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by Nona Martin
Is Eastman Johnson's Union Soldiers Accepting a Drink part of a post-Civil War dialogue on race relations?
The addition of Eastman Johnson's Union Soldiers Accepting a Drink to the Museum of Art's permanent collection is a cause for celebration for people interested in American art and history. Removed from the isolation of a private collection and now on public view in the Scaife Gallery, this painting depicts a seldom-rendered scene from 19th-century American culture. It also illustrates an American artist's definition of a new genre of painting, and reveals his successful achievement of European artistic standards. To historians and Civil War scholars it offers insight into the role and interreliance of black and white women within slave communities during the American Civil War. Recently, new information on slavery has emerged suggesting the complexity and multi-faceted nature of slave communities. Yet, rarely has this been visually portrayed in such a small, superbly executed canvas, a canvas described by Johnson's biographer, Patricia Hills, as "typical of Johnson's best paintings."
The painting, measuring a mere 10 3/4 x 15 1/4 inches, may have been a preliminary study for a later Johnson painting entitled Dinnertime and Appletime in Old Virginia, a slightly larger work (22 x 25 1/2 inches) that is now apparently lost. However, certain elements were eliminated in the latter work which drastically altered its poignant narrative. The description of Dinnertime and Appletime in Old Virginia in a 1907 sale catalogue of Johnson's paintings reveals that the only person depicted is a negro woman summoning men to dinner-the artist has removed the Union Soldiers, the young girl watching the scene, and a distant woman in the fields:
In the right foreground is the corner of a wooden house, which stands on a stone wall laid without mortar, and in the doorway stands a negro woman blowing a tin horn, apparently summoning the men to come to dinner. An apple tree, laden with fruit, an arch of climbing roses and other vines cast a broad shadow across the foreground, through which a tiny brook runs over a rocky bed. In the middle distance is seen an old-fashioned garden, with sunflowers and vegetables, all in brilliant sunlight, and beyond a vista over a meadow to a blue hill in the horizon. #1
Union Soldiers Accepting a Drink is undated and unsigned. Artists usually do not date or sign their preliminary smaller studies for later works, and Union Soldiers is smaller than Dinnertime, suggesting its earlier origin. The composition of Union Soldiers is similar to that of other antebellum Johnson paintings in which a drama is enacted in separate vignettes. Much attention to detail, skillful rendering of the slave dwelling, realistic modeling of the figures and the massing of lights and shadows are all trademarks of Johnson's American genre paintings.2 #
Union Soldiers contains three distinct vignettes set in a rural area sometime around the American Civil War. Several artistic conventions unify the vignettes-an overlapping archway, patterns of light and shade, and a shared yard functions as a proscenium for the drama being enacted. The scene in the right side of the painting shows an African-American woman providing a drink to two Union soldiers resting by the building from which she emerges. The CAKE/BEER sign above the doorway suggests the beverage she is serving them.
A second, and perhaps more important, vignette is prominently placed in the center of the painting. An African-American girl is seen in profile intently observing the interaction among the soldiers and the black woman. The girl's role as observer and her enigmatic gaze seem to be the reasons for her central location. However, her position in the painting-in the center of the pathway, against a brilliantly lit meadow, and under a fruitful arch-suggests that she has other duties and, hence, has a more meaningful connection with the scene.
In the left side of the painting, the third vignette contains an abundant wheat field, clearly separated from the pathway, structure and activities of the African-American women. Interestingly, Johnson places an Anglo-American woman in the wheat field. This position emphasizes her disassociation from the activity at hand. Painted in quick brush strokes, the woman is barely visible and stands seemingly unaware of the African-American women's delivery of comfort and support to the Union soldiers.
As in other Johnson genre paintings, duplicity is suggested by the placement of symbols throughout the painting. The orderly arrangement and size of the stones supporting the house, as well as the older African-American woman and the Union soldiers, a squirrel skin attached to the exterior of the structure, and a stream that flows from the house, terminating at a point horizontal to the African-American girl's feet, all suggest that Johnson has endowed this scene with additional meanings which remain uncertain.
In questioning Johnson's intent and message, we are encouraged to ponder the role of women-both black and white, individually and collectively, in and out of slavery-in the American Civil War. Johnson's background, his observations and southern travels, and a review of some of his paintings that portray African-Americans, provide insight into his point of view.
Eastman Johnson was born into a politically prominent Maine family in 1824. Largely self-taught, he earned a reputation as a portraitist in charcoal and pastel. After establishing himself as a fashionable artist with some of the political and social elite in Washington, D.C. (of special note are his connections to Dolly Madison and Mrs. Alexander Hamilton), he traveled to Europe in 1849 to further his training and to study the old masters. In 1855, after his travels and studies at the Düsseldorf Academy, The Hague and Paris (the latter under the tutelage of Thomas Couture), he returned to the United States. Thoroughly versed in the methods of realist painting and deeply impressed by the work of Rembrandt and Millet, Johnson sought to apply his learning to subjects uniquely American, notably slave life in the South during the late 1850s and 1860s. His early genre paintings and his scenes of New England life executed in the late 1870s are recognized as his finest works. By the 1880s Johnson's need for money dictated his return to portraiture, and this dominated the remainder of his artistic career.
Of special interest in Johnson's development and career is his observation of Union troops and an 1857 commission from the Mount Vernon Association to illustrate George Washington's historic home prior to its initial restoration. Resulting works included The Wounded Drummer Boy (one version in situ at the Frick Art and Historical Center); Washington's Kitchen at Mt. Vernon, Mt. Vernon, VA; Civil War Scene, Brooklyn Museum; The Field Hospital, Boston Museum of Fine Arts; and A Ride for Liberty- The Fugitive Slaves, The Brooklyn Museum.3 The scene in A Ride for Liberty was actually witnessed and attested to by Johnson.
Johnson's promotion of a distinct American genre in painting began with his Negro Life in the South (Old Kentucky Home) in 1859. Currently on view at the New York Historical Society, it is the painting for which he is best remembered. Life in the South was primarily executed and exhibited to secure Johnson's acceptance into the prestigious National Academy of Design. The painting shows a panoramic view of a slave scene in which groups of slaves are arranged against a disheveled, dilapidated structure adjacent to a sturdy brick building. Six isolated vignettes are incorporated into this slave scene-a courting couple, a woman with a baby protruding from a second-floor window, a banjo player and young boy, a woman and her dancing children, two girls at play and, a richly attired light-skinned woman and her companion. A typical interpretation of the highly symbolic rooster-and here we see one on the roof-is that a wake-up call is being issued.
Initially, the painting was well-received by the art establishment, and it earned the dubious distinction of being approved by both pro-slavery and abolitionist groups. Slavery proponents regarded it as an apologia for slavery, and northern abolitionists saw the dilapidated structure as symbolizing the crumbling institution of slavery. Nonetheless, its interpretation as a nostalgic and sympathetic view of slavery was maintained until very recently. Within the last decade, art history scholars have concluded that the painting is indeed an enigma and may have been coded to be understood only by the initiated.4 #In arguing for a more thoroughly analysis, some scholars have suggested that Johnson may have encouraged antebellum viewers to ponder the fate of mulattos and their ultimate placement in 19th-century American society.5 #
Corn Husking of 1860 (Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, New York) is another painting that is infused with hidden meaning. An inscription on the barn door, "Lincoln/Hamlon" [sic], and the strategic placement of a rifle against the door, may have been intended to deliver an ominous message in this genre painting. Like Dinnertime and Appletime in Old Virginia, the painting was changed and the inscription altered to read "The Union Forever" in Currier and Ives 1861 print reproductions.
Toward the end of the Civil War, Johnson's position on slavery crystallized as he incorporated images of African-American in positions of freedom and dignity. The title of an 1860 work, Freedom Ring, revealed the political direction to which Johnson had advanced. Although the narrative of the painting is somewhat unclear, its title and patronage suggest that Johnson may have communicated with abolitionists, and perhaps sympathized with their cause. The painting, which is now lost, depicted a seated mulatto girl gazing at a ring. It was commissioned by the Rev. Beecher, father of Harriet Beecher Stowe, in commemoration of a church member's donation of a wedding ring to help in financing the girl's escape from slavery. Additionally, Johnson's subsequent paintings of African-Americans were governed by themes of freedom as in A Ride for Liberty: The Fugitive Slave of 1862, and of the need to educate former slaves as in The Chimney Corner of 1863.
Thus we can begin to understand that from the engaging encounter of the older African-American woman and the Union soldiers, to the graceful, contemplative solitude of both the African-American girl and the Anglo-American woman, Union Soldiers Accepting a Drink is actually a rare painting in American art that it reveals peaceful interactions between blacks and whites during a time of great conflict. Today's viewers may well regard this work as a symbolic statement of the interreliance and mutual support between black and white races. Further study of symbolism that may yield other arguments to future art historians is warranted. Symbols such as the CAKE/BEER sign, the squirrel skin nailed to the building, the flowing stream and the arrangement and orderly placement of the bricks supporting the structure are indications of concealed meaning in the painting. Additionally, the placement of the African-American girl may suggest that she connects the action of the nurturing African-American woman and the contemplative Anglo-American woman.
Does this pensive girl, who has guided the soldiers to this place of comfort, represent a new generation of African-Americans who are expected to usher in an era of self-support and interreliance?
1. Catalogue of Finished Pictures, Studies and Drawings by the Late Eastman Johnson, N.A., 1907. These artworks were sold at an unrestricted public sale by Mrs. Eastman Johnson at the American Art Galleries, Madison Square South, New York City.
2#. Patricia Hills makes this assertion in her June 29, 1990, letter after observing the painting 10 days earlier.
4#. Hugh Honour, The Image of the Black in Western Art, Vol. 4, Part I, Cambridge, 1989, 217.
5. See Nona Martin, Negro Life at the South: Eastman Johnson Rendition of Slavery and Miscegenation, M.A. thesis, University of Pittsburgh, 1984.
Nona Martin received her M.A. in art history from the University of Pittsburgh and is a former education specialist in the Museum of Art's outreach program.

domain: history


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domain: library


Design and Implementation of Embedded Multi-parameter Intelligent Evironment Monitoring Systems
|School||Zhejiang University of Technology|
|Course||Detection Technology and Automation|
|Keywords||Environmental Monitoring System ARM Linux operating system Physical signal filtering Moving target detection|
With the social development and the progress of science and technology, as well as people's awareness of environmental protection, environmental safety has become the focus of attention. Environmental elements in everyday life, such as the monitoring of air, drinking water for healthy living is crucial; industrial production, transport, storage areas, the relevant parameters need to be monitored, especially direct impact on product quality is the key indicators. Parameter abnormal, the environmental monitoring system capable of real-time alarm and notify the relevant personnel to take necessary measures in order to avoid significant losses. Therefore, the real-time monitoring of the environment has important practical significance. Currently, environmental monitoring equipment toward intelligent, diverse applications direction, single physical signal monitoring in the traditional sense, has been unable to adapt to this trend, so the research and development of multi-parameter intelligent, low-cost embedded environment intelligent monitoring system has important theoretical significance and application value, it is in this context, the proposed core ARM microprocessor and embedded Linux operating system embedded the environment intelligent monitoring system, to achieve a complex physical signals and multi- real-time monitoring of video signal transmission, at the same time, combined with the completion of the physical signal filtering and moving target detection algorithm intelligent alarm system, intelligent environmental monitoring system, network and systematic. The main work and research results of this paper are as follows: embedded multi-parameter environmental monitoring system needs analysis based on the design of the overall system hardware architecture, using the ARM9 microprocessor the S3C2440A build hardware platform, the completion of the USB interface circuit design and realization of the network interface, serial port, power modules, transplantation U-BOOT, Linux operating system, complete system platform software and hardware development. 2. Development environment signal acquisition, display, alarm and transmission in one application. Physical signal danger signals detected alarm. For a video signal, the collected images transmitted over the network to the PC side simultaneously decode and display environmental detection platform, and then moving target detection, intelligent alarm. Environmental monitoring parameters of a single, physical signal processing shortcomings deviation the sliding average filtering and limiting filter combination. Experimental results show that the algorithm restore the data from the complex physical signal value is closer to the environment the true value. So that the the abnormal signal the alarm more stable and reliable. Requirements for multi-channel video surveillance for a large amount of video data signal with a moving target detection method improved inter-frame difference method and background subtraction combined overcome poor adaptability background, shadows interfere with moving object extraction empty shortcomings, intelligent monitoring requirements. Summary of the research for this article, and the need for further research and improved.


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"Touch my muscles!" - Chavez tells Naomi Campbell
( Reuters )- Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez in an interview with supermodel Naomi Campbell predicted that the U.S "empire" is about to fall, called Jesus Christ history's No. 1 revolutionary -- and offered to pose topless.
"Why not? Touch my muscles!" the burly, 53 year-old former paratrooper said, when asked if he would follow the example of Russian President Vladimir Putin , who caused a stir last year with a series of shirtless pictures.
An English actress and model of Jamaican heritage, Campbell was hired by the British edition of GQ magazine to interview the left-wing leader, who is known for his tirades against the United States.
In the article, to be published on Thursday, Campbell describes Chavez as a "rebel angel," praises his singing voice and chats with him about the Spice Girls.
"I have memories of them," he said, before moving on to more familiar ground criticizing Washington, which he predicted would dramatically lose influence in the next few years.
Chavez, who says he is leading a socialist revolution that he hopes will one day unite Latin America, said he was a devout Christian and that Jesus Christ was "the greatest revolutionary in history, for defending the poor against the powerful."
Chavez, in power since 1999, is liked by many Venezuelans for his folksy, off-the-cuff delivery, but the opposition says his quirky style has often distracted him from the basic tasks of government such as fighting crime.
Campbell, 37, met Chavez three times. She joins a growing list of stars who have dropped by to visit the charismatic leader in the South American oil-exporting nation. Last year he also received actor Sean Penn and film director Oliver Stone.
The model, known for her fiery temper, said last year she was turning over a new leaf after doing community service for throwing a phone at her maid. She hopes to interview more world figures, including Chavez's friend, Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
Chavez said Castro's dress sense made him the world's most stylish leader.
"His uniform is impeccable. His boots are polished, his beard is elegant," he said, of the ailing octogenarian.

domain: news


The iPhone 8 is almost here and it wouldn’t be an Apple launch without leaks and rumors flowing non-stop. And now, photos claiming to be the “actual” iPhone 8 have been released by international technology news website BRG for the first time.
According to the images, the device features glass panels on the front and back, with slightly curved edges a mid-frame made from stainless steel. It also has a cool OLED infinity screen. It’s still not clear whether they will include the Touch ID sensor under the glass, since the home button has been removed.
Furthermore, the dual-lens camera located behind the phone has been retained, only it's positioned vertically.
Despite the outcry of Apple fans regarding the iPhone 7’s missing headphone jack, the latest installment won’t have the 3.5mm headphone jack and is expected to feature wireless charging.
Behold, here’s our first look at iPhone 8 in the flesh:
It’s still possible that this is not the final design, of course. It could just be another convincing mock up. For now, it’s probably best to wait for Apple’s announcement before we get our hearts set on an infinity screen.


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Do you have a relative that has a remarkable tendency to end up injured? It might not be entirely their fault. A review article indicates that a person’s genetic makeup could have an influence on their risk of injury. The results of the article are especially interesting to athletes whose livelihoods can be negatively impacted after a severe injury occurs.
A review article was published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. The review article was titled “The dawning age of genetic testing for sports injuries”. One of the authors was Stuart Kim, who is a professor of genetics at Stanford University’s department of developmental biology and genetics. A key point of the study is that the authors think that genetic testing would give athletes important information that they might be able to use to increase their competitive edge.
That review article adds to a growing body of research about the connection between genes and the tendency to become injured. For example, there was a previous study that was published in 2009 that was titled “Genetic risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament ruptures: COL1A1 gene variant.”
In “plain English” the study focused on a gene called COL1A1. It is a gene that is involved with a certain type of collagen that the body produces. An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one that is among the most severe types of sports injuries. The ACL is the ligament that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone.
This study involved 117 Caucasian participants who had surgically diagnosed ACL ruptures and an additional 130 Caucasian participants who didn’t have any history of an ACL injury. All of the participants were genotyped for the COL1A1 gene.
The researchers found that a rare genotype of the COL1A1 gene, called TT was under-represented in the group that had experienced a surgically diagnosed ACL rupture. In other words, the people who had the TT variant were much less likely to experience an ACL rupture. Another study regarding the COL1A1 gene had results that indicated that the TT genotype appeared to be protective against acute soft tissue ruptures.
This is the part where genetic testing kits come into the conversation. Several companies offer consumers DNA testing kits that could tell a person his or her risk for sports injuries (including the risk of an ACL injury) based upon that person’s genetic information. Could this kind of information be used against a person who hoped to join a college team, or who wanted to play professional sports?
Another thing to keep in mind that the genes have an influence on injury, but sometimes it is the confluence of several genes that produce the result – not just one. People also are capable of making risky choices that can lead to injury regardless of what is in their genes.
Image by Jeremy Reding on Flickr.
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Church-based Clinic with a Heart opened seven years ago to help the sick who had nowhere to turn.
People like Chonz Roman.
On its first day, 14 volunteers from St. Mark's United Methodist Church attended to 19 patients. Volunteers vowed to return monthly.
Not much distinguished those early clinics from their inspiration: St. Mark's missions to a dump in Reynosa, Mexico.
Even today, with the clinic boasting 600 annual volunteers -- more than 50 medical providers -- and providing an estimated $1 million in free care per year, the clinics remain fleeting.
Twice weekly, volunteers drag out tackle boxes of medical supplies, throw up curtains for privacy and create reception areas. A lunch room becomes a pharmacy, an office an exam room. Hours later, everything goes back into its box.

domain: medical


he Eastern Kentucky University men’s tennis team heads to Virginia this weekend to play a doubleheader on Friday against James Madison and Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, followed by a match on Saturday in Charlottesville at the University of Virginia.
EKU is coming off of a successful, home-opening weekend, defeating both the University of the Cumberlands, 7-0, and Northern Kentucky, 6-1, on Saturday.
Nic Castaldo, Parth Aggarwal and Ramon van Flymen each went undefeated in both singles and doubles throughout both matches.
James Madison comes into the contest with just a match under its belt, notching a win against Saint Francis, 6-1 while Virginia Tech comes into Friday’s match after splitting the weekend at Alabama, falling to the home team, 1-4, but defeating Penn State, 4-1.
Virginia hosted the ITA Kickoff Weekend last weekend and went 0-2, falling to Texas Tech, 4-3, and Ole Miss in the consolation match, 4-1.
Friday’s matches are slated to begin at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. while Saturday’s match is scheduled for 12 p.m.
There will be live stats available for each match during the road swing, and live video available during the match at Virginia.
— www.EKUSports.com —
Assistant Director, EKUSports Communications


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John Lennon News
Julian Lennon honors his mom, the environment in kids' book
Julian Lennon, the 54-year-old firstborn son of the late Beatle John Lennon and his first wife, Cynthia, has co-authored a picture book for kids as young as 3 that covers environmental issues related to water
Music legend Chuck Berry remembered in rock 'n' roll style
Family, friends and fans paid their final respects to the rock 'n' roll legend Chuck Berry on Sunday, celebrating the life and career of a man who inspired countless guitarists and bands
Legendary musician Chuck Berry dead at 90
He directly influenced the early music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys and The Kinks.
Jay Z will be the first rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
Jay Z , Babyface and the songwriting and production team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are among this year's inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The artists will receive the honor at the organization's 48th Annual Induction and Awards diner on June 15 in New York City. Jay Z will be the
John Lennon and Yoko Ono Biopic on the Way
John Lennon and Yoko Ono 's relationship and their anti-war activism will reportedly be the subject of an upcoming feature film docu-drama. The as-yet untitled movie will be co-produced by Yoko herself, according to The Hollywood Reporter , along with Michael De Luca, whose other credits include
Paul McCartney Sues Over Beatles Copyrights
McCartney is suing to get back the copyrights to Beatles songs he wrote or co-wrote that currently are owned by the Sony/ATV publishing company.
Paul McCartney Files Lawsuit Seeking to Get Back Beatles Copyrights from Sony/ATV
Paul McCartney is gunning to get back the copyrights to Beatles songs he wrote or co-wrote that currently are owned by the Sony /ATV publishing company. According to the rock legend's rep, McCartney filed a lawsuit in New York on Wednesday "to confirm his ownership in his U.S. reversionary
See Jimi Hendrix's Guitar and More at Newseum's 'Louder Than Words' Exhibit
ABC News' Freda Kashi checks out musical and political memorabilia at the exhibit on rock, power and politics.
5 Things to Know About Golden Globe Surprise Winner Aaron Taylor-Johnson
One of the biggest surprises Sunday night at the Golden Globe Awards was Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s winning the supporting actor award for movies. Taylor-Johnson beat out favorites Mahershala Ali for "Moonlight" and Jeff Bridges for "To Hell and High Water" for his performance as a redneck killer in
ARCHIVAL VIDEO: John Lennon Killed in 1980
Dec. 8, 1980: Lennon was shot and killed outside his New York City apartment building.

domain: artistic


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D.C.’s biggest hip hop and electronic music festival went down this past Saturday at the D.C. Fairgrounds.
Jay Z and Justin Timberlake made last night a night to remember! Check out these after party photos with Jay Z and our own DJ Reddz.
Jay-Z and Kanye continue to push the genre’s boundaries once again, and a group of young, talented and eager artists are looking to claim legendary status. 2013 is shaping up to be hip-hop’s biggest year … and it’s only summer.
Wale is sending kids to college. He’s given out a $25,000 scholarship and from the looks of it, there’s another $50,000 in college tuition on its way!
The video, directed by Benny Boom, finds the three artists flossing with beautiful women and piles of cash, and boasts a guest appearance from Wiz Khalifa.
For the second straight week, rap not only tops the U.S. album charts, but also makes a hat-trick of the top three spots, continuing a solid few weeks for the genre after a quiet start.
WPGC 95.5’s very own DJ Flexx took his talents to the west coast this past weekend to be a part of the 2013 BET Awards in Los Angeles.
One day after the DMV’s shining star Wale released his third major label album, it’s only fitting we dedicate this week’s “DMV Spotlight” to the artist that has opened the door to the national Hip-Hop game through his music.
On Friday, The Pablo Show had a listener named “Gina” tell her Mom 5 lies and it involved her son, husband, and … rappers Wale and Diddy!
Wale got Rihanna to do a remix for his hit single, “Bad,” which features Tiara Thomas on the original track.


text: After a dismal 2013 season and a slow start in 2014, the Washington Spirit (10-9-5) came roaring back in the second half of the season, only to fall from third to fourth place in the final regular season standings as a result of a 1-0 loss to Sky Blue FC in the final game of the regular season. Still, it's a record that's good enough to earn them a trip to a semi-final matchup in the NWSL Championships, facing the mighty Seattle Reign (16-2-6) who lost their final game of the season, only their second loss all season, to the talented Portland Thorns (10-8-6), moving Portland ahead of Washington in the final standings. Portland will now face FC Kansas City (12-7-5) in the other semi-final matchup...hoping thast Washington can somehow topple Seattle which would give them a chance at hosting the league championship match if they can beat Kansas City. The two championship semi-final matches are scheduled the weekend of August 23-24, with Kansas City hosting Portland at 1:00 PM ET on Saturday and Seattle hosting the Spirit at 11:00 PM ET on Sunday. Both games will be televisied life on ESPN2.


Police investigating fatal shooting in East Palo Alto
EAST PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Police in East Palo Alto are investigating a shooting that killed a man Saturday night, police said.
Officers responded to the 2200 block of Capitol Avenue at about 9 p.m. after a Shotspotter was activated, according to police.
When officers arrived, they found 21-year-old Lamont Coleman, of East Palo Alto, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, police said.
Coleman was pronounced dead at the scene.
No suspect information was immediately available.
Anyone with any information is asked to call East Palo Alto police at (650) 321-1112, or anonymously, by voice or text, to (650) 409-6792, or by emailing anonymously to epatipnow.org.
shooting, east palo alto, peninsula news
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Should Dawgs Get Bid?
For only the seventh time in UGA men’s basketball history, the Dawgs won twenty-plus games. In Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, BAMA came from way behind late to steal an overtime victory in the second round of the SEC tournament over UGA. Coach Mark Fox called an ill-timed timeout with 0.8 seconds left, as what would apparently have been the game-winning shot by Dustin Ware then banked in from long range. Georgia, having previously gifted the momentum to the Tide, could not regain control in the extra period and dropped to 21-11 on the season. With quality wins against potential tournament teams: Kentucky, Tennessee, UAB and Colorado and no bad losses whatsoever on the season, UGA should reach the NCAA tournament due to strength of schedule, strong RPI (39th) and body of work throughout the course of the season. If UGA is left out, this would be the best team in school history to not get a tournament bid. Ten times the University Georgia has been selected for the Big Dance, and I justifiably expect an eleventh. GO DAWGS!


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Короткотермінова робота в США (англійською)
Finding short-term employment in the U.S. can be a time-consuming, expensive and often disappointing procedure. American immigration law tends to discourage attempts to work in the U.S.. Students and members of certain professions may, however, in certain circumstances, be able to obtain short-term employment in the U.S. if they are sponsored or invited by certain organizations, firms, or individuals for the purpose of gaining practical experience or additional training in their fields.
Various types of visas are available for this purpose. It must be emphasized that obtaining a visa is a time-consuming procedure; there is no guarantee of success, and interested employers are often reluctant to assume the responsibility of applying for a visa on behalf of a prospective employee. For this reason, it is important to gather information, apply to sponsoring organizations, and make plans many months in advance of the beginning of any period of practical training. The final decision on whether to issue a visa and on what kind of visa to issue lies with the visa officer at the respective U.S. Consulate.
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A POSITION
A. Through sponsoring organizations
Certain organizations are able to arrange a trainee position for you in the U.S.. Besides providing the visa documents (“Certificate of Eligibility” or IAP-66), they may also assist you in making travel arrangements, obtaining insurance, locating housing, etc. Although such sponsorship by an organization is the most popular method of obtaining a visa, there are certain problems to be considered. First, the number of trainee positions available is very limited. Second, the organizations are permitted to issue only a certain number of “Certificates of Eligibility”. Third, many of these organizations charge a fee for providing their services and for issuing the visa documents.
B. Through independent effort
The first step is to locate an employer in the U.S. willing to hire you. Often friends or relatives in the U.S. can be of assistance. It will probably be necessary to apply to several firms. Each application should be typewritten in English and contain the following information (some of this information is also necessary for applying for positions with foreign firms located in Ukraine):
1. A cover letter, including:
- A brief description of self. This should include your special interests, reasons for wanting to work in the U.S., what personal advantages you hope to gain from your employment, what you can offer to your employer, etc.
- Desired type of employment. If you must perform certain functions, be specific. Otherwise, you may risk doing work which your school will not recognize.
- Desired dates of employment.
- Expected salary, if you expect to support yourself through earnings. If you can afford to work on a voluntary basis, without salary, your chances of finding a position are naturally better.
- Housing arrangements, if already made. Generally speaking, if you are able to show that you can act independently, supporting yourself, locating your own housing, arranging for your own visa, insurance, etc., in short, that you will cause your employer no problems, s/he is more likely to want to work with you.
An American resume should be typewritten, concise and easily read. It should not be more than one page.
3. If so requested, provide letters of recommendation from professors or past employers who know you well and can comment on your character and abilities with specific information.
4. Evidence of proficiency in English.
The best variant is a TOEFL® score of 90 or better.
5. Explanation of your visa situation.
- Some organizations can provide an IAP-66 to persons who have found their own positions. You should apply to these organizations as early as possible, even before locating a position. After securing a trainee position, you can apply with the IAP-66 at the nearest consulate for an exchange visitor visa: J-1. A future employer may be far more willing to accept your application if s/he does not have to apply on your behalf to the DHS (Department of Homeland Security). If such an effort on behalf of your employer becomes necessary, s/he must file a petition (form I-129B) on your behalf with DHS. The petition must describe the training program and explain why such training cannot be obtained in the trainee’s home country. Only if DHS gives approval (which may take from 2-3 months), can the U.S. Consulate issue an H-3 visa for practical trainees.
Being able to state in your application that you will make your own arrangements for a visa will increase your chances of employment significantly.
- If you are unable to obtain sponsorship for an IAP-66, you should indicate this in your letter of application. Many employers are unwilling to make an application for an H-3 authorization on your behalf, in particular, if you only inform them of this necessity after they have agreed to employ you. Your chances of employment do not improve by keeping silent on this matter. Combining academic studies with practical training:
- If a student under an F-1 visa has been a full-time student in the U.S. for nine months, s/he may request permission from DHS to gain practical experience in her/his field of study either during the academic year/summer or following academic studies. In the latter case, this training may not exceed a period of 12 months. A student studying under a J-1 visa in the U.S. may request authorization from his/her sponsor to engage in study related practical training during the academic year/summer or to remain in the U.S. after completion of studies for the purpose of practical training for a period not to exceed 18 months.

domain: law


LED Light Pole 50W
After realizing the large reduction of energy costs provided by replacing traditional lamps by LED lighting, businesses and governments, now often invest in the use of this technology, thinking not only in advantages in terms of economy, but also the durability of the lamps .
The energy consumed by the LED is reversed in lighting produces minimal heat, hence there is no wasted energy.
Replacement of lamps:
While a traditional lamp lasts an average of 3,000 hours, an LED bulb can withstand up to 50,000 hours of use and can reach up to 17 years if used for 8 hours daily.
By not emit infrared and ultraviolet radiation, the LED lighting prevents skin damage, plants and objects exposed to light.
There is no need for special disposal for the bulbs after the end of their useful life because there is no heavy metals in their composition.
LED bulbs avoid suspension of services, losses and constant repairs, ensuring convenience and efficiency even in situations of difficult access for installation and maintenance, in addition, the components depend on a low value and are easily replaceable.
Optimus luminaire, has many advantages over the common lamp, for example, has a favorable dynamic to resist inclement weather, such as storms by having your cast structure which facilia wind circulation and improves heat dissipation.
This luminaire is more resistant to weather exposure and lighter than conventional, which in addition to ease of handling, preserves the structure of the pole. By having separate modules (for suggested or equal to 100W power) in the case of damage of one of them, the lighting will be reduced, but not completely erased because the rest of the assembly remain will access. For maintenance of the reflector is only necessary to remove the screws and replacement of the LED chip. This equipment has surge protection device, certified according to IEC 61000-4-5, and has built-in driver.
For more details or to make the budget for lighting a specific location, see our sales team.


MRF Building & Equipment for Lease or Sale
Windham Solid Waste Management District closed its dual stream MRF in 2017. The 15,000 square foot building is available to lease for a solid waste or recycling purpose.
Although some equipment has been sold, a Dings magnet and several conveyors with supporting platforms are still available. Contact Bob Spencer: email@example.com.


Mornsun’s Din Rail Power Supply is the ultimate solution for all your project needs. From efficient performance to high reliability, we’ll explore why Mornsun should be your go-to choice for powering up your next project.
Introduction to Mornsun’s Din Rail Power Supply
Mornsun is a leading manufacturer of high-quality Din Rail power supplies. Their products are used in various industrial applications. Mornsun’s Din Rail power supplies are designed to provide reliable and efficient power conversion for your next project.
Mornsun’s Din Rail power supplies offer many advantages over other power supplies. They are more compact and have a higher efficiency, which results in lower energy costs. In addition, Mornsun’s Din Rail power supplies are easier to install and maintain.
Advantages of Choosing Mornsun’s Power Supplies
When choosing a power supply for your next project, consider using a Mornsun Din Rail power supply. There are several advantages to choosing Mornsun’s power supplies, including:
- Mornsun offers a wide range of products to find the perfect power supply for your project requirements.
- Mornsun power supplies are known for their high quality and reliability, so you can be confident that your project will run smoothly.
- Mornsun’s customer service is excellent, so you can be sure you’ll receive the support you need if you have any questions or issues.
- Mornsun offers competitive pricing on its power supplies to get the best value for your money.
- Mornsun provides warranties for their products, so you can be assured that your purchase is protected.
In conclusion, Mornsun‘s Din Rail Power Supply is reliable and cost-effective for powering various projects. With its wide range of features, such as overload and short circuit protection, you can be sure your project will be powered properly and safely. The installation process is also straightforward, so you don’t have to worry about figuring out how to install it. If you’re looking for a robust and dependable power solution for your next project, look no further than Mornsun’s Din Rail Power Supply!


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YouTube duck killers pay price
Three young men who filmed themselves gleefully blasting ducks out of a Saskatchewan pond and then posted the video on YouTube were fined thousands of dollars yesterday.
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SASKATOON–Three young men who filmed themselves gleefully blasting ducks out of a Saskatchewan pond and then posted the video on YouTube were fined thousands of dollars yesterday.
David Fraser, James Fraser, and their brother-in-law Jeremy Rowlands pleaded guilty in a Saskatoon court to breaking several wildlife laws in an incident that sparked widespread public outrage.
The video, which was shown in court, shows the men laughing and cheering each other on as at least two of them use rifles to shoot the ducks and ducklings.
"Did you get the baby?" asks one, while another calls it a "massacre."
"I totally regret that day," James Fraser told the court after entering the guilty plea. "I'm very sorry that everybody had to see that."
They told the court they were newcomers, having recently moved west from Ontario, and were unaware of the local hunting laws.
Justice Doug Agnew called their actions "stupid, reckless and irresponsible." He fined the Frasers $5,000 each and Rowlands $6,000 and ordered their rifles seized.
The trio pleaded guilty to unlawful hunting, hunting out of season, firing a gun from a vehicle and leaving edible game to be wasted.
Darrell Crabbe of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation said even hunters were outraged by the case.
"I was disgusted," he said. "Those birds were moulting ... Of course, the young are unable to fly anyway."
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March 1, 2023
Brazil may surpass the US in global corn exports
Brazil and the US compete for soybean and corn international markets, but the USDA said Brazil may surpass the US as the leader in global corn exports, Victoria Advocate reported.
US corn exports have decreased by 30% over the past two years, from 69.8 million tonnes in 2021 to 48.9 million tonnes in 2023.
Brazil's trade will reach 50 million tonnes this year, representing a 138% increase in exports over the same period. But even with a 5% reduction in area and a 9% increase in harvest, the US will still produce 348.7 million tonnes more corn than Brazil, which will only produce 125 million tonnes.
China, the biggest corn importer, changes the market's dynamics. In November 2022, the Asian nation authorised importing the product from Brazil, and it purchased 1.1 million tonnes in just the final two months of 2022.The US (15 million tonnes) and Ukraine are the other two top exporters to China (3 million tons).
China has consistently reduced imports over the last three years while predicting a record domestic harvest. The US-China conflict and the war between Ukraine and Russia have affected the supply chain, allowing Brazil to increase its market share.
The USDA forecasts that Brazil will export 92 million tonnes this year, compared to the U.S.'s 54.2 million tonnes. In other words, over the past year, Brazilian exports have increased by 16% while American exports have decreased by 8%.
However, a major Brazilian bank, Agro Ita BBA, reported that Brazil's cost of production increased 38% for the current crop season. The rise in input costs is said to be affected by the Ukrainian conflict on fertiliser prices. Brazil's production is heavily reliant on the global fertiliser market. For instance, in 2022 the nation imported 85% of the fertiliser used domestically, spending 64% more for a volume that was 9% lower.
Brazil has benefits like a favourable exchange rate and lower labour costs, but the American industry knows how to enhance the value of corn and soybeans in order to appeal to more affluent markets.
A surplus of soybean meal lowers the cost of feeding animals. Local consumers might pay less for meat as a result.
- Victoria Advocate

domain: food


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|Category||:||Arts & Entertainment|
|Release||:||October 11, 2017|
|File type||:||PDF, ePub, eBook|
|File||:||Bob Dylan-Anthony Scaduto.pdf|
|Last Checked||:||15 minutes ago|
ATTENTION WE ARE USING A NEW DOWNLOAD SYSTEMDownload Now!
Awesome book by Anthony Scaduto, here is the cover and description of the book chicagodogsauce in our ebook search engine (epub, mobi, pdf).
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'I liked your book. That's the weird thing about it.' —Bob Dylan 'Pioneers are often written out of history but never let it be forgotten that Scaduto was the man. It's scandalous that this book has been out of print for so many years. Its return (Kindle) should be greeted with dancing in the street.' —Jimmy Rogan, composer He was born Robert Allen Zimmerman in Duluth, Minnesota. He surfaced in Greenwich Village nearly twenty years later with a new name and a reinvented personality. He went on to become the most influential-and elusive-culture hero of our time. This is the first full story of Bob Dylan. It ‘s based on interviews with people like Joan Baez, Phil Ochs, Dave Van Ronk. Lovers and haters. Apostles and apostates. Plus reminiscences from Dylan himself. It's all here. The good. The bad. And the gritty. Written at the dawn of the seventies by reporter Anthony Scaduto this book was the first serious study of Dylan's life and work. By applying the rigorous standards of research and analysis it elevated popular music journalism to a respected discipline. In addition to a Bob biographer's wish-list of interviews, Scaduto pulled the remarkable coup of getting Dylan's full co-operation without conceding an editorial veto. Dylan has read this book cover to cover and discusses its uncomfortable contents with the author at length! Includes an exclusive interview between Anthony Scaduto and Bob Dylan and a Postscript written by Scaduto in 2008. ...'In the beginning was Scaduto,' wrote Clinton Heylin at the start of own Dylan bioography. We'll never know the whole story of Minnesota's most noted mouth organist but Anthony Scaduto's 1971 book was the pioneering protrait of this legendarily elusive artist. Now, in a welcome reprint it's a real treat to read the still-classic Bobography, methodical and lean, Scaduto's style reflected his background as a New York crime reporter, with a 'just the facts, ma'am' technique that built the right tension... ---New Musical Express
Thanks for reading this information of Anthony Scaduto - Bob Dylan. If the information we present is useful to you, chicagodogsauce, will be very grateful if you want to share with your family.
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domain: literature


Gorsuch battle heads to Senate floor as Democrats vow filibuster
It’s now up to Senate Republicans whether Neil Gorsuch gets confirmed to the Supreme Court this week.
Senate Democrats locked down enough votes on Monday to filibuster Gorsuch’s nomination on the Senate floor, shifting the focus to the GOP majority and its vow to confirm Gorsuch by week’s end, one way or another.
To do so, Republicans will have to invoke the so-called nuclear option to change longstanding Senate precedent by a simple majority of the chamber so that filibusters of Supreme Court nominees can be cut off with just 51 votes, not 60. It’s the same maneuver Republicans chastised then-Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Democrats for deploying in another heated nominations battle in 2013.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) can only lose two GOP senators on a vote to use the nuclear option, but no Republican has said they would oppose the controversial parliamentary move — even as they openly acknowledge that they may regret doing so.
“I have terrible qualms,” Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who as a member of the Gang of 14 staved off a nuclear battle over judicial nominees during the George W. Bush administration, said in an interview. “Democrats are obviously paying a heavy price for what Harry Reid did, and I believe we will pay a price for this.”
Nevertheless, McCain will go nuclear: “I have no choice,” he said.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do on the rule change, personally, but it’s clearly going to happen,” Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) added. “If it’s necessary in order to get him confirmed, I may have to vote that way, but I certainly don’t want to.”
Republicans are up in arms over the Democrats’ promise to block Gorsuch. They note it would be the first successful filibuster of a Supreme Court nominee in nearly 50 years, and the first one solely along party lines in the chamber’s history. However, Senate Republicans also blocked Merrick Garland, President Barack Obama’s final Supreme Court nominee, from even receiving a hearing to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia.
The showdown over the nuclear option is expected on Thursday. Senate Republicans have vowed to use any means to ensure Gorsuch is confirmed before senators leave for the two-week Easter recess.
Earlier Monday, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) became the 41st Senate Democrat to say he would vote to block Gorsuch’s confirmation. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), who had previously announced his opposition to Gorsuch, followed shortly after Coons and said he would also vote to filibuster the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judge, as did Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.). Four Senate Democrats have said they would vote to advance Gorsuch’s nomination, and one — independent Sen. Angus King of Maine — remains publicly undecided.
Shortly after Coons’ announcement, the Judiciary Committee voted 11-9 to advance Gorsuch’s nomination. During the heated, four-hour hearing, one Democrat after another slammed the judge’s conservative record and his unwillingness, in their view, to be forthcoming about his judicial philosophy.
In the first moments of the hearing, California Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy — two of the most veteran Democrats on the committee — said they would vote to filibuster Gorsuch’s nomination. Almost simultaneously, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) announced he would help block Gorsuch on the floor. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), who announced his opposition to Gorsuch last week but remained undecided on a filibuster, also said he would join most Democrats to block a confirmation vote.
Leahy was particularly critical of Gorsuch: the former Judiciary Committee chairman called the Supreme Court nominee’s responses to senators “actually excruciatingly evasive.”
“Unless we were asking about fishing or basketball, Judge Gorsuch stonewalled and avoided any substantive response,” Leahy said during the lengthy hearing. “His sworn testimony, his approach to complying with this committee’s historic role in the confirmation process had been patronizing.”
Meanwhile, Feinstein called Gorsuch’s responses to the committee “so diluted with ambiguity,” even on long-settled decisions such as Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling that outlawed segregation at public schools.
“We’re not just evaluating resumes,” said Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee. “Rather, all of us evaluate not only their education and experience, but also their judicial philosophy, temperament and views on important legal issues.”
The showdown on the floor will touch on not just Gorsuch’s credentials and fitness to serve on the Supreme Court, but on whether the Senate will remain a more collaborative chamber than the hot-tempered House.
“The Democrats have once again have got themselves into a room, and persuaded them to do something that’s never been done before in the history of the Senate which is gonna be very damaging to them, to the Senate and to the country,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), another longtime Senate institutionalist. “And the response to that is going to be something that the Democrats three years ago did in 2013.”
Still, Alexander declined to say whether he himself would vote in favor of the nuclear option. Neither did Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who has worked for years to stave off nuclear fights over presidential nominations and voted to confirm Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, who were appointed by Obama, stressed Monday that he was ready to vote in favor of the nuclear option nonetheless.
“There’s nothing wrong with him,” said a clearly frustrated Graham. “There’s a lot wrong with modern politics in the Senate.”
Still, the threat of the Republicans’ imminent use of the nuclear option didn’t dissuade some key swing Democratic votes.
“I have hoped that bipartisan efforts would result in a better way forward, instead of Republicans threatening to impose the ‘nuclear’ option,” Warner said in his statement announcing his opposition. “But such a threat is not alone reason enough to support a nominee who has not provided the Senate with sufficient assurances regarding his approach and judicial philosophy.”
Elana Schor contributed to this report.


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Painting Pressure Treated Wood Too Soon. Not only does this lead to an uneven finish, but it no longer protects the wood from future elements. What happens if you stain pressure treated wood too soon?
What happens if you stain pressure treated wood too soon? The truth is as soon as the wood is dry enough, it is ready to be stained. Treated wood is shipped while still “wet.” the liquid chemical preservatives are still present in the lumber, causing it to feel extremely heavy, and damp to the touch.
But Without Care, The Wood Can Age, Crack, And Dry Out, Leading To An Unappealing Gray Color And Splintered Surface.
If you stain pressure treated wood too soon, the stain will be unable to fully penetrate the wood, meaning the stain will remain unabsorbed. First thing that you should know is that a lot of pressure treated wood is southern yellow pine, which is not the best at holding paint, and pressure treated wood really is not meant to be painted. Since it doesn’t protect against the weather, that requires staining or an extra coat of paint.
If You Do, The Chemicals Will Keep The Paint From Adhering To The Wood.
Click to see full answer. Cleaning treated wood may seem like an unnecessary step in the painting process, but the wood may have collected dust, dirt, and debris during its travels from the manufacturer to your home. Treated wood is shipped while still “wet.” the liquid chemical preservatives are still present in the lumber, causing it to feel extremely heavy, and damp to the touch.
Pressure Treated Wood Is Wet 99% Of The Time When It Is Installed.
Painting treated wood early before drying is just like feeding fish more food even if it has eaten much. Next, if you do decide to paint or stain, you have to wait until the wood is dry. That pressure treatment keeps it protected from termites, which can be potentially destructive.
What Happens If You Paint Pressure Treated Wood Too Soon?
If you paint pressure treated wood too soon the paint won’t bond correctly. Yes, you can absolutely paint treated wood! If you paint too soon, you won’t get a quality finish.
But, The Catch Is That You Should Not Paint Treated Wood Too Soon After It Has Been Purchased.
When you stain wet wood its pores are already full of vapors, can’t accommodate the paint moisture anymore. Painting treated lumber too soon will cause warping due to excess moisture content. Pressure treated wood is completely paintable, but it must be done properly, otherwise the paint won't last very long.

domain: chemistry


Holden is at work on a sharper, greener new VEII Commodore, and it’s expected to be unleashed on showrooms in October.
The July issue of Wheels delivers a scoop first look at the VEII facelift four years in the making, which introduces the first major styling updates for VE since it went on sale in 2006.
But beneath the tougher new look lurk mechanical and interior upgrades designed to help Commodore retain its mantle as Australia’s favourite car.
There’s a green angle, of course. We saw the introduction of the direct-injected 3.0- and 3.6-litre SIDI engines, along with cylinder deactivation on V8 models in 2009. Now the headline act is an E85 ethanol-burning version of the 3.0 V6 capable of running on a fuel blend of up to 85 percent ethanol.
The styling refresh is intended to reap maximum visual bang for minimum development dollars, and is based around new bumpers and grille, headlights and taillights.
Featuring among the changes will be LED headlight inserts and taillights for high-end Calais and SS models, an aggressive front bar and grille with sharper crease lines, and a diffuser-style rear bar with integrated exhaust tips for hot versions such as SV6, SS and SS V.
Inside, the major update is a touch-screen infotainment interface as part of a redesigned centre stack and console, while new, high quality trim and soft-touch plastics will lift cabin ambience into the new decade.
For more details on Holden’s new Commodore plus all the latest automotive news and views from around the globe, grab the July issue of Wheels, on sale now.
We're giving away the last great Aussie Holden V8! Enter here for your chance to win!
Sign up here to receive the latest round-up of Wheels news, reviews and video highlights straight to your inbox each week.


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EPR-EQUASS overview on quality
It is important that services in the social sector are of high quality. Quality is often perceived differently by individuals and is not easy to compare. Despite this, if a service is provided based on assessed individual needs, rights are respected, quality of life is improved and expected outcomes achieved, it can be considered as a quality service.
Poor quality services can negatively impact a person’s dignity and human rights. EQUASS is an initiative of EPR, launched in 2003, that enhances the social sector by engaging social service providers in continuous improvement, learning and development. EQUASS aims to guarantee service users high quality services.
The sector-specific quality framework provides a comprehensive approach to quality management, features a rights-based approach and is a recognised tool for implementing the European Voluntary Quality Framework for Social Services.
Quality, according to EQUASS, addresses 10 principles:Leadership, Staff, Rights, Ethics, Partnership, Participation, Person-centred approach, Comprehensiveness, Result-Orientation, Continuous improvement.
For more information on EPR’s work on quality please consult http://www.epr.eu/our-expertise/quality-of-services/ and www.equass.be

domain: sociology


Air-Met Scientific Pty Ltd presents Photovac iExplorer diacetyl monitors designed to measure diacetyl concentration in various foods.
Photovac, Inc. specialises in the manufacture of volatile organic compound monitors. The new diacetyl monitors introduce diacetyl measurement capability for the Explorer portable gas chromatographs.
Diacetyl is an artificial flavouring agent used in popcorn, chips and candy to provide a buttery taste, but has also been linked to the development of bronchiolitis obliterans, a serious and irreversible lung disease.
The Photovac iExplorer diacetyl monitors eliminate time-consuming and costly laboratory analyses by providing the monitoring results on-site for immediate review.
Since the sample is heated to 80ºC, the Explorer will not underestimate diacetyl concentrations due to high humidity, a known issue with the NIOSH Method 2557, which uses carbon molecular sieve sorbent tubes.
Photovac iExplorer diacetyl monitors also offer datalogging capability to allow storage of readings in the instrument for downloading to a computer for subsequent analysis and recordkeeping purposes.


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|Collection Home Page ->||List of Species and Strains of IEGM
Rhodococcus opacus Klatte et al. 1995
IEGM 765<- 1995, I.B. Ivshina, 70/25. Isolated from: oil-polluted soil, Perm region, Russia. Taxonomy/description: shows positive result with Rhodococcus opacus primers in species-specific PCR; 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Properties: uses n-decane, n-hexadecane, butanol, and crude oil as a sole carbon source; resistant to Pb2+ (5.0 mM). (Medium 2, 5, 8 or 15, 28oC).
Medium: 2, 5, 8, 15


Flex-N-Gate plans $22.3M expansion in Emmett Township
Flex-N-Gate, an Urbana, Ill.-based automotive part supplier, plans to invest $22.3 million to add stamping and welding operations to its Emmett Township facility.
With the addition, Flex-N-Gate will add 34,000 square feet of manufacturing space and 59 new jobs to the area, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. said Wednesday. The company reportedly selected Emmett Township's location over a competing site in Indiana. Additionally, the company will receive a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant through the MEDC.
Flex-N-Gate's local plant is at 10250 F Drive North near Historic Bridge Park and FireKeepers Casino Hotel.
"We are excited to see Flex-N-Gate expand and add jobs in Emmett Township," Battle Creek Unlimited president and CEO Joe Sobieralski was quoted as saying in a news release. "It's great for the entire region. The township has done a wonderful job of supporting Flex-N-Gate and economic development.”
Emmett Township Supervisor Tim Hill said the expansion is the result of a collaboration between BCU and the recently-formed Emmett Township Economic Development Corp., which was incorporated by the township this year. The corporation, still in its early stages and run in conjunction with the Emmett Township board, is operated by Hill and trustees Steve Buller, Tom Gunning and Jesse Jacox.
"Emmett is a great place and Harper Creek schools are a wonderful place to be," Hill said. "More jobs — even in Battle Creek — mean more residents come to the Battle Creek area."
Hill said the expansion news is "the first feather in our cap," the first of what he hopes will be many as the township has early plans to launch an industrial park.
"This is just one of many we’re working on," he said. "The industrial park is huge. It’s something, once it’s completed and gets funding, we’ll be very proud to hopefully bring more companies here."
Earlier this year, the Michigan Strategic Fund approved a $3.5 million performance-based grant to help the company expand into Detroit's I-94 Industrial Park, according to the Detroit Free Press. The expansion was expected to cost $95 million at the former Detroit City Airport and create up to 750 new jobs in the area.
The company is an automotive supplier to Ford as well as a number of other companies. It is primarily an original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, with automotive products including bumpers, exterior trim, lighting and aluminum, among others. Flex-N-Gate operates 54 manufacturing facilities worldwide with 17,000 employees, according to the company's website.
The company is owned by Shahid Khan. Khan also is the owner of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars and a London soccer team, Fulham F.C., that competes in the Football League Championship.
Contact Dillon Davis at 269-966-0698 or firstname.lastname@example.org. Follow him on Twitter: @DillonDavis


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When: March 19, 2020 7 PM
Where: Beaver County Courthouse, Juror’s Lounge
In continuing our year of “celebrating women,” Elizabeth “Betty” Douglas will be our featured speaker. Betty is a multi-talented woman. Not only is she a singer, she is also an artist who owns her own studio. In addition, she has been a civil rights activist since third grade.
Please join us this free event. Open to members and non-members. Call the office for more information and to register, 724-775-1848.


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I wanted to write a poem like Michael Rosen
For National Poetry Day.
So I hemmed and hawwed.
And I got cross because
I just couldn’t seem to capture his style
And I looked out of the window at the zoo instead.
I thought about the zoo.
I thought about the lions
All mane and roar
Locked in their cages together
Like a big gold puddle that wants to eat you up.
I thought what Michael Rosen would have to say
But I never really got it right
And got back to making video games instead.

domain: hobby


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BusinessDesk’s Rebecca Howard had expected to see the signing of a mini-trade deal between US President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping at the APEC leaders’ summit in Chile. That was put on ice when social unrest broke out and the marquee global event was cancelled for the first time. She pressed on with plans to investigate the NZ-Chile relationship and found a nation waking up to its own social inequality
The smell of smoke and acrid tear gas hangs over downtown Santiago as a month of protests that have wracked up more than US$4.5 billion of damage and left more than 18 people dead show no sign of abating.
“We aren’t tired of protesting. We are tired of living badly,” said one university student as she joined a teeming multitude for a national strike on a hot November day in the Plaza Italia in the central city.
“We need a new constitution. It’s time for change. This constitution was written by a military government to protect themselves. It doesn’t mean anything to us.”
The current constitution – which has been reformed several times – dates back to 1980 when military dictator Augusto Pinochet was in power.
Another young woman, a 23-year-old tourist guide, told us “we are the ‘nothing to lose generation’. This system gives us nothing, so we have nothing to lose if we bring it down. In fact, things will be better.”
The demands are common: access to healthcare, access to education, access to millions deposited in private pension systems and a new Magna Carta. Chileans from different walks of life all talk about a deeply rooted social inequality that needs to be addressed.
Some people said they weren’t surprised the protests happened given the social backdrop; what was surprising was how long they have lasted.
Miguel, a waiter, said it would be hard to stop now that people have “woken up.”
Chile, with a population of 18 million, seven million in the capital, is not unfamiliar with protests. In recent years, high school and university students have taken to the streets to bring about change. But this is the first protest in history that has cut across traditional divides. One of the early marches in Santiago brought more than one million people.
“My boss even went to the protests, which impressed me,” said one young woman who works for a business council.
The movement is largely leaderless and organised through social media, with protestors called to meet by different hashtags. This has created a variety of challenges as there is literally no one to negotiate with.
There are, however, two sides to the protests. Day-time protests are largely peaceful, marked by colourful flags, chanting, beating drums, blowing whistles and horns.
Several blocks from Plaza Italia near Plaza de La Moneda – the seat of government - the vibe is different. Masked young people hurl objects at the Carabinero police who retaliate with everything at their disposal, including water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas that is temporarily blinding and makes breathing a challenge.
Ugly at night
“Make sure you are out of here by 5 o’clock. Things start to turn ugly when it gets dark,” one protestor warned.
As dusk falls, hooded, masked protesters cause mayhem and destruction in cities across the country and Tuesday was no exception. The Plaza Italia and the road to the government palace resemble a war zone.
“I’ve been to Caracas, Ecuador, Peru, and Santiago was by far the most modern, beautiful city. Not anymore. It’s terrible what they have done. I’m in favour of why they are protesting, but not the violence,” said Luis, a Venezuelan Uber driver.
Once elegant colonial buildings are covered in graffiti and barricaded with plywood. The streets are littered with broken glass, traffic lights are out of commission, bus stops have been reduced to rubble and scores of metro stations have been damaged, including seven destroyed by fire.
Damage also includes torched and ransacked churches, supermarkets and even hotels as well as public buildings.
The government’s initial response was to clamp down hard and fast, which only served to fuel the fire.
“Imagine what that was like for my parents who lived through the military dictatorship. They never thought anything like that would happen again,” a young masked man who cycled across the city to join the protests said.
About 6,000 people have been arrested and more than 2,000 hospitalised, according to figures from the National Human Rights Institute. More than 18 people have been killed. There are scores of accusations of human rights violations.
Tuesday’s national strike marked one of the most violent days so far. Enrique Monras, head of the Western Metropolitan Zone for the Carabinero police forces, said one person was killed and 46 civilians were injured in different parts of the country. More than 300 police officers were injured and 19 police stations attacked.
Some 95 different buildings were ransacked, including churches, several hotels, supermarkets, pharmacies and even private apartments as fires raged in different cities.
The protests were initially sparked when President Sebastian Pinera announced a US4 cent fare hike for public transport, but that was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Despite Chile’s previous reputation as a poster child for Latin American economic performance, more than 50 percent of the population earned less than 400,000 pesos, or around NZ$800, per month in 2018, according to the National Statistics Institute. A 40-hour week on New Zealand’s minimum wage would see someone pocket NZ$2,832 in a month.
A professor from the University of Chile said it’s impossible to study or get ahead on that amount of money. University fees would be around 5 million pesos - about NZ$10,000 - a year and most students are forced to get loans.
“They end up so heavily in debt that they spend their whole professional lives paying for their careers,” he said.
According to Claudio Sapelli, professor at the Economics Institute of the Pontifical Catholic University, the protests are largely concentrated among middle-class young people.
“That’s a very difficult question,” he said, when asked why the protests erupted now. Among other things, “recent low economic growth may be part of the problem,” he said.
Until recently, Chile was considered one of the most stable economies in the region, marked by annual growth of more than 5 percent. That is no longer the case and “that generates a series of challenges,” he said.
Protesters say the country’s constitution is at fault. They claim it created the framework for the nation’s market-driven model that led to the privatisation of pensions, healthcare and education as well as basic services like water.
Under the current private pension system – created by the military regime – Chileans are obligated to contribute 10 percent of their salaries but say they retire with a pittance.
“I paid into the AFP my whole life. It’s obligatory. That should be my money, not to mention the interest. Instead, I have retired with 100,000 pesos. I can’t pay for anything with that,” said one retired health care worker who was marching with her entire family.
Luis, a waiter in a restaurant in Las Condes, an upscale district marked by tree-lined streets and an eerie peace that feels like a different country, said the low pensions put immense pressure on the elderly.
“Chile has one the highest suicide rates among elderly people,” he said. Official data showed the highest suicide rate per 100,000 residents was among people over the age of 80.
In a bid to restore order, President Pinera has announced a new social agenda that included heftier taxes for the rich and higher pensions.
In the wake of Tuesday’s national strike, he called for peace - an “accord for justice” - that would make it possible to create a “Chile with more equity and less abuse, a Chile with greater equality of opportunities and less privileges.”
He also agreed to an “Accord for a New Constitution” with clear and effective pubic participation. The details have yet to be ironed out.
Financial markets, however, have been well and truly spooked. The Chilean peso is trading at historic lows and the stock market has tumbled some 15 percent since the first protesters took to the streets.
Chile’s central bank said it would take measures to ensure liquidity in the financial system. The bank will offer US$4 billion of 30-day and 90-day currency swaps, to ease liquidity in both the peso and the dollar. The measures will continue until Jan. 9.
The economy has been hard-hit, with hundreds of central city businesses shutting up shop for fear of being ransacked and the most exclusive shopping centres are closing early every day just as the Christmas season kicks off.
Several people said they are worried about losing their jobs as the strikes continue. Tourist attractions like the Santiago cable car, for example, were closed for several days.
“The dollar is falling because a lot of people are pulling their money out of Chile. International funds are taking their money, some business people are taking out their money, people who never would have taken money abroad, are taking it abroad,” professor Sapelli said.
“There will be less investment, less employment. This could be a very dangerous vicious cycle. This quarter is going to be very bad and the first quarter next year might be bad as well. People are now saying that Chile may go into recession, just because of this situation.”


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Apple Watch Series 4 Nike+ models will not begin shipping until October4
Just like the regular models, those interested in the Nike+ version will be able to pre-order their desired version tomorrow. Unfortunately, shipments will not commence until Friday, October 5. This is exactly two weeks after the regular edition is set to arrive and three weeks after pre-orders begin. Moreover, Apple has warned that the initial supply will be limited, so not everyone is guaranteed to receive their device on day one.
In terms of features, the Nike+ edition of the Apple Watch Series 4 will include the same larger screen, thinner body, and digital crown with haptic feed that the regular variant boasts. Additionally, the new fall and slip detection are naturally included alongside the ECG reader, which itself will be available later this year to US users only.
Aside from this, newly-updated Nike watch faces are bundled in with the new models and have been designed to match the new Sport Band and Sport Loop colors. Moreover, it’s worth noting that the Sport Loop has been updated slightly to now include a reflective coating that will improve night-time visibility.
As with the regular offerings, the Nike+ Series 4 will be available in cellular and Wi-Fi + GPS only models, both of which will be available in the new 40mm and 44mm sizes. In terms of cost, the Nike+ models are priced between $399 and $499.


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Biden should help Cubans push for change, not violent revolution | Trudy Rubin
The best way to help Cubans is not by invasion, but by encouraging economic ties to the United States and offering vaccine aid.
Back in 2016, when expectations for change were running high in Cuba, I traveled to Havana and spoke with Cuban academics, artists, independent bloggers, and private businesspeople.
The hopes they expressed, and the disappointments that followed, explain the demonstrations that broke out in Cuba earlier this month. In fact, it is surprising those demonstrations didn’t erupt earlier.
And what I heard then offers insights into how the Biden administration should respond to the recent protests across Cuba.
» READ MORE: From 2016: Trudy Rubin writes from Havana, Cuba
It isn’t, as Miami’s Cuban American, Republican Mayor Francis Suarez suggested, by military intervention.
If the United States has learned any foreign policy lesson over the past 20 years, it should be that U.S. efforts to change regimes by force end very badly. Far better to empower Cubans themselves by legitimate means.
In 2016, President Barack Obama had eased travel restrictions for Americans to visit Cuba and Cuban Americans to send remittances to relatives on the island. That money was fueling a surge in private restaurants and guest houses to serve new visitors from abroad.
Obama and then-President Raúl Castro (Fidel’s brother) were in the process of normalizing relations.
I repeatedly heard expectations that, as an aged Fidel faded — he died in late 2016 — and his aging brother moved toward retirement, the much younger vice president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, would soon take over. “The party will get rid of old folks and bring new faces,” one economist told me. “In the next three years, there will be profound changes.”
I heard repeated demands for the government to permit more free enterprise and to facilitate private farming (which would alleviate food shortages, since Cuba imports the bulk of its foodstuffs). I also heard demands for open access to the internet (which was tightly controlled then) and independence for artists and journalists.
“Young people see their parents have less than their grandparents,” a blogger told me. “They want more than free education and health care.”
In other words, encouraged by Obama’s opening to Cuba and by hopes for internal change, many Cubans believed they would see dramatic reforms at home, despite a continuing U.S. trade embargo.
Most Cubans I spoke to did not seek another violent revolution but sought the kind of free markets permitted by communist regimes in Vietnam and China.
Their hopes were dashed.
At home, President Castro surrounded himself with conservatives and failed to move on economic reforms. Rather than encourage free enterprise, the Cuban government continued to lean on socialist Venezuela for financial and energy aid.
In the U.S., President Donald Trump reversed Obama’s opening and imposed more sanctions — stopping tourism and remittances to Cuba.
Díaz-Canel only became president in late 2019 (the same year that Cubans finally got social media access), and only began to introduce economic reforms in 2021. By then, an impoverished Venezuelan regime had cut subsidies and cheap oil deliveries to Cuba.
And in 2020, COVID-19 struck, ending tourism from Europe and slamming the economy, while shrinking foreign currency reserves. Although the Cuban medical system did well at first, a desperate government permitted an influx of Russian tourists who reportedly spread the delta variant.
The result: empty shelves, long food lines, severe energy shortages, and a spreading coronavirus. And demonstrations across the country, with participants protesting economic collapse, and many calling for “freedom.”
So how should Biden respond?
“There have been missed opportunities on all sides,” says Richard Feinberg, a longtime Cuba expert at the University of California, San Diego. Not only did the Cuban government fail to reform its economy, but Biden failed to follow through on campaign promises to undo many Trump-era sanctions. Had Biden done so, Feinberg believes, “He would be in a better position to discuss reforms [with Havana] along with Cuba’s alliance with Venezuela.”
Given those realities, the White House should let the Cuban people take the lead.
Biden has said, “We stand with the Cuban people” on “the right of peaceful protest and the right to freely determine their own future.” It is important for Biden and democratic allies to repeat that pledge, including calls for an open internet.
But any effort by the United States to openly intervene in what were clearly spontaneous demonstrations can only delegitimize a genuine Cuban protest. And it could spur a geopolitical conflict if Russia intervenes.
Instead, Biden should reinvigorate Obama’s effort to link Cuba more closely to the United States and its people by dropping Trump’s restrictions on tourism and remittances. Perhaps this can’t be done immediately — lest it appear to reward a government crackdown. But, if the Cuban government refrains from more repression, it should be done soon.
And before Russia or China offer Cuba assistance with their COVID-19 vaccines, Biden should follow up his offer to send vaccines — so long as they are administered by an international organization. And he should help Havana get the necessary materials for Cuba’s home-produced vaccine.
The best way to encourage Cuban demands for more freedom is to offer its people hope for change the Communist Party can no longer dare to deny them. Those hopes rose under Obama and were dashed by Raúl Castro, abetted by Trump. Biden can do better than that.


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The Ampeg SVT210AV is the portable alternative to a full sized SVT cab. Ideal for bleed-sensitive recording situations where the SVT810-AV can be too loud and live situations where it can be too large, the SVT210AV is designed using Ampeg's legendary Infinite Baffle ™ system for maximum speaker efficiency and true Ampeg tone.
SPECIFICATIONS: ? 2x10 Eminence® Custom Designed (sealed cabinet) ? 200 Watts ? 8 Ohms ? 15mm Poplar-ply construction ? 25.9 lb (11.7 kg)

domain: design


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The posh Coto de Caza community in sunny southern California just got a little more blond: The Real Housewives of Orange County veteran Jeana Keough is out, and stay-at-home mom Alexis Bellino is in!
But is there more drama with a new member in the group? Not necessarily, says Gretchen Rossi, who finds the new kid on the block to be a breath of fresh air — and a bit of a lifesaver.
“The [other] women are mean and she’s not!” Gretchen told us Sunday night at the American Music Awards in L.A. “She’s a really good support system and she’s a true friend. I feel really blessed to have her.”
With fellow housewife Tamra Barney constantly stirring up trouble for the blond bombshell (fans will remember T infamously calling G a hooker), Gretchen says she can confide in her new BFF.
“Thank GOD she’s on the cast,” Gretchen said with a sigh of relief. “If she wasn’t I don’t know what I would have done.”

domain: celebrity


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Avalon by Estetica Designs offers loose waves and volume in this below the shoulder length cut.
- Bang: 10.5"
- Side: 10.5"
- Crown: 12.5"
- Nape: 9.5"
Estetica Designs Avalon wigs feature a 100% hand-stitched see through lace side part and a 100% hand-stitched front lace line with an extra thin transparent lace film that contours to the forehead for a more natural look and customized fit.Additional features for the Avalon cap include:
- 100% hand-stitched front lace line for off the face styling options
- 100% hand-stitched see through monofilament left side part
- 100% hand-stitched see through monofilament top.
- Stretch through out the perimeter for a more secure fit.
- Open lace material for comfort & better air circulation.
- Thin weft on sides & back for lighter weight & air circulation.
- Straps for circumference adjustment
- Closed ear tabs
- Open wefted sides & back.


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Zenith review from the perspective of an old Runescape player
I don’t often play games in general and often stick to social VR apps like AltspaceVR & VRChat however, lately more and more of my friends have been talking about this new MMORPG game that is growing by the day in user levels.
As I am entering my first month of gameplay I have progressed to level 30 at the time of this article being written and I wanted to share my thoughts and first impressions towards this new game. I will be critical but fair considering this is a brand new released game and no one can expect them to get the game mechanics, economy, UI and storyline perfect. But I hope that my post shines a light on some issues that we can all agree are important and should be addressed.
Personally getting on Zenith was a little tricky because someone based in the US gifted the game to me but Zenith was geo-locked to buy/redeem within Australia. My workaround was to use a VPN for the redemption and was able to get into the application without a VPN once I had the app downloaded.
Loading into the main screen for the first time greeted with a standard signup form and choosing your class would be a familiar experience to most who have played similar games even on other consoles. I wasn’t really in the know of all the game mechanics so I went with choosing a DPS character with dual swords.
I noticed that using swords was more physically demanding to fight compared to other classes where their options were using forms of blaster pistols. I can see physical wellbeing and fitness playing into the reason why some people may choose to play a certain class, the good news is if you have medical issues preventing you from exerting yourself you can choose another class. Having known how demanding the swords were compared to other classes I may have started out as another class.
In Zenith you can play as other classes on your same account which allows you to build up a range of characters that you can play to suit a particular style, or if you need a particular class present in your group such as a healer.
My first month on Zenith
I played with a few friends from Altspace who were already past level 10 and realised immediately there was a strength difference between level 2 and level 10. When I got to level 10 I noticed my friends were almost level 20 and they were struggling a lot less with the basic mobs to the point that they could kill them with one hit.
But observing this same group, I have seen them attack NPC’s maybe 1-2 levels above the prior NPC’s they had been fighting and they would be on the borderline of dying, what gives? So my initial observation during the first week is the balances in levelling, fighting and NPC strength isn’t consistent throughout the whole game.
As I entered my 2nd week I worked out that it was still rather quick to level up between levels 12-24 by levelling from repeating the Mika and Shin quests outside of the city (spawn) and doing them back to back and collecting horns. I was able to level up to 24 in a few days, the advantage of me completing these lower mobs was the fact at my level I didn’t have to worry about dying.
I also learnt that the Syphiods on the overside of Shin in the plains that are level 3 give much more EXP, but weirdly enough they are over-powered compared to the level difference of the level 2 Syphiods outside of the bridge area.
As I got into my third week I still hadn’t completed any of the quests that were preventing me to skip ahead and unlock fast travels for some of the other later areas. This was difficult catching up with friends who had progressed and wanted to fight stronger monsters however, it was clear that most of the map is accessible with minimal travel time required if you are able to fly. I spent most of the time chasing friends by climbing to the highest points and gliding from mountain to mountain until I could make one last leap.
As I hit the one month mark I was a level 30 and able to go back and unlock most of the areas by completing quests solo. I also gained a better understanding of the game mechanics during the 4th week and I was becoming more social fighting in groups.
Learning the basics
In hindsight, I wish I had watched this video first before I struggled to level 30 without realising the full mechanics of the game. Unfortunately, it’s not fully documented so it’s great to check out YouTube to see what user-generated content and guides are out there.
Annoying features/bugs or issues
- Would be nice to set the default for you to join your guild, party chat as you login and choose if your microphone is muted by default.
- The ability to see friends on the map without having to be in a party or guild
- The ability to block other peoplke who harrass you
- Optional personal bubble and or a bypass option for friends/guild.
- Default stamina quota is not enough (I just wanted to fly for ages when I first signed in 🙁 )
The development team is hiring, money is being funded so no doubt there is enough momentum to keep this game alive and progressing. The player base is growing so as long as they are providing updates and patches regularly I can see Zenith VR becoming a great MMORPG community.
This game is far from complete but compared to other VR MMO’s this game really made it easy to get started and work out the game mechanics mostly on my own. I believe this score is likely to go up in time and I would recommend this game for anyone trying out VR games for the first time. Just set your expectations accordingly as this is a brand new game only being released publicly in early 2022.
Another reason for the score is the content feels repetitive and quests are always fetching, talking to another NPC which requires you to travel somewhere or killing X amount of mobs. Collecting tears are fun and always something to listen out for and are a great addition to the game and provide a fun treasure hunting activities.