypes.CreateSimpleContentType("umbTextpage", "Textpage");
            ServiceContext.ContentTypeService.Save(contentType);

            //Create and Save Content "Homepage" based on "umbTextpage" -> (NodeDto.NodeIdSeed + 1)
            Content textpage = MockedContent.CreateSimpleContent(contentType);
            ServiceContext.ContentService.Save(textpage, 0);

            //Create and Save Content "Text Page 1" based on "umbTextpage" -> (NodeDto.NodeIdSeed + 2)
            Content subpage = MockedContent.CreateSimpleContent(contentType, "Text Page 1", textpage.Id);
            ServiceContext.ContentService.Save(subpage, 0);

            //Create and Save Content "Text Page 1" based on "umbTextpage" -> (NodeDto.NodeIdSeed + 3)
            Content subpage2 = MockedContent.CreateSimpleContent(contentType, "Text Page 2", textpage.Id);
            ServiceContext.ContentService.Save(subpage2, 0);

            var relation = new Relation(textpage.Id, subpage.Id, relateContent) { Comment = string.Empty };
            var relation2 = new Relation(textpage.Id, subpage2.Id, relateContent) { Comment = string.Empty };
            relationRepository.AddOrUpdate(relation);
            relationRepository.AddOrUpdate(relation2);
            unitOfWork.Commit();
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Professional Farmer 2017 is a game from the farm simulators genre. Once again the player will be managing the farm. The German UIG Entertainment studio is responsible for development of this game. One day the player take control over a small farm. The farm we have to manage is in need of an ambitious and rich owner. Our task is to transform our small poor and ugly farm into a real center of agricultural processing. So, if you like to play in farming simulators, get Professional Farmer 2017 Download and enjoy a new graphic and a new game story. Developer: VIS Entertainment. Platforms: PC, PS4, WiiU, PS3, XONE. Release date: 23.03.2016.
Professional Farmer 2017 game mechanics can be separated in two groups: economical and simulation group. The first one is characteristic for farm simulators. It is mainly about directing the farm in such way that it can achieve the right income and develop over time. You will be able to take various special tasks which after completing the task can unlock something for example machines, technology or new crops.
Furthermore, Professional Farmer 2017 is a game that concentrates on a simulation aspect of the game. It is about managing agricultural machines of various construction and purpose to do specific things. The game offers only licensed machines, perfectly reproduced which work like in reality. All this makes the gameplay even more real.
During the gameplay we have to prepare the field for sowing, then we can sow and later on in the year, we can harvest crops. It is worth to say that these are not all of the activities related to the work on the field described. There is a lot more to do. Moreover, as a part of the development of our farm and equipment, the number of tasks will increase. Over time you can unlock even an animal breeding. When your farm expands you will have to hire new employees, who are controlled by an advanced artificial intelligence. If you are willing to become a typical farmer and experience what field work really is, do not wait any longer get Professional Farmer 2017 PC Download and try this substitute of farmer's life on your own skin.
The strength of Professional Farmer 2017 is in creating random events. Events can be created in any moment and can vary. They significantly affect the farm we manage. Some of them can be predicted and you can try to prevent losses. On the other hand, some of them, such as the weather, are completely unpredictable. However, it is always worth to diversify your sources of income, thanks to which in case of some random event you are save and the economic situation of our farm is much more reliable.
Game developers, while creating a graphic interface of the game, did a spectacular job. It is amazing and easy to use. Textures are crisp and the physics were improved. If you also want to see for yourself how should farm simulator from graphical stand point look like get yourself Professional Farmer 2017 free Download and find out yourself how real can such games be.


text:
ADRIAN MUSIC BOOSTERS
APS Music Classes
Apple Pie Sale
Scrip Gift Cards
Videos / Blog
MUSIC ED BLOG
9 Benefits of Learning an Instrument
"Music improves cognitive and non-cognitive skills more than twice as much as sports, theater or dance." Kids who take music lessons "have better cognitive skills and school grades and are more conscientious, open and ambitious. These effects do not differ by socio-economic status."
Those are the findings of a 2013 study called "How Learning a Musical Instrument Affects the Development of Skills."
That research and the work of others have led to the following conclusions.
1) Studying music strengthens reading and verbal skills.
2) It improves both long and short-term memory.
3) Performing music opens up your creativity.
4) It helps you learn languages more quickly.
5) Playing music can help you become a better listener.
6) Practicing an instrument improves finger dexterity and accuracy.
7) It improves mathematical and spatial-temporal reasoning.
8) Learning to play an instrument can boost the musician's I.Q.
9) Developing musical skills enhances self-confidence and self-esteem.
Learn more about each of those benefits and others in the article "Music Lessons Were the Best Thing Your Parents Ever Did for You, According to Science."
(Here's the list of music classes offered at Adrian Public Schools.)
Music Transforms London Schools
The students and teachers of two secondary schools in London truly understand the value of music education.
Since 2014, every incoming student at the Frederick Bremer School in East London has received either a flute, violin or viola and at least three years of lessons. As a result, "the school is unrecognizable from where it was in 2014," said teacher Jenny Smith. "We are celebrating the best results the school has ever had."
Smith said the "music is thriving and it is infectious," adding that it's not merely an elective class, but "absolutely at the heart of the school."
Composer Andrew Lloyd Weber is a patron of the program: Music, he said, "helps on every level, from behavior to academic achievement and self-esteem. Music is an empowering force for all kids."
The program has been so successful that supporters are hoping to introduce it to every school in England.
Truda White is a now-retired teacher who founded the Music in Secondary Schools Trust and used it to turn around her school in Islington. With funding from a charity, she introduced classical music lessons to her students. Soon after, the school's rating from the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills was raised to "outstanding."
White told The Times newspaper that the program helps "children learn to cooperate [and] concentrate. Music is transformative. Playing in an orchestra teaches teamwork, resilience and interdependence. I wanted them to learn that."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approves Sotyktu™ (deucravacitinib), Oral Treatment for Adults with Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis
Bristol Myers Squibb's Sotyktu, a first-in-class, oral, selective, allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, is the only approved TYK2 inhibitor worldwide and the first innovation in oral treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in nearly 10 years
Pivotal Phase 3 POETYK PSO clinical trials demonstrated superior efficacy of once-daily Sotyktu over placebo and twice-daily Otezla® (apremilast) in improving skin clearance
Sotyktu has a well-demonstrated safety and tolerability profile based on the POETYK PSO clinical trials
PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Sotyktu™(deucravacitinib), a first-in-class, oral, selective, allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.1,2Sotyktu is not recommended for use in combination with other potent immunosuppressants.
Product image. (Photo: Bristol Myers Squibb)
The approval is based on results from the pivotal Phase 3 POETYK PSO-1 and POETYK PSO-2 clinical trials, which demonstrated superior efficacy of once-daily Sotyktu compared to placebo and twice-daily Otezla® (apremilast) in 1,684 patients aged 18 years and older with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.1 The superior efficacy of Sotyktu compared to placebo and Otezla was demonstrated at both 16 and 24 weeks, and responses with Sotyktu persisted through 52 weeks. See below for more information.
"Sotyktu has the potential to become the new standard of care oral treatment for people with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, given its profile in helping patients achieve clearer skin as demonstrated in the POETYK PSO clinical program," said April Armstrong, MD, MPH, clinical investigator in the POETYK PSO-1 trial and Associate Dean and Professor of Dermatology at the University of Southern California. "People living with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis face significant burdens, and Sotyktu is a welcome first-line systemic treatment option."
Psoriasis is a widely prevalent, chronic, systemic immune-mediated disease that affects approximately 7.5 million people in the U.S.3 Up to 90 percent of patients with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis, which is characterized by distinct, round or oval plaques typically covered by silvery white scales. Nearly one-quarter of people with psoriasis, or around two million in the U.S., have cases that are considered moderate-to-severe.3
"The approval of Sotyktu represents an exciting day for patients suffering from moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are not satisfied with topical and conventional treatments. This is another extraordinary achievement for Bristol Myers Squibb, as we bring forward a new mechanism of action, the first oral treatment approved in nearly 10 years, and the first orally dosed once-daily treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis," said Samit Hirawat, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Bristol Myers Squibb. "We believe Sotyktu is a breakthrough in the treatment of patients with this condition, and we're excited about its potential in other immune-mediated diseases."
In the POETYK PSO trials, at Week 16, the most common adverse reactions (≥1 percent and higher than placebo) in patients on Sotyktu were upper respiratory infections (19.2 percent), blood creatine phosphokinase increase (2.7 percent), herpes simplex (2.0 percent), mouth ulcers (1.9 percent), folliculitis (1.7 percent) and acne (1.4 percent).1 In addition, 2.4 percent of patients on Sotyktu, 3.8 percent of patients on placebo, and 5.2 percent of patients on Otezla experienced adverse reactions leading to discontinuation.1,4
"Despite the availability of therapies, many people living with plaque psoriasis in the United States are untreated or undertreated,5,6" said Leah M. Howard, JD, President and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation. "The FDA approval of a new oral treatment is exciting news for the psoriasis community. We welcome this new treatment option."
Bristol Myers Squibb thanks the patients and investigators involved in the POETYK PSO clinical trial program. Sotyktu is expected to be available to patients in the U.S. in September 2022.
About POETYK PSO-1 and POETYK PSO-2
The pivotal Phase 3 POETYK PSO-1 and POETYK PSO-2 clinical trials evaluated the safety and efficacy of Sotyktu (6 mg once daily) compared to placebo and Otezla® (apremilast) (30 mg twice daily) in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Both were multi-national, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active comparator-controlled 52-week Phase 3 studies. POETYK PSO-2 included a randomized withdrawal and retreatment period after Week 24. In total, 664 patients were enrolled in POETYK PSO-1 and 1,020 patients were enrolled in POETYK PSO-2. All participants had moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and were candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. Patients had a body surface area involvement of ≥10 percent, a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score ≥12, and a static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) ≥3 (moderate or severe).
The co-primary endpoints of both POETYK PSO-1 and POETYK PSO-2 were the percentage of patients who achieved Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75 and the percentage of patients who achieved static Physician's Global Assessment score of 0 or 1 at Week 16 versus placebo. Key secondary endpoints included the percentage of patients who achieved PASI 75, PASI 90 and sPGA 0/1 compared to Otezla at Week 16 and Week 24.
POETYK PSO-1 (n=664) Results at Week 16 and Week 24
Endpoint*
Sotyktu 6 mg
P-value vs.
PASI 75*a
P<0.0001
PASI 90b
P=0.0002
sPGA 0/1*c
POETYK PSO-2 (n=1,020) Results at Week 16 and Week 24
Week 16*
PASI 90 b
*Co-primary endpoints for POETYK PSO-1 and POETYK PSO-2 were PASI 75 and sPGA 0/1 for Sotyktu vs. placebo at Week 16.
a. PASI 75 is defined as at least a 75% improvement from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores.
b. PASI 90 is defined as at least a 90% improvement from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores.
c. sPGA 0/1 is defined as a static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA) score of clear or almost clear.
Responses persisted through Week 52, as 82 percent (187/228) of patients who achieved PASI 75 with Sotyktu at Week 24 maintained their response at Week 52 in POETYK PSO-1. In POETYK PSO-2, 80 percent (119/148) of patients who continued on Sotyktu maintained PASI 75 response compared to 31 percent (47/150) of patients who were withdrawn from Sotyktu.
Through Week 16, infections occurred in 29 percent of patients treated with Sotyktu compared to 22 percent of those treated with placebo. The majority of infections were non-serious and mild to moderate in severity and did not lead to discontinuation of Sotyktu. Serious infections were reported in five patients receiving Sotyktu and two patients treated with placebo. Through Week 52, the most common serious infections reported were pneumonia and COVID-19. Malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) were reported in three patients treated with Sotyktu.
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a widely prevalent, chronic, systemic immune-mediated disease that substantially impairs patients' physical health, quality of life and work productivity.7 Psoriasis is a serious global problem, with at least 100 million people worldwide impacted by some form of the disease,8 including approximately 7.5 million people in the U.S.3 Nearly one-quarter of people with psoriasis have cases that are considered moderate-to-severe.3 Up to 90 percent of patients with psoriasis have psoriasis vulgaris, or plaque psoriasis,6 which is characterized by distinct round or oval plaques typically covered by silvery-white scales.
About SotyktuTM
Sotyktu™ (deucravacitinib) is a selective, allosteric inhibitor of tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2). TYK2 is a member of the Janus kinase (JAK) family. Sotyktu binds to the regulatory domain of TYK2, stabilizing an inhibitory interaction between the regulatory and the catalytic domains of the enzyme. This results in allosteric inhibition of receptor-mediated activation of TYK2 and its downstream activation of Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STATs) as shown in cell-based assays. Janus kinases function as pairs of homo- or heterodimers in the JAK-STAT pathways. TYK2 pairs with JAK1 to mediate multiple cytokine pathways and also pairs with JAK2 to transmit signals as shown in cell-based assays. The precise mechanism linking inhibition of TYK2 enzyme to therapeutic effectiveness in the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis is not currently known.
Sotyktu is under regulatory review by the European Medical Association and other health authorities around the world for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, pustular psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis.
SOTYKTU™ (deucravacitinib) is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
Limitations of Use:
SOTYKTU is not recommended for use in combination with other potent immunosuppressants.
SOTYKTU is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reaction to deucravacitinib or to any of the excipients in SOTYKTU.
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema have been reported. If a clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction occurs, institute appropriate therapy and discontinue SOTYKTU.
Infections: SOTYKTU may increase the risk of infections. Serious infections have been reported in patients with psoriasis who received SOTYKTU. The most common serious infections reported with SOTYKTU included pneumonia and COVID-19. Avoid use of SOTYKTU in patients with an active or serious infection. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment prior to initiating SOTYKTU in patients:
with chronic or recurrent infection
who have been exposed to tuberculosis
with a history of a serious or an opportunistic infection
with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection.
Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment. A patient who develops a new infection during treatment should undergo prompt and complete diagnostic testing, have appropriate antimicrobial therapy initiated and be closely monitored. Interrupt SOTYKTU if a patient develops a serious infection. Do not resume SOTYKTU until the infection resolves or is adequately treated.
Viral Reactivation
Herpes virus reactivation (e.g., herpes zoster, herpes simplex) was reported in clinical trials with SOTYKTU. Through Week 16, herpes simplex infections were reported in 17 patients (6.8 per 100 patient-years) treated with SOTYKTU, and 1 patient (0.8 per 100 patient-years) treated with placebo. Multidermatomal herpes zoster was reported in an immunocompetent patient. During PSO-1, PSO-2, and the open-label extension trial, the majority of patients who reported events of herpes zoster while receiving SOTYKTU were under 50 years of age. The impact of SOTYKTU on chronic viral hepatitis reactivation is unknown. Consider viral hepatitis screening and monitoring for reactivation in accordance with clinical guidelines before starting and during therapy with SOTYKTU. If signs of reactivation occur, consult a hepatitis specialist. SOTYKTU is not recommended for use in patients with active hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
Tuberculosis (TB): In clinical trials, of 4 patients with latent TB who were treated with SOTYKTU and received appropriate TB prophylaxis, no patients developed active TB (during the mean follow-up of 34 weeks). One patient, who did not have latent TB, developed active TB after receiving 54 weeks of SOTYKTU. Evaluate patients for latent and active TB infection prior to initiating treatment with SOTYKTU. Do not administer SOTYKTU to patients with active TB. Initiate treatment of latent TB prior to administering SOTYKTU. Consider anti-TB therapy prior to initiation of SOTYKTU in patients with a past history of latent or active TB in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of active TB during treatment.
Malignancy including Lymphomas: Malignancies, including lymphomas, were observed in clinical trials with SOTYKTU. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with SOTYKTU, particularly in patients with a known malignancy (other than a successfully treated non-melanoma skin cancer) and patients who develop a malignancy when on treatment with SOTYKTU.
Rhabdomyolysis and Elevated CPK: Treatment with SOTYKTU was associated with an increased incidence of asymptomatic creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation and rhabdomyolysis compared to placebo.
Discontinue SOTYKTU if markedly elevated CPK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected. Instruct patients to promptly report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever.
Laboratory Abnormalities: Treatment with SOTYKTU was associated with increases in triglyceride levels. Periodically evaluate serum triglycerides according to clinical guidelines during treatment. SOTYKTU treatment was associated with an increase in the incidence of liver enzyme elevation compared to placebo. Evaluate liver enzymes at baseline and thereafter in patients with known or suspected liver disease according to routine management. If treatment-related increases in liver enzymes occur and drug-induced liver injury is suspected, interrupt SOTYKTU until a diagnosis of liver injury is excluded.
Immunizations: Prior to initiating therapy with SOTYKTU, consider completion of all age-appropriate immunizations according to current immunization guidelines including prophylactic herpes zoster vaccination. Avoid use of live vaccines in patients treated with SOTYKTU. The response to live or non-live vaccines has not been evaluated.
Potential Risks Related to JAK Inhibition: It is not known whether tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibition may be associated with the observed or potential adverse reactions of Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibition. In a large, randomized, postmarketing safety trial of a JAK inhibitor in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), patients 50 years of age and older with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, higher rates of all-cause mortality, including sudden cardiovascular death, major adverse cardiovascular events, overall thrombosis, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) were observed in patients treated with the JAK inhibitor compared to those treated with TNF blockers. SOTYKTU is not approved for use in RA.
Most common adverse reactions (≥1% of patients on SOTYKTU and more frequently than with placebo) include upper respiratory infections, blood creatine phosphokinase increased, herpes simplex, mouth ulcers, folliculitis and acne.
Pregnancy: Available data from case reports on SOTYKTU use during pregnancy are insufficient to evaluate a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Report pregnancies to the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company's Adverse Event reporting line at 1-800-721-5072.
Lactation: There are no data on the presence of SOTYKTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. SOTYKTU is present in rat milk. When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for SOTYKTU and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from SOTYKTU or from the underlying maternal condition.
Hepatic Impairment: SOTYKTU is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
SOTYKTU is available in 6 mg tablets.
Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, for SOTYKTU.
About Bristol Myers Squibb's Patient Access Support
Bristol Myers Squibb remains committed to providing assistance so that patients who need our medicines can access them and expedite time to therapy.
Bristol Myers Squibb offers various programs and resources to support access to therapies, including SOTYKTU, through our SOTYKTU 360 SUPPORT program. For additional information, call SOTYKTU 360 SUPPORT at 1-888-SOTYKTU (1-888-768-9588) 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
About Bristol Myers Squibb
Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
Otezla® (apremilast) is a registered trademark of Amgen Inc.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. All statements that are not statements of historical facts are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives and involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them in the next several years, that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. These risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, whether SOTYKTU™(deucravacitinib) will be commercially successful, any marketing approvals, if granted, may have significant limitations on their use, and that continued approval of SOTYKTU™ (deucravacitinib) may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect Bristol Myers Squibb's business and market, particularly those identified in the cautionary statement and risk factors discussion in Bristol Myers Squibb's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document and except as otherwise required by applicable law, Bristol Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.
1 SOTYKTU Prescribing Information. SOTYKTU U.S. Product Information. September 2022. Princeton, N.J.: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
2 Chimalakonda A, Burke J, Cheng L, et al. Selectivity profile of the tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor deucravacitinib compared with janus kinase 1/2/3 inhibitors. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2021;11(5):1763–1776. doi: 10.1007/s13555-021-00596-8.
3 Armstrong AW, Mehta MD, Schupp CW, et al. Psoriasis prevalence in adults in the United States. JAMA Dermatol. Published online June 30, 2021. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.2007.
4 Armstrong A, Gooderham M, Warren RB, et al. Deucravacitinib versus placebo and apremilast in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: efficacy and safety results from the 52-week, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase 3 POETYK PSO-1 trial, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2022), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2022.07.002.
5 Lebwohl M, Langley RG, Paul C, et al. Evolution of patient perceptions of psoriatic disease: results from the Understanding Psoriatic Disease Leveraging Insights for Treatment (UPLIFT) survey. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022;12(1):61-78. Doi: 10.1007/s13555-021-00635-4.
6 Menter A, Gottlieb A, Feldman SR, Van Voorhees AS et al. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: Section 1. Overview of psoriasis and guidelines of care for the treatment of psoriasis with biologics. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 May;58(5):826-50.
7 Armstrong AW, Schupp C, Wu J, Bebo B. Quality of life and work productivity impairment among psoriasis patients: findings from the National Psoriasis Foundation survey data 2003–2011. PloS One. 2012;7(12):e52935.
8 World Health Organization. Global report on psoriasis. 2016. Accessed May 12, 2022. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/204417/9789241565189_eng.pdf.psoriasis?sequence=1
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This book presents an honest picture of humanity's highs and lows. As one counselor says, "The human race can be very ugly. I see it every day in this office. There is a lot of pain. We are destroying our planet...." But ultimately Tom/ Ketchvar does see something good in humans that's worth preserving, stating that "Most humans are doing the best they can." This message might resonate well with readers who are struggling with their own insights about the cruelty of their peers, and of the adult world beyond it.
Tom/ Ketchvar is a complicated character, but he does try to do the right thing (he even uncovers a big polluting scandal in town). There are other clearly positive role models in this book, including an energetic environmentalist and a caring school counselor. Even Tom's father ultimately tries to do what's best for his family and his son.
The opening scene in which Ketchvar takes over Tom's body by crawling up his nose may be sort of upsetting to some sensitive readers. There are some bullying episodes, and a school counselor asks Tom if he has violent plans. Later, Tom is chased by men and dogs, and then kidnapped by local bullies who try to kill him.
Tom's father spends his days drinking, but it is certainly not glamorous.
Parents need to know that the opening scene in which Ketchvar takes over Tom's body by crawling up his nose may be upsetting to some sensitive readers. There are some bullying episodes, and a school counselor asks Tom if he has violent plans. Later, Tom is chased by men and dogs, and then kidnapped by local bullies who try to kill him. But even through all the pain and humiliation, Tom/ Ketchvar does see something good in humans that's worth preserving, stating that "Most humans are doing the best they can." This message might resonate well with readers who are struggling with their own insights about the cruelty of their peers, and of the adult world beyond it.
It is realy good, but ther are small bad language in it , and at the beging it talks about pregnets.
Tom Filber's body has been taken over by an alien name Ketchvar, who must decide the fate of humans on Planet Earth. Or has he? Perhaps Tom is really just a misfit teen who has created an insane fantasy life so as not to face school bullies (and bullying family members) in his painful suburban New Jersey life. Either way, Tom/ Ketchvar has certainly made a case for each side of humanity: both the bad (environmental disasters, cruelty, etc.) and the good, including his very sweet neighbor Michelle.
This book has a little bit of everything: some romance, adventure, a little environmental awareness, and a compelling mystery right at its heart. Namely: Who or what is controlling Tom Filber's mind and body? The author paces his story well so that readers will start to wonder if it's all a fantasy just as the alien narrator asks, "Am I, Ketchvar III, really a part of Tom Filber, a defense mechanism of his that has taken control for a little while?" Readers will enjoy figuring out the puzzle, which is never fully resolved.
Families can talk about the book's ending. The conclusion allows readers to have their own ideas about what happened to Tom Filber. What do you believe? Was he really taken over by an alien? Do you like conclusions that are open to readers' interpretations or not?
Tom experiences a lot of bullying at school. Are there kids who mistreat other kids at school? What have you seen -- and how has the school dealt with it? Have you ever been singled out -- or been tempted to participate in bullying someone else? How could we make it easier for all kids to be accepted?
This book's marketing campaign is being tied into the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. In the book, Tom goes through some extremes -- including breaking and entering and being chased by security dogs -- in order to prove a local paint company is polluting the town's lake. Can you think of something a little less extreme to help celebrate Earth Day?


There are high expectations further up the Trent at Newcastle-under-Lyme. Phillip Breen, a 2008 Edinburgh Fringe winner with a hugely promising body of work at Glasgow Citizens and Clwyd Theatr Cymru, is directing Joe Penhall's Dumb Show at the New Vic. In Breen's view, the play is not just about celebrity and the media but also the nasty puritan streak he sees in the British collective persona. The play – very funny and very dark – has been seen in Melbourne and Florida but nowhere in Britain outside London. It opens on 2 June.
Joe Penhall's play presents a classic sting scenario. Vapid television personality Barry entertains what he believes to be two private bankers in his hotel suite. They offer him huge sums of money for a corporate event; he offers them cocaine and makes a clumsy pass at the female of the pair, only to discover that her bra is not underwired so much as wired for sound.
Penhall's previous play, Blue/Orange, has become a repertory staple, yet Phillip Breen's production of Dumb Show is the first time this five-year old play has been presented outside London.
Breen's production is finely acted...and Max Jones's design has a swishy feel. You can well believe in Steven Elliot's substance-fuelled ebullience as the hapless Barry.
A freakishly pleasant 27°C evening in Basford probably kept some away from the inside of the New Vic Theatre last night, yet those who did turn up were in for plenty of hot air too as Joe Penhall's dark comedy unfolded.
While not of the laugh-out-loud light relief variety, its amusing but vitriolic swipes at the bizarre and needy relationship between celebrities and the tabloids certainly offered plenty of food for thought.
As flies on the wall of a swish hotel suite, provided by the theatre's ever-inventive set-building team, the audience looked on in horror, guilt, and curiosity, as they witnessed an unstoppable celebrity car crash happening before their very eyes.
Steven Elliot was wholly believable as television's aging and jaded 'Mr Saturday Night' – the tabloid fodder at the heart of this play whose career is on the brink of death.
Playing the no-longer funny celebrity Barry who thinks he's invincible with his nose dipped in the mini-bar or a bag of cocaine one minute, and the sensitive father and family man the next, he deftly switched between the two giving a performance which was both ridiculous and moving.
Also convincing in this challenging play were Liz May Brice and Richard Elis.
Circling their chosen victim like sharks in a children's boating pond on Mother's Day, they kept up a double act as a pair of ruthless tabloid hacks relentlessly.
Finally, praise should be given to Joe Penhall's script. Gut-wrenchingly uncomfortable and also funny, various twists meant that before the night was through even the audience's perceptions of what was fact and what was fiction had become blurred.
Perhaps this play is one Susan Boyle and MPs with recently-diagnosed nervous dispositions should avoid right now; for the rest of us, it serves as a cutting commentary on modern-day celebrity culture.
In 2001 I was 22, living in my University town and directing students in a semi-professional comedy revue. Soon after I got the job the funding was pulled and we were contemplating cancelling the tour for the first time in over a century. At the 11th hour a leading international cigarette manufacturing company stepped in with £30,000 to ensure the tour went ahead. I was delighted. It meant we could embark on our ambitious project and it meant that the revue remained open to people from modest backgrounds, not just to people who could afford to participate. I had a drink to celebrate and a day off to lovingly nurse the hangover to follow.
At shortly after 7am on a stinking hot June morning my phone rang. Unknown numbers calling at that ungodly hour rarely bode well. It was Reuters.
My dry tongue in my thick head returned the salutation. I have only a hazy recollection of the conversation that followed.


text:
Q: Using two model classes in one view MVC3 Here is the scenario. I have made a parent model class to use two model classes in one     view. That works fine but when I try to get a record from by database, I get this error. The model item passed into the dictionary is of type 'PMS_V2.Models.Pension_info', but this dictionary requires a model item of type 'PMS_V2.Models.Parentmodel'.
Parentmodel.cs
namespace PMS_V2.Models {
  // it  is the class of the parent model
  public class Parentmodel {
    // calling of pension info
    // for using foreach I have used ienumerable
    public IEnumerable<Pension_info> pension_infos { get; set; }
    //constructor
    public Parentmodel() {
      pension_infos = new List<Pension_info>();
    }
    // class of search
    public Search id { get; set; } // method to get id
  }
}

Search.cshtml
@model PMS_V2.Models.Parentmodel
@{
  ViewBag.Title = "Search";
}

Search

 Here Pensioner can check his records. Give your Pension_id in search query and get your details.

@using (Html.BeginForm()) {
  @Html.ValidationSummary(true)
  <fieldset>
    <legend>Pension_info</legend>

      @Html.LabelFor(model => model.id, "Pension_no")

      @Html.TextBoxFor(model=>model.id)  // getting id from user..
      @Html.ValidationMessageFor(model=>model.id)

      <input type="submit" value="Search" />

  </fieldset>
}

  @foreach (var item in  Model.pension_infos) {
  // model, I think the problem is here
    var i = 0;
    if (i == 0) {
      i++;

        Pension_id
        Name
        P_month
        Amount

    }

      @Html.DisplayFor(modelItem => item.Pen_id)
      @Html.DisplayFor(modelItem => item.Pensioner.Name)
      @Html.DisplayFor(modelItem => item.P_month)
      @Html.DisplayFor(modelItem => item.Amount)

  }

Pension_infoController.cs
[HttpPost]
public ActionResult Search(string id) {
  var abc = from m in db.Pension_info
  // Linq query to get records
    where m.Pen_id == id
    select m;
    return View(abc.FirstOrDefault());
}

Please help me... I have googled it a lot...

A: The error is simple, you are strongly typing your view with the Parentmodel but passing it the model of type  Pension_info try adding the Pension_info to the list of Pension_info in the Parentmodel
[HttpPost]
public ActionResult Search(string id) {
  var abc = from m in db.Pension_info
  // Linq query to get records
    where m.Pen_id == id
    select m;
    Parentmodel _x = new Parentmodel();
    _x.pension_infos.ToList().Add(abc.FirstOrDefault());
    return View(_x);
}

A: try this
[HttpPost]
public ActionResult Search(string id)
{
    Parentmodel p = new Parentmodel();
    p.pension_infos = (from m in db.Pension_info where m.Pen_id == id select m)
                      .FirstOrDefault();
    return view(pension_infos);
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


National property database Realtors Property Resource LLC has signed up one of the biggest multiple listing services in the country as a partner, plugging a major gap in RPR's coverage and potentially boosting its ability to generate revenue.
Today's announcement that Lisle, Ill.-based Midwest Real Estate Data LLC (MRED) will provide listings data to RPR comes just days after the National Association of Realtors subsidiary announced it had acquired a powerful ally in real estate franchise giant Coldwell Banker.
RPR collects national, regional and local data that allows users to access property and market trend information for more than 150 million U.S. properties. While all NAR members have access to RPR, in markets where RPR has partnered with MLSs, users also have access to active and sold listing data through RPR that can be used to generate reports and property valuations.
As of last week, a total of 550 MLSs, associations and commercial information exchanges representing 75 percent of Realtors had licensed their data to RPR. By the end of this year, NAR will have spent $76.5 million on RPR, and the trade group has earmarked $18.5 million a year to the venture for the next three years.
RPR has struggled to generate revenue, in part because some major MLSs had not agreed to feed their listing data to RPR. Some, including MRED, had agreed to license their data on an exclusive basis to a rival initiative from CoreLogic, Partner InfoNet, which provides participating MLSs with a cut of the revenue generated from analytics sales.
That meant RPR, which does not share revenue with MLSs, could not achieve the national coverage required by the banks and federal agencies it hoped would purchase the data analytics that the company's business model depends on.
As of November 2012, RPR had little or no coverage in seven of the 20 major markets covered by the Standard & Poor's Case-Shiller 20-city composite: New York City; Chicago; Cleveland; Dallas; Las Vegas; Portland, Ore.; and Seattle.
Since then, RPR has made headway in two of those markets, signing up 11,000-member RMLS in Portland in June and MRED, which has nearly 40,000 members, this week. MRED claims to be the biggest MLS in the country in terms of listings inventory, which currently stands at 70,000-75,000 listings.
Pomona, Calif.-based California Regional MLS, which partnered with RPR in 2011 and also supplies listing data to Partner InfoNet, claims more than 71,000 subscribers with 34 Realtor associations. The California Regional MLS' public-facing website, Homeseekers.com, has information on about 33,000 listings.
Neither RPR nor CoreLogic — which in May reported that Partner InfoNet was getting listings data from 100 MLSs — require that MLSs provide data on an exclusive basis, although CoreLogic pays a more favorable revenue split to MLSs that sign exclusive agreements.
MRED's data licensing agreement with CoreLogic's Partner InfoNet remains in place, but is no longer exclusive, MRED CEO Russ Bergeron told Inman News.
When MRED's exclusive agreement with CoreLogic was announced in mid-2011, Bergeron had said he hoped to participate in both Partner InfoNet and RPR, and that negotiations with RPR continued. Bergeron's stated goal at the time was to feed listing data to RPR, but keep receiving the favorable revenue split CoreLogic reserved for its biggest exclusive providers.
Today, Bergeron said that was still his goal, though he had yet to talk to CoreLogic about it.
"We would have no problem continuing (the agreement). They at least actually generate revenue for us," he said.
"Our revenue from InfoNet was not a huge number, so it didn't really have a huge impact for our bottom line, and anything that we take in goes back into the company anyway. (It) allows us to keep our costs down as much as possible," he said.
Regarding the yearslong negotiations with RPR, Bergeron said a major sticking point for MRED had been how broker permission would be obtained to license and repurpose listing data. MRED has had a long-standing "opt-in" policy for brokers, but RPR required an "opt-out" policy.
Then, he said, two things occurred at the same time: RPR agreed to an opt-in policy for MRED's brokers, and MRED's "Preferred Unit Owners" — 75 broker-shareholders of MRED — decided they would allow an opt-out policy.
"Some of the brokers who are affiliated more with organized real estate pushed hard for opt-out. They're more organized and more vested in the NAR and IAR (Illinois Association of Realtors) side of the business. They lean more toward associations and not as much toward MLS even though they are members and owners of MRED," Bergeron said.
The opt-out policy ultimately adopted is theoretically better for RPR, he said.
"They are figuring people, once it gets up and running, won't take that action. We'll be polling our brokers during the implementation phase. We'll know before we go live how many have decided to opt out," Bergeron said.
He added that a presentation from RPR CEO Dale Ross won the brokers over.
"(He) demonstrated that they had the best interests of the brokers at heart, or at least of Realtors at heart," Bergeron said.
The brokers were concerned about what would happen to MRED's listing data after it went to RPR, particularly when it came to RPR's analytics sales. They weren't sure how RPR's "Match and Append" product, in which third parties give RPR a list of properties and RPR flags the status of those properties, worked, he said.
"But what Dale assured them was that the data doesn't leave RPR and (Match and Append) was only for distressed properties," not all for-sale properties, Bergeron said.
The agreement with RPR is for only one year, he said. Bergeron said in November that he had heard usage of RPR was "very, very low" and today said that that hadn't changed, but he expects MRED to be a good "test" case because the MLS is very good at promoting products and services.
There has "not been a huge demand" for RPR among MRED members, he said, given that the MLS already offers a myriad of analytics tools, including CoreLogic's Realist and Data Co-Op, as well as another data licensing initiative, a search platform called "Find," from Realtor.com operator Move Inc.
The agreement with RPR will benefit members in that no matter what tool they are looking for, it will be available, Bergeron said.
"The difference I see is that by having multiple tools you'll be able to differentiate yourself. If we only had RPR, (everyone) would look identical," he said.


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Actuellement en Kiosque !
Tasting reviews
The sommelleries
Millenial, who am I?
Focus articles
Young, from 25 to 35, I am the Generation Y, or very young, 15 to 25, I am Z. Born from 1985 I am called "Millenial". I live digital and mobile. I am subject to all expertises and envy, but who am I for the winegrowers, houses, breweries and spirits giants?
By Valérie Massot Germe
The millenials are over 17 million in France, 92 million in the US and in 2020 half of the global population will have their age. The Ys, the elders also called "sellennials", and the Zs have in common to have grown up during the crisis and with the digital environment. They are smart and alternative, and Internet has a great influence on their behaviour and consumpion modes. Economically unavoidable and different, they are not always easy to apprehend for manufacturers of alcoholic beverages without forgetting that we only communicate with them if they are over 18 years old. According to the trends expert Vincent Grégoire, Nellyrodi director of the consumer trends & insight pole, the youngest are ultra passionate and capricious; they need to exist and to assert themselves. They are looking for experiences and stories they will love or dislike, no half measure! Transgression and disruption do not scare some who may have a very strong connection with alcohol. For the Ys, more reasonable once they are established, sense and moral value take over. They need to go back to the source, participate and exchange to be able to better choose and consume intelligently. Very demanding, they can become extremists and speak only about natural, vegan or "no alcohol".
Let's speak about products
If wine, still according to Vincent Grégoire, is not yet transgressive enough for these millennials (but can it really be?), the world of spirits has already taken the lead in France and elsewhere. Whisky, anis-based alcoholic beverages, white spirits and rum account for more than 80% of sales of spirits in France but they are consumed differently. Young people prefer them in cocktails in these trendy places that are themed bars, for moments of conviviality and sharing. And when it is the bartender or mixologist's turn he also needs alternative products; Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados and other spirits or traditional spirits such as sake are given back their letters of nobility. Cocktails with iconic raw materials like Grand Marnier for example and that is a way to give a twist to the classics, to make desirable by reinterpreting, in short to seduce the millennials! Creation of new brands and commercial products‒Lidl, Carrefour and Aldi launch into the flavoured rums‒but also new Pastis, gin recipes and other revisited classics or forgotten aperitifs are revived in family houses taken over by the younger generation. And why not dare to mix beer and spirits? The Alsatian brewery Licorne creates 'Spirit', a beer with aromas of gin (cranberries, citrus and lemongrass) for "young adults who love novelties". Or Kronenbourg who, after revisiting the caipirinha, continues its trip around the world of cocktails with a version of Moscow mule (ginger beer and vodka) in its range Skoll.
On the wine side, the lines also move, not just on the labels. Peripheral products arrive and British journalist Robert Joseph does not hesitate to say to the winemakers: "Open your mind to the commercial potential offered by trends that might not appeal to you personally". A new business and a way for wine makers to be curious, openminded and without bias to millennials, their future customers. The Gik Live's blue wine, the Frosé iced cocktail version of the rosé ... and in some countries like Canada, with the legalization of cannabis we are speaking about its use in some alcohols including wine. But let's not go too fast and remain moderate!
I like, I buy!
Other experiences millennials like: those provided by technology. In addition to the tools to scan a product, compare, buy and evaluate like the Vivino or TwilTheWineILove apps, glasses, bottles and labels become smart. Pernod Ricard's connected glass allows you to order your cocktail from your smartphone. Augmented reality makes the labels of the brand '19 Crimes' of Treasury Wines speak and tell the story of the founding of Australia as an English penal colony ... The cuvée 'Du Kif' by MDCV in Provence offers its 'digging' experience: the bottle empties and bubbles appear on its inner wall. And why only talk about bottles? Nomadism, mobility, ecology or commitment lead to other containers such as the bag-in-box or the can. Since 2011, the Bordeaux-based company Cacolac has been developing know-how in aluminum can; the French market is still almost non-existent, but sales of canned wine in the USA are increasing quickly (+43% between June 2017 and June 2018 according to BW 166). A sign !
Young people and their elders go to supermarkets for their purchase of alcohol at minimum cost but it is clear that they are turning towards other channels. We know the the Ys are in search of meaning, back to forgotten things, (re)discoveries but told differently; they are 100% digital but do not forget the notions of conviviality and sharing. Shopping on the web yes, but not any old how and isn't it just that 'cool' to go and buy a good bottle at a wine store or find a wine at a winemaker?
When Martin Ohannessian starts with Jean-Michel Deluc, former head sommelier of the Ritz, the adventure of Le Petit Ballon on the web in 2011, would he have imagined to reach a 16 million euros turnover seven years later? Their motto: to offer the wine that suits me well in a subscription box. Each person defines his oenological profile and receives each month his two personalized bottles with product sheet and a 24-page gazette. All this remaining credible - Jean-Michel selects all the wines - funny and offbeat, and it works: 70% of Le Petit Ballon customers are under 40 years old! One of their millennial successes: Okoma, a red wine from South Africa, and Makena, its white version created with Marianne Wine Farm, 300,000 bottles in red sold since 2013. In 2019, Le Petit Ballon also has two Parisian shops and a development towards spirits and beer to play on the aperitif market.
To sell you need to speak
my language!!
With this ultra connected generation, winegrowers, brewers and spirits manufacturers have had to revisit their communication mechanics and learn to speak the millennials' language on social networks, Snapchat, Pinterest and Instagram to name only their favorites. And the digital environment becomes a great tool that brands use to convey culture, tradition and taste of wine or to promote their houses and heritage by going beyond the products in a few simple words and colorful images. Examples: Veuve Clicquot's funny podcasts or Freixenet's Instagram in pink and blue - it's Me for their range of French wines dedicated to millennials. But who speaks the best of it? No doubt the Ys and Zs themselves. They are 24% to share their tasting reviews online (Sowine Barometer / SII 2018). An obvious fact for Tristan Frangi and Grégoire Hervé, co-founders of the website supercaves.fr, who have been sharing for a year with their 7,115 followers on Instagram the wines they discovered in Parisian 'super wine shops'. "We are talking about wine in a cool mode, we take our buddies to the wine merchants, we do not want to consume any old how". #Ishare!
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Bleu de Mer
by Bernard Magrez:
when elegance is trendy
When Bernard Magrez created in 2017 his brand Bleu de Mer, a ays d'Oc rosé for the young generation, he already imagined how this signature could find its place in the millenials' universe. Blue south seas, old sailing ships, iconic cars of the young culture and surf board for already eight references in the three colours and nearly one million bottles sold, before an even more exotic cuvée to come ...
#bleudemer_
The Wine & Society Ideas Laboratory
The Lab was conceived by Vin & Société as a think tank on the issue of cultural and heritage transmission to the Generation Y. After exploring the field of social networks, Vin & Société chose in 2019 the cinema with the launch of a call for projects "Generation Y and wine" with young filmmakers. Edouard Azoulay and Antoine Sfeir's "Syrah séduction" fiction and Serena Porcher-Carli and Vincent Zanetto's documentary "La vie sous le bouchon [Life under the cork]" were rewarded and presented at the Cité du Vin museum in Bordeaux on March 27th. They will be in the selection of the films in competition at the next Oenovideo International Film Festival.
Let's talk about beers
Cyril Hubert is a beer specialist and beer sommelier. He is no longer a millennial, but almost; he is the organizer of tasting workshops at festivals dedicated to beer in France and Switzerland, and shares his experience with us.
How do you analyze the millenials' consumption?
First of all, I would like to point out that a first consumption with the family, in an appropriate environment where we drink in moderation, is very different from that between peers where risk-taking is valued. IN his family, the young learns that moderate consumption adds to the pleasure of being together and will then look for quality products; with his "buddies", he goes very quickly into excesses. In my tasting workshops (as from 16 years old if they are with their parents), I notice that 18/25 year olds are more and more interested in discovering things that have taste. The beer yes ... since it is trendy but they no longer want drink anything. It is all about education and discovery of the senses.
What types of beers are they looking for and are there millennial targeted products?
Though the often tasteless "industrial beers" are still what the young people consume in priority‒it's not expensive and it's drunk quickly‒I see more and more who let themselves be tempted by more expressive and quality beers , even if they are more expensive! The development of wine shops and specialty bars is important for many. They first look for the 'wow!' effect in terms of gustatory sensations. Beers for millennials? Yes of course! Industrialists and marketers know how! Take for example the so-called "girl beers" made with fruity, sweet, easy to drink tastes, flavored beers or those with catchy marketing names to make you smile, high-alcohol beers sold in 50 cl can in supermarkets ... But nothing beats the advice they can find in a specialized wine shop, even if they have to pay for it too!
How do you speak to these millennials as a sommelier?
I first focus on responsible drinking and how to appreciate the quality of a beer. I teach them during my workshops how to taste, I give them my vision of things about a certain know-how, how to behave and thus how to live with others.
"The one who knows how to taste, does not drink in the wrong way anymore but tastes secrets".
Interview by Valérie Massot Germe
Champagne & Cigares
For the taster's escape, the sommelier also demonstrates his skills in choosing cigars searching for the most daring pairings.
Return to the true taste of wine
Best Sommelier of France 2018, appointed Personality of the Year by RVF in 2019, Pascaline Lepeltier declares: "I see myself as a symbol of the need to think about what we drink, what we eat. what...
The rise in temperature in the end of the winter favoured early budburst and a particularly dry April resulted in a very rapid growth. The frost in the plains on April 21 and 22 and the hard frost...
Association de la Sommellerie Internationale
© 2016 - Sommeliers International
14 rue Montesquieu, 33000 Bordeaux - France


That this House takes note of the case for maintaining United Kingdom defence forces at a sufficient level to contribute to global peace, stability and security.
My Lords, as we have heard, the UK has the fifth largest defence budget in the world and we meet our NATO 2% commitment, but we have heard in this debate, including from the noble Lord, Lord Soley—I thank him and congratulate him on initiating this debate—that perhaps that figure should be 3% of GDP.
"not be able to fulfil the wide-ranging tasks described in the … SDSR 2015 … with the capabilities, manpower and funding".
and that it is, quite frankly, optimistic. It also says that the devaluation in the pound caused by Brexit could increase the cost of procurement by £5 billion. Does the Minister agree with that? In fact, the defence editor of the Times thought that the funding shortfall would be £10 billion. A senior partner at PwC, Roland Sonnenberg, thinks that the figure is approaching £30 billion, driven by the cost of new defence expenditure. Does the Minister agree with that? Turning to our own Defence Minister, Tobias Ellwood said that the capability review was required because there had been changes to the international situation since SDSR 2015. He pointed out the growth in terrorism and extremism, state-based aggression and cyber—all points that have been brought up. Sadly, there have been five recent terrorist attacks in this country.
"The Royal Navy and the RAF are … running … 10% short of their … recruitment target, whilst … the Army … shortfall is … 30%".
Will the Minister confirm that?
Will the Minister give us an update on the nine new Boeing Poseidon aircraft that are replacing the Nimrods that, awfully, were destroyed? We have had a decade without an aircraft carrier. Do we have the aircraft carrier force capabilities to support the aircraft carriers that the Minister has confirmed? Probably, what is required with all of these changes is a new SDSR. Does the Minister agree that we need one right now?
"many of the UK's critical military assets and sites at unacceptable risk".
"we've reached, as a consequence of … cuts … a tipping point in our ability to keep Londoners safe".
"20 years out of date".
"Defence is close to breaking … Unless we put more money in it, it will fall over".
"The armed forces are in a denial … They cannot hold this together".
"They are effectively fielding holograms of capability in some cases".
Lieutenant-General Ben Hodges, commander of the US Army in Europe, has said that the UK would be unable to keep up its international commitments if forces were cut further.
Can the Minister confirm that HMS "Albion" and "Bulwark" will not be taken out of service and that the Royal Marines will not be cut by 1,000? Lieutenant-General Jerry Harris of the US Air Force said that he too was against a reduction in the size of the Royal Marines.
This is about defence capability, but it is also about credibility. We were a global power but, thanks to Brexit, the perception is that we no longer are. I host Indian civil servants in Parliament and they unanimously think that we should remain in the European Union. One went so far as to say that he felt sorry for us. We have an abundance of soft power, but it is useless without hard power. Barrons described the cut in the Marines as "madness", which was echoed by Admiral Sir George Zambellas, who has just retired. He said that the Marines are the "Premier League fighting force", made up of a small proportion of the total number of troops, but they contribute half our Special Forces. He said that the services have been under-resourced for years and that the choice being offered to service chiefs amounted to whether to cut off a right arm or a left one.


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Portal and Cake arriving on Wednesday
You've no doubt played the game on the Orange Box, sang the 'Still Alive' song a few times and now it's time to play Portal: Still Alive on the Xbox Live Arcade. The Xbox Live Arcade version includes the single-player mode featured in the Orange Box, along with fourteen brand new bonus puzzles and a new challenge mode.
For those of you who haven't played Portal (and by now, you really should have), the game arms players with the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device, a gun which can fire out blue and orange portals, as they come up against GlaDOS. More details on the game can be found on the Xbox.com page.
Portal: Still Alive will be available to download from the Xbox Live Arcade from Wednesday (22nd October 2008) for 1200 Microsoft Points. Show your thoughts on the game by leaving us a comment below with your thoughts.
P.S. The cake is a lie.
Portal: Still Alive, Xbox 360, XBOX Live Arcade


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Marvel Cinematic Universe cast, Guardians of the Galaxy cast, Avengers cast
Karen Gillan portrayed Nebula in Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame and will reprise the role inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Significant roles
Amy Pond in Doctor Who (2010-2012)
Kaylie Russell in Oculus (2013)
Martha Kaply/Ruby Roundhouse in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
Sara Morris in Stuber (2019)
Martha Kaply/Ruby Roundhouse in Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
Eyes in Spies in Disguise (2019)
Mercedes in The Call of the Wild (2020)
"I can't really say anything about it other than my character is really bad. My hands are more tied on this than they were on Doctor Who!"
"What can I tell you?" "I'm playing a very bad person!"
"I don't know! I got a letter saying, 'Welcome To The Marvel Universe' which was THE most exciting thing that I've ever read."
"I was told before I auditioned for the role that I would have to shave my head if I got it. But I didn't think I was going to get it. So I was like 'Yeah sure guys, absolutely I'll shave my head. Not a problem.' And then three screen tests later I'm like 'Oh, this might actually happen...' "
"She's bald in the novels, Zoe's character has hair. So their look was predefined and my hair had to go."
"Not very much [I can reveal], I'm afraid. It's all very hush-hush. But I do have a lot of sibling rivalry with Zoe's Gamora."
"I play a character called Nebula. She's the female villain of the film and she has a very interesting relationship with the lead female Gamora, played by Zoe Saldana. It's a very complex, interesting part of the film. It's really amazing working with Zoe Saldana. She's like a master of work in the camera; it was just so cool to watch her work. And also she's amazing at stunts, really amazing. She used to be a ballerina, so she's good at that stuff, whereas I look like spaghetti."
"I've never played a bad character, but to give her a reason to be bad was something that was interesting to me and I feel like I've learned something about that."
"I think it's perfect! Rocket Raccoon is one of the best characters in the film in my opinion and has so many amazing lines. So, Marvel needed to get a really amazing actor for the role, and they did So, I'm really excited to hear what Cooper does with it."
"That's gonna be so good. I mean, he's a huge tree... we're going to see a tree talking and also a tree probably make us cry at some point."
"I play a character called Nebula, she is the female villain of the film. She teams up with Lee Pace who is the male villain. She's very sadistic and evil but I like to think for a very valid reason...No scenes with Benicio del Toro but me and Zoë Saldaña have a very cool sequence together."
"I always had total faith in the project, because the people who are making it are so brilliant, and have a long history of great films, So I knew it was in great hands. I just think it's a new direction for Marvel, it's really, really funny,It's not taking itself seriously at all. It's tongue in cheek. And just to see people be excited about that new tone is cool."
"Okay, so Nebula does not find herself funny, I find her hilarious. But she can't find herself hilarious, that's not scary."
"Yeah, there's a big girlie fight sequence, but it's not that girlie, they made sure there weren't any nice pirouettes or anything like that."
"She's really experienced in the physical stuff, she was a ballerina, She's really amazing at all of that stuff. She barely required any rehearsal, she was like, 'I can do this.' I required two months of rehearsals every day that I wasn't shooting, because I looked like spaghetti when I started.It was the saddest thing in the world, they'd use a big industrial wind machine when filming her, but when it was on me, it was like, 'Turn the wind machine off,' and it was like beeeeup."
"This is the integral one for my character, because it's not just a physical battle. Their relationship goes very deep, and there's a huge history between them. So there's a lot more to it than just the physical."
"I can say, that I have not read the script yet. I will be back. And I still don't know if I'm going to be bald or not. There's a possibility. I don't know why or how, but there is."
"I have [read the script]! I took it in my hands, because they don't send it over by email; they deliver it by hand and it was so cool. I was so excited, and I ran upstairs, and I put on the soundtrack, the Awesome Mixtape 2, and then got into it. It's so good."
"I think what I'm really excited about it delving into the sisterly relationship between Gamora and Nebula. I think that we're going to see a little bit more of that, and it's going to be a bit more fleshed out."
"I kind of... I was mentally prepared to go through it again. It's so cool. The finished product is so cool that it's just so worth it when I see it at the end. "Infectious" is the word. James Gunn is the most enthusiastic. He's on this natural high the whole time. And it just makes us so excited about it. He just knows the world inside out. He's so passionate about it. The whole thing has come from him. It's totally his vision. It hasn't been compromised at all. It's completely down to him. So that's the most exciting thing."
"What I love about the second movie for Nebula in particular is that we get — We know that she's a pretty angry woman with some daddy issues. In the second movie, we're going to start to see how much pain her father actually caused her, and we're going to delve right into the relationship with her sister Gamora. I think we might even feel a tinge of sympathy towards Nebula this time, because we really start to see the emotional crack in her character. I was just allowed to completely explore that and take it to a completely different dimension with her. I was really happy about that."
"I shaved half of my head this time, but they took away the butt — like, the underneath-half of my hair, and then left the top part. That was the best gift ever."
"I'm so excited for people to see it! I just feel like it's all of the best elements of the first one, just amplified. It's even better – it's funnier, the music's even better … the second album is a blinder. It's great. And in the first one everyone was being established. Now that that's out of the way, you really get to delve into all of their dilemmas and things like that. I think family would really be the main theme of the thing. And my character Nebula is dealing with a whole lot of stuff there – we see a whole new side to her. A much more human side actually, where we understand how truly awful and difficult her daddy issues are."
"Yeah, she's making a cheeky appearance there. I don't know how much I'm allowed to say, but I'm pretty happy with how much she gets to do."
"No, I did not [foresee a character arc for Nebula]. I definitely had a feeling that there was room for the character to expand in the future, but she was originally supposed to die in the first movie, I think I remember in the script. She obviously did not die, then I found out that she was coming back in the second movie and then I found out we got to explore all these amazing things about her past and her relationship with Gamora, her sister, so I was really happy."
"I'm waiting for this spin-off because obviously this needs to happen. I don't know if it's ever going to happen, but I would love it. I think it would be amazing to see a female-driven film like that. We have Captain Marvel coming up, which is quite exciting. We could do with some more females at the forefront."
Retrieved from "https://marvel-movies.fandom.com/wiki/Karen_Gillan?oldid=269328"
Marvel Cinematic Universe cast
Guardians of the Galaxy cast
Avengers cast


00:00:07 Ross Rolfe states that he was born in Charleville and taught by his mother on the family property by correspondence. In grade 3 the family moved to the Sunshine Coast where he attended Mooloolaba and Buderim primary schools and then Nambour high school which he completed in 1973. He was at Nambour at the same time as Wayne Swan and Kevin Rudd. Nambour was a large school with over 1500 pupils and a senior and experienced teaching staff.
01:54:11 Ross Rolfe describes what he considers to be his main achievements - conservation work, Aboriginal land title, forest agreements, bilby colonies, life sciences, gas strategy, water infrastructure, and health reform.
Public servant Ross Rolfe worked in the commonwealth and state public service and in the private sector. He was Director General of three Queensland departments, Environment and Heritage 1996, 1998, State Development 1998-2002, and Premier 2005-07, working on state infrastructure and with Premier Peter Beattie on many of the Smart State initiatives, the water policy and the Cyclone Larry recovery plan.
Ross Rolfe has moved between the public and private sector throughout his career. He was born in Charleville Queensland in 1955, and moved to the Sunshine Coast where he was schooled at Mooloolaba and Buderim primary, and Nambour High School. He completed a BA (Hons) in History at UQ and then joined the graduate program of the Commonwealth Public Service in Canberra working first for the Department of Defence and then Department of Aboriginal Affairs. When the Goss Government won office in 1989, he transferred to the Queensland public service working first at the Department of Family Services and Aboriginal and Islander Affairs and then in the Department of Lands, followed by the Department of Environment and Heritage. He became Director General of the Department of Environment and Heritage briefly before his contract was terminated by the incoming Borbidge Government.
He joined the private sector working for Chevron Australia before returning to the public service in 1998 as Director General of Environment and Heritage, then Coordinator General and Director General of the Department of State Development 1998-2002. In 2002 he left the public service to become CEO of Stanwell Corporation, before being invited by Peter Beattie to return to the public sector as Coordinator General and Director General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (2005-07). He returned to the private sector in 2008 as CEO Babcock and Brown Power/Alinta Energy. He has served as director and member of a variety of boards relating to energy and the life sciences.
During his time in the public sector he was involved in the purchase and return of Aboriginal land, the phasing out of native forest logging and its replacement by the plantation timber industry, the development of state infrastructure to support the resources boom, especially rail and ports, the delivery of the South East Queensland Regional Infrastructure Plan, the Smart State initiatives, the development of the water grid and the Cyclone Larry recovery plan. Ross Rolfe was admitted as an Officer in the Order of Australia in 2008.


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