A few years ago I remember picking up Darren Shaw's second novel from Cirque du Freak: the Magician's Assistant with some amount of skepticism. Of course it wouldn't be long before I was suckered in and devoured the entire collection. What that first book taught me and many others since then is that interesting people are everywhere. They exist on your jobs, in the streets and more often than not on the television shows you watch.
The list below are five of my current favourites, but truth be known it is inexhaustible.
1. Continuum – This Canadian sci-fi action, thriller is explosive. Kiera Camerson, a police officer from 2077 travels to the present day Vancouver along with members of Liber8, a group of self-proclaimed freedom fighters. While she works to apprehend them, they plot to overthrow big corporations. Created by Simon Berry, some of the stars include Rachel Nichols, Victor Webster, Erik Knudsen. Currently on break after a third season, viewers can always expect to be fully engaged.
2. Happy Valley – In this crime drama, Catherine Cawood is a headstrong police sergeant who heads up a team of officers in a rural Yorkshire valley. Still coming to grips with her daughter's suicide, she wants to make the man responsible, Tommy Lee Royce pay for his crime, all the while a botched kidnapping begins to go awry. Written by Sally Wainwright, the shows' six episodes have a tight unique feel. The stars are Sarah Lancashire, George Costigan, James Norton (et al). Great work on script, with cast and team of directors.
3. Utopia – A British conspiracy thriller that follows a group of people who find themselves in possession of the manuscript sequel of a cult graphic novel, The Utopia Experiments. Filled with predictions of the worst disasters of the last century, the group must uncover them before shadowy organization known as The Network shuts them all up. Dennis Kelly is the creator while Fiona O'Shaughessy, Alexandra Roach, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett are some of the stars. On a side note if you've watched either Orphan Black or Helix, you may also enjoy Utopia, which is now in its second season.
4. The Smoke – Another UK drama this one follows a gang of London firefighters led by Kev Allison, who returns to work after being scarred in a suspicious blaze while trying to rescue a crying baby. There are a wealth of characters here, each one with secrets to be explored. There is Mel, Kev's best friend a guy who seems to have commitment issues, Trish, Kev's girlfriend, someone who he seems to be pushing away and then there's 'Asbo' the new recruit who has another deep dark secret of his own. The stars include Jamie Barber, Taron Egerton, Gerard Kearns and the writer is Luck Kirkwood.
5. Extant – This new sci-fi drama, thriller has many stars from Halle Berry to Hiroyuki Sanada (Dr. Hatake from Helix), Goran Visnjic (Dr. Luka Kovac from ER), and Camryn Manheim (Control from Person of Interest) among others. Halle plays an astronaut who is struggling to learn how she became pregnant while on a solo space mission. So far there have only been three episodes but here's hoping that it will amount to something good.
Share what moves you and have a great week!
Half the year has gone by in what seems like a flash and in a few days August will be here. To those of you who have been reading, commenting and blogging I say a hearty thank you, for the week ahead, continue doing more great work!
SELIMA AND THE MERFOLK IS AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!
Here's to the birthing of another wonderful novel. Congrats Vanessa!
1. Cracks (by Caroline Green) – Although I am only on chapter 6, this book has kept me going. So far I like how the author juxtaposes the protagonist's dilemma (he's living with his mother, abusive stepfather and bullying brother) with the comedic antics of said stepfather who has taken to calling Callum, the teenage protagonist, princess. Yet little by little we are nudged by the cracks. Things may not be what they seem.
2. The Power of Consistency (by Weldon Long) – Ever so often I gravitate toward similar books, like Focus and Flow. Hopefully by reading it I will be able to get more done.
3. Techniques of the Selling Writer (Dwight V. Swain) – A great book, so far although my pace is slow. This book is filled with nuggets of information, as it teaches you about how to get better at doing the craft. In a sense writing here is more than just imitation. Here, you must learn the techniques so that later on you will know if your story is working, and if it isn't how to diagnose the problem.
5. Rework (by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson) – From Octavia Butler, I learnt that as a writer you need to understand the art and craft and business of writing a novel. This book has a lot of insights for the business minded professional. It can also be helpful to a writer because our jobs are multifaceted. We have to be able to take what little we have and make a lot. So the two things that struck me here were firstly the need to say no, to less important things and secondly to sell your byproducts. Don't believe me? Well, this book is one. Think of other ways to promote your work, use smaller (/different) avenues like with poems, short stories or novellas, depending on your main genre. You never know. A lot can happen in a matter of days or months or years.
6. Bonus – Outlining Your Novel (by K.M. Weiland) – This writer/blogger is another person whose blog I followed before I began my own. And truthfully I've always been fascinated with the idea of outlining something and then working it out. Whether having the outline will keep me from stopping halfway through. But as I mentioned before we get stuck/blocked for various reasons, the only thing to do is to figure out why and then attempt to move on. So this is me, deciding to use the outline and go through the stages of writing the drafts to see if the story that comes to fruition has a better execution. Wish me luck, as I try to navigate between the forest and the trees.
Qu. And just because I'd like to hear from you I'm leaving a few questions at the end of this post. How do you write your novels? Do you use an outline? Does it prevent you from being stuck? And if you're one of those people who can produce a novel within 3-6 months do you plan it out ahead of time and then write?
As always thanks for reading, writing and blogging. I look forward to hearing from you.
To make your protagonist stronger, build your antagonist!
In my last post, I mentioned an interest in the movie, "Rudy." It taught me a lot about the battle of the underdog: to fight, persevere and overcome. In many ways when we are creating our stories (novels, fictive pieces) this is one of the challenges that we face, unless we can distance ourselves, so that the protagonist doesn't appear disjointed or unsavory.
In an attempt to remedy that situation, it would be wise to build your antagonist.
Make your hero stronger by giving him/her goals to achieve and insurmountable obstacles to overcome. After all stories center around conflict and readers are in it to experience tension and suspense. So, give them salable fiction with two worthy opponents.
Captain Jack Sparrow and Blackbeard. Lex Luthor and Superman. Batman and The Joker. Let us see people who are up to the challenge. Give us someone to root for, people who have something at stake.
Since the basics of storytelling is often highlighted as all stories have three acts. Therefore, you get your hero up a tree, throw rocks at the hero and get the hero out of the tree. Remember though that one character isn't necessarily righteous and the other wicked. To craft a balanced story, figure out what makes your characters tick and then use what you know to enrich your story, especially your two main characters.
Lastly, when in doubt play around with the scene or the characters. If something is wrong you will feel it but in case you don't either let it rest and go back to it, or get an unbiased reader.
In an attempt to get back into the swing of things, I have shortened my current pieces to include aspects of my top 5, which in this case centers around movies. Thanks to those of you who liked some of the older posts in my absence and others who have chosen to join the blog. Welcome! Currently, I am trying to regain that sense of playful naivety that children seem to possess so that I can continue work on the aforementioned novel, new poems and WordPress articles.
So, in an attempt to get some of my old energy back and keep those fingers tapping, I ask you one simple question. What are the top 5 movies that you have enjoyed and why are they special to you?
Beaches was one of the first movies I remember getting into, on an emotional level. It had a huge impact on me, so much so, in fact that I can remember having one really great friend during primary school, secondary school and college. I've grown since then though, but I've always wondered what it was that caused me to identify so strongly with those characters. Whether it was the script, the music or even my confusion about knowing someone who had also died from cancer. Nevertheless, I have never forgotten the ability of a good story to move the viewer.
Jane Campion's The Piano was another extraordinary film with two great female leads. Holly Hunter gave a phenomenal performance, as the mute woman, Ada as did Ana Paquin playing her daughter. What I liked besides the connection between Ada and her piano was how the landscape also played a major role into getting us into the setting and its effects on the characters.
Rent – I knew nothing about the Tony Award winning musical, and got into this piece solely because of the director, Chris Columbus. What I liked about this movie was the strength of its ensemble cast: Taye Diggs, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Rosario Dawson, Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Idina Menzel and Tracie Thoms. Most of whom were Bohemians in the East Village of New York, struggling to find love and fight AIDS, and have an impact on America.
Howl's Moving Castle by the master Hayao Miyazaki is nothing short of dynamic. The major plot-line reads: When an unconfident young woman is cursed with an old body by a spiteful witch, her only chance of breaking the spell lies with a self-indulgent yet insecure young wizard and his companions in his legged, walking home. What I love about Miyazaki's animation is that he allows the viewer to experience the entire movie. To see various points of view.
Rudy – This 1993 movie, made me fall in love with the underdog. Told he was too small to play college ball, Rudy overcame the odds and fulfilled his dream of playing ball for Notre Dame through sheer determination and encouragement from friends. Thus began my need for story and love of the tale.
My list ends here. I leave you with enough room to write your own. As always, thanks for reading and have a great mid-week. Until next time keep reading, writing, and blogging.


text:
Daniel Harper recorded a sensational class victory alongside his BMW Junior Team partners Max Hesse and Neil Verhagen in their first attempt at tackling the world-famous Nürburgring 24 Hour race this past weekend (26/27 September).
In a dramatic race that saw him tackling severe wet weather conditions, Harper put in a fantastic performance behind the wheel of their Walkenhorst Motorsport BMW M4 GT4 to record a memorable win in the biggest race of his career to date.
Harper headed into the weekend knowing that the experience gained across the opening five races of the Nürburgring Endurance Series season was going to be crucial, particularly as he prepared to tackle the fearsome Nürburgring Nordschleife in the dark for the first time.
The fastest time across three qualifying sessions set the grid for the twice round-the-clock spectacular, however it was soon apparent that Thursday's opening session was going to be the crucial one as the weather forecasts indicated it would be the only one in completely dry conditions.
A fantastic start in their BMW saw a rapid lap from Harper secure them the fastest time in their SP8T class and the quickest of all those in non-GT3 machinery. True to the forecasts, the weather deteriorated for the other two sessions.
While that meant the times wouldn't improve and class pole position was secure, the qualifying sessions were still vital as it gave Harper the chance to get more running under his belt on the Nordschleife both at night, and in wet conditions on Friday morning.
That was particularly important as treacherous wet weather greeted the Northern Irishman as he took the race start behind the wheel of the #73 BMW. In "the worst conditions I've ever raced in", he duly delivered a naturally cautious first stint to ensure no early drama.
Strong runs from Verhagen and Hesse meant that they were in the class lead when Harper took the wheel again. In the evening darkness, the 19 year old faced another tough challenge as he battled more heavy rain and fog, with the worsening conditions eventually leading to a red flag.
With too much standing water on circuit not draining away, the decision was made to suspend the race overnight and begin again in the morning. After losing around 10 hours of action, the race restarted with seven hours remaining on the clock.
Whist still wet, the track conditions were vastly improved on the night before as Hesse tackled the first stint. Harper was next behind the wheel, with the BRDC SuperStar taking advantage of a drying circuit to showcase his raw speed with the fastest lap of the race so far for the team.
Pumping in a brilliant run of consistently fast laps, Harper continued to increase their class lead before handing the car over to Verhagen. The American kept out of trouble and brought the car home to complete a faultless performance from the team and with it, the class victory.
Daniel Harper: "What an incredible week it has been. Our whole season so far has been building up to this weekend and to take the class win in our first Nürburgring 24 Hour race together as the BMW Junior Team is a fantastic result which we're all very proud of.
"This was without a doubt the biggest challenge of my career so far. The Nordschleife is a huge test on any day, but to tackle it for 24 hours and in the night for the first time was huge. Adding the weather conditions on top made it a real test for us all.
"I'm delighted with how I performed personally, especially posting the fastest lap in qualifying in the dry conditions. My first two race stints were in without a doubt the toughest conditions I've ever raced in, but I kept out of trouble and set some competitive times.
"Teamwork is one of the most important factors to being successful in a 24 hour race and everyone at Walkenhorst Motorsport and BMW were brilliant. The car was fast and faultless from the opening session of the week onwards, while Max and Neil drove superbly throughout.
"A massive thank you to everyone involved for putting me in the position to achieve this result with the BMW Junior Team. It's a huge accolade to achieve and hopefully I'll be able to enjoy many more standout results with BMW in the future.
"Also, before the event I was given the amazing opportunity to shakedown ROWE Racing's BMW M6 GT3's. To see them then go on and win the race, scoring BMW's first Nürburgring 24 Hours win for a decade, is amazing and a massive congratulations to the team and BMW Motorsport."
Harper's next race outing will see him return to Nürburgring Endurance Series action for the sixth round of the season, a four-hour race on Saturday 24th October.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
18-year-old wanted in Southern Pines homicide investigation
by: CBS 17 Digital Desk
Posted: Dec 3, 2019 / 04:00 PM EST / Updated: Dec 3, 2019 / 04:00 PM EST
SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. (WNCN) — A Southern Pines man is wanted for his role in a Dec. 2 homicide, police said.
Southern Pines police are looking for 18-year-old Gregory Elijuan Gay Jr. Police say the homicide took place at Gay's home on 918 Talmadge Way.
An investigation revealed that this was not a random act of violence and was the result of a domestic incident between the victim and the suspect.
Gay is described as standing 5-foot-9-inches tall, weighing 180 pounds.
Investigators say that this was an isolated incident; however, the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
No additional information pertaining to this investigation will be released, as this investigation is still ongoing and the release of information could jeopardize the investigative process and future court prosecutions.
More headlines from CBS17.com:
by Emani Payne / Jan 16, 2021
DUNN, N.C. (WNCN) -- Cars filled the Central Baptist Church parking lot in Dunn Saturday night.
More than 400 people were in attendance for a David Phelps concert.
by CBS 17 Digital Desk / Jan 16, 2021
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) -- A popular gun show at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds drew a big turnout Saturday.
The Dixie Gun and Knife Show has been scheduled for several months, and it's a coincidence that it falls the same weekend the FBI warned of the potential for armed protests.
by Mackenzie Stasko / Jan 16, 2021
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) -- States across the country are bracing for the possibility of armed protests in their capital cities on Sunday.
An anonymous flyer calling for armed marches at all 50 state capitols has law enforcement preparing for the worst, and people who live in downtown Raleigh worried about the potential for violence.
Clerk knocked unconscious during Fayetteville Dollar General robbery, police say


text:
BIRTHDAY January 30, 1967
BORN PLACE United States
BIRTH SIGN Capricorn
Norbert Leo Butz Bio
EDIT/Suggest of Norbert Leo Butz
Who is Norbert Leo Butz
Norbert Leo Butz is an award wining actor and singer from America. He is better known for his efforts in Broadway theatre.
Early Life (Childhood)
He did his high schooling from Bishop DuBourg High School. He received Bachelor and Master's degree in Fine Arts from Webster University and The University of Alabama/Alabama Shakespeare Festival's Professional Actor Training Program respectively.
He was born in middle class devout Catholics family. He gave lessons of drama in Drew University. His name is named after his father.
He has been married twice. He is married to Michelle Federer and have one daughter from her. From his previous marriage he had two children.
NETWORTH And ACHIEVEMENT
He has bagged,Tony Award Drama Desk Award,Outer Critics Circle Award and so on.
People Relating Actor
People Born On 1967 People Born On January 30 More on Actor
Related Bio
Bradley Darryl also known as "B. D. Wong" is Tony award winning actor from America. He is famous for his appearance in M. Butterfly, Jurassic park and Jurassic world.
B.D. Wong Biography
Award winning actor, Ricky Schroder has been active in the film industry since the late 1970s. He is famous for his role in the TV series NYPD Blue.
Ricky Schroder Biography
Jesse Hutchakowski
Jesse Hutch is a well known actor from Canada. He rose to fame after appearing in a television show American Dreams and Sci-Fi Channel TV-movie Termination Point.
Jesse Hutchakowski Biography
Declan Donnelly
Declan Donnelly is an English TV show host famous for his work in duo Ant & Dec. He is also praised for presenting SMTV Live; I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and Britain's Got Talent.
Declan Donnelly Biography


It's amazing how easy it is to follow our minds into a world of ungratefulness, comparison, and feeling like we don't have "it." I'm as guilty as anyone when it comes to worrying about things in life instead of recognizing God's many gifts.
It's interesting to me how the writer, in 1897, covered the same thought patterns that we find ourselves trapped in. I've found myself reflecting on the lyrics when I've been tempted to be discouraged, worried, or comparing myself with others. It's not a coincidence that many verses in the Bible deal with worry and its many relatives.
I encourage you to make a list of the many gifts of God, daily, and watch your perspective and heart change. Give thanks. Give thanks again.


This Sterling Silver Butterfly Charm measures about 0.75 of an inch wide and has a beautiful, unique design.
Includes one sterling silver link that can be used to attach this Sterling Silver Butterfly Charm to any bracelet, necklace, anklet, etc.
Our Sterling Silver Butterfly Charm would make a great gift for anyone who loves butterflies!


text:
// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
// Licensed under the MIT License.
// Code generated by Microsoft (R) AutoRest Code Generator.

package com.azure.resourcemanager.monitor.generated;

import com.azure.core.util.Context;

/** Samples for MetricAlerts Delete. */
public final class MetricAlertsDeleteSamples {
    /*
     * x-ms-original-file: specification/monitor/resource-manager/Microsoft.Insights/stable/2018-03-01/examples/deleteMetricAlert.json
     */
    /**
     * Sample code: Delete an alert rule.
     *
     * @param azure The entry point for accessing resource management APIs in Azure.
     */
    public static void deleteAnAlertRule(com.azure.resourcemanager.AzureResourceManager azure) {
        azure
            .diagnosticSettings()
            .manager()
            .serviceClient()
            .getMetricAlerts()
            .deleteWithResponse("gigtest", "chiricutin", Context.NONE);
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The Big Q: How will climate change impact Aotearoa?
The debate is over. All life on planet Earth is threatened by human-caused climate change. Within our lifetimes, the oceans will rise, weather will get more extreme, our air, soil, and water will become more tainted and toxic. Animals will perish en masse – and humans are at serious risk too.
New Zealand emits twice as much carbon dioxide per capita as China. Our agriculture and energy industries are already unsustainable. So how will climate change affect our natural world, our society, and our culture? And what can we do to halt the looming catastrophe?
Dr. James Renwick, Dr. Lyn Carter, Dr. Sylvia Nissen, and Dr. Meg Parsons gave their views during a public panel discussion at the University of Auckland, December 17, 2018. The discussion was moderated by Maria Armoudian, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the University of Auckland.


The following Notes were sent out to subscribers (via email) during November, 2006. They are now shown here for other potential future subscribers to view sample content.
Sean May has averaged 20 pts, 12 reb, and 2 bl in his last two games but this comes right after not scoring in two games and playing less than 10 mpg. He is worth taking a chance on but realize for now his playing time could be quite variable.
Chris Duhon has continued to earn more playing time since being put in the starting lineup for Ben Gordon. He has played over 30 min in his last three games and has provided his fantasy teams pts, treys, steals, and some assists.
Joel Przybilla returned to play his first game in a while. He had 10 reb and 1 bl in 23 min. He is a candidate to help in the block and rebound categories.
It appears Nazr Mohammed will settle in as a 20 mpg player for Detroit just as he has for his entire career erasing hope would earn the minutes made available by Ben Wallace leaving.
Shaun Livingston showed his potential the other day with Sam Cassell out. He had 20 pts, 5 reb, and 4 ast. However Cassell has returned although he did not start in his most recent game.
Shavlik Randolph will be out with a broken ankle. This is significant in that it may be what it takes for Chris Webber to return to the court AND get decent playing time.
R. Foye has been emerging for the Wolves. In his last two games he is averaging 16 pts which is 10 pts over his season average.
Jason Kapono has been seeing more playing time and the three point specialist has hit 6 treys in the last three games for the Heat.
Matt Barnes has started the last two games for the Warriors and has averaged 18 pts, 7 reb, and 2.5 treys. This run of fantasy value will likely be short lived as the Warriors get healthier (Pietrus, Davis, and Diogu did not play).
M. Jaric has seen increased playing time recently as a result of Mike James struggling to be effective. James has not scored in his last two games. In his last two games, Jaric has averaged 31 min, 11.5 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast, and 1 stl. Owners of James may want to consider picking up Jaric as insurance if he is available.
Channing Frye will be out 3-6 weeks with an injury. This should propel D. Lee to have fantasy value in many leagues. He has the capability to average a double double.
Dorell Wright has started the last two games for the Heat and has been excelling in the rebound category as he receives extended playing time. As a starter, he is now a viable free agent pick up in many leagues.
Speedy Claxton has been playing poorly this season as his owners know. Decisions will need to be made on whether to ride it out or take a chance on an emerging player like Wright or David Lee.
T. Outlaw once again showed his potential when given playing time by getting 22 pts, 2 stl, 1 bl, and 1 trey. His playing time though will likely remain erratic as he is not a starter.
Luther Head has been averaging 23 mpg on the season and providing 2 treys per game. With Kirk Snyder out 8-10 weeks with an injury, Head may get the additional playing time he needs to be playable in some fantasy leagues.
Over his last three games Jamaal Tinsley has averaged 16 pts and 7 ast although FG% will likely continue to be a problem with him. Owners should not forget his injury history.
Carmelo Anthony has been giving his owners lots of goodies but has also stung them with 4.9 TO per game including 10 yesterday.
My gut tells me Webber is sitting out games and saying his back hurts. I wonder really if AI needed to sit out with a bad tooth or whether he is showing his support of Webber's protest. I expect Webber's DNPs may be chronic. If so, Shavlik Randolph may have a shot at fantasy value. Yesterday Randolph had 9 pts, 9 reb, 1 stl, and 1 bl.
Yesterday Damon Jones had 21 pts and 5 treys as Larry Hughes was a DNP.
Dan Gadzuric had 13 pts, 11 reb, and 1 bl. He may have some value with Charlie Villanueva out for a couple weeks.
Dorell Wright has been up and down with playing time. Yesterday he had 10 pts and 12 reb. He has shown the ability to contribute in multiple categories on a per minute basis.
Kwame Brown had 10 pts and 14 reb and Andrew Bynum played only 17 minutes. I still feel Bynum will continue to have value.
Hakim Warrick has demonstrated proficiency in points and rebounds as evidenced by his 26 pt, 10 rebound performance yesterday but a lack of steals, blocks, assists, and FT% makes him an average fantasy player in roto leagues at best. His owners likely got him at a reasonable price and may want to consider trading away this young version of Zach Randolph.
Marquis Daniels has seen an increase in playing time recently and has 9 steals in his last three games. In his last game he started for the Pacers in place of Stephen Jackson.
Shaun Livingston has scored only 6 points in his last three games while averaging around 21 mpg. It will take an injury to Sam Cassell for him to have value so be prepared to react if this happens.
Devin Harris has scored in double figures in his last three games and seems playable again after a slow start. I expect him to be decent while playing but he has not shown he can stay healthy.
Yesterday Paul Millsap 20 pts, 7 reb, and 2 st. Kirilenko did not play in this game.
Richard Jefferson returned to play yesterday but note that Antoine Wright still got 38 minutes of playing time.
Monta Ellis is good with Baron Davis and Jason Richardson in the lineup and really good when one (Baron Davis) is out. Yesterday Ellis had 31 pts, 7 ast, and 3 stl. He looks like a keeper.
Marvin William is expected back by mid-December.
It appears David West will be out at least another week.
Josh Boone should be ready to go in December. Those looking to get lucky with a free agent may want to keep an eye on him.
Jorge Garbajosa started at center for the Raptors yesterday and played 40 minutes which was twice his season average. He ended with 10 pts, 8 reb, and 4 st. Note he also has potential to contribute treys from the center position. While he won't continue to get 40 minutes, he now appears to be a candidate for teams needing a second center.
Willie Green has averaged 27 minutes in his last 3 games. With Chris Webber now in a secondary role, the Sixers may be looking to him for some offensive production - the only thing he has to offer. Last night he delivered with 20 pts.
Amare Stoudemire played a season high 37 minutes and had 23 pts and 10 rebounds.
Erick Dampier has supplanted DeSagna Diop as the Mavericks starting center and has played over 30 minutes in his last two games. Last night he had 22 pts, 15 reb, and 2 bl. He is not a lock to continue getting 30+ minute runs but is certainly worth taking a chance on.
Stromile Swift has averaged 31 minutes in his last three games and seen progressively better offensive production. Last night he had 21 pts, 7 reb, and 2 bl.
Charlie Villanueva will be sidelined for at least four weeks due to a torn ligament in his elbow. As a result, Dan Gadzuric and Brian Skinner will likely go from playing around 10 mpg to about 24 mpg. So Charlie's injury does not appear as if it is fertile ground for nabbing someone with emerging fantasy value.
Kenyon Martin will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery. Eduardo Najera has been starting but he is not the type to have much value even as a starter. Reggie Evans could eventually win more playing time and offer teams support in the rebound category.
David Lee is coming off a 10 pt, 15 reb performance although Channing Frye will likely continue to start. Lee is a player to keep your eye on if available.
The situation with Chris Webber could get worse before it gets better as he has complained about his role and asked to be traded. He missed Thursdays practice with back soreness. If he was playing more I am sure he would have found a way to practice. His upside would be if the Sixers managed to trade him however that would seem tough to do.
Yesterday Dorel Wright had 13 pts, 4 bl, and 3 treys however his playing time is still inconsistent. Shaq did not play in this particular game.
Emeka Okafor has been paying huge dividends for those who got him (likely with a relatively cheap mid round selection). Yesterday he had 25 pts, 16 reb, and 7 bl and his averages for this season are far improved over those from last season. There is no reason for him to not continue at a high level of play.
Sean May has shown an improvement in shot blocking averaging 1.6 bpg this season compared to 0.5 bpg last season. This helps his value in roto leagues. He also has good potential in the point and rebound categories. Yesterday he had 18 pts and 11 reb.
Rookie Sergio Rodriguez had 8 ast in only 12 minutes for the Trail Blazers yesterday.
Over his last two games Luol Deng is averaging 22 pts, 11 reb, 1.5 stl, and 1 bl. This type of production will make it more difficult for Tyrus Thomas to see court time.
The Bulls moved Ben Gordon back to the bench last game with Chris Duhon starting but he still played 35 minutes. He should continue to be productive whether he starts or not. Note there will be nights where he is cold and misses many shots but for the most part he will have decent fantasy value.
Morris Peterson was also moved to the bench. This presents more risk for him than someone like Gordon. Fred Jones started for Peterson. It is doubtful this will translate into fantasy value for Jones. I would expect Peterson to eventually win back his playing time however a negative reaction from him (which I have read about) will not work in his favor.
As his owners realize, Chris Kaman is off to a bad start including fouling out in 18 minutes yesterday and shooting only 37.5% FG on the season. His stats are down across the board. Note that he signed a big contract just before the season began.
Andris Biedrins is shooting 81% FG (yes field goal) on the season although he is averaging just 8.5 ppg. The return of Ike Diogu may present some threat to his playing time.
Chris Mihm is now out for the season with his ankle injury removing his threat to the playing time of Andrew Bynum.
David West will miss a couple games with an injured finger.
Kwame Brown played in his first game for the Lakers this season. Despite the presence of Brown, Andrew Bynum received 29 minutes of playing time which was just at his season high. Other players such as Ronny Turiaf and perhaps Vladimir Radmanovic will likely take the hit in playing time with Brown's return. Luke Walton may also see some impacts but it is my sense the Bynum should continue to see playing time. This situation may change though when Chris Mihm returns.
Stromile Swift has started the last two games for the Grizzlies. Yesterday he had 9 pts, 7 reb, and 3 bl in 31 minutes.
Rookie LaMarcus Aldridge played his first game for the Trail Blazers. He had 10 pts and 8 reb in only 19 minutes.
Luther Head has hit 8 treys in his last three games.
Andrei Kirilenko is expected to miss several games with his ankle injury. Rookie Paul Millsap could benefit. In his last game he had 15 pts, 5 reb, 1 stl , and 2 bl.
I. Udoka has started all 6 games for the Trail Blazers this season but his production really has not warranted him being acquired in most leagues. You should key your eye on him thought to see if that changes as he is getting playing time.
A. Wright has gotten some decent playing time in his past two games and has responded by scoring some points but he has not done much beyond that.
After a slow first four games, Kendrick Perkins' last two games including tonight have been more productive. In his last game he blocked 4 shots and tonight he had 12 pts, 11 reb, and 2 bl. If recently waived or available, he is a player to consider.
Through 7 games, C. Frye has been very unproductive which was quite an unexpected scenario from the second year player. For the time being he has continued to start for the Knicks however that may not last long. You would be justified to give up on him in leagues with 130 or less if you have an good alternative.
Grant Hill did not play tonight as the Magic don't want him playing in the second game of back to back nights. This is an aggravation a fantasy manager does not need.
Ben Gordon is on a little bit of a cold streak. He should turn it around. This represents an opportunity for gamblers to trade for him.
Yesterday the Warriors started M. Ellis along with Jason Richardson and Baron Davis. Signs continue to point towards Ellis maintaining his playing time and fantasy value for the Warriors.
I. Diogu has not been playing because of a sprained ankle. I still think he has a nice upside and the Warriors may likely be forced to play him for his rebounding skills. He may be available after a slow start and you should consider him as an option.
Similarly, R. Foye has gotten off to a slow start, not playing more than 10 minutes in his first three games. In his past two games he has been seeing more than twice that playing time. He is a player who if stashed on your bench may pay dividends later in the season. The question a fantasy manager needs to answer is whether they can afford to let certain players like Diogu and Foye ride the bench in hopes of them emerging.
A. Biedrins has started the last three games for the Warriors. Yesterday he played 35 minutes and had 10 pts, 5 reb, and 6 bl. He also has historically shot a very high FG%.
D. Wright had another multi category game with 9 pts, 5 reb, 6 ast, 1 stl, and 2 bl in 27 minutes. The incentive to pick him up has strengthened.
S. Claxton is now shooting 15% FG in his first 4 games. T. Lue is getting more playing time as a result. Lue played 35 minutes yesterday compared to only 14 min for Claxton. Those with Claxton should consider benching him and picking up Lue.
S. O'Neal did not play due to a sore knee. He surprised even the coaching staff before the game by not playing. He is considered day to day.
D. Wright got 29 minutes of playing time and had 15 pts, 9 reb, 3 ast, 2 st, and 1 bl for the Heat. He is a third year player for the Heat who has not played much in his first two seasons. At this time he is a player you should just continue to watch unless you are in a deep league and have a player to waive.
Through his first three games K. Korver is averaging 18.7 ppg included 82% from three point territory.
Orlando was a fantasy graveyard yesterday as the team recorded only eight assists and 8 players logged more than 20 minutes.
C. Hayes started his second game in a row for the Rockets yesterday. He has having a tough time staying on the court as he has 11 fouls in his last 40 minutes of playing time. But take note that yesterday he had 10 rebounds in only 22 minutes of play.
While expectation for Tim Thomas were low heading into this season with the Clippers, he has started in 2 of their 3 games and has been productive averaging 30 mpg. Although he is shooting less than 40%, he is averaging 12.7 ppg, 8.3 rpg, and 3 ast. He is worth taking a flyer on in leagues with more than 120 players.
Through three games Luke Walton is averaging 15 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, and 1 stl. He has also been hot hitting 62% FG. He is also someone to consider taking a flyer on.
In three games Quentin Richardson is averaging 21 pts, 2 treys, 8 reb, and 57% FG.
Chris Duhon is averaging 13 pts on 52% FG in his first three games including 1.7 spg. Considering he is still a career 38% FG shooter it can be assumed his offensive numbers will cool down.
In three games Monta Ellis is averaging 15.7 ppg on 51.7 FG% however has not done much outside of points.
In three games Ronnie Turiaf is averaging 12.7 ppg, 5 reb, and 1.7 bpg.
Yesterday Travis Outlaw had 18 pts, 15 reb, 2 st, and a 1bl. This shows his multi category potential. He is worth taking a chance on if you have someone to waive.
F. Oberto started for the Spurs but played only 15 minutes. F. Elson was the most productive Spurs center playing 26 min with 12 pts, 6 reb, and 2 bl. Those in deeper leagues may want to monitor Elson if they need a center.
J.R. Smith had a nice debut for the Nuggets after an un-noteworthy preseason. He took 11 three pointers making 4 of them and finished with 21 pts in a game where Carmelo Anthony was ejected after 20 minutes of playing time. You would be justified in taking a flyer on Smith since there is decent chance he can maintain a role as a starting SG.
Nene was productive in 15 minutes off the bench giving hope to the possibility of him making a full recovery from last season's knee injury.
S. Cassell dominated the Clippers offense not leaving many shots for others and not much playing time for Shaun Livingston. This comes as a surprise for Livingston who should typically see more court time but perhaps he needed the rest a he played 39 min the night before.
Anthony Parker had 22 pts, 2 treys, and 2 stls. He had healthy playing time as the starting SG and has a good chance to maintain this role through the season.
Etan Thomas started and had 14 pts (7-7 FG) and 2 bls in 22 minutes. He is a consideration in deep leagues but should not see extended playing time often. He typically won't make all of his shots also (obviously).
Andrew Bynum had a great opening night but came back to more expected levels of production in his second game. While the first game was tempting, his further downside is the return of Chris Mihm and Kwame Brown.
Hakim Warrick started and had 22 pts and 12 reb in 42 minutes. He is a viable free agent pickup.
While I think Sarunas Jasikevicius will be improved this year after having spent a year in the NBA now, his 20 pts yesterday on 5-6 FG should not happen that often. If Tinsley gets hurt, he should then be reconsidered if available.
Sean May had a double double with Primaz Brezec out for two weeks. May is a viable free agent pick up particularly in fantasy points leagues.
Emeka Okafor showed opening night that perhaps he was a preseason sleeper.
Josh Childress got bonus minutes as starters including Josh Smith struggled. He finished with 15 pts and 10 reb. He should get plenty of playing time off the Hawks bench.
Al Jefferson and Ryan Gomes each came off the bench as the Celtics played Paul Pierce essentially as a PF. Pierce delivered with 19 reb. Gomes still got 30 minutes of playing time with modest results.
Owners of Larry Hughes must be excited about his opening night performance and hope that his hand troubles are behind him.
Reuben Patterson started and played 35 minutes. His stat line included 7 reb and 3 stls. He is an interim consideration in deeper leagues.
Quentin Richardson started for the injured Jared Jeffries and had 31 pts and 5 treys in a triple overtime game.
Luke Ridnour had 22 pts, 13 ast, and 3 stls in 42 minutes. There had been concerns about him splitting time with Earl Watson but it was not an issue on the first night. Watson was 0-6 FG.
Monta Ellis had 22 pts as Jason Richardson (recovering from surgery) played only 26 minutes. Ellis remains a sleeper candidate.
Shaun Livingston played 42 minutes as a starter. This is a good omen for his future fantasy value.
Amare Stoudemire played 12 minutes in his first game and 24 in his second posting 15 pts. His owners should hope the upward trend continues.


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text:
<?php

require_once 'BaseController.php';
require_once 'models/InitiativeModel.php';

class ClientinitController extends BaseController
{
    public function indexAction()
    {
        $initiatives = InitiativeModel::getAll(true);

        $array = array();
        foreach($initiatives as $init)
        {
            $array[] = array('initiativeId' => $init->getMetadata('id'), 'initiativeTitle' => $init->getMetadata('title'));
        }
        $this->view->array = $array;
    }

    public function loadAction()
    {
        $id = Zend_Filter::filterStatic($this->getRequest()->getParam('initiative'), 'StripTags');
        if (is_numeric($id))
        {
            $init = new InitiativeModel($id);
            $json = $init->getJSON();
            if (empty($json))
            {
                $this->view->error = 'Could not find requested Initiative';
                $this->render('error');
            }
            $this->view->json = $json;
        }
        else
        {
            Globals::getLog()->err('INVALID INITIATIVE ID - ClientInitController id: '.$id);
            $this->view->error = 'Initiative ID must be numeric';
            $this->render('error');
        }
    }
}


Systems genetic analysis of hippocampal neuroanatomy and spatial learning in mice. Delprato A, Bonheur B, Algéo MP, Rosay P, Lu L, Williams RW, Crusio WE.
Wim Crusio: This study was the culmination of a project started in 2006, about a year after my arrival in Bordeaux. Ambitious and both time and resource intensive, it involved about 6 years of testing nearly 1000 male and female mice from 53 Recombinant Inbred Strains derived from C57BL/6J and DBA/2J. The subsequent analysis of the mass of data then took another couple of years to complete. The primary goal of this study was to identify chromosomal regions, and possibly even genes, involved in differences in hippocampal neuroanatomy and performance in a spatial navigation learning task in a radial maze. Research carried out over several decades by my collaborators and me ( Crusio and Schwegler, 2005, for a review) had shown that the extent of the hippocampal intra- and infrapyramidal mossy fiber (IIPMF) terminal fields is strongly correlated with performance in such tasks, with animals having larger projections generally performing better.
Timm-stained mouse hippocampus, counterstained with methylene blue. Mossy fibers are stained in dark brown.
Anna Delprato (BioScience Project, Wakefield, MA, USA) is a visiting scientist in the équipe Behavioral Neuroscience at the INCIA, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine (UMR 5287).


Carfilzomib injection is used alone or together with other medicines (eg, dexamethasone, lenalidomide) to treat multiple myeloma (a type of bone marrow cancer) in patients who have received other treatments that did not work well. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Carfilzomib is an antineoplastic agent (cancer medicine).
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of carfilzomib injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of carfilzomib injection in the elderly.
Electrolyte imbalance—Use with caution. May cause side effects to become worse.
Herpes zoster—May cause infection to come back (reactivate).
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a hospital or cancer clinic. It is given through a needle placed into a vein.
This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are receiving this medicine. This may help prevent kidney problems and other unwanted effects.
You may also receive other medicines (eg, dexamethasone, antivirals) to help prevent unwanted reactions to the injection and decrease the risk of virus infection (eg, herpes zoster) reactivation.
Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. It may also cause birth defects if the father is using it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. Female patients should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Male patients who have female partners should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose. If you think a pregnancy has occurred while receiving this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
This medicine may cause serious heart problems. Tell your doctor right away if you have chest pain or tightness, decrease in the amount of urine, dilated neck veins, extreme fatigue, irregular heartbeat, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs, troubled breathing, or weight gain while you are receiving this medicine.
Check with your doctor right away if you have a bloody urine, a decrease in frequency or amount of urine, an increase in blood pressure, increased thirst, loss of appetite, lower back or side pain, nausea, swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs, troubled breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, or weight gain. These could be symptoms of a serious kidney problem.
This medicine may cause a serious reaction called tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Call your doctor right away if you have a change in how much or how often you urinate, rapid weight gain, muscle or joint pain, swelling of the feet or lower legs, or feel tired.
Serious lung or breathing problems may occur after you get a shot of this medicine into one of your veins. Call your doctor right away if have any changes in your breathing after you receive this medicine.
Your blood pressure might get too high while you are receiving this medicine. This may cause headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision. You might need to measure your blood pressure at home. If you think your blood pressure is too high, call your doctor right away.
Blood clots may occur while you are receiving this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have chest pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, fainting, fast heartbeat, pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or legs, or trouble breathing.
This medicine may cause infusion-related reactions, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you start to have a fever, chills or shaking, dizziness, trouble breathing, itching or rash, or lightheadedness or fainting while you are receiving this medicine.
This medicine can lower the number of platelets in your blood, which are needed for blood clotting. This may cause serious bleeding problems. Check with your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising, black, tarry stools, or pinpoint red spots on your skin.
Tell your doctor right away if you have seizures, headache, confusion, vision problems, unusual drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness. These could be symptoms of a serious nervous system problem, called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES).
This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.


What is the value of a good habit? Think of some daily habits, like brushing your teeth, or buckling a seat belt, or flushing. All of these habits have value important to some part of life. Failing to follow through on some habits can lead to some nasty results, and those results could cost us our lives.
Now, transfer the idea to financial habits, like saving a little money each month, or regularly adding to your 401K or IRA. You will realize that the financial value of good habits can be quite high. On the other hand, if we fail to develop good financial habits, the cost can really build up over time. Most people don't ever count the cost of their own bad investing habits. Sure, we'll get a quick bit of excitement, but not only will we make our own lives more difficult, we'll pay more for the same result in the long run.
Forget the ads. And whatever the guy down the street (you know, the one with the attitude and the bling-bling) wants you to believe, nobody ever has "enough" money. It's basic economics folks: remember supply and demand? We always want more bling; we always find a way to spend our money; we get more bling based upon our limits. Naturally, if we don't like the limits, then we need to do something to increase our limits: better-paying job, better investments, career as a bank robber (kidding!), etc.
Saving more and spending less are unpopular ideas in American culture these days. Apparently, people are more concerned with how they look than with having a say in their own future. But you'll find that most wealthy people are actually quite thrifty, which is how they became wealthy in the first place. Those who aren't thrifty generally become unwealthy quite quickly. And believe it or not, income is not the primary success factor in reaching your goals. Many high-income people spend recklessly, which is why we always hear about formerly famous musicians, actors and sports figures that don't have a dime to their names.
Wealth is a matter of discipline and good habits. This is true for us as well as for our children. In our society, children are given almost everything they want. But who is giving kids what they need, like good habits necessary for a happy, self-managed life? Junior grows up without a sense of reality, he can't manage his life, and can't live within limits. What a surprise?or is it?
Live within limits. Resources are never unlimited and this first good habit is the best. While we should always seek to expand our limits, and broaden our horizons, it makes no sense to kid ourselves by thinking the limits don't exist. Denial makes our next steps increasingly difficult, and digs the hole deeper and deeper.
Develop the right financial habits. Little decisions add up. Think: drinking 2 sodas, or smoking a pack of cigarettes a day can easily make the difference between affording to retire when we want to, and having to work till we drop. All those sodas and packs of cigarettes, over time, add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars at retirement!
Now, practicing good habits doesn't mean never spending. Decide what your limits are, make a plan and spend within your own plan. You'll find yourself to be much happier when you do - and you can still have the bling!
Scott Pearson can be reached for questions and comments directly at scott@valueview.net or by visiting www.valueview.net.
Mutual fund managers use fake fund names to part you from your money such that you cannot judge what a fund does by its name. Many funds have names that are outright misleading or even deceptive.
The straddle strategy is an option strategy that's based on buying both a call and put of a stock. Note that there are various forms of straddles, but we will only be covering the basic straddle strategy.
What are the risks?Today, investors are increasingly turning to global markets to find opportunities for profit, giving urgency to the issue of protecting returns from foreign exchange risk. While there are many excellent investment opportunities to be found all over the world, volatility in the currency markets can and does affect the profitability of these investments.
Location - Once the holy grail only for real estate investors is fast becoming the mantra for every stock, bond, and mutual fund investor. Experts and studies now recognize managing asset location is second only to asset allocation in determining the success of your investment returns.
Here is a sample of the last newsletter:SP500 Last Signal Comment We just had a new sell signal last friday on june 10th 2005. As expected we faced strong resistance at 1200 and it ended up with a double top as stated in previous issues.
In many respects, Singapore is the Switzerland of Asia.Begun in 1819 as a British trading colony, the Republic of Singapore was founded in 1965 under the leadership of the current Prime Minister's father, Mr.
The perfect company - it's the holy grail of the investment world. The company that will make its initial investment hundreds of times over.


text:
Het domein en Hof van Coolhem te Kalfort-Puurs, gelegen aan Coolhemstraat 64, is deels eigendom van de gemeente Puurs (13,7 ha) en deels van het Vlaams Gewest (79 ha).

Geschiedenis
De oudste sporen van het domein gaan terug tot de prehistorie. Enkele silexen duiden erop dat er toen reeds op zijn minst mensen zijn gepasseerd in de omgeving. Ook uit de ijzertijd zijn er zeer fragmentarische resten van handgevormde potten gevonden. In de Romeinse periode en de vroege-middeleeuwen was de site waarschijnlijk ook bewoond. Zeer kleine stukjes van aardewerk, gemagerd met dakpangruis, wijzen op aanwezigheid in de Merovingische periode.

Met het optrekken van een motte rond of kort na het jaar 1000 begon een heel nieuwe geschiedenis voor het domein. Waarschijnlijk behoorde het vanaf ca. 800 toe aan de abdij van Cornelimünster nabij Aken. Feit is dat het domein toen een heerlijkheid was en een vrij groot grondgebied bestreek. In de tweede helft van de elfde eeuw kwam het gebied in handen van de familie Van Oyenbrugghe uit Grimbergen. Eén tak van dit geslacht bleef in Grimbergen en de andere (belangrijkste) zou vanuit Coolhem zijn gebieden beheren. Zij noemden zich vanaf dan 'Van Oyenbrugghe geheeten van Coelhem'. Deze familie leverde onder meer enkele burgemeesters te Mechelen, plaats waar ze later resideerden. Van toen af gebruikten ze Coolhem als een buitengoed. In 1470 verkocht Hendrik van Oyenbrugge alias van Coolhem de heerlijkheid aan de abdij van Hemiksem die ook reeds de nabijgelegen heerlijkheid Puurs bezat. Hierdoor kregen de paters een enorm groot gebied. Aan het eind van de vijftiende eeuw bouwden ze het domein uit tot een refuge en richtten er gebouwen op voor de administratie van de heerlijkheid. Ook werd een kerk gebouwd die in 1602 volledig vernieuwd werd. Aan het eind van de zestiende eeuw vluchtten de paters van Hemiksem een eerste maal naar Coolhem tijdens de beeldenstorm. Rond 1630 namen ze er nogmaals hun toevlucht. Daarna resideerde er een prior en werd de opleiding van de novicen er voorzien. In de 18e eeuw zou Willem Ignaas Kerrickx (Antwerps beeldhouwer, architect) het complex verfraaien. Tot eind achttiende eeuw werd Coolhem door de paters geliefd. Kort voor de Franse Revolutie bouwden ze er nog een 'groot huis'. Met de Franse Revolutie echter moesten de paters Coolhem verlaten en zou het verkocht worden als zwart goed. Een zekere Van Nieuwenhuyze uit Mechelen kocht het domein en liet de gebouwen afbreken, op de grote schuur en de voorste hoeve na. De bouwmaterialen verkocht hij. Na enkele verervingen en verkopingen kwam het domein in 1987 in handen van de gemeente Puurs en het Vlaams gewest.

De voorste hoeve werd in de negentiende eeuw voorzien van een verdieping en werd in 1992 gerenoveerd. Van de andere gebouwen die indertijd door de paters werden opgetrokken zijn in de archeologische tuin nog resten te zien. In de grote schuur, die rond 1940 half afgebroken werd, kon men tot januari 2008 archeologische vondsten bewonderen die tijdens de opgravingscampagne in de jaren negentig van de 20e eeuw gevonden werden. Om deze zaken uit te kunnen stallen, werd de schuur weer op haar oorspronkelijke grootte bijgebouwd. Het oudste gedeelte van de schuur dateert van 1777. In 2008/2009 wordt de schuur omgebouwd tot een horeca-uitbating. De archaeologica worden door de gemeente bewaard tot er een alternatief is gevonden.

Daarnaast herbergt het domein ook een natuureducatief centrum en kan men onder meer een viezebeestjestuin bezoeken. Ook schapen uit de streek en een bijenstal zijn het bezoeken waard. Het gedeelte van het Vlaams Gewest (de 'moeren') is uitsluitend op afspraak te bezichtigen.

Het domein is alle dagen open van 8.00 u. tot zonsondergang.

Onroerend erfgoed in Puurs

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Later this month, I'll be attending the Enterprise 2.0 conference in Boston. This is 'the leading conference and expo for organizations using collaborative technologies to accelerate information flow and drive revenue'.
Regular readers of this blog will already know some of my concerns about Enterprise 2.0, but I still think it is this area that is currently leading the way towards Social Advantage.
Come back between 14 and 17 June to see my blog posts from the conference.


text:
Nov 21, 2019 Brexit, EU, EU referendum
There is more at stake than leaving the EU, says London Assembly member David Kurten. What kind of country do we want to be, and what do we want to do with our freedom?
A huge deception afoot
"When we finally leave the EU, our country has two options: continue down the hellish path of cultural Marxist destruction, or return to genuine Christianity," says David Kurten, a UKIP/Brexit Alliance London Assembly member
Leaving the European Union should have been easy.
When 17.4 million British people voted to leave on 23 June 2016, they believed the government's promise, sent in a booklet to every household in the country (at the cost of £9 million to the taxpayer), which stated: "Your decision is final. We will implement what you decide."
Prime Minister David Cameron had promised to enact the result of the referendum immediately, but instead resigned. The rest is history, and now the UK is on its second prime minister and facing its second general election since the referendum.
The 19th century was a profoundly Christian era, where the UK abolished slavery and advanced freedom and civilisation across the globe
By rights, Article 50 should have been triggered immediately after the referendum and the UK should have become an independent, sovereign nation once more on 24 June 2018. The government should have insisted on negotiating a Free Trade Agreement in goods and services, with the UK and the EU recognising each other's independence and regulations as advanced economies.
We should now have been free for the past year and a half, and finding our sea legs again as an independent nation, an Atlantic tiger being a force for good in the world as we were during the 19th century – a profoundly Christian era, where the UK abolished slavery at home and abroad, and advanced freedom and civilisation across the globe.
Instead, the government submitted to Mrs May's 'deal', which was a 'vassalage' treaty; we are still locked into the EU and subject to all of its directives, regulations and rulings. This will continue even if Westminster ratifies Boris's new treaty.
If we sign the treaty, the UK will be like Esau who traded his inheritance for a bowl of stew
If it is implemented, the UK will leave the EU Commission and Parliament, but still be bound to all their laws and judgements for an extendable transition period likely to last three years. Although we would be negotiating a 'future partnership' in this time, it could yet shackle us to the rule of Brussels.
Meanwhile there is a huge deception afoot to persuade the nation that we should sacrifice our full freedom and accept Prime Minister Boris Johnson's treaty simply to "get Brexit done" because everyone is "tired" or "fatigued".
If we sign this new subjugation treaty, the United Kingdom will be like Esau who traded his inheritance for a bowl of stew, whereas historically we have been a sovereign, independent nation that has resisted being subsumed by Europe's successive empires.
The only way to fully regain this magnificent birthright is to leave with what is called 'no deal' but is really a clean-break Brexit.
Internal threats
If the UK does finally achieve a clean-break Brexit, however, it will be a cause for great celebration, but then another question arises immediately. What kind of country do we want to be, and what do we want to do with our freedom?
The EU is a great external threat to our nation's very existence, but there is a real and present danger from internal threats, and the greatest of these is Cultural Marxism.
Marxism views free, capitalist societies as inherently unjust. It views the working class as being oppressed by capitalists, and suggests violent revolution as the cure and panacea for such injustice. To achieve this the intellectuals should inculcate class consciousness in the working class and then use them to instigate a revolution where they seize control of all property, businesses and power and collectivise it.
Wherever it has been tried, such as in the former Soviet Union, it does not lead to the promised Utopia, but brings grinding poverty, death, tyranny and a total eradication of liberty.
Marxists tried also to induce Communist revolutions in western nations like Germany, Italy and Hungary in the 1910s and 1920s but were unsuccessful.
They were perplexed as to why the Marxist intellectuals who were driving and agitating for revolution were successful in the East but not the West. Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci wrote in his 'Prison Notebooks' (1929-35), that civil society was much stronger in the West and provided a bulwark against sudden violent revolution.
When the state trembled and fell, immediately a strong system of civil society revealed itself. The working classes in western countries were patriotic and far more attached to their nation, culture and institutions than in the East.
Civil society was indeed particularly well developed in England, having a long history and a culture founded on nearly 2,000 years of Christian belief and principles.
Gramsci and the Marxists of the Institute for Social Research at Frankfurt University (otherwise known as the Frankfurt School) suggested that in order to create the conditions for Communism to take hold in the West, civil society had to be eroded, undermined and deconstructed from within.
Marxist intellectuals would put on suits and infiltrate all of the institutions of civil society in the West in order to corrode and collapse society from within
The Marxist student leader Rudi Dutschke perfectly summarised this plan as "the long march through the institutions".
Marxist intellectuals would put on suits and infiltrate all of the institutions of civil society in the West in order to corrode and collapse society from within. This is Cultural Marxism and is no less revolutionary that the sudden, violently destructive Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 in Russia.
The difference is that it is slow. In some ways it is deliberately slow so that, like the proverbial frog in the boiling water, the hoodwinked sleeping citizens of the West should not realise that an enemy is deconstructing and destroying society from within until it is too late.
Alexander Solzhenitsyn wrote: "To destroy a people you must first sever their roots."
The original Marxist 'bourgeoisie-proletarian oppressor-victim' narrative has been translated into a never-ending series of new oppressor-victim narratives based on cultural groupings and characteristics. This has the effect of dividing communities which could easily live together harmoniously if they were not continually stirred up into feeling oppressed by each other.
Thus: women are oppressed by men. Homosexuals are oppressed by 'heteronormativity'. Transgenders are oppressed by science. Muslims are oppressed by Islamophobia. Black and ethnic minority people are oppressed by 'white privilege'. All of these so-called oppressive power structures are to be smashed by the ideologues of Cultural Marxism.
Targeting Christians
These narratives are used particularly to target Christianity and Christian belief, one of the original targets of Marx and Engels in the 19th century, which they well understood were the roots and foundations of western civilisation.
Christian views of marriage are deemed homophobic, transphobic and oppressive
Third and fourth wave feminism seeks to smash the patriarchy and attacks both the traditional family and masculinity. Christian views of marriage are also deemed homophobic, transphobic and oppressive to anyone identifying as 'LGBT'. The orthodox Christian doctrine that marriage is between a man and a woman, and even the scientific fact that a person is the same sex as their anatomy have been deemed as 'hateful' so they can be suppressed and eventually outlawed.
There is no salvation in Marxism or Cultural Marxism, nor any forgiveness or gratitude. While it focuses on 'social justice', it is a world away from the social action of the Victorian era, where society was improved by people motivated by Christian love and charity.
The 'social justice' of the 21st century is a hammer to eradicate politically incorrect views in general, and Christianity in particular. Christians are losing their jobs in the fields of education, psychology and law for having the wrong opinions. Some have been dragged through the courts for Christian belief.
We are nearly at the point where people are being jailed for thought crime. The Christian journalist Caroline Farrow will be tried soon for 'misgendering' a 'transgender woman' and may be imprisoned for 'transphobic hate speech'.
A growing number of commentators have begun to raise the alarm at the destructiveness of Cultural Marxism, and some even dare to mention that the UK is a Christian country and that its Christian foundations are being eroded.
Yet they shy away from offering the one and only solution to the current crisis. A return to Christianity, our Christian foundations, and moreover a return to the person of Christ.
When we finally leave the EU, the country has two paths it can take. It can continue down the hellish path of cultural Marxist 'progressive' destruction motivated by a fabricated sense of oppression and a desire to visit vengeance on those deemed to have privilege, or it can return to genuine Christianity and rebuild a society based on gratitude for God's providence to us and our great heritage, and a Christ-inspired grace, forgiveness and generosity to our fellow man.
Heaven isn't in crisis
God is still in the business of healing
Feature Sticky
MISSING MILLIONS
"It's time to choose your red lines"


text:
module Toshi

  module NodeTime
    # TODO add real adjusted_time clac
    def self.adjusted_time; Time.now.to_i; end
  end

  module Utils
    extend self

    def read_bootstrap_file(file, offset=0, height=-1, start_height=0, stop_height=nil, &blk)
      return false unless blk
      File.open(file, 'rb'){|file|
        loop{
          file.seek(offset)
          buf = file.read(8)
          break if buf == nil
          magic_head, size = buf.unpack("a4I")

          if Bitcoin.network[:magic_head] == magic_head

            height+=1
            break if height > stop_height if stop_height

            magic_size = 8
            file.seek(offset + magic_size)

            if height >= start_height
              data_orig = file.read(size)
              block = Bitcoin::Protocol::Block.new(data_orig)

              raise "No block at offset #{offset + magic_size}!" if !block

              if block.verify_mrkl_root == false
                p [:faild_verify_mrkl_root, block.hash, block.prev_block_hex, offset, size, height]; break
              end

              break unless blk.call(block, height, offset)
            end

            offset += (magic_size + size)
          else
            p [:magic_head_broken, Bitcoin.network[:magic_head], magic_head]
            break
          end
        }
      }
    end

    def bin_to_hex_hash(hash)
      return nil if !hash
      hash.reverse.unpack('H*').first
    end

    def hex_to_bin_hash(hash)
      return nil if !hash
      [hash].pack('H*').reverse
    end

    def database_size
      Toshi.db['SELECT pg_size_pretty(pg_database_size(current_database()))'].get(:pg_size_pretty)
    end

    def status
      head = Toshi::Models::Block.head

      if Toshi::Models::Peer.connected.count == 0
        "offline"
      elsif head && Time.at(head.time) > (Time.now - (2 * 60 * 60))
        "active"
      else
        "syncing"
      end
    end

    def sanitize_options(options)
      # default is 0
      options[:offset] ||= 0
      options[:offset] = [ options[:offset].to_i, 0 ].max

      # default is 100; max is 500
      options[:limit] ||= 100
      options[:limit] = [ [ options[:limit].to_i, 0 ].max, 1000 ].min
    end

    def synchronized(lock_id, &block)
      # See: http://practiceovertheory.com/blog/2013/07/06/distributed-locking-in-postgres/
      # See also: http://www.postgresql.org/docs/9.1/static/functions-admin.html#FUNCTIONS-ADVISORY-LOCKS
      Toshi.db.run("select pg_advisory_lock(#{lock_id})")
      block.call
    ensure
      Toshi.db.run("select pg_advisory_unlock(#{lock_id})")
    end
  end

  def self.db_stats
    s = Sidekiq::Stats.new
    {
      blocks: Toshi::Models::Block.count, transactions: Toshi::Models::Transaction.count, inputs: Toshi::Models::Input.count, outputs: Toshi::Models::Output.count,
      sidekiq: { queues: s.queues, processed: s.processed, failed: s.failed }
    }
  end
end

class Bitcoin::P::Block; attr_accessor :additional_fields; end
class Bitcoin::P::Tx; attr_accessor :additional_fields; end

class Numeric; def btc; "%.8f" % (self / 100000000.0); end; end
class Numeric; def btc_short; ("%.8f" % (self / 100000000.0)).gsub(/\.(\d+?)(0+)$/, ".\\1"); end; end


text:
What comes next after the Terror Law? FMA convenes civil society reps to talk about the future of free speech
Home / News / What comes next after the Terror Law? FMA convenes civil society reps to talk about the future of free speech
By Foundation for Media Alternatives
This article was republished from the Foundation for Media Alternatives.
On 20 August 2020, FMA organized an online discussion titled What's Next for the FOE Advocacy? The discussion was livestreamed to the public via Facebook Live and featured speakers from various sectors, namely, Rep. Carlos Zarate from Bayan Muna Party-List, Ms. Judy Pasimio from In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND), Atty. Gilbert Andres from the Center for International Law, and Mr. Raymund Villanueva from the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).
The speakers kicked off the discussion by talking about the challenges their groups are facing in advocating for freedom of expression, especially in the time of COVID-19 and after the passage of the controversial Anti-Terror Law. Pasimio shared that the digital divide has become more palpable during the lockdown, and as online platforms have become the new battleground, they have also come to reflect new inequalities, such as inequality in internet access.
Rep. Zarate assured the audience that while defending human rights in the current Congress is challenging, progressive legislators are determined to keep opposing bills that aim to stifle free speech, such as the Anti-Fake News Bill. He also stressed the importance of decriminalizing libel, which has been proposed several times in Congress.
Atty. Andres elaborated on the dangers of the Anti-Terror Law, particularly on how blatantly it abuses Constitutional rights and how it practically suspends the privilege of habeas corpus. CenterLaw is one of the numerous groups that assailed the constitutionality of the Anti-Terror Law before the Supreme Court.
This current legal landscape is particularly harmful to journalists, who have long been targets of harassment and political violence. Villanueva, coming from one of the biggest journalist groups in the country, shared that the ABS-CBN shutdown and the conviction of Maria Ressa were two of the biggest blows to press freedom in the country. He also shared his own experience as a victim of red-baiting by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Despite all these challenges, however, the speakers remain hopeful for the human rights advocacy. Pasimio raised the need for creative and innovative ways to provide platforms for marginalized voices, especially in the current context of the pandemic and the ABS-CBN shutdown. One of the ways by which human rights groups like LILAK (or the Purple Action for Indigenous Women's Rights) are doing this is through "mass-texting," or sending SMS blasts about current events and pressing issues to indigenous communities that used to rely on ABS-CBN as a source of information.
The speakers closed the session by encouraging all Filipinos to rise above the state of fear and impunity and take up the cudgels to protect our Constitutional right to free speech. Above all, viewers of the discussion were invited to continue hoping; as hope, Pasimio says, "is something that fascists and murderers cannot kill."
A recorded version of the discussion is available for viewing in FMA's offficial Youtube channel.
independent journalism
Closer than ever
Foundation for Media Alternatives


Bill Beeman has been preparing to take probably the longest trip in his life. And he�s been around the world several times.
He and his son-in-law had packed up clothes, furniture, old golf clubs, books, dramas and comedies he had starred in, awards and citations and pictures of himself with dignitaries. Also, a snack or two (his appetite doesn�t gnaw at him anymore).
Maybe the trip won�t be all that bad, for he�s going home. But, home will never be the same as it once was. Still, he has to go home. His daughter, and others, tell him it is time. He is 82, and he, himself, knows they are right.
He and wife, Anna, have lived at Lake Lure for 22 years. During that time, he left a trail of splendid good humor.
Loyalty was his middle name, and friendship he placed right beside loyalty.
When he pulled away on Tuesday, Anna�s ashes were the last to be placed aboard.
He and Anna and their son and daughter spent a lifetime in Lakewood, Ohio, just west of Cleveland. He grew up there, a diminutive little fellow with a smile that stretched across his face like a rubber band. Today, he stands 5 foot 5 and weighs about 125 pounds.
In his youth, he became a ship�s boiler inspector and sailed the seven seas. He was good at his trade, made enough money to take care of his family, retired, heard about Lake Lure and moved there.
That was 22 years ago.
He and Anna bought a house on the side of Young�s Mountain, settled their handicapped son, Dan, in a nearby home for the handicapped. Their daughter, Ann Lee, had married and remained in Ohio.
They worked on it, and they worked it out.
Betty and I had started a newspaper, �The Breeze,� in Lake Lure. Beeman and I were talking again one day when I told him I was looking for someone who could do features on people and places in our area.
He said he�d like to give it a try. He got the chance, and it was like giving him the keys to a kingdom. With his winning personality, doors were opened; and, often he found himself across the table from the top leaders of an organization.
He and Anna ranged far and wide, interviewing and taking pictures. They would return home, and within a day or so, I would have a splendid accounting of their trip, along with pictures.
Recently, he told me that doing those stories was for him like getting lemonade at a track meet. He loved to get people to talk; and they loved to talk to this Yankee who came south and made for themselves a new home.
No husband to his wife was ever so attentive as he to Anna as she fought the perils of declining health, and then death. It was like being run over by an express train. He tried, but, he never got over it.
That�s why he went to Fairfield Mountains Chapel each Sunday morning to kneel outside where her ashes are stored and there, just the two, have another talk, to tell her again of his undying love for her, and try to dig himself out of that deep hole of perplexity.
So it was that the van pulled away last Tuesday, heading for Lakewood, Ohio.
And, it seemed that a saddened sigh breathed softly across the land.
Bill Williams is a former editor of The Gaston Gazette and has contributed to its pages for more than 61 years.


Have you ever considered the importance of read-alouds? Do you remember that special book you wanted your parents to read aloud to you over and over when you were growing up? Do your kiddos have a book they constantly want you to read to them? Is there a book you own that is absolutely worn, tattered, or maybe even falling apart?
Books have an amazing transformative power, and it's that power that we are drawn to as we listen to read-alouds. Somehow when the words are spoken out loud, the influence of the story grows exponentially!
Well, let's look at some of things that reflect the importance of read-alouds.
I was very blessed growing up to have parents who read books to me, and my brother, every day. We had this one red Bible Storybook that my dad read to us every night before bed. I still have it, and I've read those same Bible Stories to my own kids.
That red book is priceless to me because of the memories I made with my family while reading this book. Honestly, I cannot stress enough the importance of reading to your children. The bond that is created over enjoyable books cannot be duplicated any other way!
I also remember my 3rd grade, my teacher, Mrs. Ingraham, would read out loud to us every day for a few minutes before school let out. The Trumpet of the Swan and Island of the Blue Dolphins were two of the stories I vividly recall her reading to us! I would always look forward to what was going to be happening next in our story.
On an unrelated, but interesting note, Mrs. Ingraham wore LOTS of jewelry every day. I can remember staring at her manicured nails and fabulous jewelry while she read; I think that's one of the enjoyed listening to her read. Of course, this was second to the fact that I was engaged in the story.
Those early experiences with read-alouds truly set the stage for my interest-turned-love of reading and learning.
Have you ever listened to an audiobook? I have, and when I'm listening to one, I am hypnotized by the sound of the reader's voice as I become immersed in the story.
Does that sound familiar? Well, believe it or not, every time we listen to an audiobook, we are experiencing a read-aloud. And, there is some really interesting research on the benefits of reading aloud for adults!
It may seem odd to think that we, as adults, would enjoy having another person read out loud to us, but it's true. Somehow, it's soothing and relaxing to experience a book through our ears and not just our eyes.
Even though my boys are in middle school, I continue to read out loud to them and they love it. Whenever I get to the end of the chapter or section I am reading, they beg me to keep reading. Thus, the importance of read-alouds!!
Read-alouds in the classroom were always times I could count on "relatively" good behavior. Everyone, including the stinkers, became entranced by the story. Therefore, the typical classroom distractions became null because every child was immersed in the story.
The importance of read-alouds for my kiddos was knowing they didn't have any "reading rules" to contend with. They didn't have to think about pronunciation, enunciation, inflection, spelling rules, context, and vocabulary; none of those skills mattered more than simply listening and being present.
Most days, I didn't have much time either. But, I discovered some fun alternatives to the traditional teacher read-aloud that permitted me to incorporate read-alouds in a new way a bit more often.
My kiddos loved partner read-alouds. They learned so much by hearing other kiddos use appropriate tone and expression when reading out loud.
In the classroom, I liked to strategically partner up struggling readers with more advanced readers. This allowed my struggling readers the opportunity to hear the text read fluently by someone other then me.
To keep things interesting for my kiddos, I would occasionally allow them to choose their partners. However, from a classroom management standpoint, I had to monitor this closely…as you can imagine.
To eliminate certain discipline issues, partner reading was managed using the same steps every time. Partners were given their books or stories, and then they were sent to their assigned reading spots.
They would sit in EEKK formation (elbow to elbow and knee to knee), and read at a volume only the partner could hear. If I heard a voice or voices getting too loud, I would simply call out to the reader(s), and they would bring the volume back down to a manageable level.
A slightly different option would be for parents to read with their children. Now, this may sound exactly like the typical read-aloud, but the difference lies in the fact that the child is the leading reader. In other words, the child begins reading the story out loud, and when he gets to the end of the page, it is the parent's turn.
Another option would be to for parents and children to take on the roles of the characters in the story. This would certainly be a more interactive way to read the text. We used this strategy a lot when my boys were in school and would bring home their basal readers. They would get bored reading the same story every night, so sometimes we would change it up by reading different parts. This kept them from hating reading.
As classroom teachers, this would be something you could share with your parents during Open House as an alternative to simply listening to their children read. As homeschooling parents, we could do this with our kiddos or let siblings read together.
I know that sometimes, unfortunately, time seems to slip away, and we can't find the time to read out loud. Just remember that doesn't mean you can't incorporate read-alouds into your daily routine; it just means you might have to get creative, and try a few alternative approaches to reading aloud!
Allow us to make memories with our kiddos similar to the memories we recall with our own parents and special teachers.
Bring enjoyment to all ages by simply making time to read out loud.
Engage our kiddos in learning just by reading to them.
You are amazing and I am cheering for you!


Once In a Lifetime - Precision Solutions, Inc.
In a couple of days we will experience a total solar eclipse as the moon obscures the sun leaving an arc of darkness from Oregon to South Carolina. Here in Colorado, thousands of residents (and even more out of state people passing through) will flock into Wyoming and Nebraska to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Both traditional and social media are abuzz about the eclipse. Emergency services personnel stand at the ready for the crush of humanity that will be traveling. People are lining up for blocks to get special glasses with which to view the event safely and taking vacations to travel to their front row seat to the show.
Imagine if we lived our lives treasuring every pedestrian moment with the same zeal as people embracing this celestial event? The moments spent writing this brief thought will never come again, but I choose to use these moments to remind myself that while I'm flitting from one "important" thing to another, I must never lose sight of the fact that every single moment is a truly important, once-in-a-lifetime event.


text:
Use of brain-computer interface to measure mental engagement
Recognition of user's mental engagement is imperative to the success of Human Machine Interaction (HMI). By conducting a series of human experiments, we obtain implicit information about the cognitive and affective state of the subject using passive BCI recordings. We highlight the drawbacks of using conventional workload metrics as indicators of human engagement and assert that motor and cognitive workloads be differentiated. We propose new indices for flow measurements and advocate the development of an adaptive system that ensures high mental engagement while utilizing the benefits of implicit training in robotic rehabilitation via two case studies.
We conduct passive BCI recordings on 8 subjects while they guide a robot with variable haptic resistance through a maze. We propose a new set of features for workload assessment, i.e. relative C3-C4 at beta and sigma frequency bands and differential Fz-POz at theta and alpha bands. A clear distinction between motor and cognitive workload has been made. We conclude that an increase in motor workload does not necessarily increase the cognitive workload and vice versa. We do not use any of the conventional workload metrics for engagement identification and suggest a novel paradigm for the same.
In another study, we instruct 8 subjects to play a game with varying difficulty levels while recording their passive EEG activity. We use power spectral density and coherence values features as a combination to develop a classifier that separates the 3 difficulty levels in the game with a mean accuracy of 82.46%. We propose the use of higher frequency bands in flow measurement, as opposed to traditional flow classification methods that use lower frequency bands for the same. We conclude that high beta and sigma bands are the most informative bands in flow classification. Our method reports an accuracy increase of 19.98% when compared to the ones using the lower frequency bands for flow measurement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inlT8UuXBPs


Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky, #1) - Book.Blog.Bake.
I was slightly disappointed in this book. Perhaps it's because there's been so much hype surrounding it and I set it up in my head as this amazing read, but it fell short. It was good and enjoyable, but I was expecting beautiful prose and a wonderful plot filled with unforeseeable turns, and what I read just wasn't that. However, this is a good, just not wonderful, book. I really liked the following aspects:The characters, Aria specifically. They were easy to relate to and had strong motivations and desires that prompted their actions. Their actions never seemed forced or unrealistic. I like Aria's growth through the book, how she realizes she can survive in the world outside. Perry was a intriguing character as well. I didn't like him as much as I thought I would, but he was a well-written character.The plot was fairly interesting. I was involved and the story and the characters. I liked the addition of the strong senses and the cannibal tribes, which were rightly terrifying.The little bit of the book that took place inside the pods. This was so interesting, and what I wanted more of! I want to know about these pods. How did they come to be? What exactly has happened that force a society to live in these pods? We get a little bit of this, with the explanation that the Aether storms drove humans inside, but I wanted more, and I ate up every word where I did get to explore this world.The Aether storms. The description of them leaves quite a bit up to the imagination, but in my mind they are incredibly beautiful and incredibly beautiful. I like the addition of these massive lightening-type energy storms. I did really enjoy these aspects of the book, but there were just a few things I couldn't overlook. I'm not convinced of the romance yet. I like both characters individually, and while I do applaud the rather mutual romance that's going on here, I just haven't bought it yet. I'll probably read the future books and I hope it'll grow on me, but so far the romance is a no-go. And my biggest disappointment with this book, which takes it from a potential 4 star down to a 3 star review is the world. There is so much interesting things that could be explored in this world that's been built, and I want to know it all. The whole concept of smarteyes and the pods and the storms just left me wanting more, but not necessarily in a good way. This had the potential to be an insanely interesting story based on the unique world alone, and I feel it just kind of fell flat for me, because instead of the world we get a much narrower story.


text:
More acts announced for the South Tyneside Comedy festival
Written by Spark on 30th April 2018
The third annual South Tyneside Comedy Festival looks set to be the biggest and best yet, with several more big names added to the bill.
Gary Delaney, Paul Sinha, Jo Caulfield, Angela Barnes, Justin Moorhouse, Scott Bennett and Steffen Peddie join previously announced acts, Brennan Reece and Carl Hutchinson, for the 10-day comedy extravaganza at The Customs House this summer.
Festival Director, comedian and writer Jason Cook, who has scored TV hits with Hebburn and Murder on the Blackpool Express, is thrilled with the line-up so far, with more huge names still to be announced.
"Once again it's time for the festival and it's getting bigger and bigger and weirdly, easier to book. The word has gone round the comedy world about what a great audience we get at The Customs House, so people are queueing up to play it.
This year we have the absolute cream of comedy. And these aren't people you've never heard of, they're all on TV or radio and deservedly so, they deliver every single time.
I can't wait for people to see the shows and as always, I put my personal guarantee on them that each and every show is something I would pay to see myself."
The South Tyneside Comedy Festival 2018 runs from July 27 to August 5, with Gary Delaney taking to the stage at 7.45pm on opening night with Work in Progress.
The regular Mock the Week panellist, who has also been seen on Live at the Apollo, is known for his one-liners and is now testing jokes for his next tour.
Paul Sinha follows on Saturday, July 28, at 8pm, with The Two Ages of Man.
At the age of 48, the stand-up comedian and star of The Chase is pondering the unthinkable. Is he past it? Was Shakespeare wrong? Are there only two ages of man?
English Comedian of the Year Brennan Reece brings his show, Evermore, to the festival on Saturday, July 28, at 7pm.
Jarrow lad Carl Hutchinson is back with a new show, I Know I Shouldn't Behave Like This, on Sunday, July 29 at 5pm, taking his unique adolescent approach to grown-up issues.
It follows his sold-out 2017 tour and appearances on Comedy Central's Stand Up Central and The Chris Ramsey Show.
Award-wining comedian Jo Caulfield returns to the festival on Sunday, July 29, to preview her new Edinburgh Fringe Festival show, Killing Time.
She has featured on Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You, Michael McIntyre's Roadshow, The John Bishop Show and Radio 4's Just a Minute.
Angela Barnes is well-known for a number of topical comedy TV and radio shows, including BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz and Newsjack on BBC Radio 4 Extra.
In her new show, Rose Tinted (A Work In Progress), she reflects on news fatigue and whether, as a renowned pessimist, she can learn to accentuate the positive, or is she better off confronting the horrible stuff and laughing in its ugly face?
See what she comes up with on Sunday, July 29, at 8.30pm.
Justin Moorhouse brings Northern Joker to the festival on Monday, July 30, at 7.30pm, ahead of its run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
He has appeared on Live at the Apollo, BBC Radio 4's News Quiz and 5Live's Fighting Talk and played Young Kenny in Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights.
Scott Bennet also hits the festival on Monday, July 30, at 9pm with Leap Year, a show about sacrifice, support, love and discovering who you really are.
Tipped by Chortle as One to Watch in 2018, he has supported Rob Brydon on tour and written for BBC Radio 4's News Quiz and The Chris Ramsey Show on Comedy Central.
Hebburn star and BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Steffen Peddie returns to the festival on Saturday, August 4, at 6.30pm, with Dear Aunty Steffen.
After solving general problems from the audience in previous shows, it's time to delve deeper – going places even Jeremy Kyle wouldn't put on TV.
Tickets for South Tyneside Comedy Festival 2018 shows start from as little as £5.
For ticket information and to book, contact the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or visit www.customshouse.co.uk.
For South Tyneside Comedy Festival updates – and to be the first to know when new acts are added to the bill – sign up to the mailing list at www.southtynesidecomedyfestival.co.uk.
Tagged as Angela Barnes brennan reece carl hutchinson Comdey Festival comedy Customs House entertainment entertainment 2018 Fun Gary Delaney Jo Caulfield Justin Moorhouse north east Paul Sinha South Shields South Tynside Sund sunderland Tyne & Wear Tyneside wear Wearside
I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, and the various horrors of Wales
Connor Bromley
NYPD-Boo! Northumbria's youthful police dog Boo hunts down alleged armed raider
Mr and Mrs Tiggywinkle are always welcome on campus!
Young people turn ambulances inside out
Official Anthem for Sunderland Tall Ships Races has been released


Is a Medicare Supplement Considered a QHP?
Under ACA with the definitions of qualified health plans (QHPs) and non-QHPs, are Medicare supplements anywhere under those guidelines? I feel like I know the answer to this but I have a crazy situation that I'm trying to get some clarification on. Thanks.
Outline the situation rather than fishing for an answer.
I work for a hospital, in addition to holding life and health license, and sell insurance on side (life and med supps). With the company I work for at the hospital, I am supposed to be a certified application counselor and sign people up for health plans through the marketplace. Well, I just found out today this is a conflict of interest and could impact my employment with this company. I wasn't sure if the Medicare supps fell under this designation as QHPs or non-QHPs because this seems to be the crux of the conflict - if I receive compensation from enrolling people in these. I'm trying to figure out how to keep my job basically. It's not looking great!
Ok....so Med Sups are QHP's....period.
If you have a conflict of intrest with your job and you want to keep it, simply cave to their rules and stop that part of what you are doing.
Honestly, I can't blame them. No comp for many states.
That said if you want to keep the hospital job try to explain what you are doing day to day and see if you can get if fixed.
If it's the hospital that has the issue and you want to keep that gig then cease production with the FMO..
Yeah, the issue is with the hospital job. Signing people up through the marketplace is just one part of my job duties. And yeah, I'm an independent agent. And yeah I'm feeling like those are my options at this point. Thanks for the clarification. I just find it odd that it is a conflict of interested based on what I've read - I would have thought having a license would be more of an asset actually. Guess not!
It's a silver lining...what are you confused about?
Carriers are NOT PAYING COMMISSION on MANY 2017 plans.
Count your blessings....you have a gig. Focus on that.
Sounds like you're a captive agent to me...captive to the hospital.
Let's put some clarification here-a Medicare supplement isn't a QHP because it doesn't provide comprehensive coverage for the Essential Health Benefits that are part of the Affordable Care Act, it simply supplements Medicare, which is a Qualified Health Plan.
As for your employee status, that is another question that I am not qualified to answer.
I am going to muddy the water a bit and ask for a clarification on the original question, is a Medigap a QHP?
I have written very little U65 health insurance since 2014 and never wrote a single subsidized plan. So I am not really "up" on all the definitions, but I didn't think a Medicare supplement was a QHP.
Under the ACA, the designation of qualified health plan (QHP) is given to health insurance plans that are sold in the marketplace (exchange).* The same basic rules apply to plans sold both in and out of the exchanges:* they must be guaranteed issue, follow the ACA's cost-sharing guidelines, and cover "essential health benefits" with no lifetime or annual maximums.
Medigap plans are not always guaranteed issue.
Medigap plans do not cover Rx, which is one of the essential health benefits.
Seems to me Medigap plans do not meet the definition of QHP. OTOH Medicare would meet the definition of a QHP. You can't buy Medigap unless you have Medicare but the Medigap plan itself doesn't seem like it is a QHP.
Regarding the OP question about conflict of interest, on the surface it would appear there is a conflict. But I have not seen his employment agreement so cannot say what is a violation and what isn't.
My reading of the OP posts seems to indicate he is employed by someone other than the hospital. Perhaps a carrier, or (more likely) an agency.
As Ted pointed out, he is in a good position (at least for now) since many carriers are no longer paying commission on Obamacare plans. Given that, I would wonder how he validates his agreement since many policies no longer pay a commission. How does an employer continue to pay a salary when the item sold does not pay a commission?
FWIW I knew a guy, years ago, that was an independent agent with an office in a hospital. He mostly wrote non-can DI on the staff and his "service" was promoted as an extension of the hospital benefit program.
As I recall, he paid them rent and they funneled employees to him when they were interested in the hospital disability program.
My initial thought is that med supp is not either, in and of itself. But I'm certainly not a health expert, just seems to me that a supplement couldn't/shouldn't be considered on its own.
Who Can Cancel Medicare Supplement Coverage at M.O.O?