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Home › CURRENT-EVENTS › The Damascus Road Still Has Travelers
The Damascus Road Still Has Travelers
By Dr. Donald Whitchard on October 31, 2019 • ( 1 )
By Dr. Donald Whitchard
"Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And as he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." So, he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" The Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
Acts 9:1-6 (NKJV)
"And I thank Christ Jesus our LORD who has enabled me because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man, but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief."
I Timothy 1:12-15 (NKJV)
At the time of this writing, two of the leaders of the butchering, jihadist, fanatical and inhuman organization known as ISIS, which slaughtered thousands of Christians and religious minorities in Iraq and Syria, were executed by our fighting forces on orders from President Trump. This scourge that the previous administration either ignored or downplayed while chaos raged, has become a shadow of its former self. The American media would have us believe that Trump had ordered the execution of a benevolent cleric, such is their twisted propaganda that nobody in their right mind believes. Members of Congress are playing the daily game of outrage for not being informed of the operation and are whining to any reporter who will hear their complaints. Never mind the fact that the President does not have to tell anyone anything if it is none of their business or could be leaked out and jeopardize lives in the process. I don't want to know how the plans were designed or who would carry them out, as long as the objective of eliminating an enemy of our country was accomplished and I can feel somewhat safe when I go to bed at night.
The game for today is who can yell and gripe the most and get the prizes. It is occurring in politics far more than necessary. It's poisoning our young people with the idea that socialism is the wave of the future, and we see groups of every shape, size, and cause fighting for our attention and donations lest we feel their wrath or boycott.
Heaven forbid we cause them to have "trigger warnings" that tell us that someone's feelings will get hurt and that their emotions are what make the world turn in its orbit every day. In our quest for political correctness and perceived "equality" and "tolerance", we now have a generation of grown men and women content to spend their days protesting who knows what, being content to live in their parent's basement until they're 30, texting and typing away on the web, getting angry and opinionated about things that are trivial and have as much social shelf life as knowing who won the Academy Award for best picture last year, or something even less relevant to the well-being of the country and its citizens. Issues like commitment, determination, individual courage, risk taking, having a moral compass, and the need to be responsible for others as well as yourself seem to make no sense or any inclination of looking past their feelings and see that there is a world that could be made somewhat better by their lives and talents.
It's all too easy to be angry and distant from each other in regards to opinions, convictions, or belief. I have to admit that I often get into this mindset and wonder why people behave the way they do and say some of the ridiculous things that come from their mouths. It's really simple. The people that are making the most noise in the world today are of the world and do not have a relationship through faith in Jesus Christ in most cases. We are getting our thoughts and reactions from people who have no idea of what faith in God is, or of the truths of Christianity and the person of Jesus Christ. They are essentially empty heads pouring their limited scope of reality into another empty head. That, unfortunately, seems to be the dominant narrative. Then, out of nowhere it seems, the LORD, in His mercy, gives us some news that helps us to realize that He does indeed have all things under His control and is still in the business of bringing the lost lambs back into the fold.
I am not a slave to following pop culture or its influences upon the nation for better or worse, and I long ago gave up trying to follow musical trends and singers, rappers, boy bands, or the latest hit on the radio or internet. Most of it is junk, and that includes the medium of rap music. The segments that I have heard by some so-called "artists" is nothing more than spitting in rhythm and shouting vulgarities every other line, often by some youngsters who have turned up their car speakers to a decibel level that causes buildings to shake and nerves to quiver. One of these rappers is Kanye West, who had written a book called, "The Book of Yeesus" where he claimed divinity or some such thing not that long ago, and was famous for marrying one of the Kardashian sisters or some other "reality" star on TV. I think Bruce Jenner is part of this family dynamic, and I'm not going to call him "Caitlyn". He's a man dressing up and acting like a woman. That's a mental issue and a slap in God's face by saying in essence that He made a mistake when he created Bruce as originally planned. I'm not backing down on this, and I don't care if it offends anyone.
Apparently the big news is that Kanye has totally turned his life over to Jesus Christ and has made a new album entitled "Jesus is King". His art and career are now seen as a ministry.
Mr. West has been on the late night talk show rounds in the past few days and has declared to hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and others that he is now a follower of Jesus Christ and he is going to live his life along that claim. He has gone to venues such as universities and proclaimed not just his faith, but is presenting to this generation the sordid facts about one political party that has relied on the support of African-Americans to stay in power while promising them welfare and housing plus other benefits. If you do your own research, you'll find that President Lyndon B. Johnson, declared a "War on Poverty" shortly after he won the 1964 election riding on the coattails of the recent tragedy of the Kennedy assassination. Fifty-five years later, the poverty situation in America has not changed or really improved until recently with the reforms and programs of the present administration. Mr. West is telling those who will listen that the party they support has in reality kept them poor, dependent, and has destroyed the role of the father in the black community. He also presents the historical fact that the party of Abraham Lincoln is the one that freed the slaves and put into place the 15th Amendment that outlawed slavery once and for all in this nation.
There are journalists (for lack of a better term) who have ridiculed and mocked Mr. West's political beliefs as well as his new faith, especially when he held a press conference telling everyone that he was going to rear his daughters as girls, and they would be taught manners, the Scriptures, and to dress modestly throughout their lifetimes. He said that he no longer wants to go out all night, but prefers being at home with his family and reading the Bible to them before bed. I watched a video of a worship service that he led on October 27th, where he took the choral arrangement of "Carmina Burina" and turned it into a praise song. I listened to the entire arrangement and I personally thought that it was a unique take on a secular choral piece. He has released some of his "Jesus is King" selections on You Tube. Rap is not my cup of tea, but his words on these recordings seem to reflect a genuine change of heart in someone who has really embraced the truths of Christ. The only other rap artist I've been familiar with is Lecrae, and only because he was featured on Billy Graham's last special in 2015.
Now here is where I want to bring us back to a point that you may have picked up on if you've been familiar with the Apostle Paul's journey with the risen Lord Jesus Christ. There is a lot of doubt and skepticism concerning Mr. West's dramatic conversion and actions, with some believing it to be a publicity stunt, and some with attitudes of "wait and see", and outright denial by some who somehow find it hard to comprehend that the Sovereign God can get a hold of someone in the entertainment industry and turn their lives around spiritually. I can understand the thinking in light of the defections of some "Christian" celebrities who made their fortune and fame with books and music, only to walk away from it all and declare their rank unbelief before the world who loves this kind of action and gives further proof to them in their own eyes that the claims of Jesus Christ are bogus. The evangelical world already has enough troubles without this sore spot being agitated by fake conversions and bad theology.
From what I've seen and read so far, and comments made by more mature believers on social media, it seems that Mr. West has a pastor who is a solid reformed Christian preacher who took a lot of time explaining the nature of sin, repentance, confession of sin, and the Lordship of Jesus Christ to him when he made his profession of faith and Kanye, in turn, assured the pastor that what was presented to him was what he embraced and believed. Kanye now tells his peers to not be sexually promiscuous, emphasizes the need for repentance, and is showing more fruit for the LORD than some believers who have been around much longer, and yet look down on his new walk. It looks like Kanye West is showing the results of genuine conversion and will need to be under sound doctrinal and biblical teaching as he matures in the faith. He will need our prayers along with his wife, Kim Kardashian, and his children. He may be the tool God uses to being about a move of righteousness in a place where it seems that the devil has had more sway in the last few decades.
I am a Facebook "friend" with the actor Harrison Ford, of whom I 'm praying will come to Christ in light of the close calls he's had with airplane crashes in the past few years. His post at the time of this writing reflected on how the Lord will someday give him eagle's wings. I don't know if he's referring to a philosophical thought or if he's realizing that he's not getting any younger and one day he won't wake up. Perhaps the LORD is pulling on his heart. I can only pray that it will happen. I'd like Indiana Jones to be with me and the brethren in the new heaven and the new earth. That would be the ultimate adventure. If he got saved like Kanye apparently has, who knows what God would do before He comes to get us? Hollyweird and the whole community there needs to repent and get right with God, but that's an understatement.
Perhaps the LORD is working on hearts we thought were closed to His grace. Look at you when the Lord Jesus got a hold on you, and the reaction from your family, friends, and co-workers. You may have been the devil's partying buddy and literally raising hell before the LORD saved you. I'm sure that your transformation was met with a lot of skepticism. Maybe you thought you were a "good" person until the Holy Spirit opened your eyes to the fact that no one is "good" in God's sight until he has been transformed by the redeeming power of Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Romans 1:18-32; 3:10-18; 5:6-11; 8:31-39). Read what the first generation of Christians said when Paul was transformed:
"Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. Then all who heard were amazed, and said, "Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?" But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ." – Acts 9:20-22
I rejoice with Kanye if he has indeed had his life changed by Jesus Christ, and for those of you who go down the same road, becoming new creatures in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17), I want to welcome you into the family of God. The Damascus Road still needs to have a few more travelers. Amen? Let's show them the directions while the time is still at hand.
Image Credit: Kanye West/David Shankbone
drwhitchard@aol.com
www.donaldwhitchard.com
Don was born and raised in the true Cajun Country of Louisiana. He holds a Bachelors Degree in History from Louisiana College, a Masters Degree in Christian Education from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Theology from Andersonville Baptist Seminary in Georgia. Don has served as a pastor, interim pastor, high school teacher, and hospital chaplain over the past thirty years. He currently serves as a volunteer chaplain (2008-present) with St. Francis Hospital and also served as the pastor/teacher from 2013-2016 at the Gospel Rescue Mission, both of which are here in Muskogee. He was called to Meadowbrook in February 0f 2017 and began his ministry in March of that year. He has also served as President of the Muskogee Baptist Association's Pastors Conference, which is a weekly meeting that presents speakers and ministry ideas and concepts to church leaders in the greater Muskogee area.
Don's top priority is to see that the good news of Jesus Christ is shared with our lost and hurting world and that the people of God are taught sound doctrine and preparation for our Lord's soon return.
donaldwhitchard.com
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Categories: CURRENT-EVENTS, FAITH FOR TODAY, INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLES, OUTREACH, THE WORD OF GOD FOR TODAY, U.S. NEWS, YOU DECIDE
Tags: Acts 9:20-22, Christianity, Entertainment, Harrison Ford, Kanye West converts to Christ, Kim Kardashian, Lecrae, Lordship of Jesus Christ, News, politics, pop culture, War on Poverty
Pastoral Advice to Young Activists
The Damascus Road Still Has Travelers – True Conservative Pundit


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Known for its speed, ease of use and native clients, HideIPVPN supports Windows, Mac, iOS and Android platforms. Its Smart DNS service is known to be able to unblock some sites. The service supports a variety of protocols, which include SSTP, OpenVPN, SoftEther, PPTP and L2TP/IPSec. With the service, torrenting is allowed although only on German and Dutch servers, this is due to the fact that it only has seven server locations in North America and Europe.
TrackStop – Ads are basically advanced tracking to record your browsing, so you can be hit with targeted ads based on your online activity. To protect users against this threat, Perfect Privacy developed TrackStop, which is a powerful filter that blocks advertising, tracking, and malicious domains at the VPN server level. It ranked the best among different VPN ad blockers I tested.
In the configuration shown in the following figure, the firewall is connected to the Internet and the VPN server is another intranet resource connected to the perimeter network, also known as a screened subnet or demilitarized zone (DMZ). The perimeter network is an IP network segment that typically contains resources available to Internet users such as Web servers and FTP servers. The VPN server has an interface on the perimeter network and an interface on the intranet.
What that means in practice is that VPNs are fine for bypassing geo-blocks, for protecting your online banking and for keeping business communications free from interception. However, if you're using the internet to fight repressive regimes or to do anything else that could attract the attention of the authorities where you live, a VPN is not a magic wand that'll make you invisible.
When you activate a VPN, your web traffic is routed from your computer, through an encrypted tunnel, and to a server controlled by the VPN company. From there, your data exits and enters the public internet. These extra steps generally degrade your internet connection speeds, simply by adding more fiber, more computers, and more physical distance to the equation. In exchange, using a VPN helps protect your data and personal security.
TorGuard offers applications for every major platform, including Windows, macOS, and Android. And unlike our top pick, it also supports OpenVPN on ChromeOS. (Though TorGuard does offer an iOS app, it doesn't natively support the OpenVPN protocol that allows for the easiest and most reliable secure connections.) Using these apps, you can manually select a server, click Connect, and not worry about the rest. But otherwise, the applications aren't as refined or easy to use as IVPN's. New users are likely to find themselves out of their depth when modifying anything but the most basic functions, such as auto-connecting at launch or minimizing the app.
IVPN was one of the fastest providers when we tested US servers using the Internet Health Test. Our budget pick, TorGuard, was faster, but it defaults to the less secure 128-bit encryption. Our non-VPN connection tested at roughly 300 Mbps down. Some tested services are not listed because connection failures prevented some of our tests from completing.
Perfect Privacy's network is composed entirely of dedicated, bare-metal servers that provide you with fast speeds, more security, and plenty of bandwidth at all times (you can see real-time server bandwidth here). Like ExpressVPN, Perfect Privacy has also passed real-world tests that verified their no logging claims, when one of their servers were seized by Dutch authorities (customer data remained safe).
Final Verdict – NordVPN is easily one of the best all-around providers. I would especially recommend this VPN for users that value their privacy. The encryption protocols, jurisdiction, and logging policies of NordVPN make it the perfect VPN for users concerned about their privacy. And its Double VPN feature makes it stand out from the crowd, something I have covered in detail in NordVPN review.
Password Authentication Protocol (PAP) is a clear-text authentication scheme. The NAS requests the user name and password, and PAP returns them in clear text (unencrypted). Obviously, this authentication scheme is not secure because a malicious user could capture the user's name and password and use it to get subsequent access to the NAS and all of the resources provided by the NAS. PAP provides no protection against replay attacks or remote client impersonation once the user's password is compromised.
A traditional VPN can affect the user experience when applied to wireless devices. It's best to use a mobile VPN to avoid slower speeds and data loss. A mobile VPN offers you a high level of security for the challenges of wireless communication. It can provide mobile devices with secure access to network resources and software applications on their wireless networks. It's good to use when you're facing coverage gaps, inter-network roaming, bandwidth issues, or limited battery life, memory or processing power.
CyberGhost is one of the most feature-rich VPNs with special configurations for different use cases, including media streaming, downloads, anti-censorship and safe browsing. Ultimately designed to optimize your connection, this turned out to be quite irrelevant when looking at the download speed, which came out lowest across all testing tools, with an average speed of 2.47 Mb per second.
First and foremost, using a VPN prevents anyone on the same network access point (or anywhere else) from intercepting your web traffic in a man-in-the-middle attack. This is especially handy for travelers and for those using public Wi-Fi networks, such as web surfers at hotels, airports, and coffee shops. Someone on the same network, or the person in control of the network you're using, could conceivably intercept your information while you're connected.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
#ifndef __STDC_WANT_LIB_EXT1__
# define __STDC_WANT_LIB_EXT1__ 1
#endif
#include <assert.h>
#include <errno.h>
#include <limits.h>
#include <signal.h>
#include <stddef.h>
#include <stdint.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <string.h>

#ifdef HAVE_SYS_MMAN_H
# include <sys/mman.h>
#endif

#include "utils.h"
#include "randombytes.h"
#ifdef _WIN32
# include <windows.h>
# include <wincrypt.h>
#else
# include <unistd.h>
#endif

#define CANARY_SIZE 16U
#define GARBAGE_VALUE 0xd0

#ifndef MAP_NOCORE
# define MAP_NOCORE 0
#endif
#if !defined(MAP_ANON) && defined(MAP_ANONYMOUS)
# define MAP_ANON MAP_ANONYMOUS
#endif
#if defined(_WIN32) || defined(MAP_ANON) || defined(HAVE_POSIX_MEMALIGN)
# define HAVE_ALIGNED_MALLOC
#endif
#if defined(HAVE_MPROTECT) && !(defined(PROT_NONE) && defined(PROT_READ) && defined(PROT_WRITE))
# undef HAVE_MPROTECT
#endif
#if defined(HAVE_ALIGNED_MALLOC) && (defined(_WIN32) || defined(HAVE_MPROTECT))
# define HAVE_PAGE_PROTECTION
#endif

static size_t page_size;
static unsigned char canary[CANARY_SIZE];

#ifdef HAVE_WEAK_SYMBOLS
__attribute__((weak)) void
__sodium_dummy_symbol_to_prevent_lto(void * const pnt, const size_t len)
{
    (void) pnt;
    (void) len;
}
#endif

void
sodium_memzero(void * const pnt, const size_t len)
{
#ifdef _WIN32
    SecureZeroMemory(pnt, len);
#elif defined(HAVE_MEMSET_S)
    if (memset_s(pnt, (rsize_t) len, 0, (rsize_t) len) != 0) {
        abort(); /* LCOV_EXCL_LINE */
    }
#elif defined(HAVE_EXPLICIT_BZERO)
    explicit_bzero(pnt, len);
#elif HAVE_WEAK_SYMBOLS
    memset(pnt, 0, len);
    __sodium_dummy_symbol_to_prevent_lto(pnt, len);
#else
    volatile unsigned char *pnt_ = (volatile unsigned char *) pnt;
    size_t                     i = (size_t) 0U;

    while (i < len) {
        pnt_[i++] = 0U;
    }
#endif
}

int
sodium_memcmp(const void * const b1_, const void * const b2_, size_t len)
{
    const unsigned char *b1 = (const unsigned char *) b1_;
    const unsigned char *b2 = (const unsigned char *) b2_;
    size_t               i;
    unsigned char        d = (unsigned char) 0U;

    for (i = 0U; i < len; i++) {
        d |= b1[i] ^ b2[i];
    }
    return (int) ((1 & ((d - 1) >> 8)) - 1);
}

char *
sodium_bin2hex(char * const hex, const size_t hex_maxlen,
               const unsigned char * const bin, const size_t bin_len)
{
    static const char hexdigits[16] = {
        '0', '1', '2', '3', '4', '5', '6', '7',
        '8', '9', 'a', 'b', 'c', 'd', 'e', 'f'
    };
    size_t            i = (size_t) 0U;
    size_t            j = (size_t) 0U;

    if (bin_len >= SIZE_MAX / 2 || hex_maxlen < bin_len * 2U) {
        abort(); /* LCOV_EXCL_LINE */
    }
    while (i < bin_len) {
        hex[j++] = hexdigits[bin[i] >> 4];
        hex[j++] = hexdigits[bin[i] & 0xf];
        i++;
    }
    hex[j] = 0;

    return hex;
}

int
sodium_hex2bin(unsigned char * const bin, const size_t bin_maxlen,
               const char * const hex, const size_t hex_len,
               const char * const ignore, size_t * const bin_len,
               const char ** const hex_end)
{
    size_t        bin_pos = (size_t) 0U;
    size_t        hex_pos = (size_t) 0U;
    int           ret = 0;
    unsigned char c;
    unsigned char c_acc = 0U;
    unsigned char c_num;
    unsigned char c_val;
    unsigned char state = 0U;

    while (hex_pos < hex_len) {
        c = (unsigned char) hex[hex_pos];
        if ((c_num = c ^ 48U) < 10U) {
            c_val = c_num;
        } else if ((c_num = (c & ~32U)) > 64 && c_num < 71U) {
            c_val = c_num - 55U;
        } else if (ignore != NULL && strchr(ignore, c) != NULL && state == 0U) {
            hex_pos++;
            continue;
        } else {
            break;
        }
        if (bin_pos >= bin_maxlen) {
            ret = -1;
            errno = ERANGE;
            break;
        }
        if (state == 0U) {
            c_acc = c_val * 16U;
        } else {
            bin[bin_pos++] = c_acc | c_val;
        }
        state = ~state;
        hex_pos++;
    }
    if (state != 0U) {
        hex_pos--;
    }
    if (hex_end != NULL) {
        *hex_end = &hex[hex_pos];
    }
    if (bin_len != NULL) {
        *bin_len = bin_pos;
    }
    return ret;
}

int
sodium_mlock(void * const addr, const size_t len)
{
#ifdef MADV_DONTDUMP
    (void) madvise(addr, len, MADV_DONTDUMP);
#endif
#ifdef HAVE_MLOCK
    return mlock(addr, len);
#elif defined(_WIN32)
    return -(VirtualLock(addr, len) == 0);
#else
    errno = ENOSYS;
    return -1;
#endif
}

int
sodium_munlock(void * const addr, const size_t len)
{
    sodium_memzero(addr, len);
#ifdef MADV_DODUMP
    (void) madvise(addr, len, MADV_DODUMP);
#endif
#ifdef HAVE_MLOCK
    return munlock(addr, len);
#elif defined(_WIN32)
    return -(VirtualUnlock(addr, len) == 0);
#else
    errno = ENOSYS;
    return -1;
#endif
}

int
_sodium_alloc_init(void)
{
#if defined(_SC_PAGESIZE)
    long page_size_ = sysconf(_SC_PAGESIZE);
    if (page_size_ > 0L) {
        page_size = (size_t) page_size_;
    }
#elif defined(_WIN32)
    SYSTEM_INFO si;
    GetSystemInfo(&si);
    page_size = (size_t) si.dwPageSize;
#endif
    if (page_size < CANARY_SIZE) {
        abort(); /* LCOV_EXCL_LINE */
    }
    randombytes_buf(canary, sizeof canary);

    return 0;
}

static inline size_t
_page_round(const size_t size)
{
    const size_t page_mask = page_size - 1U;

    return (size + page_mask) & ~page_mask;
}

static int
_mprotect_noaccess(void *ptr, size_t size)
{
#if defined(HAVE_MPROTECT) && defined(HAVE_PAGE_PROTECTION)
    return mprotect(ptr, size, PROT_NONE);
#elif defined(_WIN32)
    {
        DWORD old;
        return -(VirtualProtect(ptr, size, PAGE_NOACCESS, &old) == 0);
    }
#else
    errno = ENOSYS;
    return -1;
#endif
}

static int
_mprotect_readonly(void *ptr, size_t size)
{
#if defined(HAVE_MPROTECT) && defined(HAVE_PAGE_PROTECTION)
    return mprotect(ptr, size, PROT_READ);
#elif defined(_WIN32)
    {
        DWORD old;
        return -(VirtualProtect(ptr, size, PAGE_READONLY, &old) == 0);
    }
#else
    errno = ENOSYS;
    return -1;
#endif
}

static int
_mprotect_readwrite(void *ptr, size_t size)
{
#if defined(HAVE_MPROTECT) && defined(HAVE_PAGE_PROTECTION)
    return mprotect(ptr, size, PROT_READ | PROT_WRITE);
#elif defined(_WIN32)
    {
        DWORD old;
        return -(VirtualProtect(ptr, size, PAGE_READWRITE, &old) == 0);
    }
#else
    errno = ENOSYS;
    return -1;
#endif
}

static void
_out_of_bounds(void)
{
#ifdef SIGSEGV
    raise(SIGSEGV);
#elif defined(SIGKILL)
    raise(SIGKILL);
#endif
    abort();
}  /* LCOV_EXCL_LINE */

static __attribute__((malloc)) unsigned char *
_alloc_aligned(const size_t size)
{
    void *ptr;

#ifdef MAP_ANON
    if ((ptr = mmap(NULL, size, PROT_READ | PROT_WRITE,
                    MAP_ANON | MAP_PRIVATE | MAP_NOCORE, -1, 0)) == MAP_FAILED) {
        ptr = NULL; /* LCOV_EXCL_LINE */
    } /* LCOV_EXCL_LINE */
#elif defined(HAVE_POSIX_MEMALIGN)
    if (posix_memalign(&ptr, page_size, size) != 0) {
        ptr = NULL; /* LCOV_EXCL_LINE */
    } /* LCOV_EXCL_LINE */
#elif defined(_WIN32)
    ptr = VirtualAlloc(NULL, size, MEM_COMMIT | MEM_RESERVE, PAGE_READWRITE);
#elif !defined(HAVE_ALIGNED_MALLOC)
    ptr = malloc(size);
#else
# error Bug
#endif
    return (unsigned char *) ptr;
}

static void
_free_aligned(unsigned char * const ptr, const size_t size)
{
#ifdef MAP_ANON
    (void) munmap(ptr, size);
#elif defined(HAVE_POSIX_MEMALIGN)
    free(ptr);
#elif defined(_WIN32)
    VirtualFree(ptr, 0U, MEM_RELEASE);
#else
    free(ptr);
#endif
}

static unsigned char *
_unprotected_ptr_from_user_ptr(const void *ptr)
{
    uintptr_t      unprotected_ptr_u;
    unsigned char *canary_ptr;
    size_t         page_mask;

    canary_ptr = ((unsigned char *) ptr) - sizeof canary;
    page_mask = page_size - 1U;
    unprotected_ptr_u = ((uintptr_t) canary_ptr & (uintptr_t) ~page_mask);
    if (unprotected_ptr_u <= page_size * 2U) {
        abort(); /* LCOV_EXCL_LINE */
    }
    return (unsigned char *) unprotected_ptr_u;
}

static __attribute__((malloc)) void *
_sodium_malloc(const size_t size)
{
    void          *user_ptr;
    unsigned char *base_ptr;
    unsigned char *canary_ptr;
    unsigned char *unprotected_ptr;
    size_t         page_mask;
    size_t         size_with_canary;
    size_t         total_size;
    size_t         unprotected_size;

    if (size >= SIZE_MAX - page_size * 4U) {
        errno = ENOMEM;
        return NULL;
    }
    if (page_size <= sizeof canary || page_size < sizeof unprotected_size) {
        abort(); /* LCOV_EXCL_LINE */
    }
    size_with_canary = (sizeof canary) + size;
    unprotected_size = _page_round(size_with_canary);
    total_size = page_size + page_size + unprotected_size + page_size;
    if ((base_ptr = _alloc_aligned(total_size)) == NULL) {
        return NULL; /* LCOV_EXCL_LINE */
    }
    unprotected_ptr = base_ptr + page_size * 2U;
    _mprotect_noaccess(base_ptr + page_size, page_size);
#ifndef HAVE_PAGE_PROTECTION
    memcpy(unprotected_ptr + unprotected_size, canary, sizeof canary);
#endif
    _mprotect_noaccess(unprotected_ptr + unprotected_size, page_size);
    sodium_mlock(unprotected_ptr, unprotected_size);
    page_mask = page_size - 1U;
    canary_ptr = unprotected_ptr + _page_round(size_with_canary) -
        size_with_canary;
    user_ptr = canary_ptr + sizeof canary;
    memcpy(canary_ptr, canary, sizeof canary);
    memcpy(base_ptr, &unprotected_size, sizeof unprotected_size);
    _mprotect_readonly(base_ptr, page_size);
    assert(_unprotected_ptr_from_user_ptr(user_ptr) == unprotected_ptr);

    return user_ptr;
}

__attribute__((malloc)) void *
sodium_malloc(const size_t size)
{
    void *ptr;

    if ((ptr = _sodium_malloc(size)) == NULL) {
        return NULL; /* LCOV_EXCL_LINE */
    }
    memset(ptr, (int) GARBAGE_VALUE, size);

    return ptr;
}

__attribute__((malloc)) void *
sodium_allocarray(size_t count, size_t size)
{
    size_t total_size;

    if (size >= SIZE_MAX / count) {
        errno = ENOMEM;
        return NULL;
    }
    total_size = count * size;

    return sodium_malloc(total_size);
}

void
sodium_free(void *ptr)
{
    unsigned char *base_ptr;
    unsigned char *canary_ptr;
    unsigned char *unprotected_ptr;
    size_t         total_size;
    size_t         unprotected_size;

    if (ptr == NULL) {
        return;
    }
    canary_ptr = ((unsigned char *) ptr) - sizeof canary;
    if (sodium_memcmp(canary_ptr, canary, sizeof canary) != 0) {
        _out_of_bounds();
    }
    unprotected_ptr = _unprotected_ptr_from_user_ptr(ptr);
    base_ptr = unprotected_ptr - page_size * 2U;
    memcpy(&unprotected_size, base_ptr, sizeof unprotected_size);
    total_size = page_size + page_size + unprotected_size + page_size;
    _mprotect_readwrite(base_ptr, total_size);
#ifndef HAVE_PAGE_PROTECTION
    if (sodium_memcmp(unprotected_ptr + unprotected_size,
                      canary, sizeof canary) != 0) {
        _out_of_bounds();
    }
#endif
    sodium_munlock(unprotected_ptr, unprotected_size);
    _free_aligned(base_ptr, total_size);
}

static int
_sodium_mprotect(void *ptr, int (*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size))
{
    unsigned char *base_ptr;
    unsigned char *unprotected_ptr;
    size_t         unprotected_size;

    unprotected_ptr = _unprotected_ptr_from_user_ptr(ptr);
    base_ptr = unprotected_ptr - page_size * 2U;
    memcpy(&unprotected_size, base_ptr, sizeof unprotected_size);

    return cb(unprotected_ptr, unprotected_size);
}

int
sodium_mprotect_noaccess(void *ptr)
{
    return _sodium_mprotect(ptr, _mprotect_noaccess);
}

int
sodium_mprotect_readonly(void *ptr)
{
    return _sodium_mprotect(ptr, _mprotect_readonly);
}

int
sodium_mprotect_readwrite(void *ptr)
{
    return _sodium_mprotect(ptr, _mprotect_readwrite);
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Skyline students will participate in a variety of art shows and contests throughout the school year. Required shows will be done during class and with teacher supervision.
Other optional contests will be discussed during class and can be done at home.
Due dates, requirements and other information will be listed below through out the year for your reference.


Promoting Equality, Diversity & Inclusion across the Organisation: The programme will look at how to form strong relationships with other parts of your organisation and how to address the challenges these bring.
Supporting others to deliver inclusive practices: We will reflect on influencing skills especially other people's thinking.
Promoting best practice across the organisation: Look at how to gather and share success stories from all parts of the organisation.
HR directors and managers, managers at all levels, diversity and inclusion specialists.
NOTE: If you are an enei member please visit the enei website to purchase your ticket.


text:
20 Most Common Birds Of Baltimore (ID Guide With Photos)
Baltimore is home to a variety of bird species, ranging from the iconic Baltimore Oriole and stunning European Starling to the elusive Ruby-crowned Kinglet and vocal Tufted Titmouse.
These feathered beauties can be found in a variety of habitats throughout the city, from the bustling Patterson Park to the scenic Patapsco Valley State Park.
In this article we will take a closer look at some of the most interesting and unique birds that call Baltimore home, highlighting their unique characteristics and behaviors, as well as the best places to spot them.
Whether you're a seasoned birder or just getting started, Baltimore is a great place to explore the world of birds. So grab your binoculars and join us as we discover what the most common birds of the area look like.
Birds Of Baltimore
Common Starling
Scientific Name: Sturnus vulgaris
Length: 7.5–9.1 in
Weight: 2-3.6 oz
Common starlings are small dark birds that can measure as little as 7.5 inches long and have a wingspan of just 12 in.
They have glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen, pink legs, and black beaks during winter that turn yellow in summer. Common starlings are easy to recognize by white dots on their black plumage during winter, short tails, triangular wings, and long, pointed beaks.
They are also known as European starlings as they are native to Europe. They were introduced to other places, including North America, where common starlings are now designated invasive species. Starlings were first seen in Baltimore in 1906 and have since then spread throughout the area.
They are common around woodlands, parks, backyards, and urban places year-round, especially in areas where people live. Whether you visit Herring Run Park, Druid Hill Park, or move south to Fort McHenry National Monument and St. Mary's Park, you will have no problem spotting these birds.
Common starlings are very loud and social birds that can live in huge flocks; winter roosts can include from a few thousand to several million birds.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/Sturnus_vulgaris.ogg
Common Starling Song | Source: Vladimir Yu. Arkhipov, Arkhivov, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Scientific Name: Icterus galbula
Length: 6.7-8.7 in
Wingspan: 9.1-12.6 in
Weight: 0.79-1.48 oz
Baltimore orioles are one of the prettiest and most brilliantly colored songbirds of Baltimore. These tiny blackbirds got their names after the resemblance to the crest of Lord Baltimore's coat of arms, a 17th-century English nobleman who also named the city.
Baltimore orioles are state birds of Maryland and can be identified by their sturdy bodies, long tails, and pointy beaks. Males look stunning with their bright orange plumage, black heads, and conspicuous white wing bars; females can have yellow to bright orange underparts and darker wings.
They are summer residents in Baltimore and can be best seen there from May to September before they move to northern South America. You are most likely to find Baltimore orioles around Jones Falls Trail, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Carrie Murray Nature Center, or Joseph E. Lee Park.
Listen for their rich whistling song around open woodlands, forest edges, orchards, parks, and riversides. Baltimore orioles love to visit backyard feeders; attract them by adding nectar and ripe dark-colored fruits (mulberries, cherries, or grapes).
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/Icterus_galbula_-_Baltimore_Oriole_-_XC101614.ogg
Baltimore Oriole Song | Source: Jonathon Jongsma, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lesser Scaup | Source: ALAN SCHMIERER, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Scientific Name: Aythya affinis
Wingspan: 27–31 in
Weight: 1-2.4 lb
Lesser scaups are small diving ducks found in North America. People also call them "little bluebills" or "broadbills" because of their distinctive bluish bills with black tips.
Male lesser scaups are black and white with iridescent black heads (green or purple in the right light), white sides, black rumps, black and white barred backs, and yellow eyes. Females are dark brown above, white below, brown on the sides, and have a white ring around their bills.
They often form large flocks and inhabit lakes, ponds, and rivers. Lesser scaups are most common in Baltimore during the non-breeding season, from October to April. Visiting the waters of Druid Hill Park, Hanlon Park, Middle Branch Park, or Fort McHenry will give you a good chance of spotting these birds in the area.
Lesser scaups are the most widespread species of diving ducks in North America, with an estimated population of slightly under 4 million.
Scientific Name: Zenaida macroura
Weight: 4-6 oz
Mourning doves are one of the most abundant and widespread North American birds; they are also very popular gamebirds. They were named after the sad cooing sounds they make while singing.
Mourning doves have light brown bodies, black spots on their wings, long tails, and iridescent necks. They can be also identified by their different vocalizations: distinctive "coo-woo-woo" calls when attracting females, soft greeting "ork" calls, and short "roo-oo" alarm calls.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a2/Zenaida_macroura_-_Mourning_Dove_XC128006.ogg
Mourning Dove Song | Source: Jonathon Jongsma, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mourning doves are permanent residents of Baltimore and you will have no problem finding them there around suburban yards and parks. Lake Roland, Herring Run Park, St. Helena Park, Green Mount Cemetery, and Gwynns Falls Trail, are just a few places where you can find them.
They are monogamous birds where both parents incubate the eggs and raise the young – mourning doves are excellent at breeding and can raise up to 12 young per year which explains their huge population of around 167 million birds.
Scientific Name: Archilochus colubris
Weight: 0.07-0.2 oz
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are one of the smallest birds in North America. They can have a wingspan of as little as 3.1 inches and weigh less than a penny (0.07 oz)!
Males have metallic emerald green upperparts, grayish-white underparts, black wings, and a gorget (throat patch) of iridescent ruby red. Their tails are forked. Females are larger than males, have slightly shorter beaks, and have white throats.
They are one of the most common hummingbirds found east of the Mississippi River in the USA. Ruby-throated hummingbirds can be seen in Baltimore from April to October before they depart to southern Florida, Mexico, and Central America for the winter. Baltimore Inner Harbor, Quarry Lake, Green Mount Cemetery, and Herring Run Park, are just a few places where you can see them in the area.
To attract these birds with red necks to your backyard, you can set up hummingbird feeders or plant tubular flowers. They are quite bold and might even feed at hanging plants and feeders on your porch or next to your windows!
Scientific Name: Larus delawarensis
Length: 16.9-21.3 in
Wingspan: 41.3-46.1 in
Weight: 10.6-24.7 oz
Ring-billed gulls are medium-sized gulls with white bodies, gray wings, yellow eyes, and yellow legs. They got their name from the dark rings on their relatively short beaks.
Ring-billed gulls are permanent residents and are easy to spot throughout the year. Visit Druid Hill Park, Fort McHenry, Chinquapin Run Park, Hanlon Park, or Fort Holabird Park, to spot these gulls in Baltimore.
They are common around urban, suburban, and agricultural areas, including reservoirs, lakes, ponds, landfills, parking lots, and shopping malls. When winter comes, they can be seen around docks, wharves, and harbors.
Ring-billed gulls are omnivores and also feed on insects, fish, grain, eggs, earthworms, and rodents. They are often called the "fast food gulls" because they can be often seen around fast-food restaurants scavenging for food.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/68/Larus_delawarensis_-_Ring-billed_Gull_-_XC75111.ogg
Ring-billed Gull Call | Source: Jonathon Jongsma, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Scientific Name: Hydroprogne caspia
Length: 19–24 in
Weight: 1.1-1.72 lb
Caspian terns are among the largest terns in the world. They are easily recognizable by their enormous heads, coral-red beaks, shallowly forked tails, and deep, raspy calls. These terns are white overall with pale gray upperwings.
They got their name from the early associations with the Caspian Sea where Caspian terns are fairly common even today. These birds are very aggressive when defending their breeding colony. They will pursue, attack, and chase away potential predatory birds, and even bite people on their heads if they invade their space.
Caspian terns are fairly common in Baltimore from April to November. Look for them around Druid Hill Park, Inner Harbor, and Masonville Cove.
Caspian terns will hover high over the water, scanning for fish. When they spot one, they will fly down rapidly and dive to catch it. They also occasionally feed on large insects, the young and eggs of other birds, and some rodents.
Scientific Name: Ardea herodias
Great blue herons are one of the biggest blue birds in the world. And with a wingspan of up to 6.6 ft, these massive birds are hard to miss.
Great blue herons are blue-gray and have large yellow-orange beaks, short black plumes on their heads, and black and chestnut patterns on the shoulders. During the flight, they will hold their neck in an S-shape with legs trailing behind.
They are permanent residents of Baltimore and can be seen there throughout the year. In case you go looking for great blue herons, visit Chinquapin Run Park, Stony Run Park, Gwynns Falls Trail, Druid Hill Park, or Swann Park.
You will spot them stalking fish with their scissors-like beaks in marshes, bays, ponds, and rivers. They nest in colonies called heronries that can occasionally have more than 500 nests!
Scientific Name: Cathartes aura
Weight: 1.8-5.3 lb
Turkey vultures are the largest vulture species found in Baltimore. On average, they measure between 24 and 32 inches in length and have a wingspan of approximately 5 to 6 feet.
These birds are also known as turkey buzzards, or just buzzards, and got named for their resemblance to turkeys, but they are not closely related.
Turkey vultures are permanent residents of Baltimore and most of Maryland and can be seen there year-round. Lake Roland, Hanlon Park, Herring Run Park, Winans Meadow, Fort McHenry, or even Double Rock Park just outside of Baltimore, are some great places to spot turkey vultures.
With their habit of soaring on thermal updrafts, dark plumage, bare red heads, and white legs, turkey vultures are hard to miss in the sky. Look for their silvery flight feathers that are contrasted with dark wing linings while they fly.
Using their keen vision and sharp sense of smell, turkey vultures can locate carrion easily. They are scavengers, and they feed primarily on the carcasses of dead animals. You will often spot them sitting in trees on the sides of roads waiting for their next meal.
Because of their extremely strong stomach acids, turkey vultures can eat and digest carcasses tainted with anthrax, tuberculosis, and rabies, without getting sick. They lack a syrinx (the vocal organ) which makes them voiceless; all turkey vultures can do is hiss, whine, and grunt.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/21/Turkey_Vulture.ogg
Turkey Vulture Call | Source: G. McGrane, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Weight: 6.6-13.9 lb
Bald eagles are one of the largest eagles in North America. They range from 28 to 40 inches long and have a wingspan of up to 7 feet 7 inches.
These large raptors were selected in 1782 as the national symbol of the United States and can be identified by their brown bodies, white heads and tails, and yellow legs and beaks. Before attaining these characteristics around the age of five, bald eagles are mostly dark brown with varying amounts of white mottling.
Baltimore City's Masonville Cove is home to the first known pair of nesting bald eagles. These eagles have been wintering for several years now in the area.
Bald eagles build one of the largest nests of any North American bird – the largest recorded one was in Florida and measured 10 feet wide and 20 feet deep.
These magnificent raptors are hard to miss as they soar through the air with their 7.7-foot-wide wingspan. Bald eagles are carnivores and opportunistic feeders that primarily consume fish they snatch from the water with their sharp talons.
If you want to entertain yourself a bit, check out this article where you can see what bald eagles would look like if they had no beaks.
Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis
Red-tailed hawks are large birds with broad rounded wings and short wide tails. There are several variations of their colors; most are brown with light bellies, streaky breast bands, and rusty tails. Females tend to be larger than males.
These raptors can be seen throughout the year in Baltimore, in almost every habitat with open areas and patches of trees or other elevated perches. Look for red-tailed hawks in Wyman Park, Patterson Park, Herring Run Park, Cylburn Arboretum, and Hanlon Park, among other places.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/Buteo_jamaicensis_-_Red-tailed_Hawk_-_XC71575.ogg
Red-tailed Hawk Call | Source: Jonathon Jongsma, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
You will often see them sitting perched near a roadside or soaring in the sky and looking for prey. They can spot a mouse from 100 feet in the air and will grab it using their almost inch-and-a-half-long talons.
Red-tailed hawks are legally protected in the United States by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and you can't hunt them. There are 14 subspecies of these Northeastern birds.
Scientific Name: Strix varia
Known under several names (northern barred owls, striped owls, or more informally, hoot owls), barred owls are large birds with mottled brown and white plumage.
They can be identified by their yellow beaks, absence of ear tufts, and hoots that sound like "who cooks for you, who cooks for you all" and that can be heard almost half a mile away. Barred owls also have large and dark brown, almost black eyes.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Strix_varia_-_Northern_Barred_Owl_XC178042.mp3
Barred Owl Call | Source: Jonathon Jongsma, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
They are native to eastern North America and are found mostly around woods and swamps where they hunt for insects, small mammals, crayfish, and crabs. Barred owls are year-round residents of Baltimore and can be seen there around Druid Hill Park, Patterson Park, Stony Run Park, Winans Meadow, and Federal Hill Park, among other places.
Barred owls will nest in tree holes or use abandoned nests of other animals, from red-tailed hawks to squirrels. After they establish nests, barred owls become very territorial and aggressive – they will chase away intruders by hooting aggressively or attacking them with their sharp talons!
Scientific Name: Melanerpes carolinus
Length: 9-10.5 in
Red-bellied woodpeckers are medium-sized woodpeckers from the eastern US. They have striped black and white backs, grayish underparts, red napes, and red on the center of their bellies; males are red from the top of their heads to the beaks while the females are only red on their napes.
Red-bellied woodpeckers can be seen around the woods and urban areas of Baltimore year-round. They are rather noisy and use several vocalizations.
Red-bellied woodpeckers' most common call is a high-pitched "kwill" or "churr." They will often make drumming sounds by tapping with their beaks on hollow trees or roofs to attract females.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Red-bellied_Woodpecker.ogg
Red-bellied Woodpecker Call | Source: G. McGrane, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Males will start digging their nests in dead tree trunks and softly tap on the tree to attract females; if interested, they will join them, and the pair will finish the nest together. Females will then lay 3-5 eggs that both parents incubate.
Attract red-bellied woodpeckers to your backyard by adding sunflower seeds and different nuts to your bird feeder; add suet during winter as they are fond of it.
Scientific Name: Tyrannus tyrannus
Weight: 1.2–1.9 oz
Eastern kingbirds are large flycatchers found in North, Central, and South America. They live in the open country, farms, and fields; areas that have bushes and scattered trees where they can perch while foraging for insects.
The name "kingbird" comes from the birds' crowns. Eastern kingbirds also have dark gray-black plumage, white underparts, dark caps on their heads, and white bands at the tips of their tails.
They are fairly common in Baltimore and can be seen there from May to September. Some birding spots to see eastern kingbirds there include Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore Inner Harbor, Druid Hill Park, and Herring Run Park.
They breed across the entire North America, nest in trees and shrubs, lay 2-5 cream-colored eggs with reddish spots, and migrate to winter in South America, primarily northwestern Amazonia.
During their breeding season, they are very aggressive and territorial and will chase away any bird that enters their territories, including large ones like hawks and crows.
Eastern kingbirds have a song that consists of high, sputtering notes; their calls include the high-pitched "kit-kit" and "dzee-dzee" sounds.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Tyrannus_tyrannus_-_Eastern_Kingbird_XC78870.mp3
Eastern Kingbird Call | Source: Jonathon Jongsma, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
They will often perch on wires, watch for large insects, and make quick flights to snatch them. Eastern kingbirds also feed on berries and fruit, mainly during winter.
White-eyed Vireo | Source: nate steiner, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Scientific Name: Vireo griseus
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz
White-eyed vireos are extremely small songbirds that were named after their white irises.
You will identify white-eyed vireos by their olive-green upperparts, white underparts, yellow foreheads, green sides, gray necks, and dark wings.
They are breeding residents of Baltimore and can be seen in woodlands and brushy forest undergrowths from April to October. You will find white-eyed vireos around Fort McHenry National Monument, Patterson Park, Druid Hill Park, St. Mary Cemetery, or Gwynns Falls Leakin Park.
These shy birds love to stay in tree understory and out of sight but will sing the whole day to let you know they are there. White-eyed vireos have a song that consists of rapid 6-7 notes that start and end with a sharp "chick".
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/White-eyed_Vireo.ogg
White-eyed Vireo Song | Source: G. McGrane, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
They are omnivores that mainly feed on insects during summer and add berries to their diets when the winter comes. White-eyed vireos have an interesting way of bathing: they will rub their bodies against wet leaves in the morning.
Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius
Length: 9-11 in
American robins are one of the most widely distributed backyard birds in Baltimore. They are common around forests, parks, woodlands, and gardens of the city, throughout the year.
These large songbirds have a population of over 370 million birds in North America. Males can be identified by their black heads, yellow beaks, and brick-red breasts, while females are slightly duller and have brown heads.
Outside of the breeding season, American robins like to form large flocks of birds, sometimes up to 10,000 individuals. Their song is described as a "cheery" carol; these birds will also sing when storms approach and when they have passed.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/American_Robin_Yellowstone_National_Park.ogg
American Robin Song | Source: National Park Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
American robins are the state birds of Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin. They are omnivores that feed on invertebrates and fruit and lay 2-3 clutches of 3-4 light blue eggs per year.
Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
These large nonmigratory birds are common around forests, woods, parks, and other urban areas with large oak trees. Blue jays are widespread in Baltimore and can be seen there year-round.
You will easily identify them by a mix of black, blue, and white plumage above that is white or light gray underneath. They also have bright blue wings with white spots – males and females look the same.
Blue jays are not state birds in the USA but are mascots of a Major League Baseball team called the Toronto Blue Jays. These songbirds are highly intelligent and can use tools and imitate the sounds of predators.
They might also mimic the sounds of hawks when approaching a feeding site to drive away other birds. Blue jays are very noisy birds that mate for life and work together to build a nest for their young.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a3/Blue_Jay.ogg
Blue Jay Call | Source: G. McGrane, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Make sure to notice the crests on top of their heads that can be used to indicate the birds' mood – when agitated, the crest goes up and when frightened, the crest goes down.
Scientific Name: Baeolophus bicolor
Wingspan: 8-10 in
Tufted titmice are small and widespread songbirds. They are common in areas ranging from forests and parks to suburbs and can be seen throughout the year in Baltimore.
You will recognize a tufted titmouse by its gray plumage, black eyes, a dark spot on the forehead, crested head, and fawn flanks.
Listen for their song that's usually described as a whistled "peter-peter-peter." Some estimates claim that there are over 8 million of these birds in existence today.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Tufted_Titmouse.ogg
Tufted Titmouse Song | Source: G. McGrane, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Tufted titmice are omnivores and feed on berries, nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. They are common winter visitors to bird feeders; make sure to add sunflower seeds if you want to attract one. The bird will first scouts a feeder from cover, fly in to grab a seed, and then fly back to cover to eat it.
Scientific Name: Regulus calendula
Ruby-crowned kinglets are miniature birds that measure 3.9 inches on average in length and weigh just 0.3 ounces!
They are one of the smallest North American songbirds and can be identified by their olive-green colors, two white wing bars, and white eye-rings. Males also have red crown patches, which are usually concealed.
Ruby-crowned kinglets can be found throughout North America, breeding in the northeastern USA during summer and darting low in woods and thickets of the southern USA during winter. They are most common in Baltimore from September to May. Patterson Park, Druid Hill Park, St. Mary Cemetery, Jones Falls, and Gwynns Falls Trail are some of the places where you might spot them in the area.
Despite their miniature size, these tiny green birds make very loud and complex sounds. Ruby-crowned kinglets build cup-shaped nests and have the largest clutch of any North American passerine for their size. A female may lay up to 12 eggs and that entire clutch can weigh as much as the female herself.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/Ruby-crowned_Kinglet.ogg
Ruby-kinglet Call | Source: G. McGrane, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Scientific Name: Troglodytes aedon
House wrens are common small backyard birds that were named after their tendency to nest around human homes. They measure as little as 4.3 inches in length and can weigh less than 0.4 ounces.
These tiny songbirds have flat heads, curved beaks, pinkish or gray legs, and short tails that are usually held cocked. Identify house wrens also by their brown upperparts, grayish underparts, and barrings on the wings and tails.
House wrens are breeding residents of Baltimore and can be best seen there from May to September, although some birds might be spotted there in December. Look for them around forests, fields, and gardens.
They are also known for their rush-and-jumble songs. House wrens will often make different harsh sounds: churrs, chatters, rattles, and scolds.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/Troglodytes_aedon_-_House_Wren_XC59832.mp3
House Wren Call | Source: Jonathon Jongsma, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you want to attract house wrens to your yard, all you need to do is to add a birdhouse; they rarely visit bird feeders and prefer hunting insects.
This concludes our list of common birds in Baltimore. Some examples include blue jays, American robins, bald eagles, common starlings, Baltimore orioles, and many others. Hopefully next time you see these birds, you will recognize any of them with ease!
6 Eagles With White Chest (With Photos)
Top 15 Woodpeckers With Red Heads (With Photos)


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Q: How to redirect between different .aspx pages using angularjs? I have two different aspx pages which operate using AngularJS. One page is to add a post and on clicking save, I want to redirect to the detailpage.aspx. Can this be done using AngularJS?

A: You could always use plain javascript to make a redirect to another server side resource:
window.location.href = '/detailspage.aspx';

By the way, is there any point of having multiple ASPX pages when using AngularJS? Usually a SPA application has a single entry point and multiple REST API endpoints that will be called by this SPA application using asynchronous requests.

A: $location.path(YOUR_URL); or $location.url(YOUR_URL);

$window.location.href = '/index.html';

A: I do use .aspx Pages as well, and use them as partials, to show their content using ajax. In my opinion you should consider going for a navigation/route provider...

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Despite statewide wins, N.Y. Dems left licking wounds
Cuomo (left) was declared the victor by the Associated Press literally as polls closed. | AP Photo
By Maggie Haberman
NEW YORK — Andrew Cuomo became a Democratic bright spot on a night of national losses Tuesday as he captured the governor's office — a seat his father held for three terms and a brass ring that eluded him in an ill-fated first effort eight years ago.
Cuomo was declared the victor by the Associated Press literally as polls closed, a coronation nearly two years in the making — and undisturbed by an attempted challenge by gaffe-prone, self-destructing Buffalo developer Carl Paladino.
According to the New York Public Interest Research Group, Cuomo's margin of victory was certain to be one of the ten biggest in state history. With 41 percent of the vote in, he had 60 percent, to Paladino's 37 percent.
"The people have spoken tonight and they have been loud and clear," said Cuomo, who has vowed to succeed where 2006 gubernatorial winner Eliot Spitzer failed, insisting he'll grapple with the state's notoriously intractable legislature without using "Steamroller" tactics.
Cuomo blasted Paladino and Republicans for tactics of "divide and conquer. They were trying to exploit the fear they were trying to exploit the anger. ... They tried to put wedges in the beautiful mosaic that is New York.
"They thought ... that they could take our diversity and make it a weakness," he said." But they can't. My friends, they really didn't know who they were talking to and who they were dealing with."
Paladino, meanwhile, was unrepentant about his string of controversial comments, blaming the media throughout the day and saying, "You don't want the media noticing you ... it ain't pretty and it sure ain't fair."
The GOP nominee, who had repeatedly said his call to take a "baseball bat to Albany" was "a metaphor," produced an orange-red bat and took pretend swings, warning Cuomo to listen to the voters and said,"Make no mistake, you have not heard the last of Carl Paladino."
Democrats also celebrated Sen. Chuck Schumer's easy win for a third term over Republican political strategist Jay Townsend. And appointed Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand captured victory over former Rep. Joe DioGuardi in a race that was a special election to fill the unexpired term of Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Other than Cuomo and the two U.S. Senate races, it was a tougher night for New York Democrats. The party's dominance of the state's congressional delegation suffered deep losses, reversing gains made during the anti-Iraq war, anti-Bush administration fever of 2006 and 2008.
Rep. John Hall, who captured a Republican-leaning seat in the 19th District in a sleeper race in 2006, was trounced by self-funder Nan Hayworth, conceding shortly before midnight. And in the 20th District, where Rep. Scott Murphy retained last year the GOP-tilting seat Gillibrand captured in 2006, the incumbent Democrat conceded to military man and first-time candidate Chris Gibson.
The 29th District seat once held by scandal-scarred Eric Massa, a Democrat who resigned in disgrace earlier this year amid a scandal about inappropriate touching of male staffers, was called for Republican Tom Reed late in the evening.
And shortly midnight, CNN called the 13th District — the seat once held by Vito Fossella — for former FBI agent Michael Grimm in a huge upset over Democratic Rep. Mike McMahon. However, McMahon had not conceded and it was unclear if the call would hold.
At least one other seat seemed set to flip to Republicans, and at least one other was on the brink, out of the 11 the GOP had put in play in a reliably blue state with the help of self-funders and outside groups pushing an infusion of late cash into targeted districts.
The mood at the Sheraton New York in Midtown, where Democrats held their election night bash, was cheerful but oddly subdued.
There was no ticket presentation -- Schumer, Gillibrand and Cuomo each spoke separately -- and the room emptied out before wins for Democratic Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Attorney General candidate Eric Schneiderman had been called.
Still, the night was infused with history, as Cuomo – who bowed out of his first race for governor in 2002 after a disastrous trail of missteps - officially captured his father's old job 16 years after Mario Cuomo was defeated by George Pataki.
Cuomo spent the last eight years making amends for the 2002 run, in which he angered the state's black establishment by challenging then-state Comptroller H. Carl McCall, the highest black elected official at the time. He won the AG's office in 2006 but was always believed to have his eye on the gubernatorial prize.
Cuomo was supposed to coast to victory against former Long Island congressman Rick Lazio. But the sleepy general election became an explosive tea party media bomb when Paladino captured victory in the GOP primary in September.
The GOP flamethrower had a two-week window in which he seemed like a viable candidate, who had captured with his "mad-as-hell" slogan a wave of voter anger – especially in upstate and Western New York, where voters have long resented the urban and suburban drivers of the state.
But he quickly self-immolated, telling POLITICO in an interview that Cuomo had had affairs while married that he had proof of – which he never produced – and getting into a viral-video confrontation with New York Post reporter Fred Dicker and threatening to "take (him) out." At another point, he delivered a speech written for him by a virulently anti-gay Hasidic leader in which he condemned allowing children to be "brainwashed" into thinking homosexuality is a "valid" lifestyle.
Cuomo, for his own part, veered from one strategy to another but ultimately found his footing as Paladino wounded himself repeatedly. He angered black officials and labor unions by taking a largely centrist stand throughout much of the campaign, but his decisive margin of win will make it difficult for his detractors to challenge him, at least for a time.
On stage, Cuomo was joined by his three daughters with ex-wife Kerry Kennedy, his girlfriend Sandra Lee – of Food Network fame – and his parents, Mario and Matildo.
Cuomo, who long shuddered in his father's shadow, exhibited a new ease with the relationship.
He said he was told throughout his travels around the state that his father "stands for principle and integrity and quality in government and how they missed that in Albany today." He walked over and gave his dad a peck on the cheek.
Schumer spoke shortly after his race was called at 9 p.m., getting him off the stage before the polls closed in Nevada, where Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was in a close fight (that he won, according to AP).
Gillibrand praised Hillary Rodham Clinton in her speech as her "inspiration" for getting into public service. Gillibrand, who was appointed to the seat when Clinton became U.S. Secretary of State, now faces another race in two years.
Gillibrand had been seen as a prime target for the New York Republican Party, but the committee, which has been wracked by infighting and unhappiness with state GOP chairman Ed Cox and executive director Tom Basile, was never able to field a strong nominee against her.
But the House losses cut deep into whatever bright spots the Democrats could take.
Rep. Mike Arcuri in the 24th District, a first-termer, lost to Richard Hanna. And Rep. Dan Maffei's race in the 25th was too close to call. Maffei faced a tough challenge from Ann Marie Buerkle, a former anti-abortion activist who was boosted by an infusion of cash from GOP groups like American Crossroads.
Of the party's two Long Islanders, Rep. Tim Bishop's reelection race in the 1st District is still too close to call, while Rep. Carolyn McCarthy in the 4th fended off her challenger.
In the 15th District, Rep. Charlie Rangel, despite his ethical woes, won as was widely predicted –- getting more than 80 percent of the vote in early returns against GOP Rev. Michael Faulkner.
In the 23rd District, a split ticket once again cost the GOP a victory after Democrats captured a win in a special election there last year. Rep. Bill Owens, the Democratic incumbent, managed to hold on because Doug Hoffman, the Conservative nominee who helped kick-start the tea party movement with his candidacy last year, took enough of the vote to prevent Republican Matt Doheny from winning.
Hoffman had dropped out after losing the GOP primary, but because of New York election law his name remained on the ballot, and he had enough of a die-hard conservative base that he snared a strong percentage of the vote.
The race in the 13th District, where McMahon won the seat in 2008 after GOPer Fossella left in disgrace, was a sleeper. McMahon had voted fairly conservatively and had hundreds of thousands of dollars more than rival Grimm.
AG candidate Schneiderman, meanwhile, had been the Democratic candidate Cuomo was said to be least interested in seeing replace him -- an ambitious liberal state Senator with ties to labor unions.
However, in the final days before the election, Cuomo strongly propelled Schneiderman, flying around the state with him and even criticizing his rival, Dan Donovan.
Andrew Cuomo,
Mike McMahon,


The work Mad enchantment : Claude Monet and the painting of the water lilies represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in Morgan County Public Library. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.
Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction (Canada), 2017.