Q: Do you test for bacteria?
Alternatively, search NATA for a list of laboratories offering the testing you seek.
Q: Do you do asbestos testing?
Plant Diagnostic Services (formerly Plant Health Laboratories).
Q: Can you tell me what to test for?
A: We can provide some general advice regarding testing but AST is not a professional consulting service. If you require professional recommendations on a detailed written report then a professional consulting service may be required. Consultants can be found in the yellow pages or online. This is further clarified below.
Q: How do I work out what to test for?
A: If you are unsure what to test for, please contact us at AST to discuss your situation and circumstances and our staff may be able to help you decide what analysis is required. We can also refer you to relevant guidelines or regulatory bodies.
Q: I have an unidentified substance and don't know what it is. Can you find out for me?
A: As a general rule, sample submission relies on a client requesting specific tests for each sample. However, on occasions a sample may need to be investigated as an "unknown". Please contact us before submitting your sample. If your sample is unidentified and requires investigation, we may be able to narrow down the breadth of tests required to identify what your sample might be.
AST is quality-accredited for specific tests, our scope of accreditation is on the "Our Services" page.
Q: How do I know if I can drink my water?
Q: How do I know if my livestock can drink my water?
Q: How can I tell if my soil is contaminated?
A: There is no single answer for these questions, as circumstances will differ for each situation. If you have concerns about the quality of your water or soil we recommend you call AST where a member of the Client Services team or one of our chemists will be able to discuss your individual requirements with you. See our Resources page for legislated guidelines and information on drinking water, water for livestock and waste classification.
Q: How much does analysis cost?
A: Our staff will be happy to discuss pricing with you and assist with coming up with the most cost effective ways of testing. Formal cost estimates can be provided as an official written quote.
Q: Do I need to pay when I submit the samples?
A: No. An invoice is sent out shortly after you receive your results report. Please see Make a Payment for payment options.
Q: What is the admin fee?
A: The admin fee is charged each time samples are submitted. It covers administrative costs including sample receipt, generation of reports, and invoicing.
A: An invoice will be issued once the job has been reported. Payment is not required until you have received the invoice. Payment falls due 30 days after the issue date found on the invoice.
Q: Can I use my own containers to submit a sample?
A: Preferably not. Different tests require different containers. AST recommends that samples are taken into containers provided by the laboratory. Use of non-AST containers may result in compromised results. AST's containers are prepared in a particular way to ensure they are free of contamination and in some cases contain a preservative for specific tests. Individual tests may require specifically prepared containers you may need more than one type of bottle to cover your entire list of testing. See our Sample Containers page for further information.
Q: Can you send me sample containers?
A: Yes, AST can send out containers as required. We recommend discussing analytical requirements prior to sampling, so that we can send out the correct containers as required for the analysis requested.
Q: Do you charge for sample containers?
A: No, AST containers are provided free of charge.
Q: What are your opening hours and how do I submit samples to the lab?
A: AST is open from 8:45am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. Recommended sample drop-off times are 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday to allow for sufficient time to ensure samples are preserved, stored and entered into our system appropriately. Our Contact Us page has further information.
Samples can be delivered in person to the laboratory at 18 St Johns Ave, New Town, 7008, or they can be sent by reply paid post (free of charge) or courier.
Q: When can I submit samples?
A: Samples can be submitted in person or via post or courier services. . Recommended sample drop-off times are 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday to allow for sufficient time to ensure samples are preserved, stored and entered into our system appropriately. Our Contact Us page has further information.
Q: How quickly do I need to get samples back to the lab?
A: Some analytical tests have specific hold times, which mean that the sample must be preserved, or the analysis commenced, within a specified time frame. AST can provide information on this when discussing sampling and analysis requirements. If in doubt, we recommend that samples are submitted within 24hrs of sampling.
Q: I will be submitting the same samples on a regular basis. Can you help?
A: We can save you time with both ordering bottles to be sent to you and in sample submissions. Upon request AST can set up recurring bottle orders to be sent to you on a regular basis.
We can also set up recurring projects on our system so that all sample ID's, analysis and reporting requirements are held on file. That way for future submissions you need only provide your details on submission forms, the name of your project and sample dates and times. For further information see our Analysis Projects with AST page.
Q: My samples may be used in legal proceedings, does this affect things?
A: All AST submission forms include a Chain of Custody section to track sample handovers, for example from sampler to laboratory. This tracks samples from the time of sampling, submission and right through to time of disposal. This can be important to prove the samples were not tampered with by a third party. Please also tick the legal proceedings box on the submission form. The correct sample containers can be obtained from AST.
If samples may be used in legal proceedings it is recommended advice be obtained before sampling.
Samples can be held at AST for 3 years after reporting, or until AST is advised by you that the samples can be disposed of.
AST's analytical reports are signed and dated by our qualified and trained expert scientists and can be used as evidence if required.
Q: How do I label a sample?
that each sample can be clearly identified. The date and time of sampling may also be included. Note that several bottles may be required for the one sample depending on tests requested. All containers for the same sample should be labelled the same.
When filling in a submission form, the sample ID on the submission form for each sample should match the description written on the bottles.
Note that the sample ID only needs to be written once on the submission form for each sample, regardless of how many bottles are submitted.
Q: I have multiple samples from the same site taken at different times. How do I put this on the form?
A: If multiple samples are taken from the same site and have the same sample ID, they will need to be clearly identified by the date and time of sampling. The submission form includes columns for date and time of sampling. Please refer to our How To Complete a Submission Form guided document for further information.
Q: What information do I need to provide with my sample?
A: All submissions must be accompanied by a submission form clearly listing all necessary details. See Submission Forms for further information on filling in a submission form.
The sample submission form is the source of information that is ultimately provided on your analytical report, therefore please ensure the sample submission form contains all the relevant information you would like on your report such as sampling dates and times and unique sampling site IDs.
Pre-arranged regular sampling projects can be set up with AST to reduce the amount of paperwork required when submitting.
Q: What if I have taken the samples but don't know what to test for yet?
A: Please contact us if you are unsure what you want to test for.
Samples are usually submitted after a decision has been made regarding which tests are required. However, AST can store your samples for up to three months prior to analysis. Note some analyte holding times may be exceeded, and your tests result may become compromised.
Q: I want the same testing carried out as on previously submitted samples. How do I specify this?
A: Please write the previous report number on the submission form, or "as per previous job".
Q: Can I have analysis carried out as per a quote?
If you have previously requested a quote for analysis, the quote number can be listed on the submission form.
Note that quotes usually expire after 30 days so prices may change.
Q: What happens after I submit my sample?
A: Sample data is logged onto our LIMS and samples are preserved and stored ready for analysis.
A Job Summary is emailed to your nominated report recipients. This includes details of the submission, such as invoicing and reporting details, estimated cost, estimated reporting date, sample details and the analyses requested.
Q: Do I need to respond to the Job Summary?
A: No, however AST recommends that the Job Summary is checked carefully to ensure that all details are correct. If everything looks correct, no action is required.
Please contact AST immediately if you wish to change anything or if you believe there is an error.
Q: How long does analysis usually take?
A: Usual turnaround time is 10 business days from the date of receipt.
For the purposes of calculating turnaround times, samples received after 4pm are treated as being received on the following business day.
Q: What happens if I need results urgently?
A: Please contact us if you require a faster turnaround.
Q: What happens if I change my mind after I submit the samples?
A: If analysis has been completed prior to notification, the completed analysis will be reported and charged. If the analysis has not yet been completed we will stop testing and note on the final report that the request for analysis was withdrawn, and you will not be charged for the test.
Q: When will I get my report?
A: Once all tests are complete and results have been checked, a report will be issued as an emailed pdf file to all specified report recipients. Upon request we can also provide you with an electronic "export" of data in the form of an excel spreadsheet.
Q: I maintain my results in a database. Do you provide data files that I can use to import results directly into my database?
A: Yes. AST can provide data exports of job details and results at the time of reporting, in addition to the standard pdf report. Such files are provided as either a txt file, csv file, times studio file or ESDAT file.
Q: What do my results mean?
A: AST does not offer a comprehensive result interpretation service. We can provide information on guideline limits and if they have been exceeded. However, if you are dealing with a complex issue on site then we recommend you employ an environmental consultant.
We can explain the tests and what they measure and possibly why they might be of interest or concern. Please contact us if you have questions.
Q: How sensitive are your tests?
A: AST's method detection limits are usually below guideline levels and offer comparable or better sensitivity with other Australian laboratories offering similar services. If the reporting limit for an analyte is "x mg/L" and the concentration detected is below this level, the result will be reported as "<x mg/L". AST's detection and reporting limits are available upon request.
Q: What happens if I need more analysis carried out?
A: Further tests can be added to a job currently in progress. If the job has been completed and invoiced then any additional work will be placed on a new job. If you need more samples testing then they also can be added to a job currently in progress. Note that the estimated completion date will change when either tests or samples are added to an existing job.
Q: How long to do you keep samples after analysis?
A: Samples are disposed of two weeks after the report is sent to you. If you require further testing to be carried out and we still have the samples in storage, we can carry out further testing as required. Note that if analyte hold times have been exceeded analysis may be compromised.
Q: Can you hold samples longer?
A: Yes. AST can hold samples longer than the standard 2 weeks upon request. Please indicate this on the submission form at the time of submitting if possible, or contact us to discuss.
Q: What is NATA? Why is this important?
A: NATA is the National Association of Testing Authorities. AST is a NATA-accredited Chemical Testing Facility.
NATA accreditation provides a means of determining, formally recognising and promoting the competence of facilities to perform specific types of testing, inspection, calibration, and other related activities.
Further information is available at our NATA Accreditation and Quality Services page.
Q: Are all your tests NATA-accredited?
A: No. Tests which are not NATA-accredited are indicated with an asterisk (*) on the final report. However the test results provided for unaccredited tests are often as equally valid as the accredited tests; the main difference being that we have not provided the methodology to NATA for formal assessment.


Paper Craft | Wholesale Paper Products - Puli Paper Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Paper Craft / Puli Paper Company, specialty paper and custom paper manufacturer.
Sold to more than 60 countries, based in Taiwan, Puli Paper Mfg. Co., Ltd. is a Paper Craft | wholesale paper products supplier that delivers eco-friendly, compostable, biodegradable, sustainable paper goods, since 1979.
"Crazy Creations", is a kind of technology development art made of single face corrugated paper. Traditional toys, containers and decorations are made of wood, metal, ceramic or plastic materials, the discarded disposition will cause serious damage to environment. However, our "Crazy Creations" is safe and recyclable; it can replace traditional wood, plastic or metal figures, and is less pollution to environment. In short, our products are safe with environmental protection concept.
Each "Crazy Creations" is composed by many different shape units made by glued corrugated paper roll, different shape unit can be in different size; the soft wavy appearance has 3D artistic beauty. It leads customers to beauty of creation and changes stereotype about decoration, figure and toy. "Crazy Creations" is high creative and wide extended, it can be in any lifelike creature.
It also is an easy DIY creative product simply made by rolling, pushing and gluing. It can be developed to any creative products, such as paper figures, toys, stationeries and lovely animals, etc. Individual, parents and children, teachers and students all can create or make unique products, which are safe, environmental protection, creativity and enlightening.
Puli Paper company has been manufacturing and exporting this series of paper craft product (corrugated paper animal craft kit) since 2007, and established a tourism factory, Paper Dragon Handicrafts, for local market. We want the papermaking industry can be more educational and to continue to hundred years later. That's the reason Paper Dragon Handicrafts established.


Started Ledet Insurance in 1910, past President of Terrebonne Bank (J.P. Morgan/Chase). Deceased.
Entered business in 1936, was President of Ledet Insurance through 1996.
Entered the business in 1976. Past President Independent Agents of Terrebonne 1980 and 1986. Past board member of Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of La. 1994-2002.
Entered the business in 1980. Retired in 2003.
Entered the business in 1950. Deceased.


text:
About Zero1
Zero1 Winners
Digit Zero1 Awards 2015
December 22, 2015 — by Digit
What is Digit Zero1 Awards?
December is exciting for two special reasons for all of us here at Team Digit and the Test Centre. We can't seem to decide as to what we're looking forward to the most – watching the events of a galaxy far, far away or seeing the reception to our Zero1 Awards from all you readers. The anxiety is unbearable!
The force was strong this year at Digit's Test Centre where we welcomed just under 600 products in our Mumbai and Noida locations, improving upon our 2014's tally of about 488 products. Just for those who're curious, that dials down to about 60 products being unboxed, tested, reviewed and compared both in print and online, each month.
Why do we do what we do? Well for starters we get to play with some of the craziest products you can think of. This year we got a levitating speaker, a robot vacuum cleaner and even a lambhorgini branded phone costing Rs. 4 lacs. But the more significant reason why we do this is because we all deserve the best products, especially when picking the right one can be so darn difficult, and we experience that every single day by engaging with our readers who reach out to us over email, forum posts, Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus – all looking for technology buying advice. That's not only satisfying but it also makes us acutely aware of the trust placed by countless buyers and our responsibility to give them the best possible buying advice. To that effect, the Digit Test Centre proceeds with a single-minded goal of giving our readers the best knowledge about the latest and greatest products that have launched in the Indian market. That's always been our aim while reviewing and writing about any product that's printed in Digit's Tried and Tested section pages or online, and it will continue to remain our focus as long as there are products to review in the market.
With that in mind, let's outline the significance of this story and the iconic trophy you see on the page alongside. Zero1 Awards are fundamentally different from all other awards that we hand out on a monthly basis in our comparison tests. Unlike Best Buy and Editor's Pick Awards, Zero1 Awards focuses solely on the performance of a product – where the price, design and features of a product don't matter at all. It's similar to a Best Performer Award but more exclusive as Zero1 Awards take place only once a year.
The product categories for Zero1 Award are carefully picked to ensure we have reviewed enough products in any given category to speak authoritatively about it, subsequently zeroing in on the pick of the bunch. We also summarise the highs and lows of a Zero1 Award product category in the introduction of their respective pages, trying to give our readers an idea of what transpired in that product category throughout the year, and predict future trends (if any). And although performance really is king in this Award's category, we have also highlighted the Best Buy product in each category for the first time. This is to ensure that with this one issue of Digit, you're armed with enough knowledge to be able to buy the best product you possibly can in the categories we've covered.
Many thanks to all the brand representatives who continue to support us with products, month after month, year after year. Winners of Zero1 Awards should rightfully rejoice, whereas products that fell just short of the finish line shouldn't be disappointed – they're great performing products, too. They have to be awesome otherwise we wouldn't mention them here.
At last, after a rather hectic month of testing – not to mention blood, sweat, tears, and sleepless nights – the Digit Team is proud to announce the winners of the Zero1 Awards 2015. These are the best performing products that have entered our hallowed halls and will serve as benchmarks for future challengers to emerge.
You can see the various categories and jump to whichever page you wish to from the list on the left of this page, or using the dropdown on the top left if you're on mobile.
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Digit.in (formerly known as thinkdigit.com) is one of the most popular technology portals in India, visited by 5.7 million visitors every month, collectively leading to about 21.3 million page views every month. The portal offers product reviews, comparisons, buying advice, opinions, industry insights, interviews, downloads and more. Our editorial team spawns discussions across our forum and social media channels to create the largest and most engaged community of technology consumers and enthusiasts in India.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Old Man in the Mountain (The Travels of Marco Polo)
(Redirected from Old Man in the Mountain)
Old Man of the Mountain (disambiguation)
"Old Man in the Mountain" is a tale by Marco Polo from The Travels of Marco Polo. The old man is thought to refer to Hassan-i Sabbah, Rashid ad-Din Sinan and subsequent leaders of the Assassins.
1 Concerning the Old Man of the Mountain[1]
3 How the Old Man Used to Train His Assasins[2]
5 How the Old Man Came By His End[3]
Concerning the Old Man of the Mountain[1]
translated by Henry Yule
Mulehet is a country in which the Old Man of the Mountain dwelt in former days; and the name means "Place of the Aram." I will tell you his whole history as related by Messer Marco Polo, who heard it from several natives of that region.
The Old Man was called in their language ALOADIN. He had caused a certain valley between two mountains to be enclosed, and had turned it into a garden, the largest and most beautiful that ever was seen, filled with every variety of fruit. In it were erected pavilions and palaces the most elegant that can be imagined, all covered with gilding and exquisite painting. And there were runnels too, flowing freely with wine and milk and honey and water; and numbers of ladies and of the most beautiful damsels in the world, who could play on all manner of instruments, and sung most sweetly, and danced in a manner that it was charming to behold. For the Old Man desired to make his people believe that this was actually Paradise. So he had fashioned it after the description that Mahommet gave of his Paradise, to wit, that it should be a beautiful garden running with conduits of wine and milk and honey and water, and full of lovely women for the delectation of all its inmates. And sure enough the Saracens of those parts believed that it was Paradise!
Now no man was allowed to enter the Garden save those whom he intended to be his ASHISHIN. There was a Fortress at the entrance to the Garden, strong enough to resist all the world, and there was no other way to get in. He kept at his Court a number of the youths of the country, from 12 to 20 years of age, such as had a taste for soldiering, and to these he used to tell tales about Paradise, just as Mahommet had been wont to do, and they believed in him just as the Saracens believe in Mahommet. Then he would introduce them into his garden, some four, or six, or ten at a time, having first made them drink a certain potion which cast them into a deep sleep, and then causing them to be lifted and carried in. So when they awoke, they found themselves in the Garden.
Says the venerable Sire de Joinville: "Le Vieil de la Montaingne ne creoit pas en Mahommet, aincois creoit en la Loi de Haali, qui fu Oncle Mahommet." This is a crude statement, no doubt, but it has a germ of truth. Adherents of the family of 'Ali as the true successors of the Prophet existed from the tragical day of the death of Husain, and among these, probably owing to the secrecy with which they were compelled to hold their allegiance, there was always a tendency to all manner of strange and mystical doctrines; as in one direction to the glorification of 'Ali as a kind of incarnation of the Divinity, a character in which his lineal representatives were held in some manner to partake; in another direction to the development of Pantheism, and release from all positive creed and precepts. Of these Aliites, eventually called Shiahs, a chief sect, and parent of many heretical branches, were the Ismailites, who took their name, from the seventh Imam, whose return to earth they professed to expect at the end of the World. About A.D. 1090 a branch of the Ismaili stock was established by Hassan, son of Sabah, in the mountainous districts of Northern Persia; and, before their suppression by the Mongols, 170 years later, the power of the quasi-spiritual dynasty which Hassan founded had spread over the Eastern Kohistan, at least as far as Kain. Their headquarters were at Alamut ("Eagle's Nest"), about 32 miles north-east of Kazwin, and all over the territory which they held they established fortresses of great strength. De Sacy seems to have proved that they were called Hashishiya or Hashishin, from their use of the preparation of hemp called Hashish; and thence, through their system of murder and terrorism, came the modern application of the word Assassin. The original aim of this system was perhaps that of a kind of Vehmgericht, to punish or terrify orthodox persecutors who were too strong to be faced with the sword. I have adopted in the text one of the readings of the G. Text Asciscin, as expressing the original word with the greatest accuracy that Italian spelling admits. In another author we find it as Chazisii (see Bollandists, May, vol. ii. p. xi.); Joinville calls them Assacis; whilst Nangis and others corrupt the name into Harsacidae, and what not.
The explanation of the name MULEHET as it is in Ramusio, or Mulcete as it is in the G. Text (the last expressing in Rusticiano's Pisan tongue the strongly aspirated Mulhete), is given by the former: "This name of Mulehet is as much as to say in the Saracen tongue 'The Abode of Heretics,'" the fact being that it does represent the Arabic term Mulhid, pl. Mulahidah, "Impii, heretici," which is in the Persian histories (as of Rashiduddin and Wassaf) the title most commonly used to indicate this community, and which is still applied by orthodox Mahomedans to the Nosairis, Druses, and other sects of that kind, more or less kindred to the Ismaili. The writer of the Tabakat-i-Nasiri calls the sectarians of Alamut Mulahidat-ul-maut, "Heretics of Death." The curious reading of the G. Text which we have preserved "vaut a dire des Aram," should be read as we have rendered it. I conceive that Marco was here unconsciously using one Oriental term to explain another. For it seems possible to explain Aram only as standing for Haram, in the sense of "wicked" or "reprobate."
In Pauthier's Text, instead of des aram, we find "veult dire en francois Diex Terrien," or Terrestrial God. This may have been substituted, in the correction of the original rough dictation, from a perception that the first expression was unintelligible. The new phrase does not indeed convey the meaning of Mulahidah, but it expresses a main characteristic of the heretical doctrine. The correction was probably made by Polo himself; it is certainly of very early date. For in the romance of Bauduin de Sebourc, which I believe dates early in the 14th century, the Caliph, on witnessing the extraordinary devotion of the followers of the Old Man (see note 1, ch. xxiv.), exclaims:
"Par Mahon ...
Vous estes Diex en terre, autre coze n'i a!" (I. p. 360.)
So also Fr. Jacopo d'Aqui in the Imago Mundi, says of the Assassins: "Dicitur iis quod sunt in Paradiso magno Dei Terreni"--expressions, no doubt, taken in both cases from Polo's book.
Khanikoff, and before him J. R. Forster, have supposed that the name Mulehet represents Alamut. But the resemblance is much closer and more satisfactory to Mulhid or Mulahidah. Mulhet is precisely the name by which the kingdom of the Ismailites is mentioned in Armenian history, and Mulihet is already applied in the same way by Rabbi Benjamin in the 12th century, and by Rubruquis in the 13th. The Chinese narrative of Hulaku's expedition calls it the kingdom of Mulahi. (Joinville, p. 138; J. As. ser. II., tom. xii. 285; Benj. Tudela, p. 106; Rub. p. 265; Remusat, Nouv. Melanges, I. 176; Gaubil, p. 128; Pauthier, pp. cxxxix.-cxli.; Mon. Hist. Patr. Scriptorum, III. 1559, Turin, 1848.) [Cf. on Mulehet, melahideh, Heretics, plural of molhid. Heretic, my note, pp. 476-482 of my ed. of Friar Odoric.--H. C.]
"Old Man of the Mountain" was the title applied by the Crusaders to the chief of that branch of the sect which was settled in the mountains north of Lebanon, being a translation of his popular Arabic title Shaikh-ul-Jibal. But according to Hammer this title properly belonged, as Polo gives it, to the Prince of Alamut, who never called himself Sultan, Malik, or Amir; and this seems probable, as his territory was known as the Balad-ul-Jibal.
How the Old Man Used to Train His Assasins[2]
When therefore they awoke, and found themselves in a place so charming, they deemed that it was Paradise in very truth. And the ladies and damsels dallied with them to their hearts' content, so that they had what young men would have; and with their own good will they never would have quitted the place.
Now this Prince whom we call the Old One kept his Court in grand and noble style, and made those simple hill-folks about him believe firmly that he was a great Prophet. And when he wanted one of his Ashishin to send on any mission, he would cause that potion whereof I spoke to be given to one of the youths in the garden, and then had him carried into his Palace. So when the young man awoke, he found himself in the Castle, and no longer in that Paradise; whereat he was not over well pleased. He was then conducted to the Old Man's presence, and bowed before him with great veneration as believing himself to be in the presence of a true Prophet. The Prince would then ask whence he came, and he would reply that he came from Paradise! and that it was exactly such as Mahommet had described it in the Law. This of course gave the others who stood by, and who had not been admitted, the greatest desire to enter therein.
So when the Old Man would have any Prince slain, he would say to such a youth: "Go thou and slay So and So; and when thou returnest my Angels shall bear thee into Paradise. And shouldst thou die, natheless even so will I send my Angels to carry thee back into Paradise." So he caused them to believe; and thus there was no order of his that they would not affront any peril to execute, for the great desire they had to get back into that Paradise of his. And in this manner the Old One got his people to murder any one whom he desired to get rid of. Thus, too, the great dread that he inspired all Princes withal, made them become his tributaries in order that he might abide at peace and amity with them.[1]
I should also tell you that the Old Man had certain others under him, who copied his proceedings and acted exactly in the same manner. One of these was sent into the territory of Damascus, and the other into Curdistan.[2]
↑ 1.0 1.1 Romantic as this story is, it seems to be precisely the same that was current over all the East. It is given by Odoric at length, more briefly by a Chinese author, and again from an Arabic source by Hammer in the Mines de l'Orient. The following is the Chinese account as rendered by Remusat: "The soldiers of this country (Mulahi) are veritable brigands. When they see a lusty youth, they tempt him with the hope of gain, and bring him to such a point that he will be ready to kill his father or his elder brother with his own hand. After he is enlisted, they intoxicate him, and carry him in that state into a secluded retreat, where he is charmed with delicious music and beautiful women. All his desires are satisfied for several days, and then (in sleep) he is transported back to his original position. When he awakes, they ask what he has seen. He is then informed that if he will become an Assassin, he will be rewarded with the same felicity. And with the texts and prayers that they teach him they heat him to such a pitch that whatever commission be given him he will brave death without regret in order to execute it." The Arabic narrative is too long to extract. It is from a kind of historical romance called The Memoirs of Hakim, the date of which Hammer unfortunately omits to give. Its close coincidence in substance with Polo's story is quite remarkable. After a detailed description of the Paradise, and the transfer into it of the aspirant under the influence of bang, on his awaking and seeing his chief enter, he says, "O chief! am I awake or am I dreaming?" To which the chief: "O such an One, take heed that thou tell not the dream to any stranger. Know that Ali thy Lord hath vouchsafed to show thee the place destined for thee in Paradise.... Hesitate not a moment therefore in the service of the Imam who thus deigns to intimate his contentment with thee," and so on. William de Nangis thus speaks of the Syrian Shaikh, who alone was known to the Crusaders, though one of their historians (Jacques de Vitry, in Bongars, I. 1062) shows knowledge that the headquarters of the sect was in Persia: "He was much dreaded far and near, by both Saracens and Christians, because he so often caused princes of both classes indifferently to be murdered by his emissaries. For he used to bring up in his palace youths belonging to his territory, and had them taught a variety of languages, and above all things to fear their Lord and obey him unto death, which would thus become to them an entrance into the joys of Paradise. And whosoever of them thus perished in carrying out his Lord's behests was worshipped as an angel." As an instance of the implicit obedience rendered by the Fidawi or devoted disciples of the Shaikh, Fra Pipino and Marino Sanuto relate that when Henry Count of Champagne (titular King of Jerusalem) was on a visit to the Old Man of Syria, one day as they walked together they saw some lads in white sitting on the top of a high tower. The Shaikh, turning to the Count, asked if he had any subjects as obedient as his own? and without giving time for reply made a sign to two of the boys, who immediately leapt from the tower, and were killed on the spot. The same story is told in the Cento Novelle Antiche, as happening when the Emperor Frederic was on a visit (imaginary) to the Veglio. And it is introduced likewise as an incident in the Romance of Bauduin de Sebourc: "Volles veioir merveilles? dist li Rois Seignouris" to Bauduin and his friends, and on their assenting he makes the signal to one of his men on the battlements, and in a twinkling
"Quant le vinrent en l'air salant de tel avis,
Et aussi liement, et aussi esjois,
Qu'il deust conquester mil livres de parisis!
Ains qu'il venist a tiere il fut mors et fenis,
Surles roches agues desrompis corps et pis," etc.
(Cathay, 153; Remusat, Nouv. Mel. I. 178; Mines de l'Orient, III. 201 seqq.; Nangis in Duchesne, V. 332; Pipino in Muratori, IX. 705; Defremery in J. As. ser. V. tom. v. 34 seqq.; Cent. Nov. Antiche, Firenze, 1572, p. 91; Bauduin de Sebourc, I. 359.) The following are some of the more notable murders or attempts at murder ascribed to the Ismailite emissaries either from Syria or from Persia:-- A.D. 1092. Nizum-ul-Mulk, formerly the powerful minister of Malik Shah, Seljukian sovereign of Persia, and a little later his two sons. 1102. The Prince of Homs, in the chief Mosque of that city. 1113. Maudud, Prince of Mosul, in the chief Mosque of Damascus. About 1114. Abul Muzafar 'Ali, Wazir of Sanjar Shah, and Chakar Beg, grand-uncle of the latter. 1116. Ahmed Yel, Prince of Maragha, at Baghdad, in the presence of Mahomed, Sultan of Persia. 1121. The Amir Afdhal, the powerful Wazir of Egypt, at Cairo. 1126. Kasim Aksonkor, Prince of Mosul and Aleppo, in the Great Mosque at Mosul. 1127. Moyin-uddin, Wazir of Sanjar Shah of Persia. 1129. Amir Billah, Khalif of Egypt. 1131. Taj-ul Muluk Buri, Prince of Damascus. 1134. Shams-ul-Muluk, son of the preceding. 1135-38. The Khalif Mostarshid, the Khalif Rashid, and Daud, Seljukian Prince of Azerbaijan. 1149. Raymond, Count of Tripoli. 1191. Kizil Arzlan, Prince of Azerbaijan. 1192. Conrad of Montferrat, titular King of Jerusalem; a murder which King Richard has been accused of instigating. 1217. Oghulmish, Prince of Hamadan. And in 1174 and 1176 attempts to murder the great Saladin. 1271. Attempt to murder Ala'uddin Juwaini, Governor of Baghdad, and historian of the Mongols. 1272. The attempt to murder Prince Edward of England at Acre. In latter years the Fidawi or Ismailite adepts appear to have let out their services simply as hired assassins. Bibars, in a letter to his court at Cairo, boasts of using them when needful. A Mahomedan author ascribes to Bibars the instigation of the attempt on Prince Edward. (Makrizi, II. 100; J. As. XI. 150.) ↑ 2.0 2.1 Hammer mentions as what he chooses to call "Grand Priors" under the Shaikh or "Grand Master" at Alamut, the chief, in Syria, one in the Kuhistan of E. Persia (Tun-o-Kain), one in Kumis (the country about Damghan and Bostam), and one in Irak; he does not speak of any in Kurdistan. Colonel Monteith, however, says, though without stating authority or particulars, "There were several divisions of them (the Assassins) scattered throughout Syria, Kurdistan (near the Lake of Wan), and Asia Minor, but all acknowledging as Imaum or High Priest the Chief residing at Alamut." And it may be noted that Odoric, a generation after Polo, puts the Old Man at Millescorte, which looks like Malasgird, north of Lake Van, (H. des Assass. p. 104; J. R. G. S. III. 16; Cathay, p. ccxliii.)
How the Old Man Came By His End[3]
Now it came to pass, in the year of Christ's Incarnation, 1252, that Alaue, Lord of the Tartars of the Levant, heard tell of these great crimes of the Old Man, and resolved to make an end of him. So he took and sent one of his Barons with a great Army to that Castle, and they besieged it for three years, but they could not take it, so strong was it. And indeed if they had had food within it never would have been taken. But after being besieged those three years they ran short of victual, and were taken. The Old Man was put to death with all his men [and the Castle with its Garden of Paradise was levelled with the ground]. And since that time he has had no successor; and there was an end to all his villainies.[1] Now let us go back to our journey.
↑ 1.0 1.1 The date in Pauthier is 1242; in the G. T. and in Ramusio 1262. Neither is right, nor certainly could Polo have meant the former. When Mangku Kaan, after his enthronement (1251), determined at a great Kurultai or Diet, on perfecting the Mongol conquests, he entrusted his brother Kublai with the completion of the subjugation of China and the adjacent countries, whilst his brother Hulaku received the command of the army destined for Persia and Syria. The complaints that came from the Mongol officers already in Persia determined him to commence with the reduction of the Ismailites, and Hulaku set out from Karakorum in February, 1254. He proceeded with great deliberation, and the Oxus was not crossed till January, 1256. But an army had been sent long in advance under "one of his Barons," Kitubuka Noyan, and in 1253 it was already actively engaged in besieging the Ismailite fortresses. In 1255, during the progress of the war, ALA'UDDIN MAHOMED, the reigning Prince of the Assassins (mentioned by Polo as Alaodin), was murdered at the instigation of his son Ruknuddin Khurshah, who succeeded to the authority. A year later (November, 1256) Ruknuddin surrendered to Hulaku. [Bretschneider (Med. Res. II. p. 109) says that Alamut was taken by Hulaku, 20th December, 1256.--H. C.] The fortresses given up, all well furnished with provisions and artillery engines, were 100 in number. Two of them, however, Lembeser and Girdkuh, refused to surrender. The former fell after a year; the latter is stated to have held out for twenty years-- actually, as it would seem, about fourteen, or till December, 1270. Ruknuddin was well treated by Hulaku, and despatched to the Court of the Kaan. The accounts of his death differ, but that most commonly alleged, according to Rashiduddin, is that Mangku Kaan was irritated at hearing of his approach, asking why his post-horses should be fagged to no purpose, and sent executioners to put Ruknuddin to death on the road. Alamut had been surrendered without any substantial resistance. Some survivors of the sect got hold of it again in 1275-1276, and held out for a time. The dominion was extinguished, but the sect remained, though scattered indeed and obscure. A very strange case that came before Sir Joseph Arnould in the High Court at Bombay in 1866 threw much new light on the survival of the Ismailis. Some centuries ago a Dai or Missionary of the Ismailis, named Sadruddin, made converts from the Hindu trading classes in Upper Sind. Under the name of Khojas the sect multiplied considerably in Sind, Kach'h, and Guzerat, whence they spread to Bombay and to Zanzibar. Their numbers in Western India are now probably not less than 50,000 to 60,000. Their doctrine, or at least the books which they revere, appear to embrace a strange jumble of Hindu notions with Mahomedan practices and Shiah mysticism, but the main characteristic endures of deep reverence, if not worship, of the person of their hereditary Imam. To his presence, when he resided in Persia, numbers of pilgrims used to betake themselves, and large remittances of what we may call Ismail's Pence were made to him. Abul Hassan, the last Imam but one of admitted lineal descent from the later Shaikhs of Alamut, and claiming (as they did) descent from the Imam Ismail and his great ancestor 'Ali Abu Talib, had considerable estates at Mehelati, between Kum and Hamadan, and at one time held the Government of Kerman. His son and successor, Shah Khalilullah, was killed in a brawl at Yezd in 1818. Fatteh 'Ali Shah, fearing Ismailite vengeance, caused the homicide to be severely punished, and conferred gifts and honours on the young Imam, Agha Khan, including the hand of one of his own daughters. In 1840 Agha Khan, who had raised a revolt at Kerman, had to escape from Persia. He took refuge in Sind, and eventually rendered good service both to General Nott at Kandahar and to Sir C. Napier in Sind, for which he receives a pension from our Government. For many years this genuine Heir and successor of the Viex de la Montaingne has had his headquarters at Bombay, where he devotes, or for a long time did devote, the large income that he receives from the faithful to the maintenance of a racing stable, being the chief patron and promoter of the Bombay Turf! A schism among the Khojas, owing apparently to the desire of part of the well-to-do Bombay community to sever themselves from the peculiarities of the sect and to set up as respectable Sunnis, led in 1866 to an action in the High Court, the object of which was to exclude Agha Khan from all rights over the Khojas, and to transfer the property of the community to the charge of Orthodox Mahomedans. To the elaborate addresses of Mr. Howard and Sir Joseph Arnould, on this most singular process before an English Court, I owe the preceding particulars. The judgment was entirely in favour of the Old Man of the Mountain. [Sir Bartle Frere writes of Agha Khan in 1875: "Like his ancestor, the Old One of Marco Polo's time, he keeps his court in grand and noble style. His sons, popularly known as 'The Persian Princes,' are active sportsmen, and age has not dulled the Agha's enjoyment of horse-racing. Some of the best blood of Arabia is always to be found in his stables. He spares no expense on his racers, and no prejudice of religion or race prevents his availing himself of the science and skill of an English trainer or jockey when the races come round. If tidings of war or threatened disturbance should arise from Central Asia or Persia, the Agha is always one of the first to hear of it, and seldom fails to pay a visit to the Governor or to some old friend high in office to hear the news and offer the services of a tried sword and an experienced leader to the Government which has so long secured him a quiet refuge for his old age." Agha Khan died in April, 1881, at the age of 81. He was succeeded by his son Agha Ali Shah, one of the members of the Legislative Council. (See The Homeward Mail, Overland Times of India, of 14th April, 1881.)] The Bohras of Western India are identified with the Imami-Ismailis in some books, and were so spoken of in the first edition of this work. This is, however, an error, originally due, it would seem, to Sir John Malcolm. The nature of their doctrine, indeed, seems to be very much alike, and the Bohras, like the Ismailis, attach a divine character to their Mullah or chief pontiff, and make a pilgrimage to his presence once in life. But the persons so reverenced are quite different; and the Bohras recognise all the 12 Imams of ordinary Shiahs. Their first appearance in India was early, the date which they assign being A.H. 532 (A.D. 1137-1138). Their chief seat was in Yemen, from which a large emigration to India took place on its conquest by the Turks in 1538. Ibn Batuta seems to have met with Bohras at Gandar, near Baroch, in 1342. (Voyages, IV. 58.) A Chinese account of the expedition of Hulaku will be found in Remusat's Nouveaux Melanges (I.), and in Pauthier's Introduction. (Q. R. 115-219, esp. 213; Ilch. vol. i.; J. A. S. B. VI. 842 seqq.) [A new and complete translation has been given by Dr. E. Bretschneider, Med. Res. I. 112 seqq.--H. C.] There is some account of the rock of Alamut and its exceedingly slender traces of occupancy, by Colonel Monteith, in J. R. G. S. III. 15, and again by Sir Justin Sheil in vol. viii. p. 431. There does not seem to be any specific authority for assigning the Paradise of the Shaikh to Alamut; and it is at least worthy of note that another of the castles of the Mulahidah, destroyed by Hulaku, was called Firdus, i.e. Paradise. In any case, I see no reason to suppose that Polo visited Alamut, which would have been quite out of the road that he is following. It is possible that "the Castle," to which he alludes at the beginning of next chapter, and which set him off upon this digression, was Girdkuh. It has not, as far as I know, been identified by modern travellers, but it stood within 10 or 12 miles of Damghan (to the west or north-west). It is probably the Tigado of Hayton, of which he thus speaks: "The Assassins had an impregnable castle called Tigado, which was furnished with all necessaries, and was so strong that it had no fear of attack on any side. Howbeit, Halooen commanded a certain captain of his that he should take 10,000 Tartars who had been left in garrison in Persia, and with them lay siege to the said castle, and not leave it till he had taken it. Wherefore the said Tartars continued besieging it for seven whole years, winter and summer, without being able to take it. At last the Assassins surrendered, from sheer want of clothing, but not of victuals or other necessaries." So Ramusio; other copies read "27 years." In any case it corroborates the fact that Girdkuh was said to have held out for an extraordinary length of time. If Rashiduddin is right in naming 1270 as the date of surrender, this would be quite a recent event when the Polo party passed, and draw special attention to the spot. (J. As. ser. IV. tom. xiii. 48; Ilch. I. 93, 104, 274; Q. R. p. 278; Ritter, VIII. 336.) A note which I have from Djihan Numa (I. 259) connects Girdkuh with a district called Chinar. This may be a clue to the term Arbre Sec; but there are difficulties.
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text:
Q: Casting a function pointer in a Class I'm having problems casting a function pointer.
It works (no cast needed) outside a class.
Here is the signature of the function I'm calling.
Result* FancyClass::callMe(void(*functionPointer)())

It works with.
void defaultState()
{
    //
}

// ..

Result *result= instance.callMe(defaultState);

But it does not work with
void MyClass::defaultState()
{
    //
}

// ..
Result *result= instance.callMe(MyClass::defaultState);

I am getting this:

argument of type "void (MyClass::)()" is incompatible with parameter of type "void ()()"

How to cast this correctly?

A: You can't cast it correctly, because pointers to member functions are different from pointers to regular functions. For starters, you must write &MyClass::defaultState, and the parameter has to be of type void(*MyClass::functionPointer)()
You can't even store &MyClass::defaultState  directly in a std::function<void()>.  What object would you call it on? But you could bind an instance, and store the bound result in a std::function<void()>.
The question was tagged "C", but C doesn't understand classes and can't call member functions.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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text:
EU parliament says Hong Kong under security law a 'human rights emergency,' urges officials to skip Beijing Olympics
by AFP 09:00, 9 July 2021 Updated 18:31, 28 January 2022
EU lawmakers on Thursday called for officials from the bloc to skip the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics unless China improves on human rights in Hong Kong and for the Uyghur Muslim minority.
The European Parliament vote was another sign of souring ties between the EU and China, already hit by a round of tit-for-tat sanctions over the rights issue that effectively blocked the ratification of a long-negotiated investment deal.
Photo: Erich Westendarp via Pixabay.
China's Commissioner's Office in Hong Kong slammed the vote as "political grandstanding and a stumbling block to mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the EU".
The non-binding resolution passed with 578 votes in favour, 29 against and 73 abstentions.
It had the backing of all of Europe's mainstream political groups, including the centre-right EPP group of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the centrists of France's Emmanuel Macron.
Lawmakers called on the EU's institutions and member states "to decline invitations for government representatives and diplomats to attend the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics unless the Chinese Government demonstrates a verifiable improvement in the human rights situation in Hong Kong, the Xinjiang Uyghur Region, Tibet, Inner Mongolia and elsewhere in China".
File photo: Viola Kam/United Social Press.
The resolution condemned "in the strongest terms" the closure of Hong Kong's pro-democracy Apple Daily tabloid and the arrests of its staff by Chinese authorities.
The acts were "yet another step by China in dismantling free society in Hong Kong and setting the definitive end of media freedom and freedom of expression there," it said.
Call for fresh sanctions
The deterioration of freedoms under China's draconian security law for Hong Kong amounted to a "human rights emergency", the resolution said.
The Hong Kong security law has broken the trust between Europe and Beijing and "leads to a further erosion of Beijing's credibility on the international stage".
Committee for Safeguarding National Security of Hong Kong. Photo: GovHK.
MEPs stressed "the need for the EU to take urgent and resolute action" and called on Brussels to draw up a fresh wave of sanctions against Chinese authorities.
The resolution said the earlier decision to block an EU-China investment deal stood as long as Chinese sanctions against MEPs and scholars were in place.
The parliament voted overwhelmingly in May to refuse any consideration of the deal as long as sanctions were there.
China says the sanctions are a justified response after the EU imposed punitive measures against Chinese officials over allegations of human rights abuses
Photo: La Priz via Flickr.
Belgium's parliament also passed a resolution on Thursday warning of a "serious risk of genocide" against China's Uyghurs.
The resolution aligned the parliament with similar statements by the US administration and a handful of western countries including Britain, Canada and the Netherlands.
It brought a sharp response from China.
"We call on Belgium to immediately correct its error so as to avoid a deterioration in Sino-Belgian relations," said Chinese foreign ministry official Zhao Lijian.
latest national security stories
'Terrible playbook': Beijing and Hong Kong slam US diplomat's criticism of national security interpretation
Stand News accidentally published an op-ed comparing Hong Kong protest and Irish War of Independence, court hears
Hong Kong Bar Association urges against blanket ban on overseas lawyers in national security law cases
Tagged: 2022 Winter Olympics, Angela Merkel, Belgium, Brussels, Emmanuel Macron, European Parliament, france, Germany, National Security, sanctions, Tibet, Uyghur, Xinjiang, Zhao Lijian
AFP is a global news agency delivering fast, in-depth coverage of the events shaping our world from wars and conflicts to politics, sports, entertainment and the latest breakthroughs in health, science and technology.
More by AFP


text:
China's Internet Censors for Sale
Commentary by Danny O'Brien
What happens when a country's government censors the entirety of its domestic web, with no oversight or transparency? It turns out that politicians aren't the only ones with an interest in repressing free expression — and given a lever of control, a black market of censors quickly emerges.
A group of investigators from Chinese magazine Caixin recently uncovered the activities of Beijing's "dark PR" agencies, who take money from private companies to bribe Internet censors to delete unfavourable commentary on Chinese forums and microblogging sites, using the infrastructure that the Chinese authorities have built for political censorship.
Every major Internet platform in China, including local microblogging, social networking sites, and search engines, has a team taking orders from the China's government Internet overseers and who remove any user commentary that clashes with the censors' edicts. An example of the (often vague and informal) instructions that publishers and Internet companies receive in China is last month's prohibitions on stories covering a banker's property speculation, and mentions of a newly translated biography of Deng Xioping by Ezra Vogel.
According to Caixin, China's private censors have been taking their orders from more than just the official Net overseers. They have also been taking money on the side from those wanting negative publicity about their products or affairs to vanish.
The chief dark PR agency doing this work was Yage Time, founded by a former Baidu employee Gu Dengda, who used his knowledge of the search engine's complaints procedure into a 50 million yuan business. Clients for Yage Time included Pizza Hut and Japanese restaurant chain Yoshinoya. Others billed themselves as "crisis public relations" groups, and openly offered to remove offending content.
Under Gu, private and public censorship ended up mixing in fascinating new combinations of corruption. A former Yage Time employpee told Caixin that 60% of the company's business was from minor government functionaries, desperately seeking to erase local whistleblowing reports from higher officials. The state-run news portal Quianlong.com, meanwhile, is said to have profited from publishing deliberately negative reports on companies, and then taking money from Yage Time to have them deleted. At one point, Yage had a contract to both supply business content to the state propaganda outlet, and access to delete the same articles.
Corruption is recurring problem in China, exacerbated by the tight restrictions the Chinese government places on whistleblowing and public exposure of the problem. But Internet censorship places insuperable challenges on those seeking to ensure due process and checks and balances. By government mandate or industry self-regulation, social democracy or repressive regime, all Net censors refuse to release their blacklists. In Thailand to Australia and the United Kingdom, countries and companies that filter the Internet say they cannot show what they are doing, as the list of URLs and services they block is also a map of showing the very content they are seeking to hide.
This is just one of the many reasons why EFF stands so firmly against government censorship of the Internet in all its forms. No matter its original intent, wiring such powerful tools into the infrastructure of the Net, with no transparency possible, is asking for trouble. Commercially-motivated takedown systems can become political censorship. Politically-motivated censorship becomes commercial censorship.
Caixin reported on Gu's activities after he and at least ten other freelance censors had been arrested for charges including bribery. The company's activities had been widely known before then, including a TV expose in 2010 which served to boost the company's business. Caixin seems to have believed that the months since Gu's arrest would make it acceptable to report on such corruption. Apparently not: while the magazine's English translation remains available, the Chinese version of the report was deleted within hours of its appearance.
Press Release | January 12, 2022
Livestreamed Hearing Moved to Jan. 21: EFF Will Ask Court to Issue Judgment Against SFPD for Illegally Spying on Protesters Marching in Support of Black Lives
Update: The hearing has been moved to January 21.San Francisco—On Friday, Jan. 21, at 9:30 am, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the ACLU of Northern California will ask a California state court to find that the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) violated city law when it used a network...
Deeplinks Blog by Karen Gullo | January 4, 2022
EFF Condemns the Unjust Conviction and Sentencing of Activist and Friend Alaa Abd El Fattah
EFF is deeply saddened and angered by the news that our friend, Egyptian blogger, coder, and free speech activist Alaa Abd El Fattah, long a target of oppression by Egypt's successive authoritarian regimes, was sentenced to five years in prison by an emergency state security court just before the...
Deeplinks Blog by Joe Mullin | December 26, 2021
2021 Was the Year Lawmakers Tried to Regulate Online Speech
On the biggest internet platforms, content moderation is bad and getting worse. It's difficult to get it right, and at the scale of millions or billions of users, it may be impossible. It's hard enough for humans to sift between spam, illegal content, and offensive but legal speech. Bots...
Deeplinks Blog by Mukund Rathi | December 14, 2021
Victory! Federal Court Blocks Texas' Unconstitutional Social Media Law
On December 1, hours before Texas' social media law, HB 20, was slated to go into effect, a federal court in Texas blocked it for violating the First Amendment. Like a similar law in Florida, which was blocked and is now pending before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals,...
Press Release | December 9, 2021
Saudi Human Rights Activist, Represented by EFF, Sues Spyware Maker DarkMatter For Violating U.S. Anti-Hacking and International Human Rights Laws
EFF filed a lawsuit today on behalf of prominent Saudi human rights activist Loujain AlHathloul against spying software maker DarkMatter Group and three of its former executives for illegally hacking her iPhone to secretly track her communications and whereabouts.
EFF, Partners Launch New Edition of Santa Clara Principles, Adding Standards Aimed at Governments and Expanding Appeal Guidelines
San Francisco—The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and a coalition of civil society organizations and academics today released the second edition of the Santa Clara Principles on Transparency and Accountability In Content Moderation, adding standards directed at government and state actors to beef up due process and expanding guidelines for...
Deeplinks Blog by Jillian C. York, David Greene | December 1, 2021
Facebook's Secret "Dangerous Organizations and Individuals" List Creates Problems for the Company—and Its Users
Along with the trove of "Facebook Papers" recently leaked to press outlets was a document that Facebook has, until now, kept intentionally secret: its list of "Dangerous Organizations and Individuals." This list comprises supposed terrorist groups, hate groups, criminal groups, and individuals associated with each, and is used to filter...
Deeplinks Blog by Joe Mullin | November 30, 2021
Podcast Episode: Who Should Control Online Speech?
The bots that try to moderate speech online are doing a terrible job, and the humans in charge of the biggest tech companies aren't doing any better. Join EFF's Cindy Cohn and Danny O'Brien as they talk to Stanford's Daphne Keller about why the current approach to content moderation is...
Deeplinks Blog by Meri Baghdasaryan, Karen Gullo | November 23, 2021
UN Human Rights Committee Criticizes Germany's NetzDG for Letting Social Media Platforms Police Online Speech
A UN human rights committee examining the status of civil and political rights in Germany took aim at the country's Network Enforcement Act, or NetzDG, criticizing the hate speech law in a recent report for enlisting social media companies to carry out government censorship, with no judicial oversight of content...
Lawmakers Choose the Wrong Path, Again, With New Anti-Algorithm Bill
Facebook needs to be reined in. Lawmakers and everyday users are mad, having heard former Facebook employee Frances Haugen explain how Facebook valued growth and engagement over everything else, even health and safety. But Congress's latest effort—to regulate algorithms that recommend content on social media platforms—misses the mark.We need...


text:
The Toyota Fortuner, also known as the Toyota SW4, is a mid-size SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota since 2004. Built on the Hilux pickup truck platform, it features two/three rows of seats and is available in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive configuration. It is a part of Toyota's IMV project for emerging markets, which also includes the Hilux and the Innova.

The name Fortuner is derived from the English word fortune.

Production
While the first-generation Fortuner was developed in Thailand by Thai and Japanese engineers, its facelifted version, as well as the Hilux and Innova, was designed in Australia by Toyota Australia, which is also responsible for developing the second-generation model.

For the medium body-on-frame SUV segment, Toyota offers the Hilux Surf/4Runner (Japan/North America) and the Land Cruiser Prado (Europe and Australasia). However, in some Central and South American countries and New Zealand, Toyota offers the Fortuner alongside the 4Runner and/or Prado, like in Peru, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, and Guatemala.

Specialised variants with a naturally-aspirated 5L-E diesel engine is offered to governments, organisations and the UN alongside other utility vehicles such as the Prado, Hilux, HiAce, and the 70 and 200 series Land Cruisers.

First generation (AN50/AN60; 2004)

The first generation Fortuner was unveiled in December 2004 at the Thailand International Motor Expo and was available for sale in early 2005. It is positioned below the Land Cruiser and above the RAV4.

At first, the Fortuner was sold with 4 different types of 2 petrol engines and 2 diesel engines. All variants were offered in 4×2 (RWD) or 4×4 configuration, with 5-speed manual transmission and a 4 or 5-speed automatic transmission. In August 2012, the 2.5-litre common-rail turbodiesel 2KD-FTV engine was upgraded to a variable nozzle turbocharger (VNT) which was already equipped in the 3.0-litre common-rail turbo diesel 1KD-FTV since its introduction in 2005 to increase power and torque about 60%, also reducing fuel consumption up to 30%. With this VNT equipment, the Fortuner could now accelerate from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in about 11 seconds (less than 10 seconds for 3.0-litre engine). It was launched to commemorate Pertamina's successful expedition from Jakarta, Indonesia to Rome, Italy (a distance of roughly 20,000 kilometres) using a group of Fortuners.

Variants
A number of engine options are available depending on the country of sale, including a 2.7-litre 2TR-FE and 4.0-litre 1GR-FE V6 petrol with Variable Valve Timing and 2.5-litre 2KD-FTV and 3.0-litre 1KD-FTV common rail variable geometry turbocharger diesel models.

Grade levels are G and G Luxury for rear-wheel drive diesel and petrol, and V for 4×4 Diesel and petrol. The common rail turbo intercooled diesel has functional scoop on its hood.

In 2007, Toyota Thailand dropped the 4×4 petrol model and replaced it with a two-wheel drive petrol version.

Markets

Argentina
In Argentina, it is assembled in Zárate and sold as the Toyota SW4 in petrol and diesel versions. It is the only D-segment SUV made in Argentina.

As of 2020, the Argentine version has over 40% locally and 60% regionally made parts.

Brazil
Like in Argentina, it is known as the SW4 in Brazil and sold since 2006. In this market, there were 3 engine options offered: 3.0-litre 1KD-FTV diesel, 4.0-litre 1GR-FE V6 petrol and 2.7-litre 2TR-FE flex fuel (petrol and ethanol).

Brunei
Launched in 2005, the Fortuner in Brunei is available in 2.5-litre manual G grade with and 3.0-litre automatic V grade. The 2.5 G was available in 4×2 while the 3.0 V had full-time 4×4.

Colombia
The Fortuner was unveiled in Colombia in 2005 and launched in 2007 as a replacement for the locally assembled Prado that had been under production for 9 years without any changes. The Prado continued in production until 2009. A new grade was added in 2010, the Fortuner Urbana, with a petrol 2.7 L engine in 4×4 and 4×2 models.

The Fortuner is available in the following grade levels:
Fortuner Urbana 4×2, with a 2.7-litre engine.
Fortuner Urbana 4×4 with a 2.7-litre engine.
Fortuner Plus Diesel, with a 3.0-litre turbo engine.
All of them come standard with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

Ecuador
The Fortuner was unveiled in South America – Ecuador in 2005 and launched in 2007. Versions of the Fortuner have come from Venezuela and Thailand. There are various grade levels available, originally only 4×4 and 4×2 options using a V6 4.0-litre petrol engine were sold. Since 2010, a 2.7-litre engine option was introduced. New facelift models were also introduced. All grades come standard with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission.

Egypt
The Fortuner was unveiled in Egypt in 2010 and launched in 2011. It is available in two grades with two petrol engines: the 4-litre V6 1GR-FE, and the 2.7-litre inline-four 2TR-FE. All have automatic transmission and 4×4. Starting from April 2012, the car was assembled in Egypt at Arab American Vehicles.

India
Toyota launched the Fortuner in India in 2009. It is assembled at the Bidadi, Karnataka plant of Toyota Kirloskar Motor from imported CKD kits. Fortuner production increased to more than 950 vehicles per month from the initial 500 units per month.

Originally there was only one grade model sold, which was the 3.0-litre 1KD-FTV engine 4×4 model, with leather upholstery, manual transmission and climatronic as standard. At the 2012 Indian Auto Expo, Toyota launched the 3.0-litre 4×2 option in both manual and automatic transmission. The top-of-the-range Fortuner 3.0 4×4 AT was introduced to the Indian market in January 2015 along with a 2.5-litre 2KD-FTV engine with 5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmission. This 2.5-litre variant was only available in 4×2 configuration.

Indonesia
The Fortuner was introduced on 8 July 2005 at the 13th Gaikindo Auto Expo in Jakarta. Initially, the Fortuner was imported from Thailand and sold in 2.7 G (4×2) and 2.7 V (4WD) grade levels. The rear wheel drive 2.7 G was offered in the base grade with fabric interior and the Luxury with leather interior and premium sound system. The 3.0-litre diesel engine option is not sold in Indonesia, due to the heavier tax regulations imposed on vehicles with diesel engines larger than 2.5-litre.

The 2.5 G model was later added to the market in 2007, powered by a 2.5-litre diesel engine rated at . It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Since then, the Fortuner is assembled locally at the Karawang plant to fulfill the local market and exports to the Middle East (GCC) market.

In mid-2009, a newer variant was added to the lineup, which is the 2.5 G with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5 G grade can be ordered with "TRD Sportivo" body kits, which is also available as dealer installed options for other models. In August 2012, the 2.5-litre common-rail turbodiesel 2KD-FTV engine was upgraded with a variable nozzle turbocharger (VNT), rating the engine power output to . The 2.5 G 4×4 grade with automatic transmission was released in August 2014.

Kazakhstan
In June 2014, Toyota announced that complete knock-down (CKD) production of the Fortuner at a production facility of Saryarka AvtoProm LLP (SAP). Plans call for a production of approximately 3,000 units annually and the hiring of an additional 100 employees in SAP.

Malaysia
The Toyota Fortuner was launched in Malaysia in August 2005 with two grade models: the 2.5 G and the 2.7 V.

In August 2008, the first facelift for the Toyota Fortuner was made available in Malaysia with four grade models: 2.5 G, 2.5 G TRD Sportivo, 2.7 V and 2.7 V TRD Sportivo.

In October 2011, the second facelift for the Toyota Fortuner was made available in Malaysia again with four grade models: 2.5 G, 2.5 G TRD Sportivo, 2.7 V and 2.7 V TRD Sportivo.

In October 2013, the Fortuner underwent a minor update. Changes included different colour for the wheels and black upholstery. Grade levels remained the same as the previous model. ISOFIX became standard across the range.

In February 2015, another minor update occurred. Changes included smoked head and tail lamps, bumper-mounted LED DRLs, different TRD Sportivo decals.

The 2.7 V and 2.7 V TRD Sportivo carried a 2.7-litre petrol engine. It was available only in 4-speed automatic transmission with ECT. The 2.5 G and 2.5 G TRD Sportivo had a 2.5-litre diesel engine. At the outset, available with a 5-speed manual transmission only, but for the 2009 model year facelift it was replaced by a 4-speed automatic. In August 2012, together with the Hilux, the engine received a variable nozzle intercooled turbocharger.

Pakistan
The Fortuner was launched in Pakistan in February 2013. Initially offered in two variants, Fortuner 2.7 VVT-i and TRD Sportivo, all with the 2.7-litre 2TR-FE engine.

Philippines
The Fortuner was introduced in 2005. It fills in the gap between the smaller RAV4, and the more premium Land Cruiser Prado. It was sold in two grade levels: the entry-level G, and the top-spec V.

The G models had three drivetrain options available; the 2.7-litre 2TR-FE petrol engine with VVT-i, or the 2.5-litre 2KD-FTV engine with common rail diesel (D-4D) that either came with a 4-speed automatic transmission, or a 5-speed manual. As for the V models, engine options were limited to diesel engines with automatic transmissions only with a choice of the 2.5-litre 2KD-FTV or the 3.0-litre 1KD-FTV. The top-of-the-line 4x4 model was equipped with the 1KD-FTV engine with D-4D technology and came with a 4-speed automatic transmission and a low range transfer case.

In October 2011, the Fortuner received a new front fascia, headlights and tail lights alongside the facelifted Innova and Hilux. The drivetrains remain the same.

In September 2012, the 2.5-litre 2KD-FTV diesel engine was upgraded with Variable Nozzle Turbocharger (VNT) with intercooler. According to Toyota Motor Philippines, the engine would have improved fuel efficiency and produce additional power by 40% and increase torque by 30%. A new feature for the Fortuner 4×4 V diesel and 4×2 G diesel automatic variants was an audio system with GPS.

GCC

In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the Fortuner was launched in 2005. There are two grades sold in Saudi Arabia, called the "GX" and the "VX" grades. The GX came with the 2.7-litre engine and 5-speed manual as standard (4-speed automatic is an option) and optional 4×4 whereas the VX came with the 4.0-litre V6 1GR-FE with standard 4×4 and all wheel drive with either a 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. There is no diesel variant available. In the UAE, when the facelifted version was released the Fortuner was available in two variants, the 2.7-litre petrol engine and 4.0-litre petrol engine. In 2015 the Fortuner in the UAE came available with TRD body kits. As of 2015, the Fortuner is available in four variants: 2.7 EXR, 2.7 TRD Sportivo, 4.0 GXR, 4.0 VXR and 4.0 TRD Sportivo.

Singapore
The Fortuner was introduced in 2005 in Singapore by Borneo Motors (Toyota's authorised dealer in Singapore), with the 2.7 V grade being the only available model. It received two facelifts, with changes to the headlight and tail light clusters in its first facelift in 2006, and new bumpers and grill design, new headlamp and clear tail lamp clusters, and blackwood grain trim in its interior for the second facelift in 2011. Later models included a touchscreen telematics navigation system. Due to the car's height (1.85 m), the car cannot clear the height limit in some Singaporean car parks.

South Africa
The Fortuner was unveiled in South Africa in 2005 and launched in 2006 where it became the best-selling SUV since its launch. Toyota released an updated model in 2009. In 2011, the Fortuner benefited from another facelift, together with its sibling the Hilux. A 2.5-litre diesel engine was added to the newly facelifted range. Again in 2013, the Fortuner received some minor interior upgrades notably for the first time; the introduction of a black leather interior. The sound system was also upgraded together with the navigation system.

Venezuela
Two grades are available for 2011 – 4×4 and 4×2 – both with the 4.0-litre V6 engine. The assembly plant is located in Cumaná.

Vietnam
In February 2009, Toyota Motor Vietnam (TMV) started to produce Fortuner – SUV of IMV series. And the Fortuner has soon occupied the first position in medium high SUV segment in Vietnam with the accumulated sales of nearly 25,000 units with a steady SUV market share at 64% with 6,129 units sold in 2012.

Facelifts

2008
A minor redesign of the Fortuner was launched in July 2008. It was first unveiled in Thailand, and then at the 16th Indonesia International Motor Show. It features new projector headlamps and grille, new rear lights, Bluetooth connectivity, new light sand interior, electronic adjustable driver's seat in 4×4 V model, rear air conditioning from ceiling for second, and third row which was originally located on the sides. Electronic Brake Force Distribution, with Brake Assist replacing LSPV in some models only. Its newly redesigned front grille and front lamps are in the style of the Land Cruiser 200 Series.

2011
The second facelift Fortuner was introduced in July 2011. It was first unveiled in Bangkok, Thailand. The front fascia was completely revised with a new fender, hood, grille, headlamps, tail lamps, bumper and fog light housing, similar to the J200 Land Cruiser. The tail lamps were redesigned with clear housing similar to the first generation Lexus RX. The rear bumper, rear garnish plate were also revised. Changes in the sides includes a new sharper fender flares, LED integrated side view mirrors and the wheels was also redesigned similar to the 2012 Hilux. Minor changes were also made to the interior including the centre console, steering wheel and audio/video system were also upgraded. The Fortuner later also received a new VNT (Variable Nozzle Turbo) intercooled turbo engine.

Second generation (AN150/AN160; 2015)

The second generation Fortuner was unveiled simultaneously on 16 July 2015 in Australia and Thailand. Along with the Hilux, the Fortuner features the "Keen Look" design language. Both the Hilux and Fortuner share the chassis, transmission and engine lineup, with two new diesel engines from the GD series. The 2.7-litre and 4.0-litre petrol engines were updated with Dual VVT-i. The second-generation Fortuner features a part-time 4×4 system instead of the full-time 4×4 system used in the previous generation.

Development was led by executive chief engineer Hiroki Nakajima. Despite sharing the hood panels, front pillar area, windscreen glass and front doors as the Hilux, the exterior of the Fortuner has been described as more slim-looking, featuring slim headlights with bi-beam LED projector as an option and blacked-out D-pillars for a "floating roof" look. Toyota designers drew inspiration from their own Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser Prado heritage, as a means of differentiating the Fortuner from competing body-on-frame SUV rivals.

Since this generation, the Fortuner no longer shares the interior design with the Hilux to give a distinct character between the two. As the result, the interior took an upwards step in perceived quality with an upright dashboard design with synthetic leather trims with stitching, a three-spoke steering wheel shared with the Hilux and a modern instrument cluster with a large colour TFT LCD multi-info display.

The Fortuner also features larger cross sections for its ladder frame, and sits on double wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension with coil springs. The rear differential lock also has its componentry placed within the differential housing for improved off-road protection.

All variants are equipped with ABS, EBD, dual airbags plus knee airbag, "follow me home" light function, all around sensor, glove box with chiller function, digital automatic climate control, all auto power windows along with tilt and telescopic steering wheel as standard. All variants have Eco Mode and Power Mode features to adjust throttle responses. The front braking system consists of 17" disc brakes, whilst the rear braking system uses drum brakes, except in Australia and India where disc brakes are used all around. In 2017, the Fortuner was upgraded to disc brakes all around in all markets. In the third row, the 50:50 split seats continue to flips up onto the body side while being folded instead of folding flat into the floor like on most of its competitors.

Powertrain
The Fortuner is powered by a range of petrol and diesel engines. The two GD series engines are newly developed for this generation, which feature common-rail direct-injection and variable nozzle turbocharging; the 2.8-litre also gets auto start-stop in some markets. The 2.7-litre petrol engine is lighter and equipped with Dual VVT-i, improved combustion and less friction.

Markets

Australia
The Fortuner was unveiled in Australia in July 2015 and went on sale in October 2015. It is sold only with 4×4, 2.8-litre turbo-diesel with only a six-speed automatic transmission. Three model grades are available: GX, GXL and Crusade.

In 2022, the Australian market Fortuner was no longer sourced from Thailand, instead it is imported from Indonesia.

India
The second generation Fortuner was launched in November 2016 with two engine options, 2.8-litre diesel and 2.7-litre petrol with either manual or automatic transmission, 4×2 or 4×4.

In early 2020, the Indian market Fortuner was upgraded to meet the Bharat Stage 6 emissions standards, which necessitate the addition of diesel particulate filter (DPF).

The facelifted Fortuner was launched in India in January 2021, which is offered in both standard and Legender grades. In May 2022, the GR Sport variant was released as the highest grade.

Indonesia
The second generation Fortuner was launched in January 2016. Initial grade models were G (diesel, available in 4×2 with manual and automatic transmission, and 4×4 with automatic unit), VRZ (diesel, available in either 4×2 or 4×4, only with automatic transmission), and SRZ (petrol 4×2 automatic). Initial engine options were the 2.7-litre petrol engine or the 2.4-litre diesel engine.

The TRD Sportivo body kits were also available for the SRZ and VRZ variants (4×2 only) from August 2017 up to August 2021. In August 2018, the Fortuner was updated to comply with the Euro 4 emission standards. The TRD Sportivo model received a minor update in July 2019.

The facelifted Fortuner was launched in Indonesia in October 2020. In August 2021, the TRD Sportivo variant was renamed to GR Sport while the standard SRZ grade was removed from the lineup, leaving only its GR Sport variant.

In January 2022, the 2.4-litre diesel engine option for VRZ grade and its GR Sport variant was replaced with the 2.8-litre diesel engine. The standard 4×4 VRZ grade was also replaced by its GR Sport variant with the 2.8-litre diesel engine, alongside the discontinuation of 4×4 G grade.

Laos
The second generation Fortuner was launched in March 2016 with one model grade, V 4×4 with 3.0-litre diesel engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. In August 2017, the Fortuner was updated with an introduction of the new 2.8-litre diesel engine that replaced the old 3.0-litre diesel engine used in the outgoing model along with other upgrades.

Malaysia
The second generation Fortuner was launched in May 2016 and was offered in 2.4 VRZ 4×4 turbodiesel and 2.7 SRZ 4×4 petrol variants with automatic transmissions. In January 2017, both variants obtained "Energy Efficient Vehicle" (EEV) status from the government, which reduced its price. In September 2017, the 2.4 VRZ was renamed as the 2.4 4×4 and two additional grade models were introduced: 2.4 VRZ 4×2 and 2.4 VRZ 4×4.

The facelifted Fortuner was launched in Malaysia in February 2021 alongside the facelifted Innova. It is offered in three variants: 2.4 4×4, 2.7 SRZ 4×4 and 2.8 VRZ 4×4. In November 2021, the Fortuner SRZ and VRZ models was updated with dual-zone automatic climate control as standard along with other upgrades.

Pakistan
The second-generation Fortuner was launched on 27 September 2016 with a petrol variant.

In late 2017, Toyota Indus introduced the Sigma 4 variant of the Fortuner, powered by the 2.8 litre diesel engine.

In January 2020, Toyota Indus introduced the G grade as the base petrol model of the Fortuner.

In early 2022, the Legender variant was added to the lineup.

Philippines
The second generation Fortuner was launched in the Philippines on 14 January 2016 with two new diesel engines (2.8-litre and 2.4-litre), and an updated 2.7-litre petrol engine. Initial grade levels were the entry-level G and top-spec V.

In August 2017, the Fortuner was refreshed for the 2018 model year. Rear disc brakes became standard on all grades along with other upgrades. The Fortuner became the best-selling car in the Philippines in 2017.

The facelifted Fortuner was launched in the Philippines on 17 October 2020. It is offered in 2.4 G, 2.4 V, 2.8 Q and 2.8 LTD grade levels with the 2.7 G petrol variant being discontinued. In September 2021, the Fortuner received another feature list upgrade.

Russia
The Fortuner went on sale in Russia in October 2017. The Fortuner sold in Russia is only available in 4×4 with 2.8-litre turbo-diesel and 2.7-litre petrol engines, with either five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. Four grade choices are offered: Standard, Comfort, Elegance and Prestige. Fortuners sold in the Russian market are imported from Thailand.

Thailand
In Thailand, initial grade levels were the G and V. In March 2016, the TRD Sportivo variant was added to the lineup.

In 2021, the Fortuner gained a new body kit by Modellista. The GR Sport variant also became available.

In February 2022, a special variant called the Commander was released. Only 1,000 units were produced.

In August 2022, the regular Fortuner was replaced with Leader G and Leader V grade levels, which share the styling with the upmarket Legender model.

Facelift
The facelifted Fortuner debuted on 4 June 2020 for the Thai market alongside the facelifted Hilux. The Legender flagship sub-model (known as VRZ in Malaysia, LTD in the Philippines, Diamond in South America, and Black Onyx in Russia) was introduced to replace the Thai market TRD Sportivo model. The Legender grade is equipped with a different headlight units from the standard grades and different front and rear bumper designs which designed to be in-line with Toyota crossover SUVs. It is also equipped with 20-inch wheels, interior ambient lighting, two-tone leather seats, JBL sound system, and a set of Toyota Safety Sense active safety systems. The 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV diesel engine received an upgrade, producing  and  of torque.

The Legender-based GR Sport variant with different styling from the Indonesian market Fortuner GR Sport was launched in Thailand on 26 August 2021, in the Philippines on 23 October 2021, in Brazil on 8 December 2021 and in India on 12 May 2022. It is only available in 2.8-litre diesel engine option with 4×4.

Sales

References

External links

  (Philippines)

Fortuner
Cars introduced in 2005
2010s cars
2020s cars
Mid-size sport utility vehicles
Rear-wheel-drive vehicles
All-wheel-drive vehicles
Cars powered by longitudinal 4-cylinder engines

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


I get asked about gift ideas at least once a week. Sometimes, you just don't want to write another check to the bride and groom. Because, let's be honest: weddings can get expensive for guests. If a couple has an engagement party, a bridal shower, and then a wedding, that's three parties, three cards, three checks.
When people ask me about how much to give for each occasion, there's my simple rule of thumb. Take what you want to spend and give 25% at the engagement party, 25% at the shower, and 50% at the wedding. So if you have $200 you can give the couple, that's $50 at the engagement party, $50 at the shower, and $100 at the wedding. If there's no engagement party, follow a 25/75 rule (25% at the shower, 75% at the wedding. So with that $200 budget, spend $50 on a shower gift and $150 at the wedding).
But, honestly, I'm gonna suggest that you don't just write checks every time. For the wedding, yes, that's custom. But for the shower, I always encourage gifts over cards. A couple will register and this is when it's customary to purchase a gift off the registry. But sometimes, you want to add your own twist to a gift.
If you do this right, it can be amazing. My friend Jordan, she gave us one of the most useful bridal shower gifts. So of course, I had to take photos (of, well, most of it).
We registered for the Real Simple triple laundry sorter and she purchased that off of our registry. But she didn't stop there. She bought us items that we didn't register for -- but were completely useful. She bought a laundry basket (which Pete actually needed) and filled it with laundry items (she filled it with purple tissue paper too, which I thought about saving and reusing since that was our wedding color, but they ended up getting tossed).
Now, you can choose whatever you'd like, but definitely use her items as a guide. She got everything you need for laundry, which is ridiculously practical. And the practicality of it is what makes it such an amazing gift. See, when you're wedding planning, a lot of your money is going towards your wedding. You plan a budget based on the amount of money you have saved and/or can save by the big day. When you set a date, you stop going out to dinner and stop buying new clothes. You buy groceries because you have to eat, but you won't let yourself spend money on anything that's not a necessity. Laundry products, yes, they're a necessity, but they can be expensive (and, if you live in an apartment complex like we do and have to pay $3 to wash and dry a load, it adds up). So to just say, "Hi Bride. I'm paying for all your laundry products for the rest of the time you're a Miss" ... it's fantastic.
And it's one of those gifts that I'll remember too. For a long time (and every single time I use them). Just like the mugs and note we received.
Plus, what was great is we live in North Carolina but my bridal shower was in New York. So Jordan sent the laundry sorter to our address in North Carolina, but brought this bridal shower gift idea with her to the shower. She attached a photo of the laundry sorter to this gift so we knew she got it, but I didn't have to figure out how to pack it in the car to drive it back home with everything else. So smart.
If you're looking for a bridal shower gift idea, you can shop from the couple's registry. Or, like my friend Jordan, you can shop from the registry and from your own imagination to create a great gift. A little creativity can go a long way.
BRIDAL BABBLE: What's the best bridal shower gift idea you've thought of?
This basket of laundry items looks like a great gift !!!
That's an excellent and useful gift.
I think that this is a brilliant idea. I like all the supplies that are needed for cleaning clothes. I would love this gift at any time. It really takes the time out for not having to go out and buy this stuff right away.
I think I got things made of crystal and china at my shower, and I use them, but rarely. I am all for the practical items! I like to get things I can consume now, because I really don't need knick knacks or anything. My aunt gave me a wonderful basket of unusual goodies from Trader Joes today for a birthday present, and I love it!
This is a great idea - I also like the idea of misc cleaning products, thrown in with some paper towels, paper plates &/or toilet paper - sometimes just having the extra paper goods makes a huge difference in not having to go out for them in bad weather!!
Awesome post, the break down of 25/25/50 for gift giving that is incredibly helpful, I never looked at it that way before !
This is a wonderful idea. It's those little items that we often forget about or have never used that turn out to be so valuable. I also like your gift giving breakdown idea. That makes a lot of sense.
This is a great idea,so useful!!
What a great idea! I would NEVER have thought of this!
What a great idea giving laundry supplies as a gift. These are products that every household needs.
Wow, that was so nice and thoughtful of your friend to do.


On a recent trip to Berlin, we spent many hours trying to find the best flight and hotel combo for our stay, as well as finding things we wanted to do there.
The website allows the user to use a Tinder-like interface to select an area they might like to travel to, then allows them to book flights in a time frame according to a budget. Then 3 packages are presented: low, medium and high priced offers. Finally, if a user wants to find out things they might like to do in this place, the website uses the Deutsche Bank API to analyse the users bank data and pick out ideal things for them to do.
In a team of 4 we split ourselves into front-end and back-end; where the front-end engineers programmed the website design and user interaction, and the back-end engineers processed the data gathered from the user's input using appropriate API's and server-side calculations.
Getting the API's to work in conjunction with Node.js and our front-end was a huge task, especially as we are all new to web programming in general. We ended up only being implement the Deutsche Bank API into our final solution, so the tinder system and package system are simply templates with dummy data.
We managed to get a good understanding of setting up a Node.js servers and implementing jQuery and AJAX, which we'd never used before. Also being able to navigate through an unseen API's documentation and actually implementing it is something we're proud of, as we have limited experience with using API's.
We learned several web programming techniques including AJAX requests with jQuery, Node.js implementation and general knowledge of front-end design.
Computer Science student at the University of St Andrews.


THE woman widely believed to be the nurse in the iconic image of two people kissing in Times Square to celebrate the end of World War II has died.
Greta Friedman died at 92 after developing health complications on Thursday.
Her son, Joshua Friedman, who confirmed the 92-year-old's death, said his mother had been living in an assisted living facility for the past two years.
She died on Thursday with CBS News reporting she will be laid to rest with her late husband, Mischa Elliot Friedman, who was buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
While there have been many claims over the identity of the nurse in the photograph, author Lawrence Verria claimed to have proven that Friedman, along with sailor George Mendonsa, were the people in the iconic image taken in New York as crowds celebrated VJ Day.
The author of "The Kissing Sailor: The Mystery Behind the Photo that Ended World War II", Verria said Friedman's height, hairstyle and uniform matched other photographs of her taken at the time and therefore proved she was the woman in the iconic image.
Attempts to solve the mystery around the true identities of the couple also included Life Magazine issuing a plea for the couple involved in the photograph to come forward in 1980, receiving multiple claims.
Speaking about the image, which was taken by Life Magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt, Friedman told CNS in 2012: "I did not see him approaching, and before I knew it I was in this tight grip."
The photograph has been controversial after concerns the kiss may have been sexual assault, but Friedman, who was actually a dental assistant, since said she understood the excitement and the sailor being swept up in the moment.
Friedman, who went on to marry a doctor in 1956, said the kiss did not go for long.
The iconic image has since been re-enacted by couples thousands of times in Times Square.
George Mendonsa, who is widely believed to have been the sailor in the photograph said: "The excitement of the war being over, plus I had a few drinks, so when I saw the nurse I grabbed her, and I kissed her."
The couple formally met in the 1980s, exchanging Christmas cards to stay in touch, even re-enacting the kiss in 2012.
Friedman is survived by her two children and her three grandchildren.