What Lurks beneath the Surface?
From about 1680 until 1870, French-Canadian fur traders traveled in birch bark canoes, exploring lakes and rivers in the remote wilderness along what is now the border between the U.S. and Canada, trading European goods for the pelts of mink, beaver and other animals gathered by the local Ojibwe people; Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota commemorates the traders' historic routes. Today, these rocky shores and interconnected waterways retain a secluded and wild character.
But a mystery lurks just beneath the water's surface.
Anatoxin-a, an algal toxin also known (chillingly) as Very Fast Death Factor; and saxitoxin, another algal toxin used by CIA pilots during the Cold War in emergency suicide pills, have been detected in some of the region's waterways. Exposure to even small doses of these natural poisons can lead to muscle weakness, loss of coordination, convulsions, and death by respiratory paralysis. Fortunately, human death and illness from freshwater algal toxins are exceedingly rare and there have been no reported human or animal deaths or illnesses due to any of these substances in the park. Still the presence of algal toxins in this rather pristine environment is a bit of an enigma. There is very little agriculture, very few people saturating lawns with fertilizer, and just not many nutrient sources to feed the algae that produce them.
In contrast, just a few hundred miles southwest of the park, where I live, in North Dakota, nutrient sources are abundant. Livestock outnumber humans and the sky seems to go on forever above vast treeless fields of wheat and sunflowers. Cattle here have died as a result of anatoxin-a poisoning after drinking water from the mucky green farm ponds where algae flourish. I work with a group of scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Park Service and other agencies, that are trying to solve the mystery: if toxins are present in both environments, why do they cause such havoc on a ranch in North Dakota but not, so far as we know, in this northern wilderness?
The toxins are produced by blue-green algae, more commonly referred to by scientists as cyanobacteria. Just like plants, these tiny organisms conduct photosynthesis by using sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen. They can also, under some circumstances, release potentially harmful toxins into the water. An important part our research is aimed at determining when that production occurs and what causes it.
We know that algae are essential parts of the food chain and that the amount of oxygen produced globally by these microscopic critters rivals that produced by trees. In fact, billions of years ago, long before there were any trees, cyanobacteria transformed Earth's atmosphere by pumping out vast amounts of the oxygen that we humans and other organisms would need to survive. In other words, we don't want to get rid of these algae. What we don't know is why only a small percentage of algal blooms turn toxic. The mechanisms are complex, and other researchers have found that different bodies of water may have different triggers for toxin production. For example, in some water, salinity may play a role.
Our work in Voyageurs National Park began by collecting and analyzing water samples throughout the summer. Algae have a well-known pattern of succession in northern lakes, where a particular species will dominate for a few weeks, followed by another species, and then another. And our data showed this wax and wane of species too, but there was an unexpected twist.
Within the same cyanobacterial species, some will contain a gene that allows toxin production, whereas others do not. By analyzing their DNA, we found that those capable of producing toxins peaked in number before those that did not. But more importantly, the toxic strains were present before visible blooms appeared on the water's surface. This has important implications for recreational water use—swimmers and boaters (and perhaps farmers watering livestock) may not be able to rely on the appearance of a pea soup-like substance as a warning to stay away.
As a result, we decided to explore more practical tools to help park rangers or your average farmer know if a park's waterways are okay for swimming and fishing or if ponds are safe for watering livestock. Existing methods, like laboratory analyses, tend to be expensive and time-consuming. Rapid-assessment test strips, or dipsticks, are one alternative. These dipsticks work in much the same way as pregnancy tests, except they indicate danger rather than an upcoming bundle of joy. If the water contains a toxin over the level set by the World Health Organization, the test will read positive even if there is no visible algae.
So scientists will continue to explore and study these waters in boats loaded with sample bottles and dipsticks, just as the voyageurs of yesteryear may well have paddled their heavily laden canoes through algal mats to trade guns and whiskey for fur. One hopes that more answers will be just around the corner.
Victoria Christensen is a research hydrologist at the U.S. Geological Survey who works with other scientists to gather data and answers on why some waterways are affected by algae and related toxins. She is also an author of children's books about science and nature.


Since tomorrow is the 99th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, that often mentioned hallmark of Canadian nationhood, it's appropriate to have a blog post discussing the battle. Vimy is very hard to write about; it is brought forward every year as THE Canadian battle of the First World War, and with all the accompanying platitudes and official language it can feel a little bit stale. Vimy is without a doubt a very important battle, not only because it was a victorious one (one of the first complete victories for the Allies in the war to that date), but because it was the coalescing point for the lessons learned on the Somme and in the chaotic battles of 1915 and the spring of 1916.
There are many myths of Vimy; that Canadians invented the creeping barrage (they did not), that Canadians pioneered the use of maps for the lower ranks (they certainly had the first advantage of maps for the battle, but this was the result of a general order, not Canadian invention), or that Currie was the mind behind Vimy (he was instrumental, but much of the credit still needs to go to Major General Byng, who was the commander of the Canadian Corps at the time). It's wonderful to think of Vimy as this moment of grand Canadian innovation and united nationhood, and in many ways it was, but it was also a case of right place, right force, right time.
The Canadian Corps was, in comparison to the British Army, very small and easily manoeuvred. The Corps had the luck as well not to be broken up along the front, but positioned together. As the war progressed in 1917, Currie fought hard to keep the Corps together, recognizing that its cohesiveness and sense of belonging made it a formidable attacking force. This was not always so. The Corps in the spring of 1916 had very little esprit de corps, and in fact there was considerable rivalry among the divisions. The 2nd Division, for instance, was reviled throughout the Corps as having been the one to lose St. Eloi. By 1917, after being grouped together and training together during the extensive preparation for the Vimy attack, the Corps had a very different character.
There is no doubt also that Vimy Ridge was a very hard objective. The French General Robert Nivelle privately doubted that the Canadians could even take Vimy, though Haig maintained that it was possible. Byng and Currie were lucky that the lead-up to the battle was exceptionally long (almost 4 months), giving them time to plan the assault and train the assaulting infantry using scale models of the area. The approach to Vimy was also exceptionally long (several kilometres), which normally would have been an enormous disadvantage as infantry and supplies would have had to move across open ground that was easily shelled by the superior German positions on the top of the ridge. However, Vimy had been the site of two other Allied assaults earlier in the war (French and British), and there was the beginning of a tunneling system below the area in front of the ridge. This was expanded enormously by British and Canadian tunneling crews, allowing for the storage of ammunition, food and medical supplies, as well as the hosteling of thousands of men as they waiting to go to their jumping off points further up the lines. The size of the area around Vimy ended up being very advantageous, giving the Canadians room to maneuver and prepare.
The attack was also at the right time. The Canadian Corps had the distinct advantage of taking part in the first major attack organised by the British since the disastrous Somme the summer of 1916. By the fall of the same year, General Hubert Gough had already issued his Memorandum of Attacks, which called for increased participation by platoons and companies in the decisions surrounding meeting their objectives, and the importance of Lewis guns and sufficient ammunition. The issuing of maps to the lower ranks was also ordered, and the Canadian Corps would receive thousands of copies of maps of the Ridge before they would go over the top on 9 April, 1917. The lessons of the Somme were hard and bloody ones, but by 1917 a group as small as the Canadian Corps could be sufficiently trained in the new doctrinal methods to ensure success. Increased coordination between the artillery and the front lines also allowed for the perfection of the creeping barrage, which had been used with great success by the French earlier at Verdun and would go a long way to making the Canadian attack at Vimy a success too.
The point of this article is not in any way to take away from the place of Vimy in the Canadian myth, it was and is an amazing victory, and more importantly, a taste of the battles that the Canadians would fight in the coming years, when they did not lose a single engagement. Rather, it is to point out that Vimy was the coalescence of years of terrible experience, the point when everything came together. The Canadian Corps didn't just spring into being on that day in April 1917, it was the result of two years of training, death and mistakes that bound together not only the men, but their commanders. That these people could go on to win at Vimy after the two years before is to me more amazing than the victory itself. It is a testament to adaptation, clever thinking, and never, ever giving up.


text:
Hooked on Travel
In Search of the Northern Lights
On the Road South of the Border
Endless Skies of the Bolivian Salt Flats
Advice when Driving to South America
Highlights from Central & South America
Media...
Podcast Interview with Todd Koenig from ESL Unscripted South Korea
A 90 minute interview with Todd Koenig for the 21st Episode of ESL Unscripted; recorded November 26th 2015. We discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of more than a decade and a half of International Travel.
To listen to the podcast on iTunes for free click here.
Hooked on Travel; The Oamaru Mail New Zealand
Newspaper interview with Hayden Meikle from the Oamaru Mail in New Zealand Published on October 15th 2015.
The interview was part of a "A new Oamaru Mail series that catches up with former North Otago residents doing great or interesting things in other parts of the world".
To read the full interview click here.
National Geographic Your Shot
This Image taken at Castle Hill near Christchurch New Zealand was featured on the National Geographic website as part of the National Geographic Your Shot Contest.
www.yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/photos/5115295/
The Smithsonian Museum Washington DC USA
This photo was taken at the Bolivian Salt Flats in Uyunni South America. It was one of 30 photos selected, out of more than 19,000 images from around the world, to appear in a 6 month photography exhibition, at The Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC, the largest Museum in the world. The image also be appeared in the summer edition of the Smithsonian magazine.
It was also featured by the editors of National Geographic Online and entered in the National Geographic In Focus Contest.
Air Asia Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
This photo taken at a beach in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island in the Philippines was recently featured on Air Asia travel site in an article showcasing some of the highlights of the Philippines.
http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty/digitalexclusives/great-shot-travel-the-philippines-in-12-photos
The Otago Daily Times Newspaper, New Zealand
This photo taken in just north of San Pedro De Atacama, Chile and was published alongside an article that I wrote about my road trip across Central and South America.
http://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/travel/21408/on-road-south-border
Coloradoan Newspaper, Fort Collins, Colorado
This photo was featured along side an article I wrote called "Endless Skies of the Bolivian Salt Flats"; detailing a day out on the salt pan of Uyunni and it was published in the Coloradoan News Paper, Fort Collins.
Travellerspoint.com
This photo of a lady bathing in the Ganges river in Varanasi, India was the first place winner of the People Competition on Travellerspoint.com.
http://blog.travellerspoint.com/206/
Austin to Argentina Travel Blog: A 32,000 Kilometer Road Trip from Texas to South America
Below is the link to the full Austin to Argentina Road Trip Blog, with weekly entries from the road. This blog grew to be one of the most popular on the travelers point website and has been viewed by over 250,000 people.
http://austintoargentina.travellerspoint.com/
Copyright © 2022 Hayden Carlyon Photography

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Home Copyright Laws Guide to Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988
Guide to Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988
What is the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988
The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which formally received Royal Assent in November of 1988. The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 restructured the statutory basis of copyright law—including all statutes and issues concerning performance rights—in the United Kingdom.
Before the passing of this reformulation, all prior statutory issues attached to copyrights were distributed and governed by the Copyright Act of 1956.
The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 created an unregistered design right and a number of modifications to the existing law of the United Kingdom regarding Registered Designs and patents. In essence, the Copyright Designs and Patent Act 1988 established the copyrights, for the majority of creative works, will be protected until 70 years after the death of the original holder (if known), otherwise 70 years after the work was originally created and for fifty years for all computer generated works.
What works are Subject to Copyright based on the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988?
The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 simplified the previous categories of work which were protected by copyright, thus eliminating the specific treatments for works, such as engravings or photographs. The Copyright Designs and Patents Act organize and enforce regulations as such:
For Literary, dramatic or musical works: The works must be recorded in writing or otherwise to be granted a copyright
For Artistic Works: Includes all buildings, photographs, engravings and works of artistic craftsmanship
Broadcasts: A broadcast is defined by the Copyright Designs and Patents Act as any transmission by a wireless telegraphy which is intended for and capable of reception by members of the public
Cable Programs: Refers to a part of a service which transmits images, sound or other information to multiple places or to members of the public by any means other than wireless telegraphy.
Published Editions: The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 defines published editions as the whole or part of one or more literary, dramatic or musical works
The following works are exempt from copyright as stated in the Copyright Designs and Patens Act 1988:
All artistic works created before June 1, 1957
All films made before June 1, 1957: these films are treated as dramatic works and as such qualify under the 1911 Act
Any broadcast made before June 1, 1957 and all cable programs transmitted before January 1 1985
Previous articlePennock v. Dialogue
Next articleGuide to the International Implications Act 1891
Easy Steps to Receiving A Product Patent
Fast Overview to DMCA
Guide to Copyrighting


text:
Q: BigQuery error in load operation: Token invalid - Invalid token: Stateless token expired I see the following error:
     BigQuery error in load operation: Token invalid - Invalid token:
     Stateless token expired
when I try to upload a big plain text ( or gzip'ed)  (~90Million records) file
Here is the command I am using to try to upload the data:
~/bigquery-2.0.6]$ python bq.py load --skip_leading_rows 7 -F"\t"                                                                                conn_logs.conn  /scratch/conn.log   /scratch/conn.schema
If I try smaller files, data loads up just fine.
Any idea what is causing this and how can I renew the tokens so that it doesn't expire ?
Thanks,

A: This is actually a bug in the way token renewal is handled by the oauth2client -- namely it doesn't refresh the token at the end of the upload. It's being tracked internally, but I don't think there's an ETA on a fix yet.
The easiest workaround is simply to upload the file to Google Storage, and then call load using the Google Storage path. This is pretty painless, and there's even a nice tutorial.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Energy è un singolo del rapper canadese Drake pubblicato il 10 luglio 2015.

Video musicale
Il video musicale è stato pubblicato sul canale ufficiale del rapper.

Tracce

Note

Collegamenti esterni

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Colorado Christian University's women's basketball team has been granted the Together We R team award. Presented by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and Russell Athletic, the annual award is given to a team that has undergone extraordinary difficulty and come together stronger as a result.
In November of 2013, the women's basketball team dedicated their season to their manager, Kaylee McBeth, who had been placed on a heart transplant list due to an inoperable tumor around her heart. The rallying cry for the team became #KayleeStrong throughout the season.
As the cry grew, Coach Tim Hays asked his manager about the attention. "Coach I don't like to stand in front of people, that's why I love being a manager. I like being in the background," replied Kaylee McBeth. But if with my story one person's life is impacted, then it was worth my life and my death.
Kaylee McBeth passed away on January 20, 2014.
For some reason, said Coach Hays, I think we all knew Kaylee's time here was going to be short. I looked at each one of them, and before I could say anything, they knew.
The team's mission to be #KayleeStrong grew in the days that followed. Given the option not to play in the weekend following their manager's death, the team asked what Kaylee would have done.
They won both games that weekend.
Kaylee showed up every day, even when things were imperfect, said Gillian Foster, a senior forward on the team, and we wanted to show up. Her heart was physically hard, a tumor had calcified her heart, yet she was the softest-hearted person we knew.
The Together We R award, given to the team that displays unusual unity despite adversity, was presented to Coach Tim Hays during the Women's NCAA Final Four. Colorado Christian University was chosen after the WBCA past presidents narrowed the field to four finalists, including Purdue University, the University of North Carolina, and the University of South Carolina. Each institution's story was posted on WBCA's YouTube channel, and fans were asked to watch the videos and vote for the team that overcame the most and exhibited uncommon spirit.
The CCU Cougars gathered the most votes, and the selection committee confirmed the winner.
CCU won eight of its final 11 games, to finish 15-13 overall. For more on Kaylee McBeth and CCU's story, please visit www.ccucougars.com and www.kayleestrong.com.


text:
HomeNews#ThrowbackThursday The importance of Ghetts and Skepta's 'IC3'
#ThrowbackThursday The importance of Ghetts and Skepta's 'IC3'
Author: Daniel David | Thursday 8th October 2020
Last night, after a whole bag of hype in the build-up, Ghetts and Skepta released their first-ever collaboration 'IC3.' The track produced by Ten Billion Dreams is part of the superb rollout for Ghetts' highly anticipated next album. This collaboration is one that is almost 15 years in the making, one that fans have been calling for since the days of MySpace. But the 2 MCs choosing to come together now is what makes it so important.
For a long time grime fans who remember the days of Logan Sama's War Report, this one is particularly special. The War Report saw The Movement pitted against Wiley, Jammer and Frisco. The War Report was a back and forth between those MCs playing out on Logan Sama's Grime show on Kiss. After that initial clash died down, Boy Better Know and The Movement would continue to throw shots at each other. And now that the clash that everyone wanted to see in the War Report, Wiley vs Ghetts, had happened, fans wanted Skepta to be the next one to take on Ghetts. Ghetts and Skepta represented 2 different styles in Grime along with being the stars of their respective crews, and fans rallied around them as their champions. And so for a few years, they threw shots at each other, on songs, on sets even going as far as sending shots for each other when they were both on Logan. But it never escalated beyond that point, no dubs were made for each other and eventually it died down. And in those years in between the clashes and this song, those 2 artists grew to levels they probably didn't even know was possible.
In an interview with 1Xtra, Ghetts said about IC3 "I reached out to Skep and was just like 'what is it that time?' It's been on the cards for some years, people have wanted that, from as early in the culture as I can remember you know what I'm saying, either they want you to war or collaborate...wow this is two brothers who have literally come up through the same scene, been from opposite ends and had one of the friendliest clashes ever, because it never went anywhere past that it was just a clash of styles to a point where now we're in a room and we can talk about different things, just beyond our egos because we're grown men, it was something special.
Seeing Ghetts and Skepta working together in 2020 means more now than it would have 15 years ago just because of who the two have become. Ghetts has continued to refine his skill over the years, with many fans feeling that right now he is better than ever. These past couple years have seen him release Mozambique, Listen, Legends Don't Die and the crazy Mad About Bars freestyle. Ghetts lyrical ability is not just improving and evolving, but his maturation as a man and an artist has given his music a new edge. This album that he is building up for at the moment might be the most anticipated release from Ghetts, fans want to hear what he has to say and how he says it.
And Skepta has continued to be at the forefront of the UK scene, pushing the boundaries, breaking barriers and gaining international recognition. When Grime was considered dead, Skepta spearheaded its resurgence with tracks like 'That's Not Me' taking it back to the essence. Since the release of 'Konichiwa' Skepta's rise has continued, winning the Mercury Music Prize, Brit Awards, BET Awards and Mobos, high profile collaborations with artists like ASAP Rocky, Frank Ocean and Drake and a whole host of endorsement deals. But even with this level of success, Skepta has always come back to the scene that made him, working with everyone from legends like D Double E and Dizzee Rascal to new artists like Slowthai and Octavian. Skepta's music has continued to evolve from his early grime days, with his newest releases being some of his most experimental but also introspective. And when he spits on grime he can still spit bars that get fans to throw up gun fingers.
On IC3, the 2 MCs refer to their own history with Skepta spitting bars like "I feel like I'm born again, Me and Ghetts on a track and it's feeling like the rooftop all again" and "Class of Deja, went school with the best" and Ghetts spitting "Where was you when that Boy Better Know and that Movement." Skepta even takes it all the way back on the last verse, spitting some of his classic bars radio bars "go on then, go on the, draw for the chete…" The songs even plays out with a clip from Skepta and Ghetts on the radio.
But while the song taps into nostalgia, it also does much more than that. Ghetts and Skepta are 2 elite MCs, 2 kings of the genre, and 2 men who have matured and become elders in the scene. This song isn't just a chance for the 2 to flex their lyrical ability, they have a message that needs to be heard. The song title itself comes from the police code to describe a black person, setting the tone for Ghetts and Skepta to talk about their experiences as black men in the UK with bars like
"Don't tell me to go back where I came from When the Queen sits there in stolen jewels"
"The Queen offered me the MBE, I said no and I raised my fist, I went home, got my chieftaincy, now I'm back on the strip, Police stop me in the street, they wanna take a pic"
Hearing Ghetts and Skepta going back to back on a song means so much for fans who know how important these 2 artists are. Seeing their growth as MCs and as humans over the past 15 years has been something special and has correlated with the growth of UK music. If 15 years ago they would have released a song, yes fans would have eaten it up and it might still be talked about today, but now it means so much more. This track is presumably part of Ghetts' crazily anticipated new album, one which fans are clamouring for. I am sure he has lost track of the times people tweet him asking him when the album is coming. Now the eyes of the world are on the UK scene and these 2 working together just means so much more in 2020 than it would have in 2006. These are 2 prolific, highly revered artists in the UK, receiving the plaudits they rightly deserve after having put so much work in. 'IC3' is a collaboration that was a long time coming, but came at just the right time.
"Who woulda thought back then, We'd be some powerful black men"
Author: Daniel David


text:
layout: post
title: "A Tree functor"
description: "A generalised tree object as a functor. Another functor example for object-oriented programmers."
date: 2018-08-06 6:00 UTC
tags: [Software Design]
---
{% include JB/setup %}

		{{ page.description }}

		This article is an instalment in an article series about functors. In a previous article, you saw how to implement the Maybe functor in C#. In this article, you'll get another functor example: a generalised tree (also known as a rose tree).

		As opposed to a binary tree, any node in a generalised tree can have an arbitrary number of children, including none.

		Implementation #

		The following Tree<T> class can contain objects of the generic type T. Being generic, it's a candidate for a functor, and it does, in fact, turn out to be one:

public sealed class Tree<T> : IReadOnlyCollection<Tree<T>>
{
    private readonly IReadOnlyCollection<Tree<T>> children;

    public T Item { get; }

    public Tree(T item, IReadOnlyCollection<Tree<T>> children)
    {
        if (item == null)
            throw new ArgumentNullException(nameof(item));
        if (children == null)
            throw new ArgumentNullException(nameof(children));

        Item = item;
        this.children = children;
    }

    public Tree<TResult> Select<TResult>(Func<T, TResult> selector)
    {
        var mappedItem = selector(Item);

        var mappedChildren = new List<Tree<TResult>>();
        foreach (var t in children)
            mappedChildren.Add(t.Select(selector));

        return new Tree<TResult>(mappedItem, mappedChildren);
    }

    public int Count
    {
        get { return children.Count; }
    }

    public IEnumerator<Tree<T>> GetEnumerator()
    {
        return children.GetEnumerator();
    }

    IEnumerator IEnumerable.GetEnumerator()
    {
        return children.GetEnumerator();
    }

    public override bool Equals(object obj)
    {
        if (!(obj is Tree<T> other))
            return false;

        return Equals(Item, other.Item)
            && Enumerable.SequenceEqual(this, other);
    }

    public override int GetHashCode()
    {
        return Item.GetHashCode() ^ children.GetHashCode();
    }
}

		As is usually the case, you can implement a tree in more than one way. Here, I chose an approach where Tree<T> contains an Item and is a collection of (sub)trees. Notice that the definition is recursive: in addition to its Item, each Tree<T> object also contains a finite collection of other trees. You create leaf nodes with empty collections.

		This variation uses finite collections (IReadOnlyCollection<T>), but you could also enable infinite trees by instead using potentially infinite sequences (IEnumerable<T>). This would slightly complicate the implementation of the Select method, though, so I decided to leave that as an exercise to the reader.

		The Select method first translates the contained Item using the selector function, and then recursively calls itself for each sub-tree in children. This method has the desired signature, and furthermore obeys the functor laws, as you'll see later in the article. Tree<T> is a functor.

		Usage #

		While you can create trees directly with the Tree<T> constructor, a few static helper methods makes it smoother:

public static class Tree
{
    public static Tree<T> Leaf<T>(T item)
    {
        return new Tree<T>(item, new Tree<T>[0]);
    }

    public static Tree<T> Create<T>(T item, params Tree<T>[] children)
    {
        return new Tree<T>(item, children);
    }
}

		This enables you to create a tree like this:

var source =
    Tree.Create(42,
        Tree.Create(1337,
            Tree.Leaf(-3)),
        Tree.Create(7,
            Tree.Leaf(-99),
            Tree.Leaf(100),
            Tree.Leaf(0)));

		This is a tree containing integers. You can translate it to a tree containing strings like this:

Tree<string> dest = source.Select(i => i.ToString());

		or like this:

Tree<string> dest = from i in source
                    select i.ToString();

		In both of these examples, I've explicitly declared the type of dest instead of using the var keyword. There's no practical reason to do this; I only did it to make the type clear to you.

		Haskell #

		Haskell has a more explicit model of functors, and the language features to support it. The Haskell equivalent to the above Tree<T> class is literally one line of code:

data Tree a = Tree a [Tree a] deriving (Show, Eq, Functor)

		Notice that the Haskell compiler can automatically derive an implementation of the Functor typeclass, although that does require the DeriveFunctor language extension.

		You can expend a few more lines of code for utility functions, so that it looks like you're actually programming:

leaf :: a -> Tree a
leaf x = Tree x []

create :: a -> [Tree a] -> Tree a
create = Tree

		These functions correspond to the static methods on the above Tree class. With them, you can now create a tree:

source :: Tree Int
source =
  create 42 [
    create 1337 [
      leaf (-3)],
    create 7 [
      leaf (-99),
      leaf 100,
      leaf 0]]

		You can translate such a tree of integers to a tree of strings with the fmap function:

dest :: Tree String
dest = fmap show source

		or with the infix operator:

dest :: Tree String
dest = show <$> source

		The <$> operator is an alias for fmap.

		F# #

		In F#, the type definition has the same structure as in Haskell:

type Tree<'a> = Tree of ('a * Tree<'a> list)

		Unlike Haskell, however, F# doesn't have any built-in functor awareness, so you'll have to implement the map function yourself:

// ('a -> 'b) -> Tree<'a> -> Tree<'b>
let rec map f (Tree (x, children)) =
    let mappedX = f x
    let mappedChildren = children |> List.map (map f)
    Tree (mappedX, mappedChildren)

		Notice that you have to use the rec keyword in order to make map recursive. The implementation is similar to the C# code: first use f to map the contained item, and then recursively map the children.

		To keep all three examples equivalent, you can also define utility functions:

// 'a -> Tree<'a>
let leaf x = Tree (x, List.empty)

// 'a -> Tree<'a> list -> Tree<'a>
let create x children = Tree (x, children)

		This enables you to create a tree like this:

// Tree<int>
let source =
    Tree.create 42 [
        Tree.create 1337 [
            Tree.leaf -3]
        Tree.create 7 [
            Tree.leaf -99
            Tree.leaf 100
            Tree.leaf 0]]

		which you can translate like this:

// Tree<string>
let dest = source |> Tree.map string

		Here, all of the above functions are defined in a module named Tree.

		First functor law #

		The Select method obeys the first functor law. As usual, it's proper computer-science work to actually prove that, but you can write some tests to demonstrate the first functor law for the Tree<T> class. In this article, you'll see a few parametrised tests written with xUnit.net. First, you can define some reusable trees as test input:

public static IEnumerable<object[]> Trees
{
    get
    {
        yield return new[] { Tree.Leaf(42) };
        yield return new[] { Tree.Create(-32, Tree.Leaf(0)) };
        yield return new[] {
            Tree.Create(99,
                Tree.Leaf(90),
                Tree.Leaf(2)) };
        yield return new[] {
            Tree.Create(99,
                Tree.Leaf(90),
                Tree.Create(2,
                    Tree.Leaf(-3))) };
        yield return new[] {
            Tree.Create(42,
                Tree.Create(1337,
                    Tree.Leaf(-3)),
                Tree.Create(7,
                    Tree.Leaf(-99),
                    Tree.Leaf(100),
                    Tree.Leaf(0))) };
    }
}

		This is just a collection of five small trees that can be used as input for parametrised tests. The first tree is only a single node - the simplest tree you can make with the Tree<T> class.

		You can use this static property as a source of input for parametrised tests. Here's one that demonstrates that the first functor law holds:

[Theory, MemberData(nameof(Trees))]
public void FirstFunctorLaw(Tree<int> tree)
{
    Assert.Equal(tree, tree.Select(x => x));
}

		Here, I chose to implement the identity function as an anonymous lambda expression. In contrast, in the previous article, I explicitly declared a function variable and called it id. Those two ways to express the identity function are equivalent.

		As always, I'd like to emphasise that this test doesn't prove that Tree<T> obeys the first functor law. It only demonstrates that the law holds for those five examples.

		Second functor law #

		Like the above example, you can also write a parametrised test that demonstrates that Tree<T> obeys the second functor law. You can reuse the Trees test case source for that test:

[Theory, MemberData(nameof(Trees))]
public void SecondFunctorLaw(Tree<int> tree)
{
    string g(int i) => i.ToString();
    bool f(string s) => s.Length % 2 == 0;

    Assert.Equal(tree.Select(g).Select(f), tree.Select(i => f(g(i))));
}

		This test defines two local functions, f and g. Instead of explicitly declaring the functions as Func variables, this test uses a (relatively) new C# feature called local functions.

		Again, while the test doesn't prove anything, it demonstrates that for the five test cases, it doesn't matter if you project the tree in one or two steps.

		Summary #

		This was the second example of a functor implemented in a statically typed object-oriented language, but contrasted with implementations in statically typed functional languages. The concept of a functor translates without much loss of fidelity, but you'll have to write more verbose code. A language like C# isn't optimised for functors or their like; Haskell and F# are.

		The purpose of this article series is to show enough examples of functors that you should start to see a pattern. Keep in mind, though, that a functor isn't a design pattern. It's a mathematical concept.

		Next: A rose tree functor.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


It's interesting to draw comparisons between the way film sets are run and the way the military does it. There are some startling parallels and a few remarkable differences. The director of a film crew has dictatorial powers that would raise eyebrows in most other industries. It does seem a bit military, if not medieval. It's the Artist thing. Artists, we are told, have quirky work habits, original approaches to everyday events, and tempestuous personal lives. The greater powers tend to cut them considerable slack if they have a demonstrated ability to put butts in theater seats. Their quirks and eccentricities may be essential to their success. That's the perception if not always the reality. Many directors are serious journeymen with a strong sense of craft. They lead fairly conventional lives. They just happen to be very good at their jobs. Whether the director is a free spirit or a quiet craftsman, he or she will get dictatorial powers on set. Whatever they ask for, no matter how whimsical it may sound, will be taken seriously.
The director gets a level of control that is rarely found outside a military chain of command. Feature film crews developed around this model and have hierarchies that reflect a military structure, e.g. the DOP, Operator(s), Camera Assistant(s) have detailed job descriptions that are intentionally narrow and defined. The mission in the camera department is one of executing orders from the DOP and not questioning the creative purpose of the order. "A List" camera crews are usually fast, precise, and businesslike. They make a hard job look easy, even with a Loony Tunes director. The military connection was very strong in Hollywood of the 1950's. Many cameramen were ex-military. The Worral Head, the geared tripod head used on most of the 35mm features of the time, was adapted from a gun mount. The look and the image are so central to what a movie is that the Camera Department is, almost by definition, close to the top of the hierarchy, just below the director.
A good sound crew makes every attempt to work harmoniously with all departments but especially the camera department. Other departments in the hierarchy, including sound, spread out below, ranked according to how much of the movie hinges on their work. The Special Effects guys get a lot of attention on action/adventure films while the Wardrobe and Hair departments are big on 18th Century dramas. The Sound Department usually does well on comedies. Woody Allen films contain little or no ADR and he shoots in Manhattan! It's rare that a take will be printed without a nod from the sound mixer.
Etiquette then must be appreciated as the social protocols appropriate to a feudal, quasi- military group, run by a director who might be fascinated by Japanese Gangster movies from the 1960's, sleeps with a Teddy Bear, has a degree in engineering, and hates blue jeans (black jeans are OK). It's no accident that this collective is often referred to as a Circus.
If you are on set to do interviews with actors or EPK (electronic press kit) there are some tasks where you will need to interact with the Sound Mixer. There is a specific etiquette based on the notion that the Production Mixer is in charge of anything to do with sound on "his" set. That makes him your boss while you are on set. You will probably need a production sound feed from the sound cart. Before you dive in, check to see how things are going. Is the mixer reading the latest Wired, checking his email, and drinking a Latte? Or is he talking to three people at once on his intercom while being harassed by a red-faced 1st AD? Make sure you have your end together before you ask for something. Most EPK crews want the program feed on a wireless link. The means the EPK sound guy will ask the production mixer for a mono output of his mix. Most large mixing boards have several line outputs but rarely have mic level outputs. Most wireless transmitters have mic inputs. You should have a line level adapter cable or a 40db pad for your transmitter. It is very annoying to have the EPK guy asking you for a pad because he forgot his, or never bothered to get one. Don't assume the Sound Mixer is interested in chatting with you or answering your questions. He may consider you a distraction, which you probably are. If you have something to say, wait until lunch. If he invites you to sit and talk, that's OK too.
Your wireless transmitters have the potential to create problems if the frequencies you use are close or identical to the actors' mics. Let the Production Mixer know what frequencies you are using and be prepared to change frequencies if he thinks there may be a problem. Be prepared as well to remote your transmitter on a cable if there is any suspicion that your transmitter is causing a problem on his sound cart. Once you have what you need, don't hang around the sound cart unless you're invited. As the day goes on you may hear things between takes over the production audio channel. You might hear actors gossiping, crewmembers complaining, someone on their cell phone to their ex-wife's lawyer, all kinds of personal stuff. The Production Mixer is supposed to mute actors' mics when the actors are standing-by or off-set but sometimes you hear them. When you hear personal stuff, keep it to yourself. Don't look at the person you are eavesdropping on. Above all, never record this stuff, even if it's way better than the movie. The privacy of famous people is constantly under assault, especially the actors. Everyone on set should be looking out for the actors. It's like looking after a bratty little sister or an eccentric uncle. Film sets are not to be regarded as public places, even when they happen to be in a public place. There is zero tolerance on set for any paparazzi behavior. Leave your camera at home.
Wireless mics have other etiquette considerations. It is a delicate and potentially dangerous operation for a male technician to place a wireless mic on female talent. Don't be in a hurry to do this. There have been accounts of assault and harassment lawsuits based on "inappropriate touching." It's not unknown for actresses to have "touching issues" of which you may not be aware. There is no way to properly place a lav mic in a bra without some inappropriate touching. It all depends on the people involved. If an experienced actress over 21 says, "Do what you have to do" and pulls up her top then you're probably OK. If a 16-year-old actress does the same thing, run away (although by then you're already in trouble). Under no circumstances should you place a mic inside the clothing of anyone underage unless there is a guardian present. If placing a mic is a daily event, you and the actor (and the guardian) will need to work out together how it should be done. Many actors learn to put on their own wireless mics. Sometimes it's better if a female wardrobe person does it. Other times you can enlist a woman to help out. It would be great if you could say, "It's OK Ma'am, I'm a doctor," but you're not. Those days are over, even for doctors.
Excerpt from "Sound Man" by Rick Patton C 2009, reprinted with permission.
With over 30 years experience, Richard Patton is one of Vancouver's most experienced and respected feature film sound mixers. Since 2007 Rick has been Branch Manager at Trew Audio Vancouver.
Stay tuned for Part Two of Richard Patton's "Set Etiquette and The Chain of Command" in the very next edition of Trew Audio's eNews.
Wow! Maybe if I had never taken part in any of what Richard spoke about in his rant I might not feel like I was being talked down to. But the simple matter of fact is that yes, I have been on movie sets before, I have had to interact with "real," movie, sound mixers before and yes, I have had to put mics on women before. In all cases I did it with grace, class and without having to be told how to act by some grumpy old mixer.
To me it sounds like someone pee'ed in Richards Wheaties the morning he wrote this. Personally, I'm more than a bit offened.
Now I'll admit that I haven't been doing this job as long as Rich has, but come on, give us a break! Was this article really needed? Or was it more like Richard needed some therapy time and had to get something off his chest? Either way, I didn't care for the tone or attitude of it. That and Richard wanders all over the landscape with this article. One moment he's talking how any crew member should act on a set and then he's talking about putting mics on kids and getting sued. What?!?
Some of this article would be useful if I was only a couple of months down the road doing this job, but not the professional I am today. And I'll bet other sound mixers who read this column feel the same way, like we're being schooled by Capt. Crusty mixer. I'm sorry but, no thanks!
And if you haven't guessed, I'll go out of my way to miss part two of this drivel.
Not your best effort Trew Audio.
Hey Rick, great article...I read the comments before I read the article and was surprised with what I saw (in the comments) so I must say that I think the article comes across as totally useful and professional. I do not think it comes across anything like 'Chas Gordon' characterizes it to be, crusty, etc. Nice work.
Very nice article, Rick. Obviously, Chas Gordon doesn't feel he needs any of this information, but many others do. As a mixer with over 40 years of set experience I also believe in the importance of set etiquette. For several years I have mentored young sound people from a local film school and this is similar to the talk they get before visiting me on a working set. Thumbs up from this happy mixer.
I especially enjoyed the last paragraph. I have faced wiring women, teenage girls, and children, and came to the same conclusion on my own. I felt like, finally, my concerns were validated. They didn't teach set etiquette specifically regarding the sound team at my film school. Good read for a newbie like me.
I think this article is needed. There are some guys that are just starting out and they don't know some of the protocol. I think that 95% of set etiquette is common sense for the most part, but the first time I had to wire a woman, I was sure about not acting inappropriately. And Rick, I am sure you did not mean it that way but, there is a way of wiring a woman without some "inappropriate touching" I have been mentored by gentlemen, and I think whomever you learn from, dictates how you handle situations. Make friends with wardrobe, and you'll be laughing.
For those of us on the behind-the-scenes end in TV land, I wish some producers could read this. There are far too many out there that think because we are working for TV, we are the most important.
Don't draw attention to yourself. Wear dark colors and be quiet. Turn off your cell phone. Don't make eye contact with the actors and don't stand in their eyeline. Don't talk to above-the-line people unless they talk to you first. Don't block doorways. Smile, be polite, and acknowledge the pecking order. Resist the urge to help out unless someone specifically asks for your help. Those are the basic ground rules for anybody walking onto a set for the first time.
This is why I don't work on films much anymore. Years of not being able to be myself has left met bitter. I bought my own gear to get more into docs and small indie films. I am much happier and enjoying what I do. I believe the film world is a harsh work place. If you are way to sensitive of a person it's not the field you want to be in.
Chas Gordon is exactly the person that I will never work with, His condescending attitude is typical of the "Know It Alls" that have no place in a professional environment.
I hardly think that the articles are published for the seasoned veteren, but for the newer person working their way into the business or up that ladder. I have these articles saved and they are required reading for new members on our crews. So far, every person has thanked me for the information.
Shame on you Chas. Your attitude is absurd.
Beeing "new" to the north american market i found very usefull some bits of info on your article Rick.
Very usefull the part about wiring kids...always have someone else with you while doing it.
After 8 years in the industry i still consider this articles to be very important.
Keep it up Rick and if we don´t meet before have a great Xmas.
Thanks 4 all the help and the warm welcome to town.
Here it is 2009 and I am pleased to see that Rick is still on the scene at Trew Audio (although I must admit I miss the old "Location Sound Inc." days).
As for the article, I found it completely accurate -- as I think anyone would who actually has an aptitude for being part of a professional sound team. Chas, your commentary screams with green, and I'm not talking being sensitive to the environment. I would seriously suggest you consider a different line of work.
Thanks, Rick. Doubtless I'll see you down at Trew Audio soon!
Wow! I've known Rick for Y E A R S ....... and he's always been respectful and professional. Although I've "Been around the block" for a few years, I'll buy the book just based on some of the fantastic stories I haven't heard before. I too miss going to the "Old" store downtown - It was like I was going to visit my Uncle at his house.
Hats off to you Rick, You've been an asset to this industry in the past and happy to hear you still share a life-long talent with us all! Cheers.
The last paragraph about wiring was rather interesting. It's true that underage talent should have someone present while wiring, but unless they're a civilian, it doesn't have to be a parent or guardian. For underage actors, I've usually just had a hair, makeup or wardrobe person there. I'm not sure if this method is the legal standard, but in my experience, it sure is the industry standard. The ONLY time I've ever been asked to let the talent, hair, makeup or wardrobe do the wiring was while working with Japanese crews. In Japan, male PSM's rarely wire female talent. That's what the Japanese crews have always told me. If someone needs to be wired and it has to be hidden, and it isn't a cultural taboo to do so, I will try to persuade them to let me, or one of my crew do the wiring. If they say no, I'll respect their wishes.
I am a beginner to hollywood and I'm doing every possible thing I can to get into the industry. This article was VERY helpful. If there's a book I'm buying it.
Personal comment: This industry is heavily flawed with the fact that getting a job is ALL about who you know. Look at Chas here. He has a lot of experience, but I'm guessing it's because he has close friends or family in the industry. If you are in this business you better thank Rick for the advice and move on.
Rick, if you're ever in California I will gladly buy you lunch.


Irish agri-food exports to China for the first six months of this year have increased by 25 per cent, from €162 to €203m with Irish dairy exports showing a substantial increase from €95m to €126m, an increase of 33 per cent in this period.
Dairy products increased from €103m in 2010 to €182m in 2012, an increase of 77 per cent.
Seafood exports have also grown from €5.7m in 2010 to €10m in 2012, a 75 per cent increase.
Exports of hides and skins are valued at €40m in 2012.
Since the signing of the renewed agreement with China and the Irish Government in April 2012, there has been a significant increase in the number of political and trade related visits from China to Ireland.
The Agriculture Department hosted seven inward delegations from China in 2012, including three vice-ministerial visits, one inspection visit and visits by senior Chinese officials, including a joint study visit by EU and Chinese officials, as part of their co-operation agreement. Two further Chinese vice-ministers visited Ireland in May and June of this year.
In addition, both the Marine Institute and Teagasc have also linked in with their counterparts in China, focused on developing research between both countries.


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Earlier this month, Sports Illustrated gave the flavor a pretty solid recommendation, too, putting it at the No. 19 spot on its list of America's 25 best college town meals.
Writer Andy Staples praised the complexity that the vanilla bean brings to what would otherwise be a straightforward bowl of chocolate ice cream.
Keeney's name became attached shortly after he retired in 1985, but the flavor itself goes back to his early days as a professor with Penn State's food science program.
I've been fortunate as much as anything.
"The basic mix was developed back when I first got here. We kind of upgraded the product, added more milk," Keeney said.
New and exciting innovations in the field of frozen treats aside, the intervening years have been kind to Keeney Beany's namesake. The professor emeritus got to meet Ben Cohen — of Ben and Jerry's fame— and learn the not so secret origin story behind chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.
Then there's the Philip G. Keeney Food Science Department Head Excellence Fund, which bolstered by contributions from donors and Keeney Beany sales fosters new and initiatives within the program.
"I've been fortunate as much as anything," Keeney said.


Lisa, I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know how Milo (now named Fudge) is doing. We are absolutely in love! He has met new doggie friends and chicken friends. He is a gentleman. We don't trust him with the chickens yet as he is just too playful and curious but we let him sniff them every day. We are now spacing his potty breaks at every 3 hours and he has not had any accidents. He has only had 3-4 to date. Today he went to a picnic with us for my son's civil air patrol group and he was kind, gentle, and friendly with everyone though he was more interested in sniffing out the food. Typical pug. He is learning leash manners and to sit on command with a piece of kibble, of course. He sleeps from 9:30pm - 7:30 am with no accidents. This week we will be giving him more freedom to roam the house because he just follows us where we are and listens very well when told "No!"
Fudge and Chase are getting along well. Chase now gets more attention. He was getting old and grouchy. Now that everyone sits on the floor to play with Fudge, Chase comes over for attention too. He won't admit it yet but he is happy Fudge is here too. I hope he will play with Fudge eventually because I can tell Fudge misses his playful doggie friend. We play lots of tug of war with him to make up for it. If you ever hear from his previous owner please share how much he is loved and offer that they could visit him if they'd like.


text:
Produced by Vincent Pontare, Magnus Lidehäll, Salem Al Fakir & 2 more
Album Rebel Heart
Rebel Heart Lyrics
I lived my life like a masochist
Hearing my father say, "told you so, told you so
Why can't you be like the other girls?"
I said, "Oh no, that's not me
And I don't think that it'll ever be"
Thought I belonged to a different tribe
Walking alone, never satisfied, satisfied
Tried to fit in, but it wasn't me
I said, "Oh no, I want more
That's not what I'm looking for"
So I took the road less traveled by
And I barely made it out alive
Through the darkness, somehow I survived
Tough love, I knew it from the start
Deep down in the depth
Of my rebel heart
I spent some time as a narcissist
Hearing the others say, "Look at you, look at you!"
Trying to be so provocative
I said, "Oh yeah, that was me"
All the things I did just to be seen
Outgrown my past and I've shed my skin
Letting it go and I'll start again, start again
Never look back, it's a waste of time
I said, "Oh yeah, this is me
And I'm right here where I wanna be"
I said, "Hell yeah, this is me
Right where I'm supposed to be"
Deep down in my rebel heart
In my Rebel Heart
About "Rebel Heart"
The latest song and title track of Madonna has leaked on 28/11/14 as a preview and leaked full on 29/11/14….
The source of the leak seems to have puzzled Madonna and her team. As reported by Billboard, the singer's manager Guy Oseary yesterday took to Twitter to seek help in finding the culprit. "I would be grateful to any Madonna fans that can assist us in finding those responsible for the leak. We appreciate your help," he posted.
It's a song provided to be included in her next official album called "Rebel Heart" with the featuring of Dj "Avicii" who's one of the producers of the album….
Translations:
Portuguese Translation
"Rebel Heart" Track Info
Written By Vincent Pontare, Magnus Lidehäll, Salem Al Fakir & 3 more
Additional Mixing Angie Teo
Keyboards Salem Al Fakir
Guitar Salem Al Fakir
Vocal Editor Vincent Pontare
Recording Engineer Demacio "Demo" Castellon
Programmer Magnus Lidehäll
Additional Programmer Demacio "Demo" Castellon
Mixing Engineer Demacio "Demo" Castellon
Bass Joacim Ottebjork
Performed Live As
Rebel Heart (Live) by Madonna
Rebel Heart Madonna
1. Living for Love
2. Devil Pray
3. Ghosttown
4. Unapologetic Bitch
6. Bitch I'm Madonna
7. Hold Tight
8. Joan of Arc
9. Iconic
10. HeartBreakCity
11. Body Shop
12. Holy Water
13. Inside Out
14. Wash All Over Me
15. Best Night
16. Veni Vidi Vici
17. S.E.X.
18. Messiah
19. Rebel Heart
20. Beautiful Scars
21. Borrowed Time
22. Addicted
23. Graffiti Heart
24. Autotune Baby
Rebel Heart [Tracklist + Album Cover]


text:
25 Movies Like American Pie: Dirty Hot Comedies
By Robert Milakovic / July 12, 2022 October 10, 2022
If you love the cult comedy franchise American Pie and would like to see more similar dirty and hot movies, then you are at the right place. In this article, we are bringing you more crazy fun movies, that will bring tears to your eyes from laughing. These are the best movies like American Pie, and you don't want to miss them.
You can expect teenagers, a lot of booze, fun, and other things young like. School is of course completely in the background, because who is thinking about it when hormones are going crazy. Check them out, and if you are bringing your friends over to a watch party, you can choose to surprise them with one of these American Pie-like movies.
List of Movies Like American Pie
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Andy Stitzer (Steve Carell) is a man in his forties, who never really grew up. Surrounded by his comics, action hero figurines he collects, he lives in his own world and works in an electronics store. But he is quite happy with his life and plays the cards his life has given him, until his colleagues David (Paul Rudd), Jay (Romany Malco) and Cal (Seth Rogen) discover a big secret – that he has never slept with a woman.
Horrified by this discovery, they decide to help a friend and find a woman willing to sleep with Andy. After a few dates that end catastrophically, a glimmer of hope appears when he meets Trish (Catherine Keener), a beautiful woman and single mother who Andy likes at first sight.
If you have dared to cheat on your girlfriend, and you have not made any effort not to let her find out, you need the only thing that can save you – "Road Trip"! The rules of cheating are pretty simple. If you are in a strong relationship and you sleep with another person, it is not cheating if you are in places with different zip codes. It's not cheating either if you've been too drunk to remember it, or even when you've been in bed with two people because they're just canceling each other out. But it's cheating if you filmed your feat on camera, and then someone accidentally sent that tape to your girlfriend.
This is exactly what happened to Josh (Breckin Meyer), who will travel with three friends on a 1,800-mile journey to Texas to save his relationship.
Van Wilder: Party Liaison (2002)
The graduate and in his seventh year of study, Van Wilder, simply adores a comfortable student life and simply never wants to leave his studies. And why would he? The most popular guy in college, all the girls want him, and all the guys want to be like him. After his father "goes crazy" and drastically "cuts" finances in order to force him to finally finish his studies, Van starts his own business – planning and organizing the craziest parties that any college has ever seen.
Ian (Josh Zuckerman) has just turned 18 and sees himself as the last virgin in the world. He works at a mall in a donut shop, and his older brother Rex (James Mardsen), who has no problem "catching broads," is a reminder to him of all that he doesn't have. Even his younger brother is more successful at charming girls than he is – he has managed to seduce the object of his dreams, Felicia (Amanda Crew).
Eventually, Ian decides to find the girl over the internet. On the online date service, he meets the attractive blonde Ms. Tasty (Katrina Bowden), who agreed to be his first. She is fun, and everything Ian has ever wanted from a girl. The only thing that now separates Ian from his first romantic experience is 500 miles because Ms. Tasty lives in Knoxville.
EuroTrip (2004)
No real European has been hurt for the purpose of making this hilarious film about a crazy pastime around Europe by a group of debauched friends in search of love adventures on the old continent. Scotty Thomas (Scott Mechlowicz) was left immediately after high school by his girlfriend Fiona because of the rock star, and to make matters worse, his German friend with whom he corresponded sent him a letter proposing a meeting.
But when his bright younger brother points out to him the fact that his online friend is actually a friend, and she is extremely handsome, together with three friends he decides to go to Europe, where the cheerful foursome plans to spend an unforgettable summer. It really will be that way.
On his return from a business trip, Mitch Martin (Luke Wilson) learns that his girlfriend Heidi (Juliette Lewis) is a nymphomaniac who has been cheating on him for a long time. In order to forget their life together as soon as possible, Mitch finds himself a new house, located on the edge of the local college.
Very soon, his friends Frank Ricard (Will Ferrell) and Beanie Campbell (Vince Vaughn) start to stay in the house more and more often, also burdened with personal problems. Frank is a former party king who, despite his marriage, does not want to give up unrestrained entertainment, and Beanie is a family man who can never forget his wild and crazy youth.
Soon, Beanie has an unexpected idea – the three of them will form a fraternity in Mitch's new house! The idea turns out to be great and the house becomes a center of college entertainment, until a new dean, Pritchard (Jeremy Piven), intends to make friends, remembering very well their misdeeds from his student days.
The Girl Next Door (2007)
And while his more popular colleagues are having a crazy time celebrating their last year in high school, excellent Matthew Kidman (E. Hirsch) takes everything extremely seriously and responsibly to the satisfaction of his proud mother (D. Bullock) and father (T. Bottoms).
With excellent grades and a prestigious university to which he has just been admitted, his goal is to become a successful politician. So he is already making the right moves by making sure his poor Cambodian peer Samnang (U. Lee) comes to school in the US. But one evening, his new neighbor Danielle (E. Cuthbert) catches his eye.
Dreaming of a beautiful girl, Matthew completely loses his concentration, but a real shock awaits him when he finds out that Danielle is a former adult movies star.
Accepted (2006)
Together with their group of infamous friends, they manage to deceive their parents and surroundings and "found" the prestigious South Harmon Institute of Technology. Just as they have settled into their positions, B and company realize that they have done their job too well – a bunch of other high school graduates rejected in other colleges are starting to come to this institute en masse. With a future hanging in the balance, Bartleby will need more than a handful of dexterity to escape prison, impress a girl, impress his parents, and simply become "Accepted".
A warning story about the growing up of two socially maladapted boys at the end of high school. The two of them are ridiculously dependent on each other – but as they enroll in different colleges they are forced to start thinking about life without the other.
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Evan (Michael Cera) is likable, smart, and most of the time terrified of fear. Seth (Jonah Hill) is a simpleton, impulsive, and completely obsessed with the topic of human sexuality. This is the story of their failed attempts to reverse their completely unsuccessful relationship with girls, which accompanies them all their lives, in a single panicked evening… a horrible, humiliating evening that will make you laugh for the rest of your life.
Knocked Up (2007)
Showbiz journalist from the E! TV channel, Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl), has just been promoted. Intending to celebrate business success, she goes out for a night out with her older sister Debbie (Leslie Mann). At the club, they meet the intoxicated Ben Stone (Seth Rogen). And while Alison chats with Ben, Debbie goes home at the invitation of her husband so Alison and Ben are left alone dancing and toasting deep into the night.
A completely drunk, cheerful couple spends a passionate night, and soon Alison finds out she is pregnant. Ben finds out the big news and they decide to stay together and start a family. But above all, Ben needs to grow up and start behaving more responsibly.
Porky's (1981)
In 1954, a group of Florida high-school guys try to help their buddy lose his virginity, which leads them to seek revenge on a sleazy nightclub owner and his redneck sheriff brother for harassing them.
Scary Movie (2000)
Student Drew (Carmen Elektra) is alone in the house. She suddenly receives an awkward phone call. She feels someone watching her. A man with a white mask and a black hood stands in her yard. He has a knife in one hand and a cell phone in the other… Another student, Cindy (Anna Faris), and a group of her confused friends are convinced that a mysterious killer is on their heels.
Scary Movie is a frantic parody of absolutely all horror, thriller, and teen movies made in the last 10 years. To 90s megahits like Scream, Sixth Sense, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and many others, this film also added elements of the horror classics Friday the 13th and Halloween. There is also a bit of provocation, a pinch of youthful decadence, and a beautiful blonde student, and everything is ready for a good parody.
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We can expect only the best entertainment from the Hangover director. This time they take us into the world of the craziest teenage parties.
Three high school seniors are throwing a birthday party to make them popular. As the night progresses, things spiral out of control, and word of a good party spreads quickly.
Can't Hardly Wait (1998)
The new generation of Huntington Hills High School has just graduated. Graduation is celebrated with a big party in one apartment. Preston comes to the party, who has been secretly in love with the beautiful and unattainable Amanda for years. After Amanda breaks up with her boyfriend, sports-obsessed Mike, Preston sees this as an opportunity to finally admit to her how he feels. William, the main nerd in the class, has some unsettled accounts with Mike. Kenny, despite being white, pretends to be black in order to lose his virginity to one of the girls present.
Schmidt (J. Hill) and Jenko (C. Tatum) went straight from school to the police academy and met again when they became partners. They are young and look like high school students, so they have the task of infiltrating the circles of drug dealers in order to find out who sells synthetic drugs to students.
Neighbors (2014)
The young family happily welcomes new neighbors. They are likable, young, and… members of the student fraternity that organizes the best parties in town! As their lives turn like a carousel, confused parents and their little baby try to adjust to the new situation, but also stop the "cheerful" neighbors before they demolish the whole street and drive them as far away from home and society as possible.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Stacy Hamilton (J. Jason Leigh) is a wealthy California teenager who attends Ridgemont High School and in her spare time works at a fast-food restaurant as a waitress. Her best friend Linda (P. Cates) also works in the same restaurant, and since, unlike her, she already has some experience with young men, she constantly gives her advice on how to behave in a male company.
Namely, Linda likes her peer Mark Ratner (B. Backer) and she would love to go out with him. Their school is also attended by the likable, albeit grumpy Jeff Spicoli (S. Penn), who only fantasizes about becoming a surfing champion and smoking marijuana. That is why he is not on good terms with Mr. Hand (R. Walston), a professor of American history, who has long been convinced that all students are only for fun, not learning.
Ted (B. Stiller) has a lifelong dream come true when he is invited to the prom by the most beautiful girl at school, the beautiful Mary Jensen (C. Diaz), moved by his commitment to her mentally retarded brother Warren (W. Earl Brown). The dream night turns into hell when Ted ends up in the hospital instead of dancing.
It's been 13 years since the embarrassing experience, and Ted, now a successful writer, is still thinking about Mary. At the urging of Dom's best friend (C. Elliott), he hires a private detective to track her down in Florida.
However, Detective Pat Healy (M. Dillon) falls in love with Mary himself, so he lies to Ted that she's so disgusted that there's no point in looking for her anymore. And while Pat tries his best to gain her affection, Ted listens to his heart and sets off for Florida. Along the way, he gets into trouble with the police because he gives a lift to a stopper who leaves a dead body in his car.
When he finally finds Mary, the reunion awakens old feelings. The only problem is that he is not the only one, because there are many other suitors around Mary.
Risky Business (1983)
Meet Joel Goodsen, a hard-working seventeen-year-old excellent student, a responsible and reliable son… Meet Lana, young, desirable, picky and full of life experience.
Joel (Tom Cruise) has two goals in life: to enroll in college and women – which has only been a fantasy for him so far. But Joel's parents go on vacation and leave their house in his custody. What Lana (Rebecca De Mornay) will teach Joel and the free initiative of the new age are every parent's nightmare and a very risky business.
Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
Dissatisfied guys and best friends and roommates Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) smoke marijuana in their apartment and get hungry. They watch TV for a while and see an advertisement for the White Castle fast-food restaurant, after which they crave juicy burgers.
They then invite Rosenberg (Eddie Kaye Thomas) and Goldstein (David Krumholtz), their two Jewish friends, to join them, but they refuse because they want to watch a movie in which Katie Holmes shows her breasts. Harold and Kumar go for a bite and discover that the restaurant is closed. Another restaurant from the same chain is a 45-minute drive away.
Lonely boy John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) wished Ted a big teddy bear for one Christmas. Suddenly, Ted mysteriously came to life and became John's best friend. After the initial shock, the boy's parents also got used to the stuffed animal being like a living thing. But not only were they surprised, the whole world soon met Ted, who became a big star.
Today, John is a grown man, somewhat immature, who enjoys a debauched life with Ted, although he is in a relationship with co-worker Lori Collins (Mila Kunis). Every man is greeted by growing up and the moment when he has to choose: a dream girl or an unsurpassed fun teddy bear?
Revenge of the Nerds (1984)
The benevolent nerd Gilbert (Anthony Edwards) and Louis (Robert Carradine) began the first year of their schooling at Adams College unaware that the battles that awaited them were not just those of the academic type.
When members of the Alpha Beta fraternity and members of the football team are left homeless in a fire, they find a replacement place to live in a home where Gilbert, Louis, and their friends sleep, who are then forced to sleep in the gym, at least until the basketball season begins.
The tense situation is exacerbated by Louis' falling in love with the popular Betty Childs (Julie Montgomery), the girlfriend of one of the athletes. To defend themselves from the bullies, the two friends team up with the other nerds and start preparing revenge.
After word gets out that the otherwise likable high school student Olive Penderghast (Stone) lied about losing her own innocence, she begins to believe that her life is developing identically to that of the main character in the book "The Scarlet Letter" which she is simultaneously processing for reading. However, Olive will soon decide to use the rumor to improve her social and financial status to the general surprise of many.
Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
The year is 1981 – the last day before the closing of Camp Firewood. Of course, this means that the guests and employees of the camp will do their best to do the unfinished business or engage in a short romance.
The Late Bloomer (2016)
Botanist Jenny and her boyfriend Owen are looking for a rare exotic orchid that, according to legend, blooms in the presence of true love. Jenny receives an invitation from her mother to sell the house and has to pick up her things, so Jenny returns to her hometown and takes with her an orchid that needs constant care.
Robert Milakovic
Robert is the co-owner of Fiction Horizon and a lifelong fan of movies, TV shows, comics, and video games. Especially fascinated by Marvel, he enjoys every aspect of the franchise.
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OMERS Invests Alongside Porsche to Finance Group14 Technologies
Greg Gardner of Forbes reports Group14 Technologies raises $400 million from Porsche-led investor group:
Group14 Technologies, a developer of materials that enhance the output of lithium-silicon batteries, has raised $400 million from a group led by Porsche AG, OMERS Capital Markets, Decarbonization Partners and other investors.
The money will enable Group14 to begin constructing its second plant in the U.S.
Materials supplied by the Woodinville, Washington-based company help boost lithium-silicon batteries by 50% from traditional lithium-ion batteries, which result in greater range between recharging of vehicles that use them.
More automakers are turning to lithium-silicon because it is compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
Porsche has been delivering unique and sustainable sports cars for more than 70 years.
In March, the German company, which is owned by Volkswagen AG, said it expects electric vehicles to account for 80% of its global sales by 2030. Porsche also plans to build its own charging network.
Porsche currently has only one EV in its lineup, the Taycan.
"Our investment in Group14 is an important step for Porsche," said Lutz Meschke, deputy chairman of Porsche AG and member of the executive board. In a statement. "We have been actively investing in ambitious companies since 2016 and through our venture capital unit."
Over the last year, Group14 has launched a battery active materials factory in Woodinville, Wash., about 20 miles northeast of Seattle. It also broke ground SK Group on a joint venture factory in South Korea.
"Group14 is well-positioned to elevate all batteries by enabling the transformational performance of silicon in today's lithium-ion and tomorrow's solid-state applications," said Rick Luebbe, Group14 co-founder and CEO.
One of its customers is Cellforce Group, a Porsche subsidiary, that plans to produce lithium-silicon battery cells in Germany beginning in 2024 to help power Porsche's planned electric vehicles.
In November 2021, Group14 announced a partnership with StoreDot, a provider of extreme fast charging battery technology for electric cars.
StoreDot's investors include BP, Daimler AG, TDK and Samsung. It has designed a battery cell based on a silicon-dominant anode that enables faster charging.
Porsche's partnership with Group14 comes days after the Biden administration announced it will allocate more than $3 billion to assist electric vehicle battery manufacturing in the U.S. The funding will come from the Department of Energy and is part of the $1 trillion infrastructure bill President Biden signed in 2021.
Among the goals is to increase processing of minerals used in EV batteries and to make it easier to recycle those batteries. Biden wants half of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. to be battery-powered by 2030.
Group14 Technologies put out a press release on this deal:
Group14 Technologies, a global manufacturer and supplier of advanced silicon-carbon technology for lithium-silicon batteries, today announced it has raised $400 million in Series C funding led by Porsche AG with participation from OMERS Capital Markets, Decarbonization Partners, Riverstone Holdings LLC, Vsquared Ventures, Moore Strategic Ventures, and other large institutional investors. To deliver to customers including Porsche subsidiary Cellforce Group, Group14 plans to break ground on its second commercial-scale BAM factory in the U.S. to stay ahead of demand from markets reliant on high-performing batteries.
To meet fast-approaching targets worldwide for vehicle electrification and EV adoption, Group14's next-generation materials help lithium-silicon batteries deliver 50% higher performance than traditional lithium-ion batteries, eliminating range and charge anxiety. As automakers pledge to electrify fleets, OEMs are turning to lithium-silicon technologies, which are fully compatible with existing manufacturing facilities and processes, over other industry alternatives to bring premier performance and reach cost-parity with internal combustion engines.
For more than 70 years, Porsche AG has been committed to creating unique and sustainable sports cars. An industry leader in performance, Porsche has expanded its automotive offerings into electric vehicles, marrying a legacy of iconic vehicles with today's new clean energy standards. "Despite all global challenges, we are driving forward on our future projects consistently including digitalization and electrification," said Lutz Meschke, deputy chairman and member of the executive board of Finance and IT at Porsche AG. "Our investment in Group14 is an important step for Porsche's M&A activities. We have been actively investing in ambitious companies since 2016 and through our venture capital unit Porsche Ventures, we have gained a deep understanding of the venture capital world and are excited to lead this round."
Cellforce Group is set to produce high-performance lithium-silicon battery cells in South Germany beginning in 2024 to be installed in electrically powered Porsche models. "The battery cells are the combustion chamber of the future. We are investing in the development of new high-performance cells with Cellforce and in the production of battery modules," said Meschke. "As a result, Porsche has decided to partner with Group14 Technologies."
Joining Porsche AG is a combination of domestic and international financial and strategic investors including OMERS Capital Markets, Decarbonization Partners, Riverstone Holdings LLC, Vsquared Ventures, Moore Strategic Ventures, and other large institutional investors whose expertise help to herald the next frontier of automotive performance and sustainability.
In the past 12 months, Group14 has launched a commercial-scale Battery Active Materials factory in the U.S. and broken ground on a joint venture factory with SK Group in South Korea – both to continue its mission to deliver on the electrification of everything from EVs and aviation to consumer electronics and more. To meet rising energy storage demand globally, Group14 is poised to accelerate delivery of its mass-market, drop-in ready technology, SCC55™, which is capable of turning any gigafactory into a 1.5GW facility overnight. Already validated in EV-scale batteries and for extreme fast charging applications, Group14's technology helps leapfrog significant barriers to high-performing battery applications.
Group14 co-founder & CEO Rick Luebbe adds, "Group14 is well-positioned to elevate all batteries by enabling the transformational performance of silicon in today's lithium-ion and tomorrow's solid-state applications. We have been laser-focused on scaling our factories to deliver commercial quantities to customers in a mission to eradicate charge anxiety as fast as possible. With incredible support from a consortium of strategic and institutional investors led by Porsche that believe in our vision and roadmap, we can continue to advance the batteries that breathe life into the electrification of everything."
Citi and Nomura Greentech acted as joint placement agents on this transaction.
About Group14 Technologies
Founded to enable the coming electrification of everything, Group14's breakthrough technology for silicon batteries elevates the performance for all applications to accelerate the global transition to an all-electric future. Group14 currently operates a commercial-scale Battery Active Materials factory in Washington state with two forthcoming factories: one in South Korea as part of a joint venture with SK Group (coming online in 2022) and a second U.S. factory (coming online in 2023). To date, Group14 has raised $441 million in financing from Porsche AG, OMERS Capital Markets, Decarbonization Partners, Riverstone Holdings LLC, Vsquared Ventures, Moore Strategic Ventures, Amperex Technology Limited (ATL), BASF, Cabot Corporation, Showa Denko, OVP Venture Partners and SK materials, and is advised by Citi and Nomura Greentech.
About Porsche AG
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, with headquarters in Stuttgart (Germany), is one of the most profitable car makers in the world. In 2021, Porsche delivered more than 300,000 vehicles of the 911, 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman, Cayenne, Macan, Panamera and Taycan models to customers worldwide. Thereby, Porsche's operating profit amounted to 5.3 billion euros. The sports car manufacturer employs 37,000 people. Porsche is committed to innovation, many of the technologies have their origins in motorsport. In 2030, Porsche aims to be CO2-neutral on the balance sheet across the entire value chain and the life cycle of the newly sold vehicles.
About OMERS Capital Markets and OMERS
OMERS Capital Markets is the capital markets investment division of OMERS, one of Canada's largest defined benefit pension plans. Capital Markets' diverse programs, flexible investment strategies and specialized teams, including across public equities, private credit, and structured investments, enable it to pursue opportunities that don't fit into traditional categories. Through its global Capital Solutions team, it identifies and executes on complex opportunities across a number of themes, including decarbonization, clean-tech and life sciences. Founded in 1962, OMERS manages $121 billion in net assets as of December 31, 2021. OMERS has employees in Toronto and other major cities across North America, the U.K., Continental Europe, Asia and Australia.
About Decarbonization Partners
Decarbonization Partners is a partnership between Temasek and BlackRock focused on late-stage venture capital and early growth private equity investing in next-generation companies that provide solutions and technologies to help accelerate global efforts to achieve a net zero global economy by 2050. Decarbonization Partners combines Temasek and BlackRock's expertise in sourcing and underwriting private investments, portfolio and risk management, and sustainable technology and analytics. Decarbonization Partners looks to invest in a wide range of companies that have proven technology but need capital to scale. The partnership targets multiple sectors, including: Energy, Mobility, Manufacturing & Materials, and the Built Environment. The partnership reflects BlackRock and Temasek's shared commitment to help build more sustainable and resilient portfolios, while also contributing to consistent, long-term financial returns that benefit their clients and stakeholders.
About Riverstone Holdings LLC
Founded in 2000 by David Leuschen and Pierre Lapeyre, Riverstone Holdings LLC is an asset management firm that invests in the private markets primarily within energy, power and infrastructure. Since inception, the Firm has raised $43 billion of capital to invest across the capital structure and in all major components of the industry's value chain. Riverstone's low-carbon investment franchise began 16 years ago, and has invested more than $6.6 billion in the renewable infrastructure and decarbonization categories since inception. During this time, the Firm has established industry leading, scaled companies. Within the last two years alone, Riverstone has raised more than $3 billion for over a dozen transactions involving differentiated companies that are decarbonizing critical industries.
About Vsquared Ventures
Based in Europe's deep tech hub Munich, Vsquared Ventures is backing entrepreneurs and startups that solve some of today's and tomorrow's most pressing problems by engineering seemingly impossible breakthrough solutions. Vsquared Ventures identifies and funds tech-driven companies with the potential to become global leaders in the biggest existing markets or create entirely new industries. Vsquared's portfolio includes companies such as Isar Aerospace, IQM Quantum Computing, Zama.ai, Customcells, and Group14. By forming alliances with key players from industry, science, finance, and the global startup ecosystem, Vsquared Ventures enables founders to push for game-changing innovations for a better future.
About Moore Strategic Ventures
Moore Strategic Ventures, LLC is the privately held investment company for Louis M. Bacon, Founder and CEO of Moore Capital Management, LP.
OMERS Capital Markets also put out a press release announcing the investment in Group14 Technologies alongside Porsche AG:
OMERS Capital Markets today announced its participation in Group14 Technologies' Series C US$400 million funding round. OMERS investment will be overseen by its global Capital Solutions team, which is focused on identifying and executing on complex opportunities across a number of themes, including decarbonization, clean-tech and life sciences. The team's goals include fostering long-term partnerships with innovative companies to help them scale up and help shape the economy of the future.
"Group14's focus on improving the performance of lithium ion batteries positions it to make a crucial contribution to the global decarbonization effort," said Dmitry Yashnikov, Director with the Alternative Capital Solutions team, which led the transaction for Capital Solutions. "This transaction follows our earlier investment in Sweden's Northvolt AB and entrenches us in the battery value chain. We are very supportive of the inspiring vision that Rick Luebbe and his team are working to realize," he added.
"The investment in in Group14 is a clear demonstration of how OMERS, as a direct, long-term institutional investor, has the agility to engage with companies in ways that closely support their strategy and growth. We look forward to building similar partnerships with other cutting-edge firms in the years ahead," said Michael Block, Senior Managing Director, Capital Solutions.
"At Group14, we are committed to elevating all batteries with the transformational performance of silicon to reimagine mobility, aviation, grid storage and beyond. We welcome the support from visionary, like-minded investors like OMERS for our Series C round and look forward to a long-term partnership to enable the electrification of everything," said Rick Luebbe, CEO and co-founder of Group14.
OMERS was advised by Latham & Watkins, LLP.
OMERS Capital Markets is the capital markets investment division of OMERS, one of Canada's largest defined benefit pension plans. Capital Markets' diverse programs, flexible investment strategies and specialized teams, including across public equities, private credit, and structured investments, enable it to pursue opportunities that don't fit into traditional categories. Through its global Capital Solutions team, it identifies and executes on complex opportunities across a number of themes, including decarbonization, clean-tech and life sciences.
Founded in 1962, OMERS manages $121 billion in net assets as of December 31, 2021. OMERS is a jointly-sponsored pension plan, with 1,000 participating employers ranging from large cities to local agencies, and over half a million active, deferred, and retired members. OMERS members include union and non-union employees of municipalities, school boards, local boards, transit systems, electrical utilities, emergency services and children's aid societies across Ontario. Contributions to the Plan are funded equally by members and employers. OMERS teams work in Toronto, London, New York, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Singapore, Sydney and other major cities across North America and Europe – serving members and employers and originating and managing a diversified portfolio of high-quality investments in public markets, private equity, infrastructure, and real estate.
Founded in 2015 to enable the coming electrification of everything, Group14's battery materials breakthrough brings new levels of energy performance to lithium-ion-powered devices and vehicles. Recognized by the Department of Energy for its novel, drop-in ready nanomaterials and reliable industrial-scale process, Group14 serves the global transition to an all-electric future with performance for any use case. Company investors include Amperex Technology Limited (ATL), BASF, Cabot Corporation, Showa Denko and SK materials. Visit us at www.group14.technology.
Let me begin by thanking Neil Hrab of OMERS for sending me this information earlier today.
The fact that OMERS Capital Markets participated in Group14 Technologies' Series C US$400 million funding round speaks volumes about this group.
Michael Block, Senior Managing Director, Capital Solutions states this:
"The investment in in Group14 is a clear demonstration of how OMERS, as a direct, long-term institutional investor, has the agility to engage with companies in ways that closely support their strategy and growth. We look forward to building similar partnerships with other cutting-edge firms in the years ahead."
And Dmitry Yashnikov, Director with the Alternative Capital Solutions team, which led the transaction for Capital Solutions states this:
"Group14's focus on improving the performance of lithium ion batteries positions it to make a crucial contribution to the global decarbonization effort. This transaction follows our earlier investment in Sweden's Northvolt AB and entrenches us in the battery value chain. We are very supportive of the inspiring vision that Rick Luebbe and his team are working to realize."
And Rick Luebbe, CEO and co-founder of Group14 explains the mission:
"At Group14, we are committed to elevating all batteries with the transformational performance of silicon to reimagine mobility, aviation, grid storage and beyond. We welcome the support from visionary, like-minded investors like OMERS for our Series C round and look forward to a long-term partnership to enable the electrification of everything."
Recall, last June, OMERS co-led the $2.75 billion equity funding in Stockholm-based Northvolt, a lithium-ion battery manufacturing company that focuses on providing eco-friendly batteries.
With these investments, OMERS is "entrenched" in the lithium ion battery value chain and positioning itself nicely to capitalize on the growing demand for the electrification of everything.
Like Gretzky famously stated once: "I skate where the puck is going to be, not where it has been."
The puck is headed toward a world which is decarbonizing at a rapid rate.
In order to position themselves for the energy transition, Canada's large pensions need to identify companies across their portfolios that will benefit from this transition.
OMERS global Alternative Capital Solutions team has a mandate to identify and execute on complex opportunities across a number of themes, including decarbonization, clean-tech and life sciences.
They invest in large funding rounds alongside other like-minded investors and this deal fits perfectly within their scope because it is an established company growing fast that needs capital to finance that explosive growth.
I know, it gets confusing, you have OMERS Ventures, OMERS Growth Equity, OMERS Private Equity, and OMERS Capital Markets.
Each team has a mandate and they all invest across the capital structure at different points, some in earlier rounds, some in later rounds.
You can read more about what the OMERS global Alternative Capital Solutions team does here.
"Using our collaborative and patient approach, we make investments across equity and debt outside traditional categories and asset classes to position OMERS Capital Markets for the future. We leverage our deep sector expertise and industry relationships to unlock global opportunities in themes such as decarbonization, cleantech, automation and telecommunications. We aim to invest in tangible, asset-heavy businesses that have already passed the product commercialization stage and are seeking capital to scale up."
That's why financing Group14 Technologies and Northvolt's growth fits perfectly as part of its mandate.
If you ask me, the OMERS global Alternative Capital Solutions team is working on exciting stuff, financing companies that are going to materially alter the way we live in the future.
Below, Rick Constantino, Founder and CTO of Group14 Technologies, explains how carbon and silicon are being used to push the boundaries of lithium-ion batteries.
This is an excellent interview, Mr. Constantino is obviously a really smart guy with an interesting background. In another interview for Medium he stated this:
The thing about lithium-ion batteries — the ones in your phone or laptop or TV — is that it is powered by almost the same technology since the 1980s. As a result, we have seen small incremental improvements in energy density over the last decade or so. As we head towards the future, conventional lithium-ion powered batteries will not be enough to unlock the electrification of everything from electric vehicles to electric aircrafts.
What the team at Group14 set out to do is re-think a portion of the conventional battery starting with the anode, replacing graphite with a silicon-carbon composite to unlock up to 50% or even higher increase in energy density. While silicon has 10 times the capacity of graphite, scientists have shied away from incorporating silicon into lithium-ion batteries because the material has a tendency to expand and contract. After many iterations, we figured out a way to harness the power of silicon within a porous carbon scaffold to dramatically improve its electrochemical performance. Our flagship product SCC55™, a lithium-silicon battery material, is created through a patented two-step process to optimize battery performance across any use case. More importantly, in this "on-demand" era, we can produce SCC55™ efficiently at scale to meet commercial demand. You could take our flagship product and drop it into any current manufacturing infrastructure to produce higher-performing lithium-ion batteries today.
Across all industries, we see the same theme: how batteries can create more powerful devices. I believe SCC55™ will completely reshape how engineers think about energy storage and enable even more innovation in any battery-powered device.
Right now, we are working with battery manufacturers and their customers to improve performance and lower the cost of electric vehicles — from bikes to cars to vans and more. Our goal is to see electric vehicles at cost parity with combustion engines to accelerate the electrification of everything — not tomorrow, but today.
Like I said, really smart guy, take the time to read this interview and listen to the one below.
I also embedded another clip where he discusses how SCC55™ solves a two decade old challenge for the battery industry, enabling lithium-silicon batteries and creating step-change advancement for energy storage.
Bottom line: This investment in Group14 Technologies is a great one for OMERS and its members, and along with the one in Northvolt, it positions them well in the battery value chain which will be critical as the world moves toward decarbonization.
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