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I have become aware of some new reviews of my books in recent days and this has spurred me on to share some musings regarding book reviews.
Firstly, while I accept that not everyone will like my books, I am human and do experience some discomfort when reading negative comments or a negative review. Not that I consider my books to be above criticism. Both are “short introductions” to broad and complex subject matters; particularly my book concerning attachment and attachment disorders. Both were written in such a way as to be accessible to the broadest audience possible. It follows that both books can be criticised for what is not covered and for simplicity of explanations of the subject material.
However, I doubt that there are any books that are entirely without merit that make it to publication stage with known publishing houses. In a markeplace it makes no sense for the publishing house to distribute rubbish, and published works are (in my experience, at least) subject to a number of layers of editorial review. If one accepts this then one has to wonder at the motivations and insight of those who write purely negative evaluations or reviews of published works.
Entirely positive reviews are very welcome and good for vanity! However, the most useful reviews are those that make realistic appraisals of a book’s positive and negative aspects, before settling on a final summation of the book. I know this as the “dialectic” approach to formulating an argument that was taught to me in high school. I thought that this was the “gold standard” approach to conducting evaluations and reviews but have since learnt that it is not always used by reviewers.
However, I was recently extremely pleased to read a review of my book on resilience by Asfia Qaadir in Metapsychology Online Reviews. I would refer the reader to this review by following the link. This is a good example of the dialectic approach to a review.
For other reviews I would direct the reader to the “book reviews” page of this blog. I will endeavour to add all reviews I am aware of over the next little while.
I agree that reviews vary in worth and fairness. This probably has quote a lot to do with the motives and agenda of the reviewer. But I think reviews also vary according to context.
In my own journal (well, the one I edit!) – CCYP, for children’s counsellors – I expect reviewers to be brief and to make sure the reader has sufficient information to make a judgement about purchasing the title, for practical reasons, in pursuit of their own professional development as practitioners.
Whereas in Therapy Today, which has a very large and disparate audience of practitioners, the reviews are much more erudite, often comparing previous and current books, and almost offering mini articles on the subject. All very interesting, but I wouldn’t know if I needed to buy the book! So I think context is everything in determining how a review should look. But obviously, it needs to be fair within those parameters.
Thanks Eleanor. Last week I received a review that appeared in The Transactional Analyst. I found it somewhat perplexing as the reviewer wrote almost exclusively about their own professional journey and perspectives, sparing only a couple of sentences for comment on my book. And those sentences were quite bizarre and seemingly unrelated to the content of my book, such that I wondered if the reviewer had even read it! 🙂


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Sam Norman, better known by his stage name Samwell is an entertainer whose hit video "What What (In the Butt)" made him an Internet celebrity.
Early Years Edit
Sam Norman A.K.A Samwell was born in Greenville, South Carolina. He is currently on the Alumni committee of Berea High School, where he attended school.
Samwell is unsigned, but his "What What (In the Butt)" song is licensed through Fatboy Slim's record label, Southern Fried Records. The "What What (In the Butt)" video is licensed through Brownmark Films.
In early 2008 Samwell licensed the "What What" song to Comedy Central's South Park. The song was used extensively in the season 12 episode "Canada On Strike", which featured a re-creation of the What What video.
In April 2008 Samwell appeared on the BBC television show Lily Allen and Friends for an interview and performed a live version of "What What (In the Butt)" with choreographed dancers.
Samwell played Adonis in 2009's Modus Operandi and is slated to play the Communications Officer in Hamlet A.D.D., due out in 2010.
In March 2010 Special Entertainment released an iPhone App called Shaky Advice from Samwell that functions much like a Magic 8 Ball, with video clips of Samwell giving advice.
In June 2010 Samwell appeared on an episode of Comedy Central's Tosh.0, television show about viral videos. The segment told the story of how the "What What" video was created, followed by an acoustic duet version of the song by Samwell and Josh Homme, lead singer for Queens Of The Stone Age and Them Crooked Vultures. In a June 2nd interview, host Daniel Tosh called Samwell one of the best guests he's had on the show, saying, "I'll tell you who I loved. The "What What In The Butt" guy. Couldn't have been more of a delight."

domain: entertainment


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Attorney fudges loan financials
"How to buy real estate with nothing down"How did the cash back at closing scheme work? A "co-conspirator", likely a real estate broker or loan broker, convinced buyers and sellers to write real estate contracts for inflated prices. The seller got the price he wanted and the buyer got in with nothing down and sometimes cash back at closing. What's the beef?
Since the lender required a down payment, the cash at closing had to be covered up. The cover-up was done by paying contractors twice. Their bid was likely inflated and the buyer got a kick back. In other cases, there may have been no contractor at all. The "contractor" was really the buyer. In still other cases the loan agent and even the attorney gave the buyer his down payment money from large fees they were making.
In order to keep things clean with the buyer and seller a side agreement was likely used.
“A side agreement is a side contract between the buyer and the seller which is not included in the closing documens"
Buyers and sellers and many mortgage and real estate brokers insist no money down financing is harmless. The buyer gets the property, the seller gets his sale. Real estate brokers and loan agents get their fees.
"The one who gets stuck holding the bag in zero down finance deals is the lender"
The one who gets stuck holding the bag in zero down finance deals is the lender. He thought he had a lower risk loan because the buyer had a stake in the purchase. History has shown a buyer who makes a down payment is less likely to default on his loan. When the buyer invests nothing the loan becomes more risky. Of course, the less owed, and the more equity a property has, the less risk, too. Since many loans are sold to third party investment funds, the investment fund is defrauded, as well. They purchased the mortgage loan based upon the buyer having a stake in the purchase of the property.
"There is nothing illegal about no downpayment financing"
There is nothing illegal about no downpayment financing. Buyers and sellers can still sell property with zero down financing if they wish. The crime happens when a no down payment or cash back at closing deal is done and false statements are made at the closing. If a lender, closing agent, attorney or real estate broker ask you to sign a document which is false, get up and leave. No property, no real estate investment, is worth spending 20 years in prison.

domain: economics


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At St. Anne's Catholic Primary School we receive three Sacraments:
Our school maintain strong links between the parish, school and home. This means that the preparation for these Sacraments remains very strong.
Children develop an excellent understanding of how taking part in these Sacraments help to deepen their relationship with God.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is received by baptised Catholic children in Year 3.
All children in Year 3 are included in the celebration of the Sacrament and our inclusive ethos ensures that those children who are not baptised Catholics are enabled to participate as fully as possible in supporting their classmates during the programme.
Children in Year 3 also receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
The preparation takes place during RE lessons, additional Sacramental preparation sessions and there are also meetings between school, parents and our Parish Priest, Father Robert.
The children receive Holy Communion in the Summer term of Year 3. This Sacrament is widely celebrated by the entire school and parish community.
Children in Year 5 or 6 receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. We celebrate the sacrament every two years.
The Sacrament of Confirmation takes place at Saint Anne's Church and is conducted by the Archbishop or Bishop and our local Parish Priest.
Once again, there are meetings between school, parents, parish catechists and Parish Priest in order to assist parents with preparing their children. The children are extremely excited about encouraging all their family and friends to come and join them in church on the day of their Confirmation.

domain: sociology


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2014
U.S. Olympic Committee welcomes potential 2024 U.S. bid cities
Domestic evaluation process continues with visit to USOC headquarters
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Representatives from Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., joined the leadership of the United States Olympic Committee this week in Colorado for a bid city briefing. The briefing marks the next step in the USOC’s domestic process as it considers a U.S. bid to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“I’d like to thank each city’s civic and political leadership for the commitment they have shown to our process thus far,” said USOC Chairman Larry Probst. “Our discussions this week have created a foundation for something that could be truly unique. There is a great deal of work left to do before we can make a decision, but I’m more optimistic than ever that a U.S. bid for the 2024 Games can be successful.”
The four remaining cities were identified in June following 16-month process that began with outreach to approximately 35 U.S. cities.
“This week marks another important milestone as we evaluate whether the time is right to bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. We’ve tried to create a thoughtful and deliberate process and I think everyone involved believes we’re getting closer to a decision,” said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun. “Each city has necessarily evaluated how hosting a Games in its community fits into the long-term plans for that city, but equally exciting to me is the universal commitment to making a positive contribution to worldwide sport and the Olympic and Paralympic movements. That’s something I truly believe a Games hosted in the U.S. can do and I’m excited about the potential.”
Attendees at this week’s U.S. bid city briefing included:
The briefing followed visits by USOC executives to each of the four cities for further collaborative discussions regarding the technical elements required to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Those discussions will continue in the weeks and months ahead.
In early December, the International Olympic Committee Extraordinary Session will take place, during which time the Olympic Agenda 2020, which will shape the future of the Olympic Movement, will be finalized. Following that meeting – likely in early 2015 – the USOC will make a decision on whether or not to bid, and will select a city if a bid is pursued.
The IOC deadline for 2024 bid submissions will likely be in 2015, while the selection of a host city will likely be made in 2017.
The U.S. has not hosted the summer edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Games since 1996 (Atlanta). St. Louis hosted in 1904 and Los Angeles held the Games in both 1932 and 1984.

domain: news


After London, Manchester has long been Britain's NumberTwo Pop City. But in the post-punk era the city's musical output was synonymous with the un-pop hue of gray: the Buzzcocks' melodic but monochrome punk ditties, the Fall's baleful intransigence, Joy Division's angst rock, New Order's doubt-wracked disco. Dedicated to their own out-of-time sixties notion of pop, the Smiths defined themselves against contemporary, dance-oriented chart fodder. "Panic" was an anthem for disenfranchised discophobes, Morrissey railing "burn down the disco/hang the blessed DJ." The crime? Playing mere good-times music that said "nothing," lyrically, about real life.


Technology Is Changing Our Daily Drive – Here’s How
Public Domain Pictures
The art of driving has come a long way since 1885’s Benz Patent-Motorwagen. But the advances we’ve been making in the field over the past decade or so have been tremendous. We are, in general, advancing technologically at a faster rate than ever before, with more technology advances taking place in the last decade than in pretty much all of human history. It’s only going to get faster.
We’re going to focus squarely on the cool tech advances that are being made in the automobile industry, with a particular focus on the practical advances (there are loads of car gadgets out there that don’t really help drivers all that much; they’re just vanity technology).
Oh, and we’re going to do this without mentioning autonomous cars, because that’s too obvious.
Immobilizing a stolen vehicle
This is what we’ve always wanted, right? The main problem with car theft is how quickly the criminals can get away. They do, after all, have a getaway ride immediately upon committing the crime; the object of their crime is their getaway. If you happen to be in the vicinity, then it’s without doubt a frustrating experience to simply watch your vehicle being driven away. There’s really very little you can do, unless you can run faster than your vehicle drives.Pixabay
This is why immobilizers are getting more and more popular. Immobilizers prevent cars from being hot wired – the process by which criminals bypass the car’s ignition interlock, which basically tricks the car into thinking the key has been inserted and turned. Immobilizers ensure that the car cannot be started unless the key has been inserted. They’ve been shown to reduce vehicle theft by about 40% in recent years. Here is a great infographic by Dryve which shows the future of autonomous cars.
Finding a parking space
Going from “preventing vehicle theft” to “finding a parking space” may seem a little odd; there’s certainly a pretty big reduction in intensity! But let’s face it: these problems are probably always in the top ten problems that drivers worry about on a frequent basis. Any technology that can help people find a parking space has got to be pretty heavily appreciated, right? Well, there is something that allows you to find parking spaces – and it doesn’t involve the installation of expensive gadgets to your vehicle. You just need Internet access.
Parkopedia has been described as the “Wikipedia of parking”. This isn’t just because of its wealth of information, but also because of the fact that it can be edited and updated by members of the Parkopedia community. You can either use the website or the smartphone app to find public spaces and their prices (if any), and even info on private driveways whose owners are hiring out to drivers.
A dead battery is one of the (many, many) banes of a driver’s life. Thankfully, batteries are seeing big improvements as of late – which is pretty cool, seeing as they were basically being ignored for a long time so manufacturers could focus on advances in other parts of the vehicle! These days, it’s easier than ever to maintain a long-lasting battery and, with the ever-increasing power and availability of portable jump starters, easier to revive one that’s died. You can look up such gadgets as the Jump n Carry JNC660 on Tool Nerds if you haven’t invested in one yet. These things are getting more popular all the time – after all, they save you from having to call an expensive car service or try to hail a passerby for help.
Batteries are becoming more important than ever to the auto industry – this is, of course, thanks to the expansion of electrical vehicles, a technology we probably should ignore in an article such as this. Tesla have been dominating this field for a long time, but many other manufacturers are getting in on this technology. This means we’ll be seeing some very impressive advances in the next two or three years as increasing competition forces everyone to get more innovative – and, with any luck, it will also mean those electric vehicle will become much cheaper!
Updates and alerts
Can’t stand to be away from your baby? (Which, if you feel this way about your car, is probably the precise word you use to describe it.) Don’t worry; there’s an app for that. A lot of people hate being away from their vehicles for too long, usually because they’re paranoid that something bad is going to happen. But many cars are being built with IoT technology that allows you to keep track of them using an app on your smartphone.
Hardware and software such as Land Rover’s InControl not only allows you to check how full your fuel tank is (as well as how far that fuel can take you) or whether your doors are locked; it also allows you to control certain aspects of your vehicle from afar. You can lock or unlock the vehicle, activate a silent alarm, start tracking its location if it’s stolen, etc. And, if you’ve forgotten where you parked it, you can use GPS to find it again.
There a few words in the English language that excite people more than the word “lasers”. If we’re talking about awesome technological advances, then we have to bring lasers into the equation at some point. So how exactly are lasers going to change the automobile game? Unfortunately, we’re not developing cars that can shoot lasers for whatever purpose you desire, as many of you may have assumed. (Although maybe the government is actually secretly developing such a thing for some nefarious purpose.)
Lasers are being used to enhance the power and longevity of car headlamps. That probably sounds a lot less exciting that you imagined, but don’t underestimate how cool an advancement this is. Laster have incredible illuminating power. LEDs, which became a big thing in car lighting in recent years (and are still worth getting if you don’t have them) are already an extremely impressive lighting technology. Car lighting systems are now being developed that use lasers to create extremely powerful and sustainable beams of light that are then reflected out into the road in front of the car. So you’re not actually looking at a laser when you see these car lights. (Which is a good thing, trust me.)


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For those of us who grew up in dysfunctional families, practicing holistic self-care and putting our own needs first was fleeting at best. That’s because, as children, so much of our time had to be spent on staying “safe” – and this often meant that we had to focus on making others feel good. As adults, we can shift that today. When we become aware of needing to caretake someone else, we can change direction and begin to focus on ourselves so that WE can feel good. … [Read more...] about The Changing Face of Self-Care
The importance of balanced self-care cannot be overstated - both for you and for the addict you love. When we take care of ourselves, we develop our self-respect, which in turn lowers our need for choosing addictive behaviours. Whether it’s you deciding to stop any enabling you might be doing, or your addict making the decision to go into recovery, a sense of self-care and self-respect will be the springboard for these healthy choices. … [Read more...] about Holistic Self-Care Is Vital to a Healthy Recovery
I don’t know about you, but 2021 went by quickly for me – and here we are again, almost at Valentine’s Day. In my past, as a brutally self-trashing codependent woman, this was always one of my least favourite days – because I was either in a dysfunctional relationship or I was alone and lonely, wishing desperately that I was partnered with someone – anyone. Either way, the approach of Valentine’s Day didn’t bode well for me. … [Read more...] about Another Valentine’s Day: Codependent Nightmare or Ultimate Self-Care?
Just like most of us these days, I’ve been getting email after email – from all the lists I’ve ever been a part of and from many I never signed up for – all about the coronavirus – complete with reminders to wash our hands and maintain social distancing. This article will not tell you to wash your hands – because you already know that. It will not tell you to self-isolate or to stay 6’ from each other – because you know that too. What I do want to talk about today is what it’s like to have an … [Read more...] about Covid, Addiction – and You: You’re Not Alone
Whether your addicted loved one is a parent, a child, a partner, friend, or colleague, loving someone who is actively engaging in addictive behaviours is one of the most difficult ways to live. This is because addicts who continue to be involved with their own self-destructive patterns typically experience many emotional highs and lows, creating a virtual roller coaster of fantasy followed by severe despondency, remorse, and self-loathing, with every conceivable emotion in between. Addicts … [Read more...] about Loving Someone with an Addiction: A Life of Chaos

domain: psychology


Supermarket giant Woolworths has submitted a rezoning request for its Neutral Bay site, as part of its strategy to develop apartments above supermarkets in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The company claims that the housing projects are a response to changing shopping trends, which have also resulted in initiatives such as drive-through shopping and small-format grocery stores. Apartments will also be built in Waterloo, Rose Bay, Elsternwick, and Kangaroo Point. However, Woolworths faces opposition to these plans, as also seen in the reactions to its developments in Neutral Bay and Elsternwick.
Zoe Baker, North Sydney mayor, claims that the council opposed the plan for Neutral Bay because it exceeded building heights and floor space ratios. She added that rezoning was not necessary as upgrade to the supermarket could have been done without taller buildings. This has led critics, including Baker, to argue that Woolworths would receive a massive increase in value without providing any affordable housing units.
Andrew Loveday, Woolworths’ director of property development, claims that mixed-use developments are a response to consumer demand for local shops and services, especially given congestion on roads and public transport due to densely populated cities. He adds that controlling development outcomes for mixed-use developments allows the company to prioritise customer and community concerns over residential development objectives. He claims that Woolworths has been involved in property development for years, but the recent move into building apartments reflects the trend towards higher population densities in metropolitan locations.
Loveday also noted that the company differs from other property developers because it plans to remain in the development for decades to come. Anthony Pirrottina, director of investment sales at Knight Frank, claims that retailers are moving away from stand-alone stores as competition for inner-city sites becomes more intense. Pirrottina argues that supermarkets face fierce competition from other developers for sites large enough to build a store. He continues by noting that retail outlets of all types, including large-format retailers, fast food chains, and car dealerships, are moving away from stand-alone stores and instead are being drawn towards mixed-use and integrated developments in cities.
Pirrottina states that building apartments not only provides Woolworths with an immediate customer base, but also increases the chances of gaining approval for developments in areas with rapid population growth, such as Waterloo. Estelle Grech, planning policy manager at the Committee for Sydney, agrees and claims that having large, single-use buildings in well-located areas does not make sense. She adds that Woolworths has evolved to meet changing consumer demands, as people no longer have to rely on driving to get their groceries due to more time-poor, working families.
The change in consumer behaviour has prompted other supermarkets, such as Coles and Aldi, to open smaller-format stores; these proposals have also faced opposition from residents. Aldi, for example, has targeted city dwellers and commuters with its “Corner Store” format, opening locations in areas such as Darlinghurst and Newtown in Sydney, and Prahran and Fitzroy in Melbourne. A spokesperson for Coles claims that the company focuses on property developments that result in good retail, supermarket outcomes and that they have delivered within mixed-use spaces, such as inner metropolitan areas with apartments, offices, and medical centres.
Woolworths’ expansion into residential development comes after warnings from local councils and small business owners about the potential invasion of suburban shopping precincts by major retailers, following new state laws that aim to make it easier to open businesses.


Two of Dubai’s biggest real estate brokers are being brought on board a massive campaign to market the newly renamed Dubai South project.
CBRE and JLL said yesterday that they had signed an agreement to lease and sell office space at the business parks on the master planned city formerly known as Dubai World Central, which occupies 145 square kilometres.
Under the terms of the deal, the pair will start marketing 2 million square feet of office space spread across 11 buildings on the mixed-use project near the Dubai Expo site and the new Al Maktoum International Airport.
According to local brokers, rents for warehouses in the area range between Dh30 and Dh40 per sq ft.
The project is being built by Dubai’s government through the newly rebranded master developer Dubai South as part of the emirate’s plans to ramp up development ahead of Expo 2020.
It hopes that the extra marketing push will attract foreign investment to its business park free zone.
“The Business Park Free Zone forms an integral part of Dubai South, allowing companies based here to enjoy the distinct advantages of the 145 sq kilometre master planned city. including proximity to the Al Maktoum International Airport, the Jebel Ali Port and to the venue of the World Expo 2020,” said Paolo Serra, the vice president of the Business Park at Dubai South.
“Our alliance with JLL and CBRE will allow us to extend these unique offerings and turnkey solutions to businesses across the world. Ultimately, our aim is to act as a catalyst for the growth of these businesses, whether they are newly setting up base here or looking to expand their footprint in the region.”
Last month, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, announced Dubai World Central’s change of name following a decree from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Dubai World Central was launched in 2006 as the world’s first purpose-built “aerotropolis”, with Al Maktoum International Airport at its core.
When completed, the airport will have five runways and a capacity of 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo a year.
The passenger terminal is expected to take over operations from the city’s main Dubai International Airport.
At the Cityscape Global property exhibition in Dubai earlier this month, Dubai South said it was planning to build a Dh25 billion middle-income residential project, which would be laid out as a cluster of villages.
The first village, which will encompass 6,000 homes such as apartments, villas and town houses, will be completed in 2019.
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The actor was very proud when his wife appeared on Broadway in 2008 playing Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons”, and admits that Holmes’s debut in theater led to think so.
On the other hand, Cruise is convinced that London is the ideal place to launch his career in theater. “I’d really like to do the stage at some point.” Tom said to Britain’s Evening Standard.
Tom Cruise, 48, and Katie Holmes, 32, met in April 2005 and married for four years.
Image source: bogdi-akeliela.eggums.com
Moreover, her husband, Tom Cruise urges Katie to give their adorable daughter, Suri, 3, a little brother or sister.
“Katie’s been gorging on loads of carbs and she’s put on at least 12lb,” a source told Britain’s Now magazine.”
“She hates the fact that she’s heavier, but Tom insisted that she needed more meat on her bones to have a greater chance of getting pregnant.”
“Katie will always do what Tom says and this proves he still has a heavy grip on her.”
“The plus side, from her point of view, is that she gets to eat what she wants these days, rather than surviving on salad.”
“But it’s not an ideal scenario for Katie because she’s always prided herself on her svelte figure.”
“A lot of people in Hollywood were saying she’s pregnant, but the truth is that she’s let herself go a bit and it’s showing on her belly.”
Image source: celebritybaby
It seems that the two have reached to an agreement of renegotiating the marriage contract which means that Holmes will receive $11 millions to make Tom father again.
With or without the money, actress’s tummy no longer can’t be hidden. Katie was photographed while she left a medical building and than writing a message. Is she really pregnant or the winter clothes makes her look extra pounds?
Contrary to her usual habits, Katie who usually goes out accompanied by her bodyguard and her driver, now she went out by her self to doctor.
This seems to be the situation in market economy. Everything is a good, even the joy to have an heir.


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There is some magic to seeing the skies open and the sun shining bright on a wedding day… It all started quietly with the closest family members and friends helping with preparations of the Angel Hotel ceremonial room, a local wedding venue in Market Harborough. Modest yet inviting, the rooms were decorated with elements reminiscing the local tradition and activities loved by Owen and Zoe, such as the longboats, florals as well as spring and its blossoms. The ceremony commenced with some beautiful readings from two family members and this was truly touching as they really referred to the core of feelings of love and changes that marriage goes through. An ode to experience and passion for love.
The day hasn’t gone without a few laughs from a group of friends I instantly named “Team Cake” due to their devoted indulgence in the sweets served as well as fighting the sun and posing groups really quickly to capture them when the sun hid behind clouds and spared hitting faces causing unflattering expressions. All this would not be possible without the two bridesmaids, Sam and Robin, who remembered group sets to be put together perfectly. You girls rock!
And then there was the first dance which left everyone speechless! Who knew this modest and quiet two lovely people had what it takes to leave people to pick their jaws from the floor in amazement! The turns, the poise, the kiss at the end… It was a perfect package, to sum up, the day, which I am so grateful Owen and Zoe entrusted me to record. Thank You both so much! You belong together and let Your love shine and evolve! Forever!

domain: artistic


Experian Data Quality, a part of Experian Marketing Services and a leading provider of data quality software and services, today announced that McMillion Research, a premier online panel company, will use Experian Data Quality data enhancement and data quality services to ensure the quality of online panelists. Previously, Experian Data Quality has verified existing panelists within the research firm’s database, and McMillion now also will leverage the service to check all new panelists as they sign up.
“We need to ensure the quality of our data during the survey process and provide our customers with the best results possible,” said Jay Mace, senior vice president at McMillion Research. “By doing this additional check with Experian Data Quality, we instantly can screen panelists as they join and follow up if there is reason to believe the individual should not be included in the panel. This gives our customers confidence that our Mindfield Online™ panel has been verified.”
Experian Data Quality address verification will be used to confirm that contact details are entered accurately, and data enhancement will assess the likelihood of contacting a specific individual using the contact information provided. The check is done in real time, allowing all panelists to be screened fully before they take part in research.
“Data quality tools play a key role in validating customer information as it is entered, but data enhancement allows our customers to have better insight on the individuals they engage with,” said Thomas Schutz, general manager, Experian Data Quality. “By verifying that an individual can be reached using the contact information provided, businesses can help alleviate fraud and also guarantee they are able to engage with individuals in the future.”
About Experian Data Quality
Experian Data Quality is a global leader in providing data quality software and services to organizations of all sizes. We help our clients to proactively manage the quality of their data through world-class validation, matching, enrichment and profiling capabilities. With flexible software-as-a-service and on-premise deployment models, Experian Data Quality software allows organizations around the world to truly connect with their customers by delivering intelligent interactions, every time.
Established in 1990 with offices throughout the United States, Europe and Asia Pacific, Experian Data Quality has more than 13,500 clients worldwide in retail, finance, education, insurance, government, healthcare and other sectors. For more information, visit http://www.edq.com.
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Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients around the world. The Group helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft.
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Homogeneous charge compression iginition (HCCI) combustion allows for the use of fuels with octane requirements below that of spark-ignited engines. A reference gasoline was compared with iso-octane and a low octane blend of gasoline and 40% n-heptane, NH40. Experiments were conducted on a single cylinder engine operating with negative valve overlap (NVO). The fuel flow rate per cycle was compensated based on the lower heating value to maintain a constant energy addition across fuels. Iso-octane and gasoline demonstrated similar maximum load, achieving a gross of kPa, whereas the NH40 demonstrated an increased of 460 kPa. The NH40 could be operated at a later phasing compared with the higher octane fuels, and exhibited a shorter burn duration at a given fueling rate and phasing. These results could be due to compositional differences, as NH40 required less NVO compared to iso-octane and gasoline, leading to less thermal and compositional stratification, as well as a higher concentration and less residual gas. Additionally, the NH40 fuel demonstrated a higher intermediate temperature heat release than the higher octane fuels, potentially contributing to the shorter burn duration. Overall, these results demonstrate clear benefits to NVO enabled HCCI combustion with low octane fuels.
Effects of a Low Octane Gasoline Blended Fuel on Negative Valve Overlap Enabled HCCI Load Limit, Combustion Phasing and Burn Duration
Contributed by the IC Engineering Division of ASME for publication in the Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power. Manuscript received November 18, 2012; final manuscript received November 26, 2012; published online June 12, 2013. Editor: David Wisler.
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Hagen, L. M., Olesky, L. M., Bohac, S. V., Lavoie, G., and Assanis, D. (June 12, 2013). "Effects of a Low Octane Gasoline Blended Fuel on Negative Valve Overlap Enabled HCCI Load Limit, Combustion Phasing and Burn Duration." ASME. J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power. July 2013; 135(7): 072001. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4023885
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Bitcoin, the pioneer cryptocurrency, has emerged as a formidable contender to challenge gold’s status as the ultimate store of value. While both assets have unique characteristics, Bitcoin’s meteoric rise and distinctive properties are reshaping the investment landscape.
Since its inception 15 years ago, Bitcoin has shattered records, becoming the most lucrative asset of the 21st century. Investors, however, have grappled with defining Bitcoin’s nature and investment potential. The prevailing narrative likening Bitcoin to digital gold has gained traction, but is it a more lucrative asset than gold?
Gold’s Historical Role
Gold’s significance has evolved over centuries, from serving as currency to becoming a safe-haven asset during economic turmoil. The 1970s saw gold soar from under $300 to nearly $2,600 per ounce, outpacing inflation and solidifying its status as a wealth preserver.
Despite its historical prowess, gold’s performance has waned in recent decades. Adjusted for inflation, gold has delivered a lackluster -4% return from 1980 to 2023, undermining its reputation as an inflation hedge.
In contrast, Bitcoin has exhibited remarkable growth, boasting a 3,700% inflation-adjusted return over the past decade. With an annual return of 44%, Bitcoin has eclipsed gold’s modest 2% return, solidifying its appeal as a lucrative investment.
Volatility vs. Potential
Critics often cite Bitcoin’s volatility as a deterrent. However, this volatility has been instrumental in propelling Bitcoin’s meteoric rise, showcasing its potential as a high-growth asset. Moreover, Bitcoin’s volatility is diminishing as the asset matures, bolstering its long-term viability.
Unique Advantages of Bitcoin
Bitcoin’s superiority over gold extends beyond price performance. Its finite supply of 21 million coins, coupled with its decentralized blockchain technology, offers unparalleled security and ownership control. Unlike gold, which is subject to mining activities and government intervention, Bitcoin’s decentralized nature ensures its resilience against devaluation and confiscation.
In an era marked by digital innovation and economic uncertainty, Bitcoin’s value proposition as a superior store of value is evident. With its finite supply, decentralized architecture, and immunity to governmental interference, Bitcoin has not only surpassed gold as a lucrative investment but has emerged as the premier asset for securing and accumulating wealth in the digital age.

domain: finance


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Look at it this way: You’re just trying to make a mark in your world. You haven’t even managed to shore up any meaningful following for you to attract any media attention. People don’t even have an idea who the heck you are, and then a chance appears just out of the blues and you do something in a video that ends up breaking the internet with millions of views. What more can a good pianist ask for?!
If you think such stories only happen in movies, well, you’re in for an awakening, because this video right here is about to steal your whole heart in such a pleasant fashion. Get ready for this!
As it happened: Johnny Carson had invited a really good pianist on his show. However, something happened to the pianist and he got an injury, so Carson had to work out something and come up with a replacement. He ended up with this young guy. What happened next on the show is still stirring up the entertainment industry!
Turns out, the young man was quite a pianist. In fact, he ended up scoring another invite back on the show! Check out the video here and see why.
Please SHARE with your Facebook friends!


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We’re very late in the day introducing you to this particular project, but with the Sochi Olympics very much on the horizon we’re prepared to make a concession. Dutch photographer Rob Hornstra has been documenting the sub-tropical region of Sochi in Russia since 2009, after it was named as the 2014 Winter Olympic host city. His interest in the area is born from a long and complicated history of political and military unrest and the ongoing insurgency hanging over from the Second Chechen War.
Despite these political motivations much of Rob’s photography serves simply as documentation of the region’s population and their cultural quirks. This is particularly the case in Sochi Singers a book produced in collaboration with Kummer and Herrman that focuses on Sochi’s longstanding tradition of restaurant singers. It’s a lighthearted look at an otherwise troubled area, but was still sufficiently inflammatory to have Rob’s Russian visa denied recently. Make of that what you will.
- The idyllic and relatable still lifes of Bradley Kerl
- We spoke to the director behind Young Thug's "Wyclef Jean" video
- Illustrator Marina Pcheliakova’s happy characters follow a range of leisure pursuits
- A closer look at the work of “performer and plastic artist” Caroline Denervaud
- Oriele Steiner’s naive pastel works interpret the world around her
- Alan Resnick animates the adventures of his odd little character Johnny Bubble
- Wolff Olins and zigbee launch the “first open-source brand for the Internet of Things”
- Graphic Design Festival Paris reveals 19 sport-inspired posters by Hort, Julia, Spassky Fischer and more
- FKA twigs teams up with 17 year old photographer David Uzochukwu for new Nike campaign
- Too Fast To Think: why switching off unlocks creativity
- Brian Finke captures the glitz and glamour of the Ms. Senior America beauty pageant


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Havas North America
Wed, 22 Jun 2022 07:09:00 GMT
Juneteenth, despite having its roots in the 1800’s, might feel like a recent addition to our yearly calendars for many Americans. Though Black/African American folks have been commemorating this time long before now, it was only recently that Juneteenth (a.k.a Freedom Day) was officially cemented as an American federal holiday.
Melissa Tifrere has taken the time to walk us through what Juneteenth means to her, Black/African American folks, and all Americans. As well as the crucial importance of remembering our history, honouring our past, and fighting for our future.
Necko Fanning, Director of DEI, Havas New York (NF)> Thanks so much for agreeing to chat about Juneteenth. To start off can you tell us a little about who you are and what you do for Havas?
Melissa Tifrere, Head of Integrated Production, Havas New York (MT)> Of course, thank you so much for the chat. I oversee the production departments at Havas NY and Annex88 NY. This means anytime a client-brief turns into a script and is sold to the client to be made into content, my department comes in and helps facilitate the actual creation of that work. I have a group of amazing producers that manage the timelines and budgets, while working closely with the creative teams to help find the right directors, editors, and photographers to bring the work to life. Basically, we make words and key-frames on paper into something real and impactful.
(NF)> I didn’t know the process could be so involved. Very cool! So, for a lot of folks who aren’t Black/African American, Juneteenth might seem like something new. In reality, it’s been a day of remembrance and sober celebration for quite some time. Can you explain what is Juneteenth?
(MT)> “Juneteenth”, is a mash-up of the month June and the 19th day. It’s recognised and celebrated as the day slavery ended in the confederate states in 1865. On this day the Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
As a day that has been widely recognised in Black/African American households for some time, it's only just being recognised on the federal level as a holiday. It's sad but all the very tough and heartbreaking events happening to the black community in 2020, and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement seemed to have finally led to some recognition. A holiday is far from enough but it's an important reminder about representation.
(NF)> That’s really sobering to hear. Thanks for giving us that context. I'm wondering if maybe you could explain further about the significance it has within Black/African American communities? What significance does it hold for you?
(MT)> Juneteenth is a day of remembering our ancestors and reflecting on their lives, their existence, and all the sacrifices they were forced to make to help build the United States of America as we know it. It's celebrating their resilience and pride despite living under unimaginable cruelty and oppression. It's a reminder of the strong culture, traditions, and community they were able to form.
For me, it's a day to honour all the slaves that came before and after Juneteenth and, as a cultural collective, actively acknowledge their lives mattered. They were forced to build this country, the cornerstones of which we still see today, and a horrific majority have never been praised or recognised for their sacrifices. It’s important we, as Americans, remember how much we owe to our Black ancestors.
(NF)> How would you recommend folks who aren’t Black/African American celebrate and commemorate this day?
(MT)> I would recommend that everyone use Juneteenth as a day of reflection and remembrance. Slaves played a massive part in contributing to the building and early success of the United States as a country with no recognition or reward, while being forced to endure the torture, dehumanisation, and death of slavery.
I think everyone can use Juneteenth to be mindful of what liberty and freedom means to them. I mean, think what it must have felt to learn after 100's of years of slavery, barely recognised as human, that you were finally free? No one should ever be able take away another’s ability to live freely; it’s part of the foundation our nation is built upon. Juneteenth is a reminder that this foundation exists regardless the color of your skin; freedom is a fundamental right that everyone is entitled to.
(NF)> It’s kind of great that Juneteenth takes place during Pride Month. Statistically, we know that Black queer folk experience struggles that their non-Black queer peers typically don’t. Do you think Juneteenth should serve as an opportunity for these communities to reaffirm their allyship towards one another?
(MT)> Absolutely. Being discriminated against because of the color of your skin or your sexual or gender is terrible. Our communities won't accomplish the changes we seek unless both the queer and black communities are united in their aims to uplift and support another. Together, we are always more powerful than apart.
Additionally, I still hear people use the word “tolerance"; personally I dislike the word. It seems it's used often as a comfortable way for people to continue holding prejudiced views of people that are different from them without making any changes to their thoughts, beliefs, or even actions. Black and queer people don’t need tolerance. It’s our right as humans, as Americans, to be accepted for who we are, unapologetically. It’s important we move away from this idea of tolerance and start focusing on ensuring people feel safe and supported enough to simply exist in their skin. We need to make sure people feel empowered to take up space and be ourselves or we will never advance equally as a society. I'm here. We're here. And it’s past time to accept and celebrate that so we can build a beautiful future.
(NF)> I couldn’t agree more! Thanks so much for taking the time to dig into Juneteenth! Part of our commitment to the folks of Havas is to keep pushing education and engagement as a means of allyship. Would you mind providing a resource, perhaps a book or movie or podcast, that you’d recommend folks listen to become better allies to Black/African American folks?
(MT)> Yes, absolutely. I highly recommend a podcast by the New York Times, “1619”, which explores the history of slavey in the United States. Also, the book, "Why are all of the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria" by Beverly Daniel Tarum, Ph.D, is a book on the psychology of racism and aims to help guide readers in an open dialogue about race. Oh, and "Black Magic" by Chad Sanders, which is a compilation of honest and informative interviews with black leaders from multiple disciplines. I mean, really any books written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and James Baldwin, too. They’re pretty fantastic!
Genres: Storytelling, People, DocumentaryHavas North America, Wed, 22 Jun 2022 07:09:00 GMT


Home Smart Centre automation is now a market for big box retailers who cater to homeowners with specialized products, software and installation packages. Nest Labs was one of the first companies out of the gate with devices like the Learning Thermostat that builds a personalized schedule of temperatures based on a user’s daily routine.
Home Depot offers the Wink system that uses a mobile app allowing remote control of a home. The wall-mounted Wink hub lets a diverse collection of smart devices be controlled from a phone. Best Buy offers the Skylink home smart centre, a wireless, portable security and automation system that can call up to five phone numbers in an emergency. Article Link


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You wakes up in the mysterious space, and you will bring the helmet around you. Choose the role you want to play (space warship or space monster or ???) Discovery the unknown random universe, find treasures, collect cards, and defeat the enemy with your unparalleled wisdom and decisiveness.
Store | Hub | SteamDB
Developer: LongGe Publisher: LongGe
Genre: Adventure, Indie, Early Access
Languages: English, Simplified Chinese
Tags: Card Battler (45), Deckbuilding (33), Indie (31), Adventure (30), Early Access (22), Rogue-lite (15), Card Game (14), Sci-fi (12), Rogue-like (5)
Category: Single-player, Steam Cloud
Release date: Dec 28, 2019 (previously in Early Access)
Owners: 0 .. 20,000
Peak concurrent players yesterday: 1
Steam Spy is still in beta, so expect major bugs.
Audience in 2 weeks:
Peak daily concurrent players:
CCU data courtesy of SteamDB. Used with permission.
Hourly concurrent players:
Followers over time
Views for top 50 videos on YouTube for this game:
Games similar to this one:
Nothing found. Sorry.


Masibus LPI-1 series Loop Powered Indicators come in four models; LED in Panel and Wall Mount as well as LCD in Panel and Wall Mount, to suit different viewing and mounting applications. All models are two-wire loop powered and need no Auxiliary power. LPI-1 series indicators are housed in compact with ergonomically designed front fascia, the panel mount models have an IP65 front panel whereas the Wall mount models qualify for IP65 housing, all models deliver an accuracy of 0.1% of FS combined with a low temperature drift. The indication range can be easily scaled by 3 front pushbuttons, the scale can be set to any range between -1999 to 9999 for 4-20mA input, and reverse scaling is also possible.
For Loop powered applications in Industries like Power Metals Chemicals Easy configuration with pushbuttons Compact and IP65 front/housing Fertilizer Cement
4-Digit LED or LCD Display options Loop Powered with low voltage drop Reverse scaling for indication range Square root extraction Accuracy 0.1% of FS Panel or Wall mounting options Easy configuration with pushbuttons Compact and IP65 front/housing
Founded in 1996, with an aim to provide quality instrumentation solutions to the Indian market S A Electronic Private Limited (formerly known as S A Electronic) is a renowned supplier of Process control Instrumentation products.


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Content includes new cars, time trial mode, career system, daily and clean race bonuses.
Real Racing 3, the premier racing game for mobile devices, has introduced a number of new features driven to create a more competitive and streamlined game play experience.
The ‘Prestige’ update brings all-new features to the game including new cars, a Time Trial mode, as well as a cleaner user interface and updated career progression mechanic that improves competition.
In addition, fans can now get behind the wheel of brand new cars from Mercedes-Benz and Bentley, as well as receive a Clean Race Bonus which rewards good drivers for making it through races unscathed.
Time Trial Mode, the most requested feature by the game’s community, allows players to challenge themselves, their friends and the world as they move up the leader board. Based on user feedback, repairs have been removed and replaced with a Clean Race Bonus, focusing the game on rewarding good driving instead of punishing the ones who can’t drive. Players will now also receive a daily bonus for the first race of each day and have the opportunity to earn bigger bonuses for consecutive days of play.
With the new Career system, players will enjoy a clear linear path along with player matching for races which improves competition. The player goal is even more focused — get the fastest and most powerful cars in the world and become the best racer among your friends. With 1.7 billion races completed to date and 16 million races completed each day, fans continue to enjoy Real Racing 3, where there are now more than 55 cars and 1000+ events available to play.
The ‘Prestige’ update for Real Racing 3 is now available on the App Store and Google Play. To download Real Racing 3 for free, please visit http://firemonkeys.com.au/downloadR3/

domain: game


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I’ve met some smart, funny, terrific people, thanks to “Beautiful Desolation”, and it’s always a particular thrill to read a comment or receive an e-mail from one of you. Writing is a lonely business and those missives, brief as they are, remind me why I keep putting pen to paper, year after year after year. And let’s have a rousing cheer for the internet, without which none of this would be possible. I mean, jeez, from halfway around the world you can wave or send regards or blow a kiss…or a raspberry (whatever floats your boat).
I spent perhaps an unhealthy amount of time trying to come up with ways to say “thanks” for your support and patronage for the past three years. There are a good number of you who take great pains to keep in touch and pass the word to other folks out there who are fed up with the tepid fare offered by traditional publishing sources: the books and magazines we buy and yawn our way through.
For the past six months or so the e-Reader crowd have been coming by in droves. Welcome, welcome. Dive right in and enjoy my stories, poems and radio dramas. There are dozens of offerings on this site, hundreds of thousands of words. Works that will astonish, amaze or, at least, entertain. And it’s all FREE. Download it, peruse it on your Kindles and iPads and Sonys (what the hell, a book is a book) and God bless ya.
I have to say there are certain, ah, special circumstances that give this anniversary more significance.
The impending release of my novel So Dark the Night is a super-big deal around Casa Burns. The cover nears completion and then it’s a case of loading the book onto Lightning Source’s template, crossing our fingers…and zipping it off. Looks like a late-April release. Will give you a peek at the cover soon–it’s a beauty. Wait’ll you see it, kids, it’ll knock your socks off. Christ, I love this book. It’s the best thing I’ve ever written and I’m practically vibrating in anticipation.
2010 marks my 25th year as a professional writer. That’s a helluva long time, a helluva lot of words on paper. Too many to ponder without suffering some kind of brain seizure. So we’ve got the third anniversary of the blog, my silver anniversary as an author and a new book coming out. That’s gotta call for something a little something extra, a bonus item or two…
How about an hour of free music? This is music I recorded with my iMac’s Garageband software. Space tunes, all instrumentals, totally trippy and out there. Some of my friends have downloaded these oddities on to their iPods or their computer hard drives. Go for it. Knock yourselves out. And above all else, enjoy the music. With my compliments and thanks.
I call my project Soundtrack For a Science Fiction Film Never Made and if you’d like to give it a listen, pop over to my “Audio” page, scroll down, past the spoken word section and you’re sure to find it.
Ah, but I’m not done.
I also want to unveil my new blog, Cinema Arrete. After literature, film is my great passion and for ages I’ve wanted a site where I could talk about some of my favorites and steer people toward flicks that aren’t on prominent display at their neighborhood movie store. I think that with places like YouTube now renting movies, there might be an increased demand and a wider assortment of movies to choose from–after all, cyberspace is like an endless virtual store and titles are always in stock. It might be the perfect time to re-introduce film fans to the work of auteurs like Henri-Georges Clouzot and Carl Theodor Dreyer.
But it’s not just a one-way street. I want cinephiles to steer me toward works and creative individuals that I’ve missed or neglected for some reason. I want to re-watch classic movies, research them and write essays based on my impressions and speculations. Sometimes I’ll re-examine a work and discover I’ve been dead wrong and will be forced to backtrack. The downside of being an honest critic is that you have to learn to like the taste of crow.
My refusal to bestow any respect on CGI fests like “Avatar” and the latest comic book adaptation will enrage those of you who (shudder) go to movies purely for fun, for the eye candy and escapist fluff. Sorry, if that’s the sum total of your aesthetic, Cinema Arete likely isn’t for you.
Pop over, give it a look-see and let me know what you think.
Okay, that’s enough for now. I’m feeling kind of misty-eyed at the moment and it might be that extra shot or two of scotch I’ve had. Or it could be an indication of emotions lurking closer to the surface than usual as I ponder this blog and what it has meant for my writing. Most importantly, it’s given me access to you, o wise and discerning readers, a venue to display my odd wares.
Thanks so much for spending some of your precious time here. Visiting and browsing this…repository of my poor words.
An idea will occur to me and all at once I’ll see the story with such perfect clarity that writing it down is a mere formality, almost a matter of taking dictation. “Daughter” was like that. “Also Starring”. “RSVP”. A couple of others. Not many. It doesn’t happen nearly often enough for my liking but when it does, I’m almost sickeningly grateful. Practically grovelling.
Because usually it’s the opposite. A tale like “In Dreams. Awake” for instance, was a monster. You can read it by clicking on the Stories tab (above) and if you do, it’s almost certain you’ll ask yourself: “What’s he going on about?” The story in question is not some post-modernist mind-bender, the kind of dense, inscrutable, erudite text beloved by college professors and potheads; nope, it’s a relatively straightforward narrative, with few bells and whistles. My problem was that I hated the tone of the story, the narrator seemed so cold and remote. I did draft after draft of that sonofabitch, trying to make the protagonist more sympathetic and likable. But the story resisted me, my Muse digging in her heels, insisting I put aside my misgivings and follow orders. Finally, I had to give in and the story is what it is. A fine tale but I have a hard time even looking at it because that rotten bastard was so difficult, each word, each syllable a struggle.
But that was nothing compared to what happened this summer.
I’ve told you a little about it. I spotted the Esquire fiction contest–they provide the titles, participants write the stories–and, as a writing exercise, I wrote on each of the themes they posted. And I described my astonishment when the stories turned out to be linked, sharing the same central character. Believe me when I assure you that I had no intention of writing four stories based around this Conrad Dahl fella.
And I certainly had no idea this quartet would take up my entire summer. That wasn’t the plan. I was supposed to be working on revisions of my next novel. But something happened on the way to that place, my Muse making it clear that these stories were to be given top priority and finished at all costs.
They cost me a lot all right.
None of them was easy. Not one. And writing these pieces seemed to awaken something in me–or perhaps unleash it is a better word. The process of writing left me emotionally, physically and spiritually exhausted, like nothing I’ve experienced since completing my novel So Dark the Night.
I’ve talked about emotional truths re: my radio play “The First Room”. All the facts are made up but the mood, the feeling of the piece is accurate.
I think that’s what happened here. Conrad Dahl is not me. Not in any way, shape or form. None of the events depicted in the stories involving the Dahl character have any relation to real life incidents and my family is/was nothing like this. But…the feeling…the atmosphere…
Something put the whammy into me.
And now I’m passing it on to you. How kind of me, hmm?
I think you’ll quickly discover what I’m talking about.
The four stories below are decidedly mainstream, no vestiges of genre fiction…yet there are aspects here that are as horrifying and intense as anything springing from the pens of the thriller writers who love to keep us all on edge. Sometimes you might be tempted to avert your eyes, cluck your tongue in disapproval. Don’t.
Read on. Explore and discover this character as he grows and develops, follow him from the ages of 9-20 and see how the closing pages of the last story are almost inevitable, directly attributable to the events that have preceded it.
I present the tales in chronological order for those who prefer the linear approach but, really, they can be read independently of each other and should be viewed as stand alone stories.
Feel free to drop a comment below once you’ve read them and had a chance to think about Conrad and his decidedly dysfunctional family.
I welcome your feedback and thoughtful responses…
These are interesting times.
Book store sales are dropping, Borders on the verge of collapse, while places like Amazon report an impressive rise in their stats. Fewer people are reading books but there’s been a modest increase (3%) of those reading “literary” offerings. Newspapers are in decline, advertising revenues dwindling; to a great extent, folks now get their news, sports and entertainment info from on-line sources.
Despite their daunting price tags, more and more people are using devices like the Kindle and the Sony e-Reader or related palm-sized gadgets. And employing said gadgets to avail themselves of books presented in electronic formats, downloading and reading them in growing numbers.
I’m an old fashioned lad, a real throwback when it comes to all this technology–miles behind digital sages like Mike Cane, who have seen the future and are showing the rest of us dummies what lies ahead.
But I’m learning. I’ve posted two of my novels and numerous short stories on this site and, frankly, I’ve been astonished by the amount of people who have downloaded them–some of them are reading my fiction and essays on their computer screens, even printing them up to peruse at their leisure. But I’m also noticing a growing number who are coming over from various e-book sites and forums, places like this and this…
Frankly, I couldn’t care less how you read something I’ve written, what format you choose.
Coming up in March, some folks are celebrating the new reality in publishing by sponsoring “Read an E-Book Week” and I’m only too happy to throw my weight behind this event.
Thanks to this blog and the ability it gives me to electronically publish my work, I’ve been able to bypass the gate-keepers of publishing, editors and agents with one eye on the fickle marketplace and the other on their bank accounts. They’re no longer interested in identifying the “best” writers, merely the ones that hold out the most hope of selling the most books and earning them (agents, editors) more money. And that, of course, means producing empty-headed commercial fiction, copycat books and the latest “poor me” memoir.
But, re: the sales figures above, their record of late hasn’t been too impressive. The reading public has largely ignored the authors they herald, the derivative works they champion.
It’s time for a new paradigm and e-books are part of the solution. They put power and control back into the hands of writers, allowing them to publish their work without editorial interference or an unhealthy obsession with what’s perceived to be popular.
Authors can now create their own “buzz” and attract readers from around the world to their work. Others have debated the merits of offering material free, but I have found it has worked wonders for me, raising my profile to hitherto unheard of heights. Tens of thousands of folks from around the world have visited this blog and many, many of them have taken the opportunity to read and enjoy the material I offer.
Hats off to the folks behind “Read an E-Book Week”. I congratulate them for their foresight and the vision they have of a future where authors are granted paramount importance and corporate publishing is, increasingly, marginalized, rendered superfluous, perhaps even obsolete.
That day isn’t far off. And when it finally arrives, it won’t be cause for mourning or despair. On the contrary–and I’ll be one of the liberated, independent artists dancing a victory jig on their graves…

domain: literature


1&1 is currently expanding its range of laptops and adding three new devices to its portfolio with immediate effect.
Innovations include the Asus ROG Strix G17 gaming notebook. In addition, the Asus VivoBook15 and Lenovo IdeaPad3 are new entry-level 1 & 1 models. A 1 & 1 LTE WLAN router with 1 & 1 flat data rate is included in the order of all three new laptops. The three new devices in the 1 & 1 wallet are available from a “one-time payment of €0”.
The tariffs for new Asus and Lenovo laptops are as follows:
These are the new 1&1 laptops
ASUS ROG Strix G17 details
ROG Strix G17 is the new high-end gaming laptop from Asus. The 17.3-inch FHD screen and the refresh rate of 360Hz greatly affect the gaming experience. The 360Hz screen does particularly well in fast-paced games where every frame of the scene matters. The gaming keyboard with 4-zone lighting and liquid cooling system ensures a longer gaming experience. For the high-performance drive, Asus has installed an AMD Ryzen™ 7 6800H + NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3060 mobile processor, complete with 1 TB of internal memory (SSD) and 16 GB of RAM. The Asus ROG Strix G17 is available in Eclipse Gray in 1 & 1.
A quick glimpse of the Asus VivoBook 15
The Asus VivoBook 15 is stunning with its elegant design, narrow bezel NanoEdge display, and good performance. The screen has a diagonal of 15.6 inches and has a FHD resolution. The drive is powered by AMD Ryzen™ 3 3250U, which is supported by 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal memory. In 1 & 1, the laptop is available in translucent silver.
Highlights of Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Lenovo IdeaPad3 is equipped with a 17.3-inch HD display powered by Intel Celeron 6305 processor. The entry-level device also has 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage. The Lenovo IdeaPad3 is available in Arctic Gray from 1 & 1.


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Natural white, 50% rag, age resistant, printable on one side, structured watercolor surface.
The fine watercolor surface and the warm white tone of "Albrecht Durer" impart both a classical and modern feel to art reproductions and photographs.
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Ok - good Now I understand ) I think this can be a way to address the issue.
Couldn’t this be gamed? I know one of the biggest assumptions in Plasma is root blockchain availability, but in the example discussed here Eve might be able to cheaply pull off a successful attack.
- Eve makes 1,000,000 intermediate UTXOs
- Eve tries to exit all these UTXOs and attaches a bond to each one of them, the gas cost + some bounty
- Immediately afterwards, Eve pulls off a spamming attack which lasts at least as long as the challenge period. This attack needn’t bloat the network, but just make gas costs higher than the bond in each UTXO so there’s a disincentive to challenge her fraudulent behaviour.
I guess this can be prevented by making the challenge period reasonably high, thus forcing Eve to pay a lot to keep the spam on-going, and efficiently calculating the bond costs. I’m not sure how the latter could be achieved though.
Point 3 could also be improved if Eve load balances her spam by cleverly waiting for the market to organically slow down the network. Running a Plasma chain after CryptoKitties launched would’ve been rather problematic.
Good point! Looks like bonds are not going to secure things.
@PaulRBerg I think you might be on the right track to a valid attack model here.
But the longer the period, the worse the UX for the honest users gets. IMHO, even the current 7 days challenge period could turn out to be a big problem. How many people used to e.g. centralized trading platforms/exchanges will accept to wait 7 days to withdraw their funds?
I believe bond requirements would have to be calculated dynamically, and I would surely love to see that mathematical model. I don’t like to be negative, but I think that is close to impossible to design. Also, even if we assume that we have such a model, if it calculates that (some of) the exits should require 10ETH bonds (we assume that that calculation is correct from the security point of view), that will also completely ruin the UX for the honest users…
Actually exiting 1,000,000 UTXOs is hard (and costly) but I agree that this is problematic and we need better models around bond prices. Mainly we should be looking at exactly how high these bonds need to be to prevent this sort of behavior. Assuming a bond is fixed at X ETH and a challenge costs Y gas, it’s simple to determine when the explicit reward of challenge will be negative. How much would it cost to drive gas prices up that much for the entire challenge period?
Generally I don’t think static bonds cut it, but I’m also not aware of any efficient method for determining the current gas price. In reality there are probably some external incentives (companies want to keep user funds safe) we can take advantage of, but I’d rather capture these in the protocol.
This problem also exists in Plasma Cash (I think), although it’s probably logistically harder to set up. You’d also have to target one person in particular.
Isn’t it trivial to determine the current gas price by simply looking at the Txs in the last block (number of blocks)? Maybe I’m missing something obvious…
Even if I’m right and you can easily determine the gas price at a certain moment X and calculate the bond according to that (I assume we have a good, working model for this), the problem is that the attacker can start spamming and pumping the gas price e.g. 48 hours after that moment X. The (only) two solutions for this:
- Ask everyone to top up their bonds when the attack starts (UX nightmare)
- Introduce some buffer multiplier from the beginning, e.g. if the model calculates the bond size of 0.05 ETH, we ask for 5x0.05 ETH instead (less scary UX nightmare )
This is very much true, setting up the attack initially described by @kladkogex is a logistical ordeal, but I think we always should assume that the worst scenario can happen and will happen if we let it.
Many factors at play here, but the attacker could act cleverly and corroborate on random, organic bloats of the main chain.
@kfichter was saying that, despite the latest gas price in the most recent block, there’s still absolutely no guarantee that the next block won’t contain a list of transactions with attached fees worth ㆔1 each if someone is willing to spend that amount of money. Presuming normal conditions though, indeed, the last block might be a good proxy for estimating the gas prices, but this thread has been presuming horror conditions, not trivial or rational ones.
Method 1 is indeed a UX nightmare and method 2 might be a scary model from an economic standpoint. If I know there’s always the threat of paying double or triple or more to get my funds back to Ethereum, I wouldn’t even deposit on Plasma in the first place.
Perhaps the optimal solution is to have a model where the operator is able to top up the bonds of every undercapitalised exit. He can afford to periodically scan the Plasma contract for any spooky exits and the main chain for sudden gas cost increases. The presumption here is that the operator has a strong incentive to keep the Plasma chain running, because the cost of a successful attack would be higher than the summed topped up bonds. Afterwards, they could impose slightly higher fees on Plasma to amortise these expenses. Now, there is an elastic limit of how much the bond top-ups can be, but there’s a relatively similar limit to the main chain’s attack size, hence I intuitively feel that these two vectors eventually cancel out.
Oh, then we were speaking about the same thing. Thanks.
This is an interesting idea but, as you said, we have to assume that the operator is incentivized to keep the Plasma chain running (correctly). This is a dangerous assumption IMO, since the operator might be the attacker, so her interest very well might be not to top up undercapitalised exit, or to top up only some of them.
@PaulRBerg @kladkogex what do you think about banning Eve temporarily or indefinitely after trying to pull certain number of successfully challenged invalid withdrawal attempts?
Individual users with whom Eve was creating micropayment transactions may not have good enough incentive to challenge her but general incentives for anyone could be calculated in cheap and efficient manner. And it would make impossible to perform this kind of attack.
Not sure how you’d do this if Eve makes a different address for each exit.


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LOS ANGELES (AP) Turner Classic Movies is recognizing Sidney Poitier, Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher at its eighth annual TCM Classic Film Festival .
The Los Angeles event opens April 6 with a 50th anniversary screening of “In the Heat of the Night.”
Festival organizers say Poitier, the star of the film, will appear at the screening along with producer Walter Mirisch, director Norman Jewison, actress Lee Grant and composer Quincy Jones.
The festival will celebrate Reynolds with a screening of “Singin” in the Rain,” and Fisher with a look at “Postcards From the Edge.”
Fisher”s daughter, Billie Lourd, and Reynolds” son, Todd Fisher, will host discussions after the screenings.
Other films showing during the four-day festival include “The Graduate,” ””Saturday Night Fever” and Mel Brooks” “High Anxiety.”

domain: celebrity


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On dressing up her two-year-old son, Skyler: "It's incredibly fun. It's like having a live doll."
Rachel Zoe is pregnant with her second child. The fashion designer-who already has a two-year-old son, Sklyer, with husband Rodger Berman-is expecting again, according to Us Weekly. Rachel, 41, previously revealed Rodger, her husband of seven years, finds


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MKP 0-52-34 is Fully water-soluble fertilizer, Contains high concentration of P & K, its 100% assimilated by plants that make MKP most suitable fertilizer for all Agriculture & irrigations programs.
MKP®FORT Mono Potassium Phosphate Soluble grade, High purity Fertilizer that contains the highest concentration of macro Nutrients phosphor and potassium completely soluble fertilizers.
MKP®FORT : contains no nitrogen, it is particularly well suited for intensive applications where a lot of fertilizer must be used.
MKP®FORT has a lowest salt index of 8.4 and a low EC value of 0.7 mS/cm (1g/L) which is beneficial for young plants (nurseries) For foliar application or for the crops that are sensitive for high salt accumulation.
Type : Water Soluble Straights
Brand : MKP ADFERT
Appearance : White Crystals
Packing : 25 Kg

domain: agronomy


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10/29/22 Based on the overwhelming support of Beachwalk residents and the financial savings, we will be moving forward with this Greenspace Common Area project with the Town of Kure Beach. Updates will be provided to all Beachwalk residents as that information becomes available. Stay tuned.
3/3/22 On March 3rd, 2022, Beachwalk HOA Board of Directors sent out a community survey requesting residents' feedback regarding our Greenspace Common Area. Those results were sent out to all residents on March 29, 2022. Please click HERE to view those results.


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Life is not what happens outside of work.
Life encompasses everything we do.
Over the last decade, it has been fascinating to see how often people attempt to compartmentalize aspects of their lives and make a conscious attempt at not letting them ‘affect’ one another.
Here is the reality.
“Everything affects everything’.
The sooner you realize this and truly embrace this philosophy, the sooner you can begin to reallocate much of the mental energy and resources that you were using to ‘keep things separate’ to more productive pursuits.
As a life strategist, I have a passion in masterminding with my clients to help ‘bring it all together’.
The most rewarding aspects of this work is witnessing my clients experience breakthroughs that will help them achieve their vision.
As I have come to say, ‘perspective is paradoxically our greatest strength whilst being our greatest weakness’.


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Otisville clerk guilty of embezzlement
The treasurer of a small village in Orange County has admitted stealing more than $76,000 from the municipality.
Former Otisville clerk Barbara McDowell pleaded guilty to a grand larceny charge Friday in Orange County Court.
The Times Herald-Record, of Middletown, reports that McDowell’s voice shook as she admitted taking the money over five years.
Prosecutors asked the judge to sentence her to six months in jail.
Village officials say they had to borrow money and raise taxes to address budget shortfalls caused by the thefts.
McDowell’s lawyer blamed the thefts on “personal and family pressures” that caused her life to “spiral out of control.” He says she will pay everything back.
Her sentencing has been scheduled for June 10.


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Vacation rentals in Al Aqaletah
Find and book unique accommodations on Airbnb
Top-rated vacation rentals in Al Aqaletah
Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.
Rental unit in Luxor
Nile Spirit incredible Nile, sunrise/set roof view
Welcome to NILE SPIRIT Apts on the WEST bank, just 15 mins by car to the ancient Egyptian sites & a 10 min walk to the ferry! Enjoy this spacious, modern, fully-equipped 1 bedroom apt (2nd floor). You'll enjoy the quiet neighborhood & get a good night's rest so you can explore Luxor. Enjoy our rooftop's incredible view of the Nile & relax in our garden if you need to unwind after a long day of exploring. Make yourself at home! We would love to help you plan and organize your trip - just ask us!
$33 per night
Rental unit in Al Bairat
Nile Spirit stunning sunrise&sunsets-private patio
This spacious and new apartment has a full kitchen, air conditioning, wi-fi, and two terraces with seating. Located on the West Bank of the Nile, there are beautiful views of the Nile River and panoramic views of the mountains. We are located in a safe and quiet neighborhood, surrounded by local shops and restaurants. Explore all that Luxor has to offer during the day, and come home to watch the sunset and relax on our rooftop terrace!
$30 per night
Condo in Al Bairat
Nile apt. Luxor temple view - WIFI - West Bank
Located right on the Nile on the West Bank of Luxor, this apartment is centrally located, close to all the sights. The apartment is simply but comfortably furnished, and the balcony offers a beautiful view over the Nile. Our restaurants for delicious meals and our tour company for private tours can make your stay even more enjoyable, more information can be found further down the description.
$45 per night
Vacation rentals for every style
Get the amount of space that is right for you

domain: travel


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Eyelid Surgery or Blepharoplasty
Eliminate excess skin and fat bags from the eyelids with blepharoplasty. As with other areas of the face and neck that may exhibit wrinkles and bulges, these conditions are due to a combination of hereditary and aging factors. Progressive upper lid fullness over a long period of time may produce overhanging skin folds that result in partial visual obstruction. Although blepharoplasty is usually performed in conjunction with a face lift operation, it can also be performed independently mostly in younger males and females whose facial skin is still "tight." The aim of the operation is to produce a more rested, youthful looking appearance. When fatty tissues "bags" are removed they generally do not return.
The Operative Process
As in a face lift operation, blepharoplasty is performed under I.V. sedation and local anesthesia. Incisions are placed in the natural folds of the upper eyelids and right beneath the lashes on the lower eyelids. The procedure takes about one hour. No bandage is placed around the eyes, but ice compresses are placed over the eyelids for 24 to 48 hours to minimize swelling and bruising. Sutures are removed 4 to 5 days post-operatively and patients are able to resume their everyday activities sometimes with the help of dark glasses. Make-up is allowed on one week later. In the patients of Asian ancestry, puffiness of the upper eyelids, absence of an eyelid fold, and presence of an epicanthal fold next to the nose require a special technique to correct.
Otoplasty or Ear Correction
The size, shape, and position of the normal ear is most often a familial characteristic. The child with protruding ears is often subjected to unkind remarks or ridicule by his peers, leading to feelings of self-consciousness, rejection, or hostility. These same sensitivities can also be carried into adult life. Although hairstyles in modern years have provided better opportunity for coverage, both males and females request this operation frequently. Surgical correction is usually advised at the age of 4 to 5 years when the child is ready to enter school. By this time, the ear itself has already reached almost adult shape. Surgical incisions are usually placed behind the ear. Scoring and excision of excess cartilage and skin is then performed. A total head dressing (turban type) is placed so that both ears can be protected, swelling minimized and discomfort limited. The bandages and sutures are removed in 5-7 days and then a head band or stockinette is worn by night for another month to preserve the new position of the ears.
EAR CORRECTION PHOTOS
Dr. Raja Srour in Beverly Hills, CA for blepharoplasty, eyelid lift, ear correction and other eyes and ear needs.
Contact (310) 276-1184 for a FREE consult.

domain: health


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Ángel Chimenea Toscano
Degree in Medicine from the University of Extremadura.
Workshop on Clinical Skills in Primary Care (evaluation of skills and competencies-undergraduate), organised by the Chair of the University of Extremadura (UEX) and the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians (SEMERGEN) for Training and Research in Primary Care.
Accreditation as Director of Medical Radio-diagnosis Facilities from the Nuclear Security Council (CSN).
Collaboration Grant awarded by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport for Research on ‘’Sarcopenia in Individuals with Advanced Gonarthrosis.’’ Directed by Dr. Manuel Quiles Galindo, Head of Service of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Surgery of the Badajoz Health Department.
Master’s Program in Understanding of Present-Day Rare Diseases from the University Pablo de Olavide, Seville.
Master in Assisted Human Reproduction from the University of Seville.
Specialisation in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Seville.
Gynaecologist at the Prenatal Diagnosis and Ultrasound Unit of Ginemed Seville.
Medical Resident of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Seville (2014-2018).
Member of the Spanish Gynaecology and Obstetrics Society (SEGO) (2014-present).
Member of the Spanish Society of Contraception (SEC), 2015.
Spokesperson for the Clinical Documentation and Digital Tools Committee of the University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Seville (2017-present).
Member of the Obstetrics-Gynaecology Triage Committee at the University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Seville (2017).
2 book chapters (pending publication).
2 scientific articles published.

domain: medical


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- The 29-year-old was banned for breaching Article 2.4.4 of the (PCB)'s Anti-Corruption code.
- “I think his international career is all but over. He deserved the punishment,” says Zaheer Abbas.
Pakistan cricket legends Zaheer Abbas and Javed Miandad have backed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s decision to ban middle-order batsman Umar Akmal for the period of three years over corruption charges.
The 29-year-old was banned for breaching Article 2.4.4 of the (PCB)'s Anti-Corruption code. He had failed to disclose corrupt approaches made to him. He was suspended to take part in cricketing activities just hours before now postponed Pakistan Super League (PSL) season five.
Talking to Indian Express, Abbas, aka Asian Bradman, said that Akmal’s international career might came to an end.
“I think his international career is all but over. He deserved the punishment,” said Abbas. “He [Akmal] wasn’t a junior player. He was playing for Pakistan for a long time. He must have been told by the PCB about the ICC Anti-Corruption rules many times – what to do when a corrupt approach is made. But he was ignoring it. PCB got to know that somebody (a corruptor) was trying to get hold of Umar. Later on he confessed, but it was too late.”
“How can you say he is a great talent when he isn’t following the rules? If you aren’t following the rules, then you aren’t a great player,” he added.
Meanwhile, Miandad taking a jab at the controversial cricket requested upcoming cricketers to learn from Akmal’s mistakes.
“He was a very good cricketer but he got involved in unnecessary controversies. I had told him many times to change himself but he didn’t listen to anyone,” Miandad said in a video on YouTube. “Today, the result is in front of everyone, he got banned for three years.”
“I would like to request youngsters, please don’t put yourself into such things. It will ruin your careers for sure,” he added.


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My husband and I booked this Marriott instead of staying in the overcrowded Anaheim area for a conference we were attending. Loved the property - great location (only 12 miles from Anaheim convention center) with shopping, great restaurants nearby. The pool area is very nice with a firepit and warmers for cool evenings. Rooms are very spacious and comfortable.
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Marriott, Booking.com, TripOnline SA, Hotels.com, Travel Republic (UK), Expedia, Ebookers, Evoline ltd, 5viajes2012 S.L. and Cancelon so you can book your Costa Mesa Marriott reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.
- Also Known As:
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On this page, We are going to learn about the full form of XGA and the meaning of XGA, As well as the meaning, definition, and acronym for XGA in different categories. So you should read this post till the end.
The Full Form of XGA: eXtended Graphics Adaptor
XGA Stands for eXtended Graphics Adaptor. The eXtended Graphics Adapter, or XGA, is a computer graphics standard that was introduced in 1990 by IBM.
It was designed to improve upon the VGA standard and provide higher resolution and better image quality, including support for higher resolutions and more colors.
XGA is still used today in some computer systems, although it has been replaced by newer standards such as SXGA and UXGA.


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A 1950’s car in Cuba. Photo by Martin Cooper
Cuba, a country closed to American tourism for many years, remains a mystery to many of us. Local photographer Martin Cooper will give an inside glimpse into this fascinating and mysterious country as he presents a slide show of his recent trip there.
The event, which is sponsored by Hadassah, is 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, at the White Rock Branch Library.
“This was an extraordinary opportunity to see a country that has been frozen in time since the communist takeover by Fidel Castro in 1959,” Cooper said of his trip. “The abundance of American cars from the 1950’s was a special treat.”
Cooper also found there to be a vibrant culture with captivating music and art.
“Frank Sinatra would be pleased,” he said, adding that the people were hospitable and eager to interact with Americans.
Despite the warm welcome and vibrant culture, the desperate condition of poverty and a clearly deteriorating infrastructure were evident, Cooper said.
In his presentation, Cooper will discuss his observations, including abandoned sugar plants resulting from reduced sugar production under the Castro administration, and Communist-sponsored small village communes utilizing out-dated machinery and hand tools.
Now that Cuba is beginning to open to American tourism, this glimpse of a country that has been frozen in time is a unique opportunity. There is no cost to attend the presentation.
Hadassah is the largest volunteer women’s organization in the world, which promotes education, medical research, women’s advocacy, and Israel’s right to exist and thrive in peace. The Los Alamos Chapter of Hadassah was founded in 1948 and continues to be a support network for the Jewish women of Los Alamos. Learn more at here.
- What: A slide presentation by Martin Cooper on “Perspectives from a Visit to Cuba”
- When: Monday, Feb. 19, 3 p.m.
- Where: White Rock Library
- Refreshments will be served by Hadassah

domain: geography


Of all the Obama invokers trying to make an impression in the Capitol, the most unexpected surely is the Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell — the unrelenting master of just saying “no” across the aisle.
Mr. McConnell, the genteel and cagey senior senator from Kentucky, frustrated Democrats at every parliamentary turn as they tried to build a legislative record through the campaign year. His minority caucus, sulking and shrunken further by the election results, helped keep the lame-duck emergency session lame.
But that was then. And now Senator McConnell is pronouncing President-elect Barack Obama off to a good start with an opportunity “to tackle big issues and to do them in the middle.” We have heard it before. Yet the heartening twist from the minority leader, newly re-elected after a race he found too close for comfort, is that he is quoting from Mr. Obama to make his point, retrieving a bit of prophecy from 2004, when the Democrats despaired in the minority and Senator Obama observed: “Whoever’s in power is going to have to govern with some modesty and some desire to work with the other side of the aisle. That’s certainly the approach I would advise Democrats should we regain control.”
We are not quite convinced that a golden age of bipartisanship is upon the Capitol. But Mr. McConnell’s citation could help as leaders talk about putting the next Congress to work early so it can deliver an economic stimulus package in sync with the Jan. 20 inauguration.
The calendar part of the plan is easy; the hard part will be putting aside politics to really work together. If not, there is little chance that a recovery plan will gain traction. Mr. Obama’s usually sharp-elbowed chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, is handing out his private cellphone number to the other side of the aisle. “We’re not lip-synching bipartisanship,” Mr. Emanuel insists. The nation must hope Senator McConnell isn’t either.Continue reading the main story