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Q:
SQL single table with two columns
I have a single table: Checking, with two columns: ID, Memo
ID is the primary key.
I would like a query that returns both columns: ID, Memo BUT only where Memo is DISTINCT
I can do the following to get the distinct values from Memo:
SELECT DISTINCT(memo)
FROM checking
How do I return those Memo values and their values from the ID column?
I've run in circles trying inner and outer joins but I'm failing.
Thanks for your help
Sample data:
ID Memo
1 a
2 c
3 e
4 g
5 a
6 c
The desired return:
1,a
2,c
3,e
4,g
5 and 6 would not be included because they have duplicate memo values.
Thanks again for your help.
A:
SELECT min(id), memo
FROM checking
group by memo
A:
If I understand you correctly you want the first (?) primary key value corresponding to each unique memo value found? (I'm assuming this because you can't logically have both unique memos and Id values because there is necessarily multiple ID values for each duplicated memo value...) If the assumption is correct this will work:
SELECT m.memo,
(SELECT TOP 1 x.id
FROM checking x
WHERE x.memo = m.memo
ORDER BY x.id) as ID
FROM checking m
GROUP BY m.memo
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
Ulysse Gosset
Ulysse Gosset (born 23 July 1955) is a French journalist, news anchor and television presenter.
Life and career
Ulysse Gosset graduated with a journalism degree at the École supérieure de journalisme de Lille. He worked for TF1, France Télévisions, France 3, LCI, France 24, the French channel for international news, and Radio France. He was for many years a permanent reporter for TF1 and Radio France in Tokyo, Moscow and Washington. Between December 2003 and August 2005, he was the director of the national redaction of France 3.
He is one of the creators of the French international news channel France 24 in 2005, and was the news director of the channel until August 2006. Since the end of that year, he presented every Friday a talk show on international politics titled Le Talk de Paris where he received several heads of state and government. In November 2008, the new direction of France 24 announced that his contract is not renewed. The reason of the eviction, stated by several medias, would have been of an interview in Talk de Paris with Bernard Kouchner, at that time the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, who took very bad the questions of the journalist and then complained at the direction of France 24.
In April 2012, Ulysse Gosset joined the news channel BFM TV, the first news channel in France, as an editorialist in charge of the international questions and a journalist specialized in foreign politics.
Ulysse Gosset received the Grand Prix de la Presse Internationale 2013 for the excellence of his analysis in international news and for his examplary career.
References
Category:1955 births
Category:Living people
Category:French television journalists
Category:French television presenters
Category:French television directors
Category:People from Paris
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
}
|
Margrethia obtusirostra
Margrethia obtusirostra, the Bighead portholefish, is a bristlemouth of the family Gonostomatidae, found in the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific and Atlantic oceans, at depths of between 100 and 600 m. Its length is between 5 and 8 cm.
References
Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand, (William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1982)
Category:Gonostomatidae
Category:Taxa named by Åge Vedel Tåning
Category:Fish described in 1919
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
}
|
World Reviewer rating
Uffizi Gallery
Much of the Uffizi's collection was once owned by the Medici family, a member of which originally commissioned the building in 1560. The Uffizi houses a stunning collection of Renaissance and medieval painting and sculpture, including priceless works from other periods, and provides a wonderful overview of Italy's artistic heritage - the thousands of works of art encompass Greek and Roman sculptures, Renaissance and Baroque paintings, including iconic works such as Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Titian's Venus of Urbino.
However it is not, relatively speaking, a large museum, so gets incredibly crowded in high season. Queues can line up around the block and back. If you do find yourself here between May and September, it is imperative that you pre-book a ticket, preferably for first thing in the morning, and that you allow yourself plenty of time to get around, as you will be dodging tour groups. Also try to prepare, so you know what you are going to see.
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{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
}
|
Q:
Error when installing bookmark+ package in emacs
I'm trying to install bookmarks and I get the error. When I tried byte-compiling the files it also failed. Is there a current git for bookmarks+. Error below:
Invalid function: bmkp-menu-bar-make-toggle
Here is the full trace:
Debugger entered--Lisp error: (invalid-function bmkp-menu-bar-make-toggle)
bmkp-menu-bar-make-toggle(t t "Highlight Jump using Crosshairs" "Crosshairs highlighting is %s" "Temporarily highlight visited bookmarks using crosshairs")
byte-code("\306\307\310 B#\210\306 \311\312\n\211\313\314\315%#\210\306 \316\312\211\317\320\321%#\210\306 \322\312\f\211\323\324\325%#\210\306 \326\312
\211\327\330\331%#\210\306 \332\312\211\333\334\335%#\207" [menu-bar-bookmark-map bmkp-options-menu bmkp-crosshairs-flag bmkp-bmenu-state-file bookmark-save-flag bmkp-save-new-location-flag define-key [options] "Toggle Option" [bmkp-crosshairs-flag] bmkp-menu-bar-make-toggle "Highlight Jump using Crosshairs" "Crosshairs highlighting is %s" "Temporarily highlight visited bookmarks using crosshairs" [bmkp-toggle-saving-menu-list-state] "Autosave *Bookmark List* Display State" "Autosaving of `*Bookmark List*' display state is %s" "Autosave `*Bookmark List*' state (aka \"menu list\") when you quit it" [bmkp-toggle-saving-bookmark-file] "Autosave Bookmark File" "Autosaving of bookmarks is %s" "Automatically save a bookmark after setting or changing it" [bmkp-save-new-location-flag] "Autosave after Relocating" "Autosaving relocated bookmarks is %s" "Automatically save a bookmark after automatically relocating it" [bmkp-prompt-for-tags-flag] "Prompt for Tags when Setting" "Prompting for tags when setting a bookmark is %s" "Prompt for tags when setting a bookmark interactively" bmkp-prompt-for-tags-flag] 9)
require(bookmark+-key)
eval-buffer(#<buffer *load*<2>> nil "/home/bigtyme/Dropbox/SyncedPrograms/emacs/loadPath/bookmarkplus/bookmark+.el" nil t) ; Reading at buffer position 5907
load-with-code-conversion("/home/bigtyme/Dropbox/SyncedPrograms/emacs/loadPath/bookmarkplus/bookmark+.el" "/home/bigtyme/Dropbox/SyncedPrograms/emacs/loadPath/bookmarkplus/bookmark+.el" nil t)
require(bookmark+)
eval-buffer(#<buffer *load*> nil "/home/bigtyme/.emacs" nil t) ; Reading at buffer position 1158
load-with-code-conversion("/home/bigtyme/.emacs" "/home/bigtyme/.emacs" t t)
load("~/.emacs" t t)
#[nil "\205\264
Sorted it out by just downloading the current git version. The version I downloaded from the wiki must have had a bug. Now I have no issues.
A:
First, do what chrm recommends: get the latest source files.
Second, bmkp-menu-bar-make-toggle is a Lisp macro, defined in bookmark+-mac.el.
As always, before byte-compiling any of the source files, be sure you load the source file the defines the macros that those files use. In this case, load bookmark+-mac.el (not *.elc) before byte-compiling any of the Bookmark+ files.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
Q:
genes with highest RPKM/FPKM for a human RNA-seq experiment?
Which genes/transcripts show up as having the highest RPKM/FPKM on a human RNA-seq experiment? Is it usually the same genes/transcripts?
EDIT: mRNAs (e.g. poly-A RNA-seq preps) and not including small RNAs.
A:
As asked as it is, the answer is probably no.
Indeed, the highest expressed RPKM/FPKMs will be different from one condition (or tissue) to another one for example.
Then, you may also have technical artefacts due to the wet-lab part or to the normalisation. For example, mitochondrial genes are often reported in the top expressed genes.
Now, if you want to compare your results to an outside source, I recommend checking the EBI gene expression Atlas* and more specifically the Baseline expression experiments.
Pro-tips:
You can filter the genes based on their nature (eg, mRNA) and/or their expression.
You can also visualise the overall expression of a specific gene across several experiments.
*Disclaimer: I am related to this project myself.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
Q:
Python run_in_executor and forget?
How can I set a blocking function to be run in a executor, in a way that the result doesn't matter, so the main thread shouldn't wait or be slowed by it.
To be honest I'm not sure if this is even the right solution for it, all I want is to have some type of processing queue separated from the main process so that it doesn't block the server application from returning requests, as this type of web server runs one worker for many requests.
Preferably I would like to keep away from solutions like Celery, but if that's the most optimal I would be willing to learn it.
The context here is a async web server that generates pdf files with large images.
app = Sanic()
#App "global" worker
executor = ProcessPoolExecutor(max_workers=5)
app.route('/')
async def getPdf(request):
asyncio.create_task(renderPdfsInExecutor(request.json))
#This should be returned "instantly" regardless of pdf generation time
return response.text('Pdf being generated, it will be sent to your email when done')
async def renderPdfsInExecutor(json):
asyncio.get_running_loop.run_in_executor(executor, syncRenderPdfs, json)
def syncRenderPdfs(json)
#Some PDF Library that downloads images synchronously
pdfs = somePdfLibrary.generatePdfsFromJson(json)
sendToDefaultMail(pdfs)
The above code gives the error (Yes, it is running as admin) :
PermissionError [WinError 5] Access denied
Future exception was never retrieved
Bonus question: Do I gain anything by running a asyncio loop inside the executor? So that if it is handling several PDF requests at once it will distribute the processing between them. If yes, how do I do it?
A:
Ok, so first of all there is a misunderstanding. This
async def getPdf(request):
asyncio.create_task(renderPdfsInExecutor(request.json))
...
async def renderPdfsInExecutor(json):
asyncio.get_running_loop.run_in_executor(executor, syncRenderPdfs, json)
is redundant. It is enough to do
async def getPdf(request):
asyncio.get_running_loop.run_in_executor(executor, syncRenderPdfs, request.json)
...
or (since you don't want to await) even better
async def getPdf(request):
executor.submit(syncRenderPdfs, request.json)
...
Now the problem you get is because syncRenderPdfs throws PermissionError. It is not handled so Python warns you "Hey, some background code threw an error. But the code is not owned by anyone so what the heck?". That's why you get Future exception was never retrieved. You have a problem with the pdf library itself, not with asyncio. Once you fix that inner problem it is also a good idea to be safe:
def syncRenderPdfs(json)
try:
#Some PDF Library that downloads images synchronously
pdfs = somePdfLibrary.generatePdfsFromJson(json)
sendToDefaultMail(pdfs)
except Exception:
logger.exception('Something went wrong') # or whatever
Your "permission denied" issue is a whole different thing and you should debug it and/or post a separate question for that.
As for the final question: yes, executor will queue and evenly distribute tasks between workers.
EDIT: As we've talked in comments the actual problem might be with the Windows environment you work on. Or more precisely with the ProcessPoolExecutor, i.e. spawning processes may change permissions. I advice using ThreadPoolExecutor, assuming it works fine on the platform.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
Khalaf ibn Ahmad
Abu Ahmad Wali 'l-Dawla Khalaf ibn Ahmad (November 937 – March 1009) was the Saffarid amir of Sistan from 963 until 1002. Although he was renowned in the eastern Islamic world as a scholar, his reign was characterized by violence and instability, and Saffarid rule over Sistan came to an end with his deposition.
Early life
Khalaf was born in the middle of November 937 to Abu Ja'far Ahmad and Banu, a granddaughter of the second Saffarid amir, Amr ibn al-Layth. Little is known about the first twenty-six years of his life; presumably much of it was spent learning. From 957 or 958 at the latest he was recognized as heir to the throne and his name was included on his father's coins.
Succession to the Amirate
At the end of March 963 Abu Ja'far Ahmad was murdered in Zarang. At the time of the assassination, Khalaf had been outside the capital. When he heard about his father's death, he rode for the town of Bust, whose governor immediately pledged his support. Soon afterward he led an army against Zarang, which was under the control of a rival Saffarid named Abu Hafs b. Muhammad. Seeing Khalaf's army, Abu Hafs fled the capital and sought refuge in Samanid Khurasan, allowing Khalaf to enter Zarang.
Shortly after Khalaf was proclaimed amir, he proclaimed Abu'l-Husayn Tahir ibn Muhammad his co-ruler. Abu'l-Husayn Tahir, who was descended from the Saffarids on his mother's side, had been governing Farah but came to Zarang after Abu Ja'far Ahmad was murdered. Khalaf set him up in the Ya'qubi palace and had his name inserted in the khutba beside his.
A year after Khalaf's ascension, a riot broke out in Zarang. Led by an ayyār leader and involving the city factions, it was quickly put down. Khalaf then decided to perform the Pilgrimage and departed, leaving Abu'l-Husayn Tahir in charge.
Khalaf spent probably one year on the Pilgrimage before returning (965). On the way home he stopped at Baghdad, where the Buyid amir Mu'izz al-Dawla gave him an audience with the Abbasid caliph al-Muti. The caliph confirmed him in his rule of Sistan and gave him a robe of honor and standard. Khalaf felt, however, that Abu'l-Husayn Tahir would not willingly give up control of Sistan upon his return, so he went to the Samanids for assistance and received an army. Returning to Sistan, he forced Abu'l-Husayn Tahir to retreat. As soon as Khalaf's army had been dismissed, however, Abu'l-Husayn Tahir returned, forcing Khalaf to seek Samanid help again. The conflict suddenly ended with the death of Abu'l Husayn Tahir in 970; his son Husayn declared his allegiance to the Samanids and left Sistan for the time being.
Conflict with Husayn b. Abu'l-Husayn Tahir
Within a year of the death of Abu'l-Husayn Tahir, his son Husayn pressed his claim to the amirate. Returning to Sistan, he soon gained control of Zarang in late 970/early 971. When Khalaf and his forces advanced to retake the capital, Husayn left the city and led his army against him. In the ensuing battle, Khalaf was victorious and several of Husayn's military commanders were killed. Khalaf retook Zarang in April 971 and immediately began to root out Husayn's supporters in the city, causing many of them to flee to Khurasan.
Khalaf's victory proved to be only temporary, as Husayn returned in the following year. With an army that included elephants, Husayn defeated Khalaf in battle and reoccupied Zarang. A further setback for Khalaf occurred when the Samanids decided to get involved in the conflict. Khalaf had neglected to send the customary tribute to the Samanid amir at Bukhara, and Husayn took advantage of the amir's interest in the conflict by leaving Zarang and travelling to Bukhara to seek assistance (Khalaf, for his part, seems to have been more friendly to the Buyids, even including the name of the Buyid amir 'Adud al-Dawla in the khutba at one point, perhaps in an attempt to receive military aid. No record of Buyid intervention in Sistan during this time appears, however). A Samanid army was sent to support Husayn; Khalaf gave battle but was defeated in August of 979.
Husayn and his Samanid allies then surrounded Zarang, which Khalaf had fled to after the battle. A siege lasting for probably three years began. Khalaf's forces attempted numerous sorties but were unable to break the siege; the Samanid and Saffarid armies battled each other several times, with neither gaining a decisive victory. The Samanid amir eventually sent a member of the Simjurid family, Abu'l-Hasan Muhammad Simjuri, to break the stalemate. With his help, a truce was achieved between Husayn and Khalaf in 983. Husayn received Zarang and much of Sistan; he entered the capital and had the name of the Samanid amir inserted in the khutba there. Khalaf left Zarang and took up residence in the nearby fortress of Taq and was to receive the revenues of the state lands and part of the revenues from Zarang.
As soon as Abu'l-Hasan left Sistan, however, Khalaf broke the truce and attempted to retake Sistan. Husayn barricaded himself in the citadel, but found that its supplies had been depleted by Khalaf's forces during the three-year siege. Realizing that he couldn't hold out for long, he contacted the Ghaznavids for help. The Ghaznavid Sebuktigin made his way to Sistan, but Khalaf managed to bribe him and eventually convince him to assist him instead. With no choice left but to surrender, Husayn sent envoys to seek peace. An agreement was reached on December 25, 983, and to celebrate the peace numerous festivities were held. Husayn died not long after.
Later years
Khalaf was now the sole uncontested amir of Sistan for the first time in twenty years. During the next several years he gained his reputation for being a great scholar and for encouraging learning within his realm. He is also said to have made another Pilgrimage, though the date of this is uncertain. Upon the deposition of the caliph al-Ta'i in 991 by the Buyid Baha' al-Dawla, he recognized the new caliph al-Qadir. This represented a break between him and the Samanids, who with their vassals the Ghaznavids continued to recognize al-Tai as caliph. In any case, it was probably al-Qadir who gave Khalaf his laqab of Wali 'l-Dawla.
Khalaf also conducted a campaign to retake Bust and Zamindawar. These had been virtually lost to the Saffarids during Abu'l-Husayn Tahir's rule; the local Turks had been more or less independent before the Ghaznavid Sebuktigin conquered the region in c. 978. Khalaf occupied Bust in 986 while Sebuktigin was preoccupied with his own campaign against the Hindushah. When the Ghaznavid returned, however, Khalaf was forced to surrender Bust and return the taxes he had taken from the town.
Khalaf had several sons; the two oldest, Abu Nasr and Abu'l-Fadl, died of natural causes. The third, 'Amr, spent many years at the court of the Samanid amir in Bukhara. In 988 'Amr was sent back to Sistan, where his father warmly welcomed him. A few years later, however, 'Amr took part in a rebellion against Khalaf. The rebellion was soon put down and 'Amr was jailed; he died in prison shortly after.
Following the attempt to take Bust, Khalaf and Sebuktigin seem to have been on good terms. Khalaf is reported to have participated in a campaign together with Sebuktigin and the Farighunid amir of Guzgan to assist the Samanids in quelling a rebellion in Khurasan. When Sebuktigin died in 997, however, his two sons Mahmud and Ismail disputed over who should succeed him. Khalaf viewed this as an opportunity to gain territory from the Ghaznavids, and sent his fourth son Tahir to take Quhistan and Badghis in 998. Tahir was defeated in Baghdis by Mahmud's uncle Bughrachuq, although the latter was killed in the fighting.
Mahmud had no intention of letting this assault go unpunished. He led his troops into Sistan in 1000 and trapped a surprised Khalaf, who was staying at a hill resort. Khalaf, lacking an army, had to pay an indemnity, put Mahmud's name before his own on his coins and place the Ghaznavid's name in the khutba.
Khalaf's son Tahir is mentioned as having invaded Buyid Kerman in 1000, although he was ultimately unsuccessful in making any lasting gains. Soon afterwards he, like 'Amr before him, rebelled against Khalaf. The rebellion ended with Tahir's capture; he was imprisoned and died not long after, in 1002. With Tahir's death Khalaf was no longer left with any suitable heirs.
Khalaf's reign had grown increasingly unpopular over the years; his unpopularity especially grew after Tahir's rebellion. After Tahir died, the commander of his army sent a message to Mahmud of Ghazna, stating that the people of Zarang wanted him to become the ruler of Sistan. Mahmud responded by sending an advance force to secure Sistan. Khalaf resisted, barricaded himself in Taq and withstood a siege by the Ghaznavid force, so Mahmud decided to come personally in November 1002. Mahmud's army was reinforced by the townspeople of Zarang, eager to see the Saffarid defeated. By December 1002 Khalaf was forced to surrender. He was sent to Farighunid Guzgan, where he lived until 1006 or 1007. Rumors that Khalaf was in contact with the Karakhanids, whom Mahmud was at war with at the time, resulted in him being transferred south to Gardiz, where he died in 1009. Sistan remained under Ghaznavid rule until 1029, when the Nasrid dynasty gained control of the country.
References
Bosworth, C.E. The History of the Saffarids of Sistan and the Maliks of Nimruz (247/861 to 949/1542-3). Costa Mesa, California: Mazda Publishers, 1994.
Category:937 births
Category:1009 deaths
Category:Rulers of the Saffarid dynasty
Category:10th-century rulers in Asia
Category:11th-century rulers in Asia
Category:Emirs of Sistan
Category:10th-century Iranian people
Category:11th-century Iranian people
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
}
|
This invention relates to an apparatus for cooling skid pipes in a continuous slab reheating furnace. The conventional method for cooling the said skid pipes was such that coolant such as cooling water was passed inside refractory insulating material covering the skid pipes. But evaporative cooling or the method of recirculating coolant requires large-size equipment of complicated structure partly because of necessity of a countermeasure for leakage and safety aid.
In another method of passing water as coolant, thermal energy of cooling water is not utilized at all and there is great heat loss from the furnace as the skid pipes are cooling to 30.degree. to 50.degree. C. with cooling water. In addition to these thermal problems, there is a disadvantage that the cooling effect drops due to the precipitation of such salts as calcium and silica, and formation of scale inside the skid pipes during a long period of use.
This invention, intended to eliminate defects of the said conventional cooling methods, provides an apparatus for cooling skid pipes in a continuous slab reheating furnace, in which hot water made high in temperature in the skid pipes is cooling by heating other fluid through heat exchangers provided in a closed circuit formed with a passage inside the skid pipes made part of a hot water circulating passage so that the skid pipes may be protected, without reducing the temperature of the circulating hot water too much and with effective utilization of heat and minimized furnace heat loss, and the precipitation of calcium and silica in the piping may be minimized by circulating processing water in the closed circuit.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
}
|
Rumored Buzz on sun lounge
EGTs also introduce a potential trade-off for yourself to evaluate inside your style and design: making use of a lot more partitions will improve the scalability within your application simply because Azure has additional options for load balancing requests throughout nodes, but this could possibly limit the power of your software to complete atomic transactions and sustain solid regularity for the info. Moreover, there are precise scalability targets at the extent of a partition That may limit the throughput of transactions it is possible to assume for only one node: To learn more with regard to the scalability targets for Azure storage accounts plus the table provider, see Azure Storage Scalability and Effectiveness Targets.
The following different entity construction avoids a hotspot on any individual partition as the appliance logs occasions:
We’re very sorry our Checkout is down. Have faith in us - we loathe it also. Should you e-mail andyh@cityfurniture.com he’ll send you an additional five% off coupon and let you know after we’re back again Stay! Joyful Black Friday Aftermath.
You may persist circumstances of The 2 concrete lessons from the Table provider using a single Man or woman table applying entities in that look like this:
The next table contains a lot of the essential values to know about if you find yourself creating a Table provider Resolution:
We’re particularly sorry our Checkout is down. Believe in us - we despise it too. Should you email andyh@cityfurniture.com he’ll ship you an extra 5% off coupon and let you know whenever we’re again live! Joyful Black Friday Aftermath.
The sample nests multiple CombineFilters strategies to consist of the 3 filter circumstances. Retrieving huge figures of entities from a question
Dwell luxuriously all period very long with outdoor furniture from Frontgate. Our patio furniture sets are developed in-home to accomplish a flawless harmony of kind and function, with frames and cushions which are elegant, comfortable, and impervious to The weather. From all-temperature wicker patio furniture to handcrafted significant-scale teak, you'll find the right assortment to improve your open-air Room.
Similarly, illustration being a table implies a selected purchasing towards the rows and columns, whereas a relation is explicitly unordered. click On the other hand, the database method doesn't warranty any purchasing of your rows Until an Purchase BY clause is laid out in the Choose assertion that queries the table.
Shop many copies of each and every entity utilizing distinct RowKey values (in the exact same partition) to allow rapidly and successful lookups and alternate kind orders go through the use of various RowKey values. Updates between copies may be held consistent working with EGT's. Context and challenge
A person-to-lots of associations involving business enterprise domain objects take place really regularly: as an page example, a person Office has lots of personnel. There are plenty of solutions to implement 1-to-quite a few interactions from the Table additional info company Each and every with pros and cons That could be pertinent to the particular scenario.
So as to add a title to the table, you'll place the title and the characteristics of that title among the row commands, and . The heading codes, and , define a heading mobile and, by default, these codes Centre the heading and set it in bold kind. Nevertheless, If helpful hints you'd like the title to span over the columns under it, you must include things like the COLSPAN=n code.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
}
|
The importance in the understanding of the basic mechanism of human plasminogen activation is underscored by the wide use of fibrinolysis in the therapy of some blood clotting and cardiovescular disorders. Staphylokinase is a plasminogen activator protein secreted by strains of Staphylococcus aureas. Limited data from ours and other laboratories suggest that this protein activates plasminogen by strong binding of the two proteins, similar to the mechanism of streptokinase. The lack of information on staphylokinase has been due to the difficulty to obtain sufficient amounts of pure protein. This project proposes (1) to obtain pure staphylokinase form cloned gene in E. coli, (2) to examine themechanism of human plasminogen activated by kinetic and binding studies, (3) to determine the functional groups involved in plasminogen binding and activation by differential chemical methods, and (4) to change the functional groups of staphylokinase using site-directed mutagenesis of cloned gene. These changes involve lysines, tyrosines, tryptophan, N-terminal regiona and C-terminal region. The changes on the N- and C-terminal regions will test the functional roles of these residues. The changes in Tyr and Trp will be done in conjunction with 19F-nuclear magnetic resonance studies of the role of these residues. The studies described above will permit a greater understanding of mode of plasminogen activation by staphylokinase in specific and of contact activation of serine protease zymogens in general.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "NIH ExPorter"
}
|
Effectiveness of an anti-inflammatory drug, loxoprofen, for patients with nocturia.
There is increasing evidence that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective for the treatment of nocturia. In this study, we attempted to investigate the role of loxoprofen sodium (loxoprofen) in the therapeutic management of patients with nocturia. Fifteen benign protastatic hyperplasia and/or overactive bladder patients (13 males and 2 females, 71.1 +/- 1.5 years old) with three or more voids per night were involved. These patients had received standard drug therapy. Although these patients had received standard drug therapy for more than half a year, they had still three or more episodes of nocturia. The patients took a single dose of 60 mg of loxoprofen at night prior to sleep. Before and 1 week after the initiation of this therapy, the effects of this treatment were assessed by frequency volume chart and a questionnaire. In the questionnaire, seven patients answered as excellent, six patients demonstrated improvement of their symptoms, two patients did not show a significant change in their symptoms and no patients demonstrated a deterioration in the symptoms. In frequency volume chart, total void per day, total void per night, total urine volume per day, total night urine volume per day and single voided volume in the night before and after this treatment were 9.97 +/- 0.81 and 8.99 +/- 0.74 per day, 3.82 +/- 0.25 and 1.82 +/- 0.27 per night, 1349 +/- 81 and 1258 +/- 91 mL per day, 567 +/- 46 and 325 +/- 51 mL per night, and 143 +/- 13 and 149 +/- 10 mL, respectively. Loxoprofen can be effective and useful for patients with nocturia. Our data suggest that the main mechanism of this effect is to decrease urine production during a night's sleep.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Q:
Python Turtle how to create collision
I am attempting to create pong using Turtle, however, I am having an issue with the collision system. I am using a basic pythagorean function for this, however, when the ball hits a bumber, it gets stuck at the bumper and starts shaking. I am not sure how to fix this problem. Here is the collision and bumper code.
turtle.register_shape('bar.gif')
lbump = turtle.Turtle()
lbump.color('white')
lbump.shape('bar.gif')
lbump.penup()
lbump.speed(0)
lbump.setposition(-285,0)
rbump = turtle.Turtle()
rbump.color('white')
rbump.shape('bar.gif')
rbump.penup()
rbump.speed(0)
rbump.setposition(285,0)
ball = turtle.Turtle()
ball.color('white')
ball.shape('circle')
ball.penup()
ball.speed(0)
ball.setposition(0,0)
ballspeedx = -5
ballspeedy = 0 #To test collison#
def isCollision(t1, t2):
distance = math.sqrt(math.pow(t1.xcor()-t2.xcor(),2)+math.pow(t1.ycor()-t2.ycor(),2))
if distance < 30:
return True
else:
return False
def ball_move():
while True:
global ballspeedy
global ballspeedx
x = ball.xcor() + ballspeedx
y = ball.ycor() + ballspeedy
if y > 285 or y < -285:
ballspeedy *= -1
if x < -295 or x > 295:
x = 0
y = 0
if isCollision(lbump, ball):
ballspeedx *= -1
if isCollision(rbump, ball):
ballspeedx *= -1
ball.setposition(x,y)
A:
The reason it's likely this: when a collision is detected (isCollision returns True) and the sign of the x velocity is switched, the ball does not have the time to gain enough distance from the bumper until the next iteration of the loop. Hence, next iteration isCollision is still detecting a collision and changes again the sign of the velocity.
As a result, x velocity sign is switched each iteration from positive to negative and viceversa, and you see the shacking effect.
If I'm right, this edit is the simplest way that come to my mind to solve the issue:
if isCollision(lbump, ball):
ballspeedx = abs(ballspeedx)
if isCollision(rbump, ball):
ballspeedx = -1 * abs(ballspeedx)
Of course more elaborate solutions can be implemented.
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Thursday, February 17, 2011
Syndicate Bank Written Test Pattern Sample Question Paper Exam Date
Selection for the post of `Asst. Manager (RD)’ will be made on the basis of performance in written test and Interview.
WRITTEN TEST:
(i) Objective Tests (Duration : 3 hours i.e. 180 minutes)
1) Test of Reasoning
Number of questions : 75
Maximum Marks : 80
2) Quantitative Aptitude
Number of questions : 50
Maximum Marks : 60
3) Test of General Awareness
Number of questions : 50
Maximum Marks : 60
4) English Language
Number of questions : 50
Maximum Marks : 00*
5) Professional Knowledge
Number of questions : 50
Maximum Marks : 100
* This test is only qualifying and carries no weightage
Note: (a) Candidates have to pass in the Objective Tests and there will be negative marks for wrong answers in the Objective Test. (b) Depending upon the number of vacancies, only those candidates who rank sufficiently high in the Objective Test will be called for Interview. Mere eligibility/pass in the Test shall not vest any right in a candidate for being called for Interview. (c) Final selection will be on the basis of the ranking accorded after adding the marks obtained in the written Test and Interview (d) The detailed information regarding the Written Test will be given in the booklet which will be sent to the eligible candidates along with the Call Letter for the Test.
The bank reserves the right to hold a second stage of written examination if required on the basis of the order of merit in the written examination of the first stage as referred to above. If the second stage of written examination is held, the subsequent process of interview and further process would be on the basis of order of merit secured in the second stage examination.
INTERVIEW: Candidates who qualify in the Written Test shall be called for Personal interview in the order of their ranking as per the marks obtained by them in the objective test.
Syndicate Bank was established in 1925 in Udupi, the abode of Lord Krishna in coastal Karnataka with a capital of Rs.8000/- by three visionaries - Sri Upendra Ananth Pai, a businessman, Sri Vaman Kudva, an engineer and Dr.T M A Pai, a physician - who shared a strong commitment to social welfare. Their objective was primarily to extend financial assistance to the local weavers who were crippled by a crisis in the handloom industry through mobilising small savings from the community. The bank collected as low as 2 annas daily at the doorsteps of the depositors through its Agents under its Pigmy Deposit Scheme started in 1928. This scheme is the Bank's brand equity today and the Bank collects around Rs. 2 crore per day under the scheme.
The progress of Syndicate Bank has been synonymous with the phase of progressive banking in India. Spanning over 80 years of pioneering expertise, the Bank has created for itself a solid customer base comprising customers of two or three generations. Being firmly rooted in rural India and understanding the grassroot realities, the Bank's perception had vision of future India. It has been propagating innovations in Banking and also has been receptive to new ideas, without however getting uprooted from its distinctive socio-economic and cultural ethos. Its philosophy of growth by mutual sustenance of both the Bank and the people has paid rich dividends. The Bank has been operating as a catalyst of development across the country with particular reference to the common man at the individual level and in rural/semi urban centres at the area level.
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Why don't we take all the good from players from each team and put them on the same team?
9,218 shares
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{
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}
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The advantage of nearly all dynamic languages over C is that it's much harder to get buffer overflows while doing string manipulation, which can easily become a security problem.
Also Perl has libraries that help you dealing with the CGI protocol, and they are battle tested and stable.
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{
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—
@ 2013 CAROLINAS FIRE PAGE.
The data contained in this file is the sole property of CAROLINAS FIRE PAGE and may not be used and/or reused without the express prior consent of CFP. Under no circumstances should this electronic mail be forward to any party outside of your agency/company.
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{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
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Experimental primary and secondary infections of domestic dogs with Ehrlichia ewingii.
In this study, the infection dynamics of Ehrlichia ewingii, causative agent of granulocytotropic ehrlichiosis in dogs and humans, was examined in experimentally infected dogs by using a combination of physical examination, hematologic and biochemical analyses, and molecular and serologic assays. For the experimental trials, blood from an E. ewingii-infected dog was inoculated intravenously into two naïve dogs and two dogs with prior experimental exposure to E. ewingii (both were negative for E. ewingii DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, but seropositive from initial infection 8 and 10 months prior to challenge). A negative control dog was inoculated with blood from a negative dog. The two primary infection dogs were positive for E. ewingii DNA on DPI 4, remained consistently positive until DPI 60, and were intermittently positive until the end of the study (DPI 144). The two primary infection dogs developed antibodies reactive to E. ewingii by DPI 28 and remained seropositive for the duration of the study. Primary infected dogs had intermittent fever, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia and some dogs were hyperphosphatemic and/or had elevated ALP levels. The two challenge dogs were positive for E. ewingii DNA on DPI 4 and 18, which was similar to the primary infection dogs, but the duration of E. ewingii DNA detection was shorter. Also, the two challenged dogs did not develop pyrexia or show any hematologic or biochemical abnormalities. E. ewingii was successfully transmitted between dogs by Amblyomma americanum, but not Rhipicephalus sanguineus. This study provides data on the infection dynamics of E. ewingii in dogs during primary and challenge infections and suggests that prior exposure may lessen clinical disease during subsequent infections.
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"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
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If you get put pulled over after leaving the bar and hand your credit card to the officer instead of your license you're gonna have a bad time
101 shares
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{
"pile_set_name": "OpenWebText2"
}
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Q:
Using CSS to put some DIVs over a picture (+explaining images)
'.$row['titulo'].''.$contenido.time_since(strtotime($row['dt'])).'
');
}
?>
The styles are in a separate file and they are:
.newsticker-jcarousellite { width:600px; }
.newsticker-jcarousellite ul li{ list-style:none; display:block; padding-bottom:1px; margin-bottom:5px; }
.newsticker-jcarousellite .thumbnail { float:left; width:50px; height:50px; }
.newsticker-jcarousellite .info { float:right; width:535px; }
.newsticker-jcarousellite .info span.cat { display: block; font-size:10px; color:#808080; }
All generates this:
But now, i need to add 3 litle div on the lower part of the profile picture all of them with a black (35% transparent) background where i can put some text, the result must look like this:
Im very new at css, and i realy dont have any idea how to do this, thanks for any help!
A:
Complete code (untested):
HTML/PHP:
<div id="newsticker-demo">
<div class="newsticker-jcarousellite">
<ul>
<?php
echo('<li>
<div class="thumbnail"><img src="'.$fotoperfil.'">
<div class="txt">
<span>t1</span>
<span>t2</span>
<span>t3</span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="info"><a href="'.$linkpregunta.'">'.$row['titulo'].'</a><span class="cat">'.$contenido.time_since(strtotime($row['dt'])).'</span></div>
<div class="clear"></div>
</li>');
}
?></ul></div></div>
CSS:
.newsticker-jcarousellite { width:600px; }
.newsticker-jcarousellite ul li{ list-style:none; display:block; padding-bottom:1px; margin-bottom:5px; }
.newsticker-jcarousellite .thumbnail { float:left; width:50px; height:50px; position:relative /* <- new property */ }
.newsticker-jcarousellite .info { float:right; width:535px; }
.newsticker-jcarousellite .info span.cat { display: block; font-size:10px; color:#808080; }
/* new */
.newsticker-jcarousellite .thumbnail .txt { position:absolute; left:0; right:0; bottom:0; background:#000; background:rgba(0,0,0,0.35); }
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{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
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I work as the 'E-Strategy Co-ordinator' at Royal Holloway, University of London. In practice this means that I'm responsible for IT in the Library, the technical side of the Institution's main website delivery, and a range of web based services including the institutional portal.
I share some blogspace with my wife at <a href="http://www.meanboyfriend.com/overdue_ideas">Overdue Ideas</a>, but I can't say that it is a flurry of activity. The main thing I use the space for is sharing photos with family and friends, and blogging conferences I attend.
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Laosilainen Jolene Boudavong on työskennellyt seitsemän kuukautta hotellin kerroshoitajana. Työmatkat Muurolasta Rovaniemelle hän tekee bussilla, joiden siisteyttä ja viihtyisyyttä hän kehuu.
Laosilainen Jolene Boudavong on työskennellyt seitsemän kuukautta hotellin kerroshoitajana. Työmatkat Muurolasta Rovaniemelle hän tekee bussilla, joiden siisteyttä ja viihtyisyyttä hän kehuu. Jarmo Honkanen / Yle
Miksi ihmeessä me edellyttäisimme sujuvaa suomea, ihmettelee Suomen parhaaksi valitun hotellin johtaja.
Kaakkois-Aasian Laosista vuonna 2009 Muurolaan muuttanut Jolene Boudavong petaa sänkyä Arctic Light Hotelissa. Pyyhkeet hän taittelee toisinaan elefantin tai joutsenen muotoon, tällä kertaa syntyy kukkia. Kerroshoitajan työ tuottaa suurta iloa kuuden vuoden työttömyyden jälkeen.
– Yritin löytää työtä monen monta kertaa. Minulle kuitenkin kerrottiin, että Suomesta ei voi saada työpaikkaa, ellei osaa puhua, kirjoittaa ja lukea suomea.
37-vuotias Jolene kertoo työvoimatoimiston ohjanneen hänet kerta toisensa jälkeen kotoutumiskurssille parantamaan kielitaitoaan. Hän eli siinä uskossa, että toivoa työpaikasta ei ole.
– Sehän on suoraan sanottuna absurdi tilanne. Meillä suomen kielen taito ei todellakaan ole välttämättömyys tai edellytys. Tässäkin tarvittiin sitä kolmatta toimijaa eli yksityistä puolta Jolenen työllistämisen avuksi. Suomen kielen taito ei ole välttämättömyys, mutta tekemisen ilo on. Tässä tapauksessa olisi ollut suoranainen synti, että se olisi jäänyt käyttämättä, sanoo Arctic Light Hotelin johtaja Timo Kärki.
Kolmas osapuoli oli Heidi Alariesto, joka opetti kurssilla, jonne Jolene oli jälleen lähetetty. Hän kiinnitti huomiota laosilaisnaisen asenteeseen ja kädentaitoihin ja otti yhteyttä hotelliin.
Hallitus kiirehtii yhteyksiä työelämään
Lapin TE-toimiston johtaja Tiina Keränen sanoo, että työvoimatoimistossa pitäisi kyllä tulla esille se, että työtä voi hakea suoraan yrityksistä, eikä suomen kielen taitoa aina tarvita.
– Ehkä se ei kuitenkaan ole ollut ensisijainen asia kotoutumisvaiheessa, Keränen myöntää. Kotoutumisvaihetta yritetään nyt hallituksen päätöksellä lyhentää niin, että maahanmuuttajat pääsisivät mahdollisimman pian työmarkkinoille. Vuosien kielikurssikierrettä siis pyritään välttämään.
Ensimmäisellä viiden kuukauden kurssilla keskitytään suomen kielen perustaitojen opetteluun. Seuraavilla viiden kuukauden pituisilla kursseilla opetellaan työelämän sanastoa sekä tutustutaan työelämään käytännössä. Uudenlainen kotoutumiskoulutus on vasta sisäänajovaiheessa.
Keränen sanoo, että TE-toimisto tekee työtarjouksia avoimiin työpaikkoihin yhtä lailla kantasuomalaisten kuin maahanmuuttajienkin puolesta. Tieto työnantajan kielitaitovaatimuksista onkin tärkeä. Työnhakijoita Keränen muistuttaa siitä, että vain noin 40 % avoimista työpaikoista ilmoitetaan TE-toimistoon.
Kokkeja kaukomailta
Suomen parhaaksi hotelliksi Trivago-hotellihakupalvelussa rankattu Arctic Light Hotel ei ole vielä ollut vaikeuksissa rekrytointien kanssa, niin paljon kuin matkailualan työvoimapulasta tällä hetkellä puhutaankin. Keittiöhenkilökunnan, kuten kokkien löytämisessä saatetaan Kärjen mukaan kuitenkin ajautua lähivuosina ongelmiin. Heitä aletaan ehkä etsiä suoraan ulkomailta.
– En pidä sitä poissuljettuna. Siinä työssä ruoan laatu ja makuaisti on paljon tärkeämpää kuin suomen kieli.
Hotellin noin kahdestakymmenestä työntekijästä viisi on maahanmuuttajataustaisia. Jolenen lisäksi ulkomaalaistaustaisia työntekijöitä on Turkista, Venäjältä, Thaimaasta ja Puolasta.
– Oletan, että kaikki nämä kielet ovat olleet hotellissa käytössä ja niillä on tehty vaikutus asiakkaisiin, Kärki toteaa. Hotellinjohtaja arvioi, että 95 prosenttia asiakkaista on ulkomaalaisia.
– Miksi ihmeessä me edellyttäisimme sujuvaa suomea, kun me muutenkin puhumme englantia.
HIV-orpojen tuki ja turva
Jolene Boudavong sanoo vähän allapäin, että suomen kieli on jäänyt heikoksi vaikka kursseja on käyty.
– Ymmärsin kun opettaja puhui selkeästi ja hitaasti, mutta kadulla ihmiset puhuvat niin nopeasti etten ymmärrä, hän tiivistää jokaiselle kielenoppijalle tutun dilemman.
Suomen sijaan hän puhuu kiinaa, japania ja thaita. Kielitaito parani ja palvelukulttuuri hioutui huippuunsa kun Jolene palveli lentoemäntänä Laosin presidenttiä ja ministereitä heidän matkoillaan. Sosialistisen Laosin johtoa lennätettiin niin Kuubaan kuin Pohjois-Koreaankin.
Muurolaan laosilaisnaisen toi suomalainen mies. Avioliitto päättyi, mutta 9-vuotiaan tyttären äiti aikoo pysyä Muurolassa vielä vuosia. Yliopistokoulutettu nainen ei kummastele sitä, että ansaitsee nyt elantonsa siivoustyöllä.
– Suomessa saa tunnissa sen, mitä Laosissa päivässä. Laosissa minulle maksettaisiin ehkä kymmenen euroa päivässä.
Tyttären lisäksi Jolene huolehtii 21:n HIV-tartunnan saaneen laosilaislapsen toimeentulosta. Heille lähtee kerroshoitajan palkasta satoja euroja kuukaudessa. Energinen nainen suunnittelee, että jonain päivänä hän palaa Laosiin ja kertoo kaiken mitä on Suomessa oppinut.
– Haluan vielä oppia lisää esimerkiksi suomalaisesta koulusta, jotta voin parantaa lasten elämää Laosissa.
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The Microsoft HoloLens Development Edition that was released last week gave some interesting insight on the future use of the upcoming hologram projecting headset. Many of the purchases of the $3000 hardware weren’t for household use, but instead commercial businesses that seek to use the new tool for advancing their market. Businesses and large groups such as Lowes, Saab, and Shanska have decided to take advantage of the opportunities that the headset can provide by utilizing the holographic overlay for remodeling homes to having a first person perspective as users connect with sales representatives.
Even Microsoft’s chief marketing officer, Chris Capossela was surprised by the reaction of the commercial interest in the HoloLens. During the Envision Conference taking place this week in New Orleans, Capossela made a statement to reporters emphasizing that the hardware was originally intended for gaming but has evolved into a much more useful product.
“We totally underestimated the commercial interest in this thing. The team who built it, a lot of them had their roots in Xbox. Alex Kipman and Kudo [Tsunoda]. And so they originally envisioned it as something more along those lines, but as we started to show it to people, we were blown away by the commercial interest.”
Microsoft HoloLens: Partners make it real The Microsoft HoloLens Development Edition that was released last week gave some interesting insight on the future use of the upcoming hologram projecting headset. Many of the purchases of the $3000 hardware weren't for household use, but instead commercial businesses that seek to use the new tool f
CEO Satya Nadella has decided to embrace the new direction of the HoloLens as well. Chris Capossela claimed that he originally had told the development team, “Hey I love this thing, but I think you’re going to find that the scenarios are more interesting on the commercial side early on.” Sure enough, it was more interesting leading into new ventures and environments such as the Destination Mars exhibit from NASA.
While the HoloLens has evolved to be an exceptional productivity headset, the $3000 price tag is unreasonable for most everyday household use. Capossela ensured consumers that while the demand is low in comparison to the business interest, the price would eventually reduce.
“It’s a journey we’re going to go on, where over time the hardware will get better, things will get cheaper,” Capossela said. “But for it to be something really broadly available, where you can go to Best Buy and buy it for a Christmas gift, we’re not there and instead, I think the real V1 scenarios are about these business scenarios that people are really excited about.”
With comparisons to the competing Oculus Rift and HTC Vibe that have already reached consumers worldwide with much more reasonable pricing, HoloLens appears to be trailing behind the virtual reality market. Even with the delay in development compared to the others, Capossela is confident in the execution of the Microsoft HoloLens, “We’re very excited that all the VR work is happening on Windows. We love that. We love that Oculus requires a big gaming rig. Those are very positive things for the Windows ecosystem, and we want Windows to be the place that VR happens.”
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{
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Spatial perception errors do not predict pointing errors by individuals with brain lesions.
We examined the relationship between errors in sensorimotor transformations (SMT) for reaching to external targets and visual and kinesthetic spatial perception of those targets by participants with damage to the posterior parietal lobule (PPL) and adjacent areas. A total of 12 participants had focal PPL lesions, 7 had with brain lesions outside the PPL, and 10 had no brain lesions. Brain lesions were due to stroke (12) or surgical resection (7). Participants made visually and kinesthetically guided pointing movements to 16 targets with the ipsilesional hand (to minimize effects of motor deficits). Head and eye movements were unrestricted. When full vision was allowed, all participants pointed accurately to visually specified targets. However, participants with PPL lesions made larger vertical plane errors than did neurologically intact control participants in visual and kinesthetic perceptual tasks and in SMT tasks (in which participants reached without vision to targets that had been visually presented). However, across all 29 participants, the size and direction of SMT errors showed low correlation with visual and kinesthetic perceptual errors. Moreover, participants with PPL lesions who made large visual and/or kinesthetic perceptual errors to individual targets also showed weak correlations with SMT errors to those targets. The results are compatible with theories that different neural pathways support perception and action for both the visual and the kinesthetic systems.
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{
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}
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---
abstract: 'In this paper we study the ratio between the number of $p$-elements and the order of a Sylow $p$-subgroup of a finite group $G$. As well known, this ratio is a positive integer and we conjecture that, for every group $G$, it is at least the $(1-\frac{1}{p})$-th power of the number of Sylow $p$-subgroups of $G$. We prove this conjecture if $G$ is $p$-solvable. Moreover, we prove that the conjecture is true in its generality if a somewhat similar condition holds for every almost simple group.'
address: 'Dipartimento di Matematica e Informatica “U. Dini”,Università degli Studi di Firenze, viale Morgagni 67/a, 50134 Firenze, Italy.'
author:
- Pietro Gheri
title: 'On the number of $p$-elements in a finite group'
---
Introduction
============
Let $G$ be a finite group and $p$ be a prime dividing the order of $G$. Moreover, let $$\mathfrak{U}_p(G) = \bigcup_{P \in Syl_p(G)} P,$$ be the set of $p$-elements of $G$.
A celebrated theorem of F.G. Frobenius ([@frobenius:sylow]) states that if $P$ is a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $G$, then $|P|$ divides $|\mathfrak{U}_p(G)|$. We will call the positive integer $|\mathfrak{U}_p(G)|/|P|$ the *$p$-Frobenius ratio of $G$*.
The number of $p$-elements of a finite group is a fundamental invariant in finite group theory. Several different proofs of Frobenius’ theorem have been given (see, for example, [@isaacs:frobenius] and [@speyer:frobenius]). Moreover in [@steinberg:endom Theorem 15.2] it is proven that the $p$-Frobenius ratio in a finite group of Lie type is equal to the size of a Sylow $p$-subgroup.
Nevertheless, it is still unknown if the Frobenius ratio has a combinatorial meaning.
It is clear that the $p$-Frobenius ratio is $1$ if and only if $G$ contains a normal Sylow $p$-subgroup. In [@miller:theoryapplications], it is proven with a nice and easy argument that if the $p$-Frobenius ratio is not $1$, then it must be greater or equal than $p$.
In this paper, we focus on the search for “good” bounds for the $p$-Frobenius ratio in terms of the number $n_p(G)$ of Sylow $p$-subgroups of $G$.
Of course, a trivial upper bound is obtained when every pair of Sylow p-subgroups of G has trivial intersection, so that, given a Sylow $p$-subgroup $P$ of $G$, $$\frac{|\mathfrak{U}_p(G)|}{|P|} \leq n_p(G)- \frac{n_p(G)-1}{|P|} \leq n_p(G).$$
It is not hard to find examples of sequences of groups that show that a lower bound on the $p$-Frobenius ratio cannot be linear in $n_p(G)$. We state the following conjecture.
Let $G$ be a finite group, $p$ be a prime dividing $|G|$ and $P$ a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $G$. Then $$\label{conj pfrobratio}
\frac{|\mathfrak{U}_p(G)|}{|P|} \geq n_p(G)^{1-\frac{1}{p}}.$$
We will show in Example \[tight frob ratio\] that this bound is “asymptotically tight”. We show that Conjecture \[conj pfrobratio\] is true for $p$-solvable groups. Namely, we prove the following.
\[bound on Omega psolv\] Let $G$ be a finite $p$-solvable group and $P$ be a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $G$. If $n_p(G)$ denotes the number of Sylow $p$-subgroups in $G$, then $$\label{bound p el}
\frac{|\mathfrak{U}_p(G)|}{|P|} \geq n_p(G)^{\frac{p-1}{p}}.$$
Inspired by the proof of Theorem \[bound on Omega psolv\], we show that a sufficient condition for Conjecture \[conj pfrobratio\] to be true in general is that $$\label{conj lambda}
\left( \prod_{x \in P} \lambda_G(x) \right)^{1/|P|} \leq n_p(G)^{\frac{1}{p}},$$ where for every $p$-element $x$ of $P$, $\lambda_G(x)$ denotes the number of Sylow $p$-subgroups of $G$ containing $x$.
For this condition we give a reduction to almost simple groups.
\[red alm simp\] Inequality (\[conj lambda\]) holds for every finite group if and only if it holds for every finite almost simple group.
One of the most important tools used here is the so-called Wielandt’s subnormalizer (see Definition \[subnormalizer\]), which is related to the number of $p$-elements (see Lemma \[form Omega subnor\]). This connection is mainly due to the works of C. Casolo on subnormalizers ([@casolo:subnor], [@casolo:subnorsolv]).
Another fundamental tool for the proof of our result is a theorem by G. Navarro and N. Rizo, concerning the number of fixed points in a coprime action of a $p$-group.
Throughout the paper $G$ will be a finite group and $p$ a prime dividing $|G|$. Also, for all $x \in G$ we denote with $x^G$ the conjugacy class of $x$ in $G$.
The p-solvable case
===================
In this section we prove Theorem \[bound on Omega psolv\]. First of all we introduce the we introduce the concept of subnormalizer, whose definition (see [@lennox:subnormal pag. 238]) is inspired by the celebrated Wielandt’s subnormality criterion, which says that a subgroup $H$ of $G$ is subnormal in $G$ if and only if $H$ is subnormal in $\langle H, g \rangle$ for every $g \in G$.
\[subnormalizer\] Let $H$ be a subgroup of $G$. The *subnormalizer of $H$ in $G$* is the set $$S_G(H) = \lbrace g \in G \ | \ H {\unlhd \unlhd \ }\langle H,g \rangle \rbrace.$$ where ${\unlhd \unlhd \ }$ means “is subnormal in”.
A useful link between subnormalizers and the number of p-elements in a finite group (see Lemma \[form Omega subnor\]) is established by using a beautiful theorem by C. Casolo In order to state this theorem we introduce some notation. Let $H$ be a $p$-subgroup of $G$ and $P$ be a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $G$. We write $\lambda_G(H)$ for the number of Sylow $p$-subgroups of $G$ containing $H$ and $\alpha_G(H)$ for the number of $G$-conjugates of $H$ contained in $P$ (note that this number does not depend on the Sylow subgroup $P$ we are considering). When $H = \langle x \rangle $ is a cyclic subgroup, we simply write $S_G(x)$ and $\lambda_G(x)$, in place of $S_G(\langle x \rangle)$ and $\lambda_G(\langle x \rangle)$. In a similar fashion, we write $\alpha_G(x)$ for the number of $G$-conjugates of the element $x$ contained in $P$. We thus have that $$\label{alpha x}
\alpha_G(x)=\alpha_G \left( \langle x \rangle \right) |N_G(\langle x \rangle)|/|C_G(x)|.$$
We can now state the aforementioned theorem by C. Casolo.
\[form subnor theorem\] Let $H$ be a $p$-subgroup of $G$. Then the following holds and $P$ be a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $G$.
- $$|S_G(H)|=\lambda_G(H) |N_G(P)| = \alpha_G(H) |N_G(H)|.$$
- If $G$ is $p$-solvable and $\mathcal{M}$ is the set of all $p'$-factors in a given normal $\lbrace p,p' \rbrace$-series of $G$, then $$|S_G(H)|= |P| \prod_{U/V \in \mathcal{M}} \left| C_{U/V} \left( HV/V \right) \right|.$$
A first easy application of this result is a formula that expresses the number of $p$-elements in $G$ in terms of the orders of the subnormalizers of the cyclic subgroups of a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $G$.
\[form Omega subnor\] Let $P$ be a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $G$. We have $$|\mathfrak{U}_p(G)|=\sum_{x \in P} \frac{|G|}{|S_G(x)|}.$$
In the sum $$\sum_{x \in P} |x^G|$$ every class of $p$-elements is involved and its contribution is repeated as many times as the cardinality $|x^G \cap P|=\alpha_G(x)$. Hence $$|\mathfrak{U}_p(G)| = \sum_{x \in P} \frac{|x^G|}{\alpha_G(x)}=\sum_{x \in P} \frac{|G|}{\alpha_G(x)|C_G(x)|}=\sum_{x \in P} \frac{|G|}{|S_G(x)|},$$ by part *a)* of Theorem \[form subnor theorem\] and formula (\[alpha x\]).
We now turn to the proof of Theorem \[bound on Omega psolv\]. Another fundamental tool that we are going to use in the proof is the following formula proved by Navarro and Rizo.
\[nav riz\] Suppose that $P$ is a $p$-group acting on a $p'$-group $G$. Then $$|C_G(P)| = \left( \prod_{x \in P} \frac{|C_G(x)|}{|C_G(x^p)|^{1/p}} \right)^{\frac{p}{(p-1)|P|}}.$$
We can now prove Theorem \[bound on Omega psolv\].
By Lemma \[form Omega subnor\] we have that the $p$-Frobenius ratio of $G$ is the arithmetic mean of the ratios $$\frac{|G|}{|S_G(x)|}$$ when $x$ runs across $P$. By the Arithmetic-Geometric Mean Inequality, we get $$\label{FrobRatio arit geom}
\frac{|\mathfrak{U}_p(G)|}{|P|} = \frac{1}{|P|} \left( \sum_{x \in P} \frac{|G|}{|S_G(x)|} \right) \geq \left( \prod_{x \in P} \frac{|G|}{|S_G(x)|} \right)^{1/|P|}.$$ Since $G$ is $p$-solvable we can take a normal $\lbrace p,p' \rbrace$-series, whose set of $p'$-factors we call $\mathcal{M}$. Then, by part *b)* of Theorem \[form subnor theorem\], we have for all $x \in P$ $$\frac{|G|}{|S_G(x)|} = \frac{|G|/|P|}{\prod_{U/V \in \mathcal{M}}|C_{U/V}(Vx)|} = \prod_{U/V \in \mathcal{M}} \frac{|U/V|}{|C_{U/V}(Vx)|}.$$ We insert this last term in (\[FrobRatio arit geom\]) and swap the products to get $$\begin{aligned}
\frac{|\mathfrak{U}_p(G)|}{|P|} & \geq & \left( \prod_{U/V \in \mathcal{M}} \left( \prod_{x \in P} \frac{|U/V|}{|C_{U/V}(xV)|} \right) \right)^{1/|P|} \\
& = & \left( \prod_{U/V \in \mathcal{M}} \left| \frac{U}{V} \right|^{|P|} \left( \prod_{x \in P} \frac{1}{|C_{U/V}(xV)|} \right) \right)^{1/|P|}.\end{aligned}$$ Now for all $U/V \in \mathcal{M}$, $P$ is a $p$-group that acts on the $p'$-group $U/V$. We can then apply Theorem \[nav riz\] and use the trivial inequality $|C_{U/V}((xV)^p)| \leq |U/V|$, so that we have $$\begin{aligned}
\prod_{x \in P} \frac{1}{|C_{U/V}(xV)|} & = & \left( \prod_{x \in P} \frac{1}{|C_{U/V}((xV)^p)|^{1/p}} \right) \frac{1}{|C_{U/V}(P)|^{|P|(p-1)/p}} \\
& \geq & \left( \frac{1}{|U/V|^{|P|/p}}\right)\frac{1}{|C_{U/V}(P)|^{|P|(p-1)/p}}\end{aligned}$$ and so $$\frac{|\mathfrak{U}_p(G)|}{|P|} \geq \left( \prod_{U/V \in \mathcal{M}} \frac{|U/V|}{|C_{U/V}(P)|} \right)^{\frac{p-1}{p}} = \left( \frac{|G|}{|S_G(P)|} \right)^{1-\frac{1}{p}},$$ again by part *b)* of Theorem \[form subnor theorem\].
Finally, we observe that for a Sylow $p$-subgroup $S_G(P)=N_G(P)$, so that $$\frac{|\mathfrak{U}_p(G)|}{|P|} \geq \left( \frac{|G|}{|S_G(P)|} \right)^{1-\frac{1}{p}} = \left( \frac{|G|}{|N_G(P)|} \right)^{1-\frac{1}{p}} = n_p(G)^{1-\frac{1}{p}}.$$
It is worth mentioning that the bound in Theorem \[bound on Omega psolv\] is asymptotically tight in the sense specified by the following example.
\[tight frob ratio\] Let $p$ be a prime and, for $n$ a positive integer, let $P$ be an elementary abelian group of order $p^n$. Moreover set $\mathcal{M}$ to be the set of the maximal subgroups of $P$. Choose a prime $q$ such that $p$ divides $q-1$. Then for any $M \in \mathcal{M}$ we have that $P/M \simeq C_p$ acts fixed point freely as a group of automorphisms on a cyclic group $\langle a_M \rangle \simeq C_q$. We denote the image of the generator $a_M$ under this action by $a_M^{xM}$, for every $xM \in P/M$.
Since $\bigcap_{M \in \mathcal{M}} M =1$, it follows that $P$ acts faithfully on the direct product $N$ of the groups $\langle a_M \rangle$. To be more explicit the following map $$\begin{aligned}
P & \rightarrow Aut(N) \\
x & \mapsto \phi_x,\end{aligned}$$ where $\phi_x(a_M)=a_M^{xM}$, for all $M \in \mathcal{M}$ is an injective homomorphism.
We consider the semidirect product $G_n = N \rtimes P$. The normalizer of $P$ in $G_n$ is $C_N(P)P=P$, hence the number of Sylow $p$-subgroups of $G_n$ is $$\label{npgn}
n_p(G_n)= |N| = q^{|\mathcal{M}|}=q^{\frac{p^n-1}{p-1}}.$$ In order to count the number of $p$-elements in $G_n$ we use the equality $$| \mathfrak{U}_p(G_n) | = \sum_{x \in P} \frac{n_p(G_n)}{\lambda_{G_n}(x)},$$ which follows from Lemma \[form Omega subnor\] and part *a)* of Theorem \[form subnor theorem\]. We thus have to compute $\lambda_{G_n}(x)$, for $x \in P \setminus \lbrace 1 \rbrace$. Using again part *a)* of Theorem \[form subnor theorem\], we have $$\lambda_{G_n}(x)= \frac{\alpha_{G_n}(x)n_p(G_n)}{|x^{G_n}|}.$$ Now since $P$ is abelian and $G_n$ has a normal $p$-complement, we have $\alpha_{G_n}(x)=1$ and $|x^{G_n}|=|N|/|C_N(x)|$, so that $\lambda_{G_n}(x)=|C_N(x)|$. Given $x \in P \setminus \lbrace 1 \rbrace$, the centralizer of $x$ in $N$ is generated by those $a_M$ such that $a_M^{xM}=a_M$. Since $P/M$ acts fixed point freely on $\langle a_M \rangle$, this holds if and only if $x \in M$, hence $$C_N(x)= \langle a_M \ | \ x \in M \rangle.$$ The number of maximal subgroups in $P$ containing a fixed nontrivial element is $\frac{p^{n-1}-1}{p-1}$, and so $$|C_N(x)|=q^{\frac{p^{n-1}-1}{p-1}}.$$ We can then calculate the $p$-Frobenius ratio of $G_n$ $$\begin{split}
\frac{|\mathfrak{U}_p(G_n)|}{|P|} &= \frac{1}{|P|} \sum_{x \in P} \frac{n_p(G_n)}{\lambda_{G_n}(x)} \\
& = \frac{1}{p^n} \left( 1 + (p^n-1) \frac{q^\frac{p^{n}-1}{p-1}}{q^\frac{p^{n-1}-1}{p-1}} \right) \\
& = \frac{1}{p^n} + \frac{p^n-1}{p^n} q^{p^{n-1}}.
\end{split}$$ By (\[npgn\]) we have $$n_p(G_n)^{\frac{p-1}{p}}= q^{\frac{p^n-1}{p}}.$$ We can now compare the two members of the inequality stated by Theorem \[bound on Omega psolv\]. By considering the limit $$\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \frac{|\mathfrak{U}_p(G_n)|/|P|}{n_p(G_n)^{\frac{p-1}{p}}} = \lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \left( \frac{1}{p^n q^{\frac{p^n-1}{p}}} + \frac{p^n-1}{p^n} \frac{q^{p^{n-1}}}{q^{\frac{p^n-1}{p}}} \right) = q^{1/p},$$ we see that the $p$-Frobenius ratio of $G_n$ and the $\left( 1-\frac{1}{p} \right)$-th power of the number of Sylow $p$-subgroups have the same asymptotic behaviour.
The general case
================
In this section we explain why inequality (\[conj lambda\]) is sufficient for establishing Conjecture \[conj pfrobratio\] and we prove Theorem \[red alm simp\].
Let $P$ a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $G$. Since Lemma \[form Omega subnor\] is true for any group, by applying the Arithmetic-Geometric Mean Inequality as in \[FrobRatio arit geom\], we get $$\frac{|\mathfrak{U}_p(G)|}{|P|} \geq \left( \prod_{x \in P} \frac{|G|}{|S_G(x)|} \right)^{1/|P|}$$ and, recalling Theorem \[form subnor theorem\], we can write $$\frac{|\mathfrak{U}_p(G)|}{|P|} \geq \left( \prod_{x \in P} \frac{n_p(G)}{\lambda_G(x)} \right)^{1/|P|}.$$ A sufficient condition for (\[bound p el\]) is then $$\left( \prod_{x \in P} \frac{n_p(G)}{\lambda_G(x)} \right)^{1/|P|} \geq n_p(G)^{\frac{p-1}{p}},$$ that is $$\left( \prod_{x \in P} \lambda_G(x) \right)^{1/|P|} \leq n_p(G)^{\frac{1}{p}},$$ which is inequality (\[conj lambda\]).
In [@gheri:degnil] it is proven that if $x$ is a $p$-element of $G$ which is not contained in the $O_p(G)$, then $\lambda_G(x)$ is at most $n_p(G)/(p+1)$. Focusing on a single element, this is the best one can get. Inequality (\[conj lambda\]), if true, would give a better bound on average, as it states that the geometric mean of the number of Sylow $p$-subgroups containing an element of a Sylow $p$-subgroup is at most the $p$-th root of the total number of Sylow $p$-subgroups.
The bound (\[conj lambda\]), if true, is best possible in a strict sense. If we compute the terms of inequality (\[conj lambda\]) for the groups $G_n$ defined in Example \[tight frob ratio\], an equality occurs.
\[Op 1\] For the proof of Theorem \[red alm simp\], we can assume $O_p(G)=1$. This is because if $N$ is a normal $p$-subgroup of $G$, then, for all $x \in \mathfrak{U}_p(G)$, we have that $\lambda_G(x)=\lambda_{G/N}(xN)$, and so (\[conj lambda\]) holds for $G$ if and only if it holds for $G/N$.
First of all, we can reduce (\[conj lambda\]) to nonsolvable groups all of whose proper quotients are solvable (see Proposition \[reduction conj mns\]). We need some technical lemmas, the first of whom is proved in [@gheri:unsesto Lemma 3.3].
\[sp x cresce sui sottogruppi\] Let $H$ be a subgroup of $G$ and $x \in H$ be a $p$-element. Then $$\frac{\lambda_G(x)}{n_p(G)} \leq \frac{\lambda_H(x)}{n_p(H)}.$$ Moreover, if $H \unlhd G$, then the equality holds.
\[SNx\] Let $N$ be a normal subgroup of $G$, $P$ be a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $G$ and $x$ an element of $P$. Assume that $G=NP$. Then $$|S_G(x)|=|S_N(x)| |NP/N|$$
If $x \in N$, the thesis follows from the fact that $|S_G(x)|/|G|=|S_N(x)|/|N|$, which can be easily derived from part *a)* of Theorem \[form subnor theorem\].
We work by induction on $m$, where $|NP/N|=p^m$. If $m=0$, then $G=N$ and there is nothing to prove. Suppose that $m > 0$ and $G \neq N \langle x \rangle$. Let $M$ be a maximal subgroup of $G$ containing $N \langle x \rangle$. Then, as $M \unlhd G$, by inductive hypothesis $$|S_G(x)|=|S_M(x)|p=|S_N(x)|p^{m-1}p.$$ Finally, if $G=N \langle x \rangle$, we observe that, given $a \in N$ and $t$ a positive integer, $ax^t \in S_G(x)$ if and only if $\langle x \rangle$ is subnormal in $\langle x, ax^t \rangle = \langle x, a \rangle $, that is if and only if $a \in S_G(x)$. It follows that $$|S_G(x)|=|S_N(x)| |NP/N|.$$
\[lambda np\] Let $N$ be a normal subgroup of $G$, $P$ be a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $G$ and $x \in P$. Then $$\lambda_G(x)= \lambda_{\frac{G}{N}}(Nx) \lambda_{NP}(x).$$
First of all we show that given a $p$-element $x$, the value $\lambda_{NP}(x)$ is independent of the particular Sylow $p$-subgroup $P$ containing $x$. By Theorem \[form subnor theorem\] and Lemma \[SNx\], we have $$\lambda_{NP}(x)= \frac{|S_{NP}(x)|}{|N_{NP}(P)|} =\frac{|S_{N}(x)|}{|N_{NP}(P)|} \left| \frac{NP}{N} \right| = \frac{|S_{N}(x)|}{|N|} |n_p(NP)| .$$ If $Q$ is another Sylow $p$-subgroup such that $x \in Q$, then of course $n_p(NP)=n_p(NQ)$, since $NP$ and $NQ$ are conjugated in $G$. Moreover $|S_N(x)|$ depends only on $N$ and $x$.
Now let $\Delta_G^x$ be the set of the Sylow $p$-subgroups of $G$ containing $x$. We define the map $$\begin{split}
\Delta_G^x & \rightarrow \Delta_{\frac{G}{N}}^{xN} \\
Q & \mapsto NQ/N.
\end{split}$$ For all $\tilde{Q} \in \Delta_G^x$, the fiber of $N\tilde{Q}/N \in \Delta_{\frac{G}{N}}^{xN}$ is the set of Sylow $p$-subgroups $Q$ of $G$ containing $x$ and such that $NQ=N\tilde{Q}$, that is, $\Delta_{N \tilde{Q}}^{x}$. Since we proved that $\lambda_{N\tilde{Q}}(x)$ is independent of $\tilde{Q}$, we have $$\lambda_G(x)= | \Delta_{G}^{x}| = \left| \Delta_{\frac{G}{N}}^{xN}\right| \left| \Delta_{NP}^{x} \right| = \lambda_{\frac{G}{N}}(xN) \lambda_{NP}(x).$$
\[reduction conj mns\] A counterexample of minimal order to inequality (\[conj lambda\]) is a nonsolvable group having a unique minimal normal subgroup $M$, which is nonsolvable, and such that $G=MP$, where $P$ is a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $G$.
Let $G$ be a counterexample of minimal order to inequality \[conj lambda\] and let $P$ be a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $G$. By Remark \[Op 1\] we have that $O_p(G)=1$. By Theorem \[bound on Omega psolv\], $G$ is nonsolvable. We show that every proper quotient of $G$ is solvable. Let $M$ be a minimal normal subgroup of $G$. By Lemma \[lambda np\], we have $$\begin{aligned}
\prod_{x \in P} \lambda_G(x) & = & \prod_{x \in P} \lambda_{\frac{G}{M}}(Mx) \lambda_{MP}(x) \\
&=& \left( \prod_{xM \in \frac{PM}{M}} \lambda_{\frac{G}{M}}(Mx) \right)^{|P \cap M|} \left( \prod_{x \in P} \lambda_{MP}(x) \right). \end{aligned}$$ By the minimality of $G$, we have $$\prod_{xM \in \frac{PM}{M}} \lambda_{\frac{G}{M}}(Mx) \leq n_p \left( G/M \right)^{\frac{|PM/M|}{p}}.$$ If $MP<G$, we can again assume that the inequality is true for $MP$ and so $$\prod_{x \in P} \lambda_G(x) \leq n_p\left( \frac{G}{M} \right)^{\frac{|PM/M|}{p}|P \cap M|} n_p(MP)^\frac{|P|}{p}=n_p(G)^\frac{|P|}{p}.$$ Since this is true for every minimal normal subgroup of $G$, the usual subdirect product argument gives that $G$ has a unique minimal normal subgroup $M$, which is nonsolvable and such that $G=MP$.
Referring to the notation of Lemma \[reduction conj mns\], $M$ is the direct product of simple groups permuted by $P$. The next easy lemma loosely bounds the number of $\langle x \rangle$-invariant Sylow $p$-subgroups of $M$, where $x \in P$, in terms of the action of $\langle x \rangle$ on the direct factors of $M$.
\[num orb\] Let $M \unlhd G$ be a direct product of $k$ copies of a group $L$, $M=L_1 \times \dots \times L_k$, let $x \in G$ be an element that permutes the factors $L_i$ of $M$ and let $p$ be a prime number. Then the number of $\langle x \rangle$-invariant Sylow $p$-subgroups of $M$ is at most $n_p(L)^s$, where $s$ is the number of orbits of $\langle x \rangle$ on $\Delta= \lbrace L_1, \dots, L_k \rbrace$.
A Sylow $p$-subgroup $Q$ of $M$ is the direct product of $k$ Sylow $p$-subgroups of $L$, $Q = Q_1 \times \dots \times Q_k$. Suppose that $Q$ is normalized by $x$. If $L_i=L_j^{x^r}$, for $r \in \mathbb{Z}$, then $Q_i=Q_j^{x^r}$ and so one has at most $n_p(L)$ choices for each $\langle x \rangle$-orbit in $\Delta$.
We can now prove Theorem \[red alm simp\]
Suppose that inequality (\[conj lambda\]) is true for all finite almost simple groups and let $G$ be a counterexemple of minimal order. By Proposition \[reduction conj mns\], $G=MP$ where $P$ is a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $G$ and $M$ is the unique minimal normal subgroup $$M = L_1 \times \dots \times L_k, \ L_i \simeq L, \ \forall i \in \lbrace 1, \dots , k \rbrace.$$ for some nonabelian simple group $L$. Moreover $P$ acts transitively on the set $\Delta = \lbrace L_1, \dots , L_k \rbrace$. Since we are assuming the result for almost simple groups, we have $k>1$.
Let $Q=P \cap M$. For any subgroup $Q \leq X \leq P$ we set $m_X$ to be the ratio $$\label{mX}
m_X=\frac{|N_M(X)|}{|N_M(P)|}= \frac{n_p(G)}{n_p(MX)}.$$ The last equality holds since $n_p(G)=[MP:N_{MP}(P)]=[M:N_M(P)]$ and $n_p(MX)=[MX:N_{MX}(X)]=[M:N_M(X)]$. Moreover observe that if $g \in N_M(P)$ and $x\in X$ then $$x^g=x[x,g] \in X(M \cap P)=XQ=X,$$ and so $N_M(P) \leq N_M(X)$.
With a slight abuse of notation, we denote with $\lambda_M(x)$ the number of Sylow $p$-subgroups in $M$ normalized by $x$ even for $x \notin M$. It is easy to check that $\lambda_M(x)=\lambda_{M\langle x \rangle}(x)$.
Let $H_0=N_P(L_1)$ be the stabilizer of $L_1$ in the action of $P$ on $\Delta$. Since $P$ is transitive on $\Delta$, $H_0 \neq P$. Choose now a maximal subgroup $H$ of $P$ containing $H_0$. Since $H$ is normal in $P$ and the stabilizers of the subgroups $L_i$ are all conjugated in $P$, we have that $H$ contains all of them. It follows that every element $x \in P \setminus H$ has at most $k/p$ orbits on $\Delta$ and so by Lemma \[num orb\] $$\label{orbits}
\lambda_M(x) \leq n_p(L)^{\frac{k}{p}}.$$
We now consider separately the elements inside and outside $H$. As for the elements inside $H$, since $MH$ is normal in $G$, using Lemma \[sp x cresce sui sottogruppi\], we get $$\begin{split}
\prod_{x \in H} \lambda_G(x) &= \prod_{x \in H} \frac{n_p(G)}{n_p(MH)}\lambda_{MH}(x) \\
&= \prod_{x \in H} m_H \lambda_{MH}(x)=(m_H)^{|H|} \prod_{x \in H} \lambda_{MH}(x).
\end{split}$$ Since $H$ is a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $MH$ and inequality (\[conj lambda\]) holds for $MH<G$ we get $$\label{in H}
\begin{split}
\prod_{x \in H} \lambda_G(x) & = (m_H)^{|H|} \prod_{x \in H} \lambda_{MH}(x) \\
& \leq (m_H)^{|H|} n_p(MH)^\frac{|H|}{p}=m_H^{\frac{p-1}{p}|H|} n_p(G)^\frac{|H|}{p},
\end{split}$$ where we applied (\[mX\]).
Now we turn our attention on elements in $P \setminus H$. Let $\mathcal{T}$ be a set of representatives for the right cosets of $Q$ in $P$ that are not contained in $H$. The cardinality of $\mathcal{T}$ is then $$|\mathcal{T}|=[P:Q]-[H:Q]=\frac{|P|-|H|}{|Q|}=(p-1) \frac{|H|}{|Q|}.$$ We have, by Lemma \[sp x cresce sui sottogruppi\] $$\begin{aligned}
\prod_{x \in P \setminus H} \lambda_G(x) & = & \prod_{x \in \mathcal{T}} \prod_{g \in Q} \lambda_G(gx) \leq \prod_{x \in \mathcal{T}} \left( \prod_{g \in Q} m_{Q\langle gx \rangle} \lambda_{M\langle gx \rangle}(gx) \right) \\
&=& \prod_{x \in \mathcal{T}} \left( m_{Q\langle x \rangle}^{|Q|} \prod_{g \in Q} \lambda_{M}(gx) \right).\end{aligned}$$ Now the elements $gx$ in the previous product are not in $H$ and so by (\[orbits\]) $$\label{prod lambda outside H}
\begin{split}
\prod_{x \in P \setminus H} \lambda_G(x) & \leq \left( \prod_{x \in \mathcal{T}} m_{Q\langle x \rangle} \right)^{|Q|} n_p(L)^{\frac{k}{p}|Q||\mathcal{T}|}\\
& = \left( \prod_{x \in \mathcal{T}} m_{Q\langle x \rangle} \right)^{|Q|} n_p(M)^{\frac{p-1}{p}|H|}.
\end{split}$$
We now want to evaluate the product $\prod_{x \in \mathcal{T}} m_{Q\langle x \rangle}$. In the following we use the bar notation for the quotients modulo $Q$. If $R=N_M(Q)$ we have a coprime action of $\bar{P}$ on the $p'$-group $\bar{R}$. We apply Theorem \[nav riz\] to this action and get $$|C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{P})|^{|\bar{P}|\frac{p-1}{p}} = \prod_{x \in \bar{P}} \frac{|C_{\bar{R}}(x)|}{|C_{\bar{R}}(x^p)|^{1/p}}.$$ Separating the elements inside $\bar{H}$ and those outside $\bar{H}$ and applying twice Theorem \[nav riz\], we get $$\begin{split}
|C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{P})|^{|\bar{P}|\frac{p-1}{p}} & = \left( \prod_{x \in \bar{H}} \frac{|C_{\bar{R}}(x)|}{|C_{\bar{R}}(x^p)|^{1/p}} \right) \left( \prod_{x \in \bar{P} \setminus \bar{H}} \frac{|C_{\bar{R}}(x)|}{|C_{\bar{R}}(x^p)|^{1/p}} \right) \\
& = |C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{H})|^{|\bar{H}|\frac{p-1}{p}} \left( \prod_{x \in \bar{P} \setminus \bar{H}} \frac{|C_{\bar{R}}(x)|}{|C_{\bar{R}}(x^p)|^{1/p}} \right).
\end{split}$$ Using the bound $|C_{\bar{R}}(x^p)| \leq |\bar{R}|$ and the fact that $|\bar{P} \setminus \bar{H}|=(p-1) \left| \bar{H}\right|$, we have $$\label{prodCRx}
\begin{split}
\prod_{x \in \bar{P} \setminus \bar{H}} |C_{\bar{R}}(x)| & = |C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{P})^{|\bar{P}|\frac{p-1}{p}} |C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{H})|^{-|\bar{H}|\frac{p-1}{p}} \left( \prod_{x \in \bar{P} \setminus \bar{H}} |C_{\bar{R}}(x^p)|^{1/p} \right) \\
&\leq |C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{P})|^{|\bar{P}|\frac{p-1}{p}} |C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{H})|^{-|\bar{H}|\frac{p-1}{p}} |\bar{R}|^{|\bar{H}|\frac{p-1}{p}}.
\end{split}$$ We now observe that if $X$ is a subgroup of $P$ containing $Q$, then $Q=X \cap M$, so that $N_M(X) \leq N_M(Q)=R$ and we have $$\label{NNX CRX}
\overline{N_M(X)}=C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{X}).$$ and since $Q \leq N_M(X)$ $$m_X=\frac{|N_M(X)|}{|N_M(P)|} = \frac{\left| \overline{N_M(X)} \right|}{\left| \overline{N_M(P)} \right|} = \frac{|C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{X})|}{|C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{P})|}$$ Hence, for all $x \in \mathcal{T}$, $$m_{Q\langle x \rangle} = \frac{\left| C_{\bar{R}}(xQ) \right|}{\left| C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{P}) \right|}.$$ Going back to our product and using (\[prodCRx\]), we then get $$\begin{split}
\prod_{x \in \mathcal{T}} m_{Q\langle x \rangle} & = \prod_{x \in \mathcal{T}} \frac{|C_{\bar{R}}(xQ)|}{|C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{P})|} =\prod_{x \in \bar{P} \setminus \bar{H}} \frac{|C_{\bar{R}}(x)|}{|C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{P})|} \\
& \leq |C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{P})|^{-|\bar{P}|\frac{p-1}{p}} |C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{P})|^{|\bar{P}|\frac{p-1}{p}} |C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{H})|^{-|\bar{H}|\frac{p-1}{p}} |\bar{R}|^{|\bar{H}|\frac{p-1}{p}} \\
& = |C_{\bar{R}}(\bar{H})|^{-|\bar{H}|\frac{p-1}{p}} |\bar{R}|^{|\bar{H}|\frac{p-1}{p}}.
\end{split}$$
We now remove the bar notation using the definition of $R$ and (\[NNX CRX\]),
$$\begin{split}
\prod_{x \in \mathcal{T}} m_{Q\langle x \rangle} & = \left( \frac{|N_M(H)|}{|Q|} \right)^{-\frac{|H|}{|Q|}\frac{p-1}{p}} \left( \frac{|N_M(Q)|}{|Q|} \right)^{\frac{|H|}{|Q|}\frac{p-1}{p}} \\
& = \left( \frac{|N_M(Q)|}{|N_M(H)|} \right)^{\frac{|H|}{|Q|}\frac{p-1}{p}}.
\end{split}$$
Using this bound in inequality (\[prod lambda outside H\]) we get $$\begin{split}
\prod_{x \in P \setminus H} \lambda_G(x) & \leq \left( \prod_{x \in \mathcal{T}} m_{Q\langle x \rangle} \right)^{|Q|} n_p(M)^{\frac{p-1}{p}|H|} \\
& \leq \left( \frac{|N_M(Q)|}{|N_M(H)|} \right)^{\frac{p-1}{p}|H|} n_p(M)^{\frac{p-1}{p}|H|} \\
& \leq \left( \frac{|N_M(Q)|}{|N_M(H)|} n_p(M)\right)^{\frac{p-1}{p}|H|},
\end{split}$$ and since $Q$ is a Sylow $p$-subgroup of $M$, $$\label{not in H}
\begin{split}
\prod_{x \in P \setminus H} \lambda_G(x) \leq \left( \frac{|N_M(Q)|}{|N_M(H)|} \frac{|M|}{|N_M(Q)|}\right)^{\frac{p-1}{p}|H|} = \left( \frac{|M|}{|N_M(H)|}\right)^{\frac{p-1}{p}|H|}
\end{split}$$
By combining (\[in H\]) and (\[not in H\]) we obtain $$\begin{split}
\prod_{x \in P} \lambda_G(x) & = \left( \prod_{x \in H} \lambda_G(x) \right)\left( \prod_{x \in P \setminus H} \lambda_G(x) \right) \\
& \leq \left( m_H^{\frac{p-1}{p}|H|} n_p(G)^\frac{|H|}{p} \right) \left( \frac{|M|}{|N_M(H)|}\right)^{\frac{p-1}{p}|H|} \\
& = n_p(G)^\frac{|H|}{p} \left( m_H \frac{|M|}{|N_M(H)|}\right)^{\frac{p-1}{p}|H|}.
\end{split}$$ Finally, recalling (\[mX\]) and the fact that $|H|=|P|/p$ we get $$\begin{split}
\prod_{x \in P} \lambda_G(x) & \leq n_p(G)^\frac{|H|}{p} \left( \frac{|N_M(H)|}{|N_M(P)|} \frac{|M|}{|N_M(H)|}\right)^{\frac{p-1}{p}|H|} \\
&= n_p(G)^\frac{|H|}{p} n_p(G)^{\frac{p-1}{p}|H|} = n_p(G)^\frac{|P|}{p}
\end{split}$$ which is against the fact that $G$ is a counterexample.
Acknowledgements {#acknowledgements .unnumbered}
----------------
This article is part of the author’s PhD thesis, which was written under the great supervision of Carlo Casolo, whose contribution to this work was essential.
Thanks are also due to Francesco Fumagalli and Silvio Dolfi for his valuable comments and suggestions.
This work was partially funded by the Istituto Nazionale di Alta Matematica “Francesco Severi" (Indam).
[99]{}
C. Casolo, *On the subnormalizer of a $p$-subgroup*, J. Pure Appl. Algebra 77 (1992), no.3.
C. Casolo, *Subnormalizers in finite groups*, Comm. Algebra 18 (1990), no. 11.
G. Frobenius, *Verallgemeinerung des Sylowschen Satzes*, Sitzungsberichte der Preussischen Akademie, Berlin (1895).
P. Gheri, *Subnormalizers and the degree of nilpotence in finite groups*, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc., DOI: https://doi.org/10.1090/proc/15080 (to appear in print).
P. Gheri, *Subnormalizers and solvability in finite groups*, preprint, (2020).
I.M. Isaacs and G.R. Robinson, *On a theorem of Frobenius: solutions of $x^n=1$ in finite groups*, Amer. Math. Monthly 99 (1992), no. 4.
J.C. Lennox and S.E. Stonehewer, *Subnormal subgroups of groups*, Oxford Mathematical Monographs. Oxford Science Publications. The Clarendon Press, Oxford University Press, New York, 1987.
G.A. Miller, H.F. Blichfeldt and L.E. Dickson, *Theory and applications of finite groups*, Dover Publications, Inc., New York 1961.
G. Navarro and N. Rizo, *A Brauer-Wielandt formula (with an application to character tables)*, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 144 (2016), no. 10.
Speyer, David E.(1-MI) A counting proof of a theorem of Frobenius. (English summary) Amer. Math. Monthly 124 (2017), no. 4.
R. Steinberg, *Endomorphisms of linear algebraic groups*, Memoirs of the American Mathematical Society, No. 80 American Mathematical Society, Providence, R.I. 1968.
|
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2
Express (-16*b**2 - 32*b**2 + 11*b**2)*(4*b**2 - 127*b**2 - 99*b**2) as z*b**2 + y*b**3 + h*b + i + x*b**4 and give x.
8214
Rearrange -3285*a - 299 + 299 - 245*a - 1301*a to b + x*a and give x.
-4831
Express (334 - 122 + 346 - 3 + 6 - 1 + (3 + 2 - 3)*(-4 + 4 + 1))*(-q**3 + 3*q**4 + q**3) as i*q + o*q**4 + s*q**3 + n*q**2 + z and give o.
1686
Rearrange (-2*t + 0*t - 8*t)*(40*t**2 - 75*t**2 - 4*t + 51*t**2) to the form r*t + j*t**2 + a + x*t**3 and give x.
-160
Express 577*g**2 + 153*g**2 + 867*g**2 + 530*g**2 + 8*g**2 in the form l*g**2 + r*g + j and give r.
0
Rearrange 2*z - 3 + 3 + (2 + 4 - 5)*(3*z - 5*z + z) - 6571 + 6571 - 2902*z to the form w*z + p and give w.
-2901
Express (11*w - 55*w + 25*w)*(34 + 13 + 54) as r + c*w and give c.
-1919
Rearrange -6*q + 5212*q**3 - 1 - 5233*q**3 - 2*q**4 + 3*q**2 - 5*q to a*q + p*q**3 + f + b*q**2 + z*q**4 and give f.
-1
Rearrange 3*p + 7*p + 21 - 3*p**4 + 2*p**3 - 59*p**2 + 59*p**2 to q*p + h + w*p**2 + i*p**4 + s*p**3 and give i.
-3
Express (2403*v - 394194 + 2*v**2 + 394194)*(-3*v**2 + 5*v**2 + 6*v**2) as d*v**3 + j + m*v**4 + q*v + c*v**2 and give m.
16
Express 17214*z + 167053603 - 167053603 in the form b + u*z and give u.
17214
Rearrange -607 + 92 - 69 - 518 + 2*y**2 to the form t + n*y**2 + r*y and give n.
2
Express 3*m**2 - 11*m**2 + 8*m**2 + 7411*m**4 - 7409*m**4 + 63*m**3 - 1 in the form t + u*m**2 + g*m**4 + n*m**3 + b*m and give n.
63
Rearrange (-3*q + 0*q + 2*q)*(-10*q + 3*q + 30*q) - 62*q + 2*q**2 - 594 + 594 to r*q**2 + o*q + d and give o.
-62
Rearrange 16*q**2 - 3*q + 2536 - 26*q**2 + 3*q - 2936 to l*q + a + i*q**2 and give i.
-10
Rearrange -46469*m + 38873*m - 266 + 266 to d + v*m and give v.
-7596
Express 304*h**2 - 36*h**2 + 2 - 2 + 13*h - 12*h as l*h + f*h**2 + k and give l.
1
Rearrange (-26 + 26 - 7*t)*(42*t**3 - 26*t**3 - 29*t**3) to u*t**3 + d*t**2 + q*t**4 + j*t + k and give q.
91
Express (4*k - k - k)*(-11*k**2 - 3*k + 3*k) - 7*k**3 - 45*k**3 - 168*k**3 as r*k**3 + d*k + y*k**2 + o and give d.
0
Rearrange -3309 + 1641 - 1178*n**2 + 1669 to q + v*n + r*n**2 and give v.
0
Express -291*i**2 - 7*i**3 - 273 + 646*i**2 - 8*i**3 - 355*i**2 in the form x*i**2 + y*i + r*i**3 + a and give a.
-273
Rearrange (5262*i + 3 - 3317*i + 3563*i + 4218*i)*(3*i + 1 - 1) to the form x*i**2 + a + v*i and give x.
29178
Express (0 - 13 + 1)*(4 + 4 - 6)*(0*j - 7*j - 7*j)*(0 + 4 - 2)*(-2*j + 2*j + 8*j) as x*j + w*j**2 + o and give o.
0
Rearrange (0 + 4 - 5)*(-j**3 + 4*j**3 - 2*j**3 + (-j**3 + 5*j**3 - 6*j**3)*(6 - 1 - 53) + 22 - 22 - 8*j**3) to g + p*j**2 + o*j + n*j**3 and give n.
-89
Rearrange (-2*k - k + k)*(-2 + 1 + 0) + 0 + 1706853*k + 0 - 1692850*k to the form b + i*k and give i.
14005
Express -195 + c + 3815*c**2 + 44 - 3796*c**2 - 204 in the form d + r*c + v*c**2 and give v.
19
Express (1 + 10*a + 1 - 9*a)*(3*a - 2*a + 3*a) + 51967*a - 51967*a + 150*a**2 in the form b + j*a + v*a**2 and give j.
8
Rearrange 13704 - 13704 + 255*f**3 - 5*f**3 - 2*f**3 - 2*f**3 + (-4 + 3 - 2)*(3*f**3 + 0*f**3 - 2*f**3) to h*f**3 + i + k*f**2 + q*f and give h.
243
Rearrange 4*p**4 - 2*p**4 - p**4 + (3 - 2*p**4 - 3)*(-1 - 3 + 6)*(-71 + 305 + 190 + 311) to the form l*p**3 + j*p**2 + q*p + t*p**4 + r and give t.
-2939
Rearrange w**3 + 5*w**2 - 2*w + 128*w**4 + 6*w**4 - 9*w**2 + 3*w**2 + 86*w**4 to c*w**4 + m + r*w + z*w**3 + n*w**2 and give n.
-1
Rearrange 720 - 720 + 1969*l to the form j + v*l and give v.
1969
Rearrange 33 + 30*w + 23 + 24 - 36*w - 37*w to the form g + y*w and give y.
-43
Rearrange (-32 + 20 + 7)*(-2000*s + 36*s**3 + 2000*s) to the form u*s**2 + a*s**3 + p*s + x and give a.
-180
Rearrange 166 - 116*d**2 - 77*d**3 - 26 + 111*d**3 + 116*d**2 to t + u*d**3 + r*d**2 + y*d and give u.
34
Express 2367*f**2 - 190086 + 190086 in the form y*f + r*f**2 + u and give r.
2367
Express (848*i + 1247 - 1247)*(4*i - 4*i - i)*(0 - 5 + 3)*(-1 + 3 - 1)*(-3*i - 3*i + 2*i) in the form s*i**2 + l*i**3 + a*i + v and give l.
-6784
Rearrange (8 + 26 - 14)*(-59*f - 20167 + 20167) to j*f + q and give j.
-1180
Express -33600 + 33600 - 1436*h**3 + 312*h**3 + (4 - 4 + 2*h)*(h**2 - 6*h + 6*h) in the form p*h**3 + m*h + l*h**2 + a and give l.
0
Express (-2*r**3 + r**3 + 10*r**3)*(74 + 5*r + 65*r - 70) in the form x*r**4 + m*r**3 + q + c*r**2 + u*r and give m.
36
Rearrange -1384 + 585 + 2*i - 384 to x + p*i and give p.
2
Express 6*h - 5 + 5 - 2*h + 27*h + 10*h - 2*h + 3*h + h - 6*h + 2*h + h + (-2 + 2 - 2)*(1 - 1 - h) - 4 - 3*h + 4 as u*h + v and give u.
39
Rearrange (-1 + 3 - 1)*(-15 + 9 + 7 - 53*v)*(3*v**3 + 4*v**2 - 6*v**2 - v**3 - 1) to the form d*v**3 + c + f*v**4 + j*v**2 + z*v and give f.
-106
Express -4*r - 2*r - 7*r - 435 + 435 - 28*r + (1 + 2 + 0)*(-2*r + r - r) + 0 - r + 0 in the form m*r + s and give m.
-48
Express -7882 + 89*s**4 - 65*s**4 + 7892 + (4 - 4 - 2)*(-s**4 + 3*s**4 + 0*s**4) in the form z*s**2 + k*s + d*s**3 + q*s**4 + a and give q.
20
Express (-70*c + 153*c + 255*c + 21*c + 301*c)*(17*c + 10*c - 3*c) in the form w*c + y*c**2 + u and give y.
15840
Rearrange -84*y**2 + 42 - 3*y + 3*y + 65*y**2 - 2 to the form h + u*y + c*y**2 and give c.
-19
Rearrange (49*i - 49*i + 174*i**2)*(-2*i - 12*i - 3*i) - i**3 - i**3 - i**2 - i**2 + i to the form n*i**2 + b + d*i**3 + v*i and give d.
-2960
Rearrange -36*y + 4*y**4 + 34*y - 141 - 5*y**4 + 1772 to q + x*y**4 + i*y**3 + h*y + u*y**2 and give q.
1631
Rearrange (x + 0*x + 0*x)*(-1 + x + 1) + (-23*x + 14*x - 28*x)*(16*x - 14*x - 13*x) to the form m*x + h*x**2 + g and give h.
408
Express 154*s**3 - 233*s**3 + 17 + 1 in the form o*s + g + p*s**3 + y*s**2 and give p.
-79
Express (20*y - 556*y + 826 + 158 - 1012)*(-2*y**3 + 5*y**3 - y**3) as o*y**4 + n*y**2 + d*y + t + m*y**3 and give n.
0
Rearrange -98*p + 91*p**3 + 37*p + 30*p - 18*p**3 + 39*p - 2 to the form q*p + c*p**2 + l + m*p**3 and give l.
-2
Rearrange -c**2 - 8*c**3 - 4 + 7 - c**3 + 2*c + 53*c**4 - 51*c**4 to l*c**2 + k*c + j*c**3 + b*c**4 + r and give b.
2
Rearrange (-16*h**2 + 12*h**2 - 4*h**2)*(22*h - 12*h - 7*h - 3*h + 1259*h**2) to a*h**2 + q*h + k*h**3 + v + j*h**4 and give j.
-10072
Express (4*x - x - x)*(0*x**2 - 2*x**2 - x**2)*(5314*x - 3 + 38434*x + 11 - 8) in the form t*x + g + d*x**3 + m*x**2 + p*x**4 and give p.
-262488
Express (19 + 6 - 9)*(-21 + 8 - 12 - 48)*(9*v - 11 - 4 - 6*v) as x*v + g and give x.
-3504
Express 0 - 1 + 2*c**2 - 3*c + 46*c**3 + 0*c + 12*c**4 - 11*c**4 + 0*c**4 in the form j*c + z + o*c**4 + d*c**2 + b*c**3 and give d.
2
Express (9 - 9 + 11*t)*(-474 + 1035 + 1364 - 332) as c*t + i and give c.
17523
Rearrange ((-830 + 58*i + 830)*(-4 - 1 + 4) + 0*i + 4*i - 5*i)*(23*i**2 - 23*i**2 + 6*i**3) to the form b + p*i**2 + v*i**4 + m*i**3 + j*i and give v.
-354
Express (-2 - 1 + 1)*(239 - 58 - 2*s - 102) in the form n*s + j and give n.
4
Rearrange 146482*b - 14*b**2 - 4 - 146473*b - 5*b**2 to q + o*b**2 + j*b and give j.
9
Rearrange -24 - 5*h + 37*h**2 - 11*h**2 + 5*h**2 + 21*h**2 + 21 to the form v*h**2 + m + f*h and give m.
-3
Express ((-1 + 7 + 1)*(-3 - 4 + 4) - 4 + 1 - 7)*(-2*l - l + l)*(-4*l - 138 + 138) as p*l + t*l**2 + y and give t.
-248
Rearrange (-b + 5*b + 2*b)*(8 - 748 + 12782 + 7382) to the form a + n*b and give n.
116544
Rearrange 756 - 2*n - 758 + n**2 + 12*n**4 + 24*n**4 + 9*n**3 + n**4 to the form h*n**2 + a + c*n + j*n**4 + r*n**3 and give c.
-2
Express 5875*d**4 - 3382*d**4 - 2970*d**4 + (d**2 + 3*d**2 - 7*d**2)*(-3*d**2 - 2*d**2 + 4*d**2) as h*d**2 + i*d**3 + s*d**4 + m*d + y and give s.
-474
Express -7*c**2 + 14 - 3 - c**3 + 10*c**2 + 2 + 11*c in the form x*c + a + s*c**2 + b*c**3 and give s.
3
Rearrange 17 - 9 + 4006*u**2 - 8 + 1629*u**2 to the form n*u**2 + f + m*u and give n.
5635
Rearrange 4 - 4 + 23*l + 4*l - 3*l + 4*l + (-3*l + 3*l - 2*l)*(-4 - 1 + 2) + 2*l - l + l - 4 + 4 - 2*l + 3*l + 1 - 1 to the form c + t*l and give t.
37
Express 4738*l**2 + 2199*l**2 + 6 + 1294*l**2 - 6 as q*l + f*l**2 + x and give f.
8231
Rearrange (3 + 1 - 2)*(2457 + 38*x - 2457) - 1 - x + 1 + (3 - 11 - 9)*(0 + 2*x + 0) to the form r*x + h and give r.
41
Express -234 + 74 + 138 + 63*l in the form b*l + z and give b.
63
Rearrange 3 - 17*v + 4228*v**2 - 4227*v**2 - 45*v to the form t*v**2 + h*v + p and give h.
-62
Rearrange (-4 + 2 + 4)*(4*f - f**2 - 4*f) - 97767*f - 87*f**2 + 97767*f + 55 to th
|
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Earning money from internet is not so difficult but the only thing you need is to follow a technique until you get the result. Not only technique but the right one that can really make you money. No doubt that internet is full of techniques about money making, but a few will attract your attention. Blogging and specially affiliate marketing are the best methods that can make you a lot of money. Let me help you in earning your first $100 from internet, but follow the technique till the end and you will surly get the result.
Whether you have a website or are still dreaming up ideas for a blog, you can also look into affiliate marketing. With affiliate marketing, you partner with brands and businesses within the content of your website. If you mention a product or service, you link to that produce or service using a unique affiliate code you received when you signed up for that particular affiliate program. From there, you’ll make money any time someone buys a product or service through your link.
The first follows the startup path we outlined above: You have a disruptive idea for an app or piece of software, you validate the idea with real customers, and then raise money to hire developers or a development studio to build, launch, and scale your software. If you’ve done everything right, your software will be accepted to the Apple and Google Stores and you’ll make money every time someone downloads it or pays for a premium feature.
Holly told me she started writing content in 2011. At the time, she still worked a full-time job but created content online part-time to supplement her income. Over time, she was able to double and triple her rates until she could quit her full-time job to write. These days, she makes bank as a freelance writer and teaches others to do the same via her online course, Earn More Writing.
MemberPress is a feature-rich plugin that will enable you to turn your WordPress blog into a fully functional membership site. Depending on how you want to run your membership site, you could have a mixture of free and premium membership plans. Premium plans could include no adverts, free downloads, access to extra content, membership forums, and much more. However, it is important to remember that if people are going to pay to view your content then it must be high quality. Otherwise, your members won’t renew their subscriptions when the time comes.
Whether you are looking for home business ideas, marketing information or how to earn an income from blogging, you will find it on The Work at Home Wife. I aim to provide valuable information about how to make money from home, tools of the trade and how to reach those goals that will provide you with the means to earn a living online without having to live online.
It’s sometimes hard to comprehend just how much people love t-shirts. And with the right niche, marketing, and tools, you can create an online t-shirt business that makes you extra money online while you sleep. (Even Bloomberg and Forbes feature stories from entrepreneurs who've done just that.) Services like TeeSpring make it easier than ever to create a t-shirt drop-shipping business where they handle the sales, printing, and shipping, and you’re only responsible for design and marketing. For more tips, check out this simple guide to launching and marketing an online clothing store by my friends over at Selz.
Sell plasma. After passing an initial screening, you can usually sell your plasma for anywhere from $25 to $50 per donation. To qualify, you’ll have to stand in a long line or show up early, be willing to fill out a very personal questionnaire, and endure a painful needle prick or two. Still, selling plasma is a great way to raise money fast – if you can stand the hassle.
Creating a video series and selling it as a digital download on your blog, much like an eBook, can be another great seller. A video course, teaching viewers a specific skill or how to achieve a particular activity, may well resonate with your audience. If you are going to go down this route then your videos need to be as professional as possible so you should consider investing in some video and lighting equipment, as well as editing software. “How To Make Money From ClickBank in 2015” and it do no justice to the content shared. Everyone one is the digital marketing space know that traffic (quality) is the MOST important tool for “Make Money From ClickBank” and your 2000 words article provided only few hundred words on how to get traffic. I bet you wrote this article to collect emails from digital marketers and pitch them products from CB. Bad karma for you!
If you've developed valuable skill sets or picked up certifications within your industry over the years, offering your consulting services to local business owners can be a lucrative way to make money online. Whether you're an expert marketer, business strategist, or manufacturing aficionado, there's likely a local business owner who's willing to pay you to help them solve an issue with their company. Start with this 18-step checklist to becoming a local business consultant from Karyn Greenstreet and then use my guide to crafting an effective cold email to convince them to hire you.
This is something like Experts Exchange, except that it’s more general in nature. As a professional in just about any field, you can offer your expertise on JustAnswer. They are looking for professionals in various fields who will provide answers to reader’s questions. You can make money online by answering these questions and pointing people in the right direction to get the solutions that they need.
If you can find and restore items like furniture and appliances, you can make a substantial amount of money. You can acquire the items on Craigslist, or even at garage sales or estate sales, restore them, and then list them for sale on the site. You may also be able to market certain items on eBay, particularly if they are small, unusual, but high in price.
Research individual companies in your desired niche: If possible, it’s always better to become an affiliate directly with a company (if they have an internal affiliate program), as no one else will be dipping into your commission rate. This is the preferred route for most of the prominent affiliate marketers, including Pat Flynn. Unfortunately, it’s also the most work, as you’ll have to do the research yourself to see who offers programs (they’re usually listed in the website footer).
My 10-year-old son brought home a book from our park’s free library box. It was a biology textbook – teachers edition. He said it looked interesting and hey, it was free (having no idea you could sell it). I scanned it in my Amazon seller app and realized it was worth around $150. He was so excited. We listed it for sale for $130 and it sold! Going to tell him, he just made $130!
This has become a popular business model for online entrepreneurs over the past several years, and will probably just continue to grow in popularity. The best thing about selling online courses is that once you do the up-front work in creating the course and setting up your marketing strategy, you can get paid over and over again for work you do once. What's up ladies and dudes! Great to finally meet you, and I hope you enjoyed this post. My name is Nathaniell and I'm the owner of One More Cup of Coffee. I started my first online business in 2010 promoting computer software and now I help newbies start their own businesses. Sign up for my #1 recommended training course and learn how to start your business for FREE! Merch by Amazon is another service offered by Amazon that will enable you to make money online without any initial outlay. To get started you need to create an account with Merch by Amazon. Then simply design some T-shirt logos or slogans, and upload them to your Merch account. You will need to choose a T-shirt type, color, and price, and Amazon will create product pages for each T-shirt. When someone makes a purchase, Amazon takes care of production and shipping. And you are paid a royalty for your design.
Freelance writing is such a great industry to get involved in if you want to work remotely. There’s plenty of work available and it’s typically one of the most flexible gigs in terms of scheduling. (You can often do the work whenever and wherever you choose.) Even better, it’s pretty easy to get started with a degree or previous writing experience. Read more at Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners Ideally, you will already have a website that contains articles and other affiliate offers similar to the ClickBank products you want to promote. If you haven't set one up yet though, don't worry. WordPress is a great free content management system that you can use to start a website and begin publishing articles immediately. Use your articles to draw readers in, then present your ClickBank affiliate offer within the article. You may also want to develop a newsletter for your own website and use it to promote your ClickBank offers to your audience as often as possible. (See: How To Monetize Your Website.) – Project Payday is one of those sites that has testimonials of people who have earned thousands of dollars by getting paid to get trial offers. I’m not saying you’ll earn thousands, but it is legit and you can earn some extra cash. They assume that by paying you to do a free trial, you’ll either like the product and purchase it, or forget to cancel the trial and get charged for it. If you can keep track and cancel before you get charged (if you don’t want the product), then this is a great site for making some money.
Video is growing like crazy. And more and more people are looking for professional help cutting their raw footage into viral-worthy content. If you have the right software and a bit of skill, you can easily make money online as a video editor. Check out these article of Fstoppers on how to become an online video editor and then look for relevant jobs on Mandy.com, Creative Cow Job Search, or ProductionHub.
If you are a confident web developer then designing your own themes is an obvious path to follow if you are looking to make money online. ThemeForest sells a wide assortment of developers themes, including themes for WordPress, Shopify, Weebly, and Tumblr, to name a few. Once you have created your theme, get it accepted onto the ThemeForest marketplace and make money each time it sells.
However, people can still do webinars without all of that. For example, you might have a sizable social media following and you train them every week on something to do with social media. But you will need a product to embed and sell at some point. Don't worry about it in the beginning. And by far, the best webinar platform out there is certainly GoToWebinar. Hands down, there isn't even another platform that comes close.
Find your niche partners, collaborators, and champions: As you’re creating your course, look for notable people who are also creating content in the space. Look att how their businesses operate and incorporate that into your own plan. You can also reach out to any influencers and make them affiliates for your own course. This way, they’ll be incentivized to share your content with their own audiences (which can be a major way to generate your first sales—it helps if you're using one of the best CRMs for small business—and start building your own community!)
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4 New Year's Tips For College Students In 2014
The first college semester of the year has begun, and our campus is buzzing with activity as students settle into their routines after a long and cold winter break. In the spirit of new beginnings during this traditional time of reflection, I'd like to offer four tips for college students in 2014.
Tip #1 -Get outside the classroom: One piece of advice we constantly emphasize to students is to stay engaged in the community. Whether by joining a campus club, obtaining an internship in a desired field or volunteering, it's vital to stay plugged into something meaningful beyond the classroom.
At Simmons College, we have offered something called the "World Challenge" to start the new semester. This two-week interdisciplinary course is offered specifically to sophomore students -- who, as the New York Times points out, are particularly vulnerable to the "sophomore slump" malaise. Working together, students and faculty research a major world problem, such as poverty or violence, and use a variety of resources both on and off campus to create actionable solutions. The experience gets students thinking critically in a different way, working across disciplines, and out into the real world. Truly, a marvelous way to start a new year!
Tip #2 -Be mindful of your online presence: Social media is a wonderful tool, but it can also be deceptive. Posting photos and comments to your Facebook or Instagram account may seem like it is semi-private but in reality, the entire world is able to view your postings. We encourage our students to be thoughtful of the ramifications of their online presence, and to be mindful about the content they choose to post. Of course, everyone is entitled to a private life, but employers now regularly check these sites to make sure that potential employees represent the values and work ethic that they want. Just as students learn to use these tools, they should also learn what postings will be in their best interest now, and after they graduate.
Tip #3 -Experiment with risk and (yes) failure: Learning to take risks is a crucial step on the path to maturity, and can be a liberating and a revolutionary way to make life choices. A big part of the culture of a women's college is supporting an environment where students are encouraged to get out of their comfort zone -- and even to fail!
Embracing failure is a theme Bloomberg Television anchor Betty Liu grapples with, asking, "How do we fail well?" Liu suggests investing more time in the execution of a project, rather than worrying about its outcome, and I concur. Failing is never easy, but the faster you can recover, learn from your errors, and move forward, the more you will come to appreciate the value of risk and failure.
Tip #4 -Raise your voice: College is a time for students to absorb new and different perspectives, and to solidify their own beliefs and values. It is a time to develop your voice, and use it to support or defend causes you feel strongly about - including yourself.
Two videos remind me of this idea. The first was a video created by a female scientist who spoke honestly about sexism online. Her courage to address this unacceptable behavior is a model for all of us. The second video was a montage of the inaccurate and misrepresentative images of women in the media last year, and the myriad challenges women still face.
Both represent examples of creative and clear responses to challenging situations.
I'm pleased that these videos seem to have resonated with so many people and become quite popular.
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Preguntas más frecuentes Lea las preguntas más frecuentes sobre el cambio climático y sus impactos.
Visión general
Nuestra Tierra se está calentando. La temperatura media de la Tierra ha subido más 1.5°F (0.8ºC) a lo largo del pasado siglo. Dependiendo de futuras emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero y cómo el clima responda, se proyecta que la temperatura media aumentará a nivel mundial entre 0.5 a 8.6°F para el 2100 con un aumento posible de hasta 2.7°F para todos los escenarios con la excepción de uno en el cual se representen los esfuerzos más agresivos de mitigación para las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero.
La evidencia es clara. El alza en las temperaturas ha sido acompañada por cambios en el estado del tiempo y el clima. Muchos sitios han visto cambios en la cantidad de lluvia, así como olas de calor más frecuentes y severas. Los océanos y glaciares también han experimentado algunos cambios grandes: los océanos se están calentando y acidificando, las capas de hielo se están derritiendo y los niveles del mar están subiendo. Estos cambios habrán de presentar retos a nuestra sociedad y a nuestro medio ambiente.
El cambio climático afecta a todos
Los seres humanos son mayormente responsables del cambio climático reciente. Durante el siglo pasado, la actividad humana ha descargado grandes cantidades de dióxido de carbono y otros gases de efecto invernadero a la atmósfera.
La mayoría de los gases de efecto invernadero provienen de la quema de combustibles fósiles que producen energía, aunque la deforestación, los procesos industriales y algunas prácticas agrícolas también emiten gases a la atmósfera.
Los gases de efecto invernadero actúan como una manta alrededor de la Tierra, la cual atrapa la energía en la atmósfera y ocasiona que se caliente. Este fenómeno es llamado efecto de invernadero y es natural y es necesario para sustentar la vida en la Tierra.
Sin embargo, la acumulación de gases de efecto invernadero puede cambiar el clima de la Tierra y resultar en efectos peligrosos que afectarían nuestros suministros de agua, agricultura, sistemas de energía y transporte, el medio ambiente natural y hasta nuestra propia salud y seguridad.
Algunos de los cambios del clima son inevitables. El dióxido de carbono puede permanecer en la atmósfera por casi un siglo por lo cual la Tierra continuará calentándose en las próximas décadas. Cuanto más caliente se ponga, mayor es el riesgo de cambios más severos en el clima y el sistema de la Tierra.
Podemos reducir los riesgos a los cuales nos enfrentamos por el cambio climático. Al elegir opciones que reducen la contaminación de gases de efecto invernadero y prepararnos para los cambios que ya están en curso, podemos reducir los riesgos al cambio climático.
Las opciones que elijamos hoy afectarán la cantidad de gases de efecto invernadero que emitiremos a la atmósfera. Nuestras decisiones darán forma al mundo en que vivirán nuestros hijos y nietos.
La ciencia del cambio climático
El clima terrestre está cambiando de muchas maneras que afectan nuestras condiciones del tiempo, los océanos, la nieve, el hielo, los ecosistemas y la sociedad.
Las causas (En Inglés)naturales exclusivamente no pueden explicar muchos de estos cambios. Las actividades humanas contribuyen al cambio climático, primordialmente al descargar a la atmósfera cada año miles de millones de toneladas de dióxido de carbono (CO2) y otros gases que atrapan el calor, conocidos como los gases de efecto invernadero.
Los cambios climáticos continuarán en el futuro (En Inglés). Mientras más gases de efecto invernadero emitamos, mayores serán los cambios climáticos en el futuro.
Los cambios en el sistema climático afectan nuestra salud, el medio ambiente y la economía. Podemos prepararnos para algunos de estos impactos (En Inglés)del cambio climático para reducir sus efectos en nuestro bienestar.
Los modelos que solo toman en cuenta los efectos de los procesos naturales no son capaces de explicar el calentamiento que ocurrió el siglo pasado. Los modelos que también toman en cuenta los gases de efecto invernadero emitidos por los humanos son capaces de explicar el calentamiento.
Los procesos naturales tales como los cambios en la energía solar, los cambios en las corrientes de los océanos, y otros, afectan el clima terrestre. Sin embargo, estos no explican el calentamiento que hemos observado a lo largo de los últimos 50 años.
Las causas humanas pueden explicar estos cambios
Gran parte del calentamiento del pasado medio siglo ha sido causado por emisiones humanas de los gases de efecto invernadero (En Inglés). Los gases de efecto invernadero provienen de una variedad de actividades humanas que incluyen la quema de combustibles fósiles para la calefacción y la energía, la tala de los bosques, la fertilización de los cultivos, el almacenamiento de desechos en vertederos, la ganadería, y la elaboración de algunos tipos de productos industriales.
Las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero no son la única manera en la cual la gente puede cambiar el clima. Las actividades como la agricultura o la construcción de carreteras pueden cambiar la reflectividad de la superficie terrestre, conduciendo a un calentamiento o enfriamiento local. Este efecto es observado en centros urbanos que a menudo están más calientes que las áreas circundantes menos pobladas. Las emisiones al aire de pequeñas partículas, conocidas como los aerosoles, también pueden conducir a la reflexión o absorción de la energía del sol.
Aprenda más acerca de las tendencias climáticas pasadas y presentes y sus causas (En Inglés). También infórmese acerca de los indicadores del cambio climático (En Inglés).
El clima continuará cambiando, pero el alcance dependerá de la manera en que reduzcamos nuestras emisiones
Durante el siglo XXI, se proyecta que el calentamiento global habrá de continuar y los cambios climáticos probablemente habrán de intensificarse. Los científicos han usado modelos climáticos para proyectar los diferentes aspectos del clima futuro, incluyendo la temperatura, la precipitación, la nieve y el hielo, el nivel del océano y la acidez oceánica. Dependiendo de las emisiones futuras de los gases de efecto invernadero y de cómo el clima responderá, se proyecta que las temperaturas medias globales habrán de aumentar a nivel mundial de 2º F a 11.5º F (1.1ºC a 6.4ºC) para el año 2100.
Aprenda más (En Inglés)acerca de las proyecciones del cambio climático futuro.
Los impactos del cambio climático tienen un impacto en nuestra salud, el medio ambiente y la economía
El cambio climático afecta nuestro medio ambiente y recursos naturales e impacta nuestra forma de vida en muchas maneras. Por ejemplo:
Las temperaturas más cálidas aumentan la frecuencia, la intensidad y la duración de las olas de calor, que pueden presentar riesgos a la salud, particularmente entre los niños más pequeños y los ancianos.
Aumentos en los niveles del mar amenazan las comunidades y los ecosistemas costeros.
Los cambios en los patrones y la cantidad de lluvia, así como los cambios en el tiempo en que esta ocurre y la cantidad del flujo de agua pueden afectar los suministros y la calidad del agua potable y la producción hidroeléctrica.
Los ecosistemas cambiantes influyen la distribución geográfica de muchas especies de plantas y animales y el momento en el cual ocurren los eventos relacionados a su ciclo de vida, tales como la migración y la reproducción.
Los aumentos en la frecuencia y la intensidad de los eventos de clima extremos, tales como olas de calor, sequías, e inundaciones, pueden aumentar las pérdidas a propiedades y ocasionar alteraciones costosas a la sociedad.
Podemos prepararnos para algunos de los impactos más probables del cambio climático y así reducir su efecto en el ecosistema y bienestar humano. El realizar dichos preparativos se conoce como adaptación. Los ejemplos de la adaptación incluyen el fortalecer los programas de conservación de agua, mejorar los sistemas de aguas pluviales, desarrollar sistemas de advertencia temprana para eventos meteorológicos extremos, así como estrategias de preparación y respuesta a emergencias.
Aprenda más (En Inglés)cerca de cómo los impactos de cambio climático habrán de afectar diferentes regiones y sectores de EE.UU. y cómo prepararnos.
Lo que la EPA está haciendo
El Plan de Energía Limpia Nuestro Plan de Energía Limpia protegerá la salud pública, el medio ambiente y nuestra economía. Lea las hojas informativas
La EPA está tomando varios pasos de sentido común para abordar el reto del cambio climático.
Recopilación de data de emisiones
La EPA recopila varios tipos de datos de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. Estos datos ayudan a las personas que formulan las políticas, a negocios, y a la agencia a monitorizar las tendencias de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, así como a identificar oportunidades para reducir las emisiones y aumentar la eficiencia.
El Inventario de Emisiones y Sumideros de Gases de Efecto Invernadero de EE.UU. (En Inglés) provee el estimado oficial del total de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de Estados Unidos a nivel nacional. Este informe rastrea las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de EE.UU. desde 1990.
provee el estimado oficial del total de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de Estados Unidos a nivel nacional. Este informe rastrea las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero de EE.UU. desde 1990. El Programa de Informes de Gases de Efecto Invernadero (En Inglés) colecciona y publica los datos de emisiones de instalaciones individuales en Estados Unidos que emiten gases de efecto invernadero en grandes cantidades.
Logrando reducciones
La EPA está reduciendo las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero y fomentando una economía de energía limpia mediante alianzas altamente exitosas e iniciativas reglamentarias de sentido común.
El desarrollo de iniciativas reglamentarias de sentido común. : La EPA está desarrollando iniciativas reglamentarias, para reducir las emisiones GEI y aumentar la eficiencia. Por ejemplo, las normas de gases de efecto invernadero para vehículos de la EPA, ahorrarán a los consumidores $1.7 millón de millones en las gasolineras para el 2025 y eliminarán seis mil millones de toneladas métricas de contaminación GEI.
Alianzas con el sector privado: Mediantes programas voluntarios de energía y clima, la EPA y sus socios redujeron más de 245 millones de toneladas métricas de gases de efecto invernadero tan solo en el 2010—el equivalente de emisiones provenientes de 81 millones de vehículos—y ahorraron unos $21 mil millones a los consumidores y negocios.
El reducir la huella de carbono de la EPA: La agencia está monitorizando su propio uso de energía y consumo de combustible y está trabajando para reducir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero por un 25% para el 2020.
Evaluando opciones de política, costos y beneficios
La EPA realiza varios análisis a nivel de toda la economía para entender los impactos económicos y la eficacidad de las propuestas políticas de cambio climático. Infórmese acerca de los análisis económicos de la EPA sobre las políticas climáticas y los costos y beneficios asociados.
Avanzando la ciencia
La EPA contribuye a la investigación de primera clase sobre el clima mediante el Programa de Investigación del Cambio Global de EE.UU. y el Grupo Intergubernamental de Expertos sobre Cambio Climático.
La Oficina de Investigación y Desarrollo de la EPA realiza investigaciones para entender los impactos ambientales y a la salud y proveer soluciones sostenibles para adaptarse a y reducir el impacto del clima cambiante.
Asociaciones internacionales
La EPA está participando en una variedad de actividades internacionales para avanzar la ciencia del cambio climático, monitorizar nuestro medio ambiente y promover actividades para reducir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. La EPA establece consorcios, provee liderazgo, y comparte pericia técnica para apoyar estas actividades.
Asociaciones con estados, localidades y tribus
El Programa de Clima y Energía Estatal y Local de la EPA provee asistencia técnica, herramientas analíticas y apoyo de alcance público en asuntos de cambio climático para gobiernos estatales, locales y tribales.
Lo que Ud. puede hacer para tomar acción climática
El manejar un auto, el uso de electricidad y calefacción en su hogar y el botar la basura, son acciones que conducen a la generación de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. Usted puede reducir estas emisiones mediante acciones sencillas como el cambiar una bombilla, apagar los aparatos electrónicos, el usar menos agua, y el reciclaje.
Infórmese sobre las medidas fáciles que usted puede realizar en su hogar, en la escuela, en la oficina y en la carretera para proteger el clima, reducir la contaminación de aire, y ahorrar dinero. ¡Tome acción hoy! Estas pequeñas acciones se irán sumando, si todos ponemos de nuestra parte.
El cambio climático en EE.UU.: los beneficios de la acción global
Un nuevo informe de la EPA, “El cambio climático en los Estados Unidos: Beneficios de la acción global” hace un estimado de los beneficios físicos y monetarios para los Estados Unidos de la reducción de las emisiones globales de los gases de efecto invernadero. Este informe resume los resultados del proyecto sobre “Los Impactos del Cambio Climático y el Análisis de los Riesgos”, un estudio revisado por pares que compara los impactos en el futuro con la acción global significativa sobre el cambio climático a un futuro en el cual las emisiones actuales de cambio climático continúen subiendo.
El informe señala que la acción global para afrontar el cambio climático beneficiaría significativamente las vidas de las personas en Estados Unidos y también evitaría los daños costosos a la economía estadounidense.
Para leer más sobre el informe (En Inglés), visite: http://www2.epa.gov/cira
Las causas naturales, por sí solas, no pueden explicar los cambios recientes
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Ο πληθυσμός της χώρας μας μειώνεται συνεχώς κάνοντας το δημογραφικό πρόβλημα σημαντικό. Συγκεκριμένα στην Ελλάδα ο πληθυσμός μειώθηκε από 10.741.200 εκατομμύρια το 2018 σε 10.722.300 εκατομμύρια το 2019 ή κατά 1,8 (2,1 του συνόλου της ΕΕ), σύμφωνα με ανακοίνωση της Στατιστικής Υπηρεσίας της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, πριν από την Παγκόσμια Ημέρα Πληθυσμού (11 Ιουλίου).
Αντιθέτως ο πληθυσμός της Κύπρου αυξήθηκε από 864.200 το 2018 σε 875.900 το 2019 ή κατά +13,4 (0,2% του συνόλου της ΕΕ)
Σύμφωνα με την Eurostat, την 1η Ιανουαρίου 2019, ο πληθυσμός της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης (ΕΕ) υπολογίστηκε σε περίπου 513,5 εκατομμύρια, έναντι 512,4 εκατομμυρίων την 1η Ιανουαρίου 2018.
Κατά το 2018, στην ΕΕ σημειώθηκαν περισσότεροι θάνατοι από τις γεννήσεις (5,3 εκατομμύρια θάνατοι και 5,0 εκατομμύρια γεννήσεις), γεγονός που σημαίνει ότι η φυσική αλλαγή του πληθυσμού της ΕΕ ήταν αρνητική για δεύτερη συνεχή χρονιά.
Η μεταβολή του πληθυσμού (θετική, με 1,1 εκατομμύρια περισσότερους κατοίκους) οφειλόταν επομένως στην καθαρή μετανάστευση.
Η Γερμανία είναι το πιο πυκνοκατοικημένο κράτος μέλος της ΕΕ, με 83,0 εκ. κατοίκων (ή 16,2% του συνολικού πληθυσμού της ΕΕ την 1η Ιανουαρίου 2019), έναντι της Γαλλίας (67,0 εκ. ή 13,1%), του Ηνωμένου Βασιλείου (66,6 εκ. ή 13,0% ), την Ιταλία (60,4 εκ. ή 11,8%), την Ισπανία (46,9 εκ. ή 9,1%) και την Πολωνία (38,0 εκ. ή 7,4%). Για τα υπόλοιπα κράτη μέλη, δεκατέσσερα έχουν μερίδιο μεταξύ 1% και 4% του πληθυσμού της ΕΕ και οκτώ μερίδιο κάτω του 1%.
Το 2018, ο πληθυσμός αυξήθηκε σε δεκαοκτώ κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ και μειώθηκε σε δέκα.
Η μεγαλύτερη αύξηση του πληθυσμού παρατηρήθηκε στη Μάλτα (+36,8 ανά 1.000 κατοίκους), μπροστά από το Λουξεμβούργο (+ 19,6 ‰), την Ιρλανδία (+ 15,2 ‰), την Κύπρο (+ 13,4 ‰), τη Σουηδία (+ 10,8 ‰) το Βέλγιο (+ 6,1 ‰), την Ισπανία και τις Κάτω Χώρες (από + 5,9 ‰) και το Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο (+ 5,6 ‰).
Αντίθετα, η μεγαλύτερη μείωση πληθυσμού σημειώθηκε στη Λετονία (-7,5 ‰), ακολουθούμενη από τη Βουλγαρία και την Κροατία (και τα δύο -7,1 ‰), τη Ρουμανία (-6,6 ‰) και τη Λιθουανία (-5,3 ‰).
Ο πληθυσμός ολόκληρης της ΕΕ αυξήθηκε κατά 1,1 εκατομμύρια άτομα (+ 2,1 ‰) κατά το 2018.
Επιπλέον κατά τη διάρκεια του 2018, 5 εκατομμύρια βρέφη γεννήθηκαν στην ΕΕ, σχεδόν 118.000 λιγότερα από ό, τι το προηγούμενο έτος.
Στα κράτη μέλη, τα υψηλότερα ποσοστά κατά το 2018 σημειώθηκαν στην Ιρλανδία (12,5 ανά 1 000 κατοίκους), τη Σουηδία (11,4 ‰), τη Γαλλία (11,3 ‰) και το Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο (11,0 ‰), ενώ τα χαμηλότερα καταγράφηκαν σε Ιταλία (7,3 ‰), Ισπανία (8,1 ‰), Ελλάδα (8,1 ‰), Πορτογαλία (8,5 ‰), Φινλανδία (8,6 ‰), Βουλγαρία (8,9 ‰) και Κροατία (9,0 ‰).
Σε επίπεδο ΕΕ, το ακαθάριστο ποσοστό γεννήσεων ήταν 9,7 ανά 1 000 κατοίκους.
Εν τω μεταξύ, 5,3 εκατομμύρια θάνατοι καταγράφηκαν στην ΕΕ το 2018, σχεδόν 46 000 περισσότεροι από ό, τι το προηγούμενο έτος.
Η Ιρλανδία (6,4 ανά 1.000 κατοίκους), η Κύπρος (6,6 ‰) και το Λουξεμβούργο (7,1 ‰) είχαν το 2018 το χαμηλότερο ποσοστό θνησιμότητας, ακολουθούμενη από τη Μάλτα (7,6 ‰), τις Κάτω Χώρες (8,9 ‰), την Ισπανία και τη Σουηδία ‰).
Στο αντίθετο άκρο της κλίμακας, η Βουλγαρία (15,4 ‰), η Λετονία (15,0 ‰), η Λιθουανία (14,1 ‰), η Ρουμανία (13,5 ‰) και η Ουγγαρία (13,4 ‰) κατέγραψαν το υψηλότερο.
Για την ΕΕ στο σύνολό της, το ακαθάριστο ποσοστό θνησιμότητας ήταν 10,4 ανά 1 000 κατοίκους. Κατά συνέπεια, η Ιρλανδία (με φυσική μεταβολή του πληθυσμού της + 6,1 ‰) παρέμεινε το 2018 το κράτος μέλος στο οποίο σημειώθηκαν οι μεγαλύτεροι αριθμοί θανάτων, έναντι της Κύπρου (+ 4,1 ‰), του Λουξεμβούργου (+ 3,2 ‰) , Γαλλίας (+ 2,2 ‰), Ηνωμένου Βασιλείου (+1,7 ‰) και Μάλτας (+ 1,6 ‰). Αντίθετα, μεταξύ των δεκαπέντε κρατών μελών της ΕΕ που εμφάνισαν αρνητική φυσική αλλαγή το 2018, οι θάνατοι ξεπέρασαν τις περισσότερες φορές στη Βουλγαρία (-6,6 ‰), ακολουθούμενες από τη Λετονία (-4,9 ‰), τη Λιθουανία (-4,1 ‰), την Κροατία, την Ουγγαρία και τη Ρουμανία (σύνολο -3,9 ‰).
Τέλος, σύμφωνα με το βασικό σενάριο προβολής του πληθυσμού, ο πληθυσμός της ΕΕ θα συνεχίσει να μεγαλώνει γενικά.
Το ποσοστό των παιδιών αναμένεται να μειωθεί ελαφρά από 16% στις αρχές του 2018 σε 14% έως το 2100. Ομοίως, το μερίδιο των εργαζομένων σε ηλικία πληθυσμού της ΕΕ προβλέπεται να μειωθεί από 65% το 2018 55% το 2100.
Αντίθετα, το μερίδιο των ατόμων ηλικίας άνω των 65 ετών στο συνολικό πληθυσμό της ΕΕ αναμένεται να αυξηθεί κατά 11 ποσοστιαίες μονάδες, από 20% στις αρχές του 2018 σε 31% έως το 2100. Την ίδια περίοδο το ποσοστό των ατόμων ηλικίας 80 ετών ετών ή άνω υπολογίζεται ότι σχεδόν τριπλασιάζεται, από 6% σε 15%.
Ως αποτέλεσμα, η μέση ηλικία αναμένεται να αυξηθεί από τα σημερινά 43,1 χρόνια σε 48,7 το 2100.
Ως αποτέλεσμα αυτών των μεταβολών στον πληθυσμό, ο λόγος εξάρτησης των ηλικιωμένων στην ΕΕ προβλέπεται σχεδόν να διπλασιαστεί από 31% το 2018 σε 57% το 2100. Αυτό αντιστοιχεί σε λιγότερα από δύο άτομα σε ηλικία εργασίας για κάθε ηλικιωμένο άτομο ηλικίας 65 ετών και άνω έως το 2100.
Μέχρι το 2100, ο λόγος εξάρτησης ηλικιωμένων προβλέπεται να κυμανθεί από 53% στο Βέλγιο, το Λουξεμβούργο και τη Σουηδία έως 70% στην Πορτογαλία και 72% στην Κροατία.
Σύμφωνα με την προβολή της Eurostat, ο πληθυσμός στην Κύπρο το 2100 θα είναι 1,1 εκατομμύρια και στην Ελλάδα 7,5 εκατομμύρια.
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I should probably mention that I get the most steeps when using a gaiwan filled a little over a fourth of the way with leaves. I've gotten several steeps out of other brands' Bai Mu Dan, but I feel like Seven Cups's is some of the freshest I've tried.
Thanks for the Shou Mei recommendation! I just ordered some stuff from Five Star, and I'll be sure to try theirs out.
brewing up some Ye Fang Bai Cha from Norbu today, a quiet afternoon in the office when I can take my time with the brewing and not be interrupted in the drinking: a sweet, fruity, floral and entirely lovely tea, with my present infusion--the third, now up from 150 and 160 to 170 degrees--the best yet. Mmmmm.
I was inspired by chado.my.teaway to give my 2010 Bai Mu Dan another chance. I checked Five Star Teas for brewing ideas and decided to follow their gong fu approach. I half filled a pot with tea leaves, set the water temp to 165, and started with a 30 second steep. This tea is not destined to become one of my favorites, but it was good enough to look forward to more sessions with it. And a good thing too, because when I made the purchase, I accidentally bought two 50 gram bags, one of which is still sealed! Its from Seven Cups, so its a good quality, well packaged tea, which should be finished by the 2014 harvest.
Its been a white tea kind of day. My second tea session was Rishi Jasmine Silver Needles. I have a yixing.com pot that someone gave me years ago because he knew I would enjoy the shape and the chinese astrological symbols as decoration in the kitchen. Years later when I began drinking tea I washed out the pot and tested it. Somehow even the best Jasmine tea tastes better brewed in this pot.
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Parang Nabur
Parang Nabur (other names also include Belabang or Beladah, while older variants are called Pacat Gantung or Pacat Bagantung) is a sword that originates from Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Most of this sword is made during the Banjarmasin Sultanate period in the 19th century.
Description
The Parang Nabur is a sword with a curve blade broadening towards the point, with its widest section at the curvature. The edge is convex, the back is concave. It has a double edge for about 2/3 to 3/8 of the blade from its front tip. The edge may bend towards the back or the back may bend towards the edge at the point. The hilt is usually made of horn or bone, sometimes of wood, and often has a protection for the hand and fingers made of brass or iron. The hand guard and parry are made according to European model, strongly influenced from the naval cutlasses carried by the Dutch sailors, and shows a perfect blend of European with Islamic styles. The scrabbad is usually made of wood and is in two parts held together by bands of metal and it follows the blade's shape.
The Parang Nabur is also not to be mistaken with Niabor.
See also
Mandau
Niabor
References
Further reading
Category:Blade weapons
Category:Weapons of Indonesia
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Search:
Wireless Networking in the Developing World
The author of Wireless Networking in the Developing World is Carlo Fonda, Corinna Elektra Aichele, Ian Howard, Jim Forster, Marco Zennaro, Rob Flickenger, Tomas Krag The massive popularity of wireless networking has caused equipment costs to continually plummet, while equipment capabilities continue to By applying this technology in areas that are badly in need of critical communications infrastructure, more people can be brought online than ever before, in less time, for very little We hope to not only convince you that this is possible, but also show how we have made such networks work, and to give you the information and tools you need to start a network project in your local This book was created by a team of individuals who each, in their own field, are actively participating in the ever-expanding Internet by pushing its reach farther than ever This book documents our efforts to build wireless networks in the developing Download the PDF for free from.This title is available at BookMoving on Carlo Fonda, Corinna Elektra Aichele, Ian Howard, Jim Forster, Marco Zennaro, Rob Flickenger, Tomas Krag's eBooks, .Wireless Networking in the Developing ... Textbook, course, ebook, pdf, download at bookmoving .
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Q:
Why can't decomposition declarations be constexpr?
Consider the following snippet to test the upcoming C++17 feature decomposition declarations (formerly known as structured bindings)
#include <cassert>
#include <utility>
constexpr auto divmod(int n, int d)
{
return std::make_pair(n / d, n % d); // in g++7, also just std::pair{n/d, n%d}
}
int main()
{
constexpr auto [q, r] = divmod(10, 3);
static_assert(q == 3 && r ==1);
}
This fails on both g++7-SVN and clang-4.0-SVN with the message:
decomposition declaration cannot be declared 'constexpr'
Dropping the constexpr definition and changing to a regular assert() works on both compilers.
None of the WG21 papers on this feature mention the constexpr keyword, neither in the positive nor the negative.
Question: why aren't decomposition declarations be allowed to be constexpr? (apart from "because the Standard says so").
A:
Question: why aren't decomposition declarations be allowed to be constexpr? (apart from "because the Standard says so").
There is no other reason. The standard says in [dcl.dcl] p8:
The decl-specifier-seq shall contain only the type-specifier auto (7.1.7.4) and cv-qualifiers.
That means it can't be declared with constexpr.
This was the subject of a National Body comment on the C++17 CD, see US-95 in P0488R0:
Comment: There is no obvious reason why decomposition
declarations cannot be declared as static,
thread_local, or constexpr.
Proposed change: Allow constexpr, static, and thread_local to the
permitted set of decl-specifiers.
Comments GB 16 and GB 17 are also related.
These comment were rejected for C++17 after review by the Evolution Working Group at the Nov 2016 meeting. It was unclear what some storage classes would mean on a structured binding declaration, and exactly how to change the specification to allow constexpr (simply allowing it in the grammar wouldn't say what it means). A paper exploring the design space was requested. It should be possible to change this in future without breaking any code, but there wasn't time to do it for C++17.
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Richland-Plummer Creek Covered Bridge
Richland-Plummer Creek Covered Bridge, also known as County Bridge #86, is a historic covered bridge located in Taylor Township, Greene County, Indiana. It was built in 1883, and is a Burr Arch Truss structure measuring 102 feet long, 14 feet wide, and 16 feet tall. The single span bridge has walls clad in board and batten siding with Italianate style design elements.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
References
Category:Covered bridges in Indiana
Category:Covered bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Indiana
Category:Italianate architecture in Indiana
Category:Bridges completed in 1883
Category:Transportation buildings and structures in Greene County, Indiana
Category:National Register of Historic Places in Greene County, Indiana
Category:Road bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Indiana
Category:Wooden bridges in Indiana
Category:Burr Truss bridges in the United States
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Aerosol deposition and airway obstruction.
Intrapulmonary deposition of 1-mum-diameter particles of dioctyl sebacate was studied in 58 working coalminers. Total deposition was found to be significantly correlated with lung function measurements characterizing airway obstruction. The closest relationship was between deposition and the mean maximal flow rate in the third quarter of a forced expiration. The shape of the exhaled aerosol recovery curve was also found to be related to the degree of airway obstruction; 3 basic types are described. The concave type was more common in smokers, in whom deposition was significantly greater. The presence of simple pneumoconiosis was not associated with the degree of aerosol deposition. The significance of the findings of aerosol deposition and its recovery pattern are discussed in relation to the pathogenesis of lung disease.
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Fear and doubt spread in Silicon Valley Wall Street credit crunch is drying up acquisitions, IPOs in Silicon Valley
Entrepreneur Jon Fisher says Silican Valley will get squeezed by current financial troubles. Entrepreneur Jon Fisher says Silican Valley will get squeezed by current financial troubles. Photo: Unknown, Courtesy To The Chronicle Photo: Unknown, Courtesy To The Chronicle Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Fear and doubt spread in Silicon Valley 1 / 3 Back to Gallery
The investment banking crisis on Wall Street is already drying up the flow of capital to Silicon Valley, and while money should find new ways to reach local startups, a cash drought of unknown duration and severity is under way.
That's the synthesis of interviews with a half-dozen sources, each of whom have what valley people call "skin in the game" - personal financial stakes in the startup economy that depend on Wall Street firms like Bear Stearns to keep the whole system working.
"I'm on the board of one startup that is closing a $1 million financing March 31 and we're making certain to get in touch with all the investors to ensure an orderly closing," said Jon Fisher, a serial entrepreneur who recently sold a software startup to Oracle Corp.
MBA BY THE BAY: See how an MBA could change your life with SFGATE's interactive directory of Bay Area programs.
Although logically the turbulence in New York's money markets should not affect such a tiny deal in Northern California, the fact is that the financial ecosystem of Silicon Valley is much like the water cycle - lake water evaporates and rises to form clouds and rains down to fill the lake again.
In the startup economy, the lakes are the venture capital funds that raise money to create startups, which then go public or get sold to a bigger firm. Confidence takes the place of evaporation to keep the cycle going. At the moment, however, confidence has all but evaporated.
"There's so much fear and doubt out there," said Sam Colella, a founding partner of Versant Ventures, which invests in biotech and health care startups.
Colella, who has been a venture capitalist for 22 years, said right now the financial picture is fine in the health care sector that is his bailiwick, but he's been around long enough to know how the confidence crisis can spread.
It all goes back to how the money gets recycled through the startup economy, and a good place to start is with the venture funds that raise money from institutional investors like pension funds that like to sweeten their returns by betting a little bit of their hoard on high-risk but, one hopes, high-return VCs.
The venture capitalists then invest in startups that spend the money to build their companies. Spending the money is the easy part. But VCs eventually want to get their money back.
"Three to five years is about the time we like to stay invested," said Arno Penzias, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist and partner in New Enterprise Associates, a venture firm that invests in alternative energy, among other markets.
And in order to recoup their investments, the venture capitals turn to big investment banks like Bear Stearns and smaller boutique banks to do one of two things: sell the startup on Wall Street through an initial public offering or sell it to a big company like Oracle through the merger-and-acquisition process.
Both types of transactions are called liquidity events in valley-speak. Brenon Daly, who tracks IPOs and mergers in the technology and telecom industries for the 451 Group in San Francisco, said both the avenues VCs use to achieve liquidity have been drying up for months.
"The IPO market is dead," Daly said flatly. Acquisitions had been strong through 2007, when big firms spent $476 billion to buy 3,559 smaller firms in Daly's market, but a good chunk of that activity was buyouts by private-equity firms like the flailing Carlyle Group, now caught in the credit crunch. So that means fewer M&A buyers in 2008, he said.
No wonder Mark Cannice, a professor at the University of San Francisco who regularly surveys the sentiment among VCs, started to detect a drop in their confidence through much of last year. That means they'll be throwing around less of the money that startups use to fund everything from new hires to paper clips.
How long or tough this cash drought will be not even the insiders can guess, but already the regional ecosystem is sprouting new boutique investment banks, like Catapult Advisors in San Francisco, to help VCs bring their startups to the fabled liquidity event.
"We're lickin' our chops to fill in if Bear Stearns drops the ball," said Catapult Managing Partner Ron Lissak.
But what no one knows is how long it will be before the larger investment community, everyone from the individual to the pension fund, regains its appetite for the sine qua non of high returns - Wall Street risk.
"I'm starting to be concerned about what may be the next shoe to drop," said Colella, the biotech guy.
So for now it looks like it's a hard rain that's not gonna fall on Silicon Valley.
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950 A.2d 829 (2008)
405 Md. 292
UNIVERSITY GARDENS
v.
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY.
Pet. Docket No. 115.
Court of Appeals of Maryland.
Denied June 20, 2008.
Petition for writ of certiorari denied.
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Q:
Creating log files in SQL Server 2012
I'm sure this is probably SQL 101 but Google searches keep finding 'creating logins' entries. Let me give a quick overview.
I have drifted into SQL reporting from general IT Support as a result of the need for more detailed reports than our systems can provide. My company runs leisure centres and we very helpfully use 3 different leisure management systems across 70+ sites. All 3 are SQL based but do the same job in very different ways. I have produced loads of reports in SSRS but the 2 or 3 I have done that access all systems are very, very time consuming and just one link down means the whole report is inaccessible.
A request to send data to a third party for marketing purposed has forces us to finally look at centralising data from all of the systems to make reporting much easier. There will only essentially be 2 tables - 1 for membership details and one for activities. I have done the hard part of creating a view that produces the same information from each of the 3 systems and set up a central database to bring the data back to. I will have a stored procedure running on each system that will populate a table with records from the previous day. There will then be a job on the central server that will copy data from these tables and remove it once transferred. So far so (relatively) simple.
The problem is that the central server will be trying to retrieve data from over 60 servers - all with their own network links. Some sites are remote with poor DSL connections so there will be times when some of the data can't be copied by the scheduled job. I am happy that a SQL agent job can have these as steps and one failed connection won't stop the whole process but my concern is that troubleshooting when something goes wrong will be tricky if I don't get some kind of logging in place.
The stored procedures although complicated SQL wise are just update/insert record jobs. What would be helpful is that the update job writes to a log file somehow reporting that it affected 20 rows. And the insert job affected 100 rows. Basic stuff but I have no idea how I go about it. What would also be useful is some kind of warning when one of the steps fails. SQL Agent will help but I want to build as much resilience as possible in whilst I am at the 3 server stage before rolling out to the 60+ server stage.
Any pointers in the right direction would be much appreciated. My SQL skills are self taught (With a lot of Stack Overflow help!) and although I have learnt a lot about producing complicated views and queries in the last couple of weeks, most of my SQL has just been queries for SSRS so this is all new to me.
Many thanks.
A:
The output clause will get you what you want for logging. What it allows you to do is capture what your statement is doing. Below is an example of of how to perform an update and capture the changes in a logging table.
As for error handling and resilience I would take a look into using SSIS to perform your ETL. SSIS gives you a much more robust feature set for error handling.
-- Create Temp Tables
CREATE TABLE #myLog
(
id int,
oldVal int,
newVal int
);
CREATE TABLE #myTable
(
id int,
val int
);
-- Add Values to #myTable
INSERT INTO #myTable VALUES
(1, 1234),
(2, 1234);
-- Output Contents of #myTable
SELECT * FROM #myTable;
-- Update #myTable & Capture Changes
UPDATE #myTable
SET val = 12345
OUTPUT
inserted.id,
deleted.val,
inserted.val
INTO #myLog
WHERE id = 2
-- Output Contents of #myTable and #myLog
SELECT * FROM #myTable
SELECT * FROM #myLog
-- Drop Temp Tables
DROP TABLE #myLog
DROP TABLE #myTable
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Preteen Underage Nymphet
Related article: A Brady Tale body { margin-left: 10%;
margin-right: 10%; font-size: 1.05em; } p { font-family: "verdana",
sans-serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: 4em; } H4 {
font-size: 2em; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;
text-decoration: underline; } A Brady Tale ****While the story is
named sort of after the Brady Bunch that some of you may recall
from TV, it is not a Brady Bunch story and involves none of their
characters. This is not in any way a fan fiction and should not be
read as such. It is however a gay story of love that also happens
to involve diaper usage. If all this is good for you, then I hope
that you enjoy the read. If you enjoy it, please feel free to email
me at erich5748 at ymail.com. I would love to hear from you, but
please, as always, no flames, for I do this for myself and no
others.**** Billy Bray, a twenty nine year old gay man with a ten
year old son, had just made a very large decision with his partner,
now both had to go talk to someone. Billy had to go home and talk
to his son, Bobby. Danny Dee, thirty years old, also gay, and also
with a ten year old son named Donnie. He had been dating Billy for
more than a year and they loved each other a great deal. The two
had met online, they had matching interests. Not only were they
both gay, they had both had children when young and stupid and had
been trying their best to prove how straight they were, but they
were both diaper lovers as well. Their first in person meeting was
almost a year after they had met online and had started talking, so
they had known each other for almost two years now, and it had been
a very shy event. Until the time they had met in person, neither
had ever admitted to anyone that they were gay in person, nor had
either ever worn a diaper out of the house or where anyone could
ever see them. Both were shy and timid about anyone ever finding
out about them, but now they Preteen Underage Nymphet were
about to make a huge step, they were both about to come out in a
huge way, they were about to get married. Now all they had to do
was inform their sons, family and all their friends. If only they
had known that this was not going to come as too much of a shock to
almost all of them. “Bobby, could you come here for a minute
please, we need to talk?” Billy called out when he made it home. To
say he was nervous would be an understatement. He had never
admitted to anyone in person that he was gay. “Yeah Daddy, what do
you need to talk about?” His beautiful young son asked as he came
scampering in the room. “We better go sit down, some of this may
come as a shock to you.” “What Daddy, what's wrong?” He asked
cautiously, hoping there was nothing wrong with his dad, he loved
him a great deal and would not want to live without him. “There's
nothing wrong, but, well, I have something to tell you and it might
come as a bit of a shock. It's well, it's like this, I'm gay.”
“Yeah, so, I've known for forever that you were, so what.” “Really,
but how, I've never told anyone.” “Um, your friend Danny's stayed a
few nights just a little too late, and our bedrooms are kinda right
next door. I'm not exactly dumb you know.” Bobby grinned. “Oh god,
you heard us?” “Yeah, only a bit though. I've known you were
probably gay for a long time though, don't worry. That can't be all
you wanted to tell me though is it?” “No, it isn't. Well, you see,
we wanna get married, and since I own the house and Danny doesn't,
we want us all to live here.” “Oh, that's good. Danny's got a son
the same age as me though, doesn't he. Why haven't we ever met by
the way?” “Yeah, he does and it just never came up to have you boys
meet, not sure why.” “Oh no, we only have two bedrooms, that means
we'll have to share a bedroom though, what'll he think about me
wetting the bed and still wearing diapers?” Bobby gasped. “He'll be
fine with it, just explain to him and I'm sure he'll be good. I
think Danny said once that Donnie wet the bed too, maybe he still
does and he wears diapers as well.” “When are you guys getting
married then, and where?” “We were thinking end of the month,
summer just started so it'll be nice, and we're just gonna do it
here, since we have a nice back yard.” “Have you admitted it to
anyone else though, or am I the first you told?” “You're the
first.” “You know Grandma and Grandpa aren't gonna be shocked
either right?” “How do you know?” “The week I spent there a few
months ago, they asked me about your friend Danny, and I said you
were really good friends. They asked if he spent the night, but I
told them no, because technically he hasn't, so I think they know.”
“Oh.” Was about all Billy could come up with. “How are you gonna
tell everyone?” “I was thinking of having the family over for
dinner tomorrow night and letting them know.” “And when are Danny
and his son moving in?” “He's gonna give notice tomorrow that he's
moving, and then they'll probably move in in about a week or two.”
“Okay. Well at least my bedroom's really big, so I guess we'll fit
easily enough.” “Thanks Bobby, I'm so glad you're a nice boy.”
Billy said, hugging his beautiful son close to him. Meanwhile on
the opposite side of town, Danny had just arrived home to talk to
his son Donnie. “Hey Preteen Underage Nymphet Donnie, we
need to talk, come sit down with me please?” He asked softly as
soon as he walked in and found Donnie sitting on the floor watching
TV. “Okay.” He said and went and joined his dad on the couch,
turning off the TV as he went. “So, what's up Daddy?” “What I'm
about to tell you may come as a bit of a shock to you, but please
let me finish before you say anything? This is hard enough as it
is.” “Okay.” “Thanks. Well, here goes. I'm gay and I have a
boyfriend. We love each other a great deal and want to get married
and move in with each other. This is only a rental place and is too
small for four people to live, but his house is much bigger, yet
only has two bedrooms and has a huge yard. He owns the house, has a
ten year old son just like you, and you boys will have to share a
bedroom. You're the first person I've ever told in real life that
I'm gay, and this is really hard.” He rushed out all in one breath
nearly. “Okay, except, well what about my bed wetting, we have to
share a bedroom, how am I gonna hide that?” “All that I told you
and that's all you wanna know about?” Danny asked incredulously.
“Well yeah. I've known you were gay for a long time, I don't care
about that, and I knew you were dating a man, that's fine. I'm not
stupid you know. But how am I gonna hide wetting the bed when
there's someone in the same room as me?” “I think his son still
wets the bed too, so you might be fine. If he doesn't, you'll just
have to explain it to him, don't worry, I wouldn't let him make fun
of you.” “Okay. So, I'm the first person you've ever told?” “Yeah,
and I'm scared shitless of telling your grandparents.” “I bet they
already know. You remember that week I spent with them a few months
ago when you had to go away, well they asked me when your last date
was, and I said that you'd never gone on a date that I knew of.
They just nodded their heads and went on with business as usual, so
I'm pretty sure they know. Where did you go that week anyway, you
never said, just said it was business?” “My boyfriend and I went
away together for the week, we went to a small gay oriented resort
in Holland, it was a really nice trip where we could be ourselves
around other people.” “I thought you said you'd never told anyone
before?” “Well, I haven't. At least no one I knew, and even there,
it was never said, it was just the way it was there, no one had to
ask.” He blushed. “Oh. I know they have a lot of nudist resorts
there, was that one of them?” “No, and how would you know that?”
“Because one of my friends at school is from there and he said
there are more nude beaches and resorts there than there are non
nude. It was funny, I asked him if he went to the nude ones, and he
said all his life, and now when he went swimming here, he wanted to
swim naked, but he's not allowed and he doesn't like it.” “Oh.”
Danny laughed. “So, you're finally getting married then. When and
where?” “End of the month we're hoping, and it'll be in the back
yard of our new house.” “When are we moving, and when do you plan
to tell the family?” “Probably in a few days.” “To both.” “Yeah.
Haven't figured out how I'm gonna do it yet, but considering I want
all the family there at the wedding and most of my friends too, I
guess I should tell them before they find out at the wedding.”
“That might be funny actually. So, which one of you wears the dress
then?” Donny giggled. “Oh shut up.” Danny laughed and smacked his
brat. “Actually, I wasn't really kidding, is one of you more girly,
'cause I don't really think you are, so will one of you be wearing
a dress?” “No, neither of us are like that and we'll both wear
suits.” “Okay. How big is the house then, how are four people gonna
live in a two bedroom house?” “It's a pretty good sized rancher
actually, the bedrooms are really big, at least the master bedroom
is, and it looks like Bobby's bedroom might be too from what I've
seen of it.” “Oh, that's good I guess. So, when do I meet them then
and why didn't you guys let us boys meet before?” “Never came up, I
just always went to his house or we went out.” “Oh, so you know
Bobby then was it?” “Sorta, not a lot though. I kinda was always
there either just before he went to bed or right after, so we never
talked a lot.” “Oh. So he knew you guys were gay Preteen
Underage Nymphet then!” “No, Billy never told him.” “I
guarantee he knows though.” “Probably not.” “I knew and you weren't
coming here for fun.” Donnie pointed out. “True.” “So, when do I
meet them then, and are they nice?” “Oh right. We could try and
meet tomorrow maybe and Billy's super nice and from what I know of
Bobby, so is he.” “That's good.” That night after the boys went to
bed, the men talked to each other on the phone for a good half an
hour, telling how the first telling had went, and they both had to
laugh that both their sons already knew. Both admitted though that
it was a good thing that they had been wearing diapers at the time,
because they were so nervous they had wet a lot. They agreed that
the next morning they would have to get together and let the boys
meet and have everyone get to know each other, so that was all set.
Billy also called his parents, sisters and brother, and asked them
to dinner the following night, and they all agreed, saying it
sounded nice. Danny and Donnie were on their way to Billy and
Bobby's house the next morning, it was all the way across town, so
it was a long drive, and on the way there, they talked some. “I'm
sorta nervous Daddy, what if they Preteen Underage Nymphet
don't like me, what'll happen then?” Donnie admitted. “They'll love
you Baby, don't worry so much. You're smart, good looking, kind and
caring, what's not to like!” “Yeah, like all the bullies at school
like me. They hate me for all those reasons, what if Bobby's the
same as they are?” “He's not, and from what little I know, he has
the same problems at school.” “Oh, that's good at least I guess.”
They talked lots more, but said nothing much. Almost the exact same
conversation was being had by Billy and Bobby though, Bobby was
just as nervous. Finally Danny and Donnie made it and went up to
the door and knocked and were let in moments later. It was funny at
first when the two boys were introduced, they were both shy and
awkward, shook each others hands and stuttered a hello. Both men
noticed something right away, the boys liked what they saw, and
while both men wondered about the sexuality of their sons, neither
was certain if the boys were going to turn out gay as well, though
they did have their suspicions. The next couple hours went by with
the four of them sitting on the couch and chairs getting to know
each other. They all talked a lot, but nothing of great importance
was really said. The boys did warm up a bit and did not seem quite
so shy, but still they hardly talked and the adults had to push
them into the conversation at times. All in all though it was a
good first meeting, and as soon as Danny and Donnie left, Billy and
Bobby started making dinner for the family. They made a nice big
dinner and the family arrived, greetings were passed around and
small talk was made. Dinner was served Preteen Underage
Nymphet and they all ate happily. Finally dinner and desert
were done with, and Billy stood up and got everyone's attention. “I
have an announcement to make.” He said clearly. The entire place
went silent, not that there were that many people there mind you.
“This may come as a surprise to everyone, but I'm getting married.”
“Really, to who?” His mom asked. “Now there's the part that may or
may not surprise everyone. His name's Danny, we're getting married
at the end of the month. We've been dating for about a year now and
have known each other for about two. So, in case you missed it, I'm
gay, I'm happy, I'm proud, and I'm getting married to a very nice
man.” “Congratulations.” Everyone said happily. The news that he
was gay came as no real surprise to his family, that he would get
married though had, until of course he said it was to a man. They
all talked and talked after that, everyone offering what help they
could give for the upcoming wedding preparations. Of course
everyone asked when they were going to get to meet the lucky guy
and his son, because Billy told them all about him having a son as
well, that in fact they were much alike in that way. All in all, it
was a very good evening, and by the end of it, they felt that the
wedding was going to be a piece of cake, hell, even that was going
to be taken care of by his mom, who happened to be a cake
decorator. The next day Danny went and talked to all his family, he
had Donnie with him of course, and told them all that he was gay
and getting married, they too were not all that surprised by the
news that he was gay, and laughed when he said he was getting
married, that is until he too explained that he was marrying a man.
They too all offered their help in preparing for the wedding, so
that was good. Both nights the men talked to each other and told of
their outing to their families, and they both laughed, saying that
in the end, it was a great deal easier than they had ever imagined
it would be, and that they had all been more surprised to hear they
were getting married. Danny gave his notice to his landlord and
told him that he was moving out on the fifteenth of the month, or
before, because he may as well, and he was good with that. Danny
and Donnie went and grabbed a bunch of boxes and started packing
their things that very night and within a few days, they were ready
to go. Since they lived in a furnished apartment, the chore was
surprisingly fast and easy, so before too long, they were pretty
much ready to go. Danny called up Billy and asked if they were
ready for them to move in, and of course Billy said yes. Billy and
Bobby excitedly went and helped the two to bring all their
belongings from the old house to their new house, and then helped
to get everything put away. Still the boys were both nervous as to
what was to happen at bed time. Neither had admitted to the other
that they were bed wetters. That point was fast approaching though,
they had worked long and hard all day long getting the two new
occupants of the house all settled in, and it was nearing bed time
for both the tired boys. “Okay boys, time for bed. Go on up, and I
think you both need to have a talk before you do, but do so in
private.” Billy said after catching Danny's eye, pretty much
telling him what he was going to do. They had of course talked it
over and agreed that the boys had to do this themselves. “Okay,
goodnight, love you.” They both said to their dads, both Preteen Underage Nymphet
giving hugs and kisses goodnight. “Goodnight, love you too.” Both
men said to their boys. The boys trudged to the bedroom, both not
wanting to do what they knew they had to do, both were scared and
nervous. Finally they made it to their bedroom and they each sat on
their own bed, facing each other. They both tried to start, a
couple times each, but finally it was Bobby that had worked up the
courage to do it first. “I wet the bed and wear diapers.” He
blurted out all in one fast breath. “Really, I do too!” “Really,
that's awesome, then there's no problems. What kinda diapers do you
wear?” “They're a tape on ultra absorbency, how about you? My dad
tried me on the Goodnites, but they always leaked.” “Same here
actually. Do you still like your dad to change you?” “Sometimes,
but most of the time no.” “Same here. Is it for the same reason as
I don't like him to change me much anymore?” “Probably. You get
hard too huh?” “Yeah, like super hard. He just laughs at his hard
little baby and tells me to think about the nastiest, ugliest girl
I can, that usually does it too.” “Same here.” Donnie giggled. “You
wanna change each other?” Bobby blushed. “I think I'd like that.”
“Me too. Do you think you're gay?” Bobby blushed. “Yeah, how about
you?” “Yeah. Sometimes when your dad came over for the evening, I
listened to them having sex and I dreamed it was me in there
instead. I don't wanna have sex with my dad, but you know, I was
just so hard. Do you jack off?” “Oh yeah, all the time. You really
heard them?” “They tried to stay quiet, but I could still hear them
sometimes.” “Man, I'd love to hear them. You think they'll do it
tonight?” “Hard to say.” “Speaking of hard, are you as hard as I am
right now?” “Probably. How long have you been jacking off?” “Don't
know. I sorta always played with it, Daddy was forever telling me
to play with myself in private, but it's been about a year since I
really starting jacking off 'til the good feelings.” “Cumming you
mean?” “Yeah, I guess so, but I don't make cum. Daddy says that'll
come along when I'm about thirteen probably.” “Doesn't matter if
you produce it or not, my dad says it's still cumming.” “Oh. You
really talk to your dad about that?” “Oh yeah, he and I can talk
about anything. I don't know why he thought he could hide that he
was gay from me, because I've known since I was five. Mind you, I
haven't told him yet either. Wanna diaper each other now then?”
“Okay.” Donnie smiled. Bobby went and got two of his diapers, since
he knew where they were, and then went back to the bed. He pulled
Donnie up to a standing position and started to undress him,
stopping once Donnie was standing there in a very hot looking pair
of very tight fitting boxer briefs. Donnie then repaid the favor
until Bobby was standing there in an equally hot and tight pair of
bikini briefs. “My god you're hot.” They both said at the same time
once they stopped staring and drooling at each other, it took a few
minutes. Bobby pushed Donnie onto the bed on his back and grabbed
the diaper and got it ready. He then did something that he had
wanted to do for a very long time, pull down another boys underwear
and see what he was hiding. He had never got the chance to see
another boy naked before, and now he was not only going to get the
chance, but the boy he was about to see was exceptionally hard, the
truth of that was pulsing madly already under the thin fabric,
doing little to hide the fact that he was a very hard and happy
little boy. Bobby gasped when he pulled the fabric back and exposed
the boy who was soon going to be his brother, it was even better
than he imagined it would be. Donnie was so hard, his foreskin was
pulled all the way back in his hardness in fact, and his erection
was pulsing away like crazy. Bobby found himself having to lick his
lips, a lot, because his mouth was suddenly very dry. He finally
managed to pulled Donnie's underwear all the way off and then
slipped the diaper underneath his very nice bum. He grabbed his
cream and opened it up, and then scooped some out and applied it to
Donnie. The first touch was too much, for both boys actually,
because they both came, and came hard. They were both dry of
course, but they sure did cum. “Wow.” They both said at the same
time almost ten minutes later. Bobby had even slumped onto the
floor. Donnie was still just as hard as he was before,
Preteen Underage Nymphet and with no further
words, Bobby got up and finished creaming his new brother, and then
wiped his hand off on the inside of the diaper and then taped
Donnie up. They traded places and Donnie finally Preteen
Underage Nymphet got the chance to see another boy naked and
hard. He too had longed to see just what he was about to reveal,
and when he did finally see it, he too gasped. He pulled off
Bobby's underwear and slipped the diaper under his fine little bum
and grabbed the cream. This time they did not cum at the very first
touch, but Donnie wanted Bobby to cum, so he was rubbing just a bit
more than was strictly needed. Granted, it did not take much, and
as soon as Bobby went off, so did Donnie. They both slumped down
for even longer this time and then both said wow once again once
they came down. Donnie completed the diapering of Bobby right away,
and then they were both done. “Wanna crawl into bed with me so that
we can talk a bit before we go to sleep?” Bobby asked. “Okay.” They
both crawled into the bed and pulled the blankets up. “So, how long
have you thought you were gay then?” Bobby asked. “Don't know, just
sorta always I guess. I've always preferred hanging around boys and
looking at boys more than girls. I have some girl friends, but not
many. How about you?” “Same really. How about diapers, do you like
wearing them too?” “Yeah, you do too?” “Yeah, truth be told, I
probably stopped wetting the bed when I was six or so, but Dad
never made me try or give up my diapers, so I never did. How about
you?” “About the same actually.” He giggled. “Cool, do you ever
wear them during the day when no one's home?” “Yeah, all the time,
or at least as much as I can. Dad even asked me once why I was
going through so many diapers, and I just shrugged and said, don't
know. He never said anything more, but I think he suspects
something.” “Yeah, my dad asked me the same thing, I think he
suspects something as well.” “What does your dad do with you while
he's at work during the summer?” “This year he said I can stay home
by myself, because I'm really good and he doesn't wanna haveta pay
for someone to watch me anymore.” “Same, so I guess we can watch
each other. They both work tomorrow, wanna wear only our diapers
all day 'til they get home?” “Sure, that'd be awesome. I've never
gotten to wear diapers with someone else before.” “Me neither.”
“Well, I suppose we should probably get to sleep, but before we do,
have you ever kissed anyone before?” “No, have you?” “No, would you
like to?” “Yes.” So they reached into each other and pressed their
lips together and kissed tenderly for a few moments. As soon as the
kiss broke, they both sighed contentedly, said Preteen Underage
Nymphet goodnight to each other, and then Bobby shut off the light
and they curled up and went to sleep. Danny and Billy stayed up for
a while watching TV, until they knew the boys were going to be
asleep, and then they too went to bed. They changed each others
soggy diapers and took care of each others needs as they did so,
and then laid down and talked for a bit. “So, how do you think the
boys' talk went?” Billy asked. “Probably really good. Wonder how
long it'll take them to become boyfriends?” “Probably by the end of
the week, and I'm willing to bet that they diapered each other and
played a little as well. I know Bobby's getting the urge a lot more
frequently, he hardly lets me diaper him any more because he's
always so hard, that and I think he likes to jack off into his
diaper. Can't say's I blame him any for that mind you.” “Yeah,
Donnie's been pretty much the same, they'll sure make a cute little
couple. You think Bobby's a diaper lover, because I'm pretty sure
Donnie is?” “Yeah, I'm reasonably certain he officially stopped
wetting the bed a few years ago, and I know he uses his diapers
during the day some, whenever he can, because he goes through them
faster than he should be.” “Yeah, same with Donnie. I'm happy for
them and I sorta wish I had've gotten what they get now when I was
a kid, I would've been far happier and not felt so alone. At least
the boys have understanding dads they can talk to. Should we let
them know we know they're diaper lovers, or let them know that so
are we?” “Not yet, let's hold off and let them make the decision on
their own fully as to how far they take it. Within a couple weeks
we'll know by how many diapers they've used whether or not they
really and truly are.” “Good point, and with both of Preteen Underage Nymphet us
being at work and letting the boys stay home by themselves, they'll
definitely get lots of opportunity to wear their diapers as much as
they care to, should they care to, which I bet they do.” “I
wouldn't bet against you, that's for sure.” “Well my love, should
we get to sleep?” “Yes, I think we should.” Billy said and they
kissed goodnight and went to sleep themselves. Chapter 2 They all
slept well through the night. Their first ever real sleepover, and
they all enjoyed it, getting to cuddle up to someone, though the
men did get to enjoy one weeks worth, but now this was permanent
and they were no longer hiding. The men woke up in time to get
ready for work, just letting the boys sleep until they were ready
to get up. The boys at least got to relax for the summer break, but
both men had to Preteen Underage Nymphet go to work. They
got up, had their shower, together of course, then diapered and
dressed each other and then went and had some coffee and breakfast.
Just before it was time for them to leave, they both headed to the
boys' bedroom to let them know they were leaving. As they entered
the room, they noticed that the boys were sleeping together in the
same bed, and they were all cuddled up, it was very cute. “Aw,
isn't that adorable. The little baby boys had their first
sleepover.” Billy cooed. “Yeah, wonder if maybe we're just gonna
have to replace the two twin beds for one queen bed, but we'll wait
for that.” “Yeah.” Danny went and shook the boys' shoulders to wake
them up enough so that they could say goodbye, and within a couple
minutes, both boys were awake. “Oh, mornin' Daddy.” They both
grumbled out. “Morning Boys.” Both men said. “We have to be heading
to work now boys, so we wanted to say goodbye and to tell you to
behave yourselves today.” Billy said. “Okay Daddy, you guys have a
good day at work and we'll behave.” “I know you will, because I'm
sure you both know the repercussions should you misbehave, and I'm
willing to bet neither of you wants that. You both know our numbers
at work, so call if you need anything or anything comes up you
can't handle.” “Okay.” Both boys said. “Love you.” All Preteen
Underage Nymphet of them said together. The men left and made
their way to work, while the boys stayed cuddled up in their warm
and cozy bed, cuddled up to each other as they had been all night
long. They stayed like that for quite a while, just luxuriating in
the warmth of both the bed and the cuddles. Finally it was Bobby
that broke the silence. “So, you think they know? They had to have
noticed how we were sleeping together and all cuddled up together
all night long.” “They know, but how much you wanna bet they say
nothing and just pretend as if nothing's out of place and let us go
to them with it. By the way, I wanna ask if we can get a bigger bed
and just have the one, I liked sleeping with you, I've never slept
so well in my life.” “Same here, and I bet you're right too.”
“Should we get our soggy baby bums outta bed and go get some
breakfast?” “Sure. Are you as soggy as I am?” “I don't know, why
don't you check?” Donnie grinned. “Okay.” Bobby said brightly, so
they both checked the others diaper, and sure enough, they both
felt each others hardness alright. “Oh yeah, you're just as wet as
me, and just as hard too. I like to rub myself through my wet
diapers in the morning, how about you?” “For sure, wanna kiss and
rub each other?” “Oh yeah.” Donnie said huskily, and they both
rolled and attached their lips, and then started kissing and
rubbing at the same time. For the next several minutes they kept
this up, they Preteen Underage Nymphet were both enjoying it
so much. Never before had jacking off felt so good, neither ever
wanted this to end. So, on that note, when they came, they
continued right on stroking and kissing, and even after their
second amazing orgasms, they still continued going. It was not
until after their fourth orgasms that they were satisfied, in fact
both boys were now soft inside their diapers. They sighed deeply
and rolled apart, both laying on their backs, staring at the
ceiling as they came down from such a massive experience. “Wow,
that was incredible.” Donnie was the first to break the silence
this time. “I'll say. I've dreamed of doing that for so long, but
that was way better than I ever imagined it could be.” “Same here.
Should we get up and go get breakfast, I'm getting really hungry
now?” “Yeah, but we should probably change each other first.”
“You're right. Hey, wanna try something I've read about but never
had the chance to try?” “What?” “Double diapering.” “I've never
tried it either, but I've read about it too and I'd definitely try
that with you.” Bobby said happily. “Wicked, I'll get everything
then.” Donnie hopped out of bed and went and grabbed two fresh
diapers, and then searched around for something that was sharp
enough to poke holes in their diapers. He found a pair of nail
clippers on top of the Preteen Underage Nymphet
dresser, and it had a nail file with a point on it, so that would
do just fine. He grinned to Bobby as soon as he found what he was
looking for, then headed back to the Preteen Underage Nymphet bed.
By the time he made it there, Bobby was already in diaper change
position, so Donnie got him ready first. He poked lots of holes in
Bobby's diaper and then slipped the new diaper underneath him and
then taped it up nice and snug. They then traded places and Bobby
repaid the favor. “Wow, this is totally awesome.” Donnie said
happily once he was done. “Definitely. Let's try not to change each
other 'til just before our dads are about to get home, and then we
can get dressed as well. Have you ever worn a diaper under your
clothes in front of your dad before?” “Okay that sounds great, and
I bet these last 'til then too. Yeah, I have a few times, but I
tried to stay sitting as much as possible or out of his sight as
much as I could, and I'm sure I blushed a bit too. How about you?”
“Same here. Wanna do it tonight though, change each others diapers
and then get dressed just before they get home?” “Okay.” Donnie
said brightly. They headed to the kitchen and made and ate some
breakfast, then headed to the living room to lay back and watch
some cartoons. They did that for a couple hours until they were
bored of that. “So, what should we do now?” Donnie asked. “Wanna
play some games?” “Sure, why not.” They set up the game that they
wanted to play and sat back and played that for the next couple
hours, until they once again got bored, as well as hungry. They
went to the kitchen and made and ate some lunch, and as they were
eating, they talked, not that they had not been the entire time
they were playing their games mind you. “So, what's your last name
anyway Bobby?” “Bray, how about yours?” “Dee. Wonder how our dads
are gonna put their names after they're married and if we'll be
asked to take the same name? Oh wait, Bray and Dee, that's too
funny, we could be called Bray-Dee, or Brady, as in the Brady
Bunch, that'd be so hilarious, and it sorta fits too.” Donnie
giggled. “Huh, no idea what you're talking about here.” Bobby said
in confusion. “Oh right, I forget that most kids probably don't
watch old sitcom reruns. It's a really old show from back in the
seventies that shows on some of the retro TV channels. It's about
two families that come together and their name was Brady. We're the
same, two families that came together, albeit quite different as
well, but the same and funny none the less.” “Oh. It sorta makes
sense though for them to combine our last names somehow, and that
sorta does make sense. I've never even heard of the show though, so
the comedy of it does sorta escape me, But Bray-Dee does sound
good.” Bobby chuckled. “And actually, now that I think of it,
what's even funnier is that in the show, there's a Bobby Brady as
well.” “Oh, is that a good or a bad thing?” He had to ask. “Good,
or at least I can't come up with any reason why it wouldn't be.”
Donnie shrugged. “Okay then, so Bray-Dee is what we suggest to our
dads if they haven't already thought it over.” “Cool, we'll be the
new Brady Bunch then.” Donnie giggled. “So, how shocked were you to
find out your dad was getting married anyway?” “I probably should
have been wearing a diaper, I nearly peed myself in shock, and my
underwear were a little wet after, but I had to clamp it down hard
to not fully wet. I'd known my dad was gay for a long time, even
though he never admitted it to anyone 'til the day he told me, so
him telling me he was getting married was more than a little
shocking. Then he told me who to and I was relieved. To tell you
the truth, I would've fought him had he told me he was getting
married to a woman, I didn't Preteen Underage Nymphet
want any female around to ruin things for us, but another guy, now
that's a different story. It's even better that I get such a cool
brother out of the deal.” “Cool, hardly. I get teased and taunted
and very nearly bullied at school, I'm so far from being cool it's
not even funny. I'm more a nerd than anything, and the dorks at
school take great pride in reminding me daily. Granted, they also
taunt me for wetting my pants, even though I haven't peed at school
since I was in grade two, but kids never forget anything.” “That's
funny, because I'm the exact same, except my last accident at
school was grade three. So how'd you take your dad telling you he
was getting married?” “Actually, almost the exact same as you. Like
you, I had no idea what I would've done had he actually brought
Preteen Underage Nymphet home a female, not that I thought he
would, because I've known he was gay as well for a long time. When
he said it was a guy and that he and his son were moving in with
us, I was happy. That is until I realized that we only have two
bedrooms, which meant that you'd have to share with me, but what
about my bed wetting. I figured you'd probably be just another
bully and I'd end up getting it at home too, only now there'd be no
way to hide that I wore diapers to bed. At least at school no one
knows I wear diapers to bed, though they've still said it anyway.
Dad told me not to worry about it though, said that he thought you
might still wet too, but I'm sure he knew you did.” “Yeah, pretty
much the exact same things went through my mind as well and my dad
said the same thing to me too, so they both knew fully, but they
made us tell each other instead. I suppose it was probably the best
way to handle it, and it worked out for the best. By the way, how
wet is your outer diaper, can you even tell yet?” “It's getting
wet, but not too bad. As for our dads, yeah, I think they did it on
purpose too, to make us tell each other, and I think it worked out
for the best too.” Bobby smiled. “Same here. So, what do you think
our dads thought of finding us sleeping together?” “Who knows, but
I'm betting they know, but I'm also willing to bet they never say
anything to us at all about it.” “I bet you're right, but we'll
tell them soon anyway and maybe ask for a bigger bed so that it's
more comfortable.” “Yeah, that'd be nice. At least we're not too
big for the bed yet.” Bobby said. As soon as they finished lunch,
they went and sat back down in the living room for the rest of the
afternoon and either watched TV or played video games. They did in
fact manage to catch an episode of The Brady Bunch though and Bobby
had to admit it was pretty funny. Just before the Dads were to get
home, the boys decided that they had better go change their soggy
diapers, so headed to their bedroom to do so. “So, we gonna still
change each other into fresh diapers?” Bobby asked once they made
it there. “I'm game if you are.” Donnie grinned. “Cool.” He grinned
and went and grabbed two diapers. Bobby went to the bed with the
diapers and Donnie was already laying down in diaper change
position. He was now very clearly very wet on his outer diaper.
Bobby removed the first and then the second diapers and balled and
taped them up, then used a wipe to clean up Donnie, who was
extremely hard of course, and then put a fresh diaper underneath
him and applied a good coating of cream. Bobby did not play though,
he wanted to wait until both of them were freshly diapered, and
then he wanted to kiss and rub again, so on that, he taped Donnie
up nice and snug. They then traded places and Donnie changed Bobby
the same way. “Ah, much better. I so love getting into a nice fresh
diaper so that I can pee it.” Bobby sighed. He then pulled Donnie
down onto the bed, and once they were there, they attached
themselves at the lips and kissed once more, and for their first
time, introduced their tongues to each other. In fact, at the exact
same time that they started petting each others little diaper
monsters. They moaned deeply into each other and then a few seconds
later had their first orgasm. They continued right on going though
and had two more in rapid succession before they were once again
satisfied. “Mmm, that was so nice, thanks, but now I think we
should get dressed.” Bobby pulled away and sighed. “Mmmhmm, I guess
we should, and then we should go make some dinner.” “Probably
should.” Bobby sighed once again. They got up and dressed each
other, both of them putting the other into sweat pants that were a
bit too big and a longer tee shirt. Once they were dressed, they
headed to the kitchen to start making something for dinner. Neither
boy was all that much of a cook yet, but they each knew a bit.
Shortly after starting, the dads arrived. “Hi Boys, oh, you started
dinner already, thanks.” Billy said first. “Hi Daddy.” Both boys
said and hugged their dads. “You boys didn't have to start making
dinner, we would've gotten that.” Danny said. “We know, but we
figured we may as well, you guys worked all day. So, how'd all your
friends at work take you guys getting married, or did you tell them
today?” Donnie asked. “There was only one person there who was
shocked, and we don't consider him a friend anyway, he's the local
gay hater. The rest congratulated us and had said they had wondered
when we would get together. A couple of the guys there asked me if
that's why I got Danny the job there in the first place, and I had
to admit that yes, I had wanted my boyfriend working there with me.
They laughed and said thought so.” “Yeah, but it's a great place to
work too and it's been a great year since I started there.” Danny
smiled. “You think you're gonna have troubles with that one guy?”
Donnie asked curiously. “Probably not. The company has a strict no
harassment policy in place and should he cause us any problems, he
could get himself fired. We may have to put up with the occasional
icy glare, but whatever. Never liked him anyway, because I knew how
much he hated me, even though he had no idea. I doubt he sticks
around though, having to work right next to two openly gay men will
probably cause him to quit before too long.” Billy said. “I never
liked him either and I'll be happy to see him go. He's always so
arrogant, and I'm willing to bet he only gets worse.” “With him
though it's far better to smile serenely at him and just agree with
whatever he says. No matter what he's going on about, if you do
that to him, it totally disarms him and he stops talking. When he
gets overbearing like that, that's all I do, and he usually takes a
hike pretty quickly. He's very confrontational and likes to pick
fights, but he has no idea how to handle politeness or niceties.”
“Yeah, I've noticed that too, and I've seen you and a couple of the
others do that to him, it's quite funny. He's never even attempted
to start a conversation with me though, nor I he, so I've never had
the opportunity to really find out. Hearing him though was usually
more than enough.” Danny laughed. “You're lucky actually. So, what
are you boys cooking anyway?” Billy asked. “Just some chicken and
rice. We can have salad with it I think, but we haven't started
that yet.” Donnie said. “Okay, we'll get that ready then.” “You
don't have to, we will.” Bobby said. “We know, but we'll do it.”
Danny said. The men got a good salad prepared and then shortly
thereafter, they all sat down to eat. As they ate, they all talked
about their day, and the boys told the men about their conversation
about last names. Both men had to laugh, but agreed that joining
the names in that way made the most sense. They all talked and
laughed all through dinner and then all helped to clean up. Finally
they all headed to the living room for the evening, put on a movie
and watched that, and then watched a bit of TV until it was time
for the boys to head to bed. “Goodnight boys, have a good sleep.”
Both men said and then gave their sons hugs and kisses goodnight.
They headed up to their bedroom and stripped each other. They
deemed their diapers good enough for the night, neither of them
figuring that they would pee more than their diapers could hold,
hopefully they were right. When they crawled into bed, they joined
at the lips once again and rubbed each other through their nice wet
diapers until they had cum twice each, and then fell fast asleep.
Meanwhile the men were still on the couch, and as soon as the boys
were out of hearing range for sure, they started talking. “They
were diapered for sure, and they were glowing as well. They're
definitely getting close to each other. When do you figure they'll
tell us?” Billy laughed. “If they make it to the weekend I'll be
surprised.” Danny chuckled as well. “Me too. I hope they change
their diapers though, they were already starting to show under
their sweats, and I know my little soaker, he'll fill it up fully
and overflow if he doesn't.” “Same with mine, but oh well if they
don't, they'll have to learn that one on their own. Speaking of wet
diapers though, mine's getting more than a little soaked as well,
and well, I could use a nice diaper change, how about you?” “Now
that you mention it, yeah, I could.” Bobby smiled brightly and
turned off the TV. As they went past the bathroom, Bobby decided to
look in the diaper pail, since that was where the boys put their
wet diapers, and sure enough, there were four diapers in it, when
he had emptied it the night before, so there should have only been
two in it. Then he noticed something. “Psst, take a look at this.
There's four diapers in here, when there should only be two, and
there's holes all through two of them. They double diapered each
other today.” He whispered, so that the boys could not possibly
hear. “Hmm, sounds like a good idea to me actually. We haven't done
that to each other since our vacation.” Danny said happily. “Okay.”
Billy said brightly. So they headed to their bedroom and poked
holes in each others diapers as soon as they were undressed, and
then proceeded to double diaper each other. Once they were ready,
they adopted the same position that the boys had used and took care
of each other twice as well. They too fell asleep soon after,
actually falling asleep early, even for them. Chapter 3 The
following morning the men headed to work shortly after waking the
boys and telling them goodbye. The boys then proceeded to rub a few
good orgasms a piece from each other and then double diapered each
other again. They got dressed this time and went out back and
played for a good portion of the day, stopping only to go in and
make and eat lunch. Just before the dads got home, they went in and
changed each other once again, jacking off only once this time,
single diapering each other and then dressing each other. The next
few days went the exact same, and before they all knew it, it was
Friday afternoon and the men just got home from work. The boys had
not been out of diapers once the entire week and were wetting more
and more freely, sometimes without hardly realizing they were doing
it. That night in bed, the boys were talking after their release,
and they agreed that they had to tell their dads. They decided to
do so the following morning. “Morning Daddy.” Both boys said as
they entered the kitchen. “Mornin Boys.” They both said. “Go ahead
and get yourself some breakfast boys, then we have to go get some
stuff done today, we only have a few weeks left to get everything
for the wedding to pull this off.” Danny said. “Okay, and we want
to tell you something as well while we eat.” Donnie said. “Okay.”
Both men said, wondering if the boys were going to finally admit to
them what they already knew. The men had known of course that the
boys were playing around, the evidence was all there. Not only
could they see it in the boys' faces whenever they looked at them,
but they had heard the boys almost every night after their first
time, neither was too careful about being quiet. Not only did they
not feel it was really necessary, but they could not actually
control it any anyway. “So, we decided that we wanted to let you
guys know a couple things, we're gay, we're boyfriends, and we're
diaper lovers. We'd like to go get a new bed today that we can
sleep in more comfortably, and we'd like to wear our diapers all
the time, or at least as much as possible.” Bobby said, just laying
it all on the line. “Okay, but you have been wearing diapers all
day every day since Donnie moved in, so what difference does it
make?” Billy asked curiously. “Fair enough. We wondered if you'd
noticed.” “Yeah, we did, and you've been double diapering
yourselves every morning too, but then, so have we a couple times.”
“Yeah, I wondered if that wasn't a diaper bulge I saw a few times.
Your bedroom also always smelled like baby powder. This is so cool.
So, why are we all wearing clothes then?” Bobby grinned. “Because
you hadn't been ready to tell us, once you did, then it was safe to
do so, but there's no point now, since we have to get going soon.
And yes, we'll get you boys a new bed. So, how far have you gone so
far then?” Danny asked. “Just kissing and rubbing so far.” Donnie
answered. “That's nice. We're happy for you boys, and of course, if
you have any questions whatsoever, you make sure and come to us,
okay. We don't want you boys hurting each other when it comes time
to play with your bums, it's easy to do, and we don't want you to
learn the hard way like we both did.” Billy said. “Thanks, but
we've both read enough and done enough research about it that I
think we're covered, but if we have any questions, you know I'd
ask.” Bobby smiled happily. “Good, glad to hear it.” “So, what all
do we have to go buy today then?” Donnie asked. “Well, a new bed
and more diapers for you boys, because you're getting low, and then
we have to go start getting all the supplies and things for the
wedding. We can't get food yet, but there's lots of things that we
either need to arrange or buy. To make life a lot easier, we'll be
doing buffet style for the food and using paper plates and plastic
utensils and cups. Yeah, we know, not very classy, but we're not
very classy guys, and this will make our lives a hell of a lot
easier. We'll rent all the catering things for keeping food hot or
cold, as well as a few things for cooking outside as well, though I
think we'll probably buy that. Not sure yet, we'll figure that out
once we know the costs on things. We also have to try and figure
out all the tables and chairs and stuff.” Danny answered. “That's
cool, but have you figured out how you're gonna work it out if it
rains or something stupid like that, and what are you doing for
music?” Bobby asked. “We're gonna arrange to have a couple large
tents brought in, they'll help with shade as well, so we can use
them either way, and I figured that we have a good stereo system
and a computer with thousands of songs in it, so we can just do the
music ourselves. We don't wanna spend a huge amount of money, we'd
rather have a nice trip after.” “Oh, okay, but that brings up
something else, where are you going and what's happening with us?”
Donnie asked. “We haven't actually decided yet, but we were
thinking of taking you boys with us and just getting two rooms.”
Billy answered. “Really!” Both boys said as one. “Yeah, we felt you
boys deserved a nice trip as well, neither of you've ever gotten to
go anywhere before, and if we have two rooms, we can still have the
privacy we need, and you two can as well.” “Wicked, thanks.” They
both said again. “You're welcome, now finish up so that we can get
outta here and go shopping.” The boys finished up shortly
thereafter, then they all went and packed their diaper bags and
headed out. This was to be the boys' first time leaving the house
in their diapers and they were both nervous and excited. What if
anyone noticed, they thought, but then thought better of it. With
the clothes they were wearing, you would be hard pressed to
actually see that they were in fact wearing diapers. Though a
diaper lover would see it instantly, and probably, if he was a gay
man, cum in his pants instantly from it. Both boys were very cute
after all. They headed to a furniture place first and went in and
looked at a few of the options, the men letting the boys pick out
the one they liked, and they finally found one that they both
liked, the dads both agreed that it was a good choice, so they went
and paid for it and arranged to have it delivered on Monday. The
boys were told that it would be their job to disassemble the two
old beds and have them out of the way, as well as have the room
ready for the new bed when it arrived, and they agreed. From the
furniture store, they headed toward a clothing store that the boys
had no clue about, and when they got curious enough to ask, they
were told that it was a gays only clothing store and that there
were clothes there that may help the boys. They were both confused,
and when they asked what their dads were talking about, they were
told to just wait patiently and they would see. Oh, they saw
alright. When they entered the store, the boys found that while it
was geared toward gays, there were clothes of every sort there,
some of them probably should not be seen by boys, but the dads were
not worried about their little boys seeing anything in there. Not
only were there the more regular clothes, of almost every style, as
well as some very feminine ones, but there were outfits galore;
from a very skimpy maids outfit to a full leather one that was very
shiny. There were so many strange and exotic, wild and kinky
outfits, that not just the men were hard in their diapers looking
at them, and they enjoyed watching the boys look at them, but the
boys were painfully hard. Then they came to the section that the
men were interested in. “Here's there adult and teen baby wear
section. We won't buy you anything from the kinky wear section, not
'til you're at least twelve, mostly because there isn't a hope in
hell that any of it'd fit you yet, but we probably shouldn't
either. Here however they have lots of things that'll fit even you
boys, but you both need to pick out a few diaper shirts you like,
and you can feel free to grab anything else that you like as well.”
Preteen Underage Nymphet Billy said to the boys. Both boys
tried to say okay, or even thanks, but neither could get their dry
mouths to say it. Hell neither could barely get their brains to
think it, since a good portion of their blood was currently in the
wrong heads. They did look through the options though and picked
out several shirts each, as well as they picked out a pair of the
cutest footed pajamas either of them had ever seen before, and they
even grabbed a pair of hot looking snap crotch Preteen Underage
Nymphet jean shortalls each. The men almost came from that, and
they could not wait to see the boys in them. Neither was interested
in their boys, or either of them for that matter in a sexual way,
but they were diaper lovers, and seeing the boys in only their
diapers was always enjoyed, hence the reason neither boy was ever
encouraged to stop wetting the bed. “Anything else while we're
here?” Danny asked once the boys had picked through the entire rack
and picked out all they wanted. “Um, no, nothing that I can think
of, at least not from this store.” Donnie stuttered, he was still
so very hard and hardly able to concentrate. “Sounds like you boys
maybe need to visit the bathroom, I assure you, it's used a great
deal for what you boys need it for right now.” Danny laughed. “No,
we'll wait 'til we get home thanks.” Bobby grinned. “Okay, but what
else did you boys want that they wouldn't carry here?” Billy asked.
“Well, I've always wanted a butt plug, and a dildo would be awesome
as well.” Bobby said hesitantly, fully expecting an answer of no.
“Oh, sex toys, we should've guessed. We assume that you'd both like
them?” Danny laughed. “Yeah.” Both boys said. “There's a separate
room, that unfortunately you boys technically aren't allowed in,
but they do carry a good selection of those here as well. I'll ask
the guy if he'll turn the other way and accidentally not see you
boys enter that room and we can go pick out a few toys for you.”
Billy grinned and skipped off. He went and asked the owner,
explaining that his son and boyfriend wanted to pick out a couple
toys, and he said okay, saying that the boys sure were a cute
little baby couple. Billy had to agree. He went and told the others
it was a go, none of them had any doubts it would be, the man was
extremely gay, and both Billy and Danny suspected that the young
boy that sometimes worked in the store was more than just his
helper, and the boy was only just thirteen at best. The men took
the boys to the room and went in, and in there the boys nearly came
in their diapers again. There were shelves upon shelves of all
sorts of sex toys, some even the boys had no idea what they did or
were for. Whenever they looked and saw something and got a puzzled
look on their faces, one of the dads would explain it to the boys.
They ended up adding a couple extra items in this fashion, because
the boys liked the sounds of it. There were several items though
that neither boy was interested in at all though. They each ended
up picking out a nice sized vibrating dildo and butt plug, the
smallest vibrating cock rings they had, even though none of them
figured they would even fit the boys properly yet, but they would
still be enjoyable, as well as a pair of anal beads and a really
hot looking, but fairly small double ended dildo that the boys
giggled about but said might be a lot of fun. The dads only laughed
and said it was, but theirs was a lot larger. “You guys have some
of this stuff?” Bobby asked. “How do you think we know of this
place, we've both come here several times and we have all this same
stuff, just bigger. Now, pick out some good lube, we suggest either
the boy butter or the anal ease, but there are some really fun ones
here as well.” Billy smiled largely. “Wow, okay.” Both boys said,
so they went to the large selection of lubes and picked out three
jars, none of them small either. There was one of each boy butter
and anal ease, they both figured they may as well try them out, and
then there was a smaller jar of a heating one that the men said was
enjoyable. “Anything else boys?” Danny asked as they were leaving
the toy room. “Nothing that I can think of, but, you think you guys
can do the rest of the shopping yourselves?” Bobby asked, blushing.
“Sure, we don't need you boys, but we did want your opinion on
things, so today we'll go get the things that we don't want your
opinion on and we'll drop you off at home.” Billy smiled warmly to
his overly horny baby boy. “Thanks.” They went and paid for their
purchases and then the men drove the boys home. They hopped out of
the car with their bags before it even stopped and yelled goodbye
to the dads before they even realized what was happening. The men
just laughed, did not even bother to get out of the car, and both
silently wondered if the boys would even be awake when they did get
back home, and they figured that they would be several hours. “I
think we should've saved that stop for last.” Danny said as they
were pulling out, they had both just finished laughing. “No
kidding. Did you see how horny they were, man, I wasn't anywhere
near that bad 'til I was about fourteen or fifteen. Then again, I
hardly knew what my dick was at their age.” “Same here, lucky baby
boys for sure having such caring and understanding daddies to take
care of them. Sure wish I could've had what they have now when I
was their age, but then, I probably wasn't really ready for it,
yet, but I sure was by the time I was twelve, I had a full
understanding of who and what I was by then.” “Same here, though it
was closer to thirteen for me.” “Same, but I was still twelve.”
“True.” Billy laughed. They took off and headed on their way to
their first stop, which was to be a restaurant supply store that
they knew of that would probably be able to help them with a vast
majority of their needs. When they arrived, they were pleased to
see that they were very much correct. Not only did they have the
bulk quantities of food that they were going to be needing, but
they also had all the things there to keep the food all hot or
cold, everything to serve it all, and they even carried huge packs
of paper and plastic dishes. They copied down all the prices of
everything that they would be needing, because they wanted to check
out a few places so as to get the best possible deal. They figured
though that they would be able to get almost ninety percent of
their purchases just from that one store if they so desired, but
they did not want to over pay for things either, so they headed to
their next stop. They hit five more places throughout the day,
checking all the prices at each one. Two of the places were rental
places, and while they had much of what they wanted, in some cases
it was actually cheaper for them to buy what they wanted, and most
of that from Preteen
Underage Nymphet the first store. The only benefit was that
they would not have to store it afterward, but they figured they
could easily sell it after they were done as well and make some of
their money back, so that was what they decided to do. They would
still rent most of the big stuff, but the large cook stove and a
massive barbecue they decided to just buy, because they would come
in handy later anyway, but the tables and chairs and the large
shelter were far cheaper to rent. Finally, some five hours later,
the men had had enough shopping for one day, they had found a lot
of great things, so they headed home. Both wondered once again if
the boys would be awake, and they hoped that they would be diapered
if they were asleep. As soon as they made it in the house, the boys
started talking excitedly. “I can't believe that our dads bought us
all that cool stuff, I'm so hard still it hurts.” Bobby said first.
“I know, so am I, wanna go try it all out?” “Oh yeah, for sure.”
They nearly ran to their bedroom and jumped on the bed, both of
them still carrying their bags with all their goodies in them. They
each dumped out the contents of their bags and sorted through it
all and opened up all the packages. “How should we do this, I've
never really played with my bum too much before, other than putting
a finger inside?” Donnie asked. “Same here, so let's start out that
way on each other, and I so wanna try sucking you as well. We could
do it at the same time, suck each other, a 69, and finger each
others bums. Should we take our diapers off though to do it?” “That
sounds so hot, but no, I'd rather leave my diaper on and poke a
hole in the bum of it and pull the front down.” Donnie said
happily. “Okay.” They both stripped quickly until they were
standing there in only their diapers, and even though they were
still little baby boys, you could still tell how happy and horny
they were from the bulge that they were both pushing. They hopped
onto the bed, head to tail, and pulled down the front of each
others diapers at the same time. Neither had sucked before, but
they had both read a lot about it and had really wanted to try it,
a lot, and before too long, they sucked each other in. Thirty
seconds at best is all they managed to last for their first orgasm,
they were both just too horny, too charged, and they exploded. They
did not stop though, not even a little, they just Preteen Underage
Nymphet kept sucking. It felt absolutely amazing to them both, and
they wished they could do this forever. Almost a minute after their
first orgasms, they both started petting the others bum through
their soggy diaper and then started poking a hole in it in the
right place. Once they had the holes in place, Bobby reached out
and grabbed the first jar of lube his hand touched, got it opened
up, even though he could not see it at all, and then scooped some
onto his fingers and reinserted them inside Donnie's diaper. He
then passed the lube to Donnie, who did the same thing. They each
very easily inserted one slender finger in each others small back
passages, both of them moaning softly as the others finger slipped
into them. Neither was at all uncomfortable or in any pain, it just
felt so good. Orgasm number two happened roughly ten seconds after
insertion. Yet they still did not stop, in fact, they seemed to
just be starting. Ah, the power of youth. Just after coming down
from their second orgasm, they slipped a second finger inside each
other and started really going at it now. They were really enjoying
themselves, and within only a couple minutes, they were almost
ready to explode again, so just before doing so, they each inserted
a third finger inside each other. Then they fired off again, this
time it was even more powerful than even their first. They both
loved having the other inside them like this, it felt so good to
them, so right. They managed to suck and finger one more orgasm out
of each other before they both finally collapsed and laid on their
backs, staring at the ceiling for a good ten minutes, waiting to
come down fully. When they did, Bobby turned around and pressed his
lips to Donnie's and they kissed. “Wow, that was totally awesome.
Wanna try the dildos now?” Donnie asked. “Heck yeah.” Bobby said
happily. “Same way as we fingered each other?” “For sure, that was
totally awesome.” So they got into position once again and sucked
each other, each grabbing a dildo and presenting it to their
brothers baby boy hole at the same time and then inserting them.
These toys, while some of the smallest the store had, were still
larger than the boys' three fingers were, so they were a bit of a
stretch, but the boys only moaned lowly from the incredible
feelings they caused. Once again, there was no pain. Through three
more orgasms, they used the dildos on each other and sucked each
other, both of them enjoying it so much that still they did not
want to stop, even though they were both getting very tired. After
that third orgasm, they both collapsed back down again and came
down for a good fifteen to twenty minutes this time. “Wow, that was
so incredible. Wanna really bum fuck each other now?” Bobby asked,
saying the F word for the first time in his life, but he really
meant it. “Sure, what did you have in mind?” Donnie asked huskily.
“How about this?” He answered, grabbing the double ended dildo and
showing it to Donnie. “Are you thinking what I think you're
thinking?” “How it would feel to have our padded soggy baby bums
together with this in between us!” Bobby grinned. “Oh yeah.” They
both got up on their hands and knees and worked so that they were
bum to bum. Bobby took the dildo and worked the one end into his
bum first, and once he had it in as far as he could, Donnie took
the other end and worked it into himself as well, backing up once
he was able to, until their diapers were pressed together. They
both sighed deeply, this was officially the most kinky thing either
of them had ever read about and or dreamed about, and it was better
than they ever imagined it could be. They stayed still for a couple
minutes just enjoying the feelings, and then together they started
moving. The moved until they were about half way, then backed back
into each other. This dildo was a good twenty five percent larger
than their dildos were, so it was a very nice stretch for them, and
doing it this way was doing things to them that neither had ever
even thought were possible. Their first orgasms this time came
after only about two minutes, but once again they did not even
bother to stop. They were both getting insanely tired, they were
both burning up from all the exercise, their breathing was becoming
labored, and neither one wanted to stop any time soon. They managed
a further two orgasms though before their bodies finally had
enough, and as soon as they came for their last time, with twin
screams I might add, they both passed out. They fell to their
sides, diapered bums still touching, their double ended dildo still
firmly inside them, and they slept. They were still sound asleep
almost an hour later when their dads finally made it home. As they
were walking up to the house, the men were talking. “You think the
boys will be awake?” Billy asked. “I'd be surprised if they were,
granted, if they are, I'm almost willing to bet that we find them
in a compromising position.” “Hell, we Preteen Underage
Nymphet might find them sleeping in a compromising position.”
Billy laughed. “I wouldn't bet against you.” Danny laughed as well
as he opened the door. The boys had not even bothered to lock it
behind themselves in their hurry to have fun. “I don't hear
anything.” He said as they entered. “Wanna go check their bedroom?
I bet they didn't even close the door.” Billy grinned. “Okay.” They
headed to the bedroom and almost laughed out loud when they found
the boys sound asleep, their diapered bums still touching, but in
the position they were in, the dads could still easily see the
double ended dildo stuck inside both of them. “Gee, that brings
back memories, doesn't it?” Billy laughed quietly. “Yeah, but at
least they're still wearing their diapers, so there's no mess.
Remember when we did that the first time, we woke up and the bed
was a mess.” “Yeah, apparently they're smarter and left their
diapers on from the beginning. Though they're so full that they're
gonna start leaking soon, and the holes in their bums aren't
helping any either.” “No kidding. Should we wake them or let them
sleep and learn on their own?” “Let them sleep. There's a better
than even chance that we wouldn't wake them up anyway. Wonder how
long they've been out for?” “Hard to say, but considering that
they're both still so sweaty, probably only half an hour or so.”
“Probably. You wanna head to our room and have a little fun before
the babies wake up?” “Hell yeah.” Danny grinned, and they skipped
to their room and had wild sex for a good half an hour, then
installed a butt plug into each other and finally changed each
others diapers. Once they were ready, they did something that they
had never done in their homes before, left their bedrooms in only
their diapers. Finally, almost an hour after the dads made it home,
the boys woke up. They grumbled a bit to each other, before they
were finally able to make sense and actually spoke to each other.
“Wow, that was totally awesome.” Bobby managed to get out first.
“No kidding. We should probably get up and change our diapers. I
think we might've leaked a bit and I'm really full.” “Your diaper
or your bum?” Bobby giggled. “Both. Only one of which I want to fix
right now.” “You thinking trying out our butt plugs?” “For sure and
then we need to change our diapers. Wonder if our dads are home
yet!” “Hard to say, but probably. We had to have been out for a
long time, because I feel lots better now. I still hurt, and I
still feel great, but just before we passed out, I thought I was
gonna die I hurt so bad, it was awesome.” “Same here.” They gently
extracted themselves from their toy, grabbed each others butt plugs
and inserted them, with not even a hint of a grunt from either, and
then they changed each others ruined diapers. They had both leaked,
but not a huge amount, so that was good. While Bobby collected all
the messed bedding, Donnie grabbed all the toys, and they headed to
the bathroom, which was also the laundry room, and they both got
their things in to wash. Once that was taken care of, they took the
now cleaned toys back to their bedroom and put them away, then went
to find their dads, wearing only their diapers. “Hi boys. From the
position we found you in, we take it that you had a really good
time?” Billy smiled warmly to the boys once they came in. “Oh yeah,
it was incredible, thanks so much for buying them for us.” Bobby
sighed. “You're welcome. We're glad that you boys enjoyed them and
it sounds as if you did it properly. How do your little holes feel
now?” Danny asked. “Really stretched, but that's mostly because we
have our butt plugs in now. They're awesome though.” Donnie smiled
brightly. “Know how you feel, we do too. Sounds as if your diapers
leaked a bit too, hence the sound of the washer.” Billy said.
“Cool. Yeah, we passed out and our diapers were too full, so we
leaked a bit, thankfully not lots though.” Donnie said. “Been
there, done that, no worries. Just remember to keep your waterproof
mattress protector on your bed for just such an emergency and
you'll be fine. We'll have to remember to get you boys a new one
when we buy your new bedding tomorrow.” Billy said. “Okay, thanks.”
Both boys said. “So, what all did you guys find today, and did you
buy anything?” Bobby asked. The men told of all their shopping and
all that they had found out, both saying that they would probably
go back the following day to pick up everything that they could,
the boys were happy to go along and help out. For the rest of the
day, they all spent it in the house, watching TV and talking about
the up and coming wedding. The boys ended up still very tired and
went to bed early, and though they did suck a good orgasm from each
other before changing their diapers, they were unable to play for
as long as they usually did. The men went to bed a while later and
did the same for each other, and they all slept well. Chapter 4 The
following morning, all four of them emerged from their bedrooms at
almost the same time, all of them still in their very soggy night
diapers. They all smiled at each other and then went and made and
ate breakfast. Once that was all cleaned up from, they all headed
to their bedrooms, where they changed and dressed their boyfriends,
and once they were all packed and ready to go, they headed out. It
was a long day of shopping, because they went and bought all that
the men had found the day before that they could get right away,
and it was a good thing that they had thought to bring both
vehicles for this trip, because they stuffed both of them full.
They also hit a few other stores or places, and with the boys' help
they picked out all the different things that were going to be
needed for the wedding. They picked which colors were going to be
used, they decided on both their favorites, royal blue and a really
nice red. It looked really good together. They picked the flowers,
the centerpieces, the wedding arch that they wanted, the table
cloths, everything. Now all they had to do was get everything in
place and they would be set. Much of that they took with them right
away, other than the flowers and the arch, which of course they had
to order, so they did so. Finally they made it home and the boys
were told to go on in and have a bath and remove their butt plugs,
since it was not a good idea to leave them in too long. They
thought a bath was a great idea, so went and did so. They all went
to bed at their regular times and had a good sleep, after making
themselves more tired of course. Monday morning the men got up and
went to work after waking the boys and wishing them a good day, and
reminding them that the new bed was to be delivered and that they
had to get their bedroom cleaned and ready for it. They were good
with this, so got up just after their dads left, had a little fun,
changed each others diapers and then dressed each other for the
day. They went and made and ate some breakfast, and then went back
to their bedroom to figure out how they were going to arrange it.
“So, how should we do this then?” Bobby asked. “Not a clue. It's
been your room a lot longer than it has mine, so I hoped you'd have
Preteen Underage Nymphet a clue as to what to do in here.”
Donnie grinned. “Fair enough, but no, it's just always been this
way, it's how it worked. Not even sure why I had two beds in here,
never had anyone ever spend the night.” “It worked out in the end,
and maybe your dad hoped you'd be more social and have friends
over.” “Probably. I suppose we should just start by taking the beds
apart and taking them out. I hope we can figure that out and
they're not too heavy, because I've never taken furniture apart in
my life, and I'm not very strong.” Bobby shrugged. “I'm sure we'll
figure it out, it can't be that hard, and between the two of us,
I'm sure we'll be strong enough.” “Okay.” They started by removing
the bedding from both beds, and then the mattresses. Once that was
all removed and taken to the garage, they went back and tried to
figure out how to take the bed frames apart. After looking for a
few seconds, they found that it was super simple, the side rails
just clipped into the end posts, so removing them was as simple as
lifting them up, and the mattress base was simply a piece of
plywood that they had to remove first, so they did so, and took
both of them out to the garage as well. They then got the beds
apart and found that once apart, they were able to easily grab a
piece each and take them out. They took the four trips necessary
and got them there. “Well, that wasn't too bad, was it?” Bobby said
once they were standing there surveying their handiwork. “No, it
wasn't actually. Now that the bedroom's almost empty though, I
think I have an idea.” “What is it?” “With our rather large closet,
which was way bigger than my dads old walk in closet at the
apartment by the way, and it was big, why not move some of the
shelves around in there, since they're all moveable, put the
dresser in there, and we can just put all our small things in there
and fold and stack the rest of our clothes on the shelves. That'll
give us a lot more room in here, even with one larger bed. Then we
can put the bed under the window, and we should probably ask for
another desk for in here and they can go side by side. I haven't
even been able to set up my computer yet because I have nowhere to
put it. Same with my TV, you don't have one, but if we move the
book shelf and adjust a couple of the shelves on it, we can put the
TV on it and have it at the end of the bed, so that we can lay in
bed and watch it if we want to. I say the desks go on that wall
there.” Donnie suggested, pointing everything out. “Sounds good to
me, but I doubt the two of us together can move the dresser or the
bookshelf, and the desk might be tough too. They're all real wood
and really heavy my dad said. I remember him bringing it all in
when he got it for me a couple years ago, and even he thought it
was heavy.” “Maybe, but we can always empty them and try, and if we
can't, then we can ask our dads to help us when they get home.
Also, he had to move three heavy pieces a long way, we won't have
to move them far, and I bet if we put a blanket under them, we can
slide them pretty easily on the wood floor.” “Okay, that works, and
it doesn't hurt to try right.” Bobby smiled. So that was what they
did. They started off by adjusting the closet how they were going
to need to, then got to work on getting the dresser in there. They
found that once the six drawers in it were removed, that it was
surprisingly easy to slide on a blanket, in fact it was harder to
get the blanket under the dresser than it was to move it once it
was under. They got the drawers back in place and moved all their
stuff around so that it was all good. Since they both wore the same
size, it did not matter if their clothes got mixed up. They ended
up just throwing out all their underwear, Preteen Underage
Nymphet had all their socks in the top drawer, their pajamas in
the second, tank tops and diaper shirts in the third, tee shirts in
the fourth, long sleeve shirts in the fifth and shorts in the last.
All their pants were folded up on the shelves. They thought it
worked perfectly. With the dresser out of the way, which had been
where they wanted the bookshelf to go, they were now able to move
it into place, but it too was full of stuff. Just as they were
about to start unloading it though, the doorbell rang, and they
knew their new bed had arrived. They ran to the door and greeted
the delivery guys and showed them where the new bed was to go, so
they did so and were gone in about half an hour after getting it
all set up. “Wow, it looks great in here and it's a really good
match for the rest of the furniture too.” Bobby said once they were
alone again. “Yeah, it does. I almost want to ask you if you want
to test out the new bed, but we should get the bedroom finished
first.” “Oh god, now you're making me Preteen Underage
Nymphet want to say to heck with setting everything up and test
out the new bed too, but we can wait.” Bobby said, physically
having to force himself to snap out of it, they had more important
things to be doing. Donnie just laughed. They emptied the
bookshelf, just throwing everything onto the new bed in the
meantime, and then they were able to move it. Once again it was
harder to get the blanket under it than it was to move it once it
was. Once in place, they adjusted the shelves and Donnie found the
box with his TV in it and they placed it on the shelf. They then
went and laid on the bed and made sure that it was in a good
position for them, and it was, so they started putting everything
back onto it, omitting some of the things that had been on it
before, so that Donnie could put some of his things on it as well.
Next was the desk, and it was easier, but only because it was
smaller. They still had to take Bobby's computer off it before they
dared Preteen Underage Nymphet move it, but once it was
moved, they got it set back up again and then they were almost
done. “Now all we have to do is make the bed. Did you ever transfer
the bedding from the washer to the dryer though, because I forgot
to?” Donnie asked, because they had thought to put it in the night
before. “Um, no, I didn't. Crap. Oh well, it won't take long to dry
anyway.” Bobby said as they headed to the bathroom to do so. When
they arrived, they did not find the bedding in the wash though, so
Bobby checked the dryer, and sure enough, it was in there. “Hmm,
one of our dads musta switched it over or us. That's good though.”
Donnie said and they grabbed the bedding. They opened the mattress
protector once they made it to the bedroom and got it put on,
Preteen Underage Nymphet and then they made their bed with
all the new linens. It was a really nice thick soft cotton, just
plain white bedding, and a very nice patterned blue blanket to go
with it, it was exactly what the boys wanted. “Wow, this looks
great. Wonder when our dads will take us shopping for a new desk
though, because I'd like to get the room finished soon.” Bobby
said. “Same, but maybe they'll take us tonight. It's only one
thing, so it won't take long.” Donnie shrugged. They realized that
it was after lunch and they were both getting very hungry, so they
went and made and ate lunch, cleaned that up, and then decided that
they should probably go change their diapers, since they were
getting very full as well. Well, a diaper change for two horny baby
boys always takes a long time, but this diaper change took even
longer than that, and they each fired off five orgasms in five
different positions, all while using their regular dildos on each
other and sucking each other. “Mmmm, that was nice, and this new
bed is so comfortable.” Donnie sighed deeply. “Mmmhmm, I agree.”
Bobby sighed even deeper still. “Wanna try out our new baby shorts
that we bought the other day?” “Okay. With or without shirts?” “I
say without, then we can go play outside for a bit.” Donnie said
brightly. They hopped up and went and grabbed their diapers and
outfits, then came back and changed and dressed each other. “My
god, you look hot like that.” Bobby moaned once they were done and
he really looked at Donnie. “You do too. Wouldn't it be funny to go
to the playground like this, or even better yet, with a double
thick super soggy diaper on underneath it.” “I'd be so
embarrassed.” “Me too, but I bet a few boys and men cum from seeing
us like this.” Donnie giggled. “I bet you're right, but no, I don't
think it's a good idea. We'd probably end up getting hit on and
having to say no to a hundred guys who want sex, because I only
want you.” Bobby smiled warmly. “You're probably right.” Donnie
smiled back just as warmly. They headed out to the back yard and
played for a while, just having fun and being the boys that they
really truly were. They played outside for a good three hours, in
fact it was almost time for the dads to come home when they finally
decided to call it a day and go in and make dinner. The men walked
in less than half way through the dinner making process. “Don't you
boys just look adorable.” Billy sighed. “Thanks Daddy, these are
awesome. Thanks so much.” “You're welcome. So, did the bed come
today?” “Sure did.” Both boys said as one. “And we have a favor to
ask.” Bobby said. “What's that.” “A favor, well it's a question
that one asks when they are hoping to get something but cannot pay
anything for it.” Bobby said so straight faced it amazed both
Donnie and Danny. “Oh, you Sir are a brat. What's this favor you
wish to ask.” Billy laughed, Danny and Donnie could also not hold
it in and burst out laughing as well. “Thanks. Well, we changed the
room around, and we realized that we sorta need another desk,
because mine isn't big enough for the both of us, so can we go out
after dinner and buy one please?” Bobby grinned. “I don't see any
reason why not. Let us go take a look at your bedroom and then
we'll come and help you make dinner. As soon as we're all done and
cleaned up, then we can go.” “Okay, you may as well change your
diapers while you're at it too, you're starting to show a bit.”
Donnie suggested. “Good idea. We would've just changed after
dinner, but that works too.” The boys continued working while the
dads went and looked at the bedroom. Once they saw what all they
needed to see, they headed to their bedroom and changed each other,
getting redressed as well, since they were going out again right
away. They met the boys back in the kitchen a few minutes later and
helped to finish it off, and as they did so, they talked. “I really
like how you boys set up the room, it's perfect.” Billy said. “I
agree. What kind of desk do you want though?” Danny asked. “Just
something that matches the desk that's already in there was about
all we were thinking of.” Donnie shrugged his shoulders. “Yeah.”
Bobby added. “What if we just got you one larger desk, would that
be okay? There's lots of room there, so we could make it almost any
size we wanted and still have room left over.” Billy said. “Suppose
so. Doesn't really matter what we do I guess. You're the designer,
so we'll let you figure it out.” Bobby shrugged. “I have a few
ideas that you boys might like, we'll just have to go shopping and
see what we can come up with. So, did you have any problems with
the furniture delivery, and how exactly did you move the old stuff
around anyway, considering most of it's heavier than you boys are?”
“No, we had no troubles at all, and we just put an old blanket
under the things we needed to move and slid them into place, then
removed the blanket. It was really easy actually.” “That's good,
that's using your head. Use your head, not your back I always say.”
“Oh trust me, we still used our backs.” Donnie giggled. “Yes, I bet
you did, and that's good too, but you did it in such a way that it
reduced the amount of raw strength you needed, which neither of you
really has yet, and let you be able to do something that was
technically above your abilities. By using your brains, you can
achieve almost anything you can think of, when your body would
surely fail you.” Billy said proudly. “Gee, thanks for not calling
us weak or anything?” Bobby sighed animatedly. “Um, you're ten
years old, you're both really skinny and have almost no muscle
tone, I hate to say it, but raw strength is nowhere near your
abilities. We're the same though, trust me, that's not a bad
thing.” Danny laughed. “We know. Would be nice to at least have a
little muscle, so that the kids at school couldn't push me around
so easily. I mean, there's a boy in my class that's a head taller
than me, his arms are already bigger around than my legs, and he
picked me up easily last year and threw me. That's just not fair.”
Bobby said sadly. “No, but how much should I bet that he didn't get
an all glowing report card with the suggestion that he skips a
grade. How much should I bet that if you two were put Preteen
Underage Nymphet to a mental challenge that he'd be so outclassed
that you'd stomp him in under thirty seconds. And how much should I
bet that he's more insecure of his inabilities than you are. Trust
me, I went through all the same things, took all the same teasing,
both Danny and I did, we feel you boys' Preteen Underage
Nymphet pain, but just remember, they bully and tease you
because you have something they don't have, and can probably never
get, smarts. Sure, they can apply themselves and work hard and make
themselves as smart, just like you boys could work out and make
yourselves stronger, but does that really change who you are. No,
not really. Not that you boys shouldn't get some more definition
and work out some, you probably should, same as we probably
should've when we were your age, but not to help Preteen
Underage Nymphet you beat up other kids.” “I know, you've
told me all this before, well except to work out some, but it's so
hard being picked on and teased all the time. I know you know,
you've told me all about what you went through, and Donnie told me
all the stories of what he and his dad went through, so we're all
the same here, but that doesn't really make it any easier to deal
with.” “No, but it lets you understand that you're not alone. Once
you boys go back to school, you'll have each other, and there's
strength in numbers. Of course, bullies are usually pack animals
too, emphasis on animals of course, but as long as you stick
together, they can't hurt you. You boys do know though that with as
much as you've started to love diapers and how much we can tell you
want to wear them all the time, that once you get to school, the
kids will find out, eventually at least, and the taunting and
teasing will only intensify. What will you boys do then?” “I know,
and I guess we'll just have to deal with it as best we can, and
like you said, at least we'll be together.” “That's good. The
decision is yours though as to whether you wear diapers or not, we
won't tell you yes or no, that has to be up to you.” “There's no
choice really. If you're half as much a diaper lover as I am, then
you know what my answer will be, and I can only assume that Danny
and Donnie's answers would be the same.” “They are.” All three of
them said as one. “Yeah, that's what I thought. No, I want to wear
my diapers full time from now on, and no amount of bullying will
change my mind. Can we get some weights and stuff though, so that
we can try working out a bit?” Bobby asked. “That's a good boy.
You're so much stronger and smarter than I was at your age. Hell,
it was only a couple years ago that I really started to realize
half of what you already know.” “Thanks.” They finished off dinner
shortly thereafter, then all sat down to eat. Once they were
finished, they cleaned up, and then the boys were urged to go
change. They giggled and said, 'ah why, we wanna go out like this.'
The men laughed and said yeah right. The boys did go and change
their clothes, as well as their diapers though, then checked their
diaper bag, just in case they were out for a while, and then they
all headed out. Billy pointed them not to a furniture store, but
instead to a lumber yard, and when the boys asked why, he told them
that it was one of his ideas, and to just leave it to him. When
they arrived, they all went inside and looked around for a bit.
Billy asked the boys if they liked the same woods that were in the
bedroom already, and they both said that yes, they did, so he
pointed them at some plywood that was ten foot long that matched
what they had in their bedroom. “Why are you looking at plywood
Daddy?” “Because, I think that this'll make a good work station,
and with three end tables that match what you already have, they'll
make the uprights, Preteen Underage Nymphet as well as good
storage. It'll be strong enough, it'll look good, and you'll be
able to fit everything and more that you need to. If you like that
idea, then we'll get them to cut it for us, so that we can
transport it.” “Cool, that sounds like a really good idea.” “Good.”
Billy went and asked one of the guys to cut the sheet into three
sixteen inch strips for them, so he did, and while he was doing
that, Billy led the others to the veneer section and grabbed the
edge banding that he would need to finish off the edges. He also
grabbed a few wire grommets so that they could drill holes in the
work top, but have it look nice. When the boys asked what the rest
of the plywood would be used for, he told them that he would just
use it for shelving somewhere, since good storage was never a bad
thing, especially since they were going to have a lot of catering
type things to store. He also grabbed a couple pairs of keyboard
slides, so that the boys could have hidden keyboards. Once the
plywood was all cut, they paid for their purchases and loaded them
in the truck, then headed out. Billy took them to the furniture
store next and they picked out three end tables that were identical
to the ones the boys already had. They had three drawers in each
one, though they did decide to grab one with only one drawer and a
cupboard as well, for just in case. He also grabbed them a smaller
book shelf that could be set right on the desktop to store things
on. The boys also needed another desk chair, but Billy grabbed two
new ones, since Bobby's chair was getting old and rickety. They all
decided that that was going to be more than enough for the bedroom,
so they paid for their purchases and then loaded it all in the
truck as well and headed home. Once they made it home, the boys
were instructed to go in and start removing everything from the
desk in their bedroom, the men saying that they would bring in all
the stuff for their new desk. The boys were good with this, so went
and did so right away. The dads just brought everything into the
bedroom, and as soon as they were done bringing it all in, they
took the Preteen Underage Nymphet old desk out, because the
boys had just finished emptying it as well. They then all helped to
put everything together, and then Billy grabbed the iron and a
razor knife and applied the edging. Once that was applied, he
grabbed his drill and the right stuff and installed the keyboard
slides and drilled for the wire grommets. When that was done, he
trimmed off the excess edging, and with that, they were complete.
“Wow, this is a really cool desk, thanks so much Daddy.” Bobby said
happily. “Yeah, it does look good in here, you're welcome.” “What
are you gonna do with the old desk though, it's in really good
condition still?” “Probably use it in the kitchen as a phone desk,
since we don't have one and we do have the space for it. You boys
go ahead and start getting your desk put back together, we'll take
care of that.” “Okay.” The boys both said. The men headed out and
grabbed the desk and took it to the kitchen as planned. “Wanna
strip down to just our baby diapers?” Donnie asked. “Okay.” Bobby
said happily, loving having the freedom to wear just his diapers
now. They both stripped down to just their diapers and then got
started on putting their new awesome desk together the way they
wanted it. Donnie had to grab his computer that was still boxed up
and he got it all hooked up while Bobby was setting his up as well.
Both boys had fairly nice systems, not high end, but good. Just as
the boys were finishing up, the dads walked in, also in only their
diapers. “Looks good boys.” Danny said. “Thanks.” Both boys said.
“We're just about to sit down to watch a little TV before bed, you
wanna come join us, or do you still have more work to do?” Billy
asked. “No, I think we're good for the night, so we'll join you. If
we think of anything else, we can do it later. What all did you
guys do, because it can't have taken you that long to do what you
were gonna do?” Donnie asked. “We got the desk in place and got it
all set up properly, then we went and got more shelf supports put
up in the garage and put up the two new shelves and got a few
things stored on them.” Danny said. “That's good, and it looks like
you got comfortable as well.” Donnie grinned. “Yeah, we did, pretty
much as soon as we left you boys.” Billy smiled. “Same here.” Bobby
said. They all went and sat back and watched TV for the night, and
when it was time for the boys to head to bed, they did, making sure
to change each others diapers before they did, which of course
started some fun times. Tonight they got into a 69 and sucked each
other and fingered each other until they had three fingers in each
other and three orgasms. Once they came down from their last one,
they slipped in each others butt plugs and called it a night.
Monday morning, and the normal routine that was set the previous
week was pretty much exactly how this morning went as well. The men
were up and got ready for work, then went and woke the babies up
just before leaving and then headed to work. The boys laid in bed
snuggling for quite a while before getting up, and the dads hopped
in the truck today instead of the car and headed out. As they did
so, they of course talked. “I was thinking of taking off a bit
early today and going and grabbing the boys some workout equipment,
not that we can't stand to use it some either mind you.” Billy said
almost as soon as they left the driveway. “Okay, we can do that,
but I don't know how comfortable I am in getting the boys weights.
It's not good for their bodies to do weights yet, I've heard kids
shouldn't do that 'til after puberty.” “I wasn't planning on
getting any real weights, because I've heard the same thing, but a
little weight won't hurt them. I was just thinking some dumbbells
to help them tone up a bit, which, like I said we could use too,
and then stuff for them to do situps and pushups, jump ropes,
things like that that'll help more than weights.” “Oh, that's good.
I almost wish we had a pool, because that's the best form of
exercise there is.” “We could always put in an above ground pool,
they're not that expensive anymore, even for a good one, and we
have lots of space.” Bobby said. “Would you mind, especially with
the wedding coming up, that'll take up a fair bit of space in the
yard.” “Of course I wouldn't mind, it's your house too now right.
There's lots of space, even with the biggest pool we can get, so
there's no worries there. The only problem is the money. We don't
exactly have unlimited funds, and a good pool is still gonna set us
back probably a thousand dollars by the time all is said and done.”
“That much you figure?” “Yeah, I checked it out last year, because
I was thinking of it then, but I decided not to, because just two
of us wouldn't use it enough to pay it off I felt, but four of us
will. The one I wanted is eighteen feet across, round, fifty four
inches deep, salt water purification, hard sides, solar blanket and
heat, it pretty much had it all.” “Oh. Well, as long as we don't do
anything too terribly fancy or expensive for our honeymoon, then we
can still afford it, and with us doing all the work and doing the
wedding at home and for as Preteen Underage Nymphet cheap as
possible, we should be fine. We both have lots saved and owe no
money, as well with both of us paying the mortgage and utilities,
we're gonna do far better now, so unless you don't want to, I say
let's go for it.” Danny smiled. “Okay, and I agree about money. It
was never tight for the two of us, but I did have to be careful,
but now with two of us making good money and living together,
that'll save us more as well.” “That's good. So, you figure we
could leave at lunch then, go get everything, then come home and
surprise the boys?” “Sounds good to me, we'll just have Preteen
Underage Nymphet to ask the boss, but I'm sure he'll be okay
with it, especially if we tell him it's wedding related.” “Yeah, he
sure was happy about us getting married and gave us as much time
off as we wanted.” “Yeah, but then I've always suspected he might
be gay too.” “You think so?” “Hard to say really, maybe he's not,
maybe he's bi, but could you imagine the look on Jim's face if he
found out his boss was gay too.” Billy laughed. “No shit. Did I
tell you about my run in with him on Friday though?” “No, you
didn't.” “I didn't think so, I just remembered about it. Anyway, I
was just about to go into the bathroom as he was, he was before me,
and as soon as he saw me entering as well, he sounded as if he
choked, and then turned around and left, and under his breath he
said something. I can't be sure what he said, but it sounded like
he said I'm not going to the bathroom with a fagot. I just shook my
head and went and did my business and left. I mean, like I'd want
to do anything to him anyway, and I was gonna be in a stall, so
what did he think would happen, that I'd look over the wall and
watch him or something stupid like that.” “Who knows what could
possibly be going through the mind of a gay hater. He hasn't come
into the bathroom when I'm in there either, but that doesn't
exactly bother me.” “Nah, it doesn't bother me either. Should we be
telling the boss you figure?” “Probably not a bad idea to let him
know, so that he can keep an eye out for him, but we'll have to
tell him not to confront Jim either, that'll only cause us more
problems.” “For sure.” They continued talking the rest of the way
to work. Just as they were pulling in, the boys were just crawling
out of bed. They had not even said one word to each other yet, they
just stayed cuddling up to each other until they decided to get up.
“Wanna double diaper each other and then put our cute baby shorts
on Baby?” Donnie asked. “Okay.” Bobby said brightly. Donnie hopped
up and grabbed all that they would be needing and came back to the
bed. They double diapered each other and then got each other into
their cute snap crotch shortalls. With a super thick double diaper
on under them, they looked even more adorable than they had before.
Once they were all dressed and ready to go, they went and had some
breakfast, and then went and laid back for a bit and watched TV.
After a couple hours of that, the boys went out back and played in
the yard for a couple more hours, until they were ready for lunch
in fact, so they went in and made and ate that. After lunch, they
went back outside to play, and that was where they stayed until
their dads came home. Billy and Danny went right to the bosses
office as soon as they made it to work and asked if he would mind
them taking off at lunch time, saying that they had some things for
the wedding to take care of, and he was perfectly okay with that.
They also told him about Jim and how he was acting toward them
since they came out, and he said he had already seen it a few
times, and furthermore had already talked to Jim about what he had
witnessed, and told him that it was either shape up or ship out,
that he would not have any of his employees feeling uncomfortable
because he did not like gays. Billy and Danny were happy with this,
then headed off to their offices and got started on their work for
the day and worked hard until lunch time, then said goodbye to
everyone and headed Preteen
Underage Nymphet out. Their first stop was where Billy had
found the pool last year that he liked, so they went in and looked
around. They found almost the same model of pool, but it was twenty
feet around now, but the same depth, and it came with a better pump
and large sand filter instead of a standard cartridge filter, as
well as the salt water purification. The solar heater was also
different, it looked bigger and the sign said high performance, so
that was good. The Preteen Underage Nymphet price was a
hundred dollars more than it had been the previous year, but
considering all it came with, Billy was more than happy with that.
They went to the sales desk and talked to a guy there and asked if
they could get the pool they wanted, and just on a long shot, Billy
asked if there was a sale price for it. The guy hummed and hawed
for a moment, then said business had been slow lately, so he would
let it go for a hundred and fifty less to ensure he got the sale.
The men were happy with that. In fact, with their savings, they
decided to get a few of the pool accessories as well. They grabbed
enough foam dumbbells for them all for doing resistance training in
the water, they grabbed a few pool noodles and boards, for fun and
for working out with, they grabbed a set of diving rings, a pool
thermometer, a pool cleaning Preteen Underage Nymphet head
that they could attach and let it go and it would clean all by
itself, and then finally a few floating lounge chairs. Their total
when they went up to pay for everything was almost a hundred
dollars more than the original price of the pool, so that was
excellent. They got everything loaded into the truck and took off.
Unfortunately that store had not carried anything other than pool
stuff, so they had to go elsewhere for the rest of the workout
stuff. For that, Billy pointed them to another store and they went
in, and the store was having a large inventory blowout sale and
claimed that everything was on sale, so once again, the men were
happy with that, because that meant they could buy more for less.
They grabbed a good set of dumbbells, a weight bench with barbell
and a few light weights for it, a couple good skipping ropes, and a
few other small things they could all use. The weight bench was a
multi purpose one, you could use weights on it for leg exercises,
and it could be locked in position for doing situps as well. All
told they only spent a couple hundred dollars there, but they had a
lot to show for it. They loaded all their purchases into the truck
as well and hopped in. “So, anything else before we head home?”
Billy asked before he started the truck. “Nothing that I can think
of.” “Okay.” He said and started the truck and headed home. They
drove all the way home talking excitedly about all that they had
bought and where they were going to put it all, and when they got
home, they backed in and Billy had them right by the gate to the
back yard for ease of offloading. They headed in to find the boys,
only to find them already in the back yard. “Oh, there you boys
are.” Danny said. “Hi Daddy, what are you doing home already?” Both
boys asked at the same time. “We have a surprise for you. We took
off early and went and got a few things that we'll all enjoy and
get good use out of. We have the truck parked by the gate, no one
can see you boys from there anyway, so come help us unload and
bring it to the back yard here.” Billy said. “Okay.” They headed to
the truck, after Billy unlocked and opened the gate, and then when
the truck was opened up so that the boys could see inside, they
both gasped. “You bought a pool, how cool is that!” Bobby said.
“Yes, we did. It's a bit better version of the one I was dreaming
of last year but decided not to get. We also got a few other things
for working out, so we can all get in better shape, since none of
us seem to have too much tone, even if we're all thin.” Billy
smiled. “Thanks Daddy.” Both boys said and came and hugged their
respective daddy. “Well, what are you boys waiting for, let's get
this offloaded. We'll get the pool though, it's bloody heavy.”
Danny said happily. “Okay.” They both said, and then with a
vengeance, the boys tore at the stuff and hauled it all into the
back yard. Once the pool was free and clear, the dads grabbed that
and took it to the back yard as well. Bobby was asked to go close
and re-lock the gate, then they all worked to pull everything out
of the box for the pool and they all helped to put it together.
Thankfully it was not hard to do, and they already had a perfect
place for it. There was for some reason a large concrete pad in the
back yard, and it was more than large enough for the pool to fully
sit on, and there was still space left over. Billy figured that
whomever had put it in had either put it in for a pool or a shop,
either way, it worked perfectly for them. It took a good couple
hours for the four of them to get it all built, but by the time it
was dinner time, they had it done. Now all they had to do was fill
it with water. Preteen
Underage Nymphet They stuck the hose in it and then they headed
into the house to make and eat dinner. After dinner was finished
and cleaned up from, they all headed out and got started on
unpacking the rest of the stuff. The boys asked where they were
going to put the weights and stuff, and they were told by the dads
that it would all stay out on the covered deck, and since they had
such mild winters, they could still use it all year round. Though
the pool may not be comfortable for swimming in, because the solar
heat would likely not be able to keep it that warm. By the time
bedtime rolled around, the pool was still less than half way to
being filled up, but they did get the pump going with the salt in
the water, they put the solar blanket on, not only to gather what
heat it could first thing in the morning, but to keep crap out of
the pool too, and then they shut off the water and the boys headed
Preteen Underage Nymphet to bed. Bobby and Donnie stripped
each other down to their super wet diapers, they had not changed
all day and it showed, then stripped them off and put each other
into fresh diapers after removing each others butt plugs and
cleaning each other off. Once they were ready for bed, they laid
down and kissed and rubbed two orgasms from each other before
passing out. They slept peacefully all night long, all cuddled up
to each other. The dads went to bed themselves not long after and
they too changed each other and then kissed and jacked each off
before they too fell fast asleep in each others arms. Chapter 5 The
following morning after the men headed to work, the boys got up and
went out and started the hose again to finish filling up the pool.
They had been asked to not use the pool until later, so that the
dads could check everything, but they did ask the boys to make sure
it was full. After they got the hose going, they went in and made
and ate breakfast, and then went back out and worked out for a bit
with what they had. They only worked for about half an hour before
they were tired and decided to quit, and while neither of them did
any real weights, it was still more than enough for them. The pool
finished filling an hour past lunch time, so the hose was turned
off and pulled from the pool, and then the boys played or watched
TV for the rest of the day until their dads came home. “Hi there
our soggy little baby boys, how was your day?” Billy asked as he
and Danny walked in the door. The boys were sitting on the couch in
just their very soggy diapers. “Great, how about yours?” Bobby
asked. “Not too bad. Is the pool full?” Danny said. “Yep, and we
worked out for a bit this morning too.” Donnie said. “That's good.
Try and get a light workout every day, try for about an hour a day.
We're gonna do the same, we'll probably join you, but we should all
do it in the morning, we'll just have to get up earlier is all.”
Danny said. “Okay, I suppose we could get up earlier and join you
guys, but we only lasted half an hour this morning.” Bobby said.
“And that's fine. We probably won't fare much better ourselves to
start, but we Preteen
Underage Nymphet all do need it. Even I can admit I'm too
skinny and have no definition, and the rest of you are pretty much
the same.” Billy said pointedly, looking at both boys' clearly
showing ribs for emphasis. “Yeah, you're right.” Danny said,
chuckling. “Did you boys make dinner?” “No, we totally forgot, we
didn't even realize the time, sorry.” Bobby said. “That's okay,
we'll all go in and figure something out and then we can all make
it. But tonight, we can just do something simple and quick.”
“Okay.” Everyone said. They all headed to the kitchen and took some
chicken out of the freezer and they decided to make a simple
chicken salad with it and got everything ready. It did not take
long at all and they were eating, and then cleaning it all up. As
they were cooking, the men excused themselves for a few moments to
go strip down, so that by the time they were eating, all four of
them were dressed the same way, that is to say they were all in
just their wet diapers. After that, they all headed out to the back
yard, because the men wanted to check the pool, Billy grabbing the
water testing kit from the counter as they were going. Once they
made it outside, Danny started by removing the cover to the pool,
while Billy opened up the kit and grabbed the instructions for it
to see how the hell he was supposed to test the water. It took him
about ten minutes to do so, but by the time he was done, he felt he
had it figured out, so went and got some water and tested it. It
came back pretty good, just slightly off, so he read the
instructions on how to rectify it and then did so. He then tested
the water temperature, though the other three had already done so.
“The water's not so bad already, but I guess it was a good sunny
day. Still pretty cold though, so I say we wait 'til tomorrow,
maybe by then it'll be fine.” He said, throwing the thermometer in
the water to see just what temperature it was. It was probably only
one or maybe two degrees warmer than the water had been after
filling it, but that was pretty good considering the amount of
water that was in there and how quick the solar heater had already
heated it up by. “Can we swim in it by ourselves tomorrow while you
guys are at work Daddy?” Bobby asked. “I don't know, because one
thing I don't know is how well Donnie swims. I know you've been in
swimming lessons several times and can swim very well, but I
wouldn't want you by yourselves if only one of you can swim.” “I
can swim great, I love swimming.” Said boy said right away. “He's
taken several swim lessons as well and swims like a fish, so I'd be
fine with it if Bobby swims just as well.” Danny said. “Okay boys,
but you have to promise to be careful of course, and remember, the
water's about as deep as you are tall, so you won't be able to
touch bottom and still breath, and there's to be absolutely no
diving.” “Okay.” They both said. “Are we allowed to swim naked?”
Bobby asked. “I don't see any reason why not. With sixteen foot
tall cedar hedges all the way around the yard, there's no way
anyone can see us in the yard, unless they're in the yard or
somehow looking through the hedges, so sure, why not, and that's
certainly how I want to swim as well.” Billy smiled. “Wicked.” Both
boys said. “Why would you even bother asking though, you boys come
out here dressed in just diapers, swimming naked would be less
embarrassing than that?” Danny had to ask though. “It's not about
embarrassment, we weren't sure if we'd be allowed to or not. Most
parents wouldn't let their kids swim naked, even if the pool is
completely concealed. Thankfully you guys aren't most parents
though, you guys are wicked cool.” Donnie said happily. “Thanks,
and I have no idea why most parents would even care, but whatever.
All I say is poor kids who aren't allowed to.” Danny laughed. They
all went in the house for the night and relaxed until it was
bedtime. The boys headed to bed, changing each others diapers and
playing with each other for a bit before finally falling asleep.
The following morning the men headed to work and when the boys got
up and started their day, they decided to just strip down totally
and went and got themselves some breakfast, because they wanted to
go for a swim. Once they were ready to do so, they headed out back
and got the cover of the pool off. “You sure you wanna do this,
it's probably still pretty cold?” Donnie had to ask. “Sure, why
not. Can't possibly be any worse than swimming at the lake.”
“That's probably true, but to tell you the truth, I hate swimming
there because the water's so cold, I prefer the pool in town, it's
nice and warm. This body doesn't do so good in the cold.” “I tell
you what, after we've swam and played for a while, I'll take you
back to our bedroom and warm you up real good.” Bobby grinned
brightly. “Well hell, throw in some ice and let's go swimming.”
Donnie said and was the first to start climbing the ladder to enter
the water. Bobby just laughed and climbed up with Donnie and they
both stood on the platform. Bobby counted it off, and as soon as he
hit three, they both jumped in the water. “Holy crap, it's real
cold.” Donnie surfaced and screeched out. “Oh, it's not that bad.
Keep whining and when we get inside I'll just have to diaper you
like a big baby.” Bobby teased. “Okay.” Donnie grinned, but with
chattering teeth, it looked weird. “Get moving, it'll feel warmer
once you start moving. Should we try and swim hard and workout for
a bit?” “We probably should.” So they did. They swam good and hard
for a good twenty minutes, and then Bobby hopped out and grabbed
two sets of the foam dumbbells and jumped back in and they started
doing some water aerobics with them. They found this a lot harder
than it had seemed, because the nearly weightless dumbbells had a
huge amount of resistance in the water, thus making them work far
harder than they thought they might have otherwise. They lasted
only another twenty minutes. “Wow, I'm done, but I am warmer now,
even if the water's still really cold.” Donnie gasped. They had
worked good and hard, both admitting that they really needed this,
so they worked hard to do it right. “Yeah, same here. Let's just
swim and play now for a bit.” “Okay.” They stayed in the water for
almost half an hour longer, just playing and having fun, but
finally they had had enough, so they hopped out. Both boys started
giggling as soon as they saw each other out of the water though,
because they were so cold they looked like girls. They knew a way
to bring them back out of hiding though, and they planned to do
just that, but they got the pool closed up first, because they knew
that if they did not, they would not do it. They had better places
to be after all. They headed into their bedroom as quick as they
could, and by the time they made it, their boy bits were already
starting to show. They were already starting to get hard in
anticipation of what was to come, but even still, by the time they
made it, they were still so cold that neither was anywhere near
their full sizes yet. They hopped onto the bed and landed face to
crotch and started sucking each other. That was all they needed to
warm up and fully harden. Within a few seconds of starting, they
both slipped a finger into each other's moist little bum holes and
started fingering each other. Bobby rolled away for a second and
grabbed the lube, which was not hidden at all, just sitting on the
end table. He popped the top and grabbed some lube, then passed it
to Donnie, who happily took it, then took some himself, Preteen
Underage Nymphet and before too long, they were fingering each
other with three fingers each. They exploded only seconds after
their third fingers entered each other. “I want you to fuck me
please?” Donnie pulled away and asked seconds after they finished
cumming. “Dick or dildo?” “I want your dick in me, it'll be our
first time, we've never actually fucked each other with our dicks.”
“Okay.” Bobby said brightly. Donnie rolled onto his back and pulled
his legs open and back a bit, showing Bobby just what he had
planned. Bobby thought this looked good, so with his hot hard
little baby erection leading the way like a heat seeking missile,
he zeroed in on his target and his aim was true. He hit his target
first try, and slipped in all the way. They both moaned lowly.
“Wow, and here I thought the dildos and butt plugs were good.
You're not nearly as big, but you're so hot and hard, and I can
feel you pulsing in me.” Donnie sighed deeply. “Yeah, and you're so
hot and soft inside, and I can even feel you pulsing from inside as
well, it feels incredible.” “Do it, make love to me.” Bobby needed
no further encouragement, he just started thrusting softly and
slowly, pulling out until he was in danger of slipping out, and
then slipping all the way back in. It was pure bliss for both boys.
With their main tension already released, they had hoped that this
would last longer, but unfortunately little boys are not known for
their lasting powers. That did not stop them though. As soon as
they came, they just kept right on going. In fact, Bobby only
paused for just a second as the feelings washed over him like the
waves of the ocean crashing over him. Through two more earth
shattering orgasms, Bobby made love to Donnie, then they traded
places and lasted for another two incredible cums. “Wow, that was
way better than I ever imagined it would be. Can you grab the butt
plugs though and fill me up, and then we definitely need to get
diapered?” Bobby asked. “Yeah, it was.” Donnie said dreamily.
Donnie grabbed the butt plugs and they both inserted them into the
other quickly, then they grabbed their diapers and cream and
diapered each other the way they both liked. The rest of the day
went by quickly and they had fun and rested as well, and then the
rest of the week went much the same way. They went out and swam and
or worked out in the morning, then played for the rest of the day.
Sometimes they were outside, sometimes inside, sometimes they
watched TV or sometimes they played video games. They of course
also made love to each other a few more times throughout the week,
as well as used their toys a couple more, and in these ways they
kept themselves well drained. Though technically neither boy had
anything to drain. This weekend the four of them went about more
shopping, and on Saturday all four of them had their suit fittings,
so they had go do that. If the man who was to do the fitting was
surprised that all four of them were in diapers, he said nothing.
He was the utmost in professional, though they could all tell he
came in his pants when the boys stripped down to just their diapers
to try on their pants. After their fittings they went about the
daunting task of ordering all the food that they would be needing,
most of it would be delivered the day before, but a good portion of
it was to be delivered the morning of, so that it was perfectly
fresh. Both men talked to their moms Sunday night and went over all
the plans again to make sure everything went off without a hitch,
or at least any unexpected ones, because there was only to be one
expected hitch. They were all good with their duties and made sure
that they would have all the help they would be needing from the
rest of the families. It was getting eerily close to the wedding
though and both men were starting to panic, wondering if they had
bitten off more than they could chew, planning a wedding in only a
month. It was this coming weekend, they had to go to work only
Monday and Tuesday, and then they were to be off for three weeks.
They would be gone for two weeks after the wedding and then be home
for a couple days before having to be back to work. The boys of
course did all that they could do, amongst working out and playing
of course, and they were a huge help. Wednesday the tent, chairs,
tables, and all the other fixtures arrived. The tent guys set up
the tent, but the rest of it was to be up to the men and boys to
do. They had it done by the end of Wednesday. Thursday they had
their final suit fitting, and when they went in, they were deemed
perfect, there were no last minute alterations that had to be made,
so that was good. They also deemed it neighborly to write up a
letter to all the neighbors stating that there was to be a wedding
and party at the house Saturday night, that it would be loud and
the street would be full of cars. A few of the neighbors were
friends of theirs and were invited, but for the rest, they did not
want to annoy too much. They did appreciate the warning when they
read their letters and many of them decided it would be a good
night to go out. Most just figured they would stay home, since it
would be of little concern to them. Friday all the food that was to
be delivered, as well as Preteen Underage Nymphet all the
flowers were delivered, and what they could prepare, they did. Some
of it was delivered to their parents places, so that the moms and
aunts could do what they could to help out, but the men and boys
took on almost half the work themselves. They also got almost
everything set up outside that they could, so that they had less
work to do the following day. Saturday morning finally arrived, the
men were both nervous wrecks, Billy had thrown up, Danny almost
did, but they both managed to eat a tiny bit of breakfast. The boys
laughed at them and told them they were going to be fine, and that
if by chance anything was forgotten, it was too late to worry about
now, so there was no point in worrying about it, that they would
just figure it out. As soon as they were ready to do so, they got
started on the cooking projects that just had to get started, and
got started on preparing the rest of it as well. The delivery for
all the fresh fruit, vegetables, breads and pastries arrived when
they were supposed to, and they got that all prepared as needed as
well. The wedding ceremony was to take place at three, then the
party was to go from after that until everyone was too tired to
stand any more, so they figured twelve or so. The parents and
several of the aunts and uncles arrived at just after eleven, all
of them bringing food and last minute things that needed to be done
still. Billy's mom and dad brought in the cake, and when Billy and
Danny asked to see it, they were told to back away from the cake,
that they would get to see it once it was revealed to them after
the ceremony. They took it to a table, got it all set up, after
telling the men to get their butts in the house, and then once it
was set up, it was covered again. “So, Bobby, who's this?” His
grandma asked him of Donnie. “This is Donnie, he's my brother now.”
“Oh, that's so nice. It's good to finally meet you Donnie. So,
Bobby, anything else you care to tell us about your brother?” She
asked. “Sure, he's my boyfriend as well, and another secret, we're
diaper lovers as well.” “I thought I detected a diaper under your
pants when I hugged you. Your dad doesn't know I know, but I know
he is as well, and so's Danny, isn't he?” “Yeah, I sorta thought
you knew, and I felt you pat my bum, that's why I told you.” He
grinned. “Thought so. So, are you two excited?” “Sure, but we
didn't need the wedding ceremony really for Preteen Underage
Nymphet them to be husbands or us brothers, and Preteen Underage Nymphet they our
daddies, but they wanted to. We might do the same when we're old
enough, but we'll figure all that out later. By the way, the cake
was really nice. Daddy's gonna cry when he sees it.” “Thanks, and
that's why I didn't want him to see it yet.” “Cool.” “Oh, there's
my grandparents.” Donnie said and then called them over. “Hi
Grandma and Grandpa, this is Bobby and his grandparents.” He
greeted and then introduced them all. “Hi Donnie, my don't you look
charming.” His grandma said, picking him up and patting his bum
too, then she got a grin on her face. “Yeah, in case you missed
that, I'm wearing a diaper, I'm a diaper lover. And this is my new
brother, and boyfriend too, Bobby.” “That's what I thought. You're
so much like your dad it's scary sometimes.” She laughed. “Same
with Bobby.” His grandma said. “Yeah, the boys are diaper lovers
too, but I've known about Danny since he was sixteen for sure that
he loved diapers. I'm happy you two are so much more free than your
dads are.” “Thanks. How'd you know he was a diaper lover back then,
he said he never wore diapers at all?” Donnie asked curiously. “Ah,
but he did, whenever he had the chance. He thought we didn't know
about his using towels and putting them in his underwear and
wetting them, but we did.” “Hah, now that's funny, because Billy
did the exact same thing, and his occasional wet beds were more
than likely not as accidental as he played them up to be. He was
trying to work up the courage but always failed to get his
diapers.” “Same with Danny. We started seeing it when he was about
ten or so, right around you boys' age actually, but by the time he
was sixteen, we were pretty sure of it, same with his being gay. I
tell you, the day he came home and said he got a girl pregnant was
Preteen Underage Nymphet the biggest shock of our lives.”
“Yep, same with Billy. Well, as much as I'd love to stay and get to
know you guys, we really do have a lot of work to do and not a lot
of time left to do it, so what say we all get together later and
talk and get to know all the dirty details of our soon to be son in
laws.” “Sounds like a date.” The boys giggled and they all took off
and continued working hard to get everything prepared. The next few
hours went by in a madhouse of activities, not one of them stopped
running the entire time they felt. Just before the ceremony, all
four of them went into the house to change their very wet diapers,
and then shortly thereafter, it started. Once everyone was seated,
the music started, but neither of the men were walking down the
aisle, they were to just enter from opposite side, greet in the
center, hold hands and walk the rest of the way to where they were
to stand. Danny's dad was taking all the photos for the event, he
had a very nice camera, and he was snapping away merrily. The
actual ceremony took only fifteen minutes, it was totally non
religious, and then all the paper signing took a further fifteen
minutes, and then they declared married and introduced as the
Bray-Dee's. The entire crowd stood as one and applauded the new
couple. For almost an hour the two of them had their pictures
taken, the boys having to join them for several as well, and then
before too long, the party started. Billy stood up to start the
speeches. “Well, here we all are. I bet almost none of you expected
to ever come to a wedding for me, since it seems that my being gay
wasn't nearly as big a secret as I thought it was. I know almost
all of you almost laughed when I said I was getting married, and
then you chuckled at the irony of it when I told you to whom I was
marrying. I never felt that anyone would understand or accept me as
being gay, I guess I didn't really have to worry about it so much.
I have so much now to be thankful for that I couldn't really truly
begin to say it all, but I do have a few people to thank. To my
wonderful son, who has been by my side since the day he was born,
and just laughed at me and said I know, I'm not stupid you know
when I told him I was gay. To my loving parents, how you didn't
kill me in my teen years, I really have no idea, thanks for always
being there and accepting me for who and what I was without
question. To my grandparents, who I wish were still here, thanks
for spoiling me rotten, even though half the time I didn't actually
deserve it. Preteen Underage Nymphet To my aunts, uncles and
cousins, thanks for all the fun times that we had together. To my
sisters and brother, thanks for all the years of torture and
torment, I loved every second of it, and I hope you loved every
second of it I managed to give back to you. And finally to all my
friends, thanks for sticking by my side, even when I told
Preteen Underage Nymphet you my biggest darkest secret, I
thought you'd all take off and never Preteen Underage
Nymphet talk to me again, I guess that didn't happen. Without
you all, I certainly would not be here today, so once again, thanks
for everything everyone and tonight, we party.” Everyone cheered
and his parents had tears in their eyes. Danny Preteen Underage
Nymphet stood up next, and he too gave his speech. “Much like
Billy, I too was scared to death of telling anyone that I was gay,
and same as his family and friends, they pretty much already knew.
All the family had pretty much the same reaction to my telling you
that I was getting married that Billy did, and I Preteen
Underage Nymphet almost laughed at some of your reactions as
well. I too must thank all my family and friends for sticking by
me, even though you knew I was gay. I thought then that it was the
ultimate wrong to love another boy, but then I Preteen Underage
Nymphet met another boy, Billy in case you missed it, and we
fell in love. Together we have learned a lot about being gay, we
always knew we were, but neither of us had ever loved anyone
before, at least not the type of love two partners should share,
neither of us ever felt we could love another the way we thought we
should. Then we both got up the courage to meet each other and we
found that love. Did we have to get married? Nah, not really, it's
only a piece of paper after all right, but we wanted to. We wanted
the ceremony, we wanted everyone to be here with us when we stood
up there and swore that we would be there for each other 'til do we
part, and I for one hope that we last a very long time together.
This means the world to us, and we thank you once again for being
here with us on our special day.” Once again the entire crowd stood
and cheered and clapped. Bobby stood up next. “To my wonderful
daddy, you're finally getting what I knew you wanted and needed all
along. I'm glad that you finally told me and that you're getting
married to a nice man, someone who doesn't hate me and wants to
ship me off to some boarding school.” “Who says I still might not.”
Danny grinned, everyone laughed. “Nah, you wouldn't do that.” He
grinned. “You're right.” “Anyway, I'm also glad that I'm getting a
great brother out of this and another great daddy too. Thanks for
always being there for me and I hope you have a great life.” Once
he was done, everyone stood and clapped and cheered once again, and
finally Donnie got up. “I guess I'm the last, and considering I
hate doing this, I'm keeping it really short. Let's eat, I'm
starving, I haven't eaten since six this morning.” For some reason,
Donnie got the loudest clapping and cheering. The head table got up
and went to the food tables and started dishing up first, so the
men and their boys and parents, and then the rest of the people
went up in an orderly fashion and they all dished up. If there was
Preteen Underage Nymphet one person there that did not go
back for seconds of the great food, it would have been a huge
surprise. Many went for more too, and the food was to be kept out
all night so that everyone who wanted more to eat, could do so.
Finally it was cake time. The grandparents led the newlyweds to the
cake platform and Billy's mom lifted the cover. The entire crowd
gathered around them all and they all oohed and awed as it was
uncovered, and like she had surmised, Billy started crying. “Oh
Mom, it's so beautiful, you outdid yourself.” He cried happily,
“You're very welcome my beautiful baby boy. I made sure it was
extra perfect just for you. And it's your favorite as well. Triple
fudge chocolate cake. I hope no one here's allergic to chocolate,
because this cake will send them to the grave, forget the
hospital.” She grinned, everyone laughed. “Thanks Mom.” He smiled.
It really was a beautiful cake, not much for fancy decorating, but
it was perfect in every way, and on the top were just two male
figures holding hands, looking at each other. The men almost felt
bad for cutting it, but they did not want to insult Billy's mom
either, because it was meant to be cut, so cut it was, and then
they fed each other a piece of cake, then cut and served all their
guests, Billy's mom being the first. Everyone enjoyed the cake a
great deal, probably everyone going back for seconds, and in some
cases thirds, but those they got to serve themselves. Finally the
music was started, and the first song that they had in their play
list was to be the two of them dancing alone, and they danced to
their favorite song, I Hope You Dance, it was very beautiful. The
second song the men grabbed their moms and danced with them, and
then the dance floor was opened up for all to enjoy, and for the
next several hours, enjoy they did. Bobby and Donnie even got up
and danced together several times, both of them admitting to their
aunts, uncles and cousins that they too were gay. No one seemed at
Preteen Underage Nymphet all surprised by that news either. About
half way through the night, Danny's mom got on the microphone and
said that she felt it was gift opening time, so the music was
paused and the gift table was brought to the center of the dance
floor. There was not a lot on it though, because both men already
had everything they really needed. There were a few gifts there
though, but for the most part, it was just nice artwork and things
like that, and each gift giver was thanked gracefully. Then they
started opening the cards, and they found that the invitations that
their parents had sent out had said that money would be far more
appreciated since they were all set up for the house anyway, and it
would be put toward their trip. Once again they read all the cards
and thanked each person for all the money they had received. They
did not count it all, but by the end, there was almost four
thousand dollars. There was nothing there from either of the
parents, though the men had really not noticed that yet. The
dancing commenced and when the men went to sit down for a bit to
rest, Billy's parents came over, followed shortly thereafter by
Danny's, and they all sat down as well. “In case you failed to
notice boys, there was nothing in there from us, since we wanted
this to be a surprise.” Billy's dad started. “Actually, I hadn't
noticed.” Billy admitted as his dad handed him an envelope.
“Thanks, but why didn't you give this to us up there?” “Look
inside, you'll know why.” So he did, and inside were four first
class plane tickets to Mexico. “Plane tickets to Mexico?” He asked.
“Yes.” His dad said, and then Danny's dad handed Danny their
envelope. Danny opened it up and stared for a few seconds. “Two
rooms at an all inclusive resort for two weeks?” Danny asked,
looking up with tears in his eyes. “Yes.” So Billy's dad explained
it all. “We've been talking to each other on the phone, deciding
what all we needed to do to prepare. One of the things was what we
should get you guys, so we decided that there was really nothing
that we could get you, and money didn't seem right, not from us, so
we decided to give you boys the trip. The kids are of course
included, since you said they were coming with you. But this way,
you can use the money for other things around the house, and not
have to worry about a thing. You can also afford to take all sorts
of tours and do all sorts of sightseeing while you're there,
whereas before you might not have been able to. The resort includes
all meals, so you won't have to worry about that, and they're very
gay friendly, we made sure to check into that, so there's no fears
there, so all you have to do is enjoy. You leave tomorrow morning
at eleven, and we're driving you all to the airport.” “Wow, thanks
so much guys, this is too much.” “No, it's about right.” They all
said. The men gave their parents hugs and thanked them a great
deal. From there on though everyone had a great time. Billy and
Danny both sat with as many of their guests as they could to thank
them in person for their gifts and to just talk as well. It seemed
universal though from all their guests that the wedding was
beautiful and that it had gone off perfectly. Finally at almost one
the next morning, the last of the guests left for home, though
almost everyone helped to clean everything up, so that there was
not a huge mess when they woke in the morning. The newlywed men and
the boys all crashed into their beds, nearly leaving their suits
on, and had it not been for the fact that they all desperately
needed diaper changes, they may have done just that too, but they
did, so they changed. There was no wedding night bliss for the two
newlyweds this night though, they were far too tired for that, they
had been going for almost twenty hours, and they were absolutely
beat. They actually fell asleep before the boys did, only by a few
seconds sure, but before them none the less. The next morning they
were all up quite late for them, but it was still only just nine
when they did roll out of bed, they all nearly crawled into the
kitchen, they still looked absolutely wiped. Even the boys almost
had coffee to wake them up, but they all got some breakfast. Their
flight left in just a couple hours, and they needed to get ready to
go though right away, so as soon as they had breakfast in them,
they all had the energy they needed to get their packing done. They
all headed to their bedrooms and changed each other first, then got
dressed, and finally they each packed a suitcase and a carry on
with the essentials. Not even ten minutes after getting their stuff
ready to go, both sets of parents arrived to the house. Billy's
parents were to drive them, but Danny's wanted to see them all off
as well. “Now, you boys all go have a good time, we'll take care of
getting the yard all cleaned up and getting the rented stuff back
today for you. We don't know exactly where you want all the stuff
you bought, so we'll just set it in a nice pile in the garage for
now.” Danny's dad said. “Thanks Dad, that'd be great. We'll have to
find homes for it all, and we'll probably ask the family if they
want any of it, because while we'll keep some of it, we really
don't need it Preteen Underage Nymphet all.” “No
prob. Now, like I said, you boys go have a great time.” “Thanks.”
“Love you.” His mom said. She gave them all hugs and kisses
goodbye, and then they all piled into Billy's parents van and took
off for the thankfully short drive to the airport they were taking
off from. When they got there, they got hugs and kisses from the
parents once again and told to have a really good time and to have
lots of fun, but stay safe. The men and boys headed into the
airport with their luggage and were soon aboard their flight. This
was to be the first time the boys had ever flown, so they were both
excited and nervous, but they were okay. Takeoff was fun they
thought, turbulence over the mountains they could have done
without, but they survived, and finally the landing was nice and
smooth. They got off the plane and into the airport, collected all
their baggage, and then headed outside into the stifling heat. They
had all had hot summers before, but nothing like what they were
feeling right then, and it almost took their breath away at first.
The resort had sent a van for them, so as soon as they were told to
hop aboard, they did, and then they were off. They made it to the
resort a little more than an hour later and they were helped to
take all their things up to their rooms. They were told that
normally families had adjoining rooms, but given the men had the
honeymoon suite, and normally newlyweds did not take their kids
with them, the men had to trust that their boys would be fine
across the hall in their executive suite. All were good with this,
so they entered the boys' room first. Both boys gasped. “My god,
this place is bigger than our house is, and it's all ours for two
weeks?” Bobby managed to squeak out. “Yes Master Bobby, all we ask
is that you do not order any alcohol, your grandparents already
requested that there be none in the room, and room service was
asked not to bring it, but sometimes accidents happen. Please do
not do so or we may have to ask you and your dads to leave.
Otherwise the entire suite is yours to use and enjoy to its
fullest. We have also provided for you boys a mattress protector,
and should a wet bed occur, please just leave it and we'll take
care of it for you, just put the sign on the door asking for
cleaning and it'll be taken care of right away. The same is true
for you gentlemen. Should you also require any incontinent
supplies, we are fully stocked to take care of all our guest's
needs, and you may feel free to call for anything at any time, and
I assure you, we can probably bring for you almost anything you
could ask for. Anything except of course things that may be
illegal, but you know what we mean. Also, you may order from room
service at any time any food that you desire, or you may visit one
of our dining rooms, we always have people on staff to cook for our
guests. Almost all beverages can be brought to you as well, but
once again, no alcohol for you boys. We do strongly suggest though
that you stay away from the tap water, drink only the filtered or
bottled water while here, most foreigners find our water makes them
a little sick at first. I've been to your beautiful country many
times myself and I must say, your drinking water is far nicer than
ours is. I think I thought of everything, but should you have any
questions, of course, call at any time and we'll see what we can do
to help you out.” “Thanks for everything. The boys won't ask for or
take any alcohol anyway, so you don't need to worry about that any,
but everything else is great. So, I guess it's to our room next.”
Billy smiled. “Yes, of course, follow me.” He said and led the four
of them right across the hall and into the mens' suite. It was just
as spacious, but was done up in a much more romantic décor, it was
very nice. They were all impressed with it to be sure. “Thank you
very much for all your help.” Danny said and then passed the man a
bill. All he knew was that it was worth about twenty dollars, but
had no clue how much it was there. The man thanked him happily and
left. “Okay boys, let's get unpacked and check the place out.
Always keep your key cards on you at all times, and if for any
reason we're not together and you need help or something, just call
front desk and ask for it.” Billy said. “Okay.” Both boys said as
one and headed over to their suite. They took a few minutes to
unpack all their stuff, change each others very wet diapers, change
into some nice shorts and a tank top, and they met their dads in
the hall. The men had done exactly the same thing and were out only
a second after the boys. “Okay, let's go check the place out.”
Danny said excitedly and they all headed out. They toured the
place, just checking everything out for a good hour, before they
all decided that they were getting pretty hungry, so they went to
one of the restaurants in the resort, sat down and ordered their
food a few minutes later. By the time they were finished eating,
they were all stuffed and ready to go, so they did. They decided to
call it a night and all headed up to their rooms, where not one of
them was thinking anything about sleeping. It may have been the
dads' honeymoon, but the boys had almost as much to celebrate, and
they planned to do so for as long as they could. To say it was a
long night all around would be an understatement, but it was a very
good long night. They all played for more than two hours, the men
actually outlasting the boys this night, but not by much, and then
they all passed out. Thankfully they were all diapered. The
following day they checked out all the options for tours and
whatnot after breakfast and decided on two different things for the
day and then went and did them. One before and one after lunch,
then they had dinner and sat around Preteen Underage Nymphet
the pool for a couple hours before bed. It was a far more tame
evening, but they did all play too. The entire rest of their stay
was the same though, they got up, had breakfast together, went and
did a couple activities through the day, and then back to their
rooms. Before they knew it, and long before they were ready to do
so, they were on their way home. They were all tired and happy and
they all slept all the way home. It was Danny's parents there to
greet them and take them home, though the men had not actually
thought of who was picking them up, so they were just happy to see
that someone was. On the ride home, they told the grandparents all
Preteen Underage Nymphet about Preteen Underage
Nymphet the trip and everything that they had done the entire
time they were there, and they were glad that the men and boys had
had such a good time. When they got home, Billy's parents were
there to greet them, and then the men and boys had to retell their
tale again, but they were happy to do so, only this time they
hooked up the camera to the TV and showed all the pictures as well,
and considering Danny's parents stayed, they got to see it all as
well and hear more of what they had done. Finally after dinner, the
parents headed home, leaving the boys to wind down and relax, and
they did. They all went and changed their diapers and then came out
in just them and laid back on the couch for the rest of the night
and watched TV. Chapter 6 As time seems to do, it whipped by far
too fast. The week after getting back from their trip, the men had
to head back to work, and they had a great time telling all their
co-workers all about it. Though they did not have to put up with
the miserable one, because they got some good news. Apparently he
had gone into the bosses office while they were away and told him
that he should fire both Billy and Danny, because they were, in his
words, a disgrace to the company and to mankind. The boss fired him
instantly, and though he tried to say he would sue the company for
wrongful dismissal, the boss was not worried, because he had a very
strict anti harassment policy in place, and that violated it to the
extremes, and the miserable one knew what the consequences were, so
it was his fault. Billy and Danny were happy with it, mind you, so
was everyone else. The boys got back into their routine that they
had started and worked out every day that they could, and by the
time summer ended, you could already see the difference in them.
They were still small and skinny, but now their ribs did not show
and they were starting to get some definition in their taut tummies
and chests. Even the men were working out with the boys as much as
they could, and they too were feeling the effects. The boys were
still insatiable of course, and almost every day they made love to
each other a couple times in one form or another, but occasionally
they only did it once in a day, but it was rare. Before they knew
it though, school was about to start, and they were both getting a
little on the nervous side. A couple times the dads asked them if
they were still sure of wearing diapers to school, and both said
that they were very sure of it. Not only did they love them, but
now they almost truly did need them, because they hardly ever
noticed when they had to pee, so without them, they would surely
have accidents. They both said that they were just more nervous
about going to school and admitting that they were boyfriends,
because they felt it would be better in the long run to let it out
right at the beginning and let everyone get used to it, rather than
have them find out by seeing the boys together. The dads had to
admit that this was probably the best course of action, because
there was no way the boys could hide what they shared in front of
the other kids, they would see it instantly, and then tear the boys
to shreds. On this front, both Billy and Danny had already went and
talked to the schools principal and warned him that the boys were
not only openly gay and out, but that they were going to admit it
on their first day, so that they did not have to hide it. He was
shocked of course that a pair of young boys would admit such a
thing, but did have to admit that if the boys were easy to read,
that it probably was for the best as well. He did ask though that
the men asked the boys to keep any open affection off the school
grounds or he would have to ask them to leave, they agreed to this,
and so did the boys. They went and did all their back to school
shopping and on the first day of school, the boys dressed in their
nicest new clothes and headed out. It was only to be a half day,
but both boys felt that it was going to be a very long day. Bobby
already had some friends in the school, well, sorta friends really.
He knew them from school, but they had never done anything outside
of school. They all congregated in the front to ask each other how
the summer was. The other kids had the usual stories, and then
Bobby got his chance to talk. “Well, my dad got married during the
summer and I ended up with a brother. This is Donnie, but we really
liked each other, to the point that we're actually boyfriends now.
What's funny though is that our dads are gay as well, and they're
the ones who got married. Then after the wedding we went on a two
week trip to an awesome resort in Mexico, it was really nice.”
Bobby said all upbeat. For the next several seconds you could have
heard a pin drop. “You're telling us that you're gay?” A boy named
Timmy asked, he and Bobby had gone to school together their whole
lives. “Yeah, and I have to wear diapers now as well, and so does
Donnie, because his bladder never worked and mine failed totally
right at the end of school last year.” Bobby answered happily.
“Oh.” He and a couple others said. The boys could tell that this
news was not all that well received by the five boys. “I can see
that none of you care to hear this, in which case I guess I won't
call you friends any more. Oh well, your loss.” He said and both he
and Donnie turned and walked into the school. A couple of the boys
blabbed right away to others, whereas the rest of them were
actually okay with the revelation, just shocked. None the less, by
the time their first break came about, almost all the older kids in
the school knew, some of the younger ones did too, but most of them
failed to truly understand what it meant, well, except the diaper
wearing part. They got a couple taunts like gay baby, and things
like that, but they just smiled and waved at the offending student
and went on their way. It actually did not bother them at all. They
were very happy with their decision and had found it far easier
than they thought they would. Finally they were released from their
first day of school at what would normally be their lunch time, and
Timmy caught up to them. “Hi guys. Sorry about my reaction this
morning, was just a bit of a shock is all. I wasn't the one to
tell, I promise, though it doesn't seem to be bothering you guys.”
“That's okay, we knew it would happen, and we wanted it to as well,
so that everyone can see that we're not bothered by it, so that
they can get it all out right now.” Billy smiled. “Oh. You really
have to wear diapers though?” “Yep, see.” Bobby said and pulled his
shirt and pants out of the way enough for Timmy to see. “Oh,
doesn't that sorta suck?” “Nah, we actually love them, and to tell
you the truth, even if I did have control back tomorrow, I probably
wouldn't give them up now. They're wicked comfortable and so
convenient you have no idea.” “Oh.” He blushed. “Oh, you do know.”
Bobby smiled brightly. “No, of course not, what do you mean!” He
panicked. “Let me guess, bed wetter, but sometimes when you're by
yourself or when you can get away with it, you wear your night
diapers, don't you?” Bobby asked quietly. “No, of course not.” He
said, but he was blushing madly and was nearly hyper ventilating.
“It's okay to admit it to us, like we'd say anything. Have you
admitted that you're gay yet as well?” Donnie asked. “Oh, you think
he's gay, I never noticed before?” Bobby asked, but took a closer
look at his somewhat friend. “Sure, two of the boys Preteen
Underage Nymphet this morning were, I'm sure of it. You've
grown up with them, so you probably didn't notice it, because it
was just always that way, but I noticed right away. “I'm not gay.”
He said in a squeaky voice, nearly starting to cry. “It's okay if
you are you know. Look at us, we're happy, we're healthy, and we're
gay. You don't have to admit it to us right now, maybe you aren't,
only you can say that, it's just what I feel, maybe my gaydar isn't
fully active yet.” Donnie giggled. “Gaydar?” Timmy laughed, the
term sounded ludicrous. “Yeah, our daddies say that lots of gay
guys have what's called gaydar, it's the ability to tell who's gay
and who's not. Some people say it like it's a joke, but you know,
ever since I truly admitted what I was, I've started noticing that
other guys are gay, though some are iffy, so maybe they're just bi,
who knows. We still have a lot to learn I suppose, we're only ten.
Mind you, we both turn eleven really soon. Man, I can't believe
we're already in grade six, it's cool being the oldest in the
school.” “I....I.....I.....” “It's okay, like Donnie said, it's not
something you have to admit right away, even to yourself, but if
you are, you should accept it. Remember what the guidance counselor
told us all last year about teen suicide and what the number one
cause was, he told us all about it during our sex ed class and what
gay really was and that almost all kids that commit suicide do so
because they can't handle being gay. Mostly because they think
their families would hate them.” Bobby said softly. “Thanks.” He
whispered, and then before the boys could say anything further, he
turned and headed off. The boys just let him go, the rest had to be
up to him now. “That was interesting. So, you thought another of
them was gay too huh?” “Yeah, pretty sure of it. The pretty blond
boy.” “Mikey.” “Didn't get his name, but if he's the one with the
long wavy blond hair, oh yeah, nearly went hard the first time I
saw him I thought he was so gay.” Donnie giggled. “Slut.” Bobby
giggled too. “Wanna go home and get a little slutty together?”
“Thought you'd never ask.” They ran all the way home and crashed in
the door, ran to their bedroom and jumped on the bed and then
proceeded to make love to each other for an hour or more. Once they
were satisfied, they got out of bed and changed each others
diapers, then headed into the kitchen to get some lunch. They went
and worked out on the equipment a bit and then played for the rest
of the day, made dinner, and then ate it with their dads once they
got home. The boys happily told them about their first day of
school and their public outing and what had happened with Timmy.
The men were happy with the boys and told them so. The following
day Timmy was not at school, the boys figured that he had needed
the time to adjust, though they had hoped he had not gone and done
anything stupid. Mikey and a couple of the others that Bobby had
called friends had actually sat with them at lunch and they all
talked and had a good time. Bobby and Donnie did have to take a few
taunts, but they just smiled and waved once again and just let it
go. The next morning Tommy was there for the day, and he was quiet
all day and stayed to himself for the most part, but as soon as
school ended, he came up to Bobby and Donnie and asked to talk to
them. The boys steered all three of them to a quiet place to sit
and talk. “So, what did you want to talk about, and how are you
feeling Timmy?” Bobby asked. “I think you know what, and the reason
I didn't come to school yesterday was because my dad and I stayed
home all day talking. He stayed home from work as well and we just
talked all day long. When I got home the other day, he could tell
something was wrong and asked me. I wouldn't tell him, because I
thought he'd be really upset. Finally after dinner he made me tell
him what was wrong and I told him I thought I was gay. He just,
'okay, that's fine with me,' and that was it. He did admit that
he's bi though, and I went to bed. Yesterday morning I woke up
really wet, my Goodnite leaked and everything, and my dad asked me
if I was scared of being gay, so I told him yes.” “I started crying
because I didn't want to be gay, I wanted to be normal, and he just
hugged me, even though I was soaked. He laid me down on my bed and
stripped me, washed me down and then put me into another one of my
Goodnites, all while I was still crying. I tried to ask him why he
put another Goodnite on me, but he told me not to talk yet. Then he
picked me up and carried me to the living room and sat down and we
just talked and talked all day long. He told me all about how he
was scared that he was gay when he was my age as well, how he
decided that he was bi instead, how he hid the gay side of himself,
and how much it had hurt him to do so, but that he didn't want me
to do the same thing. He told me how he'd suspected since I was
five or six that I was gay, and told me that he suspected that I
was totally gay, that I wouldn't enjoy being with a girl at all.”
“I only cried more, because I had to admit to him that I'd tried
looking at pictures of girls on the computer, but they grossed me
out, but not the pictures of the boys. He just laughed and told me
that he thought as much. I really don't want to be gay, but I think
I am, and I enjoyed getting to wear my diaper all day long with my
dad. He changed me two more times throughout the day, and when I
asked him why he kept changing my diaper, he asked me if I really
wanted him to answer that, so I said yes. He told me that he knew I
was a diaper lover as well and even asked me if I wanted real
diapers instead of the Goodnites. I'm pretty sure I blushed a lot
at that, but I did say yes. I wasn't gonna lose the chance if he
offered, even though I was really embarrassed.” “Congratulations
Timmy, I bet you feel way better too.” Bobby said, hugging his
friend lightly. “Yeah, I sorta do to tell you the truth, but I'm
not ready to do what you guys did and tell the whole school.”
“That's okay, no one said you had to. We had no choice, because
even we could tell that there was no way we'd be able to hide what
we felt for each other, so we figured it was the lesser of two
evils, and this way everyone can see we're not bothered by it.”
Donnie smiled. “Makes sense, and even I could tell right away.” He
giggled. “Yeah, but you're gay and your gaydar is probably already
somewhat active. Tell me, have you noticed any of our other friends
that might be gay?” Bobby asked. “Yeah, I think Mikey is.” “So do
we. Would you like him as a boyfriend?” “Oh yeah, he's so freaking
cute, and I'd totally love to see him in a soggy diaper too.” He
grinned and blushed. “Same here, but then, we wouldn't mind seeing
you like that either. Wanna come spend the night at our house on
Friday night, we'll invite him as well and see where things lead?”
Donnie asked. “Thanks, I think. I don't know about spending the
night at your house, I've never spent the night anywhere before
because of my bed wetting.” “Yeah, but we wear diapers all the
time, and something else Preteen Underage Nymphet you'd find
out about anyway, but so do our dads. When we're at home together,
that's about all we wear too.” “Really!” “Oh yeah, and you'd get to
as well. Maybe we can get Mikey into diapers as well. We'll arrange
it all tomorrow, and then the next day we'll all spend the night
together.” Donnie smiled. “Okay. I'll ask my dad, but he'll
probably say yes, because he keeps telling me that wetting the bed
is no reason to not have sleepovers, especially with my Goodnites.”
“Exactly, so ask him tonight and we'll talk more tomorrow. We
should probably be heading home though, we want to go do our daily
workout and then we have to start dinner soon.” “Oh, okay. I
thought you were looking better, you've been working out?” “Thanks,
yeah, we both have been. We have some small weights, a few other
workout things and a pool now to use, so it's really good. We're
not allowed to do heavy lifting yet, because it's not good for our
bodies, but we do work quite hard, and it's already helping too.”
“Cool. You think I could come over and work out with you guys?”
“Don't see any reason why not. Just call your dad and see if he'd
allow it and then we'll go from there.” Bobby smiled. “Cool,
thanks.” He grabbed a cell phone from the bottom of his backpack,
turned it on, and then called his dad and asked. He must have said
it was okay, because he smiled brightly and said goodbye. He
excitedly told the boys that he was allowed to stay until dinner
time and then come home, so the three boys headed out. Just as they
were about to leave the school yard, Mikey saw them and came over.
“What are you still doing here?” Timmy asked him. “I was actually
waiting for you to finish talking to Bobby and Donnie, because I
wanted to talk to you.” “Oh, well we're heading to their place,
because I'm gonna go workout with them.” “Oh, maybe tomorrow then,
or you can call me tonight, but I'd rather talk in person.” “Why
not see if you can come to our place and you can talk on the way?”
Bobby said. “No thanks, it's sorta private.” Mikey blushed. “Oh,
okay, but what if I were to tell you that all three of us think
you're gay as well, and that we think that you think that Timmy is
too and you maybe want to ask him to be your boyfriend?” Bobby
grinned. “Huh, what.” Both Timmy and Mikey said at the same time.
“You heard me. Go ahead and call home and then come to our place,
all four of us can talk.” “Okay.” He called his mom and asked, and
she said yes and to be home for dinner as well. All four of them
headed out right away and walked toward Bobby and Donnie's house.
When they made it there, they all went out back. “Pool or workout
equipment?” Bobby asked. “Pool.” Timmy and Mikey both answered.
“Good, we hoped you'd say that. This pool has a very strict dress
code though.” “What?” “That you wear none.” “Huh, as in no swim
suits?” Timmy gasped. “That's right, so come on, let's strip. Don't
worry, we all have the same stuff between our legs and no one can
Preteen Underage Nymphet see us. We're also allowed to swim
naked here and our dads won't mind, so you don't have to be
afraid.” Donnie said, he and Bobby were already stripping. The two
new boys just stared in shock as the two boys ended up standing
there in just their soggy diapers before them unashamedly. With a
cough from Bobby, they both started stripping until they were
standing there in just their underwear. Both boys were wearing hot
looking boxer briefs that hugged their cute bodies very nicely, and
showed off the fact that they must have enjoyed seeing Bobby and
Donnie in just their diapers. All four of them removed their last
items that were covering their bodies, and all four boys looked at
each other appreciatively. All four of them were hard, and they
were all about the same size. All their foreskins were pulled
almost all the way back, and then Bobby happened to notice
something about Mikey. “Mikey, you're circumcised, that's weird,
most kids our age aren't any more. Our dads both are, but they said
that's just because that's what they did when they were babies.”
“Yeah, apparently my mom wanted me cut, she said it was cleaner, so
she went and had it done. Whatever.” He shrugged, but he had a
rather large blush from admitting it as well. “That's okay, I'm
sure it still feels good anyway.” Donnie grinned. “Oh yeah.” He
said and then blushed more. “That's good. Well, let's go hop in the
pool and we'll talk as we work out.” Bobby laughed. Bobby went and
opened up the pool and put the ladder in, while Donnie grabbed the
pool weights and threw them in. They all hopped in the cool water
and then started swimming around. After a good fifteen minute swim,
they all got into a circle and Bobby said he would lead, and while
he did that, they talked. “So, how long have you known you were gay
then Mikey?” Bobby asked. “Don't really know, sorta always did I
guess. My mom says she's known since I was real young as well.”
“So, she knows about you then!” “Yeah, I admitted to her a year ago
that I thought I was different than other boys, I always felt more
like a girl. She said she knew that already and asked me how all I
felt different. I told her that I just sorta always thought of my
boy friends and wanted to see them naked, things like that. She
asked me if I knew what gay was, and I said I thought I knew, so
she explained it all to me, and I admitted that I was pretty sure I
was, she said she was pretty sure I was as well. She admitted that
she's bi and what that meant, but I sorta already knew, because
she'd had men and women stay the night with her before, sometimes
one or two of each. She told me she's what's known as a swinger,
she likes sex.” He laughed and blushed. “Cool. I've known I was gay
for a long time, so has Donnie, and we made Timmy admit it the day
before yesterday.” “Yeah, I know, I was around the corner when you
did it. I wanted to follow him home and ask him to be my boyfriend
right then, but I knew why you guys didn't follow him Preteen
Underage Nymphet and thought that was a good idea. Then today I
could tell that he'd accepted it, so I wanted to ask him. So Timmy,
would you be my boyfriend?” “Yes, but I have something to tell you
first.” “Okay, what?” He smiled brightly. “Well, I'm a bed wetter
and wear diapers to bed, and I sometimes like to wear diapers
during the day too.” “Really, that's sorta weird, but sorta cool
too. I sometimes wet the bed, but not enough to have to wear
diapers to bed, only once a month or so. But I should tell you that
I sometimes like to dress up a little girly, and I have a few girls
clothes at home.” “Really, that's sorta weird, but sorta cool too.
You even wear girls panties?” “Yeah, and they're pink too. I love
pink, and I'd wear pink to school every day if I could.” “Neat. If
I let you dress me up like that, would you let me diaper you?”
“Sure.” Mikey smiled brightly. “Wicked. Donnie and Bobby asked for
me to spend the night here Friday night, and they were gonna ask
you to as well, would you like to, and we can all get diapered?”
“Sure, that'd be awesome. I've never spent the night at someone's
house before, just in case I wet the bed. That'd be really
embarrassing, but my mom told me that she'd buy me some Goodnites
if I wanted to spend the night, so that no one would have to know.
I wouldn't let her though.” “Maybe you should've, then you could've
learned to love diapers like I do.” Timmy blushed. “Maybe. What
about you guys? Something doesn't add up with you Bobby.” Mikey
asked. “What do you mean?” He asked. “Well, last year you had no
accidents at school or anything, now you say that your bladder
failed you and you have to wear diapers.” “That's what everyone at
school needs to know, what they don't need to know though is that
it was my choice it failed, and mostly because I just forget about
it now. Same with Donnie, he and I are both diaper lovers and we
choose to wear diapers all the time. They're really comfortable and
super handy too.” Bobby admitted freely. “That's sorta what I
thought. I admit I've wondered what it'd be like to wear diapers
before, because I wet the bed of course.” He grinned. “Right. Our
dads are diaper lovers too, and my dad told me that so many gay
boys like diapers it's not even funny, and even lots of straight
boys like them too, because they're so comfortable and handy. It's
so nice to get to watch a whole movie and drink lots of pop and not
have to get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of it.” “They
are too, cool.” “Yeah, and when you spend the night, you'll see it,
because we don't wear anything over our diapers.” “Will you diaper
me and make me wear nothing over it as well?” He asked sheepishly.
“Yes, but if you want to bring a cute pink pair of panties to wear
over it, then we could probably allow that.” Bobby grinned. “I
don't know about that. I mean, wearing a diaper is one thing,
wearing only a diaper though is another thing. And will you make me
use it?” “We'd never make you do anything, and if you really want
to wear a diaper, but would feel more comfortable wearing clothes
over it, then so be it, but we won't be. Also, you use it only as
much as you feel comfortable doing so. We don't poop in our
diapers, just pee, and I assure you, it's awesome.” Donnie said
reassuringly. “Oh, okay.” They talked more and more as they worked
out, just really getting to know each other really well. After a
good half an hour of working out, they just started swimming to
have fun. Finally they all hopped out of the pool and ran naked and
wet into the house to dry off, after closing up the pool of course.
Once dry, they all headed to the boys' bedroom, where Bobby and
Donnie diapered each other. “Are you two gonna stay naked for now
'til you have to go home, or are you gonna go grab your clothes and
get dressed? I of course suggest naked.” Bobby asked. “You would.”
Mikey grinned. “You're pretty cute, and you have such a cute little
peepee.” Bobby giggled. “Thanks, yours isn't so bad either.” He
giggled as well. “Thanks. We should probably go get something out
of the freezer for dinner and then we can go play games or
something.” They all headed to the kitchen, Mikey and Timmy opting
to just stay naked, but they did go out and grab their clothes so
that they had them for when it was time to go home. They then all
headed to the living room and they put on a four player game and
they all had fun for the next forty or so minutes before the boys
had to be heading home. They went and grabbed their clothes from
the kitchen and got dressed. “Thanks so much guys, I'll definitely
ask my mom tonight if I can stay Friday night, but she'll say yes.”
Mikey said. “And I'll ask my dad about Friday night as well, so
I'll let you know tomorrow at school. Can we come over tomorrow
after school as well?” “Sure, both of you can, just ask your
parents tonight as well and then we'll all come here right after
school.” Bobby smiled. He had never had friends come over after
school or anything, and he liked it. As soon as Timmy and Mikey
left, Bobby and Donnie got started on dinner and had it ready for
as soon as their dads walked in the door. They sat down to eat and
the boys excitedly told the dads about their day and what had
happened after school. They were proud of the boys and said so.
They all relaxed for the evening and went to bed at their regular
times, and after a little playtime, they all went to sleep. The
next day at school, only one of their regular group was not sitting
together at lunch, he had been the main one to spread around that
Bobby and Donnie were gay babies, and he was not ready to face them
yet. They knew it was him, and they knew he was ashamed, but they
let him stew on it. He would come to them when he was ready, until
then they just let him be. The rest though were all good with the
boys being gay and having to wear diapers, and the other boy that
had spilled their secret had already admitted and apologized for
doing so, but said he had done it not out of Preteen Underage Nymphet spite
and more out of shock. They all had a great day at school, and
before they knew it, the four boys were heading to Bobby and
Donnie's house. “We need to change our diapers, and then we'll do a
different workout today. Would either of you like a diaper?” Bobby
asked. “Please.” Timmy said meekly. “Okay, I'll wear one too if
Timmy does.” “Okay.” Bobby said brightly and all four of them
stripped bare. Timmy was diapered first, then Mikey, Bobby and
finally Donnie. Both new boys felt the front of their thick soft
diapers, they liked it, and then because both of them had to pee,
they did so right away. Bobby and Donnie enjoyed seeing this. Once
they were all diapered, they all stood there and looked at each
other. “You two look really nice like that.” Bobby smiled. “And it
looks as if you've already enjoyed your nice thick thirsty baby
diapers.” Donnie added, both boys blushed. “Don't be embarrassed,
we have too, see.” Bobby said while pointing to the wet spots on
both his and Donnie's diapers, both boys looked, and they could see
it as well. “So, how do they feel?” Donnie asked. “Real nice, these
are way better and more comfortable than the Goodnites. After one
good wetting I already have to change almost, two is about all I
can do in them. The Underjams were better though, not sure why my
dad usually gets me the Goodnites when I told him that.” “And I
really like how they feel. I might have to wet my bed a few more
times and ask my mom for these, these are awesome. They feel so
nice when wet too.” Mikey grinned brightly. “Good, glad you guys
enjoy. So, let's go do our workout then.” So they headed out to the
back yard and got started on their workout and worked for a little
under an hour, all four of them working up a good sweat. Finally
they decided to call it a day and headed into the house to give
themselves a quick wipe off and then went and played games for
about an hour before the boys had to head home. It was getting
close to that time when both said that they should get going. “Your
diapers will still hold lots more. Would you like to just wear them
home, or are you gonna change out of them?” Donnie asked. “I better
change.” Mikey said. “I'm gonna keep mine on, my dad already knows
I'm a diaper lover anyway.” Timmy smiled. “Then I'll keep mine on
too. My mom probably won't even notice.” “Cool.” The two boys went
and got dressed, and considering their clothes had not been bought
around hiding diapers, both Bobby and Donnie could tell with expert
eyes that the other two were diapered, but they figured most would
not notice, and even though they felt the boys' parents would, they
felt that they should not tell the boys this. Timmy's dad would be
fine anyway, but Mikey's mom would probably notice and say
something. As soon as the two of them left, Bobby and Donnie got
started on making dinner, and once again it was done as soon as the
dads walked in. They all sat down to eat, and then the boys had a
Preteen Underage Nymphet little homework to do, so got that
done, then joined their dads in watching TV for the rest of the
night. Once again they all went to bed and played for a bit before
going to sleep for the night. The following day was an almost exact
repeat of the day before at school, and finally the day was over.
The four boys headed to Bobby and Donnie's, all of them hoping to
have a great night. As they walked there, they talked. “My dad
noticed that I was diapered quite heavily when he got home. He
laughed and asked me where I got the diaper, so I told him that you
guys gave it to me and that you were diaper lovers as well.” “Oh
yeah, what'd he say to that?” Bobby asked. “He just laughed and
said it figured. He didn't have a problem with it and asked if
those were the diapers I wanted him to buy me, and I said for sure.
He checked it out and found out the brand and then did some
research to find where to get them, then went out after dinner and
bought me a couple cases of them. I almost wore one to school
today, but I just couldn't do it.” “It'll happen, don't worry.”
Bobby laughed. “Don't know.” “And did your mom notice you wearing
the diaper as well Mikey?” Donnie asked. “Yeah, she did. She asked
me why it looked like I was wearing a diaper, and I said because I
am. She asked why that was and I told her my friends were diaper
lovers and that you had asked me if I wanted to try one, so I
admitted to her that I did, and that I was diapered. She asked what
I thought of it and I told her it was sorta nice. She told me that
my father had been a diaper lover as well and often wondered if I'd
end up loving them as well.” “Really, that's cool. What happened to
him?” “He died when I was two.” “Sorry. What about your mom Timmy?”
“Took off after I was born. She didn't want the burden. My dad says
she was a bitch anyway and wasn't even sure why the hell he was
with her in the first place, so no big loss. How about you guys?”
“Close to the same as yours actually.” Bobby said. “And my dad just
told my mom that he didn't love her any more and wanted to break
up, that he wanted to keep the baby, and I've never seen her since.
We left her when I was almost one he said.” “So, we're really all
the same then. So, did you bring panties as well Mikey?” Bobby
asked. “Yeah, four pairs, in case I can talk you two into trying
some on as well.” “Thought you might, and we might too, but only
over my diaper. I like pink too, but my favorite color is purple.”
He grinned. “I like pink too, but my favorite is red.” Donnie
added. “I actually don't even like pink at all, I think it's almost
as bad as bright yellow, my favorite's blue.” Timmy said last. “Oh,
I don't have any other colors, sorry. If you want to wear one, then
you'll have to suffer with pink.” “That's okay, I'll try one on,
but only over my diaper as well.” “Same.” Donnie and Mikey grinned.
They made it home a few minutes later, and decided to just head
right in and diaper each other and forgo the workout. This was
after all a sleepover, they were supposed to be for fun, and they
wanted to get diapered and start their fun right away. They all
stripped right down, all of them were hard, and then they diapered
each other, couples changing each other, even though the two
technically weren't a couple yet, since they had yet to couple.
Mikey then grabbed the panties out of his bag and handed them out,
and all four of them slipped them up over their already wet
diapers. Bobby took one look at them all and started giggling,
which of course set them all off. “This looks ridiculous, even more
so than just wearing diapers.” He giggled more. “Yeah, it does.”
They all said. “Well, I think you're all hot like this.” Mikey
said, looking as if he were about to spontaneously cum. Timmy must
have seen this too, because he went up to Mikey, gave him a kiss
and petted his hot little diaper lump for just a second, and Mikey
exploded. It took several minutes for the cute little baby boy to
come down, and when he did, he sighed and smiled. “Wow, that was
nice, thanks.” Mikey said dreamily. “Yeah, it was.” Timmy sighed.
Bobby and Donnie just smiled. “Okay, what should we do guys?”
Donnie asked. “Let's go play out in the back yard.” Mikey smiled.
“Okay.” The other three said as one, so they went out back and
played. They played outside for a good two hours, all four of them
having fun running and chasing each other, wrestling, tickling,
tackling, whatever, they just had fun. The dads managed to make it
home before the boys even realized what time it was, and they stood
on the back porch watching the four boys having fun. They had to
laugh at what they were all wearing though, but thought that the
boys looked really cute like they did as well. It was Timmy that
happened to notice the men standing there, and he screamed, “Oh my
god, we're being watched.” As he was diving for some sort of cover.
The other three looked up, Mikey blushed, but Bobby and Donnie ran
up to their dads. “Hi Daddy.” They both yelled and jumped into
their dads arms and hugged them. “Hi our little baby boys. It seems
we've embarrassed your friends though. I had no idea you'd have
them both in diapers already, and what's with the pink panties?”
Billy said. “These are Mikey's, he's the blond one, he loves
panties and other girls clothes and loves pink, so we all agreed to
wear them over our diapers. Not a huge fan of them myself, but why
not right.” Bobby giggled. “Why not. Come on over boys and
introduce yourselves.” Danny smiled. It took a couple minutes, but
finally both boys came over, both of them blushing madly, neither
of them looking at the men. “Maybe you two should strip down to
just your diapers as well, that way they won't feel so embarrassed.
They know you wear already, but I think maybe they need to see it.”
Donnie suggested. “Okay.” They both said and started to strip right
away. Both boys watched furtively, wondering if they really were
diapered and secretly wanting to see them in just their diapers.
They found out only a few seconds later that it was true, and the
secret really was not so much a secret as the two shy boys would
have liked to think it was, because all four of the others could
see how curious they were. The men stood there for several moments,
just letting the boys look at them, even though they were trying
not to let it look like they were showing off, just like the boys
were trying not to let it show that they were looking, it was cute.
“See, we're all alike here boys. We're all gay, we all love
diapers, though one of you I understand hasn't really had all that
much chance yet to truly love them, but are well on the way to
doing so. So go ahead and look at us, we don't bite, at least not
you guys.” Billy grinned. “Huh.” Timmy said, not sure what to make
of that last part. “We like to nibble on each other, it's quite
enjoyable. You two will probably enjoy that too before too long,
but don't rush it either.” Danny smiled. “Oh.” Both boys said, once
again blushing more. “We see that you boys didn't get a chance to
start dinner, so we're gonna head in and get that started right
now. You boys go ahead and stay out here playing and we'll call you
in once it's ready.” Billy said. “Okay Daddy, thanks.” The men
turned around and headed back into the house and got started on
dinner. As they did, they of course Preteen Underage
Nymphet talked. “They're adorable, aren't they?” Billy
sighed. “Yeah. Don't you wish you were their age again?”
“Definitely. And pink panties as well, that was a bit of a
surprise. Neither of our boys are at all girly, but the blond one,
Mikey I think it was, sure is. My god is he ever a pretty boy.”
“Tell me about it. It was cute though, and seeing their reaction,
and I guess it's Timmy, seeing him dive behind Preteen Underage
Nymphet that chair was hilarious.” “No shit, the look on his
face was priceless and I'll probably remember it forever.” He
laughed. The men continued talking as they made dinner. As soon as
it was ready, they called the boys in to come and eat. As soon as
the men turned and went inside, Bobby and Donnie went to comfort
their two friends, who were still more than a little embarrassed to
have been caught so vulnerable. “It's okay you two. As you clearly
saw, we're all the same here, we weren't embarrassed, even though
we were caught wearing girls panties. Our dads are really open, and
you can tell or show them anything and I bet they just say it's
great. And you saw them in diapers too, which by the way, we all
saw how much you liked seeing them in just their diapers too. So,
there's no need to be embarrassed.” Bobby said softly. “Yeah, and
they looked real nice like that too, but it was a bit of a shock to
see them standing there watching us, and still having anyone know
anything about me is weird. Most of the kids at school would call
me a freak if they knew.” Timmy said. “Hmm, we haven't been called
freaks yet, at least that we've heard, but so what even if they
did. I bet most of the kids there are just as freaky as we are in
some way or another. Though my dad says that most kids our age
don't really understand all their feelings yet, even though we're
already starting to feel them by the time we're eight. And you know
what, we don't mind that some of the kids have called us gay
babies, because you know what else, you can't be upset about the
truth. Now if someone were to start harassing us, then it might be
a different story, but we'd survive and just tell them off. If you
don't let them bother you, then they won't bother you.” Donnie
said. “Yeah, I guess that's true.” They sat around in a circle on
the lawn just talking until they were called into dinner, Timmy and
Mikey both getting out a lot of their feelings about themselves,
and they felt better for it. Finally they were called into dinner,
and when they walked in, they wore happy smiles and were not
embarrassed in front of the men. They were congratulated, and then
they all ate dinner. That night the six of them sat around in just
their diapers after getting changed after dinner, and they all
relaxed and watched a movie. When bedtime came, all four boys slept
in the boys' queen bed and talked until really late, then fell fast
asleep. It was officially the best time they had ever had with
other kids. The following morning they all met in the kitchen for
breakfast, and then it was decided to go out and swim and workout
for a bit. The two new boys never even batted an eye as they all
started stripping off their diapers in the kitchen, so that they
could go swim. Being seen in diapers was way more embarrassing than
being seen naked. The men checked out the two cute little boys and
smiled warmly to them and told them they had
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Q:
how to scroll embedded chromium in Delphi
Hi is there any way to simulate the Delphi embedded chromium scroll position? or simulate SPACE key to scroll when pressing a TButton.
A:
What you can do is inject some javascript that will scroll to the bottom
ChromiumComponent.Browser.MainFrame.ExecuteJavaScript(
'window.scrollTo(0,document.body.scrollHeight);'
);
Works great for one way communication to the page you are on.
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Iranian American Know Your Rights Resolution Introduced in the House
Washington, DC - At the urging of the Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), Congressman Marty Meehan (D-5th/MA) and Congressman Christopher Shays (R-4th/CT) introduced resolution, H.Res.367 on July 19th condemning discrimination and bigotry against Iranian Americans. The resolution is a response to documented reports of discrimination targeting the Iranian American community, which, according to civil rights and liberties organizations, has increased over the past six months. Cosponsors include, Congressman Tom Feeney (R-24th/FL), Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-14th/NY), Congressman John Mica (R-7th/FL), Congressman Robert Simmons (R-2nd/CT) and Congressman Henry Waxman (D-30th/CA).
The resolution acknowledges the diversity of the Iranian American community and their contributions to the social and economic fabric of American society. It outlines serious concerns over increasing reports of discrimination against Americans of Middle Eastern descent, including Iranian Americans. These include findings in the Inspector General’s Report of discriminatory enforcement of immigration laws, arrests followed by detentions for extended periods of time without charges, denials of access to counsel and abuse by prison guards of nationals of Iranian origin.
It encourages Iranian Americans to “share their experiences with local, state and federal elected officials as well as others in their community to end stereotypes, correct misconceptions and convey instances of abuse against the Iranian American community.” The resolution also, “calls upon local and Federal law enforcement authorities to investigate and vigorously prosecute crimes committed against all Americans, including Iranian Americans, that are based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin or ethnicity.”
H.Res.367 is a component of the recently launched Iranian American Know Your Rights Campaign, which strives to educate Iranian Americans of their civil rights and liberties as well as educate mainstream America on the Iranian American community. Spearheaded by the National Legal Sanctuary for Community Advancement (NLSCA), the Iranian American Know Your Rights Campaign comprises a coalition of national organizations, which include the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Amnesty International USA, Iranian American Bar Association (IABA) and IAPAC. The purpose of the resolution is to resonate symbolically to alleviate fear and encourage Iranian Americans to step forward and share their stories.
Ms. Dalia Hashad, of the ACLU’s Campaign Against Racial Profiling has emphasized the necessity for the Iranian American Know Your Rights Campaign and H.Res.367. “Iranian Americans are an integral part of the American community, just as important and committed to this country as any other group and yet, increasingly, we are seeing policies and practices that negatively target them. As with any form of discrimination, criminalizing Iranian Americans, simply because of their ethnic heritage, only hurts America,” said Ms. Hashad.
To complement the coalition’s work, Congressman Meehan and Congressman Shays have introduced this resolution as a means of protecting the civil rights and liberties of all Americans, including Iranian Americans. Congressman Meehan, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, has expressed his concern over the growing reports of discrimination against Iranian Americans saying, “civil liberties violations contradict the principles upon which this country was founded and compromise our ability to establish an effective counterterrorism policy.”
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Can’t believe it’s been almost two years since my last blog post. I think I got lazy leading up to 2016, but from then on till now? I just didn’t have the heart to blog here. I’ve lost Kubrick, Pinoy Dog-Lover’s unofficial poster furboy, and it’s been hard. I can’t bring myself to blog about it yet—the pain is still fresh even after a year—but I’ll get there.
I’d like to jump-start this blog again, and give it a whole new look. My new design and branding for Pinoy Dog-Lover is long overdue. I lost the will to finish it when Kubrick passed away. Perhaps now, I’ll be able to—it has been a year, after all.
In the meantime, let me feature something new for you dog-lovers out there: Wagtales, a new mobile app made specifically for dog-lovers in the Philippines.
Wagtales is an app by LEENTech Network Solutions, Inc. To quote the official description on the iTunes store:
Wagtales is an application where you can find everything you need as a dog lover. Search dogs nearby to find the perfect match for your dog. Directory of veterinarians, breeders, pet groomers to dog supplies. Whether you’re an owner or just admire pups, Wagtales is the go-to-app.
That’s really interesting, considering how many dog owners (and dog-lovers) there are here in the Philippines. But what’s even more interesting is the fact that Wagtales is partners with animal welfare organizations like PAWS, and the best ever group, CARA Welfare Philippines (I’m a senior volunteer for CARA, so obviously, I’m biased).
Aside from being able to create a profile and share stuff a la Facebook, you can also browse featured, ready-for-a-forever-home dogs from CARA and PAWS. You inquire about adopting them there, but of course, you’ll still need to go through the adoption process. After all, it’s not just our goal to have the dogs adopted out, but to make sure that they go to the right owners.
Wagtales was officially launched last May 7th. I’m afraid I wasn’t able to go, but the Wagtales team were kind enough to provide us with the press release and some event photos. Check them out below!
WAGTALES GRAND LAUNCH: LET’S GET SPAWTY!
The grand launch of the Wagtales app happened yesterday, May 07, 2017 (Sunday) at One Esplanade. The event started at 3:30 PM hosted by Mr. Rico Robles from RX 93.1. We started with a game called Bring me the Dog! and the prizes was care of FUR MAGIC. Guests came in as early as 2PM. We had celebrities such as Chris Cantada, Elisse Joson, Eric Ejercito, Hazel Aquilon, Renz Fernandez and many more! We also had medias from WheninManila.com, ABS-CBN News and ABS-CBN.com. Some bloggers were present as well namely Lee Branche Carpio, Aileen Siwa, Sue Jose, Jinkee Umali and Ruel Umali. We had sponsors as well, Dr. Jomar and Dra. Gen Castro from ask a vet wherein they give free consultation during the whole event, Playbow and Pup Culture which offers doggie day care and hotel, Bowhouse which sells unique doggie beds, Wholepet Kitchen who offers dog catering, PAWS and CARA. The event was designed by Awesome Events.
The program started with a Welcome Remarks from the Wagtales’ chairman Mr. Jay Bernardo followed by the presentation of what the app is all about by Mr. Richard Prodigalidad from Leentech Systems he is the creator of the App then followed by a small talk and demo from the famous Pinoy Dog Whisperer Mr. Lestre Zapanta with his dog A’quiya. After which, we had our first wooffle draw prizes care of Pup Culture and Playbow worth 5k GCs. The next one, we had a video presentation from one of our partners PAWS about Spay and Neutering followed by PAWSHION Show sponsored by Ms. Natalie Reyes owner of Wagging Tails Wear. There were 6 doggie models for this part ramping on stage together with their owners wearing the Bandana.
Next was a video presentation from one of our partners, CARA. We showed a video supporting their campaign for “Save the Laguna Pit Bulls” to show awareness and promote the adoption.
After the video, we had our next wooffle draw care of Bowhouse they sell different kinds of Dog Beds and we had 4 winners for this wooffle draw followed by another wooffle draw wherein it is also sponsored by Bowhouse. This part was the grand prize and we had 1 winner for this wooffle which is Elisse Josson from PBB. Lastly, the highlight of the event awarding the Wagtales Dog prizes care of Fur Mom’s, Pet Impressions and Playbow.
We ended the event with a closing message from our CEO, Ms. Jinri Park explaining why she came up with this app. She became emotional during this part as she remembers her dog who passed away a year ago and thanking everyone who attended the event especially the ones who helped her to make her dreams come true which is influencing all dog owners to make their dogs happy.
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Birds’ abilities to sense approaching storms and imminent earthquakes are not understood well, but it’s clear they’re better than our own.
Banders in southern Israel, for example, reported that gulls and herons took wing just before a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck in 1995 (Julie Craves reported this in her column “Since You Asked” in June 2010), while a Marbled Godwit wearing a satellite transmitter flew from Baja California to Texas and back, apparently to avoid Hurricane John in 2006 (PDF). Now, thanks to researchers led by Henry Streby of the University of California Berkeley, we know that songbirds, too, are acutely aware of coming bad weather.
In 2013, he and his team equipped 20 male Golden-winged Warblers that nest in eastern Tennessee with miniature light-level geolocators. He later recovered backpacks from five birds.
Each spent the winter in Colombia and arrived on breeding territories between April 13 and April 27, 2014, just as a powerful weather system started to move east through the central and southern United States. The storm would spawn 84 tornadoes and kill 35 people, but, as Streby writes in the January 5 issue of Current Biology, the warblers eluded it.
One to two days before it hit, each bird abandoned its territory and flew south to the Gulf Coast, over 400 miles away. The warblers returned May 1-2, after the storm had passed, and promptly resumed defending territories. Most likely, Streby suggests, the birds were tipped off by ultra-low-frequency sound waves produced by the advancing storm.
A version of this article appeared in the April 2015 issue of BirdWatching. Subscribe.
Read the abstract: Henry M. Streby, Gunnar R. Kramer, Sean M. Peterson, Justin A. Lehman, David A. Buehler, David E. Andersen. 2015. Tornadic Storm Avoidance Behavior in Breeding Songbirds. Current Biology, Volume 25, Issue 1, pages 98–102, 5 January 2015. Abstract.
Read other news stories we’ve published in “Birding Briefs.”
Originally Published
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Filed 4/30/09 by Clerk of Supreme Court
IN THE SUPREME COURT
STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA
2009 ND 74
Farmers Union Oil Company
of Garrison, d/b/a Cenex, Plaintiff and Appellee
v.
George A. Smetana,
Carolyn J. Smetana, Defendants and Appellants
and
Lewis Bauer, Constance T. Scheel,
and Constance M. Narad, Defendants
No. 20080158
Appeal from the District Court of McLean County, South Central Judicial District, the Honorable Bruce B. Haskell, Judge.
REVERSED AND REMANDED.
Opinion of the Court by Kapsner, Justice.
Michael Geiermann, Schulz Geiermann & Bergeson Law Offices, P.C., P.O. Box 2196, Bismarck, N.D. 58502-2196, for plaintiff and appellee.
James G. Wolff, Farhart Wolff, P.C., 600 22nd Avenue NW, Minot, N.D. 58703, for defendants and appellants.
Farmers Union v. Smetana
No. 20080158
Kapsner, Justice.
[¶1] George and Carolyn Smetana appeal from a district court summary judgment reforming a deed and quieting title to a disputed tract of property in favor of Farmers Union Oil Company of Garrison, doing business as Cenex (“Cenex”). We reverse and remand for further proceedings, concluding the district court erred in determining that, as a matter of law, the Smetanas were not good faith purchasers for value.
I
[¶2] In the early 1990s, Cenex and Lewis Bauer owned adjacent properties in Garrison. Bauer owned the northernmost 196 feet of Lots 13 and 14 in Block 1 of the McLean County Addition to the City of Garrison. Cenex owned the remainder of Lots 13 and 14 lying south of Bauer’s property. There was a house on the northern end of Bauer’s property, and Cenex operated a convenience store and gas station on its part of the property.
[¶3] In March 1992, Cenex contacted Bauer about purchasing a portion of his property. Using a tree on Bauer’s lot as a reference point, Bauer and Cenex representatives “stepped off” the parcel to be sold and, using a tape measure, determined that the intended parcel was 116 to 117 feet long. On March 30, 1992, Bauer executed a deed to Cenex conveying:
The Southern most 116 feet of the Northern most 196 feet of Lots Thirteen (13) and Fourteen (14) in Block One (1) of McLean County Addition to the City of Garrison, State of North Dakota, all in McLean County.
By the terms of the deed, Bauer retained the northernmost 80 feet of Lots 13 and 14, including the house. Bauer erected a fence adjacent to the tree, running east to west, marking what Cenex and Bauer believed to be the boundary between their properties.
[¶4] In 1996, Bauer sold his property, including the house, to Constance Scheel and Constance Narad. In 2000, Scheel and Narad sold the property to the Smetanas. Both deeds described the property transferred as the northernmost 80 feet of Lots 13 and 14.
[¶5] In 2005, the Smetanas learned that their house did not lie entirely within the northernmost 80 feet of Lots 13 and 14. They hired a surveyor, who determined that approximately two-thirds of their house extended beyond the northern boundary of Lots 13 and 14, into a vacated street right-of-way owned by the City of Garrison. According to the survey, the northern 80 feet of Lots 13 and 14 begins in the middle of the Smetanas’ house and extends 42 feet to the south of the fence which had been erected by Bauer. After the discrepancies were discovered, the City of Garrison executed a quit claim deed transferring a fifty-foot wide strip directly north of Lots 13 and 14 to the Smetanas for one dollar.
[¶6] In 2007, Cenex brought this action seeking to quiet title to the disputed 42-
foot strip lying between the fence and the actual boundary line. The Smetanas counterclaimed, requesting that title to the disputed property be quieted in them and seeking damages for trespass. Cenex moved for summary judgment, arguing Bauer and Cenex had intended that Cenex would receive all of the property up to the fence and seeking reformation of the original 1992 deed from Bauer to Cenex. The district court found it was the intention of Bauer and Cenex that Cenex would purchase the property south of the fence and that the descriptions in the 1992 deed were the result of a mutual mistake. The court therefore ordered that the 1992 deed be reformed to indicate Cenex purchased property running 116 feet to the south “starting at the southern edge of the fence on the Smetana property,” and summary judgment was entered quieting title to the disputed parcel in Cenex.
II
[¶7] The Smetanas have attempted to appeal from the district court’s “Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment.” An order granting summary
judgment is not appealable.
E.g.
,
Alerus Financial, N.A. v. Western State Bank
, 2008 ND 104, ¶ 15, 750 N.W.2d 412;
Wheeler v. Gardner
, 2006 ND 24, ¶ 6, 708 N.W.2d 908. An attempted appeal from the order granting summary judgment will, however, be treated as an appeal from a subsequently entered consistent judgment, if one exists.
Alerus Financial
, at ¶ 15;
Wheeler
, at ¶ 6. Because a consistent judgment was subsequently entered in this case, we will treat the Smetanas’ appeal as an appeal from the judgment.
III
[¶8] We outlined the relevant standards governing summary judgment in
Hasper v. Center Mut. Ins. Co.
, 2006 ND 220, ¶ 5, 723 N.W.2d 409 (citations omitted):
Summary judgment is a procedural device for the prompt resolution of a controversy on the merits without a trial if there are no genuine issues of material fact or inferences that can reasonably be drawn from undisputed facts, or if the only issues to be resolved are questions of law. A party moving for summary judgment has the burden of showing there are no genuine issues of material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. In determining whether summary judgment was appropriately granted, we must view the evidence in the light most favorable to the party opposing the motion, and that party will be given the benefit of all favorable inferences which can reasonably be drawn from the record. On appeal, this Court decides whether the information available to the district court precluded the existence of a genuine issue of material fact and entitled the moving party to judgment as a matter of law. Whether the district court properly granted summary judgment is a question of law which we review de novo on the entire record.
[¶9] Although the district court purported to resolve this case on Cenex’s motion for summary judgment, the court issued “Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order for Judgment,” including 54 separate findings of fact encompassing twelve pages. In its brief on appeal, Cenex argues that “[s]ince this matter was subject to Summary Judgment, it is governed by the principles of Summary Judgment and the clearly erroneous rule under North Dakota Rule of Civil Procedure 52(a).” Cenex thereby demonstrates a misconception of the fundamental principles governing summary judgment.
[¶10] On a motion for summary judgment, the district court’s “role is limited to determining whether the evidence and inferences to be drawn therefrom, when viewed in the light most favorable to the party opposing summary judgment, demonstrate that there are no genuine issues of material fact.”
Heng v. Rotech Med. Corp.
, 2004 ND 204, ¶ 34, 688 N.W.2d 389. This Court has repeatedly held that summary judgment is inappropriate if the court must draw inferences and make findings on disputed facts to support the judgment.
See
Heng
, at ¶ 34;
Campbell Farms v. Wald
,1998 ND 85, ¶ 11, 578 N.W.2d 96;
Wachter Dev., L.L.C. v. Gomke
, 544 N.W.2d 127, 131 (N.D. 1996);
Greenfield v. Thill
, 521 N.W.2d 87, 92 (N.D. 1994);
Red River Human Servs. Found. v. State
, 477 N.W.2d 225, 229 (N.D. 1991);
Brown v. North Dakota State Univ.
, 372 N.W.2d 879, 883 (N.D. 1985);
Albers v. NoDak Racing Club, Inc.
, 256 N.W.2d 355, 359 (N.D. 1977). The district court may not weigh the evidence, determine credibility, or attempt to discern the truth of the matter when ruling on a motion for summary judgment.
Heng
, at ¶ 34;
Schaefer v. Souris River Telecomm. Coop.
, 2000 ND 187, ¶ 8, 618 N.W.2d 175;
Opp v. Source One Mgmt., Inc.
, 1999 ND 52, ¶ 16, 591 N.W.2d 101. Because findings of fact are inappropriate on a motion for summary judgment, the clearly erroneous standard set out in N.D.R.Civ.P. 52(a), which governs our review of a district court’s findings of fact in a bench trial, is inapplicable to our review of the court’s resolution of a motion for summary judgment.
[¶11] A motion for summary judgment is not an opportunity to conduct a mini-trial. If there are disputed issues of material fact that require resolution by findings of fact, the party opposing summary judgment is entitled to present its evidence to a finder of fact in a full trial.
See
Albers
, 256 N.W.2d at 359 (“[i]t was not the purpose of [summary judgment] to require a party to try his case on affidavits with no opportunity to cross-examine witnesses”) (quoting
Dulansky v. Iowa-Illinois Gas & Elec. Co.
,191 F.2d 881, 883 (8th Cir. 1951)).
[¶12] Although the existence of findings of fact ordinarily indicates that the district court deemed it necessary to resolve factual disputes and make findings of fact,
see
Brown
, 372 N.W.2d at 883;
Albers
, 256 N.W.2d at 359, in this case the district court expressly stated that there were no genuine issues of material fact. Under the unusual circumstances presented in this case, we will proceed to review whether summary judgment was warranted based upon the record before the district court. That issue is a question of law which we review de novo.
Hasper
, 2006 ND 220, ¶ 5, 723 N.W.2d 409.
IV
[¶13] The dispositive issue on appeal is whether the district court could have concluded, as a matter of law, that the Smetanas were not good faith purchasers for value.
[¶14] Reformation of a deed is governed by N.D.C.C. § 32-04-17:
When, through fraud or mutual mistake of the parties, or a mistake of one party which the other at the time knew or suspected, a written contract does not truly express the intention of the parties, it may be revised on the application of a party aggrieved so as to express that intention so far as it can be done without prejudice to rights acquired by third persons in good faith and for value.
Reformation under N.D.C.C. § 32-04-17 is an equitable remedy.
E.g.
,
Ritter, Laber and Assocs., Inc. v. Koch Oil, Inc.
, 2007 ND 163, ¶ 12, 740 N.W.2d 67;
Anderson v. Selby
, 2005 ND 126, ¶ 8, 700 N.W.2d 696;
Wehner v. Schroeder
, 354 N.W.2d 674, 677 (N.D. 1984). A court may grant reformation of a written instrument to correct a mutual mistake “when justice and conscience so dictate.”
Ritter, Laber and Assocs.
, at ¶ 13 (quoting
Ell v. Ell
, 295 N.W.2d 143, 150 (N.D. 1980));
Wehner
, at 678. Each case seeking reformation of a written agreement must be determined on its own facts and circumstances.
Anderson
, at ¶ 9.
[¶15] The Smetanas argue they purchased the property “in good faith and for value” and that the original 1992 deed therefore cannot be reformed because it cannot be done without affecting their rights. “Good faith” is defined in N.D.C.C. § 1-01-21:
Good faith shall consist in an honest intention to abstain from taking any unconscientious advantage of another even through the forms or technicalities of law, together with an absence of all information or belief of facts which would render the transaction unconscientious.
The determination whether a party acted in good faith under N.D.C.C. § 1-01-21 is a question of fact.
Ballensky v. Flattum-Riemers
, 2006 ND 127, ¶ 27, 716 N.W.2d 110.
[¶16] In
Diocese of Bismarck Trust v. Ramada, Inc.
, 553 N.W.2d 760, 768 (N.D. 1996) (citations omitted), this Court addressed the concepts of good faith and notice in the context of reformation of a deed under N.D.C.C. § 32-04-17:
Under N.D.C.C. § 32-04-17, a good faith purchaser must acquire rights without actual or constructive notice of another’s rights. Actual notice consists of express information of a fact, N.D.C.C. § 1-01-23, while constructive notice is notice imputed by law to a person having no actual notice. N.D.C.C. § 1-01-24.
Under N.D.C.C. § 1-01-25, a person who has actual notice of circumstances sufficient to put a prudent person upon inquiry as to a particular fact and who omits to make an inquiry with reasonable diligence, is deemed to have constructive notice of the fact itself. The issues of good faith and constructive notice are similar in that they both require an examination of the information possessed by a person. The information, however, need not be so detailed as to communicate a complete description of an opposing interest; instead, the information must be sufficient to assert the existence of an interest as a fact, which in turn gives rise to a duty to investigate. In making inquiry, a person must exercise reasonable diligence; a superficial inquiry is not enough.
A party’s status as a good faith purchaser without notice of a competing interest is a mixed question of fact and law. The factual circumstances relating to events surrounding the transaction–the realities disclosed by the evidence as distinguished from their legal effect–constitute the findings of fact necessary to determine whether a party has attained the status of a good faith purchaser without notice. A court’s ultimate determination that a party is not a good faith purchaser for value is a conclusion of law, because that determination describes the legal effect of the underlying factual circumstances.
[¶17] The district court in this case made a “finding” that the Smetanas “had at least constructive notice of Cenex’s interest in the property because of the existence and placement of the fence and because of Cenex’s use of the property.” As previously noted, although the district court made “findings of fact,” for purposes of reviewing the summary judgment we will presume the district court meant that, as a matter of law, the Smetanas had constructive notice which precluded their status as good faith purchasers for value. The district court and Cenex, however, have misconstrued the type of notice that was required to be shown. The crucial question in this case is not whether the Smetanas had notice of the existence of the fence and Cenex’s use of the property up to the fence. The crucial question is whether that knowledge placed the Smetanas on constructive notice of the mistake in the 1992 Bauer/Cenex deed which resulted in the discrepancy in placement of the legal boundaries between the two parcels.
[¶18] Under our statutory definition of “good faith,” a party acts without good faith if he has “information or belief of facts which would render the transaction unconscientious.” N.D.C.C. § 1-01-21. In the context of reformation, such information must provide constructive notice of the specific defect to be cured by reformation:
When a bona fide purchaser acquires an interest in land and makes an investment in the land, that party is entitled to have his or her expectations protected. This is in accord with the principles behind the recording acts. A person should not be deprived of his or her investment when he or she had no means of discovering the defect. As a result, reformation is available only against the parties to the transaction and against those who have
notice of the defect which is sought to be cured by reformation
.
14 Richard R. Powell,
Powell on Real Property
§ 81A.07[3][d] (Michael Allan Wolf ed., 2009) (emphasis added; citation and footnotes omitted). Professor Lord states the rule in a similar fashion:
To avoid reformation of an instrument, one must be both a subsequent purchaser for value and have no notice (before purchase) of the problematic situation. Notice can be acquired directly or indirectly by any means sufficient to place a reasonable purchaser on alert of a situation out of the ordinary.
27 Richard A. Lord,
Williston on Contracts
§ 70:46 (4th ed. 2003) (footnote omitted).
[¶19] The “problematic situation” in this case was the discrepancy between the description in the 1992 Bauer/Cenex deed and the location of the fence on the property. The location of the fence and Cenex’s use of the property up to the fence did not conclusively place the Smetanas on notice that this was a “situation out of the ordinary.” Under N.D.C.C. § 1-01-21, the Smetanas would gain an “unconscientious” advantage and lose their status as good faith purchasers only if they had notice that there was some problem or discrepancy with the boundary.
[¶20] A review of the record title would have shown that, on their face, the various deeds were consistent. Bauer owned the northernmost 196 feet of Lots 13 and 14 in 1992. He deeded the southernmost 116 feet of his property to Cenex, and the northernmost 80 feet to Scheel and Narad, who subsequently deeded the 80 feet to the Smetanas. Purchasers of real property “have a right to rely on recorded public records,” and mutual mistakes in earlier deeds “cannot be corrected to the prejudice of third parties who have relied on the public records.” 27 Lord,
supra
, at § 70:47;
see also
14 Powell,
supra
, at § 81A.07[3][d]. Because of the equitable nature of the remedy, “reformation is unavailable where its application would inflict an injury upon innocent parties as a result of an act of which they had no knowledge and for which they were not responsible, especially when reformation is sought by one who has committed some careless or negligent act.” 27 Lord,
supra
, at § 70:45. The “act” which has caused injury to the Smetanas is the error in the 1992 deed, and unless they had constructive or actual notice of that “act” the Smetanas acted in good faith when they purchased the property.
[¶21] In
Levien v. Fiala
, 902 P.2d 170 (Wash. Ct. App. 1995), the court addressed the nature of notice required to preclude a purchaser’s good faith status under facts similar to this case. In
Levien
, the Fialas had purchased property designated as Lot 23 and placed a chain link fence along the property. The fence encroached upon neighboring property, Lot 25, and cut off a 175 square foot triangular strip of land in Lot 25. The Riddells, owners of Lot 25, executed a quit claim deed for the triangular piece of property to the Fialas. This deed was not recorded. The Riddells then sold Lot 25 to Levien. When Levien subsequently learned that the triangular strip was actually within Lot 25 and the fence encroached upon Lot 25, she sued to quiet title and for trespass. The court of appeals noted that the trial court found the chain link fence was sufficient to put a reasonable person on notice that the owners of Lots 23 and 25 considered the fence the boundary between their properties, but agreed with the trial court’s conclusion that that was not the relevant issue:
As noted above, the trial court found that the chain link fence was sufficient to prompt a reasonable person to conclude that the owners of Lots 23 and 25 considered the fence the boundary between their properties.
The trial court, however, separated this finding from the question whether the fence’s presence was sufficient to put a person of average prudence on inquiry notice as to a possible discrepancy between it and the boundary shown on the plat. Here, the evidence was sufficient for the trial court to find that Levien lacked the information that would put a reasonable person on inquiry notice and, thus, for it to conclude that Levien was a good faith purchaser for value entitled to the protection of Washington’s recording statute.
Id.
at 173. The court therefore concluded:
Thus, the trial court did not err in finding that the chain link fence was not sufficient to put Levien on notice that she was receiving less than the 70- by 110-foot lot described in the statutory warranty deed. The missing shallow triangle apparently was not detectable to the untrained eye, and Levien had no other way of knowing of the existence of the quit claim deed, since it had not been recorded and since she was not informed of its existence by the Riddells.
Id.
at 174.
[¶22] The same issue is presented in this case. Although the presence of the fence may have been notice that the parties believed the fence was the boundary between their properties, the critical, separate question is whether the presence of the fence was sufficient to put the Smetanas on notice of the discrepancy between the location of the fence and the boundary established in the recorded deeds. Reformation is available against the Smetanas only if they had constructive notice of the discrepancy in the 1992 deed. The district court erred when it concluded that, as a matter of law, the Smetanas had constructive notice of facts which precluded them from being good faith purchasers for value.
[¶23] Cenex argues that it would be inequitable to allow the Smetanas to acquire the disputed 42-foot strip of property because they received the “benefit of their bargain” when the City deeded a portion of the abandoned street to them for a nominal price. Cenex’s argument is disingenuous. The City’s subsequent agreement to deed property underlying the house to the Smetanas does not “cure” their failure to receive the benefit of their bargain when they purportedly purchased 80 feet of Lots 13 and 14 from Scheel and Narad. Under the district court’s judgment quieting title, the Smetanas would only receive the northernmost 38 feet of Lots 13 and 14 through their deed. That result does not provide them with the benefit of their bargain with Scheel and Narad.
[¶24] Cenex further argues the Smetanas would receive an inequitable windfall if they are allowed to acquire the disputed 42-foot strip, because they did not believe they were purchasing any property south of the fence. The district court relied upon this argument in concluding: “The Court also finds Cenex’ equity argument compelling in that a decision in the Smetana’s favor would give them property they never intended to buy, and would deprive Cenex of property Cenex thought it had owned and had used since 1992.” Ironically, Cenex and the district court apparently fail to realize that the judgment quieting title in Cenex creates a windfall to Cenex and deprives the Smetanas of property they believed they had purchased. If the judgment is allowed to stand, Cenex will receive 158 feet of Lots 13 and 14 through their 1992 deed, rather than the 116 feet for which they contracted and paid. Conversely, the Smetanas would receive only 38 feet of Lots 13 and 14, less than one-half of the 80 feet they paid for, through their deed from Scheel and Narad. Because of the mistake in the 1992 deed, someone will ultimately be deprived of the full amount of property they believed they were purchasing. If the Smetanas purchased in good faith and for value, the equitable remedy of reformation is not available if it will prejudice their rights. N.D.C.C. § 32-04-17.
[¶25] We conclude the district court erred in determining that, as a matter of law, the Smetanas were not good faith purchasers for value.
V
[¶26] There are additional problems with the judgment entered in this case which we feel compelled to address to prevent a similar recurrence on remand. The judgment purports to quiet title in the disputed property in Cenex, using the following language:
That plaintiff, Farmers Union Oil Company of Garrison, d/b/a Cenex, is the sole owner in fee simple of the premises described in the complaint which consists of real property starting at the southern edge of the fence on the Smetana property described in the complaint and extending southward One hundred Sixteen (116) feet in Lots Thirteen (13) and Fourteen (14) in Block One (1) of the McLean County Addition to the city of Garrison, state of North Dakota, all in McLean County.
[¶27] There are significant problems created by the language of the judgment. The purpose of a quiet title judgment is to provide clarity and finality to legal ownership of a disputed parcel of property.
See
74 C.J.S.
Quieting Title
§ 1 (2002) (the purpose of a quiet title action is “to clear up all doubts or disputes concerning land”). In order to create that clarity and finality, the judgment must precisely describe the property in which title is quieted. Thus, N.D.C.C. § 32-17-04 requires that, in a quiet title action, “the property must be described in the complaint with such certainty as to enable an officer upon execution to identify it.” In
Ward v. Shipp
, 340 N.W.2d 14, 17 (N.D. 1983), this Court held that, in a quiet title action, evidence describing the property by referencing a fence line was insufficient to adequately describe the property. If the judgment in this case were recorded, it provides little or no permanent guidance as to the exact property included within the judgment. A judgment quieting title to land extending 116 feet southward from “the southern edge of the fence on the Smetana property” is only as final as the amount of time it takes to dismantle a fence. It is easy to imagine that in ten, twenty, or thirty years the fence will be gone. At that point, this quiet title judgment would be wholly ineffective. A quiet title judgment should include precise description, rather than merely referencing an impermanent fence.
VI
[¶28] We have considered the remaining issues and arguments raised by the parties and find they are either unnecessary to our decision or are without merit. We reverse the judgment and remand for further proceedings.
[¶29] Carol Ronning Kapsner
Mary Muehlen Maring
Daniel J. Crothers
Dale V. Sandstrom
VandeWalle, Chief Justice, concurring specially.
[¶30]
I agree that this case should not have been decided on a motion for summary judgment because there are fact questions which should be decided after a trial. The majority opinion emphasizes the deeds to the property in determining whether or not the Smetanas were purchasers in good faith. I also agree that the deeds are a significant factor in that determination. I write separately to note that it is also significant whether the Smetanas intended to purchase only the property to the fence line, notwithstanding the legal description of the lot, or whether they intended to purchase the entire lot regardless of the fence. Their knowledge and true intent can be determined only after a trial.
[¶31] Gerald W. VandeWalle, C.J.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image scanning apparatus and an image scanning method and in particular, to an image scanning apparatus and an image scanning method using a sub scan mechanism for combining a linear partial image obtained by a linear image sensor, thus inputting a two-dimensional manuscript image.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, various types of image scanning apparatus have been suggested. Among them, an image scanner apparatus uses a linear image sensor as a pickup device in the image input mechanism and a sub scan mechanism for combining partial images obtained by the linear image sensor for inputting a two-dimensional manuscript.
The image scanner apparatus can be divided into an indirect type image scanner apparatus in which the manuscript surface is apart from the image input mechanism supported by a stand or the like and a flat bed type image scanner in which the manuscript surface is placed downward on the image input mechanism unitizing the manuscript surface and the image input mechanism.
In the conventional indirect type image scanner apparatus, the brightness of the manuscript surface depends on the natural light or the ordinary illumination on the ceiling and no particular illumination is used for the image scanner or an auxiliary illumination is used for illuminating the entire manuscript surface.
In the indirect image scanner not using any auxiliary illumination, the brightness of the manuscript surface may not be sufficient, which relatively increases the noise level of the image sensor output, adversely affecting the image read in. Moreover, in the indirect image scanner using an auxiliary illumination, the auxiliary illumination may dazzle eyes of a user and cause an unpleasant heat.
Such an image scanning apparatus or image scanning method is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication 3-136569 [1], in which a manuscript is placed around a cylindrical member and the manuscript is scanned by a CCD line sensor in the main scan direction while the sub scan is performed by rotation of the cylindrical member, so as to store an image of the manuscript. This image scanning apparatus cannot realize a high-speed and stable image reading.
Moreover, Japanese Patent Publication 7-177318 [2] discloses an image scanning apparatus in which a unitary block of a light source and a line image sensor is detachably fixed to a slit provided on a manuscript table and displaced manually, so as to enable to read a transient manuscript as well. However, since the unit is displaced manually, it is difficult to obtain a high-speed and stable image reading.
Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication 8-223363 [3] discloses an image scanning apparatus in which three color lights are successively applied by a light emitting device for each line, so as to scan the entire manuscript surface to read an image. This image scanning apparatus, the light emitting device is displaced by a motor and a chain for scanning. Accordingly, it is difficult to perform a high-speed and stable image reading.
Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication 8-315122 [4] discloses a transparent type image scanning apparatus, in which a mesh gradation is inserted between a manuscript and a light source so as to correct a transmitting light amount in the direction of a line image sensor. However, document [4] has no disclosure on the light amount adjustment in a reflection type image scanning apparatus.
On the other hand, Japanese Patent Publication 9-261419 [5] discloses a reflection type image scanning apparatus in which a slit-shaped light emitted from a light source is used to scan a manuscript by displacing a reflection mirror and a line image sensor is displaced in synchronization with the slit-shaped light beam scan. However, since the line image sensor moves a great distance as a parallel displacement, a complicated synchronization mechanism is required. Moreover, the parallel displacement of the image sensor may cause a vibration which deteriorates the image. Accordingly, it is difficult to obtain a high-speed and stable image reading.
Additionally, Japanese Patent Publication 7-193682 [6] discloses a reflection type image scanning apparatus, in which an optical mark is applied to a position corresponding to a manuscript scan range. Moreover, Japanese Patent Publication 8-9102 [7] discloses a scanner technique associated with an image scanner including an image read unit having an image formation device, an image read device, and an illumination device which are constituted as a unitary block. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication 10-336404 [8] discloses a reflection type image scanning apparatus in which a reference region is provided on a manuscript table so as to compensate a brightness change of the illumination light depending on a frequency of a fluorescent lamp provided on a ceiling or the like.
However, none of the aforementioned documents [6 ] [7], and [8] discloses an image reading mechanism in a stand type image scanning apparatus for scanning a slit-shaped light beam or a technique for detecting the brightness of the light beam reflection for controlling the light beam light quantity.
Among the indirect type image scanners, those not using an auxiliary illumination for the image input mechanism have a problem that the brightness on the manuscript surface is not sufficient, which relatively increases the noise level of the output of the image sensor, adversely affecting the image which has been read in, and those using an auxiliary illumination for illuminating the entire manuscript surface have a problem that eyes of a user are dazzled and the heat is unpleasant for the user.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an image scanning apparatus and an image scanning method realized as an indirect type image scanner apparatus capable of a high-speed, high-quality image input without causing to dazzle eyes of a user while securing a necessary brightness.
The image scanning apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a support arm, a stand block supporting the support arm, a scan type illumination device mounted on the support arm for applying a slit-shaped light beam onto a surface of a manuscript, and a manuscript image scanning device for scanning a manuscript image illuminated by the slit-shaped light beam and reflected from the surface of the manuscript, wherein the scan type illumination device is constructed so as to apply the slit-shaped light beam in a direction vertical to the longitudinal direction of the slit shape of the slit-shaped light beam, the image scanning device includes a manuscript image input block for inputting a reflected light containing a manuscript image reflected from the surface of the manuscript and a light detecting device supplied with the reflected light containing the manuscript image which is output from the manuscript image input block, and the manuscript image input block is constructed in such a manner that the reflected light containing the manuscript image reflected from the manuscript surface is selectively applied to a predetermined portion of the light receiving surface in the light detecting device in synchronization with the scan operation of the scan type illumination device.
The image scanning method according to a second embodiment of the present invention uses an image scanning apparatus comprising a support arm, a stand block supporting the support arm, a scan illumination device mounted on the support arm for applying a slit-shaped light beam onto a surface of a manuscript, and a manuscript image scanning device for inputting a manuscript image illuminated by the slit-shaped light beam and reflected from the manuscript surface; the method comprising steps of: applying the slit-shaped light beam from the scan type illumination device; causing the slit-shaped light beam to scan in a direction vertical to the longitudinal direction of the slit in the slit-shaped light beam; in the manuscript image input block, receiving a light reflected from the manuscript surface containing a manuscript image, and selectively applying the reflected light containing the manuscript image to a predetermined portion of the light receiving elements in the light detecting device provided in the image scanning device; and displacing the manuscript image input block in synchronization with the scan operation by the scan type illumination device.
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|
"Defines 'qualifying patient' and permits a qualifying patient to use medical cannabis under certain circumstances. Requires the state department of health to adopt rules before July 1, 2016, concerning the use, distribution, cultivation, production, and testing of medical cannabis. Provides immunity for physicians who recommend the medical use of cannabis.
Introduced by Rep. Sue Errington (D), received first reading, and referred to Committee on Rules and Legislative Procedures on Jan. 14, 2015
Bill died when it failed to advance before crossover date (Feb. 25, 2015)
"An act enacting the cannabis compassion and care act; providing for the legal use of cannabis for certain debilitating medical conditions; providing for the registration and functions of compassion centers."
Introduced by Sen. David Haley (D) and referred to Committee on Public Health and Welfare on Jan. 12, 2105
Bill died when it failed to advance before crossover date (Feb. 27, 2015)
"An act enacting the cannabis compassion and care act; providing for the legal use of cannabis for certain debilitating medical conditions; providing for the registration and functions of compassion centers."
Introduced by Rep. Gail Finney (D) and referred to Committee on Health and Human Services on Jan. 12, 2015
Bill died when it failed to advance before crossover date (Feb. 27, 2015)
"[E]stablish a comprehensive system for medical cannabis in Kentucky, including provisions for medical verification of need, persons allowed to cultivate, use, and possess the drug, organizations allowed to assist in providing the drug, regulation by the state Department for Public Health."
"An act relating to the medical use of cannabis... the 'Gatewood Galbraith Medical Cannabis Act'... require the Department for Public Health operate a medical cannabis program; require prospective patients to possess a diagnosis from a physician, and possess a registry identification card issued by the department... grant priority access to children and individuals with medication-resistant seizures to low THC cannabis."
"An act to authorize the medical use of marihuana by seriously ill patients under a physician's supervision... To transfer marihuana from schedule I to schedule II under the controlled substances law."
Introduced by Sen. Deborah Jeanne Dawkins (D) and referred to Public Health and Welfare Committee on Jan. 19, 2015; Died in committee (Feb. 3, 2015)
"Missouri Compassionate Care Act" allows for an "'adequate supply', two and one-half ounces of usable cannabis during a period of fourteen days and that is derived solely from an intrastate source" for the treatment of one of the debilitating medical conditions listed in the bill.
"An act to enact the North Carolina Medical Cannabis Act to allow "cannabis derived solely from an intrastate source" in an amount of no more than 24 ounces in a three month period for the treatment of one of the debilitating medical conditions listed in the bill."
"An Act providing for the medical use of cannabis; establishing the State Board of Medical Cannabis Licensing and providing for its powers and duties; imposing duties on the Department of Health and the Department of State; regulating the growing, processing and dispensing of medical cannabis; imposing civil and criminal penalties; and making inconsistent repeals."
"To authorize the medical use of marijuana by certain individuals and for certain diseases and medical conditions; to authorize physicians licensed in good standing in the state to recommend the medical use of marijuana under certain conditions... To provide for the operation of dispensaries to cultivate, grow, and dispense marijuana for medical use."
"Medical Cannabis Access Act" creates "Safe Access program" for qualifying patients who have been "diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition by a practitioner;" allows licensed pharmacies to apply to be direct providers of medical cannabis to Safe Access program cardholders.
Introduced by Sen. Sara Kyle (D) on Feb. 11, 2015; Passed on first consideration on Feb. 12, 2015; Passed on second consideration and referred to Judiciary Committee (Feb. 18, 2015)
"Medical Cannabis Access Act" creates "Safe Access program" for qualifying patients who have been "diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition by a practitioner;" allows licensed pharmacies to apply to be direct providers of medical cannabis to Safe Access program cardholders.
"This bill: allows an individual with a qualifying illness who registers with the state electronic verification system to possess and use, under certain circumstances, cannabis, cannabis products, and devices designed for ingesting cannabis."
Introduced by Sen. Mark B. Madsen (R) and sent to Senate Rules Committee on Feb. 25, 2015; Placed on Senate second reading calendar on Mar. 2, 2015; Passed second reading by a vote of 16-13 on Mar. 3, 2015; Amendments substituted on Mar. 9, 2015
Haleigh's Hope Act: a bill "to create a registration within the Department of Public Health for patients or their caregivers who are authorized to possess low THC oil... the term 'low THC oil' means an oil that contains cannabidiol and not more than 5 percent by weight of tetrahydrocannabinol."
Passed the House by a vote of 158-2 on Feb. 25, 2015 and sent to Senate
Passed the Senate by a vote of 48-6 on Mar. 24, 2015 and returned to House for final approval
Passed by the House by a vote of 160-1 on Mar. 24, 2015
Gov. Nathan Deal on Mar. 27, 2015 issued an executive order directing state agencies to prepare for enactment of the bill and promised to sign the legislation into law on "a day that is coming soon."
[Editor's Note:This bill would create more restrictive rules than exist in any of the states that currently have legal medical marijuana because it only allows processed cannabis plant extract oil that contains no more than 5% THC.]
"[T]o provide for a program of clinical trials of cannabidiol or cannabidiol-containing products for use in treating certain residents of this state under 18 years of age who have medication-resistant epilepsies."
Introduced by Sen. Lindsey Tippins (R) on Feb. 26, 2015
Passed the Senate by a vote of 54-1 on Mar. 13, 2015 and sent to House
[Editor's Note:This bill would not create a medical marijuana program, but rather allow a five-year study for using CBD to treat minors with seizure disorders.]
Alexis' Law: "Amends existing law to clarify that cannabidiol oil [not more than .3% THC, at least 15 times more cannabidiol than THC, and containing no other psychoactive substance] is not under the definition of 'marijuana' for purposes of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act."
[Editor's Note:This bill would create more restrictive rules than exist in any of the states that currently have legal medical marijuana because it only allows processed cannabis plant extract oil that contains no more than 0.3% THC.]
"An act concerning hemp preparation treatments for seizure disorders... 'Hemp preparation means cannabis plant material [or an extract or mixture] that is no more than 3% tetrahydrocannabinol by weight..."
Introduced by the Committee on Health and Human Services on Feb. 10, 2015
Bill died when it failed to advance out of committee (Mar. 24, 2015)
[Editor's Note:This bill would have created more restrictive rules than exist in any of the states that currently have legal medical marijuana because it only allowed processed cannabis plant extract oil that contains no more than 3% THC.]
An act "to authorize for persons diagnosed with seizure disorders certain uses of cannabidiol and other drugs or substances derived from cannabis...
'Cannabidiol' means a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid found in a plant of the genus cannabis or any other preparation thereof that is essentially free from plant material and has a tetrahydrocannabinol level of not more than three per cent."
[Editor's Note:This bill would create more restrictive rules than exist in any of the states that currently have legal medical marijuana because it only allows processed cannabis plant extract oil that contains no more than 3% THC, and only for the treatment of epilepsy.]
[Editor's Note:This bill would create more restrictive rules than exist in any of the states that currently have legal medical marijuana because it only allows processed cannabis plant extract oil that contains no more than 0.9% THC.]
[Editor's Note:This bill would create more restrictive rules than exist in any of the states that currently have legal medical marijuana because it only allows processed cannabis plant extract oil that contains no more than 0.9% THC.]
"Certification for use of cannabidiol oil or THC-A oil to treat intractable epilepsy... 'Cannabidiol oil' means a processed Cannabis plant extract that contains at least 15 percent cannabidiol but no more than five percent tetrahydrocannabinol."
Prefiled by Del. David B. Albo (R) on Dec. 29, 2014
Passed the House by a vote of 98-0 on Feb. 10, 2015 and went to Senate
Passed the Senate by a vote of 37-1 on Feb. 18, 2015
Signed into law by Gov. Terry McAuliffe on Feb. 26, 2015
[Editor's Note:This bill would create more restrictive rules than exist in any of the states that currently have legal medical marijuana because it only allows processed cannabis plant extract oil that contains more than 15% of cannabidiol (CBD) and no more than 5% THC, and only for the treatment of epilepsy, cancer, or glaucoma.]
"Provides an affirmative defense in a prosecution for the possession of marijuana if the marijuana is in the form of cannabidiol oil or THC-A oil possessed pursuant to a valid written certification issued by a practitioner of medicine or osteopathy licensed by the Board of Medicine for purposes of treating or alleviating a patient's symptoms of intractable epilepsy."
Prefiled by Sen. David W. Marsden (D) on Jan. 14, 2015
Passed the Senate by a vote of 37-1 on Feb. 5, 2015
Passed the House by a vote of 92-1 on Feb. 13, 2015
Signed into law by Gov. Terry McAuliffe on Feb. 26, 2015
[Editor's Note:This bill would create more restrictive rules than exist in any of the states that currently have legal medical marijuana because it only allows processed cannabis plant extract oil that contains more than 15% of cannabidiol (CBD) and no more than 5% THC, and only for the treatment of epilepsy, cancer, or glaucoma.]
Information about pending legislation comes directly from the state legislature website for each state. ProCon.org gives special thanks to Karen O'Keefe, JD, Director of State Policies for Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), for her updates on pending legislation.
Note: Ballot initiatives will only be added once a measure has been officially added to a state ballot.
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Boringly enough, I don't think they really matter. If you're talking WoD vampires who sleep during the day, the eclipse doesn't last long enough for them to take advantage of it, even if it wakes them up for the duration.
If your vampires are able to be active during the day, by all means it should be an occasion for all sorts of rituals and hijinks.
Maybe you can make some hay off that - mortal sorcerers want to perform some sort of ritual, but the characters won't be awake to oppose them directly, so they have to find out enough about the sorcerers' plans that they can send ghouls to foil the ritual. And then do a session based on that, playing the ghouls and retainers.
Comment
I'm not sure if any book details the effect. Mechanics as are, nothing would happen, as far as I know. But I think it'd be interesting to allow them to awaken and act normally as they wish. Though, you would have to increase the duration of the event to make it meaningful at all.
Comment
I live in Charleston, SC, and, if their experience is anything like mine, they are kicking themselves for not viewing the eclipse from a location two miles to the east where it doesn't cloud up just as totality is reached.
Comment
Comment
i think the humanity 10 and early risers will have a chance to wake up... but only briefly. if they dont know about the eclipse or look at a clock, they could have inconvenient problems. the lower humanity or path kindred will not stir from their slumber.
1 like
Comment
_It could be very freaky for a vampire to wake up during the day and going to panickally check if everything is well closed ( perhaps discovering at this moment a hole in the chatterton on the window and sensing the end of the eclipse during is going to rotschrek )
_A Black hand assassin , trained to wake up at the second the sun quit the horizon has 7 minutes to introduce himself in the prince lair kill him and exit. The surprise the next morning where the prince of the city is discovered diablerized.
_The old mathuselah in torpor who wake up suddenly at 30 meters in earth and scream of terror. All the members of his clan or of his lineage sense that something horrible is about to happen ( the rotschrek mathuselah that someone has to calm down and accompany to his refuge ( or diablerize, depends the munchkiness of your chronicle )
Comment
There's probably some blood magic Ritual that can only be performed during an eclipse. Meaning the sorcerer needs to stay up all day, fighting the instinct to fall asleep long enough to cast it.
Would need to be a pretty potent Ritual, given its rarity and steep difficulty to pull off.
Although I suppose the sorcerer could cast Wake With Evening's Freshness before bed, then have their ghoul wake them up five minutes before the eclipse happens. That way, their earlier magic would help them rouse themselves to full wakefulness, at least for the scene. Not sure if "danger" - as written - is an absolute requirement, or just the intended scenario where it would be useful. Is a sorcerer considered "in danger" of missing their Ritual window? Or does a ghoul need to fire a gun into the air to wake the master up?
Comment
As a guess, for a lot of them there is probably the irritation of suddenly waking up for a brief period during the day before the need to sleep comes over them again. (Mechanically, you might use it as an excuse to not recover all of your Willpower from sleeping.)
Lasombra Abyss Mystics may decide this is the time to hold some sort of important ritual or rite, but staying awake for it is going to be really hard.
What is tolerance? It is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other's folly. That is the first law of nature.
Voltaire, "Tolerance" (1764)
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List of awards and nominations received by Amy Adams
Amy Adams is an American actress who has received various awards and nominations, including two Golden Globe Awards, four Critics' Choice Movie Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Additionally, she has been nominated for six Academy Awards and seven BAFTA Awards. In 2017, Adams received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to the motion picture industry.
Adams' breakthrough role in the 2005 acclaimed independent comedy-drama Junebug earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and won her the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Supporting Actress and the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress. In 2007, she starred in Walt Disney Pictures' romantic musical Enchanted, for which she won the Saturn Award for Best Actress and was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical, the Critics' Choice Award for Best Actress, and three MTV Movie Awards. Adams' performances in the critically acclaimed dramas Doubt, (2008), The Fighter (2010), and The Master (2012) garnered her several accolades, including nominations from the Oscar, Hollywood Foreign Press, BAFTA, SAG, and Critics' Choice award ceremonies.
Since 2013, Adams has received two People's Choice and four Teen Choice Awards nominations for playing the DC Comics character Lois Lane in the DC Extended Universe. For her performance as a con artist in the 2013 crime comedy-drama American Hustle, Adams won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical and the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actress in a Comedy, and received her first Academy Award for Best Actress nomination. The following year, she starred as Margaret Keane in the autobiographical drama Big Eyes, which won her a second consecutive Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical, making her the fourth actress to achieve this feat. She also received her second nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal. In 2016, Adams won the National Board of Review Award for Best Actress, and was nominated for the Golden Globe Award, the SAG Award, the BAFTA Award, and the Critic's Choice Award for Best Actress, for playing a linguist in the science-fiction film Arrival.
Academy Awards
The Academy Awards are a set of awards given by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences annually for excellence of cinematic achievements. Adams has received six nominations, tying her with Deborah Kerr and Thelma Ritter as the actresses with the second most nominations without winning (surpassed only by Glenn Close, who has seven nominations).
AACTA International Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards are presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) to recognize and honor achievements in the film and television industry.
British Academy Film Awards
The British Academy Film Award is an annual award show presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
Critics' Choice Movie Awards
The Critics' Choice Movie Awards are presented annually since 1995 by the Broadcast Film Critics Association for outstanding achievements in the cinema industry.
Critics' Choice Television Awards
The Critics' Choice Television Awards are presented annually since 2011 by the Broadcast Television Journalists Association. The awards were launched to "to enhance access for broadcast journalists covering the television industry".
Dorian Awards
The Dorian Awards are organized by the Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association (GALECA).
Empire Awards
The Empire Awards is a British awards ceremony held annually to recognize cinematic achievements.
Golden Globe Awards
The Golden Globe Award is an accolade bestowed by the 93 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) recognizing excellence in film and television, both domestic and foreign.
Gotham Awards
Presented by the Independent Filmmaker Project, the Gotham Awards award the best in independent film.
Hollywood Film Festival
The Hollywood Film Awards are held annually to recognize talent in the film industry.
Independent Spirit Awards
The Independent Spirit Awards are presented annually by Film Independent, to award best in the independent film community.
Irish Film & Television Awards
The Irish Film & Television Academy Awards are presented annually to award best in films and television.
MTV Movie Awards
The MTV Movie Awards is an annual award show presented by MTV to honor outstanding achievements in films. Founded in 1992, the winners of the awards are decided online by the audience.
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
The Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, also known as the Kids Choice Awards (KCAs), is an annual awards show that airs on the Nickelodeon cable channel that honors the year's biggest television, film, and music acts, as voted by Nickelodeon viewers.
Palm Springs International Film Festival
Founded in 1989 in Palm Springs, California, the Palm Springs International Film Festival is held annually in January.
People's Choice Awards
The People's Choice Awards is an American awards show recognizing the people and the work of popular culture. The show has been held annually since 1975, and is voted on by the general public.
Primetime Emmy Awards
The Primetime Emmy Awards are presented annually by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, also known as the Television Academy, to recognize and honor achievements in the television industry.
Satellite Awards
The Satellite Awards are a set of annual awards given by the International Press Academy.
Saturn Awards
The Saturn Awards are presented annually by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films to honor science fiction, fantasy, and horror films, television, and home video.
Screen Actors Guild Awards
The Screen Actors Guild Awards are organized by the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. First awarded in 1995, the awards aim to recognize excellent achievements in film and television.
Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is the largest film festival held annually in United States.
Television Critics Association Awards
The TCA Awards are awards presented by the Television Critics Association in recognition of excellence in television.
Teen Choice Awards
The Teen Choice Awards is an annual awards show that airs on the Fox Network. The awards honor the year's biggest achievements in music, movies, sports, television, fashion, and other categories, voted by teen viewers.
Other Awards
This is to include awards which are not related to any particular movie or project.
Critics associations
Notes
References
Adams, Amy
Category:Amy Adams
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Initial oxygen saturation values can predict the need to hospitalise children with mild wheezing.
Mild wheezing during respiratory infections is a common cause of paediatric hospital admissions. This study aimed to identify factors predicting this condition in children over six months of age. We reviewed the medical records of 539 children, aged 6 months to 16 years, who visited the emergency department because of wheezing during respiratory infection. Mild disease was defined as hospital stays of less than 48 h and severe disease was staying at least 48 h or being treated in intensive care. Patients with an initial oxygen saturation value (SaO2 ) below 90% were analysed separately. Most (87%) of the 539 patients had mild disease, 6% had a severe disease and 7% had an initial SaO2 below 90%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the initial SaO2 predicting mild disease was 0.75 (95% CI 0.53-0.97), and the optimal cut-off value was 93%. An initial SaO2 >93% had a negative predictive value of 93%. Although 270 patients (50%) were hospitalised, only 140 (26%) would have been admitted using an optimal cut-off of SaO2 ≤93%. An initial SaO2 >93% reflects a mild course of acute wheezing and using this cut-off point could have almost halved hospital admissions.
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Radiation therapy as exclusive treatment for medically inoperable patients with stage I and II endometrioid carcinoma with endometrium.
From 1975 to 1992, 54 patients with clinical Stage I and II endometrioid carcinoma of the endometrium, representing 3.5% of all such patients, were deemed medically inoperable and exclusively received radiation therapy. A cohort of 108 operable patients adjusted for age, clinical stage, and grade served as a control group. The 5-year actuarial cancer-specific survivals for patients with Stage I inoperable, Stage 11 inoperable, Stage I operable, and Stage II operable disease were 80, 85, 98, and 100%. The corresponding 5-year overall survival rates were 30, 24, 88, and 85%. Inoperable patients had a median disease-free interval of 36 months for clinical Stage I and 50 months for Stage II disease versus 74.5 and 77 months for the operable patients (P = 0.001). Inoperable patients with Stage I disease had a median survival of 37 months versus 50 months for Stage II (P = NS), with only 7 (13%) of these patients dying with endometrial cancer. Operable patients had a median survival of 75 and 79 months in Stage I and II, respectively, with 14 patients dying with endometrial carcinoma (13%). Stage I and II inoperable patients had significantly shorter survival than operable patients (P < 0.0001). More deaths from intercurrent disease occurred within the inoperable Stage I group than with the operable group (28 of 32 vs 3 of 15, P < 0.0001). Inoperable patients had a significantly shorter overall survival and more deaths due to intercurrent disease than operable patients (P < 0.0001). However, inoperable patients who did not die from intercurrent disease had a median 5-year survival which approaches that of operable patients. Our study demonstrates that exclusive radiation therapy is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for medically inoperable patients.
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Kim anlar halimi
Sen de anlamazsan halim yaş
Kim özlerki beni
Sen özlemezsen ben derdimden ayyaş
Geçmesin zaman
Olmasın sabah
Doğmasın güneş
Dönmesin Dünya
Esmesin rüzgar
Uçmasın kuşlar
Sönsün ışıklar...
müzik
Kolay mı öyle terkedipte gitmek böyle
Kolay mı öyle terkedipte gitme böyle !
Sebebi sensin bu anlamsız hayatımın
Sebebi sensin oof anlamıyosun
Sebebi sensin yokluğuna dayanamam
Sebebi sensin oof anlamıyosun
Sebebi sensin bu anlamsız hayatımın
Sebebi sensin oof anlamıyosun
Sebebi sensin yokluğuna dayanamam
Sebebi sensin oof anlamıyosun
müzik
Kim anlar halimi
Sen de anlamazsan halim yaş
Kim özlerki beni
Sen özlemezsen ben derdimden ayyaş
Geçmesin zamann olmasın sabah
Doğmasın güneş dönmesin Dünya
Esmesin rüzgar uçmasın kuşlar
Sönsün ışıklar...
Kolay mı öyle terkedipte gitmek böyle
Kolay mı öyle terkedipte gitme böyle !
Sebebi sensin bu anlamsız hayatımın
Sebebi sensin oof anlamıyosun
Sebebi sensin yokluğuna dayanamam
Sebebi sensin oof anlamıyosun
Sebebi sensin bu anlamsız hayatımın
Sebebi sensin oof anlamıyosun
Sebebi sensin yokluğuna dayanamam
Sebebi sensin oof anlamıyosun
Sebebi sensin
anlamıyosun
Sebebi sensin oof anlamıyosun
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Q:
OpenCV color identification
Hi I'm trying to built simple color identifying program. I have taken a image (yellow & pink) with and convert it in HSV color space. Then used threshold to identify yellow color region. I getting the output (black image). I want yellow region to be filled with while color and rest with black.
IplImage *imgRead= cvLoadImage("yellow.jpeg",CV_LOAD_IMAGE_COLOR);
if(!imgRead) {
fprintf(stderr, "Error in reading image\n");
exit(1);
}
IplImage *imgHsv = cvCreateImage(cvGetSize(imgRead),8, 3);
cvCvtColor(imgRead, imgHsv,CV_BGR2HSV);
IplImage *imgThreshold = cvCreateImage(cvGetSize(imgRead),8, 1);
cvInRangeS(imgHsv, cvScalar(25, 80, 80,80), cvScalar(34, 255, 255,255), imgThreshold);
cvShowImage("image",imgThreshold);
cvWaitKey(0);
In above code I had calculated HSV value for yellow as 30. (In gimp hsv value for yellow color is 60). In cvInRangeS, except for hue value I'm not sure how to specify other values for cvScalar.
What values I need to put? Am I missing anything?
A:
I think the problem you are having is due to the scaling of the HSV data to fit in 8-bits. Normally, as I'm sure you noticed from using GIMP that HSV scales are as follows:
H -> [0, 360]
S -> [0, 100]
V -> [0, 100]
But, OpenCV remaps these values as follows:
(H / 2) -> [0, 180] (so that the H values can be stored in 8-bits)
S -> [0, 255]
V -> [0, 255]
This is why your calculated Hue value is 30 instead of 60. So, to filter out all colors except for yellow your cvInRangeS call would look something like this:
cvInRangeS(imgHsv, cvScalar(25, 245, 245, 0), cvScalar(35, 255, 255, 255), imgThreshold);
The fourth channel is unused for HSV. This call would give you 10-counts of noise in your color detector threshold for each dimension.
As mentioned by, SSteve your threshold should work, but you may need to expand your threshold boundaries to capture the yellow-ish color in your image.
Hope that helps!
A:
I ran your code and it worked fine. Perhaps the yellow in your image isn't as yellow as you think.
Edit: The other potential difference is that I'm using OpenCV 2.3. Which version are you using?
Ok, one more edit: Have you tried looking at your yellow values? That would give you a definitive answer as to what values you should use in cvInRangeS. Add these two lines after the call to cvCvtColor:
uchar* ptr = (uchar*)(imgHsv->imageData);
printf("H: %d, S:%d, V:%d\n", ptr[0], ptr[1], ptr[2]);
For my image, I got:
H: 30, S:109, V:255
That's why your code worked for me.
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critical facultycrit-i-cal fac-ul-ty
A good working definition would be: The ability to mentally evaluate information, statements, or propositions, to determine if they are accurate, true, or likely.
dojodo-jo
A school for training in Japanese arts of self-defense, such as judo and karate.
On The Critical Faculty:“It is our only guarantee against delusion, deception, superstition, and misapprehension of ourselves and our earthly circumstances.” William Graham Sumner
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
The clunking fist Gordon Brown, was busily dismissing demands for a Whitehall investigation into the Byers, Hoon, Hewitt, etc. and the secret political influence for cash scandal, one strongly suspects hoping to sweep it under the carpet as soon as possible.
"Nothing to see here folks, move along please..."
He was desperately claiming it was not necessary to have a formal inquiry into whether Government ministers changed policy after being approached by bought colleagues.
Amid demands that the Prime Minister order a formal enquiry Brown let it be known he was "satisfied" that there had been no impropriety on the part of ministers in the Transport and Business departments. A spokesperson said "The Prime Minister has seen the statements from the departments and is satisfied that there is no impropriety."
Well it seems that after Byers and his chums were outed by the Channel 4 programme which secretly recorded the former ministers and everyone could make their own minds up directly the pretence could no longer be kept up.
One wonders how happy Mandleson and Adonis were to have been implicated in the matter, and how much truth there was in the original claims.
One wonders if Byers is now falling on his sword having belatedly realised he has transgressed against omertà. It must have finally dawned on him they know where he lives...
Those involved have finally been suspended from the Parliamentary Labor Party. Apparently the party's chief whip, Nick Brown finally decided enough was enough after back bench pressure, probably largely motivated by fear of the electoral damage Labour might suffer over the matter if they carried on pretending such behaviour was acceptable.
Maybe one day these so-called honourable gentlemen Wouldn’t that be refreshing…
Meanwhile... I am also contemplating the acquisition of a reinforced umbrella against the day geneticists develop a winged pig :-) In the previous case I am not planning on holding my breath waiting as the need for that umbrella is sadly probably far more pressing.
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Jillaroos selectors have named a Harvey Norman Jillaroos merit team, following the second successful Holden Women's State of Origin match last Friday.
Jillaroos coach Brad Donald congratulated the team, saying this year's Origin match was one of the best matches he had witnessed since commencing as Jillaroos coach in 2016.
"The skill level of our elite female athletes continues to get better and better and I was so proud of the efforts of every player competing for their respective states," Mr Donald said.
"We're in a building phase as we start to focus on the 2021 Rugby League World Cup and you can sense between the elite players that there is a healthy level of competition for spots.
"Throw in the talent coming through the Pathways programs, many of whom featured in the Under 18's fixture on Friday night, and it's the future is bright for women's rugby league.
"Those in this merit team deserve their place and recognition, as we prepare for plenty more rugby league this year, including the Premiership, a Nines Tournament and a Test Match."
NRL General Manager of the Women's Elite Program, Tiffany Slater said the Women's Origin match had attracted a significant increase in fan attendance and TV audience year on year.
"More than 10,500 fans witnessed a rivalry without rival last Friday night at North Sydney Oval, with a million people tuning in," Ms Slater said.
"It was fantastic to see men, women and children of all ages supporting the fastest growing area of our game – women's rugby league – and particularly at the end of the match, when thousands of fans rushed onto the field to greet their heroes that had just been part of a thrilling match.
"I have no doubt that the quality and support of Women's Origin will continue to increase and the best news is that there's still plenty of women's rugby league to be played this year."
The 2019 Harvey Norman Jillaroos Merit Team is as follows:
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Q:
Updating an existing Android app in Eclipse?
I already created a free app using Eclipse and have it on Google Play. Now I am wanting to add some extra features into it and have it as a paid app. Now I am wondering if I have to create a whole new program or will changing the existing package name and export key suffice? Thanks
A:
Google Play does not allow you to change a free app to a paid app. The reasons behind it are beyond me. You have to upload a new app with a new package name onto Google Play. In eclipse right click on the project and select "Android Tools -> Rename Application Package". You don't have to create a new keystore to export the app, you can use the same you used for the previous one.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
/*
* Copyright 2008 Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
*
* This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or
* modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License
* Version 2 as published by the Free Software Foundation.
*/
#include <common.h>
#include <asm/io.h>
#include <asm/fsl_ddr_sdram.h>
#if (CONFIG_CHIP_SELECTS_PER_CTRL > 4)
#error Invalid setting for CONFIG_CHIP_SELECTS_PER_CTRL
#endif
void fsl_ddr_set_memctl_regs(const fsl_ddr_cfg_regs_t *regs,
unsigned int ctrl_num)
{
unsigned int i;
volatile ccsr_ddr_t *ddr;
switch (ctrl_num) {
case 0:
ddr = (void *)CONFIG_SYS_MPC86xx_DDR_ADDR;
break;
case 1:
ddr = (void *)CONFIG_SYS_MPC86xx_DDR2_ADDR;
break;
default:
printf("%s unexpected ctrl_num = %u\n", __FUNCTION__, ctrl_num);
return;
}
for (i = 0; i < CONFIG_CHIP_SELECTS_PER_CTRL; i++) {
if (i == 0) {
out_be32(&ddr->cs0_bnds, regs->cs[i].bnds);
out_be32(&ddr->cs0_config, regs->cs[i].config);
} else if (i == 1) {
out_be32(&ddr->cs1_bnds, regs->cs[i].bnds);
out_be32(&ddr->cs1_config, regs->cs[i].config);
} else if (i == 2) {
out_be32(&ddr->cs2_bnds, regs->cs[i].bnds);
out_be32(&ddr->cs2_config, regs->cs[i].config);
} else if (i == 3) {
out_be32(&ddr->cs3_bnds, regs->cs[i].bnds);
out_be32(&ddr->cs3_config, regs->cs[i].config);
}
}
out_be32(&ddr->timing_cfg_3, regs->timing_cfg_3);
out_be32(&ddr->timing_cfg_0, regs->timing_cfg_0);
out_be32(&ddr->timing_cfg_1, regs->timing_cfg_1);
out_be32(&ddr->timing_cfg_2, regs->timing_cfg_2);
out_be32(&ddr->sdram_cfg_2, regs->ddr_sdram_cfg_2);
out_be32(&ddr->sdram_mode, regs->ddr_sdram_mode);
out_be32(&ddr->sdram_mode_2, regs->ddr_sdram_mode_2);
out_be32(&ddr->sdram_mode_cntl, regs->ddr_sdram_md_cntl);
out_be32(&ddr->sdram_interval, regs->ddr_sdram_interval);
out_be32(&ddr->sdram_data_init, regs->ddr_data_init);
out_be32(&ddr->sdram_clk_cntl, regs->ddr_sdram_clk_cntl);
out_be32(&ddr->init_addr, regs->ddr_init_addr);
out_be32(&ddr->init_ext_addr, regs->ddr_init_ext_addr);
debug("before go\n");
/*
* 200 painful micro-seconds must elapse between
* the DDR clock setup and the DDR config enable.
*/
udelay(200);
asm volatile("sync;isync");
out_be32(&ddr->sdram_cfg, regs->ddr_sdram_cfg);
/*
* Poll DDR_SDRAM_CFG_2[D_INIT] bit until auto-data init is done
*/
while (in_be32(&ddr->sdram_cfg_2) & 0x10) {
udelay(10000); /* throttle polling rate */
}
}
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Github"
}
|
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a locking structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to a locking structure applied to a board sliding in a track.
2. Description of Related Art
Recently, the commonly used server host in the industry is mainly a stackable and serially connected rack mount computer host. In the design, the size of a main board in the computer host is greatly reduced, a CPU, a chipset, a memory, and a hard disk are respectively disposed, and then the computer host is guided by a slide rail, so as to be assembled in the rack, such that the space is saved and it is conveniently for replacement. In order to transmit signals, a plurality of connector slots is disposed on the main board of the transmit signal, such that it is conveniently for the main board to serially connect to another main board (or an adapting board), thereby increasing multiplexity of the server, and achieving the high operation performance.
However, the server case is usually flat cuboid, and the sockets on the main board are disposed in a narrow space on the back side of the case, thus resulting in the inconvenience of inserting and extracting the connector. Especially, in the process of extracting the connector, complicated steps and particular tools are required, which is inconvenient to users.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
}
|
Iatrogenic Wernicke encephalopathy in a patient with severe hyperemesis gravidarum.
Hyperemesis gravidarum complicates 0.5-2.0% of pregnancies and may lead to substantial nutritional deficiencies. Total parenteral nutrition can be used in severe cases in an attempt to avoid such deficiencies. Rarely, thiamine deficiency resulting in Wernicke encephalopathy occurs, with significant maternal morbidity. We present the case of a 30-year-old woman with hyperemesis gravidarum at 13 4/7 weeks of gestation treated with prolonged total parenteral nutrition that lacked thiamine supplementation, resulting in iatrogenic Wernicke encephalopathy. After high-dose intravenous thiamine repletion, she experienced slow resolution of her symptoms. Pregnancies complicated by hyperemesis gravidarum treated with total parenteral nutrition represent potential high-risk clinical scenarios for thiamine deficiency. Compositions of total parenteral nutrition are not standardized. Thus, physicians must confirm repletion of all essential components to avoid significant morbidity.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
<?php
$user = new \App\User\User();
$errors = array();
if ($_SERVER["REQUEST_METHOD"] == "POST") {
if (!isset($_POST["username"]) || !trim($_POST["username"])) {
$errors["username"] = "Veuillez indiquer un nom d'utilisateur.";
} else {
$user->setUsername(trim($_POST["username"]));
}
if (empty($_POST["password"])) {
$errors["password"] = "Veuillez indiquer un mot de passe.";
} elseif (empty($_POST["password"]) || $_POST["password"] != $_POST["confirmPassword"]) {
$errors["confirmPassword"] = "Les deux mots de passe ne correspondent pas.";
}
if (empty($errors)) {
$user->setPassword(sha1($_POST["password"]));
$userStorage->save($user);
header("LOCATION: ?mod=admin&a=users");
exit;
}
}
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Github"
}
|
---
abstract: 'At present, Babcock-Leighton flux transport solar dynamo models appear as the most promising model for explaining diverse observational aspects of the sunspot cycle. The success of these flux transport dynamo models is largely dependent upon a single-cell meridional circulation with a deep equatorward component at the base of the Sun’s convection zone. However, recent observations suggest that the meridional flow may in fact be very shallow (confined to the top 10% of the Sun) and more complex than previously thought. Taken together these observations raise serious concerns on the validity of the flux transport paradigm. By accounting for the turbulent pumping of magnetic flux as evidenced in magnetohydrodynamic simulations of solar convection, we demonstrate that flux transport dynamo models can generate solar-like magnetic cycles even if the meridional flow is shallow. Solar-like periodic reversals is recovered even when meridional circulation is altogether absent, however, in this case the solar surface magnetic field dynamics does not extend all the way to the polar regions. Very importantly, our results demonstrate that the Parker-Yoshimura sign rule for dynamo wave propagation can be circumvented in Babcock-Leighton dynamo models by the latitudinal component of turbulent pumping – which can generate equatorward propagating sunspot belts in the absence of a deep, equatorward meridional flow. We also show that variations in turbulent pumping coefficients can modulate the solar cycle amplitude and periodicity. Our results suggest the viability of an alternate magnetic flux transport paradigm – mediated via turbulent pumping – for sustaining solar-stellar dynamo action.'
author:
- Soumitra Hazra and Dibyendu Nandy
title: 'A Proposed Paradigm for Solar Cycle Dynamics Mediated via Turbulent Pumping of Magnetic Flux in Babcock-Leighton type Solar Dynamos'
---
Introduction
============
The cycle of sunspots involves the generation and recycling of the Sun’s toroidal and poloidal magnetic field components. The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) dynamo mechanism that achieves this is sustained by the energy of solar internal plasma motions such as differential rotation, turbulent convection and meridional circulation. The toroidal field is generated through stretching of the poloidal component by differential rotation [@park55] and is believed to be stored and amplified at the overshoot layer [@moren92] beneath the base of the solar convection zone (SCZ). Strong toroidal flux tubes are unstable to magnetic buoyancy and erupt through the surface producing sunspots, which are strongly magnetized and have a systematic tilt [@hale08; @hale19]. The poloidal field is believed to be regenerated through a combination of helical turbulent convection (traditionally known as the mean-field $\alpha$-effect; [@park55]) in the main body of the SCZ and the redistribution of the magnetic flux of tilted bipolar sunspot pairs (the Babcock-Leighton process; [@bab61; @leigh69]).
Despite early, pioneering attempts to self-consistently model the interactions of turbulent plasma flows and magnetic fields in the context of the solar cycle [@gilm83; @glat85] such full MHD simulations are still not successful in yielding solutions that can match solar cycle observations. This task is indeed difficult, for the range of density and pressure scale heights, scale of turbulence and high Reynolds number that characterize the SCZ is difficult to capture even in the most powerful supercomputers. An alternative approach to modelling the solar cycle is based on solving the magnetic induction equation in the SCZ with observed plasma flows as inputs and with additional physics gleaned from simulations of convection and flux tube dynamics. These so called flux transport dynamo models have shown great promise in recent years in addressing a wide variety of solar cycle problems [@char10; @ossen03].
In particular, solar dynamo models based on the Babcock-Leighton mechanism for poloidal field generation have been more successful in explaining diverse observational features of the solar cycle [@dikp99; @nandy02; @chat04; @chou04; @guer07; @nandy11; @chou12; @haz14; @pass14]. Recent observations also strongly favor the Babcock-Leighton mechanism as a major source for poloidal field generation [@dasi10; @munoz13]. In this scenario, the poloidal field generation is essentially predominantly confined to near-surface layers. For the dynamo to function efficiently, the toroidal field that presumably resides deep in the interior has to reach the near-surface layers for the Babcock-Leighton poloidal source to be effective. This is achieved by the buoyant transport of magnetic flux from the Sun’s interior to its surface (through sunspot eruptions). Subsequent to this the poloidal field so generated at near-surface layers must be transported back to the solar interior, where differential rotation can generate the toroidal field. The deep meridional flow assumed in such models (See Fig. 1, left-hemisphere) plays a significant role in this flux transport process and is thought to govern the period of the sunspot cycle [@char20; @hatha03; @yeat08; @ghaz14]. Moreover, a fundamentally crucial role attributed to the deep equatorward meridional flow is that it allows the Parker-Yoshimura sign rule [@park55; @yosh75] to be overcome, which would otherwise result in poleward propagating dynamo waves in contradiction to observations that the sunspot belt migrates equatorwards with the progress of the cycle [@chou95; @ghaz14; @pass15; @belus15].
While the poleward meridional flow at the solar surface is well observed (Hathaway & Rightmire 2010; 2011) the internal meridional flow profile has remained largely unconstrained. A recent study utilizing solar supergranules [@hatha12] suggests that the meridional flow is confined to within the top 10% of the Sun (Fig. 1, right-hemisphere) – much shallower than previously thought. Independent studies utilizing helioseismic inversions are also indicative that the equatorward meridional counterflow may be located at shallow depths [@mitra07; @zhao13]. The latter also infer the flow to be multi-cellular and more complex. These studies motivate exploring alternative paradigms for flux transport dynamics in Babcock-Leighton type models of the solar cycle which are crucially dependent on meridional circulation linking the two segregated dynamo source regions in the SCZ. This leads us to consider the role of turbulent pumping.
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Magnetoconvection simulations supported by theoretical considerations have established that turbulent pumping preferentially transports magnetic fields vertically downwards [@brand96; @tobias01; @ossen02; @dorch01; @kapla06; @pip09; @racine11; @rogach11; @aug15; @warn16; @sim16] – likely mediated via strong downward convective plumes which are particularly effective on weak magnetic fields (such as the poloidal component). In strong rotation regimes, there is also a significant latitudinal component of turbulent pumping. In particular, two studies, one utilizing mean-field dynamo simulations [@brand92] and the other utilizing turbulent three dimensional magnetoconvection simulations [@ossen02] recognized the possibility that turbulent pumping may contribute to the equatorward propagation of the toroidal field belt. We note that most Babcock-Leighton kinematic flux transport solar dynamo models do not include the process of turbulent pumping of magnetic flux. The few studies that exist on the impact of turbulent pumping in the context of flux transport dynamo models show it to be dynamically important in flux transport dynamics, the maintenance of solar-like parity and solar-cycle memory [@guer08; @kar12; @jiang13]. In their model with turbulent pumping, Guerrero & de Gouveia Dal Pino (2008) used a spatially distributed $\alpha$-coefficient in the near-surface layers to model the Babcock-Leighton poloidal source and a meridional circulation whose equatorward component penetrated up to $0.8R_\odot$, i.e., more than half the depth of the SCZ; therefore, from this modelling it is not possible to segregate the contributions of turbulent pumping and meridional flow (the peak latitudinal component of the former coincides with the equatorward component of the latter) to the toroidal field migration.
Here, utilizing a newly developed state-of-the-art flux transport dynamo model where a double-ring algorithm is utilized to model the Babcock-Leighton process, we explore the impact of turbulent pumping in flux transport dynamo models with nonexistent, or shallow meridional circulation. Our results indicate the possibility of an alternative flux transport paradigm for the solar cycle in which turbulent pumping of magnetic flux resolves the problems posed by a shallow (or inconsequential) meridional flow.
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(a) (b)
(c)
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Model
=====
Our flux transport solar dynamo model solves for the coupled, evolution equation for the axisymmetric toroidal and poloidal components of the solar magnetic fields: $$\label{Eq_2.5DynA}
\frac{\partial A}{\partial t} + \frac{1}{s}\left[ \textbf{v}_p \cdot \nabla (sA) \right] = \eta\left( \nabla^2 - \frac{1}{s^2} \right)A + {S_{BL}},$$
$$\begin{aligned}
\label{Eq_2.5DynB}
\frac{\partial B}{\partial t} + s\left[ \textbf{v}_p \cdot \nabla\left(\frac{B}{s} \right) \right]
+ (\nabla \cdot \textbf{v}_p)B = \eta\left( \nabla^2 - \frac{1}{s^2} \right)B \nonumber \\
+ s\left(\left[ \nabla \times (A\bf \hat{e}_\phi) \right]\cdot \nabla \Omega\right)
+ \frac{1}{s}\frac{\partial (sB)}{\partial r}\frac{\partial \eta}{\partial r},~~~~~\end{aligned}$$
where, $B$ is the toroidal component of magnetic field and $A$ is the vector potential for the poloidal component of magnetic field. ${\textbf v}_p$ is the meridional flow, $\Omega$ is the differential rotation, $\eta$ is the turbulent magnetic diffusivity and $s = r\sin(\theta)$. For the differential rotation and diffusivity profile, we use an analytic fit to the observed solar differential rotation (the near-surface shear layer is not included) and a two-step turbulent diffusivity profile (which ensures a smooth transition to low levels of diffusivity beneath the base of the convection zone) (For detailed profile, see Hazra & Nandy 2013). We use the same meridional flow profile as defined in Hazra & Nandy (2013). Our flow profile has penetration depth of $0.65R_\odot$ to represent deep meridional flow situation, and $0.90~R_\odot$ to represent shallow meridional flow situation. We set the peak speed of the meridional flow to be 15 ms$^{-1}$ (near mid-latitudes). The second term on the RHS of the toroidal field evolution equation acts as the source term for the toroidal field (rotational shear), while in the poloidal field evolution equation, the source term, ${S_{BL}}$, is due to the Babcock-Leighton mechanism. Here we use a double-ring algorithm for buoyant sunspot eruptions that best captures the Babcock-Leighton mechanism for poloidal field generation [@durney97; @nandy01; @munoz10; @haz13] and which has been tested thoroughly in other contexts. Specifics about our double ring algorithm can be found in Hazra & Nandy (2013) and Hazra (2016; PhD Thesis).
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Results
=======
To bring out the significance of the recent observations, we first consider a single cell, shallow meridional flow, confined only to the top 10% of the convection zone (Fig. 1, right-hemisphere). In the first scenario we seek to answer the following question: Can solar-like cycles be sustained through magnetic field dynamics completely confined to the top 10% of the Sun?
In these simulations initialized with antisymmetric toroidal field condition (with initial B $\sim$ 100 kG), we first allow magnetic flux tubes to buoyantly erupt from 0.90 $R_{\odot}$ (i.e., the depth to which the shallow flow is confined) when they exceed a buoyancy threshold of $10^4$ Gauss (G). In this case we find that the simulated fields fall and remain below this threshold (at all latitudes at 0.90 $R_{\odot}$) with no buoyant eruptions, implying that a Babcock-Leighton type solar dynamo cannot operate in this case. Dikpati [*et al.*]{} (2002) considered the contribution of the near-surface shear layer in their simulations (which we have not) and concluded that this near-surface layer contributes only about 1 kG to the total toroidal field production and hence insufficient to drive a large-scale dynamo. Guerrero & de Gouveia Dal Pino (2008) also utilized a near-surface shear layer with radial pumping and found solar-like solutions only under special circumstances; however, given that for this particular case they utilized a local $\alpha$-effect for the latter simulations (with a spatially distributed $\alpha$-effect in the near-surface layer) it is not evident that these simulations are relatable to the Babcock-Leighton solar dynamo concept. The upper layers of the SCZ is highly turbulent and storage and amplification of strong magnetic flux tubes may not be possible in these layers [@park75; @moren83] and therefore this result is not unexpected. While Brandenburg (2005) has conjectured that the near-surface shear layer may be able to power a large-scale dynamo, this remains to be convincingly demonstrated in the context of a Babcock-Leighton dynamo.
In the second scenario with a shallow meridional flow, we allow magnetic flux tubes to buoyantly erupt from 0.71 $R_{\odot}$, i.e. from base of the convection zone. In this case we get periodic solutions but analysis of the butterfly diagrams (taken both at the base of SCZ and near solar surface) shows that the toroidal field belts have almost symmetrical poleward and equatorward branches with no significant equatorward migration (see Fig. 2). Moreover, as already noted by Guerrero, G. & de Gouveia Dal Pino (2008), the solutions with shallow meridional flow always display quadrupolar parity in contradiction with solar cycle observations. Clearly, a shallow flow poses a serious problem for solar cycle models.
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(a) (b)
(c)
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We now introduce both radial and latitudinal turbulent pumping in our dynamo model to explore whether a Babcock Leighton flux transport dynamo can operate with meridional flow which is much shallower than previously assumed; we also extend this study to the scenario where meridional flow is altogether absent.
The turbulent pumping profile is determined from independent MHD simulations of solar magnetoconvection [@ossen02; @kapla06]. Profiles for radial and latitudinal turbulent pumping ($\gamma_r$ and $\gamma_\theta$) are: $$\begin{aligned}
\gamma_r = - \gamma_{0r} \left[ 1 + \rm{erf}\left( \frac{r - 0.715R_\odot}{0.015R_\odot}\right) \right] \left[ 1 - \rm{erf} \left( \frac{r-0.97R_\odot}{0.1R_\odot}\right) \right] \nonumber \\
\times \left[ \rm{exp}\left( \frac{r-0.715R_\odot}{0.25R_\odot}\right) ^2 \rm{cos}\theta +1\right] ~~~~\end{aligned}$$ $$\begin{aligned}
\gamma_\theta = \gamma_{0\theta} \left[1+\mathrm{erf}\left(\frac{r-0.8R_\odot}{0.55R_\odot}\right)\right]
\left[1-\mathrm{erf}\left(\frac{r-0.98R_\odot}{0.025R_\odot}\right)\right]
\times \cos \theta \sin^4 \theta ~~~~\end{aligned}$$ The value of $\gamma_{0r}$ and $\gamma_{0\theta}$ determines the amplitude of $\gamma_r$ and $\gamma_\theta$ respectively. Fig. 3 (top and bottom plot) shows that radial pumping speed (dashed lines) is negative throughout the convection zone corresponding to downward advective transport and vanishes below $0.7R_\odot$. The radial pumping speed is maximum near the poles and decreases towards the equator. Fig. 3 (top and bottom plot) shows that the latitudinal pumping speed (solid lines) is positive (negative) in the convection zone in the northern (southern) hemisphere and vanishes below the overshoot layer. This corresponds to equatorward latitudinal pumping throughout the convection zone.
Dynamo simulations with turbulent pumping generate solar-like magnetic cycles (Fig. 4 and Fig. 5). Now the toroidal field belt migrates equatorward, the solution exhibits solar-like parity and the correct phase relationship between the toroidal and poloidal components of the magnetic field (see Fig. 5). Evidently, the coupling between the poloidal source at the near-surface layers with the deeper layers of the convection zone where the toroidal field is stored and amplified, the equatorward migration of the sunspot-forming toroidal field belt and correct solar-like parity is due to the important role played by turbulent pumping. We note if the speed of the latitudinal pumping in on order of 1.0 ms$^{-1}$ the solutions are always of dipolar parity irrespective of whether one initializes the model with dipolar or quadrupolar parity. Interestingly, the latitudinal migration rate of the sunspot belt as observed is of the same order.
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(a) (b)
(c)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --
The above result begs the question whether flux transport solar dynamo models based on the Babcock-Leighton mechanism that include turbulent pumping can operate without any meridional plasma flow. To test this, we remove meridional circulation completely from our model and perform simulations with turbulent pumping included. We find that this model generates solar-like sunspot cycles with periodic reversals (see Fig. 6) which are qualitatively similar to the earlier solution with both pumping and shallow meridional flow. However, we find that the surface magnetic field dynamics related to polar field reversal is limited to within 60 degrees latitudes in both the hemispheres. At higher latitudes (near the poles) the field is very weak and almost non-varying over solar cycle timescales. This is expected if the surface magnetic field dynamics is governed primarily by diffusion. Based on this result, we argue that this scenario of non-existent meridional circulation is not supported by current observations of surface dynamics which seem to suggest that the fields do migrate all the way to the poles.
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Two important characteristics associated with the solar magnetic cycle are its amplitude and periodicity. While the periodicity of the cycle predominantly depends on the recycling time between toroidal and poloidal field, its amplitude depends on a variety of factors including dynamo source strengths and relative efficacy of transport timescales with respect to the turbulent diffusion timescale. We explore the dependency of the solar cycle period and amplitude to variations in the transport coefficients to explore the subtleties of the interplay between diverse flux transport processes. Figure 7 shows the dependency of cycle amplitude and periodicity on different velocity components like turbulent pumping and (shallow) meridional flow. A parametric analysis of this dependency yields the following relationships for cycle period ($T$) and cycle amplitude (Amp):
$$T \simeq 9.7 ~ \gamma_r^{-0.25} \gamma_\theta^{-0.26} v^{-0.068},$$
$$Amp \simeq 11.76 ~ \gamma_r^{1.07} \gamma_\theta^{-0.27} v^{-0.16},$$
which is gleaned from simulations within the following ranges: $0.25 ~ms^{-1} \leq \gamma_r \leq 1.25 ~ms^{-1}$, $0.25 ~ms^{-1} \leq \gamma_\theta \leq 1.25 ~ms^{-1}$ and $2 ~ms^{-1} \leq v \leq 15 ~ms^{-1}$; $\gamma_r$ and $\gamma_\theta$ are radial and latitudinal turbulent pumping speeds, and $v$ is the shallow meridional flow speed.
This analysis shows that cycle period and amplitude are both governed by diverse transport coefficients such as meridional flow speed, and radial and latitudinal components of turbulent pumping. As radial turbulent pumping carries the flux directly to the base of the convection zone where toroidal field is amplified, increase in the radial turbulent pumping speed leads to a decrease in cycle period. Increasing latitudinal pumping also has a similar effect on period which is similar to what is achieved by increasing meridional flow speed, namely a faster transport through the shear layer and thus shorter cycle periods. The cycle amplitude decreases on increasing the latitudinal pumping or meridional flow speed and this is due to the fact that less time is available for toroidal field induction when it is swept at a faster rate through the rotational shear layers. In surface flux transport models, a similar effect is found but due to a different reason – wherein a faster meridional flow reduces the polar field strength because it takes flux of both polarity and deposits this at the poles (in effect carrying less net flux to the poles); in these simulations with a shallow meridional flow and the double-ring algorithm a similar mechanism could also be contributing to an overall reduction of the field strength. What is interesting to note though is the positive dependence of cycle amplitude on the radial pumping speed. We believe that a faster radial pumping moves the poloidal field down to the generating layers of the toroidal field in the deeper parts of the convection zone faster, thus allowing for less turbulent decay in the poloidal field strength; this eventually results in a stronger poloidal field in the SCZ which generates a stronger toroidal component.
We note that the derived exponents for the cycle period above differ from that determined by Guerrero & de Gouveia Dal Pino (2008). The cycle period in our simulations is more strongly dependent on the latitudinal speed of turbulent pumping and less so on meridional circulation, whereas in Guerrero & de Gouveia Dal Pino (2008) it is the exact reverse. In our model the meridional flow is very shallow and limited to only the top $10 \%$ of the SCZ, whereas in the model setup of Guerrero & de Gouveia Dal Pino (2008), the meridional flow penetrates down to about 0.8 $R_\odot$; this we believe makes their dynamo cycle periods more sensitive to meridional flow as compared to latitudinal pumping.
Generally, we find solar-like solutions in a modest turbulent pumping speed range on the order of 1 ms$^{-1}$. This parameter study shows that our result are robust to reasonable variations in turbulent pumping coefficients and also points to how the latter may determine solar cycle strength and periodicity.
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As there is some uncertainty regarding the exact details of turbulent pumping profiles, we have tested an alternative turbulent pumping profile based on Warnecke *et al.* (2016). Recent magnetoconvection simulations performed by Warnecke et al. (2016) suggest that radial pumping is downward throughout the convection zone below $45^{\circ}$ and upward above $45^{\circ}$, while latitudinal pumping is poleward at the surface and equatorward at the base of the convection zone. Our generated turbulent pumping profiles in the northern hemisphere (defined within $0 \leq \theta \leq \pi/2$) based on the suggestions of Warnecke *et al.* (2006) are: $$\begin{aligned}
\gamma_r = - \gamma_{0r} \left[ 1 + \rm{erf}\left( \frac{r - 0.715R_\odot}{0.05R_\odot}\right) \right] \left[ 1 - \rm{erf} \left( \frac{r-0.98R_\odot}{0.08R_\odot}\right) \right] \nonumber \\
\times \sin(4 \theta), ~~~~\end{aligned}$$ $$\begin{aligned}
\gamma_\theta = \left\{\begin{array}{cc}
\gamma_{0\theta} \sin \left[\frac{2 \pi (r- R_p)}{R_0-R_p}\right]
\times \cos \theta \sin^4 \theta ~~~~ & r \geq R_p\\
0 & r<R_p
\end{array}\right.,\end{aligned}$$
where $R_p= 0.76R_\odot$ i.e. the penetration depth of the latitudinal pumping. The amplitudes of $\gamma_r$ and $\gamma_\theta$ are determined by the value of $\gamma_{0r}$ and $\gamma_{0\theta}$ respectively. Turbulent pumping profiles in the southern hemisphere are generated by replacing colatitude $\theta$ by $(\pi- \theta)$. Fig. 8 (the top and middle panels) show that our generated turbulent pumping profiles capture the basic essence of the suggestions made by Warnecke *et al.* (2016). Our simulations (with shallow meridional flow) and the more complex turbulent pumping profile gleaned from Warnecke *et al.* (2016) reproduce broad features of the solar cycle and are qualitatively similar to those detailed earlier.
Discussions
===========
In summary, we have demonstrated that flux transport dynamo models of the solar cycle based on the Babcock-Leighton mechanism for poloidal field generation does not require a deep equatorward meridional plasma flow to function effectively. In fact, our results indicate that when turbulent pumping of magnetic flux is taken in to consideration, dynamo models can generate solar-like magnetic cycles even without any meridional circulation although the surface magnetic field dynamics does not reach all the way to the polar regions in this case. Our conclusions are robust across a modest range of plausible parameter space for turbulent pumping coefficients and also indicate some tolerance for diverse pumping profiles.
These findings have significant implications for our understanding of the solar cycle. First of all, the serious challenges that were apparently posed by observations of a shallow (and perhaps complex, multi-cellular) meridional flow on the very premise of flux transport dynamo models stands resolved. Turbulent pumping essentially takes over the role of meridional circulation by transporting magnetic fields from the near-surface solar layers to the deep interior, ensuring that efficient recycling of toroidal and poloidal field components across the SCZ is not compromised. While these findings augur well for dynamo models of the solar cycle, they also imply that we need to revisit many aspects of our current understanding if indeed meridional circulation is not as effective as previously thought. For example, our simulations indicate that variations in turbulent pumping speeds can be an effective means for the modulation of solar cycle periodicity and amplitude.
It has been argued earlier that the interplay between competing flux transport processes determine the dynamical memory of the solar cycle governing solar cycle predictability [@yeat08]. If turbulent pumping is the dominant flux transport process as seems plausible based on the simulations presented herein, the cycle memory would be short and this is indeed supported by independent studies [@kar12] and solar cycle observations [@munoz13]. It is noteworthy that on the other hand, if meridional circulation were to be the dominant flux transport process, the solar cycle memory would be relatively longer and last over several cycles. This is not borne out by observations.
Previous results in the context of the maintenance of solar-like dipolar parity have relied on a strong turbulent diffusion to couple the Northern and Southern hemispheres of the Sun [@chat04], or a dynamo $\alpha$-effect which is co-spatial with the deep equatorward counterflow in the meridional circulation assumed in most flux transport dynamo models [@dikp01]. However, our results indicate that turbulent pumping is equally capable of coupling the Northern and Southern solar hemispheres and aid in the maintenance of solar-like dipolar parity. This is in keeping with earlier, independent simulations based on a somewhat different dynamo model [@guer08].
Most importantly, our results point out an alternative to circumventing the Parker-Yoshimura sign rule constraint [@park55; @yosh75] in Babcock-Leighton type solar dynamos that would otherwise imply poleward propagating sunspot belts in conflict with observations. Brandenburg [*et al.*]{} (1992) and Ossendrijver [*et al.*]{} (2002) had already pointed towards this possibility in the context of mean-field dynamo models. While a deep meridional counterflow is currently thought to circumvent this constraint and force the toroidal field belt equatorward, our results convincingly demonstrate that the latitudinal component of turbulent pumping provides a viable alternative to overcoming the Parker-Yoshimura sign rule in Babcock-Leighton models of the solar cycle (even in the absence of meridional circulation).
We note however that our theoretical results should not be taken as support for the existence of a shallow meridional flow, rather we point out that flux transport dynamo models of the solar cycle are equally capable for working with a shallow or non-existent meridional flow, as long as the turbulent pumping of magnetic flux is accounted for; this is particularly viable when turbulent pumping has a dynamically important latitudinal component. Taken together, these insights suggest a plausible new paradigm for dynamo models of the solar cycle, wherein, turbulent pumping of magnetic flux effectively replaces the important roles that are currently thought to be mediated via a deep meridional circulation within the Sun’s interior. Since the dynamical memory and thus predictability of the solar cycle depends on the dominant mode of magnetic flux transport in the Sun’s interior, this would also imply that physics-based prediction models of long-term space weather need to adequately include the physics of turbulent pumping of magnetic fields.
We acknowledge the referee of this manuscript for useful suggestions. We thank Jörn Warnecke for helpful discussions related to the adaptation of the turbulent pumping profile from Warnecke [*et al.*]{} 2016. We are grateful to the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, University Grants Commission of the Government of India and a NASA Heliophysics Grand Challenge Grant for supporting this research.
natexlab\#1[\#1]{} Augustson, K., Brun, A.S., Miesch, M. & Toomre, J. 2015, ApJ, 809, 149 Babcock, H.W. 1961, ApJ, 133, 572 Brandenburg, A., Moss, D. & Tuominen, I. 1992, in The Solar Cycle, ed. K. L., Harvey, ASP Conf. Ser., 27, 542 Brandenburg, A., Jennings, R.L., Nordlund, A., Rieutord, M., Stein, R.M. & Tuominen, I. 1996, JFM, 306, 325 Brandenburg, A. 2005,ApJ, 625, 539 Belusz, B., Dikpati, M. & Forgacs-Dajka 2015, ApJ, 806, 169 Charbonneau, P., Dikpati, M. 2000, ApJ, 543, 1027 Charbonneau, P. 2010, Living Rev. Sol. Phys., 7, 3 Chatterjee, P., Nandy, D., & Choudhuri, A.R. 2004, A&A, 427, 1019 Choudhuri, A. R., Schüssler, M., & Dikpati, M. 1995, A&A, 303, L29 Choudhuri, A.R., Chatterjee, P., & Nandy, D. 2004, ApJL, 615, L57 Choudhuri, A.R. & Karak, B.B. 2012, PhRvL, 109, 171103 Dasi-Espuig, M. [*et al.*]{} 2010, A&A, 518, A7 Dikpati, M., & Charbonneau, P. 1999, ApJ, 518, 508 Dikpati, M., & Gilman, P.A. 2001, ApJ, 559, 428 Dikpati, M., Corbard, T., Thompson, M.J. & Gilman, P.A. 2002, ApJ, 575, L41 Dorch, S.B.F. & Nordlund, A. 2001, A&A, 365, 562 Durney, B.R. 1997, ApJ, 486, 1065 Gilman, P.A. 1983, ApJ, 53, 243 Glatzmaier, G.A. 1985, ApJ, 291, 300 Guerrero, G. & de Gouveia Dal Pino, E.M. 2007, A&A, 464,341 Guerrero, G. & de Gouveia Dal Pino, E.M. 2008, A&A, 485, 267 Hale, G.E. 1908, ApJ, 133, 572 Hale, G.E., Ellerman, F., Nicholson, F.R. & Joy, A.B. 1919, ApJ, 49, 153 Hathaway, D. H., Nandy, D., Wilson, R. M., & Reichmann, E. J. 2003, ApJ, 589, 665. Hathaway, D.H. & Rightmire, L. 2010, Science 327, 1350 Hathaway, D.H. & Rightmire, L. 2011, 729, 80 Hathaway, D.H. , 2012, ApJ, 760, 84 Hazra, S. & Nandy, D. 2013, In ASI Conf. Ser. 10, International Symposium on Solar Terrestrial Physics, ed. N. Gopalswamy, S.S. Hasan, P.B. Rao & P. Subramanian, 115 Hazra, G., Karak, B.B. & Choudhuri, A.R. 2014, ApJ, 782, 93 Hazra, S., Passos, D. & Nandy, D. 2014, ApJ, 789, 5 Hazra, S. 2016, PhD Thesis, IISER Kolkata, arXiv:1604.00563 Jiang, J., Cameron, R. H., Schmitt, D. & Isik, E. 2013, A&A, 553, A128 Käpylä, P.J., Korpi, M.J., Tuominen, I. 2006, Astron Nachr, 327, 884 Karak, B.B., & Nandy, D. 2012, ApJL, 296, 1671 Leighton, R.B. 1969, ApJ, 156, 1 Mitra-Kraev, U., & Thompson, M.J. 2007, Astronomische Nachrichten, 328,1009 Moreno-Insertis, F. 1983, A&A, 122, 241 Moreno-Insertis, F., Schüssler, M., Ferriz-Mas, A., A&A, 264, 686 Muñoz-Jaramillo, A., Nandy, D., & Martens, P. C. H. 2009, ApJ, 698, 461 Muñoz-Jaramillo, A., Nandy, D., Martens, P.C.H. & Yeates, A.R. 2010, ApJL, 720, L20 Muñoz-Jaramillo, A., Dasi-Espuig, M., Balmceda, L.A., Kirova, N.A., & Deluca, E.E. 2013, ApJL, 767, L25 Nandy, D., & Choudhuri, A. R. 2001, ApJ, 551, 576 Nandy, D., & Choudhuri, A. R. 2002, Science, 296, 1671 Nandy, D., Mu[ñ]{}oz-Jaramillo, A., & [Martens]{}, P. C. H. 2011, Nature, 471, 80 Ossendrijver, M., Stix, M., Brandenburg, A., & R[ü]{}diger, G. 2002, A&A, 394, 735 Ossendrijver M 2003, A&A Rev, 11, 287 Parker, E.N. 1955, ApJ, 122, 293 Parker, E.N. 1975, ApJ, 202, 523 Passos, D., Nandy, D., Hazra, S., & Lopes, I. 2014, A&A, 563, A18 Passos, D., Charbonneau, P. & Miesch, M. 2015, ApJL, 800, L18 Pipin, V.V. & Seehafer, N. 2009, ApJ, 493, 819 Racine, E., Charbonneau, P., Bouchat, A. & Smolarkiewicz, P.K. 2011, ApJ, 735, 46 Rogachevskii, I., Kleeorin, N., Käpylä, P.J. & Brandenburg, A. 2011, Phys Rev E, 84, 056314 Simard, C., Charbonneau, P. & Dube, C. 2016, ArXiv 1604.01533v1 Tobias, S.M., Brummell, N.H., Clune, T.L. & Toomre, J. 2001, ApJ, 549, 1183 Warnecke, J., Rheinhardt, M., Käpylä, M.J, Käpylä, P.J. & Brandenburg, A. 2016, ArXiv 1601.03730 Yoshimura, H. 1975, ApJ, 201, 740 Yeates, A.R., Nandy, D. & Mackay, D.H. 2008, ApJ, 673, 544 Zhao, J., [Bogart]{}, R.S., Kosovichev, A.G., Duvall, Jr., T.L. & Hartlep, T. 2013, ApJL, 774, L29
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Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Gordon!
There's a neighborhood cat that comes and visits us at the studio at Wine and Design in Raleigh. He's the biggest, fluffiest cat I've ever seen! AND, he weighs at least 20 pounds! He visited last week when the weather was warmer and we had the doors open. I snatched a photo with my phone and just HAD to paint him~
About Me
God gave me a precious gift, and I'm thankful every day for it. I try to paint everyday. I use acrylic paints for several reasons- they’re what I learned with, the colors are vibrant, the paint dries quickly, and I don’t have to mess with chemicals to clean up! My style is impressionist with an emphasis on vibrant colors. I enjoy creating art that captures the spirit of the moment and inspires others. I accept custom work for informal portraits, house portraits, animals and pets, architectural landscapes, beach scenes, etc. I love to paint anything!
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This is the first installment of our two-part interview with Chris Messina, best-known as the man who invented the hashtag.
Though he’s worked at Google, launched several startups, and been a driving force behind open-source community building (with the likes of BarCamp and coworking), Chris Messina is most frequently associated with that moment in 2007 when he suggested that IRC’s way of organizing channels with a pound sign would work beautifully in the Twitter landscape — yes, this is the man who brought us the hashtag.
With a degree in communication design from Carnegie Mellon, Messina started out in graphic and web design but soon started working in development and user experience. After more than half a decade as a founder and consultant, he took a job at Google in 2010, working on an exciting, new social network.
“Google+ is such a perfect tragedy,” Messina says of the product’s anti-climactic trajectory. “Rather than building out a simpler, better, mobile-first vision of social networking in the future, Google+ focused on the recent past, chasing ghosts in its rearview mirror.”
Since his departure from Google in 2013, Messina has been a refreshingly honest voice in the industry; his blog on Medium covers a wide range of issues, both professional and personal, but always viewed through the lens of a tech entrepreneur and styled with Messina’s characteristic tongue-in-cheek voice.
I recently had the opportunity to talk to Messina, and the interview produced so much interesting content that we’ve decided to split the piece into two posts.
In Part One, we discuss life after Google, behavioral economics, predicting the future, and creating communities.
What are you working on now?
I wish I had a better answer for you, but frankly my biggest project over the last year and half has been myself.
Since leaving Google, I’ve done a lot of self-work and reflection. I’ve traveled, learned to meditate, been to Burning Man twice, gotten divorced, entered into a new (non-monogamous) relationship, and become a bonus dad to my partner’s two kids.
Essentially, I’ve grown up. I’m more centered in myself, and my mind has opened up. You know, it’s not always a popular thing to slow down, disengage, and survey the landscape, but I’m much better for it.
I’m seeing new patterns of behavior and fissures of change that are worth investigating. It’s hard to get to those insights when you stay in the froth; you’ve got to step outside where you feel comfortable and shake things up.
What has this outside perspective revealed?
A couple threads have started to stand out to me. From the impact of social technologies on long term and intimate relationships (#BigDating) to using conversational mediums (#ConvComm) like chat and text messaging for commerce, there are interesting products to be built where intimacy, relationships, communication, and commerce intersect.
Digital nomads (#DigitalNomads) are combining mobility, communications, coworking, and co-living in novel arrangements that present exciting design opportunities for urban planners and technologists.
The enablers of this trend are only now becoming ubiquitous and cost-effective to make this lifestyle available for a broader set of people. We’re watching the shape of work radically reconfigure.
What was the most interesting aspect of life at Google?
I was fortunate to be there for the transition of power from Eric Schmidt back to Larry Page.
When I joined the company, the web was the platform and you could throw things against the wall to see what stuck. After Larry took over, that all changed. Building a product to 85% completion wasn’t sufficient; you had to invest for the long haul, make big bets.
Think of Google’s 10x moonshot mantra. Essentially it became too expensive (considering employee management and brand loyalty) for Google to keep producing duds. With an increasingly competitive marketplace, technical merit wasn’t sufficient to differentiate their products; Google needed to bring designers to the fore.
Larry specifically brought about a much greater focus on design and aesthetics. Engineers were no longer solely responsible for the front-end UIs of their products. Google+ led a lot of this change, and Android has continued that trend with Material Design.
I’m not sure that Material could have happened under Schmidt, who reigned over a meritocratic adhocracy. Larry’s Google is tighter, more vertical, and disciplined. He can dictate a more cohesive, controlled aesthetic. As a result, Google’s products have improved considerably over the last four years.
Being there to witness this massive organizational transition was probably the most worthwhile and interesting aspect of my time there. It left me with loads of respect and insight into what makes Google different, and what separates it from other companies out there.
Entrepreneurs are tasked with constantly predicting the future. How do you react to that kind of stress?
I’ll admit that I suffer from lengthy periods of self-doubt peppered with moments of clairvoyance. The problem is, it’s hard to know when my intuition is tapping into something general, versus specific to my experience.
Most entrepreneurs that share ideas with me have some key insight about their intended audience (which may include themselves), but don’t think about behavioral economics and bridging structures. That is, they don’t think about how they’ll seed adoption.
In my experience, you’re more likely to succeed if you align your product with a familiar behavior. This lowers the behavioral cost of the new thing so there’s less resistance to it. Get this right and you can push forward with your bridging structure: taking your early adopters from that familiar place to wherever new it is you want them to go.
Twitter is a great example of this if you consider their reliance on SMS early on. More recently, Slack pulled the same trick by freeing IRC from the bowels of the internet (which is where most developers have historically hung out) and bringing it to web browsers and mobile devices.
Slack recreated IRC’s fundamentals while introducing several product improvements, like embedding media inline and making it easy to invite new users. For developers familiar with IRC, Slack is completely intuitive — plus a better overall experience. Having built a bridge to their past, developers become the viral vector for taking over corporate America!
You’ve had a lot of success fostering community, an enviable skill. Can you share your tactics?
I remember in the early days of BarCamp, there’d be people who would email me and ask me to come organize a local event for them. Instead, I’d open up Illustrator and make a BarCamp logo for them, using colors from their state or country flag, send it back to them and say, “Here’s your logo, here’s a link to the documentation, you put on your event. You can do this.”
Here I was, some punk kid in Silicon Valley, giving them permission to not need to ask for permission! I was giving them the BarCamp brand and entrusting them with maintaining its integrity.
With coworking, it was similar. We published everything we were doing openly, including our finances and how much money we were losing. We were interested in showing people what was really involved in running a space — putting the upside of community and connection in context with fiscal realities.
We wanted everyone to not only have a stake in the collective’s success, but also be owners and co-determinants of whether the thing lived on or not. The more we handed over control and treated our effort like an open-source project, the more people showed up, willing to pitch in and contribute.
How has your productivity style changed now that you’re not in a traditional office?
For a while I was funemployed — not really working at all. It was an enormous privilege to have time to step back from everything, learn meditation, spend time by myself, and reconnect with friends.
Last fall, I started to think more seriously about what I wanted to do next, and I have to admit — it’s been stop and go getting my groove back. I suppose I’ve always been a bit driven by distraction, but working from home seems to amplify this tendency.
While I was happy to leave the corporate office and my two-hour commute behind, there was utility in being surrounded by smart, focused, competitive people who always needed something from you or challenged you to work harder or more intentionally. I find that I still have this tendency to interact with people throughout my day — but now it’s largely through social media.
As I’ve got speaking and travel gigs on the horizon, I expect by April to have figured out my next move, rebalancing my independent work with something more collaborative. I mean, I definitely enjoy my freedom, but a guy’s gotta eat and pay the rent too!
Part Two
Next week we’ll publish Part Two, which will cover more industry-related topics like defining failure for a social network, the hashtag, innovating across cultural and privilege divides, and what privacy means in a time when we give away our precious digital reflections to social networks for free. Please stay tuned!
Images courtesy of Chris Messina
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Silver Spring's office market suffered a major loss Tuesday with Discovery Communications' decision to move its HQ to New York City, but despite the major vacancy, county officials, developers and brokers think the market remains well-positioned for future success.
The former Discovery Communications' HQ building in Downtown Silver Spring
Discovery's decision followed its $14.6B deal last year to acquire Scripps Networks. The county then became aware it was considering leaving and, along with the state, offered Discovery a large incentive package to keep it in Silver Spring, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett said. But Discovery ultimately decided to move its 1,300 employees out of Silver Spring to offices in New York City and Knoxville, Tennessee.
"It's a punch in the gut," Leggett told Bisnow. "It will take us a little bit of time to reorient and get all the things we want in place to make a complete recovery."
The media company retained JLL's Bill Prutting and Steve Collins to sell its 540K SF office building, a JLL spokesperson said Wednesday. When it vacates in 2019, Discovery will leave a big hole in the Silver Spring office market. Its 10-story HQ occupies an entire block just north of the Metro station at Georgia Avenue and Colesville Road, one of Silver Spring's busiest intersections.
Bisnow: Jon Banister
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett at a Bisnow event in 2016
Silver Spring's office market, with a total inventory of 4.9M SF, had a vacancy rate of 12.6% in Q4, according to Cushman & Wakefield. Leggett said he is confident the county can absorb the vacancy left by Discovery but is still determining its strategy to move forward.
“Our problem is not filling space,” Leggett said. “The problem is will you end up filling it in a piecemeal fashion over a period of time or do you hold out for one large corporation? To try to find one unified taker that would want all of that space is not an easy find, but that will be the objective.”
Montgomery County Economic Development Corp. CEO David Petr said the county has been in talks with two technology companies that could each potentially bring 1,000 jobs to the county. He could not disclose the names of the companies, but he said Discovery's building coming available could improve the county's chances, given the property's size and location.
"We're excited to go back to these two clients and say 'here's something that may be coming on the market soon,'" Petr said. "It's not often we have several thousand-person-sized projects in our pipeline."
While it could be months or years before Discovery's space is filled, Jarvis Commercial Real Estate CEO Ernie Jarvis — who represented Radio One in its 100K SF renewal in Silver Spring in late 2016 — said the vacancy will have an immediate impact on the office market.
"Dropping a vacant, 500K SF asset in the middle of a market that is just bouncing along is certainly going to shoot up vacancy rates and drive rents down," Jarvis said. "If you're in the market now for space in Silver Spring, once that building closes you'll have another 500K SF of Class-A space."
Downtown Silver Spring, Foulger-Pratt's 409K SF retail development at 900 Ellsworth Drive
Beyond the office market, losing 1,300 jobs could have an immediate effect on demand for other sectors such as hotel, retail and multifamily, and could hurt the county's bottom line, Leggett said.
"Some of it may be seen with the nearby hotels that bring in visitors to Discovery," Leggett said. "You'll probably see it with restaurants and some of the smaller businesses that rely upon customers. Those are the kinds of things you'll see in the short term ... The long-term impact for the government would be the potential loss of taxpayers and the value of the property."
Much of the success Silver Spring has experienced over the last two decades can be traced back to Discovery's 1998 decision to move its HQ there from Bethesda, Jarvis said.
"We should really thank Discovery for building here in the first place, because that spawned a huge economic development boom in Silver Spring," Jarvis said. "They served as the anchor for many years."
One of the drivers of that development has been Foulger-Pratt. The developer in 1999 began developing its 409K SF Downtown Silver Spring retail complex across the street from Discovery's HQ. The development, which delivered in phases until 2004, boasts a Regal Cinemas and IMAX movie theater, a Whole Foods Market and dozens of dining and shopping options. The developer has also built three multifamily buildings in Downtown Silver Spring totaling over 700 units and over 1.3M SF of office space.
"I don't think you can minimize the positive impact Discovery had on Silver Spring," Foulger-Pratt's Bryant Foulger said. "It has played an important role in Montgomery County for a long time."
But given the growth Silver Spring has had over the last decade, Foulger does not believe Discovery's exit will prove as disastrous to the overall health of the market as it could have in the past.
"When they came to Silver Spring they represented a much larger piece of the business community," Foulger said. "If this were to have happened seven or eight years ago, it would have had a bigger impact. I'm sure it will have an impact, but I don't think it will be devastating. I think we'll be OK."
Foulger and Petr will discuss Silver Spring and the county Jan. 24 at Bisnow's Montgomery County State of the Market at Park Potomac.
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Q:
How to submit a PR against a now-broken upstream?
I'm a Git(Hub) neophyte.
I forked, changed and submitted a PR against a GitHub repo (R'). The PR has not been reviewed|accepted.
Meanwhile I wanted to submit a separate (non-overlapping) PR and followed instructions here to create a 2nd copy of the remote repo in my GitHub account (R").
I wrote the code and committed the changes to it (R") but I'm unable to submit a PR using the GitHub UI.
Am I screwed?
Or is there a way I can add back the original origin so that I may submit the PR?
I Googled around and tried:
git remote add upstream https://github.com/GoogleCloudPlatform/cloud-builders-community.git
But that made no difference.
Any guidance would be appreciated!
A:
You shouldn't need to "fork" twice: from the local clone of your first fork, you can simply
create another branch (from upstream/master),
make a second patch in that branch,
push that second branch
make a second PR from said second branch on your GitHub fork.
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Andrew Barton (16th-century MP)
Andrew Barton (1497/98–1549), of Smithills Hall in Deane, Lancashire and Holme, Nottinghamshire, was an English politician.
He was a Member (MP) of the Parliament of England for Lancashire in 1529.
References
Category:1498 births
Category:1549 deaths
Category:English MPs 1529–1536
Category:People from Bolton
Category:People from Newark and Sherwood (district)
Category:People of the Tudor period
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Heterologous biosynthesis and manipulation of alkanes in Escherichia coli.
Biosynthesis of alkanes in microbial foundries offers a sustainable and green supplement to traditional fossil fuels. The dynamic equilibrium of fatty aldehydes, key intermediates, played a critical role in microbial alkanes production, due to the poor catalytic capability of aldehyde deformylating oxygenase (ADO). In our study, exploration of competitive pathway together with multi-modular optimization was utilized to improve fatty aldehydes balance and consequently enhance alkanes formation in Escherichia coli. Endogenous fatty alcohol formation was supposed to be competitive with alkane production, since both of the two routes consumed the same intermediate-fatty aldehyde. Nevertheless, in our case, alkanes production in E. coli was enhanced from trace amount to 58.8mg/L by the facilitation of moderate fatty alcohol biosynthesis, which was validated by deletion of endogenous aldehyde reductase (AHR), overexpression of fatty alcohol oxidase (FAO) and consequent transcriptional assay of aar, ado and adhP genes. Moreover, alkanes production was further improved to 81.8mg/L, 86.6mg/L or 101.7mg/L by manipulation of fatty acid biosynthesis, lipids degradation or electron transfer system modules, which directly referenced to fatty aldehydes dynamic pools. A titer of 1.31g/L alkanes was achieved in 2.5L fed-batch fermentation, which was the highest reported titer in E. coli. Our research has offered a reference for chemical overproduction in microbial cell factories facilitated by exploring competitive pathway.
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Pvclust: an R package for assessing the uncertainty in hierarchical clustering.
Pvclust is an add-on package for a statistical software R to assess the uncertainty in hierarchical cluster analysis. Pvclust can be used easily for general statistical problems, such as DNA microarray analysis, to perform the bootstrap analysis of clustering, which has been popular in phylogenetic analysis. Pvclust calculates probability values (p-values) for each cluster using bootstrap resampling techniques. Two types of p-values are available: approximately unbiased (AU) p-value and bootstrap probability (BP) value. Multiscale bootstrap resampling is used for the calculation of AU p-value, which has superiority in bias over BP value calculated by the ordinary bootstrap resampling. In addition the computation time can be enormously decreased with parallel computing option.
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Note: Localization based on estimated source energy homogeneity.
Acoustic signal localization is a complex problem with a wide range of industrial and academic applications. Herein, we propose a localization method based on energy attenuation and inverted source amplitude comparison (termed estimated source energy homogeneity, or ESEH). This inversion is tested on both synthetic (numerical) data using a Lamb wave propagation model and experimental 2D plate data (recorded with 4 accelerometers sensitive up to 26 kHz). We compare the performance of this technique with classic source localization algorithms: arrival time localization, time reversal localization, and localization based on energy amplitude. Our technique is highly versatile and out-performs the conventional techniques in terms of error minimization and cost (both computational and financial).
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Thursday, December 23, 2010
Last night me, my girlfriend and two co-workers went to run the Jingle Bell 5k in downtown Dallas. Well I say run because I walked most of the time with some killer shin splints. I finished the 3.2 miles in 46 minutes. It's not bad because it's a 12 minute per mile pace. I'd really like to get to what I did in July for the Liberty 5k where I finished the 5k in 30 minutes.
I was reading a half Ironman training program and it stated that to begin this program if I have to be able to consistently swim 40min, run 60min and bike 90min. If I can't even do a 5k without hurting, I have a lot of work ahead of me. It looks like if I want to do this half Ironman I have to step up my game.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
OK so this is the first post on this blog. Basically I'll be posting about my training I'll be doing in order to achieve my first half Iron-man triathlon. I'm not in the best of shapes (except for round) so this will be a challenge to lose weight and achieve my goal. It's Christmas time so that's going to be hard to try not to eat 20,000 calories in one sitting. Also since it's winter I'm only running on a treadmill. I'll have to pick up the swim here pretty soon and then once it starts warming up I'll pick back up on the bike.
At the moment I'm actually training for a half marathon for March. I weighed myself on Monday (12-21) and according to the scale I'm at 226. I ran on Monday but got horrible shin splints after only half a mile. I went and bought some new running shoes and ran last night and my legs started to hurt but not as bad as Mondays run. I was able to finish 2 miles in 28 minutes. It's not my best time but it's also not my worst. Anyways, if you keep reading I'll keep posting. Any feedback will be dealt with accordingly
Followers
About Me
I'm 26 and not in the best shape of my life. I'm trying to accomplish my lifelong dream of completing a full Ironman triathlon but for the moment I'm taking baby steps and only training for a half Ironman.
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Signaling pathways coordinating the alkaline pH response confer resistance to the hevein-type plant antimicrobial peptide Pn-AMP1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Genome-wide screening of Saccharomyces cerevisiae revealed that signaling pathways related to the alkaline pH stress contribute to resistance to plant antimicrobial peptide, Pn-AMP1. Plant antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered to be promising candidates for controlling phytopathogens. Pn-AMP1 is a hevein-type plant AMP that shows potent and broad-spectrum antifungal activity. Genome-wide chemogenomic screening was performed using heterozygous and homozygous diploid deletion pools of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a chemogenetic model system to identify genes whose deletion conferred enhanced sensitivity to Pn-AMP1. This assay identified 44 deletion strains with fitness defects in the presence of Pn-AMP1. Strong fitness defects were observed in strains with deletions of genes encoding components of several pathways and complex known to participate in the adaptive response to alkaline pH stress, including the cell wall integrity (CWI), calcineurin/Crz1, Rim101, SNF1 pathways and endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT complex). Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of these genes revealed that the most highly overrepresented GO term was "cellular response to alkaline pH". We found that 32 of the 44 deletion strains tested (72 %) showed significant growth defects compared with their wild type at alkaline pH. Furthermore, 9 deletion strains (20 %) exhibited enhanced sensitivity to Pn-AMP1 at ambient pH compared to acidic pH. Although several hundred plant AMPs have been reported, their modes of action remain largely uncharacterized. This study demonstrates that the signaling pathways that coordinate the adaptive response to alkaline pH also confer resistance to a hevein-type plant AMP in S. cerevisiae. Our findings have broad implications for the design of novel and potent antifungal agents.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
N-acetylation phenotyping with sulphadimidine in a Turkish population.
The distribution of acetylator phenotypes was studied in 244 unrelated Turkish subjects. Sulphadimidine and its acetylated metabolite were measured in 6 h plasma and 0-6 h urine samples after an oral dose of 10 mg/kg. Subjects with 37.5% or less acetylsulphadimidine in plasma were regarded as slow acetylators and the others as rapid acetylators. The mean plasma concentration of acetylsulphadimidine was about 2.5-times lower in slow acetylators. Urinary excretion of total sulphadimidine (free + acetylated) was also significantly lower in slow acetylators compared to rapid acetylators. The frequency of slow acetylators was 60.7% in the population (95% confidence interval 54.3% to 66.8%). Sulphadimidine acetylation showed no variation due to sex, age, body weight or pre-existing disease.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of World War II
About the Book
“A lost world, man-eating tribesmen, lush andimpenetrable jungles, stranded American fliers (one of them a dame withgreat gams, for heaven's sake), a startling rescue mission. . . . This is atrue story made in heaven for a writer as talented as Mitchell Zuckoff. Whew—what an utterly compelling and deeplysatisfying read!" —Simon Winchester, author of AtlanticAward-winning former Boston Globe reporter Mitchell Zuckoffunleashes the exhilarating, untold story of an extraordinary World War IIrescue mission, where a plane crash in the South Pacific plunged a trio of U.S.military personnel into a land that time forgot. Fans of Hampton Sides’ Ghost Soldiers, Marcus Luttrell’s Lone Survivor, and David Grann’s The Lost Cityof Z will be captivated by Zuckoff’s masterfullyrecounted, all-true story of danger, daring, determination, and discovery injungle-clad New Guinea during the final days of WWII.
Book Description
On May 13, 1945, twenty-four American servicemen and WACs boarded a transport plane for a sightseeing trip over “Shangri-La,” a beautiful and mysterious valley deep within the jungle-covered mountains of Dutch New Guinea.Unlike the peaceful Tibetan monks of James Hilton’s bestselling novel Lost Horizon, this Shangri-La was home to spear-carrying tribesmen, warriors rumored to be cannibals.
But the pleasure tour became an unforgettable battle for survival when the plane crashed. Miraculously, three passengers pulled through. Margaret Hastings, barefoot and burned, had no choice but to wear her dead best friend’s shoes. John McCollom, grieving the death of his twin brother also aboard the plane, masked his grief with stoicism. Kenneth Decker, too, was severely burned and suffered a gaping head wound.
Emotionally devastated, badly injured, and vulnerable to the hidden dangers of the jungle, the trio faced certain death unless they left the crash site. Caught between man-eating headhunters and enemy Japanese, the wounded passengers endured a harrowing hike down the mountainside—a journey into the unknown that would lead them straight into a primitive tribe of superstitious natives who had never before seen a white man—or woman.
Drawn from interviews, declassified U.S. Army documents, personal photos and mementos, a survivor’s diary, a rescuer’s journal, and original film footage, Lost in Shangri-La recounts this incredible true-life adventure for the first time. Mitchell Zuckoff reveals how the determined trio—dehydrated, sick, and in pain—traversed the dense jungle to find help; how a brave band of paratroopers risked their own lives to save the survivors; and how a cowboy colonel attempted a previously untested rescue mission to get them out.
By trekking into the New Guinea jungle, visiting remote villages, and rediscovering the crash site, Zuckoff also captures the contemporary natives’ remembrances of the long-ago day when strange creatures fell from the sky. A riveting work of narrative nonfiction that vividly brings to life an odyssey at times terrifying, enlightening, and comic, Lost in Shangri-La is a thrill ride from beginning to end.
Educator and Librarian Resources
Critical Praise
“This is an absorbing adventure right out of the Saturday-morning serials. . . . Lost in Shangri-La deserves a spot on the shelf of Greatest Generation nonfiction. It puts the reader smack into the jungle. ” —
“Zuckoff transforms impressive research into a deft narrative that brings the saga of the survivors to life.” —
“[An] engaging story. . . . This excellent book will be enjoyed by anyone who loves true adventure stories.” —
“A riveting tale in the hands of a good storyteller. . . . LOST IN SHANGRI-LA is the most thrilling book, fiction or nonfiction, that I have read since I can’t remember when.” —
“Mitchell Zuckoff has uncovered, and vividly reconstructed, such an astonishing tale. . . . Zuckoff skillfully builds narrative tension and deft character portraits. . . . . He has pulled off a remarkable feat and held the reader firmly in the grip.” —
HarperCollins Reader
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We encourage you to use the HC Reader App since it supports our type of e-book files and you may have some trouble with a different reader app.
Instructions
Please make sure you have a HarperCollins Account. If you purchase/have purchased an e-book from HarperCollins, this is your account login and password. Otherwise, please click here to register.
Download the HC Reader App on iPhone/iPad, Android or Kindle Fire and sign in with your HarperCollins account (your username is an e-mail address). Please note that Kindle Fire users must edit their settings (Settings < Device) to allow installation of apps in order to download the HC Reader App. This App is not available in the Amazon App Store.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
}
|
Q:
Copy a basic_string to vector
Please suggest an efficient way to copy bytes from a basic_string< char16_t> to vector< uint8_t>.
I am not concerned with the encoding, and just want to copy the bytes to the bytearray. It will later be interpreted with the correct encoding downstream.
Thanks.
A:
An option is to get the data pointer, cast it to your new type and assign it to your target vector:
std::basic_string<char16_t> src;
const uint8_t *begin = reinterpret_cast<uint8_t const*>(src.data());
const uint8_t *end = reinterpret_cast<uint8_t const*>(src.data() + src.size());
std::vector<uint8_t> dst(begin,end);
This is one of the few cases where reinterpret_cast is a perfectly valid choice. From cppreference (highlights added by me):
Unlike static_cast, but like const_cast, the reinterpret_cast expression does not compile to any CPU instructions. It is purely a compiler directive which instructs the compiler to treat the sequence of bits (object representation) of expression as if it had the type new_type.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
Léo Natel
Leonardo Natel Vieira (born 14 March 1997) known as Léo Natel, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays for São Paulo FC as a forward. He mainly plays the right wing position, his other positions being centre-forward and right wing.
Club career
Born in Porto Alegre, Natel started his youth career with the academy of Portuguese club Benfica. In July 2016, he was loaned out to the academy of Brazilian club São Paulo. At the end of the 2016 season, he was voted as the best player of the under-20 league. On 14 March 2017, he was called to the senior team by manager Rogério Ceni for a Copa do Brasil match against ABC. On 27 May, he signed permanently with São Paulo for a fee of €135,000. On 4 June, he made his first team debut in a 1–0 defeat against Ponte Preta and played in the right wing position.
On 9 December 2017, Natel was loaned out to second tier club Fortaleza for the 2018 season. On 2 May 2018, his contract with Fortaleza was terminated. At the end of the month, he moved abroad and joined Cypriot club APOEL on a season long loan deal.
Career statistics
References
External links
Category:1997 births
Category:Living people
Category:People from Porto Alegre
Category:Brazilian footballers
Category:Campeonato Brasileiro Série A players
Category:São Paulo FC players
Category:Fortaleza Esporte Clube players
Category:APOEL FC players
Category:Cypriot First Division players
Category:Expatriate footballers in Cyprus
Category:Brazilian expatriate footballers
Category:Association football forwards
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{
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
}
|
namespace ActivationFunctionViewer
{
partial class Form1
{
/// <summary>
/// Required designer variable.
/// </summary>
private System.ComponentModel.IContainer components = null;
/// <summary>
/// Clean up any resources being used.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="disposing">true if managed resources should be disposed; otherwise, false.</param>
protected override void Dispose(bool disposing)
{
if (disposing && (components != null))
{
components.Dispose();
}
base.Dispose(disposing);
}
#region Windows Form Designer generated code
/// <summary>
/// Required method for Designer support - do not modify
/// the contents of this method with the code editor.
/// </summary>
private void InitializeComponent()
{
this.components = new System.ComponentModel.Container();
this.zed = new ZedGraph.ZedGraphControl();
this.SuspendLayout();
//
// zed
//
this.zed.Dock = System.Windows.Forms.DockStyle.Fill;
this.zed.IsAntiAlias = true;
this.zed.Location = new System.Drawing.Point(0, 0);
this.zed.Name = "zed";
this.zed.ScrollGrace = 0D;
this.zed.ScrollMaxX = 0D;
this.zed.ScrollMaxY = 0D;
this.zed.ScrollMaxY2 = 0D;
this.zed.ScrollMinX = 0D;
this.zed.ScrollMinY = 0D;
this.zed.ScrollMinY2 = 0D;
this.zed.Size = new System.Drawing.Size(713, 591);
this.zed.TabIndex = 2;
this.zed.UseExtendedPrintDialog = true;
//
// Form1
//
this.AutoScaleDimensions = new System.Drawing.SizeF(6F, 13F);
this.AutoScaleMode = System.Windows.Forms.AutoScaleMode.Font;
this.ClientSize = new System.Drawing.Size(713, 591);
this.Controls.Add(this.zed);
this.Name = "Form1";
this.Text = "Activation Function Viewer";
this.ResumeLayout(false);
}
#endregion
private ZedGraph.ZedGraphControl zed;
}
}
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Github"
}
|
1. Introduction {#sec1}
===============
To date, the number of menopausal women is continually growing. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that the number of menopausal women worldwide will be 1200 million within 2030 \[[@B1]\]. It has been reported that cognitive decline is one of the important symptoms frequently observed especially in premature menopause \[[@B2]\]. Unfortunately, the current therapeutic strategy is still not in satisfaction level. The effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the cognitive function of menopausal women is controversial \[[@B3]--[@B7]\]. In addition, serious adverse effect such as breast cancer risk is reported in HRT \[[@B8], [@B9]\]. Therefore, the alternative strategy has gained much attention.
Among various alternative strategies, plant-based therapy is very much popular \[[@B10]\]. In the recent years, the use of plant-based food supplement is increased in Thailand \[[@B11]\]. It has been demonstrated that dietary approaches are regarded as the safe and effective preventive intervention against neurodegeneration \[[@B12]\]. A pile of evidence has revealed that consumption of the polyphenol-rich supplements can enhance memory impairment \[[@B13]--[@B15]\]. Recent findings have demonstrated that the purple corn (*Zea mays* Linn., purple color) cob, an agricultural waste, can be served as an important natural resource of polyphenol \[[@B16]\]. It also exhibits potent antioxidant activity and can improve oxidative stress-related disorders \[[@B16], [@B17]\]. In addition to purple corn cob, pandan (*Pandanus amaryllifolius*), a commonly used culinary plant in Southeast Asia, also possesses high phenolic compound content and exhibits antioxidant activity \[[@B18]\]. An effervescent powder containing pandan also improves oxidative stress-related damage of the pancreas \[[@B19]\]. Based on these pieces of information and synergistic effect according to traditional folklore concept, the protective effect against oxidative stress-related brain damage and functional disorders of the combined extract of purple corn cob and pandan leaves (PCP) in menopausal women has been considered in order to produce an additive value of both plants. Currently, no data concerning this issue are available until now. Therefore, we aimed to determine the neuroprotective and memory-enhancing effects of the combined extract of purple corn cob and pandan leaves in experimental menopause in ovariectomized rats.
2. Materials and Methods {#sec2}
========================
2.1. Chemicals and Reagents {#sec2.1}
---------------------------
Thiobarbituric acid (TBA), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), glacial acetic acid, N-butanol, pyridine, 1,3,3-tetraethoxypropane (TEP), cytochrome C, xanthine oxidase, xanthine, glutathione reductase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), hydrogen peroxide, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, acetylthiocholine iodide (ATCI), acetylcholinesterase, 5,5′-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), cresyl violet, sodium acetate, sodium carbonate, 2,4,6-tripyridyl-striazine (TPTZ), Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, gallic acid, ascorbic acid, Trizma hydrochloride, potassium chloride, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), tris-hydrochloride, and sodium carbonate were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA). Chemicals used in Western blot analysis were purchased from Bio-Rad Laboratories. Methanol and acetic acid (HPLC grade) were purchased from Fisher Scientific.
2.2. Plant Material Preparation and Extraction {#sec2.2}
----------------------------------------------
The cobs of purple waxy corn *(Zea mays*, open-pollinated cultivar) harvested during November--December 2012 were identified and kindly provided by Professor Kamol Lertrat and Assistant Professor Bhalang Suriharn, Department of Plant Science and Agricultural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. Pandan (*Pandanus amaryllifolius*) leaves were harvested at the same period as *Z. mays* from the Khon Kaen province. The plant identification was performed by Mister Winai Somprasong, an expert agricultural scientist in the Botany and Plant Herbarium research group, Plant Varieties Protection Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The cobs of *Z. mays* and the leaves of *P. amaryllifolius* were cleaned and cut into a small pieces; then, they were force dried by using an oven at 60°C overnight. The dried plants (2 kilograms of each plant) were twice extracted with 5 liters of distilled water. The percent yield of *Z. mays* and *P. amaryllifolius* were 2.4 and 8, respectively.
2.3. Preparation of a Polyphenol-Rich Functional Drink {#sec2.3}
------------------------------------------------------
Powder of various ingredients including 2% (*w*/*v*) combined extract of *Z. mays* and *P. amaryllifolius* (a ratio of both extracts was obtained from our unpublished in vitro data which provided optimum potential and under petit patent), 0.75% (*v*/*v*) sucralose, 1% (*v*/*v*) lemonade, 0.025% (*w*/*v*) salt, and 96.225% (*v*/*v*) water. All ingredients were mixed together and filtered through a cheesecloth, and the filtrate was used for further study.
2.4. Determination of Total Phenolic Compound Contents {#sec2.4}
------------------------------------------------------
The determination of total phenolic compounds content was carried out by using the Folin-Ciocalteu method \[[@B20]\]. In brief, an aliquot of combined extract beverage (20 *μ*l) was added to distilled water (1.58 ml) and 50% (*v*/*v*) Folin-Ciocalteu phenol reagent (0.1 ml) (Sigma-Aldrich). After 8 minutes of incubation, 20% sodium carbonate (0.3 ml) was added and mixed well. The mixture was kept in a dark room and incubated for 2 hours at room temperature. The absorbance was measured at 765 nm with a UV-spectrophotometer (Pharmacia LKB-Biochrom4060). Gallic acid at concentrations of 50--600 mg/l were used for preparing the standard calibration curve. The total phenolic compound was expressed as gallic acid equivalents per mg extract (mg/l GAE).
2.5. Assessment of DPPH Inhibition {#sec2.5}
----------------------------------
The scavenging activity against free radicals of the developed drink was assessed via DPPH assessment. Briefly, 0.15 mM DPPH in methanol (0.5 ml) and the functional drink (1 ml) were mixed and incubated at room temperature for 30 minutes. The absorbance was determined at 517 nm with a UV-spectrophotometer (Pharmacia LKB-Biochrom4060). The DPPH radical scavenging activity was calculated using the following equation: $$\begin{matrix}
{\% Inhibition\, of\, DPPH = \left\lbrack \left( \frac{Abs\, control - Abs\, sample}{Abs\, control} \right) \right\rbrack \times 100.} \\
\end{matrix}$$
Abs control was the absorbance of methanol plus DPPH reagent while Abs sample was the absorbance of developed drink or standard. The linear portion of percentage inhibition of combined extract beverage was plotted against its concentration. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC~50~) was calculated by using the equation from its graph \[[@B21]\]. All determinations were performed in triplicate.
2.6. Determination of Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) Assay {#sec2.6}
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The assessment of ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was performed based on the ability of the tested substance to reduce ferric tripyridyl triazine (Fe III TPTZ) complex to ferrous form (intense blue color) at low pH by using a modified method of Benzie and Strin \[[@B22]\]. FRAP reagent was freshly prepared by mixing solution A (300 mM acetate buffer pH 3.6), solution B (10 mM 2,4,6-tripyridyl-striazine (TPTZ) in 40 mM HCl), and solution C (20 mM ferric chloride) together at a ratio of A : B : C; 10 : 1 : 1, respectively, and kept in water bath at 37°C. The tested substance (50 *μ*l) was added to FRAP reagent (1.45 ml), mixed thoroughly, and incubated at 37°C for 10 minutes. The absorbance was measured with spectrophotometer at 593 nm (Pharmacia LKB-Biochrom4060). FRAP reagent and L-ascorbic acid (100--1000 *μ*M) were used as blank and standard calibration, respectively. Data were expressed as *μ*M L-ascorbic acid equivalent.
2.7. Determination of Anthocyanin Content {#sec2.7}
-----------------------------------------
Anthocyanin content was determined according to the official method of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) \[[@B23]\]. The tested sample (1 ml) was mixed with 0.025 M potassium chloride pH 1.0 (2 ml) or 0.4 M sodium acetate pH 4.5 (2 ml). After the incubation at room temperature for 10 minutes, the absorbance was determined at 520 and 720 nm using a UV-spectrophotometer (Pharmacia LKB-Biochrom 4060). All assessments were performed as triplicate. Anthocyanin content was calculated and expressed as mg/l cyaniding-3-glucoside equivalent/mg extract (mg/l CGE) as follows: $$\begin{matrix}
{Anthocyanin\text{ }content\text{ }\left( \frac{cyanindin - 3 - glucoside\, equivalent,mg}{l} \right) = \frac{\left( {A \times MW \times DF \times 10^{3}} \right)}{\left( {ɛ \times 1} \right)},} \\
\end{matrix}$$where A = (A 520 nm--A 700 nm) pH 1.0 − (A 520 nm--A 700 nm) pH 4.5, MW (molecular weight) = 449.2 g/mol, DF = dilution factor obtained from the study, *ɛ* = 26,900 molar extinction coefficient, in l mol^−1^ cm^−1^, for cyanindin-3-glucoside, 10^3^ = factor for conversion from g to mg, and l = path length of the cuvette in cm (1 cm).
2.8. Assessment of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory (AChEI) Activity {#sec2.8}
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase of the sample was determined according to the method previously described \[[@B24]\] using acetylthiocholine chloride iodide (ATCI) as a substrate. In brief, combined extract beverage (25 *μ*l) was incubated with 15 mM ATCI (25 *μ*l), 3 mM DTNB (5,5′-dithiobis\[2-nitrobenzoic acid\]) (75 *μ*l), and 50 mM Tris buffer (pH 8) (50 *μ*l) for 5 minutes at room temperature. The absorbance was measured with a microplate reader (iMark™ Microplate Absorbance Reader) at 415 nm before and after adding 0.25 units/ml acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (25 *μ*l) to the mixture. The elevation of yellow color from the reaction was obtained and the percentage inhibition was calculated by comparing the yellow color of extract to a noninhibition well (Tris buffer). All tests were conducted in triplicate.
2.9. Fingerprint Chromatogram Assessment {#sec2.9}
----------------------------------------
The fingerprint chromatogram of the developed drink was analyzed by using gradient high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system consisted of 515 HPLC pump and 2998 photodiode array detector (Water Company, USA). Chromatographic separation was performed using Purospher®STAR, C-18 endcapped (5 *μ*m), LiChroCART®250-4.6, and HPLC-Cartridge, sorbet lot number HX255346 (Merk, Germany) with guard column (Merk, Germany). Methanol (A) and 7.5% acetic acid in deionized (DI) water (B) were used as mobile phases. The gradient elution was carried out at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min with the following gradient: 0--17 min, 70%A; 18--22 min, 100%A; 23--25, 50%A; and 26--30 min, 60%A. The sample was filtered (0.45 *μ*m, Millipore), and a direct injection of tested sample at the volume of 20 *μ*l on the column was performed. The chromatograms were recorded at 280 nm using a UV detector and data analysis was performed using EmpowerTM3.
2.10. Experimental Animals and Protocols {#sec2.10}
----------------------------------------
Female Wistar rats (Laboratory Animal Center, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand), weighing 200--250 g, were used as the experimental animals. They were randomly housed 6 per cage in a temperature-controlled room on a 12 h light/dark cycle with ad libitum access to food and water. All procedures in this experiment were strictly performed in accordance with the internationally accepted principles for laboratory use and care of the European Community (EEC directive of 1986; 86/609/EEC). The experiment protocols were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Unit Committee, Khon Kaen University, Thailand (record number AEKKU 1/2556).
The experimental rats were divided into 8 groups (*n* = 6/group) as follows:
Group I: Naïve intact group; all rats received no treatment and were served as the control group.
Group II: Sham operation + vehicle; all rats were subjected to sham operation surgery and received distilled water which was served as the vehicle in this study.
Group III: OVX + vehicle; the experimental animals in this group were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and received the vehicle.
Group IV: OVX + donepezil (3 mg/kg BW); the OVX rats were orally given donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, at a dose of 3 mg/kg and were served as the positive control-treated group.
Group V: OVX + isoflavone; all OVX rats were orally given isoflavone, a well-known polyphenol substance with cognitive enhancing, at a dose of 20 mg/kg BW.
Groups VI--VIII: OVX + PCP20, OVX + PCP40, and OVX + PCP80; the OVX rats in these groups received PCP at doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg BW, respectively.
The treatment programs of the assigned substances for rats in groups II--VIII were started since the first day after surgery and were maintained throughout a 28-day experimental period. All treatments were performed once daily in the morning with the total volume of 1.5 ml. The assessment of nonspatial memory was performed every 7 days throughout the study period while the determinations of oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), histology, and ERK1/2 expression in the prefrontal cortex were determined at the end of the study.
2.11. Ovariectomized Surgery Procedure {#sec2.11}
--------------------------------------
The experimental animal was anesthetized with sodium thiopental at the dose of 60 mg/kg BW via intraperitoneal route prior to the ovariectomy. The ovariectomized (OVX) procedure was performed according to the method which had been previously described \[[@B25]\]. Briefly, the dorsolateral incisions were performed bilaterally, the ovarian blood vessels were tied off, and the ovaries were removed. Then, the skin was sutured and the rat was returned to their cage after postoperation care. Sham operation was carried out with the same procedures except that both the ovaries were kept intact.
2.12. Object Recognition Test {#sec2.12}
-----------------------------
The object recognition test, the common test for evaluating nonspatial memory in rats, was used to assess the effect of PCP on nonspatial memory. This test was performed as previously described elsewhere with minor modification \[[@B26]\]. In brief, each rat was placed in an open field (80 cm long × 50 cm high × 60 cm wide) with two identical objects for 3 minutes (T1) and then was placed back to its home cage. Both objects should be placed in a symmetric position in the central line of the area. Then, the animal was orally given the assigned substance, and 30 minutes later, the second 3-minute trial was performed. In this session, one of the objects was replaced with the novel object which was totally different in shape and size at the same location. During the intertrial interval, the objects and open-field apparatus object were cleaned with 70% ethanol to avoid a confounding error induced by the influence of odor. The amount of time which the rat spent exploring each object was recorded and calculated as a novel object ratio (NOR) as the following equation: $$\begin{matrix}
{NOR = \frac{\left( {T_{novel} - T_{familiar}} \right)}{\left( {T_{novel} + T_{familiar}} \right)},} \\
\end{matrix}$$where *T*~novel~ = time spent to explore the novel object and *T*~familiar~ = time spent to explore the familiar object.
2.13. Histological Study {#sec2.13}
------------------------
After perfusion, the brains were removed and fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde solution (pH 7.4) at 4°C. Then, they were cryoprotected in formalin-sucrose (30%) for 2-3 days. Serial sections of tissue containing prefrontal cortex were cut frozen on a cryostat (Thermo Scientific™ HM 525 Cryostat) at 20 *μ*m thick and mounted on slides coated with 0.3% aqueous solution of gelatin containing 0.05% aluminum potassium sulfate. To stain with cresyl violet, the slides were air dried; hydrated by successive immersion in 95, 70, and 50% ethanol; stained in 0.5% cresyl violet for 2 min at room temperature; dehydrated by successive immersion in 50, 70, 95, and 100% ethanol and xylene; and mounted with DPX. Three representative slides containing the prefrontal cortex were selected according to the stereotaxic coordinates anteroposterior 2.5--4.5 mm and mediolateral 0.2--1.0 mm from the rat brain atlas \[[@B27]\]. The analysis was performed by a blinded observer. The evaluation was performed via Olympus light microscope model BH-2 (Japan) at 40x magnification. The density of survival neurons in medial prefrontal cortex area (mPFC) was expressed as number of cells/255 *μ*m^2^.
2.14. Determination of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) Expression {#sec2.14}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The prefrontal cortex was subjected to a 2-minute homogenization in 1/10 (*w*/*v*) M-PER mammalian protein extraction (Pierce Protein Biology Product, Rockford, IL, USA) containing protease inhibitor cocktail (Sigma-Aldrich). Then, it was centrifuged at 14,000*g* for 10 minutes at 4°C. The supernatant was harvested and used for the determination of ERK1/2 expression. Protein concentration of the supernatant was quantified by using NanoDrop instrument (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Wilmington, Delaware USA). Total 30 *μ*g of brain samples were separated by 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) at 80 V. All protein bands were transferred.
The determination of ERK1/2 protein was performed according to the method previously described with a minor modification \[[@B28]\]. Total of 30 *μ*g of brain samples were separated by 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) at 80 V. Proteins from the gel were transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane (Bio-Rad Laboratories) and blocked with 5% nonfat dry milk in 0.1% tween 20 tris-buffered saline (TBS-T) for 30 minutes. After the blocking of a membrane, they were incubated with primary antibody which recognized ERK1/2 or monoclonal rabbit antiphosphorylated p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (Cell Signaling Technology Inc.; dilution, 1 : 1000) for 2 hours at room temperature. Then, they washed and incubated with secondary antibody conjugated with horseradish peroxidase or anti-rabbit IgG, HRP-linked antibody (Cell Signaling Technology Inc.; dilution, 1 : 2000) for 2 hours at room temperature. The band density was detected with an enhanced chemiluminescent (ECL) system (GE Healthcare, Piscataway, NJ). The analysis was performed using ImageQuant TL analysis software (GE Healthcare, Piscataway, NJ). The expression was normalized using antitotal ERK1/2. Data were presented as a relative density to the naïve control.
2.15. Biochemical Assays {#sec2.15}
------------------------
The prefrontal cortex, an important area in learning and memory, was isolated and prepared as brain homogenate by subjecting to homogenization with 50 volume of 0.1 M phosphate buffer saline. Then, the homogenate was used for the determination of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative stress status including malondialdehyde (MDA) level and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Protein concentration was assessed according to the Lowry method \[[@B29]\] and albumin bovine serum (2--20 mg/ml) was used as a standard.
The determination of AChE was carried out to reflect the cholinergic function in OVX rats by the colorimetric method \[[@B30]\]. A reaction mixture of 200 *μ*l of 0.1 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 8.0), 10 *μ*l of 0.2 M DTNB (5,5′-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid)), and 20 *μ*l of the sample solution were incubated for 5 minutes, and the absorbance at 415 nm was recorded via microplate reader (iMark Microplate Absorbance Reader). Then, 10 *μ*l of acetylcholine thiochloride (ACTI) was added, incubated for 3 minutes, and recorded the absorbance at 415 nm. The activity of AChE was calculated according to the equation below and expressed as mmol/min/g protein. $$\begin{matrix}
\left. AChE\, activity = \left( \mathrm{\Delta}A/1.36 \times 10^{4} \right) \times 1/\left( 20/230 \right)C, \right. \\
\end{matrix}$$where ∆*A* = the difference of absorbance/minute and *C* = protein concentration of brain homogenate.
MDA level was assessed according to the method of Thiraphatthanavong et al. \[[@B31]\]. In brief, the mixture of 0.1 ml of brain homogenate, 0.1 ml of 8.1% (*w*/*v*) sodium dodecyl sulfate, 0.75 ml of 20% (*v*/*v*) acetic acid pH 3.5, 0.75 ml of 0.8% (*w*/*v*) thiobarbituric acid, and 0.3 ml of distilled water were mixed thoroughly and boiled at 95°C for 1 hour. After cooling, 0.5 ml of water and 2.5 ml of the mixture of n-butanol and pyridine at the ratio of 15 : 1 were added, mixed together, and centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes. The pink layer was harvested and determined the optical density at 532 nm. 1,1,3,3-tetramethoxypropane (2--20 nmol) was served as a standard and MDA level was expressed as nmol/mg protein.
SOD assessment was performed according to the method previously described elsewhere \[[@B32]\]. Briefly, 20 *μ*l of brain homogenate was mixed with the mixture which contained 216 mM potassium phosphate buffer (KH~2~PO~4~), 10.7 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 1.1 mM cytochrome C, and 0.54 mM xanthine solution pH 7.4 at the ratio of 25 : 1 : 1 : 50. Then, 20 *μ*l of 0.05 units/ml of xanthine oxidase was added and incubated for 5 minutes at room temperature. The absorbance was measured at 490 nm using microplate reader. SOD enzyme activities at the concentrations of 0--10 units/ml were used as standards, and the results were expressed as units/mg protein.
The activity of catalase (CAT) was evaluated indirectly by measuring the residual H~2~O~2~ which was titrated by potassium permanganate. In brief, 10 *μ*l of brain homogenate was mixed with 50 *μ*l of 30 mM H~2~O~2~, 25 *μ*l of 5 N H~2~SO~4~, and 150 *μ*l of 5 mM KMnO~4~. The mixture was shaken and the absorbance was measured at 490 nm. CAT enzyme at the concentration range of 0--10 units/ml was used as a standard and the result was expressed as units/mg protein \[[@B32]\].
Glutathione peroxidase activity was assessed using the colorimetric method. In brief, 10 *μ*l of brain homogenate was mixed with the mixture containing 50 *μ*l of 30 mM H~2~O~2~, 25 *μ*l of 5 N H~2~SO~4~, and 150 *μ*l of 5 mM KMnO~4~. The mixture was shaken and the absorbance was measured at 490 nm. The standard calibration curve was prepared by using CAT enzyme at the concentration range of 0--10 units/ml. CAT activity was expressed as units/mg protein \[[@B32]\].
2.16. Statistical Analysis {#sec2.16}
--------------------------
Data are presented as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). The statistical analysis of the experiment was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 21). Data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey\'s post hoc test. Probability levels less than 0.05 were accepted as significant.
3. Results {#sec3}
==========
3.1. Biological Activities of the Combined Extract {#sec3.1}
--------------------------------------------------
Total phenolic compounds and anthocyanin content together with the biological activities including the antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP assay) and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity of the combined extract were evaluated. The results showed that 1 ml of the combined extract contained the total phenolic compounds and anthocyanin contents of 184.00 ± 1.91 mg/l gallic acid equivalent and 25.66 ± 0.32 mg/l cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent, respectively. IC~50~ of the antioxidant activity via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was 56.37 ± 0.45 *μ*g/ml, whereas the antioxidant activity via ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay was 602.40 ± 2.33 *μ*M L-ascorbic acid equivalent. In addition, AChEI activity showed IC~50~ at a concentration of 1950 ± 16.02 *μ*g/ml as shown in [Table 1](#tab1){ref-type="table"}.
3.2. The Fingerprint of the Combined Extract {#sec3.2}
--------------------------------------------
[Figure 1](#fig1){ref-type="fig"} shows the fingerprint chromatogram of PCP, the combined extract of purple corn cob and pandan leaves. More than 7 different peaks were observed in the chromatogram. Four of them were anthocyanins (peak 2--peak 5) including cyaniding-3-glucoside (peak 2), pelargonidin-3-glucoside (peak 3), cyanidin 3-O-(6″-malonyl-glucoside) (peak 4), and cyaniding-3-o-B-glucopyranoside (peak 5). It was found that the contents of anthocyanins mentioned earlier in PCP were 3.239 ± 0.014, 2.543 ± 0.011, 2.993 ± 0.024, and 2.335 ± 0.006 mg/ml, respectively. In addition to anthocyanins, gallic acid, rutin, and ferulic acid were observed at the concentrations of 0.180 ± 0.001, 0.337 ± 0.001, and 0.341 ± 0.027 mg/ml, respectively.
3.3. Effect of the Combined Extract on Nonspatial Memory in OVX Rats {#sec3.3}
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Memory-enhancing effect of the combined extract on nonspatial memory was shown in [Figure 2](#fig2){ref-type="fig"}. It was found that sham operation rats showed no significant change on novel object ratio (NOR). OVX rats treated with vehicle significantly decreased NOR throughout the study period (*p* value \< 0.01, 0.01, 0.05, and 0.05, resp., compared with the sham operation group). OVX rats with isoflavone treatment attenuated the reduction of NOR induced by OVX throughout the study period (*p* value \< 0.01, 0.05, 0.01, and 0.01, resp., compared with OVX + vehicle). Donepezil also showed the mitigation effect on the reduction of NOR in OVX rats, but significant differences were observed only at 7- and 21-day treatment periods (*p* value \< 0.001 and 0.01, resp., compared with the OVX + vehicle-treated group). The combined extract at doses of 20 and 80 mg/kg BW significantly attenuated the decreased NOR in OVX rats at 7, 21, and 28 days of treatment (*p* value \< 0.001 and 0.01; 0.05 all; and 0.01 and 0.05, resp., compared with the OVX + vehicle-treated group). The significant mitigation effect of PCP at a dose of 40 mg/kg BW on NOR was also observed at 7 and 21 days of treatment (*p* value \< 0.001 and 0.01, resp., compared with the OVX + vehicle-treated group). The increased NOR in the PCP treatment groups were also observed at a 14-day study period, but no significant difference was revealed.
3.4. Histological Change in the Prefrontal Cortex {#sec3.4}
-------------------------------------------------
Based on the previous finding that the prefrontal cortex played a crucial role on working memory in rodents \[[@B33]\], we also investigated the neuron density in this area and results were shown in [Figure 3](#fig3){ref-type="fig"}. The current results demonstrated that OVX treated with vehicle significantly reduced the neuron density in PFC (*p* value \< 0.05, compared with the sham operation group). Both donepezil and isoflavone could attenuate the reduction of neuron density in PFC of OVX rats (*p* value \< 0.01 all; compared with the OVX + vehicle-treated group). In addition, combined extract at the dosage range used in this study also significantly attenuated the reduction of neuron density in PFC of OVX rats (*p* value \< 0.01, 0.01, and 0.05; compared with the OVX + vehicle-treated group).
3.5. Biochemical Assays {#sec3.5}
-----------------------
[Table 2](#tab2){ref-type="table"} shows the effect of PCP on oxidative stress markers including MDA level and the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px. Sham operation showed no significant changes of the mentioned parameters. OVX rats which received vehicle significantly increased MDA level (*p* value \< 0.05; compared to the sham operation group) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Donepezil treatment failed to produce the significant changes on all parameters just mentioned in OVX rats. However, isoflavone significantly decreased MDA level but enhanced SOD activity (*p* value \< 0.05 and 0.01, resp., compared to the OVX + vehicle-treated group). Interestingly, PCP at all doses used in this study significantly decreased MDA level in PFC (*p* value \< 0.001 all; compared to the OVX + vehicle-treated group). The elevation of SOD activity in PFC was observed in OVX rats which received PCP at the concentrations of 20 and 40 mg/kg BW (*p* value \< 0.001 and 0.01, resp., compared with the OVX + vehicle-treated group).
Since the cholinergic system plays a crucial role on learning and memory \[[@B34]\], we also investigated the effect of PCP on the cholinergic system by using the suppression activity of AChE or AChEI activity as an indirect index, and results were shown in [Figure 4](#fig4){ref-type="fig"}. It was found that both sham operation and OVX rats which received vehicle failed to produce the significant changes of AChE. The decreased AChE activity was observed in OVX rats which received donepezil and combined extract at the dose of 20 mg/kg BW (*p* value \< 0.05 and 0.01, resp., compared with the OVX rats + vehicle-treated group). When compared with OVX rats which received vehicle, no significant changes of AChE were observed in the other groups.
3.6. ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway {#sec3.6}
-----------------------------
Based on the crucial role of ERK1/2 on the survival neurons and memory enhancement \[[@B28]\], the effect of PCP on the phosphorylation ERK1/2 was also determined, and results were shown in [Figure 5](#fig5){ref-type="fig"}. The current data showed that OVX rats significantly decreased expression of phosphorylation ERK1/2 in PFC (*p* value \< 0.001; compared with the sham operation group). Isoflavone and medium dose of PCP produced the significant attenuation effect induced by OVX (*p* value \< 0.01 and 0.05, resp., compared with the OVX + vehicle-treated group).
4. Discussion {#sec4}
=============
The current data showed that ovariectomy, a widely used model of menopause, increased oxidative stress status, impairment of the cholinergic system, and memory impairment which were in concordance with the previous study \[[@B35], [@B36]\]. In the present study, it was found that OVX increased MDA without changes of the main scavenger enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px. This was in agreement with the previous study \[[@B37]\]. These results suggested that the elevation of MDA level might occur either via the increased oxidative stress production or via the decreased function of the nonenzymatic antioxidant system. Interestingly, PCP, the combined extract of purple corn cob and pandan leaves attenuated the memory impairment evaluated by using the object recognition test.
It has been reported that the prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role on nonspatial memory. Lesion of this area could induce nonspatial memory impairment \[[@B38]\]. In this study, we have found that this impairment was attenuated by both isoflavone and all doses of PCP. The reduction of MDA level which indicated the decreased oxidative stress status and the enhanced neuron density was also observed in OVX rats which received isoflavone and all doses of PCP. Therefore, we suggested that PCP and isoflavone might improve oxidative stress status leading to the enhanced neuron density in PFC resulting in the improved nonspatial memory. The decreased oxidative stress status in PFC observed in this study might occur partly via the enhanced function of a scavenger enzyme especially SOD. Since no closed relationship between the decreased MDA level and the enhanced SOD activity in PFC was observed, other factors such as the decreased nonenzymatic system and the decreased oxidative stress production mentioned earlier might also contribute to the role.
In addition to oxidative stress, the cholinergic system in PFC also plays the crucial role on memory. Depletion of acetylcholine (ACh) together with the elevation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the PFC induces memory impairment both in primates and in rodents \[[@B39], [@B40]\]. The cognitive-enhancing effect of donepezil, an AChEI, was observed without changes of oxidative stress markers. Our study also demonstrated that both donepezil and low dose of PCP also suppressed AChE activity in PFC. Therefore, the enhanced cholinergic function in PFC by suppressing AChE activity in the mentioned area also contributes to a role on the cognitive-enhancing effect of both substances. It has been reported that polyphenol \[[@B14]\] including anthocyanins \[[@B41]\] can improve memory impairment induced by scopolamine which exerts the effect at muscarinic receptors. Since PCP contains polyphenols and anthocyanins, it is also possible that PCP also exerts its influence on muscarinic receptor. However, this requires further investigation.
Recently, it has been demonstrated that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) especially ERK1/2 contributes to the pivotal role on learning and memory \[[@B42]\]. The substances which improve ERK signaling also improve the impairment of object recognition memory \[[@B43]\]. Based on this information, we did suggest that the cognitive-enhancing effect of isoflavone and medium dose of PCP might also occur via the enhanced ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
Anthocyanins, a member of flavonoids, have been shown to exert the neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effect \[[@B44]\]. Since our fingerprint of PCP showed that the main ingredient in PCP was anthocyanins (peak 2--peak 5), we suggested that the neuroprotective effect and cognitive-enhancing effects of PCP in this study might involve anthocyanins. However, the effect of other ingredients still cannot be omitted.
Our data failed to show a dose-dependent manner of PCP. The possible explanation might be due to the nonsimple linear relationship between the concentration of PCP and the observed parameters. Since many factors exert the influences on the observed parameters in this study, no simple linear relationship was observed. In addition, PCP contained many ingredients, so the effect of an active ingredient could be masked by other ingredients.
In this study, we have found that our data showed that although in vitro data showed that IC~50~ of AChEI of PCP was very high, low dose of PCP could exert the cognitive-enhancing effect via the suppression of AChE in the prefrontal cortex while the medium and high doses of PCP failed to exert this effect. The possible explanation might also occur as that mentioned earlier in the lack of a dose-dependent study.
Taken all data together, our study highlights the neuroprotective and cognitive effects of PCP that might occur primarily via the decreased oxidative stress which in turn increased neuron density in the brain especially in PFC, an area playing an important role on learning and memory especially nonspatial memory, resulting in the improved nonspatial memory. However, the improved cholinergic function and signal transduction via ERK1/2 might also exert the roles especially at low and medium doses, respectively.
5. Conclusion {#sec5}
=============
This study is the first study to demonstrate the neuroprotective and cognitive effects of PCP. We have shown that the combined extract of purple corn cob and pandan leaves can be served as functional ingredients for developing neuroprotectant and cognitive enhancer for menopausal women. Therefore, we highlight how to create the value for agricultural waste such as purple corn cob. However, chronic toxicity is required in order to assure the consumption safety before moving forward to a clinical trial study.
This study was supported by the Higher Education Research Promotion and National Research University Project of Thailand, Office of the Higher Education Commission, through the Food and Functional Food Research Cluster of Khon Kaen University, the Integrative Complementary Alternative Medicine Research and Development Center, and the Invitation Research Grant of the Faculty of Medicine (Grant no. IN58219), Khon Kaen University.
Conflicts of Interest
=====================
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
{#fig1}
{#fig2}
{#fig3}
{#fig4}
{#fig5}
######
The biological activity of PCP including total phenolic compound, anthocyanin content, DPPH radical activity, FRAP activity, and AChEI activity.
Test PCP Standard reference
------------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------------------
Total phenolic compound (mg/l GAE) 184 ± 1.91 ---
Anthocyanin content (mg/l CGE) 25.66 ± 0.32 ---
FRAP activity (*μ*M L-ascorbic acid equivalent) 602.40 ± 2.33 ---
DPPH radical activity (IC~50~*μ*g/ml) 56.37 ± 0.45 Ascorbic acid 2.89 ± 0.01
AChEI activity (IC~50~*μ*g/ml) 1950 ± 16.02 Donepezil 0.51 ± 0.03
######
The effect of PCP on oxidative stress markers in the prefrontal cortex (*n* = 6/group).
Oxidative stress markers in the prefrontal cortex
------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------- --------------- -------------------- ---------------
Naïve control 0.073 ± 0.0.001 0.661 ± 0.034 0.567 ± 0.164 2.707 ± 0.234
Sham operation 0.077 ± 0.007 0.576 ± 0.052 0.834 ± 0.256 2.516 ± 0.237
OVX + vehicle 0.095 ± 0.008^a^ 0.523 ± 0.034 0.309 ± 0.100 2.684 ± 0.216
OVX + donepezil 3 mg/kg BW 0.090 ± 0.007 0.714 ± 0.047 1.387 ± 0.344 2.650 ± 0.187
OVX + isoflavone 20 mg/kg BW 0.059 ± 0.005^∗^ 0.902 ± 0.111 2.220 ± 0.458^∗∗^ 2.130 ± 0.210
OVX + PCP 20 mg/kg BW 0.047 ± 0.012^∗∗∗^ 0.866 ± 0.186 3.080 ± 0.352^∗∗∗^ 2.447 ± 0.359
OVX + PCP 40 mg/kg BW 0.034 ± 0.002^∗∗∗^ 0.799 ± 0.070 2.047 ± 0.184^∗∗^ 2.151 ± 0.160
OVX + PCP 80 mg/kg BW 0.032 ± 0.004^∗∗∗^ 0.639 ± 0.029 1.068 ± 0.366 1.921 ± 0.092
^a^ *p* value \< 0.05, compared with the sham operation group. ^∗^, ^∗∗^, ^∗∗∗^*p* value \< 0.05, 0.01, and 0.001, respectively, compared with the OVX + vehicle-treated group. Data were expressed as mean ± SEM.
[^1]: Academic Editor: Luciano Saso
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I hope he knew the impact he had on the lives of countless people around the world. I hope he knew how much he was loved and how many people admired his talent. How many people - little boys, little girls, men, women - looked up to him.
I can’t fight the tears that come stubbornly, I can’t actually believe that that is true but I know I’m finding comfort in knowing that Chadwick Boseman will literally live forever through the legacy he leaves behind, and that he’s already a legend and a symbol of hope and a symbol of power for forever.
Rest In Peace. Rest in Power, King.
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The Howard County Charter Review Commission wants to increase the number of voter signatures required to challenge county land-use decisions in referendums -- a move that slow-growth proponents say would damage a measure passed by voters in the last election.
The commission also is recommending that the county limit the types of land-use cases that could be challenged by referendum, according to a draft report presented to the County Council yesterday.
Susan B. Gray, one of the leading slow-growth advocates, said yesterday that the recommendations would dilute the impact of Question B, a measure passed in the fall 1994 election.
Question B was intended to give voters the right to challenge county land-use decisions made by the zoning board. It was opposed by much of the county's power structure, elected and otherwise.
"It appears to me that this is an attempt to get rid of whatever was left of the right for people to challenge these decisions," said Ms. Gray, who in the same election failed in a bid for the county executive's office.
"There's a strong interest among some members of the [commission] of making sure the people of Howard County don't have their say," she said.
Another slow-growth advocate, Peter Oswald of Fulton, alleged yesterday that the charter commission has been influenced by local developers strongly opposed to Question B.
But Thomas Meachum, a Columbia attorney and chairman of the commission, denied that charge, saying the group acted methodically in examining the charter -- or constitution -- for improvements.
Petitioners now need to collect 5,000 signatures to bring land-use decisions to a vote.
The commission is recommending that citizens be required to collect signatures from at least 5 percent of the county's registered voters -- or about 5,750 people -- to place a referendum on the ballot. That requirement would increase with the county's growth.
"There should be a certain level of interest," Mr. Meachum said, in explaining the proposed change.
The other recommended change that would alter Question B's impact -- limiting instances in which Question B could apply -- mirrors a bill passed last year by the County Council. The council excluded certain zoning matters, such as new town zoning for Columbia or special zoning uses that allow businesses in rural areas.
"The County Council gutted it," Ms. Gray said.
The commission has scheduled a public hearing on its draft report Feb. 15. Then the County Council will decide whether to submit the proposed charter changes to a countywide vote.
The charter review group also is recommending a change that would allow politicians to receive "nominal gifts" from those doing business with the county -- a move also drawing criticism.
It is illegal for a government official to receive a "service or thing of value" from someone doing business with the county. The change would insert the language: "service or thing of more than nominal value."
For example, that would allow politicians to receive a cup of coffee, said Mr. Meachum and County Councilman Charles C. Feaga. "Nominal" would not be defined but would be left up to the interpretation of the county ethics commission, Mr. Meachum said.
But nominal should be defined, said Deborah Povich, executive director of Common Cause, a government ethics watchdog group. "People will ask, 'What is nominal?' This looks like a loophole that could be exploited."
A third recommendation involves changing the "merit system" for county employees.
Laws to protect county workers would remain in the county code. But by striking the word "merit" from the charter, county officials said, they would have more flexibility in transferring workers among departments -- something County Executive Charles I. Ecker wants to be able to do as part of his plan to cut government spending by 12 percent over the next 2 1/2 years.
Dale Chase, president of a local union representing county blue-collar workers, said he is "very concerned" about the change and will examine alternatives before the Feb. 15 hearing. Mr. Chase has an ally in Mr. Meachum, who disagreed with the majority of the commission on the merit change.
"The framers of the original charter were correct," Mr. Meachum wrote in the draft.
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Q:
Did China ever consider a phonetic writing system?
I was surprised to learn the following about the Japanese and Korean languages:
Japanese used a lot of Chinese characters in their language and had no phonetic system, until around the year 800 when they made their first kana. (They still use a lot of Chinese characters, but the point is they originally had no phonetic system, then made one.)
Korean also used a lot of Chinese characters in their language and had no phonetic system until around the year 1443 when they made Hangul. (I'm not sure if they still use a lot of Chinese characters, but the point is the same as Japan.)
So you can see how this brings up my question. Did China ever consider a phonetic writing system? In other words, are there any emperors, scholars, court eunuchs or other offices, or just wise men of some school like Confucianism or Daoism or something... who wrote down some thoughts on considering a phonetic writing system?
Did any of them at least note what Japan and Korea did, and explicitly reject it? And most crucially, did they state their reasons for rejecting it?
The time period I'm interested in is pre-modern China. In other words, ancient times to 1912.
EDIT: The analyses are fascinating, but they're not what I'm asking. I'm just asking for examples of some written record of some Chinese person, writing down his thoughts on a phonetic system, why he considered it and why he rejected it... if such a record exists. I would really like to see what were his own thoughts.
A:
No, there is no known record of that kind of native linguistic script analysis in pre-modern China, although its quite possible it came up and was rejected, for reasons I'll outline below.
The main issue here is that the mostly-logographic system China uses has historically been covering up for the fact that quite a few Chinese "dialects" are not mutually-intelligible (eg: Cantonese, Suzhounese, Sichuanese)1. IOW, they are really separate languages. On top of that, large swaths of the country are inhabited by people who even the Chinese will admit don't speak Chinese.
You obviously can't write a single document for several completely different languages using a phonetic-based writing system, without having to translate everything you write into every one of the different languages. Not only is that a crazy amount of work, it would erect brand new cultural barriers between all the various languages. Its possible the entire popular concept of "China" as a culturally unified unit could fall apart. This is why they've been forced to stick to logographs.
That being said, there was Nüshu. This was a fully phonetic syllabary, which means it only needed about 120 glyphs (with a further 500ish logographs borrowed from Hanzi). The story of Nüshu is probably the best example a historian could ask for of the problems posed by trying to promote a phonetic writing system in China.
It was regional (as it would have to be, covering only one dialect). In this case, the dialect it covered was Tuhua, which is of course mutually unintelligible with any of the major Chinese dialects, and is spoken only in the border regions of three neighboring south China provinces. Obviously the script wouldn't be of much use outside those areas, as its "installed base" of Tuhua works wouldn't be intelligible outside those areas.
The script was so low status compared to Hanzi that it was used almost exclusively by women and its history wasn't really recorded. But we know it is at least as old as the 13th Century, and probably no older than the 10th. Its usage seems to have fallen off drastically once women were allowed the level of education required to learn Hanzi. According to Wikipedia, the last proficient user died in 2004.
There are several transcription systems used to translate Chinese into other existing writing systems, like the Latin and Cyrillic character systems. However those appear to be mostly used for the benefit of those who don't speak Chinese, or for those who don't have easy access to native Chinese keyboards, displays, and whatnot.
1 - This would be roughly equivalent to a single government conquering all of Europe and declaring that its (mostly Indo-European speaking) residents actually speak the "European" language, German is the official dialect, and English, Dutch, French, Spanish, Russian, etc. are all just regional dialects of European.
A:
Yes, but neither by the Chinese nor only for Chinese.
Kublai Khan ordered the Tibetan Sakya trizin Phagpa to create a universal alphabet to be used by the languages of his empire. It's usually known after him as 'Phags-pa Script'. Because he wasn't interested in marking tones, Phagpa differentiated Chinese syllables by recourse to outdated pronunciations contained in earlier dictionaries. It got used in official documents but never displaced the separate local scripts.
Phags-pa never had a reasonable hope of replacing Chinese characters in particular without a campaign of massive oppression against the empire's own clerical class, which Kublai and his tax collectors weren't remotely interested in.
To the Chinese, characters were civilization itself...
It's important to note that—apart from acting as China's version of Latin—any Chinese characters were revered as holy in and of themselves. They were considered inspired by Heaven, handed down from their great first ancestors, and a perfect encapsulation of the quintessence of Nature's myriad things. The majority of characters—the ones that aren't based on direct drawings of their subjects—usually encode information on both meaning and pronunciation and were thus still considered 'ideal', even when pronunciation could drift as far apart as 工 (gōng, originally kong) and 江 (jiāng, originally krong) or 率's two pronunciations of (s)rut turning into lǜ and shuài. Like Talmudic Jews ritually dealing with any paper containing the name of G-d, Chinese cities had special towers (惜字塔, xīzì tǎ) for specially destroying anything with writing upon it with the appropriate respect. That applied to shopping lists as well as sutras and the Confucian classics.
The very concepts of civilization and peaceful civil life in Chinese are expressed in words dealing with literacy (i.e., in characters), not with agriculture: 文, 文明, 文化. The native name of most 'Confucian Temples' is actually 'Temples of the Written Word': 文庙. The highest of the 'Three Perfections'—calligraphy, poetry, and painting—was beautiful and idiosyncratic penmanship, and its influence overflowed into the others. Li Bai's most famous poem memorably captured the spill of moonlight across his bedroom floor in a sprinkle of 'moon' and 'light' characters across its lines; painting followed the technique and criticism of the calligraphers. Their work also formed one of the 'Four Arts' of the gentleman, alongside painting, go, and the zither. Three of the great Chinese inventions—greater than gunpowder or the compass within their own culture—were tech dealing with the written word: paper, block printing, and moveable type.
The characters are also cultural artifacts as much as writing script. Some form the basis or important points in stories, jokes, riddles, &c. Some are tied to ideas about the Five Elements. Including the proper stroke number or character radical was reckoned essential to properly harmonizing a person's identity with the universe (read: stars) at the moment of their birth.
...and syllabaries, let alone alphabets, were infra dig...
As T.E.D. pointed out, there was a semiphonetic 'Women's Script' used by the Han women of Jiangyong in the wilderness of southwestern Hunan. No one paid attention to it or cared until the late 20th century.
The medieval Chinese didn't pay attention to their own syllabaries, let alone those of tribute and barbarian peoples. But the Koreans and Japanese themselves felt the same way. Within Korea, hangul was the province of 'illiterates' like women and the laboring classes; proper gentlemen used characters regardless of their awkwardness for their language.
Decent Korean and Japanese diplomats would've avoided the topic, not shown it off.
...until modernity.
Once the Shang Dynasty started using the characters as a religious script to divine the will of Heaven, alphabetic Chinese was probably a lost cause, even though the early forms of the language differentiated their words with terminal consonants and consonant clusters instead of using many homonyms distinguished by tone.
The Mongolian overlords tried for a bit to see if they couldn't universalize and standardize everything (They couldn't), but the serious push among the Chinese themselves for change had to wait until after the Opium War, Taiping Rebellion, and industrializing Europe's gunboat diplomacy made the inadequacy of the old Confucian model plain. Nearly every European involved wanted the script replaced, and some Chinese intellectuals agreed.
Dhi Fonetik Titcerz' Asociecon's IPA was becoming universalist by 1900 but its eventual symbols for Mandarin are a mess (incl. ɕ, ʈ, ʂ, ɥ, ɻ, & ʰ) and it was never considered. Instead, the Republic's early commission on standardizing Mandarin went their own way with zhuyin ('phonetics') based on simplified characters with similar sounds. By 1930, politics made them change the name from 'phonetic letters' to 'phonetic symbols', clarifying that they had no intention of using them as actual letters for Chinese.
In the '20s and '30s, advocates plumped the Nationalists' 'Mandarin Romanization' (Guoyu Luomazi) and Soviets' 'New Latin Script' (Ladinghua Xin Wenzi) to replace characters but—despite the Soviet system working fine in CCP controlled areas of the north—the Communists eventually abandoned it in 1944 to increase their appeal among all classes through the rest of China.
After the Communist revolution, when all things traditional were to be replaced with Revolutionary fervor, they tried again. They gave up again, given the many many many homophones following the transition from Middle to Modern Mandarin, annoyed masses, and the danger posed by regionalism. As we've talked about, Mao Zedong's original idea as pinyin was being developed in the '50s was for it to replace Chinese characters in toto and force the Mandarin dialect across the country. In the end, modern Chinese is just much clearer and more beautiful the way it's already written; he gave up by 1958. Pinyin is just used in transcribing names into other languages and for teaching kids the pronunciation of the characters.
What happened instead was the Chinese script itself was simplified a few times and the vernacular was accepted as literary writing. Kids still have to deal with 'difficult characters' (繁体字, fántǐ zì) and 'the ancient way of writing' (古文, gǔwén) on tests, but they don't have to deal with either in daily life if they choose. Despite what early reformers feared, keeping the characters doesn't harm Chinese educational efforts at all; the kids aren't all as happy as the Finnish but they rank just as highly. That it helps keep foreigners from accessing and influencing Chinese culture is now probably considered more of a feature than a bug.
A:
TLDR: Phonetic scripts won't work because of how the Chinese languages are structured. So it never really came up before Europeans arrived.
Language Issues:
There are several ways to answer this question; before I get into the history, it is important to ask: Is it possible to represent Chinese in a phonetic script?
According to my first Chinese language book, Beginner's Chinese by Yong Ho, Putonghua [i.e., Mandarin] has 21 consonants and 6 vowels, and most syllables are organized in a CV (Consonant-Vowel) format. Some examples of CV in English: be, he, me. Chinese has a handful of standalone V words, but they usually start with the glottal stop consonant like the one in uh-oh; there are also many CVC words, but the final consonant must be a nasal n or ng; finally, there are some VC words without an initial consonant. And that's it. English, on the other hand, has many, many different syllables: VC (up), CVC (big), CCVC (dread), CVCC (mask), CCV, CCCV, VCC, VCCC, CCVCC (brand), CVCCC, CCCvCC, CVCCCC (texts), etc.[1]
So with only 21 constants and 6 vowels, there are only about 1000 possible sound combinations, and about 400 get used. Add in the 4 tones, there are 1600 sounds combinations. In English, there are more than 158,000.[1]
The limited number of syllables means that there are a ton of words that would have an identical spelling. These are called homophones. While English has a bunch of homophones Chinese has so many that it would be impractical to use a phonetic script.
History:
However, this didn't stop people from trying. Chapter 2 of China's Soviet Dream (this book is awesome) speaks in great detail about language reform in the first decade of the PRC. China wanted to modernize, and many felt that with a character-based written language, literacy would not be possible. They looked, of course, for historical examples where Chinese people had achieved widespread literacy. There was only one, and it occurred in the Soviet Union.
Apparently, in the 1920s, there were a bunch of migrant workers from Shandong living in Eastern Siberia. The Soviet Union invented a romanization scheme based on their Jiaoliao dialect called Latinxua Sin Wenz. It worked — these migrant workers learned to read the newspaper, allowing them to read SU propaganda.
For a variety of reasons, these migrant workers returned to China in the early 1930s, and they brought Latinxua Sin Wenz with them. As explained in Part IV of John DeFrancis's Chinese Language, the script was adopted by many Communists in their areas of control and adapted to dialects all over China, including Hakka and Shanghainese. Lu Xun and Mao argued in its favor, and the Communists gave it equal legal status to characters in 1941. World War II and China's Civil War interrupted literacy efforts. The system required accepting a lot of ambiguity because of its lack of tones, but that wasn't insurmountable to native speakers. Instead, the probable reason that the PRC abandoned it sometime in late 1949 or early 1950 was the criticism that its advocates were "a cultural movement of traitors". Having taken over the country, the Communists stopped advocating a policy that would permit greater balkanization. The Party line became to simplify the characters instead and to develop a new latinized alphabet with tones to teach pronunciation.
Latinxua Sin Wenz grew in to Hanyu Pinyin, which is in common usage throughout China today. However, it is rarely used for general reading; it is more of an instructive tool to facilitate the dominance of the Beijing Dialect, with the explicit goal of limiting China's linguistic diversity and centering power around Beijing and this the CCP. Hanyu Pinyin makes it easier for me to learn Chinese too!
However, you specifically asked about attempts to use a phonetic script prior to 1911. To my knowledge, the first attempts were intended primarily to help Christian missionaries learn Chinese, with one scheme by Matteo Ricci dating to 1583. However, these schemes were developed by non-Chinese for a variety of reasons.
The first phonetic script that I am aware of, developed by a Chinese person, was in 1892. This scheme, however, was merely an extension of the missionaries' attempts and was definitely part of a modernization/literacy scheme.
[1] Ho, Yong. Beginner's Chinese. Hippocrene Books, 2005.
[2] Li, Yan. China's Soviet Dream: Propaganda, Culture, and Popular Imagination. Routledge, 2017.
[3] DeFrancis, John. The Chinese Language: Fact and Fantasy. Univ. of Hawaii Press, 1984.
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Jennifer Lawrence
Despite not having any professional training, Jennifer Lawrence became one of Hollywood's most sought after and respected young actresses within five years of beginning her career. After a fairly typi...
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Harry Potter star Emma Watson has topped a new poll of outstanding women. The young actress, who was recently named a leading celebrity feminist, has beaten mixed martial arts fighter Ronda Rousey to the top of online site AskMen's new 99 Most Outstanding Women of 2015 list.
Also making the top five are Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift and Tiger Woods' girlfriend, skiier Lindsey Vonn, while Beyonce, George Clooney's new wife Amal and Jennifer Lawrence make the top 10.
Angelina Jolie has been named the world's foremost feminist icon just days after she underwent potentially life-saving surgery to remove her ovaries. The Hollywood actress, who had a preventative operation last week (ends22Mar15) in a bid to eliminate a cancer risk, came out top of a new poll naming women's rights champions.
Jolie took pole position in the survey by fashion house Rose & Willard for her work with the United Nations (U.N.) and her campaigns to end sexual assaults on women in war zones.
She saw off competition from Harry Potter actress Emma Watson, another U.N. ambassador who launched a high-profile pro-feminism drive for the organisation last year (14).
Watson came in second place, while other stars in the top five included fellow actress Jennifer Lawrence and renowned feminist author Germaine Greer.
Heidy Rehman, founder of Roseandwillard.com, says, "We are driven by the empowerment of women and celebration of their femininity, which Angelina Jolie embodies perfectly. The poll shows that this is the brand of feminism currently favoured by the public. Emma Watson is another exciting example of this... her HeForShe campaign fights for society to respect and embrace feminine qualities."
Leonardo DiCaprio is Hollywood's biggest player, according to a new Tinseltown salary expose. The Wolf of Wall Street star takes home $25 million (GBP16.7 million) per movie - $5 million (GBP3.3 million) more than the likes of Denzel Washington, Robert Downey, Jr., and Matt Damon. Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy are the top females, raking in as much as $15 million (GBP10 million) a movie. The big names on The Hollywood Reporter's new highest-paid list also features Brad Pitt and American Hustle and Silver Linings Playbook co-stars Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.
Jennifer Lawrence has revealed she will be leaving the X-Men franchise after next year's (16) X-Men: Apocalypse.
The Oscar winner has played shapeshifter Mystique in two films - 2011's X-Men: First Class and last year's (14) 2014's X-Men: Days of Future Past, but, in a new interview with MTV News, she confirmed the next instalment of the blockbuster sci-fi series will mark her final appearance.
When asked if the rumours of her departure are true, Lawrence replied, "It is my last one, yes." Lawrence is slated to begin filming on X-Men: Apocalypse later this year (15), with a release date set for May 2016.
R&B star Rihanna is flattered to become the first black spokesmodel for Dior, insisting the groundbreaking gig is "such a big deal" for "girls of any color".
The "Stay" hitmaker was unveiled as the new face of the style and cosmetics giant on Friday (13Mar14) and the singer cannot contain her excitement about the new endorsement deal, as she hopes it will break down barriers for models of all races in the fashion industry.
She tells MTV News, "It feels fantastic. It is such a big deal for me, for my culture, for a lot of young girls of any colour. "I think to be acknowledged by Dior means a lot, as a woman, to feel beautiful - to feel elegant and timeless." The 27-year-old singer will appear in Dior's fourth instalment of the Secret Garden film campaign, which she recently shot at Versailles in Paris, this spring (15). Other famous faces for Dior include Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron and Jennifer Lawrence.
Rihanna has made fashion history by becoming Dior's first black spokesmodel. The 27-year-old singer was announced as the new face of the style and cosmetics firm on Friday (13Mar14), as she promoted her new animated film, Home, in New York.
Rihanna will appear in Dior‘s fourth instalment of the Secret Garden film campaign, which she recently shot at Versailles in Paris, this spring (15).
She joins classic beauties like Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron and Jennifer Lawrence, among the other famous face for the Dior brand.
We recently discovered a Twitter account that combines two of our favorite things: brooding YA heroes and poking fun at brooding YA heroes. You know the type -- the male lead in most young adult novels who is hot and smoldering and (sometimes) supernatural…yet wholly unrealistic. Brooding YA Heroes parodies this jaw-clenching, hair-tousling, secret-keeping archetype to hilarious effect. In honor of these fantastic tweets, we've highlighted some of our favorites.
1. Edward Cullen (The Twilight Saga)
GIPHY
As a powerful supernatural creature, I could have used my powers for world domination. Instead I use them to flirt with you.
— Brooding YA Hero (@broodingYAhero) March 6, 2015
2. Jacob Black (The Twilight Saga)
GIPHY
My favorite shape is a triangle. Like our love. My least favorite shape is a circle, like this circular plot we're trapped in.
— Brooding YA Hero (@broodingYAhero) February 26, 2015
3. Augustus Waters (The Fault in Our Stars)
GIPHY
You could go to grief counseling to recover from your loved one's death...or you could let me show you what it means to be alive.
— Brooding YA Hero (@broodingYAhero) March 11, 2015
4. Chuck Bass (Gossip Girl)
GIPHY
Isn't it odd how no one remembers that terrible thing I did in season one? Its's almost like they realized I'm too pretty to be a villain.
— Brooding YA Hero (@broodingYAhero) March 1, 2015
5. Nate Archibald (Gossip Girl)
GIPHY
I look forward to all the strange subplots and unforshadowed love triangles our TV series will have, after it runs out of source material.
— Brooding YA Hero (@broodingYAhero) March 1, 2015
6. Peeta Mellark (The Hunger Games)
GIPHY
Babe, I thought we were in a dystopian, but then I saw your dazzling smile, and realized we must be in a UTOPIAN. Swoon!
— Brooding YA Hero (@broodingYAhero) February 28, 2015
7. Gale Hawthorne (The Hunger Games)
GIPHY
Really, I'm the obviously poor choice in this love triangle, but I just happen to be played by a ridiculously good looking actor, so I win.
— Brooding YA Hero (@broodingYAhero) February 28, 2015
8. Damon Salvatore (The Vampire Diaries)
GIPHY
My gym workout includes bench presses, squats, and eyebrow raises. It takes hard work to be able to quirk them as often as I do.
— Brooding YA Hero (@broodingYAhero) February 22, 2015
9. Stefan Salvatore (The Vampire Diaries)
GIPHY
I'd never date anyone five years younger than me, but five hundred years younger is a-okay. Immortal and immature is the way to be.
— Brooding YA Hero (@broodingYAhero) March 10, 2015
10. Four (Divergent)
GIPHY
What, this tattoo? No, it doesn't mean anything... not anymore.
— Brooding YA Hero (@broodingYAhero) March 6, 2015
11. Sutter Keely (The Spectacular Now)
messedupimagination.tumblr.com
I love how you've never had alcohol before, and accidentally get tipsy off the spiked punch, all while never judging my own heavy drinking
— Brooding YA Hero (@broodingYAhero) February 28, 2015
12. Caleb Rivers (Pretty Little Liars)
GIPHY
Does anyone just...quietly transfer into our school? Must they always end up becoming a new hero/love interest/ villain?
— Brooding YA Hero (@broodingYAhero) February 17, 2015
13. Harry Potter (Harry Potter series)
GIPHY
I understand we're running for our lives, and time is of the utmost importance, but I just HAVE to kiss you right now.
— Brooding YA Hero (@broodingYAhero) March 8, 2015
Who's YOUR favorite brooding YA hero? Follow us on Twitter and let us know!
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Chloe Sevigny has made it clear she is not a fan of Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence, dismissing her as "annoying" and "too crass" in a new interview. The Boys Don't Cry actress was discussing the need for celebrities in Hollywood to have marketable personalities with a reporter for V magazine when she made the comments about The Hunger Games star.
Sevigny said, "So much is about marketing and selling the product. They'll have a really peppy funny girl on the talk show rounds, and everybody adores her and loves her and wants to be her or f**k her, and then so many more people want to watch the movie or TV show. I understand that star quality, how much value that carries."
She continued, "I love when a movie star is a great movie star. I think Angelina Jolie is a great movie star... I like Emma Stone. Whenever she's herself, she's really cute. Jennifer Lawrence I find annoying. Too crass."
Ironically, during the candid chat, Sevigny revealed she worries about being too outspoken for her own good, admitting, "I'm afraid that maybe people think there's more personality than acting ability.
"What I did on (TV shows) Big Love, Hit & Miss, and American Horror Story, it's not like I'm just playing the same character over and over again. I would like to be respected more as an actress. It's not like I can complain about anything. I think I've had great opportunities, but you can always have more."
Played a young widow opposite Bradley Cooper in David O. Russell's "Silver Linings Playbook"
Portrayed Mystique in the prequel to the "X-Men" film series "X-Men: First Class"
Reprised her role as Katniss in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"
Cast as Bill Engvall’s unruly teen daughter on TBS family comedy "The Bill Engvall Show"; won Outstanding Young Performers in a TV Series at the Young Artist Awards (2009, shared with co-stars Skyler Gisondo and Graham Patrick Martin)
Earned critical raves with a supporting role opposite Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger in "The Burning Plain"
Starred in horror thriller "House at the End of the Street"
Delivered breakthrough performance as a tough country girl who goes in search of her missing drug-dealing, deadbeat father in "Winter’s Bone"
Summary
Despite not having any professional training, Jennifer Lawrence became one of Hollywood's most sought after and respected young actresses within five years of beginning her career. After a fairly typical start on television as a cast member of the family sitcom "The Bill Engvall Show" (TBS, 2007-09), she began to show surprising depth with performances in harrowing dramas like "The Poker House" (2008) and "The Burning Plain" (2008). It was Lawrence's magnetic and astonishingly mature starring turn in the critically acclaimed drama "Winter's Bone" (2010) that made critics take notice and elevated her status from rising teen starlet to Oscar-worthy actress. In addition to her continued work in smaller, more intimate films, several big-budget features followed for Lawrence, including a supporting role in the superhero adventure "X-Men: First Class" (2011) and the lead in the hugely successful "The Hunger Games" (2012) and its sequels, based on the best-selling young adult novels by Suzanne Collins. Also in 2012, the critical darling "Silver Linings Playbook" once again made the talented actress a contender for Hollywood's top awards, leading to an Academy Award for Best Actress. Capable of emotionally rich performances and blessed with an undeniable screen presence, Lawrence was well-equipped for a lengthy and diverse career as one of film's premier talents.
Education
Name
Notes
"What's weird about wrapping a movie is you spend so much time creating a whole other person, then all the sudden you leave. You stop. And that part of your brain, or head, or imagination, doesn't exist anymore." – Lawrence to USA Today, June 9, 2010
"It's easy to get pigeonholed, so I think it's important that when one thing gets really big – it's a wise decision to do the opposite." – Lawrence to Teen Vogue, April 2011
"When we first met in person it was so clear that this girl was going to take over the world. She is charismatic, funny to the bone, and will not suffer fools easily." – Charlize Theron on Lawrence, quoted in Entertainment Weekly, Dec. 7, 2012
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a resin composition having a high impact resistance.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Bisphenols the nucleus of which is substituted with a halogen, particularly, tetrabromobisphenol A, are known to be flame retarding agents. The incorporation of tetrabromobisphenol A in various synthetic resins to obtain flame-retardant resin compositions has been proposed. In one process tetrabromobisphenol A is copolymerized with halogen-free bisphenol such as bisphenol A to improve the flame-retardant property of a polycarbonate resin derived from bisphenol A. In addition, it has been proposed to obtain a flame-retardant resin composition by incorporating said copolymerized polycarbonate into a polycarbonate resin derived from bisphenol A (Japanese Patent Publication No. 24660/1972).
However, a copolymer composition containing such a copolymerized polycarbonate particularly derived from more than 2 mole percent of a nuclear-halogen-substituted bisphenol, is brittle because of the very low impact strength thereof as shown in FIG. 1. In addition, practical limitations occur such as the need for using a higher temperature in the molding because of its reduced melt fluidity.
Therefore, for improving the molding property of the polycarbonate resin, there has been proposed a process wherein a nuclear-halogen-substituted bisphenol A is incorporated therein, or a process wherein a low molecular weight polycarbonate (generally having a polymerization degree of about 2 to 10) derived from a nuclear-halogen-substituted bisphenol is incorporated therein (Japanese Patent Publications Nos. 41422/1972 and 44537/1972). It is impossible, by either of those prior processes, however, to prevent impairment of the physical properties of the resin generally caused by the incorporation of the low molecular weight materials, and it is difficult to retain well-balanced physical properties such as mechanical strength and molding property, even though flame-retardance can be imparted thereto.
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See full bio » Ellen McLain is an opera singer and voice actress from Nashville, Tennessee, USA. She provides the voices of many characters in several video games from Valve. Among them are GLaDOS, the artificial-intelligence antagonist in Portal (2007) (for which she won an AIAS Interactive Achievement Award for Outstanding Achievement in Character Performance)... Born: December 1, 1952 in in Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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James Orthwein
James Busch Orthwein (March 13, 1924 – August 15, 2008) was an American heir and business executive. Orthwein was the owner of the New England Patriots during the 1992 and 1993 seasons. He sold the team in 1994.
Life and career
James Busch Orthwein was born on March 13, 1924. His father, Percy Orthwein, was an advertising executive. His mother, Clara Busch, was the granddaughter of Adolphus Busch, the German-born founder of Anheuser-Busch.
Orthwein was educated at the Choate School in Wallingford, Connecticut. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis.
Career
Orthwein joined his father's advertising firm in 1947. He served as the chairman and chief executive of the D'Arcy Advertising Company from 1970 to 1983. Orthwein took the advertising agency to the global stage, merging with agencies in Detroit and London. In 1985, the St. Louis-based company merged with Benton & Bowles of New York to form D'Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles.
Orthwein served on the board of directors of Anheuser-Busch from 1963 to 2001. In 1997, Orthwein held 1.6 million shares in Anheuser-Busch, more than any other company insider with the exception of his first cousin, chairman and president August Busch III.
Orthwein was a co-founder of Huntleigh Asset Partners, a private investment firm, in 1983. It was later renamed Precise Capital.
Orthwein purchased the New England Patriots from Victor Kiam in 1992, when the latter was facing bankruptcy and owed him millions. The purchase price was $106 million. During his ownership, Orthwein hired Bill Parcells as head coach and oversaw the drafting of first-overall draft pick quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who helped to return the moribund franchise to respectability. He planned to relocate the Patriots franchise to St. Louis, renaming the team the St. Louis Stallions. However, those plans were derailed when Boston paper magnate Robert Kraft, owner of Foxboro Stadium, refused to accept a buyout of the lease. Kraft used his ownership of the stadium to stage a hostile takeover, offering to pay $175 million for the Patriots franchise knowing that Orthwein no longer wanted the team if he could not move it to St. Louis. Orthwein accepted the bid on January 21, 1994.
Personal life and death
One of Orthwein's wives was Romaine Dahlgren Pierce, who had previously married and divorced William Simpson and David Mountbatten, 3rd Marquess of Milford Haven. Orthwein's third wife was Ruth Orthwein; they divorced in the late 1990s. Orthwein died of cancer at his home in Huntleigh, Missouri in 2008.
For 35 years, Orthwein was Master of Foxhounds at Bridlespur Hunt Club and he was a member of the Missouri Horseman's Hall of Fame. He helped raise more than $1-million for horse show related charities.
References
Category:1924 births
Category:2008 deaths
Category:Businesspeople from St. Louis
Category:American corporate directors
Category:New England Patriots owners
Category:New England Patriots executives
Category:Deaths from cancer in Missouri
Category:Choate Rosemary Hall alumni
Category:Washington University in St. Louis alumni
Category:National Football League owners
Category:Masters of foxhounds
Category:American people of German descent
Category:Busch family
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Chrysler Pacifica (crossover)
The Chrysler Pacifica is a mid-size crossover produced by Chrysler from 2003 to 2007, for the model years 2004 to 2008.
The Pacifica was the first jointly engineered product of the 1998 DaimlerChrysler "merger of equals."
Chrysler developed the vehicle in 30 months at a cost below $1 billion. The CUV was inspired by the 1999 Chrysler Pacifica and 2000 Chrysler Citadel concept cars. The production model was first introduced at the 2002 New York International Auto Show. Chrysler marketed the Pacifica as a "sports-tourer," building the vehicle at the Windsor Assembly Plant, alongside the long-wheelbase minivans from January 2003 through November 2007. The "Pacifica" name was briefly used as a trim package on the Dodge Daytona for 1987–1988 after the Chrysler Laser was discontinued.
In January 2016, the Pacifica name was revived for a 2017 model year minivan, which debuted at the North American International Auto Show as a replacement for the Chrysler Town & Country.
Model year changes
2004
Initially, the Pacifica came in just one trim level.
2005 and 2006
Starting in 2005, the Pacifica was expanded into four trim levels: Base, Touring, Limited, and a special-edition Signature Series. The interior was also slightly restyled. Faux wood trim came standard in Pacifica Touring and Limited models, while the base-model "Pacifica" (later Pacifica LX), offered interior colored plastic trim. Signature Series models had metal clad interior trim and two-tone leather seats.
2007
The Pacifica's exterior was slightly restyled for 2007, including its headlights, hood, fenders, grille, front fascia and wheels. The brand new 4.0 L SOHC V6 engine was added, to complement the standard 3.8 L EGH V6. With the addition of the new engine and transmission, Dual Exhaust was added. New options included a rearview camera incorporated into the navigation system, stain, odor, and static-resistant seat fabric and new wheel options.
2008 (discontinuation)
Chrysler announced on November 1, 2007 discontinuation of the Pacifica, producing the last Pacifica that same month. The final Pacifica rolled off the assembly line on November 23, 2007.
Description
Powertrain
The Pacifica crossovers were equipped with "Autostick" transaxles, Chrysler's version of a manually controlled automatic transmission. Other features include five-link rear suspension, self-leveling rear shock absorbers, and variable assist rack-and-pinion steering. The Pacifica offered a towing capacity of .
At first, Pacifica was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with and of torque. Reviewers faulted the gruff engine, which was barely up to the task of battling the Pacifica's formidable mass, especially on fully loaded all-wheel-drive models. The 3.5-liter V6 with and was standard on all but the base front-wheel-drive model in 2005 using the 3.8-liter V6. The 3.8-liter V6 with 210 horsepower and was eliminated for 2006, leaving the 3.5-liter unit as the sole available engine. For 2007, the 3.8-liter engine returned in the base front-wheel-drive model, this time rated at , and a new 4.0-liter V6 replaced the 3.5-liter V6 in all other models. The 4.0-liter engine produced and and was mated with a new six-speed automatic transmission (the base engine continued with the four-speed unit) which allowed a respectable 0-60 mph time of 7.4 seconds.
Safety
In 2006 the Chrysler Pacifica won an award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as the "best pick frontal". In 2007, the Pacifica won a five star front and side crash test rating. The Pacifica received this award for being equipped with traction control, four wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system, all-row side curtain air bags, Electronic Stability Program, and tire pressure monitoring system..
Features
During the first model year, Pacificas were equipped lavishly and were expensive as a result, as they included costly but mostly unnecessary features such as a navigation system, DVD entertainment system, and a load-leveling suspension. In later model years, additional trim and equipment levels were added.
Third row seating was standard on all but the entry-level Pacificas released after 2004. Front row seats featured an eight-way power driver seat and four-way power passenger seat on all standard Pacificas. The Limited and Touring included a ten-way power seat for the driver. The Pacifica could be optioned with a seating preference memory system that also controlled mirrors and pedals. Seats were available with stain and odor resistant fabric or leather on all seats and six different fabric designs. Cargo space was with the second and third rows folded.
All Pacifica models came with AM/FM radio along with CD player and a seven speaker, 200-watt Infinity audio system. Limited models came with a year subscription of Sirius satellite radio, 6-disc DVD player capable of playing MP3, DVD audio, DVD video, DVD-R and DVD-RW discs, and an available eight-speaker 385-watt Infinity "Intermezzo" audio system with subwoofer. Standard models included dual-zone manual temperature control while the Limited and Touring offered automatic temperature control system. Limited and Touring models offered an available navigation system, along with an optional rear-view camera. A hands-free communication system was also available. All trims featured power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, and a full array of safety equipment.
Trim levels
All editions were available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Base • 2004–2007 - Included: cloth upholstery, power locks and mirrors, power windows with automatic driver's side window, four 12V power outlets, keyless entry, power front seats, and an AM/FM stereo with single-CD player, steering wheel controls, and 200 watt 7 speaker infinity system.
LX • 2008 - Included: 3.8L V6 on FWD models, 4.0L V6 on AWD, cloth upholstery, power seats with heated front row seats, an AM/FM stereo with single-CD player and 6 speakers, keyless entry, security alarm, and power locks, windows with automatic driver's side window.
Touring • 2005–2008 - Added: premium cloth or leather-trimmed upholstery, electronic vehicle information control, universal garage door opener, leather wrapped shift knob, storage bin, and an AM/FM radio with single-disc CD/DVD video/audio with MP3 capability, and 200-watt Infinity system with 7 speakers.
Limited • 2005–2008 - Added: leather upholstery, floor mats, power mirrors with auto-dimming driver's mirror, a sunroof, cargo net, memory drivers seat, pedals and radio presets, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an AM/FM stereo with in dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer with MP3 capability, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and 200 watt Infinity sound system with 7 speakers.
Signature Series • 2005–2008
Reception
The Pacifica was the first jointly engineered product of the 1998 Chrysler-DaimlerBenz "merger of equals."
Chrysler developed the vehicle in 30 months at a cost below $1 billion.
Parent DaimlerChrysler's other entry in the luxury SUV market, the M-Class (badged as the ML) appeared to be a rushed engineering job from the Mercedes-Benz truck division yet it was a great success, leading to the second-generation M-Class that used a crossover instead of a light truck platform.
DaimlerChrysler heavily touted the Pacifica as the next "big thing" in the fledgling crossover market, forecasting sales of 100,000 per year. These estimations proved to be wildly optimistic, as sales never came close to expectations. There was stiff competition from other luxury crossovers like the Lexus RX and BMW X5; the RX was the volume leader and widely considered the benchmark for the class. Despite the Mercedes-like interior and other Mercedes-derived technologies, however, the Pacifica may have been overpriced for its marque, as general public perception did not consider Chrysler a luxury brand like BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. Indeed, DaimlerChrysler was reluctant to heavily promote the fact that the Pacifica (as well as several other jointly engineered vehicles such as the Crossfire and 300) featured technologies from its Mercedes division due to fear of cannibalization, as Benz vehicles had much higher prices and profits than their Chrysler equivalents. A three-year, multimillion-dollar contract was signed with singer Celine Dion in 2003, with advertisements designed to reposition Chrysler as a premium marque. However, the promotional campaign was widely considered a flop and so DaimlerChrysler ended it just one year later. Ending up, however, DaimlerChrysler lost money on every Pacifica sold, as it used a modified minivan platform, but it didn’t have any interior commonality with other Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicles.
Positioned as a large crossover, the Pacifica was designed to combine the convenience of a minivan, the elevated position of an SUV, and the handling of a sedan, as the minivan's popularity was being eclipsed by the SUV which in turn lost favor due to high gas prices. Compared to traditional (light truck-based) luxury sport utility vehicles such as the Lincoln Navigator, the Pacifica had less heavy cargo-hauling and towing capacity but otherwise it was superior in handling, comfort, interior, and amenities. Crossovers with three-row seating tend to be inferior to minivans in passenger room; the Pacifica was no exception as its third-row seats were considered too small compared to that of the Chrysler Town & Country which was less expensive and more fuel-efficient. However other luxury automakers have no minivans in most of their lineups which avoids cannibalization of the sales of their large crossovers, so it didn't help that the Pacifica inevitably drew comparisons to the Town & Country. Furthermore, DaimlerChrysler was unable to convince the public that the Pacifica was a pioneer of new category of vehicle, as consumers preferred more traditional SUV-style crossovers, and they faced the same problem with the release of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class in 2005. Like the Pacifica the R-Class is supposed to share the attributes of the minivan, SUV, and a wagon, and despite the R-Class being more upscale and sophisticated (based on a rear-wheel drive platform) with a better executed launch (while the Pacifica was plagued with production and marketing flaws), it has sold poorly compared to the GLK and M-Classes.
The Pacifica was widely praised for its carlike ride and handling, as its sophisticated suspension soaked up the bumps well, while the steering was fairly crisp and linear. However the 2004-06 model years of the Pacifica were fuel thirsty and vastly underpowered considering its hefty weight, with its weak 250 hp 3.5-liter V6 and aging four-speed automatic transmission, which gave poor performance considering the price of this vehicle. This was only rectified in 2007 with a new V6 engine and a new six-speed automatic which was nonetheless too late to salvage sales. Throughout its lifetime there were few engine options, yet despite client requests there was never an available Hemi or SRT version like the 2005 Chrysler 300.
Reliability
The initial production models of the Pacifica gave the nameplate a bad reputation, due to poor mechanical reliability of the transmission and engine, liner and interior flaws, electrical glitches, and low build quality. Furthermore, Chrysler was slow to react in fixing these problems.
Total Sales
References
External links
Official site by Chrysler
Pacifica World forums
Chrysler Pacifica Owners & Fan Club
Pacifica
Category:Crossover sport utility vehicles
Category:Mid-size sport utility vehicles
Category:All-wheel-drive vehicles
Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles
Category:2000s cars
Category:Cars introduced in 2003
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Tips For First-Time Ship Buyers
For example, the lender might say the loan may be used only to pay for home repairs, improvements, or property taxes. If your lender fails to meet its obligations under the terms of the Loan Agreement, FHA can step in and assume responsibility for the loan, so that you continue getting uninterrupted access to your funds. Did the subprime debacle cause us to ignore that this same “housing industry”—sure now to suffer, because banks cannot or will not step up--created millions of jobs, making housing about 20% of our gross national product? 4,000 in a lump sum for home repairs and spend it all the same calendar month, everything is fine.
This down payment may be paid in whichever form you and the seller agreed, either in a lump sum or in time payments.
EGYPT: Congratulations to the Egyptian people for their brave campaign, peacefully, to rid themselves of a long time leader they Tips For First-Time Ship Buyers no longer was doing the job. Many people assume that consolidating debt is the read article to their debt difficulties. The only way to scale back federal spending is to bite the bullet and cut programs and expenditures which benefit people in congressional district somewhere. One thing to keep in mind is that MBS prices aren't even close to being back to 2012 levels.
We’ll see fresh, but not insightful, harsh rhetoric and hyperbole, preening for networks and cable for back home consumption, yawn, and yawn.
Our goal is to get you in learn more here home you want with loan terms/down-payments that work Tips For First-Time Ship Buyers you! Q: How Much Money Can I Get? Among red flags that can trip up the process is an unusually large deposit in your bank account. I hope Mubarak’s departure allows his here to discover a true fledgling democracy-- which won’t be an easy process but is a highly desirable one-- Credit Scores With Now To Money Offers Virgin People Mortgages Bad Egypt becomes a beacon for other Middle Eastern autocracies.
That doesn’t mean they won’t be a plethora of congressional hearings, resurrecting the GSE carcasses and beating them up again, hoisting the same old lies and canards that have been around for years and —and mostly shot down.
However, in the end we outgrew it by a long shot and to buy the kind of house we were looking for in the same location was a bit like walking down a quick path to financial collapse. The first difference is a house equity loan is a second mortgage, and you must make funds on both the first mortgage and the house fairness mortgage. Finally, if the ilit loans the business owner’s property the funds it needs to pay estate taxes and structures the loan to be a graegin mortgage, the estate could qualify to deduct all the balloon curiosity (as an administration expense).This has been created by .
This is far less about Fannie and Freddie than what institutions do we, as a nation, trust to provide support to the residential real estate markets.
Tim Geithner and Ben Bernanke, with their trust and belief in big banks. All high street banks and building societies will check the credit record of mortgage applicants before approving a mortgage. Do you have a high credit score but limited available cash resources? Whether it is the packaged salary that you are getting or what is the system of account that you are maintaining (cash or accrual basis). However, if you are on Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), any reverse Tips For First-Time Ship Buyers proceeds that you receive must be used immediately.
Family Lawyer in Houston: Perhaps the most basic concern on the financial side of the ledger that a soon to be divorcing spouse must consider is what happens to your interest in the home if you move out.
A: No, you're not earning interest. Q: If the unused balance Tips For First-Time Ship Buyers the HECM Line of Credit Option has a growth feature am I earning interest? Their top earning rank by position makes perfectly good sense right? I guess this finding really cleared things up, right? If this statement leaves you suspicious, you need to leave this video right now and go fool around with your mortgage servicer or free HUD counselor. Anticlimax: And finally, we had the Obama Administrations long awaited pronouncements on the future of the nation’s mortgage finance system and the fate of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Cash-out purchase fraud is a scheme that Freddie Mac has cited as an emerging trend.
] These schemes involve the extension of an offer to purchase a home for an amount that is in excess Tips For First-Time Ship Buyers the list price. The only good news is that the banks have decided to wait a few weeks before seeking the “partridge in a pear tree,” which was on their original wish list. After the closing takes place and the seller receives funds from the lender, he/she pays the fraudulent borrower the difference between the list price of the home and the amount shown on the mortgage. Q: Why did I sign two Mortgages and Notes at my closing?
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Noon Hour Update: Teen driver safety; sitting down with the new county CEO; community centers and Thunder in the Sky
Welcome to the Auburn Journal's "Noon Hour Update," where we'll present you with stories and updates on what's going on in the news and what we're working on for our Thursday edition.
What we're working on: Getting behind the wheel takes a certain responsibility, no matter the age, but it's even more important for new drivers. Reporter Sara Seyydin is looking into the issue of teen driving today and ways to stay safe while out on the road. Sara will talk with young drivers and their parents about the challenges of being new behind the wheel.
We're profiling Placer County's newest executive, CEO David Boesch. Reporter Gus Thomson will have the facts about Boesch after sitting down with him for an in-depth interview.The topic of winery community centers continues and Gus will have a report on the latest developments.
The Auburn Airport will be a hotbed of aviation activity on July 7 as the Thunder in the Sky air show touches down. Reporter Amber Marra will have a preview on the upcoming event, letting aviation fans know what they can look forward to.Amber will also report on more of the Placer County Grand Jury report, which was released on Tuesday.
What do you think?: Does the thought of nude sunbathers on the American River bother you? Let us know in this week's online poll. Go to the lower half of our homepage next to sports and cast your vote. Please note, this poll is not scientific.
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/*
* Licensed to the Apache Software Foundation (ASF) under one
* or more contributor license agreements. See the NOTICE file
* distributed with this work for additional information
* regarding copyright ownership. The ASF licenses this file
* to you under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the
* "License"); you may not use this file except in compliance
* with the License. You may obtain a copy of the License at
*
* http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
*
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* software distributed under the License is distributed on an
* "AS IS" BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY
* KIND, either express or implied. See the License for the
* specific language governing permissions and limitations
* under the License.
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package org.apache.isis.applib.annotation;
import java.lang.annotation.ElementType;
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/**
* Indicates that an property, collection or action is to be called
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*
* <p>
* For example, it may be a helper method that needs to be <tt>public</tt> but
* that doesn't conform to the requirements of an action (for example, invalid
* parameter types).
*
* <p>
* It can also be added to a type, meaning that the type is ignored from the metamodel.
* This is intended as a "get out of jail" for any classes from unit tests, say,
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York engine sheds and locomotive works
There were a number of engine sheds and railway works located in York. The large York North engine shed became the National Railway Museum in 1975.
Overview
Engine sheds
The following engine sheds were located in York:
York North steam shed 1878 – 1967
York South steam shed 1847 – 1967
York Diesel Depot 1967 – 1982
York Layerthorpe 1913 – 1981
Siemens Train Maintenance Centre 2007–present day
Rowntrees (Industrial site with engine shed) 1909 – 1987
Railway works
To get a complete picture of activity in the York area the three railway works located in the city are also included in this survey as at one time they have been responsible for the maintenance of locomotives.
Queen Street locomotive works
York Wagon works
Holgate Road carriage works
Railway companies
Prior to 1923 several railway companies ran trains to York. By 1853 the North Eastern Railway (NER) was the dominant operator and by the 1870s the other significant operators were:
Midland Railway
Great Northern Railway
Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway
Great Eastern Railway
London and North Western Railway
Great Central Railway
After 1923 the North Eastern Railway and Great Northern Railway were taken over by the London and North Eastern Railway which remained the dominant operator in the area. The other three companies became part of the London Midland & Scottish Railway. Prior to 1922 the Great Eastern Railway had come to an arrangement with the NER who had worked their trains through from Lincoln.
York North
York North was opened by the North Eastern Railway in 1878 the year after the current York station was opened. With the re-location of the station outside of the city walls, it made operational sense to have an engine shed at the north end of the station as many trains changed locomotives at York. It also had good access to the freight yards and the carriage sheds located at Clifton.
On opening, the shed consisted of three roundhouses each with a 45-foot turntable linked to a coaling stage.
In 1891 the original 45-foot turntable in no 2 roundhouse was replaced by a 50-foot turntable. A new water tank was provided in 1909. In 1911 a fourth roundhouse was built and the two existing 45-foot turntables were replaced with electrically operated turntables. All these improvements were complete by 1915.
In 1923 operation of the shed became the responsibility of the London and North Eastern Railway.
In 1932 further modernisation took place with the fitting of a 70-foot Mundt type turntable built by Ipswich firm Ransomes & Rapier and the installation of a mechanical coaling plant. Prior to this the coaling would have been done by hand.
The North shed eventually contained four roundhouses. Locomotives were stabled around these under cover and would move off the shed onto their next duty. Normal procedure was that arriving locomotives would have their ash cleared out from the firebox before being coaled and watered in anticipation of the next duty. If a locomotive required repair, the coaling and watering was sometimes done after the repair had been effected.
As the organisational structure of the railways changed in 1923 with The Grouping and with nationalisation in 1948 so the importance of York North shed rose and York South shed fell.
In April 1942 the shed was hit by a bomb during an air raid during the Baedeker Blitz and a number of locomotives were destroyed.
The British Railways depot code allotted in 1949 was 50A. These codes are allocated to locomotives to show the depot responsible for the maintenance of the locomotive.
Rebuilding of the shed followed in 1954 with roundhouses 1 and 2 being demolished and replaced by a straight shed. Roundhouses 3 and 4 were re-roofed and the 70-foot turntable in roundhouse 4 was renewed.
The roundhouses were closed to steam traction in 1967 and the straight shed became York diesel depot (see below). In March 1970 an attempt was made to demolish the mechanical coaling plant, but the explosives used left the structure leaning over. Attempts were made to pull it over with hawsers attached to locomotives, but they proved fruitless and it was only in May that a crane equipped with a wrecking ball finished the job.
Following renovation of the roundhouses, the premises were occupied by the National Railway Museum which opened in 1975. When the diesel depot closed in 1983 this was also taken over by the museum and part of this area is still used to overhaul preserved locomotives and rolling stock.
1923 allocation
The allocation of locomotives to York North covered many classes of locomotive, ranging from small shunting engines to main line locomotives capable of hauling major express services. The table below shows the allocation on 1 January 1923 (the first day of the London and North Eastern Railway taking over from the North Eastern). The LNER locomotive classification has been used with the North Eastern Railway locomotive classification in brackets. No Great Northern class numbers have been included.
The following Great Northern Railway locomotives were allocated to the area. Before 1923 these would have been looked after at York South but after that date they were looked after at York North. Including these, York North had an allocation of 143 engines.
1943 allocation
The Second World War saw the highest number of locomotives allocated to York North. This was the allocation in March 1943:
Of special note is the 2 Southern Railway D class locomotives – it was not unusual for foreign locomotives to be transferred around the country. There is some doubt about what these locomotives are. Hoole states they are D class 4-4-0s from the London Brighton and South Coast Railway whilst Appleby states they are D class 4-4-4 locomotives. The only southern railway D class engine was a former South Eastern and Chatham 4-4-0 (one of which sits in the National Railway Museum in 2012. A number of Southern Railway King Arthur class locomotives were based in the Newcastle area during the war and were also frequent visitors to both York sheds.
GNR – Great Northern Railway
LNER – London North Eastern Railway
NER – North Eastern Railway
SECR – South Eastern and Chatham Railway (became Southern Railway in 1923)
1964 allocation
By 1964 there were a number of diesel locomotives as well as steam locomotives. Four years later the steam locomotives had been withdrawn.
Note that almost all the small tank engines such as the J77 class have been replaced by diesel shunters of class 03,04 and class 08. 42 years after the first survey, York still had an allocation of NER locomotives – 2 x J27 and 5 x B16. As well as the main line diesels there were some powerful steam freight locomotives allocated to York such as the WD and 9F class. Total allocation at this time was 166 locomotives.
LMS – London Midland and Scottish
WD – War Department
DE = Diesel Electric
DM – Diesel Mechanical
York South
The original engine sheds at York were built on the York South site and designed to service the original station which was a dead end terminus within the city walls (although there was a temporary station outside the city walls prior to this). As the railways developed it became apparent that this terminus was inadequate in terms of size and operational practicability; southbound trains had to reverse in from the main line necessitating additional journey time. In the 1870s the decision was taken to move to a new site outside the city walls and the new station (still in use in 2019) was opened.
The oldest shed on site was a three-road straight shed, probably built for the Great North of England Railway in 1840/1 which remained in use until it was demolished in 1963. This was an originally but with a single track serving a 12-foot diameter turntable. Dimensions 153 feet x 54 feet.
The York and North Midland Railway built a shed in this area, but this was demolished when the new station was built in 1877. Another four engine sheds were built in this area. The first two were roundhouses completed in 1849/50 and 1851/2 each with 16 stalls and 42-foot turntables. These were designed by the YNMR engineer in chief Thomas Cabry. One of the roundhouses was out of use by 1923 and used for wagon sheet repairs. Later a NER petrol engined saloon was kept there. The earlier roundhouse building was destroyed by fire in October 1921. The second roundhouse remained in use until 1961 although largely for stabling purposes. The two roundhouses were conjoined.
A third larger roundhouse was built in 1863 with a 45-foot turntable and space for 18 locomotives. this was an 18 sided octadecagon and was 172 feet in diameter. It was designed by NER architect Thomas Prosser (who also built York station). This was closed in May 1961 and demolished in November 1963.
Little is known about the other straight shed, although it was in use as a signal fitting shop before being demolished in 1937 when new platforms were built at York station (the current platforms 11 and 12).
Once York North shed was opened in 1878, York South went into decline with the NER largely decamping to the North shed. That said, NER locomotives did continue to be stabled at York South. Visiting locomotives were for a period hosted at York South before using the Queen Street site from 1909 (after the south end of York station was re-modelled) and then returning to York South in 1925.
After demolition of the buildings took place in 1963, the site was largely unused. A turning triangle has occupied the site (used for the turning of steam locomotives) and a couple of short sidings used to stable diesel locomotives are adjacent to the station.
In the mid 2000s, the site was considered as a possible location for York City Football Club.
In 2012 the turntable pits and ground level remains of the sheds were excavated prior to the building of a new Network Rail signalling centre.
At the end of October 2012, the remains were being covered over in anticipation of work starting on the new signalling centre.
York Diesel Depot
After the last roundhouses (Numbers 3 and 4) were closed in 1967 and steam locomotives ceased to be allocated to York, the remaining allocation of diesel locomotives were maintained in the straight shed which had been built to replace roundhouses no 1 and 2 in 1954.
The following classes of diesel locomotive were allocated to York during this time.
British Rail Class 03
British Rail Class 04
British Rail Class 05
British Rail Class 20
British Rail Class 24
British Rail Class 25
British Rail Class 31
British Rail Class 37
British Rail Class 40
British Rail Class 47
British Rail Class 55
The depot was home to the Class 55 Deltic locomotives from May 1979 up until their withdrawal in 1982. At this time they had been displaced from the express workings on the East Coast Main Line and were operating secondary stopping services on that route as well as cross-Pennine services to Liverpool Lime Street.
The depot was closed in January 1982, but stabling was undertaken in the sidings to the north of the site for at least another 18 months. This is the site of the 2005 depot built for Trans-Pennine Express DMUs. The table below shows the final allocation of locomotives (all British Railways designs).
York Layerthorpe
There was a small locomotive shed on the independent Derwent Valley Light Railway at York (Layerthorpe) railway station. This was a single tracked shed at the end of the platform at Layerthorpe. The first shed on the site was of wooden construction but this was replaced at some point with a corrugated iron shed.
The railway had a number of railcars in the 1920s but freight was worked by NER/LNER or BR locomotives. The table below lists the stock owned by the company in the 1920s.
Between 1929 and 1969 the line was worked by main line locomotives.
In 1969 the DVLR decided to buy two ex-British Rail Class 04 shunters to operate services rather than hiring in British Rail Class 03 locomotives. The table below lists the locomotives owned by the DVLR
Joem was purchased to run short lived steam train passenger operation.
The line closed on 27 September 1981.
There are no remains of the shed (or the station) on the site, although the track bed is now a cycle path.
Siemens train maintenance depot
The Leeman Road railway depot in York was built for Siemens between 2005-2007 for maintenance of the new Class 185 diesel multiple units acquired at the same time for use on the new Transpennine franchise operated by First TransPennine Express.
Locomotive and rolling stock works
York Queen Street Works
In 1839 a small repair shop was opened on Queen Street by the York and North Midland Railway. This expanded, and by 1849 it was repairing significant numbers of locomotives. In the early days of the railway engines, locomotives required more repairs as this was an emerging technology. Also, as the technology developed, many older locomotives were updated at this location. The work on engines was carried on in York until about 1905. The works also carried out construction and repair of carriages and wagons and by 1864 was producing 100 wagons per week.
Most locomotives constructed on the site were put together by contractors rather than built by the York and North Midland Railway. The York and North Midland Railway was merged with several other railway companies to form the North Eastern Railway in 1853.
In 1865 the North Eastern Railway decided that the facilities for wagon production were outdated and a new facility was built adjacent to the freight avoiding line (see below).
The North Eastern Railway decided in the late 1870s to concentrate carriage building on a new site in York at Holgate Road (see below).
A plan of the site dated 1901, shows the various workshops on the site which included:
Two erecting shops
Patternmakers shop
Paint shop
Cylinder shop
Fitting shop
Machine shop
Cylinder shop
Coppersmiths shop
Boiler shop
Blacksmiths shop
Foundry
Brass finishers
There were also a number of stores, offices and boiler houses on the site.
Work on locomotive repairs continued until 1905. In conjunction with the re-modelling at the south end of York station in 1908/1909, the old boiler shop was converted into an engine shed and this site was then used by locomotives from visiting railways such as the Midland, Great Central and the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway. A new 60-foot turntable was fitted at this time. With the grouping in 1923, Great Northern and Great Central locomotives were dealt with at York North (as they were both constituent parts of the London and North Eastern Railway).
During this period each company had a number of staff allocated to the depot. For instance the Great Eastern Railway had a complement of seven staff in 1917 led by a boiler washer.
In 1925 after the centenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway the London & North Eastern Railway established a railway museum on the site using the former erecting shops. Remaining visiting LMS locomotives were thereafter dealt with at York South.
The railway museum closed in 1973 in preparation for the opening of the National Railway Museum in 1975.
The turntable still survived in 1976, but disappeared when the area was converted into car parking space.
Many of the buildings are still in existence on the site including the main erecting shops which are in use as a gym.
York Wagon Works
York Wagon Works was a built by the North Eastern Railway in 1867, replacing a wagon shop on the Queen Street site. Wagon manufacturing ceased on the site in the 1960s.
As of 2011 the works is used as a maintenance facility by Freightliner (UK).
Holgate Road Carriage works
The Holgate Road carriage works was constructed from 1880 as a planned expansion and replacement of the North Eastern Railway's Queen Street site; the factory began production in 1884 and was substantially expanded in 1897-1900, and saw further modernisations through the 21st century.
The works passed through the owner ship of the NER, LNER (London and North Eastern Railway, 1923), BR (British Railways, 1948), BREL (British Rail Engineering Limited, 1970), and then privatised and acquired by ABB in 1989.
The works closed in 1996, due to lack of orders caused by uncertainty in the post-Privatisation of British Rail period. Thrall Car Manufacturing Company used the works to manufacture freight wagons for English Welsh and Scottish Railway from 1998 to 2002, after which the factory closed again.
Shunt Turns
A shunt turn is the term for a duty covered by a shunting locomotive. Some shunt turns would have included trips between yards (known as transfer freights). Turns would have varied through the years with some being 24-hour and others only for certain hours of the day. This section is being researched, but this is an indicative list of the locations around the York area where shunting locomotives would have worked. In 2012 York has no allocation of mainline shunting locomotives – any shunting is generally done by the train locomotive. The National Railway Museum does possess a Class 08 shunting locomotive and has used Class 02 and Class 03 locomotives for this duty in the past.
York Station Pilots
York Old Station Carriage Sidings
York North Depot Pilot
York South Depot Pilot
Clifton Carriage Sheds
York freight yards
Dringhouses Up and Down Sidings
Layerthorpe Goods Yards
Rowntrees Trip
Skelton Yard
Carriage Works
Wagon Works
Branches yard
Holgate Down Sidings
Routes worked by York-based drivers (NER/LNER)
In steam days York men worked no further north than Newcastle and typically south to Peterborough or Grantham on the ECML. The acceleration of services in the diesel era saw workings to London King's Cross begin as this could be achieved in a typical 8-hour shift.
On passenger workings York drivers covered many of the local lines including those to Bridlington, Hull (via Beverley), Scarborough and Whitby. They usually worked as far west as Leeds.
Goods workings took drivers a bit further and included Grimsby, Frodingham (Scunthorpe),Leicester, Colwick (near Nottingham), Manchester and Burton-on-Trent.
Rowntrees
One of York's other famous industries is the production of chocolate and the Rowntrees factory in York had a connection off the Foss Islands Branch Line. The factory also had a platform which was served by a train service up until closure on 8 July 1988. The site had an extensive rail network and had a number of steam and then diesel locomotives were employed. The factory, which still produces chocolate today as part of the Nestle group, opened in 1909 having relocated from a site in the city centre. At one point the factory had seven miles of track as well as a short 18-inch narrow gauge line.
The 1955 plan of the site shows the engine shed near the Haxby Road roundabout (East) side of the works, and according to the plan was a single track affair. A new shed was built at the northern end of the site in 1964. This had two tracks, was of brick construction and had remotely operated doors and ventilator shutters.
The following locomotives are known to have worked on the site (although this list might be incomplete).
Study of aerial photographs and observation from public roads suggest that neither engine shed have survived.
Notes
Category:Railway depots in Yorkshire
Category:North Eastern Railway (UK)
Category:London and North Eastern Railway
Category:Railway roundhouses in the United Kingdom
Category:Railway workshops in Great Britain
Engine sheds
Engine sheds
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In Civil War, Spider-Man is introduced as a young vigilante operating out of Queens. Tony Stark tracks down Peter and recruits him to help stop Captain America's team of fugitive heroes before the situation can escalate any further. During the battle, Spider-Man faces off against the Falcon and the Winter Soldier, but is thwarted by Falcon's Redwing drone. He later fights against Captain America, but is outsmarted and defeated by the veteran hero's superior tactical abilities. Spider-Man plays a major role in taking down Giant-Man, allowing Iron Man and War Machine to finish him off. However, Peter is injured in the process, causing Iron Man to send him back home.
During Grim Hunt, Peter is already weakened and exhausted from his "gauntlet". After a loud knocking at his apartment door and he opens it only to see his estranged clone Kaine, beaten and bloodied. Before passing out, Kaine reveals to Peter that the "Spiders" are being hunted. A loud explosion is heard nearby his apartment and Peter goes to check it out only to see Arachne fighting off Ana and Alyosha Kravinoff. Peter, being weakened by the swine flu, struggles to put up a fight and manages to impale Alyosha on a broken pipe, gaining him time to retrieve Arachne and to escape. After retreating to Mattie Franklin's apartment, they are approached by a dead Ezekiel. He then tells Spider-Man and Arachne that they have to save Arana from the clutches of the Kravinoff's. As they finally reach her, they become outnumbered and defeated and Arachne and Arana are captured. Kaine eventually arrives to help out but was too late to make a difference. He tries to warn Peter from following Ezekiel but Peter lashes out in anger and the two set off to find Kraven's base.
Rwarrrrr! You might not have the wookiee growl down pat, but you'll instantly be ready to co-pilot the Millennium Falcon when you slip on this hoodie. Probably the easiest of all ways to rock a Star Wars costume, it features luxurious wookiee faux fur and an embroidered bandoleer. And that extra fur is sure to keep you toasty if you live in a colder climate, like Hoth.
To create a zombie costume, first make your clothes look old and tattered. Try using a 1:1 bleach solution to fade clothes or make them look worn out by running a grater over areas to create small tears. Make some fake blood with corn syrup, red food coloring, and chocolate syrup to spatter on your clothes so you’ll look bloody and gory! Remember to zombify your face and hair, too, using dark purplish-brown makeup around your eye socket and eyelids so your eyes look sunken in, for example.
In France, some Christian families, on the night of All Hallows' Eve, prayed beside the graves of their loved ones, setting down dishes full of milk for them.[100] On Halloween, in Italy, some families left a large meal out for ghosts of their passed relatives, before they departed for church services.[112] In Spain, on this night, special pastries are baked, known as "bones of the holy" (Spanish: Huesos de Santo) and put them on the graves of the churchyard, a practice that continues to this day.[113]
There is no consistent rule or view on Halloween amongst those who describe themselves as Neopagans or Wiccans. Some Neopagans do not observe Halloween, but instead observe Samhain on 1 November,[236] some neopagans do enjoy Halloween festivities, stating that one can observe both "the solemnity of Samhain in addition to the fun of Halloween". Some neopagans are opposed to the celebration of Hallowe'en, stating that it "trivializes Samhain",[237] and "avoid Halloween, because of the interruptions from trick or treaters".[238] The Manitoban writes that "Wiccans don't officially celebrate Halloween, despite the fact that 31 Oct. will still have a star beside it in any good Wiccan's day planner. Starting at sundown, Wiccans celebrate a holiday known as Samhain. Samhain actually comes from old Celtic traditions and is not exclusive to Neopagan religions like Wicca. While the traditions of this holiday originate in Celtic countries, modern day Wiccans don't try to historically replicate Samhain celebrations. Some traditional Samhain rituals are still practised, but at its core, the period is treated as a time to celebrate darkness and the dead – a possible reason why Samhain can be confused with Halloween celebrations."[236]
Two years have passed, and Peter Parker struggles to cope with the demands of life as a college student, a Daily Bugle photographer, and a crime-fighting superhero. But it hasn’t gotten any easier. Condemned by the press, tormented by secrets he can never reveal, forced to give up the girl of his dreams—at times the lonely burden of Spider-Man seems almost too great to bear... and the temptation to give up grows stronger by the hour.
Spider-Man is a fictional superhero created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in the anthology comic book Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962) in the Silver Age of Comic Books. He appears in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, as well as in a number of movies, television shows, and video game adaptations set in the Marvel Universe. In the stories, Spider-Man is the alias of Peter Parker, an orphan raised by his Aunt May and Uncle Ben in New York City after his parents Richard and Mary Parker were killed in a plane crash. Lee and Ditko had the character deal with the struggles of adolescence and financial issues, and accompanied him with many supporting characters, such as J. Jonah Jameson, Flash Thompson, Harry Osborn, romantic interests Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane Watson, and foes such as Doctor Octopus, Green Goblin and Venom. His origin story has him acquiring spider-related abilities after a bite from a radioactive spider; these include clinging to surfaces, shooting spider-webs from wrist-mounted devices, and detecting danger with his "spider-sense".
Many new openly gay, lesbian and bisexual characters have since emerged in superhero fiction, such as Gen¹³'s Rainmaker, Apollo and Midnighter of The Authority, and Wiccan and Hulkling of the Young Avengers. Notable transgender or gender bending characters are fewer in number by comparison: the alter ego of superheroine Zsazsa Zaturnnah, a seminal character in Philippine popular culture,[63] is an effeminate gay man who transforms into a female superhuman after ingesting a magical stone. Desire from Neil Gaiman's The Sandman series and Xavin from the Runaways are both characters who could (and often) change their gender at will. Alysia Yeoh, a supporting character created by writer Gail Simone for the Batgirl ongoing series published by DC Comics, received substantial media attention in 2011 for being the first major transgender character written in a contemporary context in a mainstream American comic book.[64]
After the " Other" story arc, Tony Stark designed for Peter a specialized Red & Gold costume that is similar to Tony Stark's Iron Man costume. It was designated as Spider-Man Armored Fighting suit Version 1.1 which was made of a liquid nano-fiber. It provided Peter with the added functions of a short-ranged gliding function, increased strength, heat-resistant Kevlar microfiber that provided resistance to small caliber bullets, built-in fire, police and emergency scanners, visual amplifications such as infrared and ultraviolet, carbon filter in the mouth to prevent inhalation of airborne toxins, and a short-range GPS microwave communication system. All of which are controlled in the computerized control system in the titanium chest piece in the costume. Another very useful addition was a stealth mode which allowed Spider-Man to blend with the environment or even disappear completely in some backgrounds. Along with this came the customization option to instantly switch between any former style he's worn (Spidey suit, black suit, normal clothes, etc); all on the same suit. It also contained three retractable spider legs called "waldoes" which can be used as offensive weapons. Spidey wore this costume before and during the Civil War but Tony, in order to keep an eye on Peter, had the costume feed him with information about Peter, notably the Spider-Sense. When Peter revealed that he was going to switch sides and fought Iron Man, the latter used a voice activated override which incapacitated Peter for a while. He had already known about this and used his computer expertise to disable the override and managed to defeat Iron Man with a surprise attack. He then discarded the costume and returned to wear his original costume when he joined Captain America's team during the Civil War. The members of the initiative team known as the Scarlet Spiders would start wearing costumes of similar design and functions.
Unlike well known rivalries in comics book depictions where heroes always still have more than one enemy but usually one archenemy (e.g., Joker, to Batman in DC Comics, Red Skull to Captain America, Doctor Doom to the Fantastic Four and the Brotherhood of Mutants to the X-Men in Marvel Comics etc.), Spider-Man is known to have three archenemies and it can be debated or disputed as to which one is worse:[123]
That storyline came at the behest of editor-in-chief Joe Quesada, who said, "Peter being single is an intrinsic part of the very foundation of the world of Spider-Man".[73] It caused unusual public friction between Quesada and writer J. Michael Straczynski, who "told Joe that I was going to take my name off the last two issues of the [story] arc" but was talked out of doing so.[75] At issue with Straczynski's climax to the arc, Quesada said, was
Both major publishers began introducing new superheroines with a more distinct feminist theme as part of their origin stories or character development. Examples include Big Barda, Power Girl, and the Huntress by DC comics; and from Marvel, the second Black Widow, Shanna the She-Devil, and The Cat.[32] Female supporting characters who were successful professionals or hold positions of authority in their own right also debuted in the pages of several popular superhero titles from the late 1950s onward: Hal Jordan's love interest Carol Ferris was introduced as the Vice-President of Ferris Aircraft and later took over the company from her father; Medusa, who was first introduced in the Fantastic Four series, is a member of the Inhuman Royal Family and a prominent statesperson within her people's quasi-feudal society; and Carol Danvers, a decorated officer in the United States Air Force who would become a costumed superhero herself years later.
In keeping with their origins as representing the archetypical hero stock character in 1930s American comics, superheroes are predominantly depicted as white Anglo-Saxon American middle- or upper-class heterosexual young adult males who are typically tall, athletic, educated, physically attractive and in perfect health. Beginning in the 1960s with the civil rights movement in the United States, and increasingly with the rising concern over political correctness in the 1980s, superhero fiction centered on cultural, ethnic, national, racial and language minority groups (from the perspective of US demographics) began to be produced. This began with depiction of black superheroes in the 1960s, followed in the 1970s with a number of other ethnic superheroes.[51] In keeping with the political mood of the time, cultural diversity and inclusivism would be an important part of superhero groups starting from the 1980s. In the 1990s, this was further augmented by the first depictions of superheroes as homosexual. In 2017, Sign Gene emerged, the first group of deaf superheroes with superpowers through the use of sign language.[52]
In France, some Christian families, on the night of All Hallows' Eve, prayed beside the graves of their loved ones, setting down dishes full of milk for them.[100] On Halloween, in Italy, some families left a large meal out for ghosts of their passed relatives, before they departed for church services.[112] In Spain, on this night, special pastries are baked, known as "bones of the holy" (Spanish: Huesos de Santo) and put them on the graves of the churchyard, a practice that continues to this day.[113]
When primary series The Amazing Spider-Man reached issue #545 (December 2007), Marvel dropped its spin-off ongoing series and instead began publishing The Amazing Spider-Man three times monthly, beginning with #546–548 (all January 2008).[38] The three times monthly scheduling of The Amazing Spider-Man lasted until November 2010 when the comic book was increased from 22 pages to 30 pages each issue and published only twice a month, beginning with #648–649 (both November 2010).[39][40] The following year, Marvel launched Avenging Spider-Man as the first spinoff ongoing series in addition to the still twice monthly The Amazing Spider-Man since the previous ones were cancelled at the end of 2007.[38] The Amazing series temporarily ended with issue #700 in December 2012, and was replaced by The Superior Spider-Man, which had Doctor Octopus serve as the new Spider-Man, having taken over Peter Parker's body. Superior was an enormous commercial success for Marvel,[41] and ran for 31-issue before the real Peter Parker returned in a newly relaunched The Amazing Spider-Man #1 in April 2014.[42]
We also have plenty of bad guy costumes, so if he wants to dress up as Thanos from Avengers: Infinity War, in a padded shirt plus gauntlet, mask and pants with boot covers, he can. These detailed superhero costumes for boys will make him feel totally powerful. Whether he’s setting out on his own or wants to form a group costume with his friends, such as the Power Rangers Ninja Steel, our superhero costumes fit boys of all ages. From Batman to Guardians of the Galaxy to Big Hero 6, plus many more, Spirit is here to give your son a truly heroic Halloween!
The reporter Eddie Brock had accused the Sin-Eater as one man. He then became very angry with Spider-Man, when the webslinger unmasked Sin-Eater and it turned out to be a different person. This caused Brock professional humiliation and the loss of his job. When Eddie bonded with the symbiote and became Venom, Eddie launched several attacks on Peter's life, even scaring MJ. Peter stopped wearing the black suit following MJ's request. Eddie's symbiote had an offspring which bonded with Cletus Kasady, a psychotic murderer, to become Carnage. Venom and Spider-Man were forced to team-up to defeat this new foe. Some time later, Peter and Eddie formed a truce, promising never to interfere with each others lives ever again.
"Costume" often refers to a particular style of clothing worn to portray the wearer as a character or type of character at a social event in a theatrical performance on the stage or in film or television. In combination with other aspects of stagecraft, theatrical costumes can help actors portray characters' and their contexts as well as communicate information about the historical period/era, geographic location and time of day, season or weather of the theatrical performance. Some stylized theatrical costumes, such as Harlequin and Pantaloon in the Commedia dell'arte, exaggerate an aspect of a character.
Oh how nice it is to have the ladies of the Big Apple back for The Real Housewives of New York City season 10. Bethenny Frankel, Dorinda Medley, Carole Radziwill, Sonja Morgan, Tinsley Mortmier and Luann de Lesseps wasted no time getting into the drama at Dorinda's Halloween party. The drinks were orange, bubbly and flowing. The outfits were tight and the weaves were almost as big as the attitudes.
While the previous game had been acclaimed for replicating the show's iconic construction paper style, the original South Park elements had to all be re-created and re-animated in Flash for use in the game, requiring collaboration between the developers and South Park' artists. For the sequel, Ubisoft San Francisco aimed to simplify this process by building an entirely new game engine that is fully capable of not only replicating the show's trademark art style, but also importing the original art assets used in the show. This enables not only total accuracy, but the ability to lift new characters, props, locations and other assets created for Season Twenty, while the game is still in production.
Diamond Collectibles has been released a number of Spider-Man figures for the Marvel Select line. They initially released an Ultimate Spider-Man figure, and subsequently released a Symbiote-suit Spider-Man, Iron Spider, Zombie Spider-Man, a classic Spider-Man, a Spider-Man from The Amazing Spider-Man (with unmasked and metallic variants), an Amazing Spider-Man 2 figure (with an unmasked variant), a Spectacular Spider-Man, and a Spider-Man: Homecoming Spider-Man figure.
The reporter Eddie Brock had accused the Sin-Eater as one man. He then became very angry with Spider-Man, when the webslinger unmasked Sin-Eater and it turned out to be a different person. This caused Brock professional humiliation and the loss of his job. When Eddie bonded with the symbiote and became Venom, Eddie launched several attacks on Peter's life, even scaring MJ. Peter stopped wearing the black suit following MJ's request. Eddie's symbiote had an offspring which bonded with Cletus Kasady, a psychotic murderer, to become Carnage. Venom and Spider-Man were forced to team-up to defeat this new foe. Some time later, Peter and Eddie formed a truce, promising never to interfere with each others lives ever again.
To help with the rewrites, the production brought in Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, a playwright as well as well as a comic writer, having had a short run on Spectacular Spider-Man in 2006. After opening for a second time, the show once again received poor reviews, being called one of the worst Broadway shows of all time by New York Times critic Ben Brantley.
Jump up ^ Manning, Matthew K.; Gilbert, Laura, ed. (2012). "1970s". Spider-Man Chronicle Celebrating 50 Years of Web-Slinging. Dorling Kindersley. p. 60. ISBN 978-0756692360. Spider-Man was a proven hit, so Marvel decided to expand the wall-crawler's horizons with a new Spider-Man title...Its first issue featured Spidey teaming up with the Human Torch against the Sandman in a Christmas tale written by Roy Thomas with art by Ross Andru.
Deadpool Wade Winston Wilson Deadpool vs Thanos #4 (October 2015) Deadpool became possessed by the Uni-Power during a fight with Thanos towards the end of the issue. He uses the Uni-Power to defeat Thanos, thus saving the universe and its embodiment "Eternity." Whilst possessed by the Uni-Power Deadpool suggests that he should be called "Captain Uni-Pool'" "Captain Deadverse," or "Pool Captain."
Fearing for MJ's safety, Peter pushes her out of the apartment so that he could fight the Puma as Spider-Man without revealing his identity to her. MJ heard the sounds of battle. After Peter defeated Puma, MJ confessed to him that she cannot handle the danger he puts himself in. She tells him that she has always known his secret identity. Black Cat appears to reconcile with Peter which caused MJ to run away crying. She considered leaving town again but she then decided to confront Peter. They became very close and they would tell each other everything. They were hiding from their true feelings and Peter proposed to MJ. Although she initially refused, after making amends with her sister, MJ returned to Peter and accepted his proposal. Despite knowing that they are still too young and Peter's double life may make things difficult, Peter and Mary Jane tied the knot.
Monty Walsh Montgomery Walsh Marvel Spotlight Vol. 2 #11 (1981) A cat burglar. He became Captain Universe after he was shot when trying to rob the house of a former Maggia boss named Guido Carboni. After Montgomery defeated Guido Carboni, the Enigma Power left him as Montgomery dies and the police find Guido raving that the dead man was Captain Universe.
Rwarrrrr! You might not have the wookiee growl down pat, but you'll instantly be ready to co-pilot the Millennium Falcon when you slip on this hoodie. Probably the easiest of all ways to rock a Star Wars costume, it features luxurious wookiee faux fur and an embroidered bandoleer. And that extra fur is sure to keep you toasty if you live in a colder climate, like Hoth.
The New Kid is you, after all, so customizing your character remains a crucial part of the game. After selecting your character's sex and selecting from a variety of hairstyles and a default outfit, everything else plays out ingame. Costume pieces are no longer attached to stats, so now you can create your own unique and customization superhero costume. (Try to be a little more creative than Super Craig.)
Today's Halloween customs are thought to have been influenced by folk customs and beliefs from the Celtic-speaking countries, some of which are believed to have pagan roots.[36] Jack Santino, a folklorist, writes that "there was throughout Ireland an uneasy truce existing between customs and beliefs associated with Christianity and those associated with religions that were Irish before Christianity arrived".[37] Historian Nicholas Rogers, exploring the origins of Halloween, notes that while "some folklorists have detected its origins in the Roman feast of Pomona, the goddess of fruits and seeds, or in the festival of the dead called Parentalia, it is more typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which comes from the Old Irish for 'summer's end'."[38]
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Featured Research
from universities, journals, and other organizations
Warming streams could be the end for spring-run Chinook salmon in California
Date:
September 1, 2011
Source:
University of California - Davis
Summary:
Warming streams could spell the end of spring-run Chinook salmon in California by the end of the century, according to a study by scientists at UC Davis, the Stockholm Environment Institute and the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
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California Chinook salmon face many threats, but a new study predicts that climate change alone could finish them off as streams become too warm for spawning. Spawning salmon in Butte Creek, above Centerville, Calif.
Warming streams could spell the end of spring-run Chinook salmon in California by the end of the century, according to a study by scientists at UC Davis, the Stockholm Environment Institute and the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
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There are options for managing water resources to protect the salmon runs, although they would impact hydroelectric power generation, said Lisa Thompson, director of the Center for Aquatic Biology and Aquaculture at UC Davis. A paper describing the study is published online by the Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management.
"There are things that we can do so that we have the water we need and also have something left for the fish," Thompson said.
Working with Marisa Escobar and David Purkey at SEI's Davis office, Thompson and colleagues at UC Davis used a model of the Butte Creek watershed, taking into account the dams and hydropower installations along the river, combined with a model of the salmon population, to test the effect of different water management strategies on the fish. They fed in scenarios for climate change out to 2099 from models developed by David Yates at NCAR in Boulder, Colo.
In almost all scenarios, the fish died out because streams became too warm for adults to survive the summer to spawn in the fall.
The only option that preserved salmon populations, at least for a few decades, was to reduce diversions for hydropower generation at the warmest time of the year.
"If we leave the water in the stream at key times of the year, the stream stays cooler and fish can make it through to the fall," Thompson said.
Summer, of course, is also peak season for energy demand in California. But Thompson noted that it might be possible to generate more power upstream while holding water for salmon at other locations.
Hydropower is often part of renewable energy portfolios designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Purkey said, but it can complicate efforts to adapt water management regimes to a warming world. Yet it need not be all-or-nothing, he said.
"The goal should be to identify regulatory regimes which meet ecosystem objectives with minimal impact on hydropower production," he said. "The kind of work we did in Butte Creek is essential to seeking these outcomes."
There are also other options that are yet to be fully tested, Thompson said, such as storing cold water upstream and dumping it into the river during a heat wave. That would both help fish and create a surge of hydropower.
Salmon are already under stress from multiple causes, including pollution, and introduced predators and competitors, Thompson said. Even if those problems were solved, temperature alone would finish off the salmon -- but that problem can be fixed, she said.
Other co-authors of the paper are graduate student Christopher Mosser and Professor Peter Moyle, both at the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology, UC Davis. The study was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
University of California - Davis. "Warming streams could be the end for spring-run Chinook salmon in California." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 1 September 2011. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110901155257.htm>.
University of California - Davis. (2011, September 1). Warming streams could be the end for spring-run Chinook salmon in California. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 3, 2015 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110901155257.htm
University of California - Davis. "Warming streams could be the end for spring-run Chinook salmon in California." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110901155257.htm (accessed March 3, 2015).
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Release Date :2013Genre : Drama , Crime , Horror , Mystery , Thriller , SuspenseNo. of episodes :42Description : Fighting Crime, In A Future Time.
In the year 2020, we find former FBI special agent Baldwin P. Vess working to eradicate organized crime in Empire City with the help of his......
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Product Overview The StudioPRO Collapsible Pop Out Pro-Grade Muslin Background Panel is a 2 sided panel that is a portable solution for portraits and video. The panel twists and has a metal frame that holds the muslin in place. They come in different... more
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What makes the Square Perfect muslin so special? Square Perfect only supplies the highest quality portrait backgrounds. We believe the underlying fabric is the most important part of top quality background muslin. We have searched the world over and... more
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What makes the Square Perfect muslin so special? Square Perfect only supplies the highest quality portrait backgrounds. We believe the underlying fabric is the most important part of top quality background muslin. We have searched the world over and... more
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Q:
How to exclude dependencies from maven assembly plugin : jar-with-dependencies?
Maven's assembly plugin enables the creation of a big jar including all dependencies with descriptorRef jar-with-dependencies.
How can one exclude some of these dependencies? It seems like it does not have such a configuration? Is there another solution?
A:
Add the <scope>provided</scope> to the dependencies you don't want included in the jar-with-dependencies, e.g.
<dependency>
<groupId>storm</groupId>
<artifactId>storm</artifactId>
<version>0.6.1-SNAPSHOT</version>
<scope>provided</scope>
</dependency>
A:
You should use the excludes option available in dependencySet.
Follow below.:
Example in your pom.xml:
...
<build>
<plugins>
<plugin>
<artifactId>maven-assembly-plugin</artifactId>
<version>2.3</version>
<configuration>
<finalName>../final/${project.artifactId}</finalName>
<archive>
<manifest>
<addClasspath>false</addClasspath>
<mainClass>com.entrerprise.App</mainClass>
</manifest>
</archive>
<descriptors>
<descriptor>src/main/resources/jar-with-deps-with-exclude.xml</descriptor>
</descriptors>
<appendAssemblyId>false</appendAssemblyId>
</configuration>
<executions>
<execution>
<id>make-assembly</id>
<phase>package</phase>
<goals>
<goal>single</goal>
</goals>
</execution>
</executions>
</plugin>
...
Now in your new file jar-with-deps-with-exclude.xml (where dependencySet lives):
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<assembly xmlns="http://maven.apache.org/ASSEMBLY/2.0.0"
xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"
xsi:schemaLocation="http://maven.apache.org/ASSEMBLY/2.0.0 http://maven.apache.org/xsd/assembly-2.0.0.xsd">
<id>jar-with-dependencies-and-exclude-classes</id>
<formats>
<format>jar</format>
</formats>
<includeBaseDirectory>false</includeBaseDirectory>
<dependencySets>
<dependencySet>
<outputDirectory>/</outputDirectory>
<useProjectArtifact>false</useProjectArtifact>
<unpack>true</unpack>
<scope>runtime</scope>
<excludes>
<exclude>junit:junit</exclude>
<exclude>commons-cli:commons-cli</exclude>
<exclude>org.apache.maven.wagon:wagon-ssh</exclude>
</excludes>
</dependencySet>
</dependencySets>
<fileSets>
<fileSet>
<outputDirectory>/</outputDirectory>
<directory>${project.build.outputDirectory}</directory>
</fileSet>
</fileSets>
</assembly>
That's all.
A:
This example indicates one way to do this:
<dependencySets>
<dependencySet>
....
<excludes>
<exclude>commons-lang:commons-lang</exclude>
<exclude>log4j:log4j</exclude>
</excludes>
</dependencySet>
....
</dependencySets>
Essentially we would use the excludes option available in dependencySet.
See also: https://maven.apache.org/plugins/maven-assembly-plugin/assembly-component.html
|
{
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
}
|
{
"pile_set_name": "YoutubeSubtitles"
}
|
|
; EXPECT: unsat
; COMMAND-LINE: --sygus-out=status --lang=sygus2 --sygus-active-gen=enum
(set-logic ALL)
(declare-datatype Formula (
(P (Id Int))
(Op1 (op1 Int) (f Formula))
(Op2 (op2 Int) (f1 Formula) (f2 Formula))
)
)
(synth-fun phi () Formula
((<F> Formula) (<O2> Int))
((<F> Formula (
(P <O2>)
(Op1 <O2> <F>)
(Op2 <O2> <F> <F>)
)
)
(<O2> Int (0 1))
)
)
(define-fun holds ((f Formula)) Bool
(and ((_ is Op2) f) (= (op2 f) 1))
)
(define-fun holds2 ((f Formula)) Bool
(and ((_ is Op2) f) (= (op1 (f1 f)) 1))
)
(constraint (holds phi))
(check-synth)
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Github"
}
|
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce issued sharp criticism of President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE on Friday ahead of his announcement of a national emergency on the border, saying the move would "erode" the country's system of government.
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"We have long fought against attempts by the executive branch to usurp the powers of Congress and to create law, such as we have seen in recent decades with the rise of the regulatory administrative state," Chamber President Thomas Donohue wrote in a statement. "We have also fought against attempts by the Congress to usurp the power of the executive.
"The declaration of national emergency in this instance will create a dangerous precedent that erodes the very system of government that has served us so well for over 200 years," Donohue continued.
"The U.S. Chamber urges the president not to attempt to declare a national emergency. Instead, we urge the president and members of Congress of both parties to negotiate and find common ground on immigration and border security."
Shortly after the statement, Trump said he would be declaring a national emergency to bypass Congress and build his proposed wall along the southern border with Mexico. The controversial move is likely to spark a long court battle.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellPelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Senate GOP aims to confirm Trump court pick by Oct. 29: report Trump argues full Supreme Court needed to settle potential election disputes MORE (R-Ky.) announced Thursday evening that Trump would sign a proposed compromise bill that would keep the federal government open while providing $1.375 billion for construction of barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border. That figure falls well short of the $5.7 billion Trump had sought.
By declaring a national emergency, Trump intends to redirect funding from military construction projects and drug-interdiction programs to pay for the wall.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "OpenWebText2"
}
|
Sasural Simar Ka 10th November 2015 Written Update
Scene 1
Indra and badi amma laugh. Prem sid and amar are dazed.
Indra comes with a piece of glass and places it on prem’s neck. She says i told you you can’t go alive from here. you never understood my love. how did you even think that i would let you go from here. Now see what I do? She cuts sid’s hand. She says oh its bleeding. your brothers will go from here. How about releasing their souls from bodies. Then their bodies will become statues here. you both have to be punished. and this will create fear in your heart too prem. She says badi amma kill them both. Don’t listen to them just punish. Badi amma reads a mantra. Sid and amar start fainting. They fall down. Badi amma says see thakur now they both would die in front of your eyes. Amar says leave us please. Prem says enough let my brothers go from here or I will burn your nail. your powers will be burnt forever. Indra says you can’t do this. Prem says I can do anything to save my brothers. Badi ama says you are nothing without it indra. Badi amma says I will release them just return this nail. Indra says you can’t save them. You forgot that simar and roli, how will they both be saved. Sid says dont listen to her prem. Prem places sid’s hand on his head and says please let me stay here. Sid says don’t listen to her prem. Prem says you both just go from here.
Amar and Sid leave.
Sid throws in the costume. Amar says prem come out. Prem locks the door. Amar says what are ou doing prem. Amar says this is wrong prem. Prem says you both leave. Sid says we are not going anywhere. Prem says we need her to bring roli and simar back. Amar says there is another way. Prem says let my brothers go from here. Indra says make be believe that you wont deceive me again. Prem returns her nail. He places it on table. Sid says don’t do this prem. Prem says i am here so i can save simar and roli. As soon as in forget her bring her back. Indra says my nail, she picks it up. Bad amma says your powers are coming back. indra says no one can stop you from being mine now.
The women are in jungle. Mata ji says its dark, we shouldn’t move forward now. Sujata says yes you are right. They find a corner and there. Mata ji makes a circle of sindur around them. Mata ji says we have to keep in mind we shouldn’t go out of it.
Swara comes out of temple. She is about to step on a firecracker. Salman khan stops her, he says be careful. Swara says thank you. She gets a call. salman says diwali is to be happy then why are you upset, come let me introduce you to somoene.
A thug comes in jungle. All women get scared. Mata ji says who are you people. Mata ji says if witches have sent them they can’t come in the circle. The thugs come in the circle. They try to snatch the bag from Khushi.
Salman brings Swara to Soonam Kapoor. They dance on prem ratan. They hear mata ji screaming for help.
Mata ji says leave the bag. A thug takes it and throws it away. Salman Khan catches it. Thug says who are you?
Precap-Salman returns the bag to mata ji. Mata ji says thank you so much. he says you are fighting to truth you will win for sure. Prem says to swara dont over think. Do what you can.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
}
|
Anesthetic management of a pregnant living related liver donor.
Pregnancy is often considered a contraindication to living related liver donation. There are serious medical and ethical considerations if a pregnant woman insists on undergoing partial hepatectomy to save her sick child. Herein we report a case of living related liver donation from a pregnant woman at 18 weeks of gestation to her 1-year-old child with decompensated cirrhosis due to biliary atresia. The left lateral segment of the liver was harvested for donation. Meticulous surgical technique and anesthetic management were mandatory in assuring a successful outcome. While this isolated case demonstrated that living related liver donation can be performed successfully with a pregnant donor, it should be undertaken only when there is absolutely no other donor and the recipient is in urgent need.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
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