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Nations could kick-start the first global framework to oversee carbon markets as early as next month should they overcome resistance from some countries, according to a UN climate official.
A staged approach under the United Nations would begin with more transparency among countries favoring markets as a climate-protection policy, according to Niclas Svenningsen, manager of strategy, collaboration and communication in the Sustainable Development Mechanisms program at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bonn.
The European Union, Indonesia and the U.S. are among supporters of rules to ensure internationally traded emission credits properly represent greenhouse-gas savings, according to submissions to the UNFCCC.
A global overseer would boost private-sector confidence in the efforts, Anthony Hobley, president of the Climate Markets & Investment Association, a lobby group that includes JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Cargill Inc., said last month.
“The first stage could be implemented quickly because it's an exchange of information,” Bonn-based Svenningsen said. “While the UNFCCC secretariat does not have experience rating carbon markets as such, we have more than a decade of unique experience and expertise.” |
Q:
Modelbuilder - Join - Keep matching records only - export to feature class
I need to join a table to a feature class in a model. Have it keep only the matching records and then export that joined feature class into a new feature class.
A:
Joins are done in modelbuilder to layers, not feature classes, if you are executing from catalog you must make a feature layer first with make feature layer; if you are executing from ArcMap the input should already be a layer. You then join using Add Join, leave the keep all target features unchecked to just keep the joined features. Then to export I use copy features which exports to a feature class with all the joined fields. The whole thing looks like this:
add join dialog here:
Substitute your own layers and field names... That should do it for you.
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# frozen_string_literal: true
module Karafka
module Connection
# Builder used to construct Kafka client
module Builder
class << self
# Builds a Kafka::Client instance that we use to work with Kafka cluster
# @param consumer_group [Karafka::Routing::ConsumerGroup] consumer group for which we want
# to have a new Kafka client
# @return [::Kafka::Client] returns a Kafka client
def call(consumer_group)
Kafka.new(*ApiAdapter.client(consumer_group))
end
end
end
end
end
|
<?php
return [
'message' => 'Your experience on this site will be improved by allowing cookies.',
'agree' => 'Allow cookies',
];
|
Q:
How to create a username and password pop-up on Android
How can I create a custom dialog for entering username and password when I press any button on Android?
A:
Onkar,
You would probably want to built a custom Dialog with an EditText for name, and EditText for password with OK and Cancel buttons at the bottom.
You can read about creating a custom Dialog here: http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/ui/dialogs.html#CustomDialog
Good Luck
|
Ubiquitin-proteasome pathway components as therapeutic targets for CNS maladies.
In the central nervous system (CNS), abnormal deposition of insoluble protein aggregates or inclusion bodies within nerve cells is commonly observed in association with several neurodegenerative diseases. The ubiquitinated protein aggregates are believed to result from malfunction or overload of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway or from structural changes in the protein substrates which prevent their recognition and degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Impaired proteolysis might also contribute to the synaptic dysfunction seen early in neurodegenerative diseases because the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is known to play a role in normal functioning of synapses. Because specificity of the ubiquitin proteasome mediated proteolysis is determined by specific ubiquitin ligases (E3s), identification of specific E3s and their allosteric modulators are likely to provide effective therapeutic targets for the treatment of several CNS disorders. Another unexplored area for the discovery of drug targets is the proteasome. Although many inhibitors of the proteasome are available, no effective drugs exist that can stimulate the proteasome. Since abnormal protein aggregation is a common feature of different neurodegenerative diseases, enhancement of proteasome activity might be an efficient way to remove the aggregates that accumulate in the brain. In this review, we discuss how the components of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway could be potential targets for therapy of CNS diseases and disorders. |
Current fluctuations in the weakly asymmetric exclusion process with open boundaries.
The additivity principle allows a calculation of current fluctuations and associated density profiles in large diffusive systems. We apply this principle to the weakly asymmetric exclusion process (WASEP). We also calculate the cumulant generating function of the current and the density profiles associated with rare currents in finite systems using a numerical approach based on the density matrix renormalization group. Comparison of the two approaches allows us to verify the validity of the additivity principle and to get insight into the finite size scaling theory for current fluctuations in the WASEP. No evidence for a dynamical phase transition is found. |
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Asemblance Launch Trailer
This is a launch trailer for Asemblance – a psychological thriller for PS4 created by Nilo Studios. In this video game players are stuck in an experimental machine, that simulates memories. They will have to come to terms with their past to escape it. |
The Black Pussy CatbyKim Pritekel
Ashton King stood at the threshold of the club, The Black Pussy Cat club, to be exact. She found the humor in the irony, considering it was Halloween night, a childish holiday she hadn’t observed in far too many years. Bart had good taste, she had to admit. The Black Pussy Cat was an upscale club in the heart of downtown Denver. It was a swanky place, lots of wood and leather, and cigar smoke.
Ashton’s leather trench was taken for her at the door, and she was given a leather mask to wear, which looked more like something Zorro would wear than one of the top investment brokers in the city. She slid the mask in place, willing to go along with the charade. Anything for a client. Bart Kaplan had been one of Ashton’s best clients, earning her more than eight hundred thousand the year before, all on his own.
Men in various types of suits sat around the plush establishment- tuxedos, business attire, or slacks, a button up shirt and suit jacket over it. Ashton wore her customary black slacks, tailored to fit her long legs perfectly, as well as a dark gray silk blouse, again, cut to fit her body like a lover’s caress. Intense blue eyes looked around the busy club, looking for her friend. She heard the soft music filtering through the air, along with murmurings of male voices, peppered by the women who wandered from table to table, most dressed in evening gowns.
Bart spotted the statuesque brunette, raising his hand to wave her over to his table. He saw her making her way through the crowd, most heads turning to take in her confident stride, her amazing body, and striking blue eyes. Even wearing the mask, Ashton was breathtaking.
“Good evening!” he exclaimed, standing to hold out Ashton’s seat for her, which she quickly took with a polite smile. Resuming his own seat, Bart smiled at the woman he’d been doing business with for more than five years. She’d made him even more wealthy, and he’d added to her personal wealth, not that she needed it, her family’s money behind her big house and big cars in the richest neighborhoods in Littleton, complete with live-in staff. “And, what do you think of my little playground?” he asked, indicating the club around them.
“It’s very nice, though Bart, I must admit,” Ashton said, leaning forward and speaking softly, “I never took you for a man to buy his fun.”
Bart chuckled. “Ashton, I can buy a two-bit whore on the Wadsworth, or I can buy a gem.” To prove his point, he snagged a passing woman with an arm around her waist, tugging her onto his lap. The woman giggled, running a painted fingernail over his cheek. “How are you tonight, my sweet?” he asked the woman.
“I’m doing well, Bartholomew,” she said, voice low and seductive. She lifted his mask playfully, placing a quick peck on his cheek, then sliding the mask back into place.
Ashton watched this, feeling somewhat disgusted. But, as she watched, her gave began to take in the woman. Her long, blonde hair was piled on top of her head, alluring wisps framing her face and dipping down to tickle the back of her neck. Her black halter top dress left her back bare, showing tanned, smooth skin. How does one have such a tan at the end of October? Ashton rolled her eyes, but continued her perusal. The dress was very fitted, showing off a beautiful body with curves in all the right places.
“Ashton, I’d like you to meet my friend, Pearl.” He patted the blonde’s bottom. “Pearl, my very good friend, and a good friend to know.”
“Oh?” Pearl said, turning to look at Ashton.
Ashton’s breath caught as the emerald gaze met her own. Pearl was definitely beautiful. She had a sweet face, though her makeup was smoky and dangerous- a good girl gone bad. Her eyes were clear and very intelligent.
“It’s a pleasure, Ashton,” Pearl said, reaching a well-manicured hand across the small, round table. A delicate bracelet around a delicate wrist caught Ashton’s attention. She took the hand politely, noting the firm grip, yet very soft skin.
“Indeed,” Ashton said, quickly releasing the hand. She saw the twinkle in Pearl’s eyes, quickly looking away, the green eyes far too intense for her liking. She made the mistake of looking down, noticing the abundant cleavage revealed by the beautiful dress. Ashton gave up, flagging down a waiter, dressed in tie and tails. She didn’t miss Pearl’s soft chuckle.
Ashton ordered herself a brandy, then sat back and watched the interaction between her friend and the beautiful blonde. Their manner was teasing and very flirtatious. For some reason, she felt herself becoming irritated. “Bart, why don’t you and the pretty lady get yourselves a room?” she quipped, grateful when her drink arrived.
Bart smirked, amused at his friend’s attitude, not that it was unusual. He leaned in to Pearl, whispering something to her. Ashton’s gaze never left the blonde as she stood from Bart’s lap, giving him another quick kiss to the cheek. Ashton thought for sure the little vixen would leave them in peace, but to her shock, Pearl walked over to her, gently pushing Ashton’s chair back from the table, and climbing onto her lap sideways, one gorgeous leg crossing over the other as she made herself comfortable.
Ashton was shocked, and nearly pushed the woman from her, but the blonde wrapped a hand around the back of her neck, underneath thick, dark hair. Her other hand was brought up to Ashton’s face, a soft fingertip running along a strong jaw.
“I think you’re entirely too uptight,” Pearl whispered softly.
Ashton could smell the blonde’s subtle perfume, and very much felt herself reacting to it. “And I think you should get off my lap,” she said, just as sweetly, though her eyes were hard.
Ashton tried to not allow her body to react to this very capable, and beautiful seductress. “I don’t think so,” she said, though her voice had lost some of its edge. She felt angry at herself when she felt her fingertips brush against Pearl’s naked back.
“Why not?” Pearl asked, running the tip of her fingernail down into the small amount of cleavage that was visible in the unbuttoned neckline of Ashton’s blouse. “I can help you relax, Ashton.” Green eyes met her gaze. “if you’ll let me.”
The soft words reached inside Ashton, caressing her, stoking a long-dormant fire. She took a drink of her brandy, allowing the expensive liquid to burn a trail down her throat. “What did you have in mind?” she asked, finally meeting the demanding green eyes.
Pearl pouted, making her absolutely adorable. “Such a nasty little dose of reality, isn’t it?” she purred, leaning in close again. Their lips were no more than a couple inches apart. “Two hundred for thirty minutes, baby,” she whispered.
Ashton was on fire, and against her better judgment, she nodded. With a sexy little smile, Pearl got to her feet, taking Ashton by the hand and leading her away from the table. The brunette couldn’t make herself meet Bart’s amused eyes as she followed Pearl through the club and finally back into a small, dimly lit room. There was a large, plush rug in the middle of the wood floor, and a couch along one wall.
Ashton stood in the middle of the small space, Pearl softly closing the door, blocking out all the sound from the other room. “Sit down, baby,” Pearl said.
Ashton did as requested, though pulled out a money clip from her pocket first. She quickly counted out two hundred dollars, reserving the tip for how satisfied she was.
“Thank you, baby,” Pearl said, taking the money and tucking it into the tiny clutch she had with her. Once Ashton had herself seated, she watched as the blonde stepped out of her very high heels, then reached behind herself, unzipping the dress, which swiftly fell to her feet.
Ashton’s eyes were hungry as they feasted on the petit, yet very muscular body. There was not an ounce of fat on Pearl’s body, her breasts firm and well-proportioned for her frame. She made her way to Ashton, climbing up on her lap, straddling her hips. Ashton met her gaze, seeing a well-practiced fire in the depths of her green eyes. She couldn’t help but wish it were real, and this gorgeous woman actually did desire her.
“You really are quite beautiful,” Pearl said softly, taking Ashton’s hands, which lay limply on the couch at her sides, and rested them on her naked breasts. Ashton did her best to reserve any reactions.
“Thank you,” she said politely. She could already feel the wetness gathering, and was growing quite uncomfortable. Her gaze fell to the breasts, and suddenly she very much wanted her mouth on them. She began to lean forward, but felt soft, yet firm hands on her shoulders, keeping her in place. Once against meeting Pearl’s gaze, she saw the concentration in them as nimble fingers began to slowly unbutton the gray silk blouse.
Pearl grinned when she realized the black, lacy bra clasped in front. “How fortunate for us,” she said, fingers expertly opening the garment.
Ashton’s lap felt cold as Pearl climbed off, but within a few moments her eyes were closed, head resting back against the couch. Pearl’s tongue flicked across one nipple then the other, then back to the first, suckling it inside a hot mouth. Ashton’s hand cupped a warm neck, holding Pearl to her. Her eyes remained closed as wave after wave of pleasure seeped through her, the blonde’s mouth the source.
She was just about to totally get lost in a lustful haze when Ashton felt deft fingers on the buttons of her slacks. “Lift for me, baby,” Pearl murmured, tugging the slacks over Ashton’s hips as they were lifted, followed by her panties. Ashton’s head fell back against the couch again as soft lips kissed their way up the inside of her thigh until finally she was nearly scorched by the hot tongue running through her saturated sex. There was no preamble, no teasing, just straight for the goal.
“Oh, fuck,” she groaned, her hips rising from the couch as Pearl took her clit between her lips and suckled hard, her tongue batting across the nub, filling the brunette with a pleasure/pain that was almost too intense to handle. Finally her body gave, her orgasm crashing down over her, stealing her breath in the process.
As Ashton came back to the land of the living, she realized she felt cold, her body completely devoid of Pearl’s touch. She blinked her eyes open several times, watching as the blonde began to get dressed, expert fingers finding the zipper of her dress and sliding it back up into place.
Pearl held her arms out slightly as she stepped into first one high heel, then the other, teetering slightly as she began to lose her balance. Ashton shot off the couch, placing her hands on the blonde’s waist to help steady her. She was surprised to see wide, green eyes look at her, Pearl seeming to shrink back from her touch.
“I was just trying to prevent you from falling,” she explained softly.
“I’m fine. Thank you.”
Ashton dropped her hands, quickly tugging her pants and underwear up, feeling foolish with them puddle around her ankles. She reached into her pocket for her money clip, peeling off a hundred dollar bill. “Here.”
Pearl took the bill, muttering a quiet thank you, then reached for the door. Without a second look, she was gone, leaving Ashton alone. The brunette was amazed at how the actual temperature in the room seemed to have cool significantly in the last couple minutes. With a shrug and a long sigh, she began to re-button her shirt, snapping her bra closed, first. Faint hints of Pearl’s perfume lingered on her clothing.
“What the hell did I just do?” she muttered, looking back at the couch she’d just been sitting on. She had to wonder how many other people Pearl had pleasured on that very piece of furniture. She shivered, not really wanting to think about it. “Happy Halloween to me,” she muttered, then left the room, in search of Bart.
***
The huge house was dark, save for the few lights Arnold had so thoughtfully left on for his employer. The limousine pulled up in the circular drive, right in front of the double doors. Ashton didn’t wait for Cliff to open her door, wanting desperately to get inside and into a hot bath. Distantly she heard the long car drive off as she let herself in.
Her booted heels clicked loudly on the highly polished marble floor of the entryway. Ashton immediately headed up the long, winding staircase, shuffling through the pieces of mail that had been collected and set on the large swirl of a banister at the bottom step.
Once she’d entered her bedroom, Ashton flipped on the light, hopping on one foot as she removed first one boot then the other, groaning at the relief. She’d been in heels all day for work, then the heeled boots for the club. Sometimes she was amazed her feet didn’t simply rebel and stop working altogether.
She tossed the mail on her desk, closing the heavy drapes on the huge, floor to ceiling windows. The large house was hard to heat during the winters, and the large windows didn’t help. Ashton stripped out of her clothes, tossing them into the laundry bin, then padded into the bathroom, which was the size of a small bedroom, immediately running herself a hot shower. She felt dirty, and strangely hollow. Though quite pleasurable, Ashton had found her experience with Pearl to be quite empty and… cold.
The hot water felt wonderful on Ashton’s skin, her hands gliding over the smooth surface, quickly washing, trying to wash away the encounter.
Ashton lay in bed, finding a new sleeping position. Again. Her eyes opened, haunted by green eyes, filled with desire. “Jesus,” she muttered, burying her face in her pillow, praying for sleep to come.
***
The offices that Ashton King used were expensive, somewhat opulent, and totally not her style. Her father had them decorated before his retirement, and she hadn’t bothered to change them. Why? She was rarely ever there, anyway, preferring to either work from home or from her private plane, which she used to fly all over the world, just for the weekend.
“Good morning, Miss King,” Rachelle, Ashton’s ever-devoted secretary chirped, handing the brunette a stack of messages. Ashton grumbled something that sounded like gratitude, and unlocked her office door. “Mr. Kaplan stepped in early this morning, but said he’d come back when you weren’t here,” Rachelle continued, quickly getting Ashton’s coffee ready- two creams, three sugars- and followed her into the huge, corner office.
“What did he want?” Ashton asked absently, getting settled behind the large desk. Her laptop whirred to life as she accepted the coffee from the redhead, sipping it with a sigh.
“He didn’t say. He said he’ll be back early afternoon.”
“Goody,” Ashton muttered, setting the cup aside as she logged onto her company account. “Anything else?” she asked, quickly eyeing her secretary, who was about to leave the office.
Ashton read through the messages, tossing them all in Kevin’s box. Kevin Reynolds was her assistant, and basically took care of everything. She met face to face with the clients, but as far as any follow up or report writing, he was her man.
She began to read her email when there was a loud, pronounced knock on her office door. A moment later, Bart stepped through, fixing himself a drink at the wet bar tucked into the corner of the office, then flopped down in front of Ashton’s desk.
“And how are we this morning?” he asked, chipper as ever.
Ashton turned in her chair, facing him. “We are fine.”
Bart chuckled. “You were awful quiet walking to the car last night,” he observed, sipping from his drink, never taking his eyes off her. “Was Pearl not to your liking?”
Ashton sighed, sitting back in the rich, leather chair. Under the desk she shoved her heels off. “Pearl is beautiful, Bart. What more do you want me to say?”
“Tell me if you enjoyed yourself?” He leaned forward in his chair, eyes twinkling. “I’ve not seen your eyes sparkle like that in some time, my friend.” He sat back, hand running down the front of his pristine suit, glass of bourbon resting on the knee that cross his other one.
“You tell me? Do you enjoy yourself when you’re with Pearl?” Ashton was irritated by the boisterous laughter that bubbled up from that comment.
“Ashton, I’ve never been with Pearl. She’s a lovely girl, but she’s a bit too young for me. I believe she’s closer to your generation. But, I do enjoy her company. She’s lovely and incredibly intelligent.”
Ashton absorbed what he had said. Yes, the blonde was drop dead gorgeous, and Ashton had noted the intelligent eyes, herself. But, something about that night continued to niggle at her. “Bart,” she began, sipping from her coffee. “When you do that, have one of those women for… company, don’t you feel cold afterward?”
“Cold?” Bart stood, refilling his drink before settling in front of Ashton’s desk again. “I don’t quite understand what you mean by ‘cold’.”
“Nothing, never mind.” Ashton sighed, turning back to her computer, scrolling and deleting as she went.
“No, no, I truly wish to understand,” Bart said, leaning forward and resting his drink on the edge of Ashton’s desk. “Were you left unsatisfied? I’m sure if I said something-“
“No, no, that’s not it.” Ashton laughed off his offer, waving a graceful hand. “She was wonderful and very good at what she does. It’s just,” she rocked her chair slightly, staring off into space as once again those green eyes crept into her mind.
Bart felt he was beginning to get the picture. “You felt it was impersonal?” he ventured. By the slight blush on Ashton’s cheeks, he knew he’d hit the bull’s-eye. “It’s a business, Ashton. She gave you a product, which you paid for.”
“Yes, Bart, thank you for clarifying that for me.” Ashton glared.
Bart cleared his throat, able to read in the beautiful blue eyes that Ashton was mildly bothered. “Listen, it’s a job for her, Ashton. I imagine she can’t make it too personal, or suddenly you become a person whom she can’t afford to respond to.”
Ashton felt completely stupid as Bart had read her mind. She laughed it off. “Bart, I don’t care about this woman, nor her business. It’s her own, as is how she handles it. She’s good at what she does. Enough said.”
“Alright,” Bart slapped his knees. “Enough said.” He stood, grabbing his empty glass and taking it to the bar, rinsing it out in the small sink before leaving it there. “I’m heading back there tonight, if you’re interested.”
Left alone again, Ashton sat back in her chair, turning it until she was looking out over the Mile High City, rocking gently, fingers steepled under her chin. She thought back more about the previous night and the beautiful blonde who had made her body feel so many wonderful things, yet had made her soul incredibly sad and feel very alone. She thought about the cold demeanor Pearl had taken on after their encounter, as well as her seemingly skittish nature when Ashton had tried to stop her from falling. She wondered what had brought the younger woman to the career path she’d chosen.
Deciding it didn’t really matter, as she had no desire or intention of ever seeing Pearl again, or her like, she got to work.
***
Ashton sat behind the wheel of her Ferrari F430, midnight black, the car still sitting in her five-car garage. She chewed on her lower lip nervously, trying to decide what to do. The clock on the dash told her it was after nine at night. She wasn’t tired at all, and in fact, was restless as hell.
The car purred patiently beneath her until finally she backed out of the space and buzzed off into the night, headed toward The Black Pussy Cat. There was a part of herself that tried to be convinced she was merely going to surprise Bart and have a drink with him. After all, he was basically her only friend, and friends did things like that, like hanging out. Then the other part of herself, the part that didn’t believe in bullshit, knew exactly why she was headed there, and her name was Pearl.
The club was as it had been the night before, minus the sparse Halloween festivities. Ashton made quite an impression in black leather, leaving nothing to the imagination of her sleek form.
She scanned the room, finding her friend who was sitting with a beautiful woman- not Pearl- and drinking from a large snifter of brandy. She moved into the room with her usual fluid grace and confident stride, knowing full well how good she looked in leather pants and boots. Her black, cotton button down shirt was unbuttoned to an almost inappropriate level.
“Ashton!” Bart exclaimed, waving his friend over. He was shocked to see her there, figuring she’d had enough of The Black Pussy Cat. “I saw your friend awhile ago,” he commented, pulling out a chair for Ashton to sit.
“She’s hardly my friend, Bart,” Ashton waved off the waiter, turning her attention back to her friend.
“Perhaps not, but I still saw her.” Bart accepted the small kiss from the woman he’d been speaking with, smacking her playful on the behind as she wandered across the room, both Bart and Ashton’s eyes following the attractive woman. Ashton’s eyes returned to her friend at his next words. “Pearl disappeared with an older gentlemen in that room,” he said, nodding toward a room at the back, two doors down from the room Pearl had taken Ashton to.
Ashton waved off the information, but she admitted, only to the deepest part of her heart, that she was jealous. And, as she watched, that very door opened, and sure enough, Pearl exited, followed quickly by a short, fat man who had an ear-to-ear grin on his face. Ashton didn’t want to think about him, so she returned her gaze to Pearl. Tonight’s dress was just as fitted, but it was emerald green. Pearl’s golden hair was fixed in an elaborate braid down her back. What caught the wealthy woman’s gaze, however, was the slight look of pain on Pearl’s face.
“Off to save the day,” Bart murmured to himself, amused, as his friend made her way over to the beautiful young women with long purposeful strides.
Ashton had Pearl in her sights, and the young woman was beginning to work her way around the room once more, to mingle, and stir up company. “Pearl,” Ashton said, stopping the young woman with a soft touch to a bare shoulder. The blonde started, turning to see who had spoken to her. It wasn’t often that it would be the voice of a woman.
Recognition immediately twinkled in the green eyes. “Hello, Ashton.”
“Good evening.” Ashton really wasn’t sure what to say or do. She wasn’t even entirely positive why she had come to the club. Her confusion must have shown as Pearl grinned.
“Would you like a drink?” the younger woman asked, already turning toward the bar.
“No,” Ashton finally managed to say, getting her bearings back. On impulse, she asked, “Do you make personal appearances?”
“King. And I’m not Edward Lewis,” Ashton retorted, recognizing the characters from the hit film Pretty Woman. “I’m not asking you to spend a week with me in a posh suite at a Beverly Hills hotel. I’m simply asking for your company for a few hours at my home.”
Pearl looked down, slightly amused that Ashton had known what she meant. Finally green eyes met sparkling blue. “It’s going to be very expensive, Miss King.”
“I’d prefer you call me Ashton, and I have no doubt. Name your price. You charge two hundred for thirty minutes here,” she continued, “so am I to assume that three hours at four hundred dollars, which of course is twelve hundred dollars, is incorrect?”
Pearl smirked, then quickly sobered. “Yes. That would be incorrect.”
“Alright. How about two thousand, then?” Ashton grinned, a rare expression for her. “Plus tip, if I feel you’re deserving.”
Pearl managed to hide her shock. That was more than double what she’d earn on a really good night working at The Black Pussy Cat. She mentally warred with herself: was the money worth the risk of going to a private home? Could she risk it?
The blonde glanced at the friendly man. “Hello, Bart. I saw you come in, but I was busy, so couldn’t come over and say a proper hello.”
“Quite alright, my dear. I decided to come over and give you one, instead.” Bart smiled winningly, then glanced over at Ashton, noting the irritation in her eyes, and it was aimed at him. “Oh!” Realization dawned on him. “Am I interrupting?” He looked back and forth between the two, eyes settling on Ashton, though his attention was drawn to the younger woman.
“Ashton and I were just in talks about a possible visit from me,” Pearl explained, draping an arm through his.
“Oh?” Bart sent raised brows to Ashton. “If you take her up on it, you’ll have a wonderful time,” Bart said, smiling at the young woman at his side. “Her house is beautiful and a wonderful place to pass time.”
Ashton smirked. “Is that why you seem to spend more time at my house than your own?” she asked, brow quirked.
Pearl sat in the back of the limousine that had been sent to the club to pick her up. She wasn’t about to give this strange woman her home address. Also, she would add mentally, she really didn’t want Ashton King to know just exactly she was living in.
The long, sleek car made its way through the night, finally entering a gated community that Pearl had never even heard of, let alone been to. She was plastered to the window, taking in the gorgeous old homes. Most looked like something that should be in Boston or Philadelphia, or one of the other older cities in America.
“My god,” she murmured, suddenly wondering if the limousine actually belonged to Ashton, and wasn’t just a nice gesture, as she’d originally thought. Thought. Pearl smirked silently at that word. She wasn’t entirely sure what to think where Ashton King was concerned. She’d never done this before, never left the safety of the club to service a client. She’d had offers, sure, but always turned them down. Somehow keeping her ‘services’ within the walls of the club made it less real to her. Now, heading off into the night to the home of a complete stranger, she felt concern niggle at her.
She wanted to tell herself that her agreeing to the situation was simply because Ashton was a woman, and no doubt safer than some man, but Pearl knew she’d be lying to herself. She had accepted because it was Ashton who offered. Bart tossing in his own unwitting stamp of approval to Ashton hadn’t hurt, either. She liked Bart. He’d never tried to hire her, seeming to simply enjoy the feel of her body on his lap, and her conversation.
Pearl’s thoughts were abruptly ended when the lavish car pulled through a wrought iron gate, which slowly opened. She noticed the letter K was mixed into the bars in an ornate design. Her attention was brought back around to the house, which was at the end of a long drive, the car pulling up in front. Pearl looked up at the brick monstrosity. She figured about fifty of her apartment buildings could fit within the King house.
The door Pearl sat near was suddenly opened, the kind man waiting patiently for her to exit, his gloved hand held out to assist her. She took it, not wanting to slide on the snow in her heels. She gave him a weak smile, which he returned.
“Oh. Okay.” She began to walk toward the house, but stopped, glancing at him. “Um, thanks for the ride.”
Cliff smiled with a nod, then walked around to the driver’s door and tucked himself back into the car. He set the alarm on his phone, as Ashton had told him their visitor would be leaving in three hours of her arrival.
Pearl took a deep breath, hugging her jacket closer to her, the early November chill biting at her bare legs, and up her dress. She mounted the stairs, heading toward the intimidating house, one side of the double doors opening.
“Good evening, Miss,” a kindly older man said, holding out his arm for her coat.
Pearl shook off the heavy garment, whispering a word of gratitude as he took it from her.
“Miss Ashton awaits you in the library, third door to the left down the hall. My name is Arnold, and if you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask.” He smiled with a slight bow, and walked away.
Pearl watched him go, then turned to study the entryway, lit by a small, but beautiful chandelier that hung high overhead. She ran her hands down the front of her deep red dress, another halter design. She had left her hair down, at Ashton’s request, and headed in the direction Arnold had pointed her. Her heels clicked loudly on the marble floors.
Just ahead she saw a wide arch of a doorway, double doors open, and the sound of a crackling fire within. Stopping just outside the door, Pearl took one last deep breath, and slid easily into her persona. Her ‘Pearl’ persona.
Pearl’s breath was nearly stolen as she stepped inside the room. Books lined shelves from floors to twenty foot high ceilings. The massive fireplace at the center of one wall could easily accommodate three grown men standing side by side, the flames leaping high and brilliant. Beautifully carved furniture was scattered along the plush, Oriental rugs that covered the hard, marble floor. The flames reflected beautiful against the stone.
Near the fireplace was a comfortable-looking leather chair, a small wooden table sitting next to it, with a crystal tumbler on it, filled with amber liquid. The chair was turned so it’s occupant was unseen behind the wide expanse of its back, but just then a graceful hand reached out from behind the massive chair, fingers gingerly grasping the glass until it too disappeared behind the chair.
Pearl wasn’t sure what to do, so she stood there, feeling quite inadequate and extremely out of place.
“Welcome to my home, Pearl,” Ashton said, rising from her curled up spot on the chair. She turned to face her guest, blue eyes roaming down over the blonde’s incredible body. Her dress tonight was sleek and showed off her curves to perfection, making Ashton’s stomach clench in nervous anticipation. She, herself had chosen to wear a silk robe, the oversized sleeves nearly hiding her hands when her arms were at rest. The belt was synched around her trim waist, just a hint of cleavage at the ‘v’ of the garment.
“Thank you. From what I’ve seen, it’s beautiful,” Pearl said, her gaze trailing over what was offered. She felt some of her normal confidence coming back, as after all, Ashton had called her there for pleasure, and that was one thing Pearl knew how to provide well. She was anxious to unwrap the dark beauty from the silk trappings of the beautiful robe.
“I’m glad you think so.” Ashton looked around the room, almost as though taking it all in for the first time. “I grew up in these rooms, so I guess to me it’s just one, big shell.” Finally her gaze met Pearl’s again, a somewhat sad smile gracing her lips. “Sadly I fail to see the beauty others talk about.” She absently sipped from her drink, her eyes never leaving Pearl’s. “Care for some brandy?” she asked. “Or anything you like, if you’d prefer something else.”
“Grape juice?” Pearl asked, a honey-colored brow raised.
“Grape juice?” Ashton said, slightly bemused.
Pearl grinned. “I don’t drink alcohol.”
“Ah. I see. Well then,” she set her drink down and headed toward the double doors. “Wait here and I’ll see what I can do.”
Pearl did as she was asked, walking around the room now that she was unobserved. She ran her fingertips over some of the leather-bound volumes, tracing their golden titles before making her way back toward the fire, allowing her still-chilled skin to be warmed. She heard the soft closing of the double doors, and then someone padding up behind her. A crystal goblet of grape juice appeared over her shoulder.
Amused, and very impressed, she took the glass and sipped, turning to face her hostess. The juice was cool and sweet. “Very good,” she said, voice soft. She watched the sun come out from behind the clouds with Ashton’s beautiful smile.
“I’m glad.”
Pearl lowered the glass, cupping both hands around it, though mainly to keep them from shaking. “So, you have me for three hours. What would you like to do?”
“Well, I think the more appropriate question is what will you do?”
Pearl studied the gorgeous woman before her for a moment, contemplating her answer. There were a hundred things she was willing to do, and only a handful she wasn’t. She considered breaking a few of her rules for Ashton, but decided against it. “I don’t kiss. On the mouth, anyway.”
Ashton wasn’t terribly surprised, as she remembered that only during their teasing flirtation had Pearl come anywhere near her mouth. Once they’d slipped into the back room, there hadn’t been even a hint of that closeness. “Alright,” she said, though did slip a regretful gaze to Pearl’s full lips. “I wish to touch you. Will you allow it?”
Pearl felt a small shiver run through her. “Alright. To what degree?”
The smile that graced Ashton’s lips could only be described as devilish. “To the nth degree.” She decided negotiations were over, and took the goblet from Pearl’s hands, setting it gently on the table next to her own glass. Pearl’s eyes never left her own. Ashton studied the blonde’s body, taking in the muscular, though very feminine legs, her flat stomach, and the breasts that were cupped lovingly in the material and cut of the dress. “The only thing I ask,” Ashton murmured, meeting green eyes, “is that you don’t fake your time with me. I understand you’re here for a service, and a business, but I have no wish for you to try and make me believe I’m a modern day Casanova. If it feels good, let it. If it doesn’t, do not pretend with me.” She looked hard into Pearl’s eyes. “I won’t tolerate it.”
Pearl was shocked by Ashton’s words, most of her clients loving the fact that she made them feel like they were the greatest lovers since the invention of sex. She merely nodded at the softly spoken request.
Ashton stepped closer, their bodies six inches a part. She reached out, running her fingertips over the exposed shoulders, beautifully defined and soft. “You know, from the moment I saw you pulled into Bart’s lap, I truly thought you were the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” she said absently, fingers running down strong arms, the muscle visible through the skin.
Pearl tried to hold in the slight shivers the brunette’s words and touch caused. “Thank you,” she murmured, her own hands reaching out toward the knot that held Ashton’s robe together. Her hands were caught in one warm one.
“Not yet,” Ashton said, turning the blond around so she was again facing the fire, her back to the almost warmer body behind her. Ashton pulled the zipper on the dress, a slight spasm quaking her sex when she saw Pearl wasn’t wearing any underwear. She had never wanted anyone so much in her life. She gently lifted the halter from over the blonde head, allowing the dress to drop.
Pearl’s body was definitely made for sin- the skin smooth and soft, pure and unblemished. Her hips flared out achingly from a narrow waist. Her back was as defined as her shoulders, spine straight and backside firm.
Ashton brushed long, blonde hair aside, placing delicate kisses along Pearl’s neck, nipping gently where the shoulder and neck met. Pearl’s head fell to the side, allowing her more access to her. Ashton’s hands ran down the planes of her back until she reached Pearl’s hips, then her fingers spread out, moving across her flat stomach, the skin heated from the fire.
Pearl’s eyes fell closed. She was surprised that Ashton was touching her this way, figuring it would very much be the other way around. She couldn’t help but enjoy the touch; so rarely was she touched because she wanted to be touched. Her hands came up and covered those of the woman behind her, slowly sliding them up along her stomach, over her ribs, and finally resting Ashton’s hands on her breasts. Both sighed at the contact, Pearl’s hands leaving the brunette’s to reach back with one hand, burying it in the thick, dark hair.
Ashton continued to work on Pearl’s neck, licking a hot trail up to her earlobe, which she suckled before whispering, “I’m going to have you screaming my name before our time is through.”
Pearl shivered, unable to hold it in. She felt, more than heard, the soft, satisfied chuckle at that reaction. Pearl felt the need to retaliate, so she reached back with her free hand, wiggling between their bodies as she felt her way through the opening of the silk robe, and easily found the wetness between Ashton’s legs. Jesus, she’s soaked!
Ashton gasped at the touch, her hips instinctually bucking toward the fingers. She heard Pearl’s soft gasp of surprise when she bit down on the muscle of her shoulder, leaving a small mark that would fade within moments. Ashton didn’t dare turn Pearl around, as she knew she’d devour her mouth if she did. Instead, she brought her down to the large, thick rug in front of the roaring fire, dropping her own robe as she did.
Pearl lay on her back, staring up at the goddess that was Ashton King in all her naked glory. The flames liked golden trails over her perfect body, kissing pockets and curves with shadow. She sat up partially, just enough to grab one of Ashton’s hands and pull her down.
Ashton groaned as their skin touched, her hands automatically running down the smooth sides of the blonde until finally she rested on one forearm, her mouth finding Pearl’s neck, kissing and sucking her way down until she had a rigid nipple in her mouth.
Pearl’s legs fell open, feeling searching fingers as Ashton slipped into her wetness. The blonde honestly couldn’t remember being so wet, and certainly not while on the job. She typically had to use a product with her male clients, as their erect penises did nothing for her other than pay the bills. But this woman, this woman had her on fire, had her body begging for more, and had Pearl almost forgetting she was being paid. Almost.
Ashton was delighted to feel the saturation that covered her fingers, her touch easily finding a distended clit and adding pressure there. Pearl’s hips rocked against her, a hand in dark hair, urging Ashton’s mouth on her breast. She greedily suckled what was offered, her fingers moving swiftly through Pearl’s wetness, wanting so badly to hear the blonde’s cries of pleasure.
Pearl whimpered in disappointment when the hot mouth left her breast, but then groaned long and deep when that same mouth was between her thighs. She rested one leg over Ashton’s shoulder, opening herself up more to the brunette. Her hands reached down, tangling in long hair, pushing Ashton deeper into her.
Ashton slid her fingers inside Pearl’s body, her tongue taking it’s place on the rock-hard clit.
“Oh, fuck,” Pearl moaned, hips rising to meet her touch.
Ashton grinned into her activity, sliding easily in and out of the excited woman, loving the taste and feel of her. She could tell Pearl was getting close, her cries and breathing heavy and coming closer together. The hands in her hair tightened as Pearl came with a loud groan, her back arching off the rug beneath her.
Ashton wasn’t ready to stop, nor relinquish her treasure. She removed her fingers from Pearl’s depths, instead using them to open the blonde up to her fully. Her tongue continued to work, licking mercilessly at Pearl’s clit before sucking it between her lips.
Pearl gasped, her hands once again clutching Ashton’s hair, breath stolen as another orgasm crashed over her, her sex pulsing with her racing heartbeat. “Oh, baby,” she panted, a soft chuckle escaping, moaning softly as Ashton kissed and licked her way back up the blonde’s body. “I’m here to work you over, not the other way around.”
Ashton grinned, nipping playfully at one of Pearl’s nipples before she hovered over the blonde. “And I told you that I wanted to touch you.” She nuzzled Pearl’s neck, wishing for more than anything that she could kiss her. “You taste soooo good.” She smiled into soft flesh when she felt Pearl shiver at her words.
“Mmm,” Pearl hummed, eyes closed as she enjoyed the feel of Ashton’s body against her own. “I’m glad you approve. However,” with a feat of strength that left Ashton gasping in surprise, she traded their positions. She pinned the brunette down with hands on her wrists, Pearl’s body resting between long thighs. She looked down into Ashton’s eyes, studying her face. “It’s truly a crime, just how gorgeous you are.” Pearl was pleased to see the shy blush those sincere words earned her. “Now,’ she said, voice low and extremely sensuous. “It’s my turn.”
Ashton’s eyes slid closed as her body was worshipped by a knowing tongue, teeth nipping at her skin, soft hands touching every inch of her. She allowed herself to go, just reveling in the contact and pleasure. She gasped softly when she was entered by two fingers, a hot tongue tracing down the center line of her stomach. Ashton’s legs fell fully open, offering all that Pearl wanted to her, which the blonde happily took.
Ashton groaned long and languid when a thumb reached up, stroking her clit in lazy circles as Pearl continued to thrust, adding a third finger on the next entry, stretching Ashton beyond a point that she’d been stretched in recent times. Her hips bucked at the intrusion, her body quickly adjusting to the fullness.
“Yes, baby,” she moaned, head flopping uselessly back and forth as she lost herself in a lustful haze.
Pearl hummed against Ashton’s breast, suckling her harder as she used more pressure with her thumb against the brunette’s clit. The resulting cry made her smile into the flesh. “Come for me, baby,” she encouraged, moving so she was sucking on Ashton’s neck, coming dangerously close to breaking her own rules.
Ashton’s heart was racing, her body throbbing with impending release. “Oh, fuck,” she said through gritted teeth, heart nearly stopping as her orgasm torn through her, making her cry out as her thighs slapped closed on Pearl’s hand.
After long moments of making her way back to the land of the living, Ashton grabbed Pearl, resting the smaller body atop her own and wrapping her arms around the blonde.
Pearl wasn’t sure what to make of the extremely intimate position, and truly part of her just wanted to go home. This seemed far too much beyond a client situation. She loved the feel of Ashton against her, loved the warmth and safety she felt. She closed her eyes as she listened to the heartbeat beneath her ear that was starting to slow to a normal cadence.
They stayed put, both staring into the flames, Pearl’s cheek resting against Ashton’s upper chest, the brunette’s hands gliding aimlessly over the smooth expanse of Pearl’s back. The sexual tension in the air had been quieted, but they both knew it was only for a short respite.
“How is it that you ended up in your childhood home as an adult?” Pearl asked at length, not giving up her most comfortable pillow.
“Well, this house has been in the King family for about a hundred and fifty years. My grandfather grew up, as did my father, and then I did. When my father retired, he decided he no longer wished to live here. I inherited it shortly after.”
“Do you like living here?” Pearl’s gaze looked around the room as much as she could by just moving her eyes. “It’s so big. Seems like it would get lonely.”
Ashton was quiet for a long time, her guest wondering if maybe she’d asked the wrong question. Ashton’s fingers trailed down Pearl’s spine. “It does get lonely,” she finally said, voice no more than a whisper.
Pearl raised her head, resting against her upturned palm as she studied the woman lying beneath her. Calm blue eyes returned her gaze, and Pearl slowly traced Ashton’s features. “You seem lonely. I remember thinking that the first night you came in.”
Ashton wasn’t comfortable with the direction the conversation was taking. She decided to change it. “What did Bart whisper to you that made you leave his lap and climb into mine?”
Pearl thought for a moment, then grinned. “He told me to go give you some company.”
Ashton rolled her eyes. “I’m not about to slit my wrists or anything,” she protested, making Pearl laugh.
“Well, I certainly hope not!” the blonde exclaimed. “I mean, what will I do if my favorite client were to do something that stupid?”
“Favorite client?” Ashton said, incredulous.
“Yeah,” Pearl grinned. “I mean, your library beats the couches at the club any day.”
Pearl yelped as she found herself flat on her back, a grinning Ashton over her. “Oh, so glad to see you have some use for me.”
“Yeah. A little,” Pearl teased, bringing up her hand, a half an inch of space between her thumb and forefinger.
“I’ll show you use,” Ashton growled, her fingers beginning to dig into the tender skin of Pearl’s sides. The blonde cried out, trying to pry Ashton’s fingers loose, but the brunette was determined, and very strong. So, she decided to turn the tables.
“Shit!” Ashton said, finding an evilly grinning blond suddenly on top of her, Pearl’s own fingers beginning to find all of her sensitive places.
“You think you can get me, do ya?” Pearl growled playfully, having to use all of her body weight to keep Ashton down. She was straddling her, trying to hold off Ashton’s hands with one of her own as she used the other to attack.
Ashton loved the playful nature of Pearl, but suddenly she was very aware of hot wetness on her stomach. One glance down told her that her little blonde was enjoying their play on a few different levels.
Pearl was nearly knocked off of Ashton’s body by a sudden move from the brunette, and braced herself with a palm on either side of Ashton’s head, their nipples grazing slightly. She was looking into Ashton’s eyes, scant inches from her lips. Her gaze fell to Ashton’s mouth, full and panting from the exertion, then found intense blue eyes, filled with desire. Pearl moaned as Ashton lifted her hips, her stomach pressing into the blonde’s heated core.
Warm hands rested on her hips, gently encouraging her to move. Pearl pushed herself up to a sitting position, and out of temptation’s grasp. She was so wet, gliding easily over Ashton’s stomach.
“I want you to grab something for me, baby,” Ashton said, her voice husky with desire.
“What?” Pearl moaned, her hips still working.
“On that table,” she pointed over by the couch near the wall. A long, wooden box sat atop it. “Bring it here.”
Pearl pushed off Ashton, her body still pulsing, hurrying over to the box and bringing it back to their rug in front of the fire. Ashton sat up, opening it and revealing one of the most realistic-looking dildos Pearl had ever seen, including a leather harness.
Ashton quickly buckled herself in, putting the cyberskin dildo in place, then lay back down on the rug. She reached for the blonde who quickly tossed a knee over Ashton’s torso once more. “I want you to ride me, baby,” Ashton said, her hands once again finding Pearl’s hips.
The blonde was nearly trembling with excitement, her slickness beginning to lick her inner thighs. She looked at the dildo, ready when she was, noting that it wasn’t too big, wasn’t too small. It looked most inviting. A glance at the still-opened box revealed a few packets of condoms. Reaching for one, she held it up. “Do you mind?”
“No. I’m sorry, I forgot. Please.”
Pearl made a show of biting off the corner of the square packet, spitting the bit of plastic into the flames, then removing the latex, slowly unrolling it over Ashton’s dildo. The brunette groaned slightly at the sight. Pearl gave her a dark grin before tossing the rest of the packaging aside, and moving up toward the dildo, which she held in her hand. She lifted herself to her knees, moving forward, allowing the latex-covered phallus to run along her seam, collecting thick lubrication.
Ashton lay on her back, hands tucked behind her head, watching. As Pearl’s gaze held her own, she truly thought it was the most erotic thing she’d ever seen. With torturously slow movements, Pearl raised herself a bit, she brought the tip of the dildo to her entrance, the latex obviously slick with her need.
Pearl’s eyes almost slid closed as she lowered herself until she was flush with Ashton’s body, but she wanted to look into hooded blue eyes and see the brunette’s reaction. She felt warm hands rest on her hips again, wrapping slightly around until they cupped her ass.
“How does that feel, baby?” Ashton murmured, her hips beginning to move slightly, pushing into Pearl.
“Feels wonderful,” Pearl gasped, planting her hands on Ashton’s stomach as she began to move with her.
Ashton let out a long sigh of pleasure, her hands leaving Pearl’s hips, as the blonde was doing fine all on her own, and instead concentrated on the gorgeous breasts that swayed gently with the rocking of Pearl’s body. Pearl let out a long moan as her breasts were cupped, the nipples pressed against seeking palms.
“Yesssss,” she hissed, her hips moving a bit faster with the added stimulation. She had never enjoyed penetration sex with one of her male clients like she was with Ashton. “You’re so deep, baby,” she moaned, feeling a low burn inside, Ashton wrapped tightly within her body.
“Mm,” Ashton answered, lost in bliss. She sat up, wanting to taste Pearl’s skin. Suddenly they were breast to breast, Pearl surprised by the sudden move, but she continued to move with Ashton, head arching back as a wet tongue found her throat. “You taste so good,” she murmured into an ear before licking the lobe. She wrapped a steadying arm around Pearl’s back, urging her to lean back just enough so she could wrap her lips around a hard nipple.
Pearl rested back on her hands, her hips still moving, groaning as her body was on sensation overload.
“Lie back for me, baby,” Ashton whispered, moving up from tantalizing breasts. She helped the blonde lower herself, never leaving Pearl’s body, until she rested between spread thighs, hands planted on the rug on either side of the blonde’s head. She continued to thrust her hips, groaning as Pearl reached down, grabbing her ass in greedy hands.
“Oh, fuck, yeah,” Pearl whimpered, her eyes closed as she raised her knees, wanting Ashton as deep as possible.
Ashton braced herself as she thrust her hips harder, her skin slapping against Pearl’s as she quickened her pace. She felt nails digging into the skin of her ass, urging her on. She forced her eyes to stay open, even as her orgasm was building, wanting to see Pearl’s face as she came. The blonde threw her head back, throat gracefully arched, eyes closed. Her whimpers were nearly nonstop now. Finally her brows drew together in deep concentration, then a loud cry erupted from her lips, her hands turning into a vice, holding Ashton to her. The brunette complied grinding the end of the dildo against her own clit as she buried it inside Pearl’s body, which made the blonde cry out again, followed quickly by Ashton.
Pearl woke up, blinking a few times before she realized they’d fallen asleep. She was curled up against Ashton, head resting on her breast. A glance at the clock in the corner told her that it was after one. Exhausted and in need of a soft bed, she slowly removed herself from Ashton’s embrace, getting to shaky legs. She was slightly sore from their time together, but deeply satisfied.
The blonde began to look for her clothes, not much to find, really- just her dress and her shoes. Running a hand through her hair, she tried to get it into some semblance of order, then slipped her dress on, grabbing her shoes by the heels, choosing to go barefoot until she hit the front stoop. She walked over to the table where she’d left her grape juice, intending to sooth her dry throat when she saw an envelope resting against the glass, her name written across the front in beautiful letters. She glanced at the still-very asleep Ashton, and then peeked inside the white envelope. Her heart hitched when she counted twenty-five hundred dollars in crisp one hundred dollar bills.
“My god,” she whispered. She downed the rest of the juice then turned back to her hostess. Ashton looked so beautiful, so peaceful, head resting on a pillow pulled from one of the couches, her body gorgeous and at rest.
Pearl knelt down, using a gentle touch to brush dark bangs away from the closed eyes. She leaned down, stopping herself once before leaning down again, and placing a soft kiss on Ashton’s lips.
“Goodbye,” she whispered, then quickly, and as quietly as she could, left the room. Pearl was surprised to find her jacket and purse waiting for her, laid over the back of a chair near the front door, and the entryway light left on. Outside, just as promised, the limousine waited. She felt bad, as her three hour engagement had ended nearly two hours ago.
Almost like clockwork, the driver’s side door opened, and the man hurried around the car to the back door. “I hope you enjoyed your evening, Miss,” he said, a cheerful smile on his lips. The chauffeur’s slightly-askew tie was the only indication that he’d been napping while he waited.
“I did, thank you.” She allowed herself to be helped into the car, the door closed soundly behind her. She couldn’t help but stare up at the huge old house, thinking of the beautiful brunette inside, and wish she were still there with her.
***
Ashton sat listlessly in her office, not really wanting to be there, and considering leaving for the day and working from her home office. It had been nine days since her encounter with Pearl. It had been four days since the most amazing night of her life. It had been four days since the blonde had walked out of her life. Yes, she’d been temped to go to the club and see Pearl, speak to her and touch her. Something stopped her, however, and she knew that something was that she did not want to have to pay for Pearl’s company.
The brunette sipped from her coffee, turning her chair so she looked out over the downtown area that her building held court over. Actually, she owned many of the buildings surrounding her, each company or corporation paying a nice, tidy little fee to rent space in her building.
Ashton’s thoughts returned to Pearl. Though she was likely kidding herself, it had seemed that there was something… special, perhaps, between them that night. A certain spark or attraction that went beyond the two thousand dollars Ashton had lined Pearl’s bank account with. Truth be told, she would’ve paid ten to spend that time in the blonde’s arms, touching her, being touched by her.
It had taken some bit of restraint to stay away, especially with Bart’s almost nightly invitations to join him. Her will was waning. Ashton wasn’t one to be controlled, and certainly never let anyone have such power over her, but Pearl… “Damn,” she muttered with a heavy sigh.
***
Pearl laughed politely, her fingers playing with the silk tie covered by the starched flaps of his collar. The man whose lap she sat in was making his intentions more than clear as his thick fingers roamed over her back, wrapping around her side under her arm. She felt the barest, but firm, touch against the outside of her breast. It took all she had not to shiver in reaction.
‘Duke’ as he was called, was a semi-regular, and always insisted on seeing her when he came into the club. In fact, the man with graying hair and tickling beard, insisted on dominating her entire night with his caresses, keeping her on his lap like some sort of hood ornament while he shared a cigar and business talk with colleagues. Usually about one out of every three nights with Duke, she was taken to the back room for fifteen minutes of his grunting, sweating body, which quite simply repulsed her.
Her musings were broken when suddenly Bart arrived at their table. She smiled up at him with genuine affection.
“Good evening, lovely lady,” Bart said, placing a kiss on her cheek. “I hope you won’t be too angry with me, but I need to steal your paramour,” Bart smiled and nodded at Duke.
“Oh, I think I can manage,” she replied coyly, inside wanting to kiss Bart with tongue in gratitude. She was surprised to see the twinkle in his eyes, and the wink he sent her way.
“Don’t go too far, lover,” Duke said into her ear, making her want to grimace. Instead she gracefully stood from his lap, and kissing him on the forehead.
Pearl began to wander the club, trying her best to keep to Duke’s request of staying near, but suddenly Pearl was standing face-to-face with a most unexpected distraction.
Ashton had been searching the dark club with her eyes, heading further in to look for Pearl, when the woman was suddenly headed straight for her, seeming to be lost in her own thoughts. She was ready to grab the blonde so she didn’t bowl her over when suddenly green eyes flashed up, meeting her own gaze. For just a moment she saw warm recognition, but it was just as quickly gone.
“Ashton,” she said, voice strong and calm, ‘Pearl’ firmly in place. Pearl wasn’t sure how she’d react if Ashton were to wander into the club, but after more than a week’s absence, she was beginning to think that it might not be an issue. Standing there, looking the beautiful women over, dressed in tailored pants and white button-down shirt, casually unbuttoned to the third button, Pearl was left breathless, though she hid it well. She had been well taught. “How are you this evening?”
“I’m well. And yourself?” Ashton asked, trying to reconcile the cool tones and professional mask that the blonde wore with the warm, passionate woman who had made love to her for hours on end.
“I’m well, thank you. Seems my date has business,” she said regretfully, glancing over at Duke, who was in deep conversation with Bart and another man.
“Good. I’d like to buy you a drink,” Ashton said, resting her hand on an empty chair next to her. “Maybe talk for a bit.”
Pearl grinned, though it was more like a smirk. “I don’t drink, Miss King, and I’m otherwise involved.” Again, she hitched her head toward Duke.
“I’m sure we could get you some grape juice, and it looks like Duke is busy,” Ashton said, her voice lowering to an intimate level that turned Pearl’s stomach into knots. Ashton withdrew two hundred dollars from her pocket, waving it in front of the blonde. “I want some time with you.”
Pearl looked at her, and for a moment felt a twinge of anger. She didn’t want Ashton to see her that way, that with the flick of a couple greenbacks, she was hers for the taking. A crazy thought for what amounted to nothing but a high-priced whore.
“And you think you can just buy me, is that it?” Pearl asked, a brow raised.
Ashton was slightly taken aback by the hard tone and stinging words. “Well, isn’t that how it works?” she asked, her own anger beginning to bubble. She wanted to see Pearl, to talk to her, to spend an evening eating dinner with her, talking and laughing. She wanted to get to know Pearl’s mind, to understand her.
“I’m not your private whore, Ashton,” she murmured quietly, eyes burning into the blue, which for a moment registered shock, then quickly clouded to unreadable.
“No? Well, I don’t know,’ Ashton crossed her arms over her chest, rising to her full height and looking down at the blonde with hooded eyes. “It seems like for the right price, you’re anyone’s whore.”
The slap came so swiftly, they both could just stare at each other in mute shock. Pearl recovered first, standing taller, and about to turn and walk back to Duke, as unappealing as that option was. Even so, it was far more appealing than seeing the hurt in Ashton’s blue eyes. She was caught by the arm as she tried to make her escape, a warm body moving up behind her own.
“I want to see you again,” Ashton whispered in her ear. The sting of the slap was still felt, but she knew she had deserved it.
Pearl’s eyes slipped closed for a moment, a quiet sigh escaping. She was torn between what she knew was simply business, and what she really wanted. “Why?” She turned and faced the brunette. “What do you want from me, Ashton?”
“I want to spend time with you. I want to get to know you,” Ashton gestured at the club around them. “Outside of here. I want to get to know the real you.”
Pearl was stunned, never expecting that answer. She figured it would be more along the lines of, I want to fuck your brains out again. She was shaken out of her stupor when she heard her name called. She held up a hand in Duke’s general direction, acknowledging his request, even as she was unable to look away from Ashton’s beseeching gaze. “Alright,” she said softly. “You want to know the real me, do you?” At Ashton’s nod, she made a decision. “I’ll pick you up at your house Thursday morning, early.”
“How early?” Ashton asked, completely bewildered by the very sudden change in conversation.
“Four-thirty.”
“In the morning?!”
Pearl couldn’t keep the amusement from her voice. “Yes. In the morning. Clear your schedule for the entire morning.” She turned to go, but stopped, glancing at the brunette over her shoulder. “Oh, and Ashton? Dress casual.” With those cryptic words, she was gone. |
Uncommon headaches: diagnosis and treatment.
Headaches associated with exercise, cough, and sexual activity may present a diagnostic challenge in the emergency room or primary care provider's office. The majority of these patients have no underlying intracranial pathologic condition and have a good prognosis. However, new onset of these types of headache, with or without accompanying neurologic deficit, is an indication to exclude life-threatening conditions such as subarachnoid bleeding with neuroimaging and CSF examination. Since the pathophysiology is poorly understood, treatment choices are limited. Further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiologic mechanisms of these uncommon headaches and to assess the cost-effectiveness of various diagnostic and follow-up strategies. |
About Aloe Vera & Chamomile Deodorant Roll-on Vegan
Suitable for both men and women, this effective, long lasting, aloe vera and chamomile crystal roll-on deodorant with skin conditioning ingredients fights odour leaving you feeling fresh and comfortable all day, without inhibiting perspiration. It is free of aluminium chlorohydrate, parabens and alcohol. It contains organic ingredients and is hypoallergenic. Refills are available for this product, and as such it is fantastically environmentally friendly. |
SERS labels for red laser excitation: silica-encapsulated SAMs on tunable gold/silver nanoshells.
In a glass house: Silica-encapsulated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on tunable gold/silver nanoshells were used as labels for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). This concept combines the spectroscopic advantages arising from maximum surface coverage and uniform molecular orientation of the Raman reporter molecules within the complete monolayer together with the high chemical and mechanical stability of the glass shell. |
The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for textile machines or the like, and includes track means disposed above and alongside a row of different types of textile machines, with the cleaning apparatus running on the track means and including suction and/or blowing hoses that extend to the side of the textile machines, whereby when passing from one type of machine to another, a lower hose portion is movable relative to an upper hose portion in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the cleaning apparatus.
Such cleaning apparatus are conventionally mounted on track means above the textile machines and are movable along a row of such machines, with the cleaning apparatus serving to keep the textile machines clean via appropriate blowing and suction hoses. In conformity with the rail means that are provided, a number of textile machines can be passed "in a single operation", which offers an economical possibility for cleaning the textile machines.
For the purpose of providing an integrated manufacture, more and more frequently different types of textile machines are disposed in a single room, possibly closely adjacent one another. Accordingly, for example, ring spinning frames and winding frames are then disposed next to one another and should be cleaned with the same cleaning apparatus. For this purpose, a number of approaches have been proposed in order to achieve an adaptation of the position of the blowing and suction hoses to the different cleaning requirements of the different textile machines, in each case as a function of the textile machine that the cleaning apparatus will pass.
For example, it is known to roll up or raise a blowing hose when an obstacle is encountered, although in such a case the cleaning effect of the blowing and suction hoses are then essentially discontinued.
Pursuant to a further proposal, the hoses are mounted about a swivel joint that has a vertical axis of rotation, via which a pivoting is to be produced that at the same time allows an adaptation of width.
However, this approach has various drawbacks: For one thing the jet is always pivoted along during the pivoting movement, so that it is no longer possible to ensure an alignment relative to the textile machine. On the other hand, it has been shown that the movable hoses are especially inclined during a rotational movement toward centrifugal and swinging movements due to the centrifugal force; these movements can even be dangerous for the environment of the blowing hose, and in every case reduces the service life of the blowing hose.
Stronger material was therefore used for the hoses in order to keep the extent of damage as low as possible.
However, when stronger and hence heavier hoses are used, the centrifugal forces become greater, so that the bearings in the pivot joints must be correspondingly strengthened in order to absorb both the axial as well as the radial stresses.
It is furthermore known with these pivot joint hoses to ensure the position of the jets or suction nozzles of the hoses that face the textile machines by having special devices to compensate for the rotation of the hose and thereby hopefully keep the jets in position.
However, this approach is, on the one hand, expensive. In addition, this approach is very susceptible to problems since it is precisely in the region of the suction nozzles that dust can settle very easily in the pivot bearing gap for the respective suction nozzle, so that the turning device for the suction nozzle becomes stuck.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning apparatus of the aforementioned general type for textile machines or like that permits an adaptation to different types of machines that must be travelled past one after the other, but which operates in a more reliable manner can be adapted in a more flexible manner, and yet requires very little structural expense. |
Internet searching refers to the practice of using the Internet, which is a global network connecting millions of computers and databases, for assessing and obtaining information from different sources for a variety of purposes. Nowadays, the Internet, especially the World Wide Web, is widely used and readily accessible to hundreds of millions of people in many parts of the world through, e.g., different Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The World Wide Web, or simply Web, is a way of accessing information over the medium of the Internet. The Web is an information-sharing model and uses, e.g., HTTP protocol, to transmit data Web services also use HTTP protocol to allow applications to communicate in order to exchange business logic and use the Web to share information. The Web also utilizes browsers, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox, to access web documents or web pages that are linked to one another via hyperlinks. Web documents may also contain graphics, sounds, text and video.
Typically, when conducting an Internet or web search, a user may compose and enter a search query into, e.g., an input field of a browser and search engine(s) and click a “Search” button. Search engines may in turn retrieve a set of search results that corresponds to the user search query. Generally, search engines match the terms or keywords in the search query to a set of pre-stored web pages and provide hyperlinks as relevant search results to the user. For example, web pages that contain the user's search terms or keywords may be considered to be “hits” and may be returned to the user in an ordered list of hyperlinks based on their relevance to the search query. In assessing the number of the returned search results and the content of each relevant search result, the user may need to revise the original search query or formulate a new search query in the input field of the browser and search engines and click a “Search” button to initiate a new search request even in situations where the user may merely intend to get a preview of the number of the search results of a search term or keyword, or an entered search query returns no results. There is a need for providing an optimized graphical user interface to display a number of search results of search engines so as to assist a user in formulating a search query efficiently. |
Props and Environments for TouchPets for iPhone
TouchPets: Dogs
Environments and props for iPhone game Touch Pets: Dogs by Portland, Oregon game company Stumptown Game Machine (which got bought out by the mobile game giant ngmoco:), which in turn got bought by the even more gigantic DeNA).
I constructed many of these environments by directly converting artist Bill Muldron‘s excellent concept images into low-poly levels. Many of the detail textures in these levels originated as layers within Bill’s concept images.
These levels are extremely low-poly, enough so they can run smoothly on the iPhone, even with multiple dogs, items and props on-screen.
A few of the props I constructed for the project:
Touch Pets Dogs Launch Trailer on YouTube:
Current Category
Similar Projects
This is Paw Patrol: Rescue Run, a mobile game based on the hit Nick Jr. TV Show. I created most of the 3D assets for the game, mainly by converting them from original Nick Jr. show assets. These assets included the pups, their vehicles, supporting characters, and various props and level elements. Here are some […]
This interactive environment viewer uses Unity3D (and almost entirely pre-made assets from various sources) to show how game graphics can be used to show the public all the great possibilities our streets might hold. And it can show design options from any perspective, from a bird’s-eye view to that of the man on the street: […]
A little village level I created for StrangeGames’ Xbox Live Indie game, Avatar: Honor and Duty. The goal was a fun, bright look to match the Xbox Live avatars that would populate it. Important to note: this level was not built with Unity as the target platform, but was instead built for the client’s proprietary […] |
It is not yet clear what substance was in the water. Local police have visited the site, and the Guarani are waiting for the results of their investigation.
Survival International’s Director Stephen Corry said today, ‘For too long the Guarani have borne the brunt of a sustained, malicious, and inventive campaign of terror to keep them off the land that rightfully belongs to them. The perpetrators of this latest cruel and perverse act should be brought to justice. The federal government must urge local police to carry out a thorough and unbiased investigation.’ |
Mandy is a movie starring Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, and Linus Roache. The enchanted lives of a couple in a secluded forest are brutally shattered by a nightmarish hippie cult and their demon-biker henchmen, propelling a man. |
SUGAR 'N SPICE
Welcome the stork with beautiful flowers for a new baby or mommy. JEAN'S HOUSE OF FLOWERS can create something special for a new little boy or sweet little girl. Baby's first flowers are always special; they can be pressed and saved as a keepsake in their baby book. Another great way to show you care is with a new baby gift basket, filled with yummy snacks, stuffed animals, bath products and more. So, for the best new baby gifts in Waynesboro, shop online, stop by or give us a call! And if the new baby in your life is born across the country, JEAN'S HOUSE OF FLOWERS can help with that too! |
Tungsten Penetrator
Tungsten heavy alloy can be used as kinetic energy tungsten penetrators and other ordnance for it high density and strength. We’ve been providing high performance tungsten heavy alloy (W-Ni-Fe and W-Ni-Cu alloys) tungsten penetrators for years. We can provide customized tungsten penetrator according to your drawings.
Packaging for our tungsten alloy & tungsten alloy penetrator
Tungsten alloy penetrators are fragile and heavy, carefully handling is need. The standard package for tungsten penetrator is wooden crate, so that the tungsten penetrators can be protected during handling and transportation. |
Horrorfind
Went to the Horrorfind convention with kisarazumama today & met up with atomagedevilman and his friend Lynette - the con was pretty disappointing as it was tiny & there were hardly any people there & a tiny dealer's room that was about a third empty. Granted it was Sunday & I'm sure it was more heavily attended on Saturday (or I hope so anyway) but it was still kinda sad - I wonder if it is because of the con relocating from the Marriott Hunt valley north of Baltimore or due to the general bad economy?
Still we managed to spend our $$ and buy some cool stuff - kisarazumama got a great giant Godzilla model kit by Polar Lights that we'd never seen before. We knew of their excellent recasts of the old Aurora monster kit sbut didn't realize they'd made a few new originals of their own in that style & this fellow is one of those (about the size of the Aurora Big Frankie). I got a cool book on decorating for Halloween full of great photos of rare old vintage decorations from the fellow who wrote it who was only to happy to sign it & he also had some very nice modern repros of antique Halloween cards - since the originals sell for big bucks on ebay I stocked up so I can send some to friends when the season rolls around :)
Halloween cards -
And Paula got me a cool Cthulhu fish for my car! The guy selling them had a lot of great H.P.L.-related T shirts - http://www.sighco.com/ |
Q:
Scala Try[String] found instead of String
I am trying to understand how Try works in scala (not try/catch) but Try. As an example, here I wish to check if the file exists, and if yes, I will use the data in the file later in the code, but it doesn't work:
val texte = Try(Source.fromFile(chemin_texte).getLines().filter(_!="").foldLeft(""){_+_})
texte match {
case Success(x) => x
case Failure(e) => println("An error occured with the text file"); println("Error: " + e.getMessage)
}
/*phrases du texte*/
val phrases_txt = split_phrases(texte).map(phrase => phrase)
At val phrases_txt I wish to use the output of texte if the file exists, if not the program should halt at Failure(e).
The error that I get is type mismatch; found: scala.util.Try[String] required: String .
Any help? Thanks.
A:
Think of Try as just a container for a computation that can fail. It is not comparable with a try and catch block because they just "throw" the exceptions, which are expected to be handled later on in the program. Scala Try forces you to ensure that a possible error is handled at all times from that point onwards in your program.
You can do something like this:
val texte = Try(Source.fromFile(chemin_texte).getLines().filter(_!="").foldLeft(""){_+_})
val phrases: Try[List[String]] = texte.map(split_phrases)
I don't see the point of .map(phrases => phrases) because it will return the same object. The map function has a type of T[A] => T[B], so that means that for a container with values of type A, the map will run a given function f on the contents of the container and produce a container of type B where function f is responsible for converting an object of type A to type B.
If you wish to further use your phrases object in your program with other values that produce Try values, you can use the flatMap function or for expressions that make life easier. For example:
val morePhrases: Try[List[String]] = ???
def mergePhrases(phrases1: List[String], phrases2: List[String]): Phrases = phrases1 ++ phrases2
val mergedPhrases: Try[List[String]] = for {
p1 <- phrases
p2 <- morePhrases
} yield mergePhrases(p1, p2) // Only for demonstration, you could also do yield p1 ++ p2
The mergedPhrases value in the code above is just a Try container containing the result of application of mergePhrases function on contents of phrases and morePhrases.
Note that the Try block may not always be the best way to capture error at the end of your program you'll what the first error occurred, but you won't know what exactly the error was. That's why we have things like Either.
|
Kilroy Bluff
Kilroy Bluff () is an ice-covered bluff, high, on the west side of Nursery Glacier at the junction with Jorda Glacier in the Churchill Mountains of Antarctica. The east face of the feature is indented by twin cirques that resemble eyes. Under certain light conditions the appearance of the bluff is reminiscent of the ubiquitous graffiti of World War II: a caricature of a head peering over a wall and the message "Kilroy was here".
References
Category:Cliffs of Oates Land |
Adapting Videos to Social Media
For almost a decade, video has been an important tool in my team’s communication toolbox. For the last five years, we’ve shared that video on our social media platforms, posting on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
Starting with this school year, we’re adapting the way we build our video programming to fit our social media plan.
In addition to sharing the stories we tell about making a difference in students’ lives, we’re creating “Park Hill Moment” sight-and-sound videos that give our stakeholders a glimpse into the great things happening every day in our classrooms.
We can turn these videos around quickly, which allows us to post them the day of the event, in most cases. This immediacy is important in successful social media.
We started this summer, with a “Park Hill Moment” about teachers getting externship experience in local businesses to bring back to our classrooms.
We also produced a “Park Hill Moment” with the highlights from our all-staff convocation.
These videos are already getting high numbers of views and engagement.
Grab-post-and-go is something I do more and more, especially with my phone. If I have a few extra moments to spare, I’ll use Perfect Video app for iPhone. 🙂 Either way, it’s low on the effort and impressiveness scales, but it turns out extremely high engagement metrics with our followers! |
Jim's U.K. Police Ride-Along
Jim embeds himself with police officers in Birmingham, England, to find out how the U.K.'s tough gun laws have affected the country's violent crime rate. |
"Honor guard? Bah! I couldn't get a more useless duty! I'm a warrior, why should I be relegated to a purely ceremonial position? It's absolutely-"*See the queen**Kneel at the speed of light*"I pledge my absolute loyalty to you, my queen! Say the word and I shall oblige any order without hesitation nor fear!" |
The Steel Collection
Contemporary. Sleek. Tailored.
A resolutely contemporary collection: highlighted by unexpected juxtapositions, Caravaggio-like chiaroscuro effects, and the exquisite balance between the fiery femininity of the diamond and the masculine toughness of steel. |
Create an account right here by entering a username and password and the anoying security-code will go away. Forever!
Your user data will be submitted ssl-encrypted.
Why do I need to register?
You have to register and get a password so you can change or withdraw your information at a later time. You can register
right here together with the information you enter. Simply choose a password, a username and enter your name and email - done. Or you can register using the
registration form and provide additional information about yourself and the airplane you fly.In case you already
have a user account with the Pilot und Flugzeug Internet Forum, you can use it here - just enter your username and password.
Create an account right here by entering a username and password and the anoying security-code will go away. Forever!
Your user data will be submitted ssl-encrypted.
Why do I need to register?
You have to register and get a password so you can change or withdraw your information at a later time. You can register
right here together with the information you enter. Simply choose a password, a username and enter your name and email - done. Or you can register using the
registration form and provide additional information about yourself and the airplane you fly.In case you already
have a user account with the Pilot und Flugzeug Internet Forum, you can use it here - just enter your username and password.
Create an account right here by entering a username and password and the anoying security-code will go away. Forever!
Your user data will be submitted ssl-encrypted.
Why do I need to register?
You have to register and get a password so you can change or withdraw your information at a later time. You can register
right here together with the information you enter. Simply choose a password, a username and enter your name and email - done. Or you can register using the
registration form and provide additional information about yourself and the airplane you fly.In case you already
have a user account with the Pilot und Flugzeug Internet Forum, you can use it here - just enter your username and password.
Create an account right here by entering a username and password and the anoying security-code will go away. Forever!
Your user data will be submitted ssl-encrypted.
Why do I need to register?
You have to register and get a password so you can change or withdraw your information at a later time. You can register
right here together with the information you enter. Simply choose a password, a username and enter your name and email - done. Or you can register using the
registration form and provide additional information about yourself and the airplane you fly.In case you already
have a user account with the Pilot und Flugzeug Internet Forum, you can use it here - just enter your username and password. |
require 'msf/scripts/meta_ssh/common'
require 'msf/scripts/meta_ssh/file'
require 'msf/scripts/meta_ssh/accounts'
module Msf
module Scripts
module MetaSSH
end
end
end
|
Q:
Anchor links inside table widget
Using yii-booster, I want to create a pretty simple table. The data is completely valid and works just fine using this:
$gridDataProvider = new CArrayDataProvider($model->results);
$gridColumns = array(
array('name'=>'score', 'header'=>'Score'),
array('name'=>'community', 'header'=>'Community ID'),
array('name'=>'ip', 'header'=>'IP Address')
);
$this->widget('bootstrap.widgets.TbGridView', array(
'type'=>'striped',
'dataProvider'=>$gridDataProvider,
'template'=>"{items}",
'columns'=>$gridColumns,
));
But I want the ip address to show up as a anchor, such as: <a href="steam://{ip}>{ip}</a>, and I can't figure out how to make the data display as a link.
A:
Something like this?
'columns' => array(
array(
'name'=>'date_added',
'type'=>'raw',
'value'=>'CHtml::link("link", array("site/index"))',
),
),
That will create a link in each row under the header of date_added (in my example)
As your columns are done with a variable I guess yours would be:
$gridColumns = array(
array('name'=>'score', 'header'=>'Score'),
array('name'=>'community', 'header'=>'Community ID'),
array('name'=>'ip', 'header'=>'IP Address', 'type'=>'raw', 'value'=>'CHtml::link("$data->ip", array("controller/action", "ip"=>$data->ip))')
);
|
Lobster mayonnaise
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A sauce made with egg yolks, olive or vegetable oil, mustard, and lemon juice or vinegar, and various seasonings. Combining all of the ingredients results in an emulsion being created, which involves the process of combining two liquids that do not typically mix together well, such as eggs and oil. |
The following is a Voyager/RHPS crossover, featuring the characters of both.
This story and others Ive written are best read with a bud. :) Enjoy! Bill
"I do not understand," said Seven of Nine to the Doctor.
"It is the suspension of disbelief, Seven," explained the Doctor. "The
holodecks are used to,well, to play. Now that you have regained most of your
humanity, you will also need to relax, purge yourself of stress."
"I do so while I regenretae," saoid Seven flatly.
"It's not the same. You'll see. Here, there are over fifteen million
programs to choose from. Pick one, any one, and we will begin," said the
Doctor with a smile to his pupil.
"This one," said Seeven as she picked one without even looking.
"Hmmm, lets see. Ah, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" by Richard O'brien!
An excellent choice, Seven. The Rocky Horror Picture show is one of the
classic, and the tradition of dressing up in costume and performing the show
scene by scene live by performers is done on several hundred worlds,
including Earth, and-"
"May we begin, Doctor?" asked Seevn as she raised an eyebrow., an
indicator that the Doctor was trying her patince.
"Of course, this way," said the Doctor., and he led her to a holodeck...
"...Dammit, Janet...I LOOOOOVE YOOOUUUUUUUUUUU" and Brad and Janet kissed
in the church.
"Freeze program,"said Seeven. "I do not understand. This wedding and song
mean nothing to me."
"This is Brad and janet, Seven, the Hero and Heroine. Soon they will be in
a car, have a mechanical problem, and seek shelter at a castle filled with
evil aliens," said the Doctor.
"may we skip to these 'evil aliens'?" asked Seven in a dry tone.
"Of course. Computer-Time Warp scene, please."
The room changed to the insode of the castle. Riffraff was frozen in place
as his hand reached for the door.
"Begin," said the Doctor and he and Seeven stood off to one side, just
next to a large grandfather clock.
"Hi, my name is Brad Majors, this is my fiance Janet Weiss..."
Seven and the Doctor observed as Brad and janet explained theyre plaight
and were invited into the house.
"I do not understand" said Seven," why did this 'handyman' Riffraff bring
the two humans into the castle if they were attempting to keep theyre true
identities a secret?"
"Its a part of the plot, Seven-Brad and Janet are to be sudenced, brought
into the house to become a part of the events that unfold there," explained
the Doctor.
"They will become a part of Frank n furters collective?" asked Seven.
"In a way, yes!" said the Doctor, pleased.
"May I interact?" asked Seven.
"Of course, that is why we are here," said the Doctor, smiling wider as
Sevens desire to become a part of the program.
Seven looked at the Doctor and said,
"Seduction is crude form of assimilation. I will be more efficient," and
she walked up to riff, knocked him out of the way, and extended her right
arm. Metal injectors extended out of her wrists into the necks of both Brad
and Janet.
"Resistance is fultile," she said as she injected the nano probes. In
seconds both Brad and Janet were assimilated into the Borg collective, skin
turning a mottle color, falling to the floor.
"Sigh," sighed the Doctor. "Computer, freeze program," sighed the Doctor.
"Seven, thats not exactly what I had in mind...lets try another scene..."
The rest of the day went pretty much the same:during "Hot Patootie" Seven
lashed out at Eddies neck as he aimed his motorcycle at her,snapping his neck
and instigating the wrath of the character "Columbia", who jumped on her back
while screaming "Eddie". Seven dispatched the groupie just as swiftly. In the
;ab she remarked about the crudeness of Frank N Furters and the
TRansylvanians techknowledgy, but did comment that the Transit Beam would "be
a welcome addition to our own distinction." At the last scene Seevn spent
several minutes explainig how an anti-matter gun coldnt be contained in such
a small hand weapon without the proper partickle-dampneing subspace
generator..
"Perhaps a drink or two is in order. As I recall most of the "Rocky Horror
kids" would indulged in an alcoholic beverage before doing the show.
Computer-a "Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster", please.
"The alcohol content of this drink exceeds the reccomended allowance for
my body weight," said Seven.
"Doctors orders, Seven, drink up," said the Doctor and she did, draining
the glass.
"Now,lets try that again..."
"Computer, location of the Doctor and Seeven of Nine," said Captain
Janeway in the bridge of the starship Voyager.
"The EMH and Seven of Nine are in Holodeck two."
"Ensign Kim, you have the con, I'll be in holodeck two. Those two have
been there for over six hours now, I wonder what they are doing..."
Captain Janeway got to the holodeck doors just as they opened. A red faced
Doctor walked out, with a very drunk Seven of Nine leaning on his shoulder,
stumbling along as best she could. In one hand she held a noise maker, on her
head was a party hat and she wore sunglasses. Rice and confetti fell from her
hair, and sticking out of her waistband was a "newspaper" titled THE PLAIN
DEALER.
"Captain," said the Doctor over Sevens loud laughing.
"Doctor. Seven, are you alright?" asked Captain Janeway.
Seven looked up, pointed at Captain Janeway and yelled, "SLUUUUUUUT! Ha ha
ha ha ha, where's your fucking NEEEEECCCK?!?" and cackled with laughter.
"I see our resident Borg has assimilated a little too much alcohol,"
scoled the Captain.
"A part of her indoctrination into the human culture, Captain," said the
Doctor weakly.
"Hmmmmm. We;;, see that she gets to her regeneration alcove, I'll expect a
full report in the morning," said janeway.
"Of course, Captain," said the Doctor, wondering how he would explain why
it was required to place her face on the body of the actress playing the part
of the character "Janet"... |
Q:
Am I understanding counterpoint correctly?
I’m in the midst of trying to grasp counterpoint and I’m at a bit of a stand still in terms of my understanding of it. I want to be able to go beyond memorizing the rules and really understand the implications behind them and what makes “counterpoint” counterpoint, so I can use those principles in other music. I’ve got a pretty good grip on first species, but I want to make sure I have a good understanding of the principles before moving on to second species. Below is a summary of counterpoint how I understand it. Any feedback would be appreciated!
The ultimate goal is to create multiple melodies that are independent, but oriented towards the same goal. In order to do this we create stability on either end of both melodies and motion in the middle. The stability in the beginning and end comes from octaves, unsions and fifths which means we should avoid them in the middle because it would cause a stop of the motion we want.
While we don’t want stability in the middle, we also don’t want dissonance. If we were to use dissonant intervals like 2nds and 7ths, the two melodies would sound like they don’t belong together. However, if we were to use 5ths and octaves, they would sound too much like the same note, which is more like one melody than two independent melodies.
In terms of motion we want to use contrary motion as much as possible because when the notes move in different directions it further emphasizes their independence, while parallel motion would make the notes seem more similar.
Overall does this describe counterpoint well? Again, I’ve only studied first species.
A couple of other things that seem important are variance and contour. For example, things like repeated notes in melodies, repeated intervals etc. should be avoided as well as more than one leap. Why is this? What does repeating things and making too many leaps add to the music that we don’t want in counterpoint?
A:
You seem to be going about it the right way. And I think that's a pretty good summary of counterpoint.
Repeating things - notes or intervals - can lead to a lack of variety or of melodic independence, but I think you can have one repeated note and up to three repeated intervals in a shortish exercise. The 'repeated interval' rule probably exists for the same reason as the rule about parallel fifths and octaves: people were sick of them! You heard them everywhere: in the overtones of church bells, and especially in amateur music-making. It was too easy. [Like people singing the last line of 'Happy Birthday To You' always a third above the tune!]
Leaps are very attention-grabbing and can interrupt the flow. As you know, leapfrogging is not allowed. So if, for example, the upper voice has just sung a middle C, the lower voice shouldn't sing a middle D in the next bar. But if your leaps don't break that rule, and as long as they're used very sparingly, they're permitted.
By the way, Dr. Bernard Stevens's most withering judgement of my early efforts used to be, "What a faceless piece of counterpoint!"
So. Good luck. Avoid facelessness!
A:
You seem to get the general gist of it. But the blanket condemnation of fifths and octaves in the middle of your exercises is too much of a generalization, even in first species. The main purpose of good counterpoint is, as you said, independent lines that are oriented towards the same goal. If your lines, in your opinion, become more independent and "interesting" by occasionally writing fifths or octaves in the middle of your exercise, by all means write them. Just don't overuse them to the point of your counterpoint sounding stagnant or aimless. The only thing that is absolutely forbidden is two octaves or two (perfect) fifths immediately following each other. (Although going to an octave or a fifth by similar motion is also frowned upon in two-voiced first species.)
As for contour and repetition, you have to understand that what you're trying to recreate is the vocal style of art-music of the 16th century, or some more or less tonal approximation thereof. Melodies that contain lots of leaps tend to be awkward to sing (excepting leaps of an octave, which may be used a bit more freely as long as they don't take you out of the voices' range). Also, 16th century composers and listeners prized naturalness and variety above everything else. Which is why repeated notes and sequential figures were used sparingly, and often not at all in the long note durations of first species.
The aesthetic ideal that one has to aim for in writing these first species exercises is long, gently flowing, wave-like melodies, that are easy to sing, while never becoming stagnant, repetitive, or monotonous. This is difficult to achieve in first species (I know all about it), but it is important nonetheless. One often finds that intricate polyphonic music is built around a solid first species "skeleton", decorated with suspensions, diminutions, etc. (Even though experienced composers can usually conceive these decorations simultaneously with the skeleton.)
Hope this helps, and best of luck in your endeavors.
|
Damage from flooding gets worse and more expensive the longer it sits. Even worse, standing water is a potential breeding ground for bacteria that can cause infectious diseases. Quick response time is critical for minimizing health risks to you and your family or co-workers. |
The advent of the digital age has not, it seems, destroyed children's imagination in the playground. Research from the University of Sheffield confirms that the traditional games of tag and Ipi–dipi-dation still remain popular among school children but that modern references in playtime fun are also abundant.
The researchers, who spent two years watching children's playground games, found that children often recreate modern TV shows such as reality series Britain's Got Talent or daytime chat show the Jeremy Kyle Show and play their favourite characters like Simon Cowell and Beyoncé.
"The playground provides an important space for children to engage with how their culture is changing in a digital age," Professor Jackie Marsh said, highlighting the evolution in playtimes across the country.
So how does this change in child's play affect your views about the influence contemporary culture in the playground? What games did you play as a child? Do you think they're still being played in schools today? |
Genotoxicity evaluation of Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang, an herbal formula.
Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang (Huanglianjiedu-tang, Orengedoku-to), a traditional herbal formula, is used for the treatment of inflammatory, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic potential of Hwanglyeonhaedok-tang water extract (HLHDT). A genotoxicity test was conducted using a bacterial reverse mutation test (Ames test), an in vitro chromosome aberration test using Chinese hamster lung cells, and an in vivo micronucleus test using ICR mouse bone marrow. In the Ames test, which used different Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains, HLHDT did not increase the number of revertant colonies of S. typhimurium strains TA98, TA100 and TA1535 as well as E. coli strains with or without S9 mix. However, the number of revertant colonies with the S. typhimurium TA1537 strain and S9 mix increased in a dose-dependent manner. The chromosome aberration test showed that HLHDT did not increase the number of structural or numerical chromosome aberrations in a short-period test (6h) with S9 mix. By contrast, HLHDT significantly increased the number of structural chromosome aberrations in a short-period (6h) or continuous (22h) test without S9 mix. In the micronucleus test, no significant increase was observed in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, and no significant decrease was observed in polychromatic to total erythrocytes. These results indicate that HLHDT might be genotoxic, based on both the Ames and chromosome aberration tests. Therefore, further in vivo studies will be needed to define the mechanism of this genotoxicity. |
Is JIS the new GIS?
Just as some St Lucians, in pronouncing their own language, can wander from G to D, as in glo and dlo, others confuse the pronunciation of G, gee, and J, jay, when spelling words, which is something to bear in mind when reading this a-musing.
The Government Information Service was, as its name declared, a conduit for information that the government felt should be disseminated among the populace. I believe, though I may be wrong, that I have had dealings with every director, or acting director, of the service through the years due to my passion for education. What, after all, is education if not the provision and possible transfer of information?
From the very start, an unpleasant, irritating suspicion has constantly nagged at my mind that the GIS, rather than dealing with Information, was actually disseminating Government propaganda. It was never a question of proving the information the people needed, but rather making sure the populace were fed the information the government of the day decided they needed to have. The government had to be made to look good, which is quite a different matter altogether from disseminating information.
Of course, the fact that each new government got rid of the GIS head and replaced it with one of their own choosing did nothing to allay my suspicions. It looked suspiciously like appointing a mouthpiece of choice: the ultimate Yes-man.
In addition, the Service was always at the beck and call of Ministers eager for exposure. The limited number of cameramen, technicians and reporters meant that if the Minister for Corruption & Bribery, or any other minister, needed coverage, all other coverage stopped for the day.
The month of December, and most of November too, could easily have been erased from the calendar as far as program production was concerned. The GIS was on stand-by for Xmas Greetings & Messages due to the misguided belief among our politicians that the festive season would be ruined for their constituents if they did not receive Christmas Greetings, broadcast nationwide, from their constituency representatives.
I know from personal experience that GIS teams spent many a fruitless hour – perhaps even days – waiting upon busy, busy ministers who were just too busy to get their greetings down on paper; camera shoots were cancelled; appointments were missed; everything was last-minute and chaotic. And you know what? Nobody would have really cared if the ministers had got on with their busy, busy schedules and got their busy, busy work done, and let the GIS function as it was meant to.
And now the GIS has gone to media-heaven – GISRIP – and has been replaced by what, to some, must seem the most cumbersome, illogical, dysfunctional, and cost-ineffective mash-up ever envisioned, sober, inebriated, or high. Ministries will have their own production teams, which means, if these production teams are to function as complete, independent units, a massive increase in office space, transport equipment, cameramen, scriptwriters, producers and editors. These different teams will, of necessity, have to vie for airtime on the television and radio arms of the National Broadcasting Network, which will require a strong central organization to deal with these competing entities. The potential for squabbling is mindboggling.
Then there’s the interesting aspect of the radio arm of the NBN surviving on income from advertising and the television arm being banned from accepting advertising, and being compelled to live off government subsidies and handouts. The new head of NBN, the head of the ersatz GIS, will have to be a strong person with lots of experience in juggling personalities. From what I’ve heard, the person they have in mind – let’s not fool ourselves that the job has been open to honest and fair competition – has no experience in an undertaking of this magnitude, but does have a nice voice, a good smile and, quite possibly, the right political leanings.
But there’s really no need to worry about the success or failure of the NBN. After all, in reality, GIS has already been replaced by JIS, the Jadia Information Service, the real mouthpiece of the government of St Lucia, who is never at a loss for words of praise about her wonderful boss and his inspirational leadership. Now that’s the sort of Real Information a country needs.
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2Nite Magazine TV
You never know where 2Nite Magazine will capture you next. You may very well be the next one 'caught on candid camera' at the next event!! If its HIP and its HAPPENING, then its in 2Nite! Hosted by: Faye-Chantelle Mondesir (Empress Faye) |
Multiple Čerenkov second-harmonic waves in a two-dimensional nonlinear photonic structure.
We report simultaneous generation of multiple conical second-harmonic waves in a two-dimensional nonlinear photonic structure when illuminated by two overlapping noncollinear fundamental beams. We show that this phenomenon is caused by the nonlinear Čerenkov radiation emitted due to the interaction of photons from each constituent fundamental beam as well as the virtual one propagating along the bisector of the two beams. In addition, by studying the asymmetric geometry of the interaction, we uniquely verify the effects of reciprocal vectors on the Čerenkov-type second-harmonic generation in nonlinear photonic structures. |
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Haines Highway Progress Slows
The Haines Highway is a stretch of road north of Haines to the Canadian border and toward Alaska’s Interior. The two-lane road follows a prolific salmon river, travels through the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and crisscrosses Native cultural sites. And while a project to expand the highway has been in the works for years, a recent influx of concern about its impact on the Chilkat Valley has slowed its progress. |
This disclosure relates to an integrated nacelle inlet and metallic fan case.
One type of gas turbine engine includes a fan driven by a core engine. The fan is arranged in a bypass flowpath, which is provided between the core engine and a fan nacelle. The fan nacelle houses a fan containment case that surrounds the fan. The fan containment case supports structure that provides a seal relative to the fan and retains debris during a fan blade-out event.
The fan nacelle also includes a fan nacelle inlet arranged upstream from the fan to provide a smooth entry for airflow into the bypass flowpath. Typically, the fan nacelle inlet has been secured to a metallic fan case by removable means, such as nuts and bolts. In one application, a composite fan case has been used, and the nacelle inlet has been integrated with the composite fan case to provide a unitary composite structure. |
Claire Huangci is a graduate of the Settlement Music School and the Curtis Institute of Music, and is currently a resident artist at the Hannover Hochschule für Musik in Germany, where she pursues a flourishing international concert career.
Ms. Huangci’s program will include preludes of Ludwig van Beethoven, Frédéric Chopin, and Sergei Rachmaninoff. |
[Sepsis: a new look at the problem].
The recent proceedings of congresses and forums on sepsis were used to write this review. The available definitions of sepsis and ideas on its etiology and pathogenesis are critically analyzed. There is information on new concepts of sepsis and data on a search for new targets, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and biomarkers. It is hypothesized that there is a mechanism of action of bacteria on mitochondrial dysfunction and human hormonal regulation with low-molecular weight exometabolites, namely aromatic microbial metabolites. |
Forums
Third Party Debate
So, in case you haven't heard, the First Third Party Debate was running just a few minutes ago, of whom I would prefer Gary Johnson of all, but this isn't about my opinion.
I was curious as to see if anyone else saw it. Did you? Do you support any of the "Other" parties' candidates over Mitt Romney and Barack Obama? If so, why?
If you missed the First one, there will be a second one on Tuesday the 30th.
It will be a debate between the top two as voted on the website Freeandequal.org. That being said, right now the website has crashed due to the amount of people on it at one time so for the moment it will just re-direct you to the expired live stream of the first debate.
So, in case you haven't heard, the First Third Party Debate was running just a few minutes ago, of whom I would prefer Gary Johnson of all, but this isn't about my opinion. \r\n\r\nI was curious as to see if anyone else saw it. Did you? Do you support any of the "Other" parties' candidates over Mitt Romney and Barack Obama? If so, why? \r\n\r\nIf you missed the First one, there will be a second one on Tuesday the 30th. \r\n\r\nIt will be a debate between the top two as voted on the website [url=www.freeandequal.org]Freeandequal.org[/url]. That being said, right now the website has crashed due to the amount of people on it at one time so for the moment it will just re-direct you to the expired live stream of the first debate.
I know I can vote for the lesser evil and try to play a tiny role in getting someone who's views are at least a notch closer to my ideas. But, I would rather vote for good than evil, even if it's apparent doing the right thing will result in failure.
I know my vote won't really matter much, but hell, we need more people to make a statement so we might actually break free of this Conservative/Liberal trap we're in.
I missed the debate. I'll watch it on YouTube at a later point.\r\n\r\nHonestly, I'm voting Gary Johnson. \r\n\r\n[img]http://i45.tinypic.com/1fdcfa.jpg[/img]\r\n\r\nI know I can vote for the lesser evil and try to play a tiny role in getting someone who's views are at least a notch closer to my ideas. But, I would rather vote for good than evil, even if it's apparent doing the right thing will result in failure.\r\n\r\nI know my vote won't really matter much, but hell, we need more people to make a statement so we might actually break free of this Conservative/Liberal trap we're in.
My recommendation is that unless you live in a swing state vote third party. If you live in a swing state it would be better to vote for the lesser evil.
Right now getting a third party in isn't really achievable. This is why it would be better for the deciding states to vote one or the other. Though for the rest of the country, getting enough third party votes could send a strong message and help pave the way for a third party.
My recommendation is that unless you live in a swing state vote third party. If you live in a swing state it would be better to vote for the lesser evil.\r\n\r\nRight now getting a third party in isn't really achievable. This is why it would be better for the deciding states to vote one or the other. Though for the rest of the country, getting enough third party votes could send a strong message and help pave the way for a third party.
Vote for whoever you want to. Call it a lesser evil or anything. Be cynical or jaded. Be armchair critics. But remember that this attitude of viewing all government and state authority as anachronism, atrophy and ossification will only do you harm in the end in a vicious cycle of never trusting the government even by a jolt on any issue.
I'm not swayed by any third party candidate. There will never be a candidate whose views magically coincide with mine. But that doesn't mean I feel coerced into a Liberal/Conservative trap and condemn the whole system. If a candidate's general views overlap with mine, I'm going with him or her.
Vote for whoever you want to. Call it a lesser evil or anything. Be cynical or jaded. Be armchair critics. But remember that this attitude of viewing all government and state authority as anachronism, atrophy and ossification will only do you harm in the end in a vicious cycle of never trusting the government even by a jolt on any issue. \r\n\r\nI'm not swayed by any third party candidate. There will never be a candidate whose views magically coincide with mine. But that doesn't mean I feel coerced into a Liberal/Conservative trap and condemn the whole system. If a candidate's general views overlap with mine, I'm going with him or her.
How I see it, people will vote for Romney or Obama just so that they may keep the greater evil out of office. But think of it this way.
When you vote for Obama or Romney, you're still voting for us to keep this system where liberals and conservatives have a monopoly on our government. If you vote 3rd party, you're voting for real change.
So do you want to vote for Romney/Obama, while also voting to keep us stuck in this system? Or do you want to vote 3rd party and vote for real change (at the cost of allowing a "greater" evil to gain a higher lead)?
How I see it, people will vote for Romney or Obama just so that they may keep the greater evil out of office. But think of it this way.\r\n\r\nWhen you vote for Obama or Romney, you're still voting for us to keep this system where liberals and conservatives have a monopoly on our government. If you vote 3rd party, you're voting for real change.\r\n\r\nSo do you want to vote for Romney/Obama, while also voting to keep us stuck in this system? Or do you want to vote 3rd party and vote for real change (at the cost of allowing a "greater" evil to gain a higher lead)?
After watching the 3rd debate, they don't seem much different, Mitt Romney is playing mirror so it doesn't seem like one would be too different from the other. Neither of them are greater, may as well vote 3rd party to leave a mark earlier instead of wasting time over debating on when.
[quote](at the cost of allowing a "greater" evil to gain a higher lead)?[/quote]\r\n\r\nAfter watching the 3rd debate, they don't seem much different, Mitt Romney is playing mirror so it doesn't seem like one would be too different from the other. Neither of them are greater, may as well vote 3rd party to leave a mark earlier instead of wasting time over debating on when.
I feel like the core of Nemo's point is solid. Don't vote for the lesser of two evils if you believe there's a non-evil option.
I would like to add to it. He did not explicitly state it, but I would like to state the following: If you DON'T consider your preferred mainstream candidate, Obama or Romney, some form of an evil, it's because you're stupid.
I did watch the third party debate. It was HILARIOUS. Definitely not voting for any of those creeps. I should start a "Voting is for Chumps" campaign.
I feel like the core of Nemo's point is solid. Don't vote for the lesser of two evils if you believe there's a non-evil option.\r\n\r\nI would like to add to it. He did not explicitly state it, but I would like to state the following: If you DON'T consider your preferred mainstream candidate, Obama or Romney, some form of an evil, it's because you're stupid.\r\n\r\nI did watch the third party debate. It was HILARIOUS. Definitely not voting for any of those creeps. I should start a "Voting is for Chumps" campaign.
Supporting one over the other is not stupid. There are strong arguments to be made for either. However, LIKING either of them is stupid. If you think Obama is better than Romney, it's because [well-reasoned political view here]. If you think Obama is good and Romney is bad, it's because you're stupid. See the difference?
I didn't call Obama and Romney supporters stupid. Allow me to clarify.\r\n\r\nSupporting one over the other is not stupid. There are strong arguments to be made for either. However, LIKING either of them is stupid. If you think Obama is better than Romney, it's because [well-reasoned political view here]. If you think Obama is good and Romney is bad, it's because you're stupid. See the difference?
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Transition and adaptation to adoptive motherhood.
This article reviews research on the adaptation and transition to motherhood for women who adopt children, with the goal of identifying implications for clinical practice. Relevant articles focusing on the early transitions to adoptive motherhood were identified by searching electronic databases. Evidence on the preadoptive and early postadoptive periods was evaluated. The concepts identified by researchers and the women's feelings they described are discussed. Overall, the process of adaptation to motherhood was very similar, but adoptive parents reported unique emotions and concerns in the transition to parenthood. By understanding these findings, nurses can help support adoptive mothers' continued success in navigating stressful and uncertain paths to motherhood. |
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Lagunitas Brewing founder on branding and hops (videos)
(Petaluma, CA) – Lagunitas Brewing Co. founder, Tony Magee, is featured in a couple new videos up on MSNBC.com. We’ve embedded them here for your convenience.
Across the three clips totaling less than ten minutes in run time, Magee shares some background on Lagunitas, recounts the story of a failed beer from the past and the booming interest in aroma hops. Unclear on whether these clips will be televised to a national audience… |
extern int func1(void);
extern int func2(void);
extern int func3(void);
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# a lightly-colored, well-readable newsbeuter color scheme
color listnormal black white
color listfocus white blue bold
color info white red bold
color background black white
color article black white
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In a major victory for California families,state officials announced this week they will prohibit the use of chlorpyrifos, a neurotoxic pesticide linked to permanent brain damage in young children.Gov. Newsom also announced funding to help farmers transition to safer alternatives. The process is expected to take from six months to two years.
With this decision, California becomes the third state to ban chlorpyrifos, following Hawaii and New York. This is also the first time the Golden State canceled the registration of a currently-used pesticide.
“We applaud this courageous act from Gov. Newsom. This is a huge victory for California’s children, who were put at risk by dangerous exposure to the pesticide through air and water pollution and from residues on food.
“The timing for this announcement is particularly appropriate because we’ve entered the chlorpyrifos spraying season in the San Joaquin Valley. With nearly a million pounds of this pesticide used annually on crops coming from California agriculture alone, eradicating this awful practice will save children from contact with this chemical and, in turn, save lives.”
“While we are grateful for these changes, we still have work to do. This new restriction on chlorpyrifos is not expected to fully remove the pesticide from the farming process for months -- or even years. So, with the state confirming that the chemical is too dangerous to use in any amount, we will look for careful oversight until then as babies and children continue to be vulnerable until this process is complete.” |
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad tells CNN's Jake Tapper that Ted Cruz and Bernie Sanders have momentum in Iowa, but he cautioned the caucus is still anyone's game.
Source: CNN |
Chemicals of interest have been tested for mutagenicity using a number of Salmonella tester strains. The chemicals studied this year, or being studied, were diethylstilbestrol (DES), sodium bisulfite (SB), sodium azide, halothane, a series of nitrosamines, and pyrene. DES has yielded negative results in all mutation assay systems used. SB, an antioxidant, has been shown to be mutagenic at low pH, and the mutagenicity was bacterial strain-specific. Sodium azide, a known mutagen, and widely used as a positive control in the Salmonella assays, can form a volatile mutagen. This study was done in order to show if production of the volatile mutagen can interfere with the results on plates not containing azide but in the same incubator as plates with azide. The benzo(a)pyrene analog, pyrene, which up to now has given inconsistent mutagenicity data, was tested with a newly constructed Salmonella strain TA97 as well as some of the others. |
Pediatric HIV infection: immune and viral evaluation.
Advances in laboratory methods have driven improvements in the management and treatment of HIV infection. The methods to accurately and rapidly diagnose HIV infection in infants and children have been outlined in the previous article. In this review, the laboratory evaluation of infected children is described and methods to monitor progression of disease and response to therapy outlined. |
Q:
Is it possible to get custom message while closing Rstudio?
I have multiple workstations where I sync R project code on github. I want to get an alert to commit and push my code in github before closing R studio.
I found ways to get customized alert messages in case of browsers mostly useful in case of jscript, java query coding but I do not find any option for Rstudio .
I do not have remote server access so once I forget to commit my code having access to code on a different workstation is difficult. Hence, I want to customize an alert while closing R Studio and leaving the current workstation.
here are few examples
Execute function before refresh
A:
Yes. You need to build a function called .Last This is documented on the help page ?q. .Last will be run when you quit. Note that R will exit after .Last has completed unless .Last throws an error, so if you want a chance to go back and save your work, you will probably want to call stop() in your function if you have not saved your work. A simple example might be:
.Last <- function() {
cat("Did you remember to save to Git?\n")
flush.console()
while(TRUE) {
response <- readline(prompt="Did you save to Git? ")
if(grepl("Y", response, ignore.case=TRUE)) {
cat("OK. Bye\n")
return()
} else {
if(grepl("N", response, ignore.case=TRUE)) {
cat("Better save\n")
stop()
} else {
cat("Please answer Yes or No\n")
flush.console() }
}
}
}
|
President greets people on the eve of Easter
New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee today greeted people on the eve of Easter, saying hatred and violence should not find any place in our thoughts.
In his message, Mukherjee said the sacred day of Easter is a constant reminder of Jesus Christ’s endless love for humanity.
“As we celebrate Christ’s resurrection, may his teachings inspire each one of us to follow his ideals of love, truth, sacrifice and forgiveness. Let hatred and violence find no place in our thoughts. May the humanism which Jesus Christ stood for always guide our path,” he said. |
Cindy
When looking for a doctor, Cindy looks for a clean modern atmosphere that has a friendly staff supporting a physician with many years of experience in practice. She enjoys working in the medical industry because she is given the opportunity to help patients in an industry that is constantly changing, bringing something new daily.
Her best features involve her strong work ethic, knowing that whenever she sets a goal, nothing will stop her from accomplishing it. When asking Cindy to describe her best personal accomplishments, she responds by referring to her family and her personal growth in the Gupta Gastro Team.
"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obsticle." - Christian D. Larson |
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Document Cloud and Underscore.js
Guests
Jeremy Ashkenas is the Lead Developer at DocumentCloud about their effort to revolutionize the way media organizations gather news. Jeremy discusses their open source projects CloudCrowd, Underscore.js, and JAMMIT that they've released along the way. |
Heat sinking devices may be coupled to a heat generating device, such as a power electronics device, to remove heat and lower the maximum operating temperature of the heat generating device. Cooling fluid may be used to receive heat generated by the heat generating device by convective thermal transfer, and remove such heat from the heat generating device. For example, a jet of cooling fluid may be directed such that it impinges a surface of the heat generating device. Another way to remove heat from a heat generating device is to couple the device to a finned heat sink made of a thermally conductive material, such as aluminum.
However, as power electronics are designed to operate at increased power levels and generate increased corresponding heat flux due to the demands of newly developed electrical systems, conventional heat sinks are unable to adequately remove the heat flux to effectively lower the operating temperature of the power electronics to acceptable temperature levels.
Accordingly, a need exists for alternative jet impingement heat exchangers and methods to cool heat generating devices. |
The commerce of ideas: Internets and Intranets.
Academic physicians pride themselves on their intelligent use of medical technology, their innovativeness, and their ability to market their excellence to the public. Although this pride is extraordinarily justified in the areas of clinical medicine, biomedical research, and health sciences education, academic physicians have less reason to be proud of their accomplishments in the area of information management. In years past, a lack of attention to coherent information management had few consequences so long as there were foci of excellence in clinical disciplines, libraries, core research laboratories, and selected training programs. But the widespread adoption of network-based communications has changed both the priorities of faculty and the information infrastructure necessary to maintain a competitive advantage. In the arena of health care information technology, many medical centers have chosen indiscriminate consumption over focused leadership. This essay speculates on how technologies based on the World Wide Web (WWW) may affect academic medicine through both the greater penetration of the Internet and a wider use of internal "intranets." The Internet is transforming the landscape of biomedical publishing, biomedical education, and the hospital library. The intranet is becoming a vital means of providing documents to support the administration of academic medicine and, in many circumstances, the delivery of patient-specific information. Although there is great potential for transformation, many academic medical centers have not yet fully demonstrated either the wisdom to advance a great information-technology vision or the will necessary to turn a vision into a coherent plan of action. |
Evaluation of Moisturizing Effect of Heparinoid Ointment (Hirudoid Soft Ointment) Diluted by White Petrolatum (Propeto).
Steroid ointments are frequently mixed with moisturizer. It was reported that steroid ointments mixed with moisturizer increase permeability. There are only few studies done on the permeability of the moisturizer. We researched moisturizing effect of heparinoid ointment (Hirudoid Soft ointment) diluted with white petrolatum (Propeto) on the dry skin models by measuring water content of stratum. Two to four fold dilution of Hirudoid to white petrolatum resulted in a significant decrease in the moisturizing effect of the active ingredient. There was no significant difference in moisturizing effect between four times diluted mixture and white petrolatum alone. This leads to the conclusion that steroid ointment mixture with moisturizer is frequently used, but we should take more caution regarding the decrease of moisturizing effect. |
If you add a portrait image to your asset catalogue and use it in an NSImageView, it gets rotated. The preview is fine, it’s fine if you add it to your project otherwise or load it from file; but from an asset catalogue, it fails. |
Q:
What's Wrong With my Page?
What's up with those scrollbars? This isn't the first time this has happened.
For clarification, the issue here is that the horizontal and vertical scrollbars are about an inch thicker than they are supposed to be.
It was like this for about a week, a week or two ago, and then it just went back to normal. It's doing it again now.
I'm using Chrome.
A:
There seems to be an intermittent issue with Chrome where this happens. I haven't been able to determine what the cause is, but unmaximizing the browser window, and then maximizing it again seems to clear up the problem.
|
[Epithelial cyst in the central nervous system--characteristic expression of cytokeratin].
Twenty one cases of epithelial cysts in the central nervous system including six colloid cysts of the third ventricle, eight Rathke's cleft cysts in the sella, two enterogenous cysts in the posterior fossa, two epithelial cysts in the spinal canal and three neuroectodermal cysts in the cerebrum were examined immunohistochemically for expression of intermediate filamentous proteins-simple type, stratified type and skin type cytokeratins and GFAP. Colloid cysts of the third ventricle. Rathke's cleft cysts in the sella and epithelial cysts in the spinal canal expressed complexed type cytokeratins while enterogenous cysts and neuroectodermal cysts showed only simple type cytokeratins. In addition, several Rathke's cleft cysts demonstrated skin type differentiation and expressed GFAP in occasional lining cells. The characteristic composition and distribution of cytokeratins in various kinds of epithelial cysts in the central nervous system are demonstrated and discussed with regards to their origins. |
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Technique Technique
Impact Impact
I absolutely love the detail on this. You may not think this is the best however let me tell you, this is pretty awesome. This is filled with a bunch of positive and only one negative. The only remotely not good thing is that I've seen this concept before with the night/space dragon. In fact, I'm doing one myself right now, not nearly as awesome as this though and thats where the positive comes in. Even as a popular idea, you have pulled this off in a way I haven't seen before. This is really great.I love how you incorporated the stars into his skin and spines. I love the uneven spines and I actually really don't mind that his wings are smaller. Typically I stress the importance or larger wings to support weight, but as you have already said, they don't have to and as long as you still draw the wings well, any size looks good. Here, you have proven that small wings can look just as great as large wings. Your anatomy here really is great.I quite like the design on his legs and shoulder. I also find the brush strokes and shading on the face and body to be very eye pleasing. Another eye pleasing detail was the choice to do the line art in something other than black and not only that, but you chose to allow the color of the line art to vary and change depending on whats going on around that area of the drawing. The red lines on the neck spines and the wings versus the pale lines on the tail.Lastly, my other favorite part? The lime green belly. Not only is lime green my favorite color (Yeah, yeah, biased, I know) but I think that the lime green really fits in this picture on this dragon with these other colors in the picture. I think purple or red would have been too monotonous and boring for the picture, so I think the green really makes it pop. |
Q:
Login to SharePoint Website Using Angular
All users to get connected to My SharePoint Website needs specific username and password. Is there any way to login to my SharePoint website by an Angular login page?
A:
You would need to use a Trusted Identity Provider (also referred as Custom Security Token Service) to achieve single sign-on in SharePoint for FBA.
Details are available here:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/sharepointdevelopersupport/creating-a-custom-identity-provider-and-integrating-with-sharepoint-to-achieve-single-sign-on-with-fba-across-multiple-web-applications
|
Sample-specific and ensemble-averaged magnetoconductance of individual single-wall carbon nanotubes.
We discuss magnetotransport measurements on individual single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with low contact resistance, performed as a function of temperature and gate voltage. We find that the application of a magnetic field perpendicular to the tube axis results in a large magnetoconductance of the order of e2/h at low temperature. We demonstrate that this magnetoconductance consists of a sample-specific and of an ensemble-averaged contribution, both of which decrease with increasing temperature. The observed behavior resembles very closely the behavior of more conventional multichannel mesoscopic wires, exhibiting universal conductance fluctuations and weak localization. A theoretical analysis of our experiments will enable us to reach a deeper understanding of phase-coherent one-dimensional electronic motion in SWNTs. |
Louis Freeh’s next task: Investigating the Saints
this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; As we noted last month, Saints owner Tom Benson has hired Freeh to conduct a top-to-bottom investigation of the Saints, focusing both on the accusation that Saints G.M. Mickey Loomis rigged his box at the Superdome to allow him to ...
As we noted last month, Saints owner Tom Benson has hired Freeh to conduct a top-to-bottom investigation of the Saints, focusing both on the accusation that Saints G.M. Mickey Loomis rigged his box at the Superdome to allow him to eavesdrop on opposing coaches, and on the bounty case. |
Q:
How to specify device when running an iOS React Native project in IntelliJ IDEA
I have a basic React Native project setup in IntelliJ IDEA IDE. When I hit "Run" it runs on iOS Simulator without asking which device to run on, but I want to run it on a physical device.
A:
Did this by adding a device argument in the run configuration.
Goto -> Run(on toolbar) -> Select the project -> add "--device [DEVICE_NAME]" to the "Run arguments" field, click apply/Ok and you're good to go.
screenshot of the window
PS : To know or change the name of your physical iPhone, on the iPhone goto Settings -> General -> About, and the name should be there.
Also, if you want to check if your mac can see your plugged in device, run "instruments -s devices" in the terminal to see all devices connected including simulators.
|
Q:
Why should a testdatabase be created/deleted when testing?
I have been assigned with testing a mongodb database from a java backend. I got told that I had to create a database completely utilizing a script for this task.
But I have difficulties understanding the benefit of creating a database from scratch with a script, instead of having a permanent test database. Where I imagine data should be inserted on startup and cleaned on teardown in both cases.
Why is it beneficial from a testing perspective to creating and deleting a database when testing?
A:
Sometimes tests fail and therefore it may happen that the teardown phase will never be reached.
Furthermore, deleting a database is the fastest and most effective way to clean it, although perhaps not the most efficient way to do so. But it guarantees that you do not forget something in your cleanup routine.
And in particular for performance tests it is important that the database is in exact the same state for each run, otherwise the run times cannot be compared with each other: an improvement in a consecutive run could have been caused just because tablespaces were already increased or similar things, and not because the code optimisation worked …
|
MOBILE OPERATORS in Tajikistan
mno.tel
MOBILE TELECOM OPERATORS in Tajikistan
USSD dot TEL , powered by .TEL technology is the ultimate mobile friendly directory of USSD codes available to mobile subscribers, or inbound roamers, to access to more advanced telecom services, VAS, Social Network Services or other OTT services provided by mobile operators over their network. |
Slug (Marvel)
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Slug is a villain from Marvel comics and a very large individual who has learned to use his mass for devastating effect.
History
Slug was a powerful drug lord whose full history and origin remain unknown. Slug first came into conflict with the heroes Captain America and Nomad, as the two heroes raided Slug's luxury yacht. Nomad was already beginning to use excessive force at this time, and Nomad assumed that Slug perished when his yacht exploded in the battle.
He first came to Spider-Man's attention when the crime-fighter intercepted some of Slug's operatives who were attempting to murder a drug-pusher named Santos. Spider-Man discovered a large supply of cocaine along with enough evidence to link it to both Slug and a Latverian arms-deal scandal. However the supply of drugs and the evidence were destroyed by agents of the villainous High Evolutionary.
The Slug was later pursued by Poison, who ultimately confronted him at his estate but allowed him to live.
His next appearance came at the meeting of the underworld crime syndicates, wherein the empire of the fallen Kingpin of Crime was being divided among the leading criminal powers. The proceedings were broken up by Nomad, Daredevil and the Punisher. The Slug was apprehended by the heroes, but it is not clear if he was taken into police custody, or simply escaped after their departure.
Later, the Slug was a target of Nomad's, who had been programmed to kill him by the evil psychiatrist Dr. Faustus. Captain America intervened, and the Slug again managed an escape.
The Slug was imprisoned on "the Raft," a high security holding facility built especially to hold super villains. Slug later broke out of the Raft and joined the Hood's criminal empire. He helped them fight the New Avengers, but was taken down by Dr. Strange.
As Hood's crime syndicate were questioning one of a group of Skrulls that had tried to take Madame Masque, it was discovered that Slug was a Skrull in disguise. As a result, the Skrull posing as Slug was killed by the Hood. The others wondered when Slug had been replaced.
Those replaced during the "Secret Invasion" were found at the end of the battle by Iron Man, as the Skrulls had kept the individuals they replaced alive for use in their plans.
The real Slug is later seen as part of the Hood's criminal gang that is sent by Norman Osborn to attack the New Avengers.
Powers and Abilities
The Slug's body is so terribly obese that it was difficult to penetrate enough fat to strike his vital organs. Also, Slug had mastered the rather grotesque talent of suffocating opponents in the folds of his flesh. |
Tag: dialog
Yeah, that’s bullshit. I dropped a day and didn’t need to if I’d planned better. Though I did fish longer than I’d anticipated. And then there were the Christmas lights to take down. This week of writing has not gone the way I’d hoped but it’s right in line with how I planned. Since I didn’t plan, I can say that with high accuracy.
You got a prime berthing but you still have to walk a bit to the showers since you’re not the first to get stowed. Some weasly functionary in dockworker whites waits for you at the end of the gangway near the doorway to the pilot’s lounge. He’s eyeballed every other pilot coming in and stopped once his eyes met yours. That you could take him in a fight doesn’t enter into your mind, but you do wonder what he wants. You hope he’s not been sent as a recreational sex apology.
“Excuse ma’am…err…miss,” he asks. You pretend not to know he’s addressing you and walk on by. He’s prepared for this and good at being weasly. He smoothly matches your step and grabs your wheelie to help.
“I just want a shower. Can it wait?” you ask.
“Yes and no.” He thrusts a card into view for you to take; you don’t. He continues wrangling with the wheelie trying to gain control; you don’t let him win. After several more steps and no explanation of the card you pull up short and exasperated.
“Sorry. It’s an upgrade for the lounge. It won’t get you away from the xenos but you won’t have to wait for a hot shower. Newer towels and even a massuere.” He abandons his useless grasp on the wheelie to talk with his hands.
“Thanks.” You snatch it from him and head off to the showers. Leaving him in your wake.
“Ma’am!” There must be more than the upgrade.
“Call me Bonnie. And keep walking if you want me to listen.”
His black hair manages to make a dockworker buzz look stylish, but he’s too skinny and his eyes too small. As weasly as he is, he’s still attractive—but too young. He hurries to catch up.
The four day stale snow covered the land like a tattered blanket or corpses on a battle plain. Overnight chill froze the horse-trod slush in the roadway and crusted the still white lumps under the shadowed firs. The sun may have risen or it may still be mired in the horizon. Either way, grey clouds had hammered the earth shut in a dim lit coffin.
Back from the empty serf-road Jora squated to see below the branch-line. A small dark-metalled dagger appeared in her hand. If you hadn’t been just hovering over the narrator’s shoulder you’d be dead now. Jora ranged ahead of her three sisters scouting. Sometimes she waited for them to catch up and sometimes she traveled back to them. She waited.
In this weather Jora’s ears picked out voices in the distance with preternatural ease but the clarity cheated distances and timing. Jessa, Jemma, and Jia arrived later than Jora anticipated. Jia clomped down the road because she just didn’t give a shit. She could kick your ass if needed too.
Jora scowled at Jia. The youngest sister gave Jora the finger but hushed her tromping and jumped the ditch to join the other three gathered in the grass and frost.
“Maybe the gypsies will share their coffee. Right now you need to hush,” Jessa said, “How far to the camp? I’ve been smelling their cookfires for a while now.”
“Just over the hill. They’ve split the road and put up a shop or two. Jia can get her coffee and some food from what I saw,” Jora said.
“Strange. They know something we don’t?” asked Jessa.
“Must.”
“Or they don’t know something we do,” said Jemma.
Jia snorted. “Let’s just get something to eat. I could have eaten last night’s rabbit myself.”
No one looked to Jessa for leadership, but they waited for her assent. “Fine, but don’t stuff yourselves. Be alert. We should have found Crotter by now. And you,” Jessa tapped the hilt of Jora’s concealed blade, “eat last and keep watch.”
“I’ll second,” said Jia.
If you’re thinking this is a trap then you’re thinking the same as all four women, but they’re hungry and confident. And gypsies are fun.
“Fine morning, I feel,” she said then sipped her milk-tamed Purple tea. Madrigar looked up from his sweeping and smiled. After a considerable pause during which she finished her private thoughts and suspected he was doing the same she heard him agree with a considered hum.
She laughed to herself at his response. They’d been exchanging similar quiet conversation each morning all Spring since she’d been installed here at the west entrance to Run Dark Alley. “You always agree with me Old Man.”
“I would not agree if you were not correct miss.”
“But you always agree. Am I always correct?”
“Always.”
Musi lifted her tea to Madrigar as a question. He nodded so she raised the large porceline cup again as a second question. He shook his head and pointed to the stack of smaller clear glasses on her counter.
“This Drangee Purple may be dark but it is also mild. You could drink two this size and still take your afternoon nap.”
“I like to watch the colors swirl while I drink,” then after scratching his forehead, “I’m doing my tallies; not napping.”
She winked away his lie. “I could pour it into one of the pinters I use for the ices?” |
The Sunday Cafe - Magic Talk
Reflecting on Lockdown: Did we act quick enough? Prof Michael Baker comments as we went into our first ever lockdown |
Downtown State Street
Downtown State Street is the ideal location to grab a bite to eat at Johnny’s or Aperitivo or catch a movie at Bow Tie Cinema. It’s also home to the nationally renowned Proctors Theater. So, where should you park? Consider our Center City lot or the Schenectady Municipal Parking Garage around the corner on Broadway. |
Tyrosine hydroxylase-, neurotensin-, or cholecystokinin-containing neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii send projection fibers to the nucleus accumbens in the rat.
A double-labeling method combining the retrograde tracing of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with the immunocytochemical technique was used in the present study. The results suggest that the neurons containing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), neurotensin (NT) or cholecystokinin (CCK) in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) of the rat send their axons to the nucleus accumbens bilaterally with ipsilateral dominance. HRP-TH, HRP-NT or HRP-CCK double-labeled cell bodies were mainly located in the medial and the commissural subnucleus of the NTS. HRP-TH double-labeled cells were the largest in number, followed by HRP-NT cells, with HRP-CCK cells present in the lowest numbers. |
This proposal to study the control of ion fluxes across the membranes of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and sarcolemma is intended to provide basic information regarding the pathogenesis and therapy of heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias. Specific projects will examine the effects of fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives on Ca fluxes across the SR, effects of nucleotides on Ca transport and release by the SR, mechanisms of caffeine effects on the SR, and the possible role of protein-protein interactions in the control of Ca influx and efflux in the SR. These and other projects would allow the continuation of studies, now underway, that are directed to aiding in the development of a systematic description of normal and abnormal mechanisms controlling transmembrane ion fluxes in the heart. |
Q:
Javascript: Push Filtered Array to Existing Array
I have a small todo app here:
http://jsfiddle.net/ccLm46sn/
Two arrays, one contains completed tasks, the other archived tasks.
Whenever I execute the function archiveCompleted I want all completed tasks to be pushed on to the array with the archived tasks and the completed array then deleted.
Something like this:
this.tasks.archived.push({
this.tasks.current.filter(function(task) {
return task.completed;
});
});
But it does not work.
This here works fine, by overwriting the archived array with the completed array:
this.tasks.archived = this.tasks.current.filter(function(task) {
return task.completed;
});
But I don't want to overwrite the archived array, just to push into that:
Here is the fiddle: http://jsfiddle.net/ccLm46sn/
A:
You can change your function like this:
this.tasks.archived.push.apply(this.tasks.archived,
this.tasks.current.filter(function(task) {
return task.completed;
}));
.apply is used to combine arrays here is a working fiddle
A:
Use concat to merge the the archived tasks with the completed ones.
// assigns to the archived object the completed tasks object
var completedTasks = this.tasks.current.filter(function(task) {
return task.completed;
});
this.tasks.archived = this.tasks.archived.concat(completedTasks);
Working fiddle
|
CALGARY – Two Alberta NHL teams and their fans are trying to heal after a devastating game that was marred by unexpected violence and childish name calling last night in Calgary.
The game, dubbed ‘The Friendly Meeting of Alberta,’ started peacefully after the ceremonial puck was dropped marking the NHL’s Head Injury Awareness Week, but the pacifist Canadian sport was ripped apart by players who turned into agitated beasts.
“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” said an Oilers fans who also loves and appreciates Calgary as a team. “I screamed at the television for Matthew [Tkachuk] and Ethan [Bear] to stop and think about how they’re disappointing all of us. This kind of toxic masculinity has no place in the game.”
Fans attempted to discourage the line brawl by shaming them with silence while others turned their heads in disgust.
“I thought [goaltenders] Mike Smith and Cam Talbot were removing their gloves and helmet to shake hands in a sign of sportsmanship and goodwill towards their teams,” said a horrified Flames fan who just wants everyone to have fun at games. “Couldn’t they have just used their words and talk things out like adults?”
The two hockey communities will now have a long road back to an amicable relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and peaceful cooperation. |
Poverty and Crime Conditions Little Better for Roma Immigrants in Germany
Seeking a better life and a future for their children, tens of thousands of Roma have come to Germany in recent years. They hope to escape the poverty and marginalization they experience in their home countries, but they remain outsiders in their new home too. The resulting problems are keeping police and social workers busy. |
Will Some of Heath's Joker Scenes Be... Bagged?
Unlike The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Heath Ledger completed his scenes for The Dark Knight before his shocking death. But one of the first questions to pop up in the aftermath was how this would affect the film -- could viewers stomach his portrayal in the same way? It's impossible to eradicate thoughts of his death from the mind as the news continues to grow and audiences finally break through the doors to see for themselves.
However, according to Cinema Blend, there have already been screenings, and they've presented problems for the dark and sure-to-be-awesome film. One scene in particular has been bothering audiences to the point that it might be completely removed from the film.
Hit the jump to find out more, but move on if you want no details about the brief scene. |
namespace ClassLib128
{
public class Class064
{
public static string Property => "ClassLib128";
}
}
|
An account of the management of a potential environmental/medical crisis by a local health department.
This paper is an account of what steps were necessary in the epidemiological and medical investigation of an alleged cyanide outbreak by a local health department. It details, in chronological sequence, the events, groups, and individuals who impacted a situation which, at various points, caused considerable anxiety in the community. |
package com.faforever.client.remote;
import com.faforever.client.api.dto.AchievementState;
import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
public class UpdatedAchievement {
private String achievementId;
private AchievementState currentState;
private Integer currentSteps;
private boolean newlyUnlocked;
public String getAchievementId() {
return achievementId;
}
public void setAchievementId(String achievementId) {
this.achievementId = achievementId;
}
public AchievementState getCurrentState() {
return currentState;
}
public void setCurrentState(AchievementState currentState) {
this.currentState = currentState;
}
@Nullable
public Integer getCurrentSteps() {
return currentSteps;
}
public void setCurrentSteps(@Nullable Integer currentSteps) {
this.currentSteps = currentSteps;
}
public boolean getNewlyUnlocked() {
return newlyUnlocked;
}
public void setNewlyUnlocked(boolean newlyUnlocked) {
this.newlyUnlocked = newlyUnlocked;
}
}
|
Want to wear stilettos? There's an app for that
Learning to walk in stiletto heels is difficult, as App World! editor Mac Buck found out before his divorce when his then wife insisted he spend a day in her shoes.
"Fraze's heels were a bit tight," admitted Buck. "But that was nothing compared to trying to stay upright in them. I nearly twisted an ankle."
Fortunately, Buck downloaded the iBalance app from the Japanese App company, Kimono Apps.
"This app was a life saver," said Buck. "Well, maybe it didn't save my life, and it certainly couldn't save my marriage. However, it did save my ankles."
The app uses the sensitive accelerometer to make sure that the person holding it keeps their centre of gravity perfectly balanced using a visual display on the screen. As the person starts to wobble, the bubble moving on the screen moves away from the central spot allowing the app owner to correct their balance before they fall.
"It was originally developed for the elderly," said Buck. "It helps them keep their balance as they go through their daily routines. However, it proved difficult to sell to the elderly as they generally can't use anything more technologically advanced than a ball point pen. Additionally, constantly looking at the screen with their eyesight proved impractical."
Instead, Kimono Apps marketed the app at gymnasts and other younger people for whom balance was important.
"I'd imagine it would be a life saver if you had to cross between two sky scrapers on a high wire," said Buck. "Or, as in my case, learn how to walk in four inch heels before lunch time."
As it turned out, spending a day in his wife's shoes did not save Buck's marriage.
"When she saw me wearing her shoes," said Buck, sadly, "she was livid! Apparently, it wasn't what she meant at all. If anything, it was the final straw in our marriage."
Make IainB's day - give this story five thumbs-up (there's no need to register, the thumbs are just down there!)
More fake news stories
Pasadena, California - Scientists studying new imagery from the crashed Rosetta probe have described Comet 67P as an enormous chunk of artificial masonry, part of the legendary - and exclusive! - Royal Martian Crematorium, a sort of ancient alien Cre...
NASA experts, have concluded that this universe was created by advanced life forms that live outside of the universe.
"We have found conclusive evidence of their existence," said Ellen Stofan, NASA chief scientist.
While mission control, was c...
Researchers at Trent University have found a way to reach back in time and listen to ancient civilizations in their most public and private moments.
This startling breakthrough comes shortly after researchers at MIT learned how to "hear" through...
In a press release today, the Cleveland Clinic in conjunction with several other teaching hospitals around the country announced that they had successfully implanted I-Pads in human fetus!
"What is amazing," said Dr. T. J. McCorkle of The Clevela...
Siberia, Russia - An ancient Siberian mummy has tested positive for a cute cannabis deficiency.
MRI scans reveal it 'dislocated her joints' and blew her skull wide open high up in the Altai Mountains circa BC500.
The remains were discovered p...
Scienceville, CA-Scientists were shocked to find, after years of study, out that the atmosphere of the planet Venus is healthier than the atmosphere on Earth.
The atmosphere of Venus, which is primarily Carbon Dioxide (CO2) with traces of Nitroge...
Theoretical planet, Planet X is again making headlines despite the fact that there are curious discoveries on other real, existing planetary bodies.
Planet X, also known as Nibiru (another cool sounding alias), is an undiscovered enormous planet...
Many early adopters of Apple's new iPhone6 are finding the lightweight aluminum frame combined with a tight pants pocket can actually cause the phone to bend.
Users are noticing bending near more vulnerable spots, such as near the side-buttons. |
Kobol language
Kobol, or Koguman, is a Papuan language of Madang Province, Papua New Guinea.
References
Category:Tibor–Omosa languages
Category:Languages of Papua New Guinea
Category:Languages of Madang Province |
LILA LOVES IT brush shorthair
Details:
Taking care of fur requires regular brushing and combing. Brushing removes both shedding fur and dirt and protects longer fur from tangles and knotting. The skin is gently massaged in the process. Our brushes, made of oiled beech wood, fit hands optimally and are held by a flexible strap on the back of the brush. The functionality mimics brushes used in equestrian sports related care. The brush placed flat in the hand, allows the pressure and intensity of the brushing to be applied properly. Our short hair brush is especially suited to maintain the fur’s shine and remove dirt and contaminants due to the brass bristles incorporated in the design. The pleasant massaging effect provided by the brushing is an additional benefit, especially for younger dogs and puppies. Regular brushing not only results in healthier and shiny fur, it likewise maintains and strengthens the bond between animals and their human care givers. |
[Listrophorus gibbus, a fur mite in domestic rabbits (author's transl)].
A case of infection with the fur mite of domestic rabbits, Listrophorus gibbus, is reported. Possible methods of treatment of individual rabbits as well as of colonies of rabbits are reviewed. The presence of Listrophorus gibbus in conjunction with Cheyletiella parasitivorax is also discussed. |
The ovine nasal mucosa: an alternative tissue site for mucosal immunization.
The ovine nasal mucosal environment has histological and ultrastructural features that resemble well-known inductive sites of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. In the present study, the nasal mucosa was assessed as a potential mucosal tissue site for delivering vaccines to sheep. Sheep were immunized by either injection with the model antigen, Keyhole Limpet Haemocyanin (KLH), and aluminium hydroxide gel (alum) or by aerosol spray with KLH with and without cholera toxin (CT). Sheep immunized by injection with KLH/alum and aerosol spray with KLH/CT induced strong anti-KLH IgG and IgA serum antibody responses as well as specific T cell memory. Anti-KLH IgG1 responses were significantly higher following immunization by injection and no significant differences in anti-KLH IgG2 responses were detected between groups. Sheep immunized with KLH by aerosol spray without CT did not produce serum antibody and T cell memory responses. Antibody-secreting cells were present in the parotid lymph nodes (draining lymph nodes) of sheep immunized with KLH/alum and KLH/CT, but secreted only Ag-specific IgG1, and not IgG2 or IgA. These results suggest that aerosolization of soluble antigen formulations with CT may provide an alternative method of delivering nasal vaccines to sheep and other large animal species, and that further improvements in antigen penetration of nasal tissues may dramatically improve the strength of the immune response. |
TE Gates Sounds Like He Won’t Play vs Miami Sunday
Chargers tight end Antonio Gates learned nothing new from a visit with a foot specialist on Tuesday according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Gates sat out Wednesday’s practice and when asked if his ailing foot could conceivably allow him to play this week against the Miami Dolphins, Gates thought for a moment and then grimaced.
“It’d be difficult,” he said. “… But who’s to say? In a span of two or three days, I’ve seen miracles happen with my body. I’m always in the gameplan, always studying. Who knows? There is a big difference between Wednesday and Sunday.” |
Use GitHub Gists for Permanent Static Image Hosting - philshem
https://gist.github.com/remarkablemark/feff40b0a522f0c41c4eff0b77ea1d47
======
philshem
I find it a clever way to host images for a GitHub repo Readme.md - without
needing an images folder inside the repository.
|
Counseling adolescents with congenital heart disease.
Adolescents with congenital heart disease need information regarding their cardiac condition and health care needs, including any life-style implications of the cardiac diagnosis. Pertinent topics to be addressed include preventive health care needs, physical activity (recreational and vocational considerations), pregnancy and contraception issues, and psychosocial stresses of adolescents. Sensitive counseling and health education by nurses can promote the physical health and psychosocial adaptation of adolescents with congenital heart disease. |
Q:
How To check if an attribute exists at runtime on a NSManagedObject subclass
How to check if an attribute exists for a particular entity at runtime. I will implement a property named dateAddStamp, but not all entities have this attribute. This class will serve as a base for other entity's classes... So I want to check at runtime If I can call [self setPrimitiveValue:xxx forKey:xxx] or not...
Thanks.
A:
BOOL hasFoo = [[myObject.entity propertiesByName] objectForKey:@"foo"] != nil;
A:
in swift
let hasFoo = myObject.entity.propertiesByName.keys.contains("foo")
A:
In order to improve omz's answer, you should also check if the property is an attribute (and not a relationship named @"foo") :
BOOL hasFoo = ( [[myObject.entity propertiesByName] objectForKey:@"foo"] != nil
&& ([[[myObject.entity propertiesByName] objectForKey:key] isKindOfClass:[NSAttributeDescription class]]) )
|
Hillary Clinton's anti-Catholic campaign chairman, John Podesta, and her anti-Catholic communications director, Jennifer Palmieri, both claim Catholic status. Some are defending them from the accusation that they are anti-Catholic, arguing that Catholics cannot be anti-Catholic.
Now we have John Halpin, Podesta's left-wing associate, expressing umbrage at the mere suggestion that he, a Catholic, is anti-Catholic.
Invoking one's religious credentials to deflect charges of bigotry is a failed strategy. Bigotry is defined by one's words and deeds, having nothing to do with the demographic characteristics of the bigot.
In an email Halpin sent to Podesta and Palmieri, Halpin criticized Fox News Corp CEO Rupert Murdoch, and Wall Street Journal managing editor Robert Thomson, for raising their children Catholic. "Friggin' Murdoch baptized his kids in Jordan where John the Baptist baptized Jesus," he said. "It's an amazing bastardization of the faith. They must be attracted to the systematic thought and severely backwards gender relations and must be totally unaware of Christian democracy," he added.
After making these incredibly disparaging remarks, Halpin justifies his bigotry by trotting out his Catholic credentials. "I'm Catholic. My parents are Catholic. I went to a Catholic university. My kids were baptized by their Jesuit uncle and went to Catholic school when they were young."
How pathetic. Halpin is to be excused for his rank anti-Catholic remarks because he calls himself a Catholic! Has he ever heard the term "self-hating Catholic" or "self-hating Jew"? Instead of owning up to his bigotry, he takes cover under his Catholic tent. It doesn't wash.
Halpin is a small fry. The big fish is Podesta, the one who brags how he has orchestrated a "revolution" within the Catholic Church. He is not a Clinton volunteer or low-ranking staff member—he is the architect of her campaign.
Hillary Clinton's right-hand man is an admitted saboteur seeking to create mutiny in the Catholic Church, and she does nothing about it. She's the real problem. The only way she can get this monkey off her back is to fire Podesta immediately.
Contact: press@hillaryclinton.com |
namespace Efrpg
{
public enum Relationship
{
OneToOne,
OneToMany,
ManyToOne,
ManyToMany,
DoNotUse
}
} |
Q:
Restrict custom post type from appearing with ?post_types=
When appending the querystring post_types = "name of your post type", it displays all the posts. I am using a plugin that has its own custom post type which is restricted (only users that have purchased a membership can view it).. but today while messing around with searching, i discovered that post_types querystring. Is there a way to prevent this private custom type from showing up? are there other similar "magic" querystring in wordpress?
A:
register_post_type() has quite a few related arguments, of which publicly_queryable controls precisely what you are describing.
However note that it will completely kill the CPT on front end — individual posts, archives, even post previews.
If you want to do this conditionally you'll have to manage this with code from scratch, which might get very involved to do comprehensively.
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package com.sksamuel.elastic4s.requests.indexes
case class CreateIndexResponse(acknowledged: Boolean, shards_acknowledged: Boolean)
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using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Text;
namespace Tensorflow.Keras.Losses
{
class Hinge
{
}
}
|
Late-onset Rasmussen's encephalitis and long-term remission.
We describe an adult man with biopsy-proven Rasmussen's encephalitis and intractable epilepsy, who underwent excellent recovery. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with Rasmussen's encephalitis who has become completely symptomless, at least for three years, on enhanced antiepileptic and immunological medication. |
This is not an executable file.
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Q:
youtube reproduction list-like horizontal list jQuery, CSS or Javascript
I am looking for a plugin or something that help me to emulate the Youtube or Grooveshark reproduction list effect. Someone could help me out and It'd perfect to have an example.
Thanks
An image of what I want:
A:
You could achieve this by using JCarousel and modifying the script to slightly to use the youtube embed and add the links underneath. This is not difficult if you know html and css.
http://sorgalla.com/jcarousel/
Another way is to write it yourself (if you know javascript or jquery) place one large div with all your slides inside a smaller one, and set the overflow of the smaller outer div to hidden. Then you would move the position of the inner div with javascript on left or right arrow click.
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Q:
Why can the winforms unhandled exception box sometimes continue?
I've recently switched over to handling my unhandled exceptions this way:
Application.ThreadException += new System.Threading.ThreadExceptionEventHandler(Application_ThreadException);
Application.SetUnhandledExceptionMode(UnhandledExceptionMode.CatchException);
AppDomain.CurrentDomain.UnhandledException += new UnhandledExceptionEventHandler(CurrentDomain_UnhandledException);
This will be nice for logging and what not, but I've lost the ability of the old unhandled exception box to 'continue'. My current handler just prompts for a restart. A lot of the time, clicking continue in that unhandled exception box actually keeps the program running just fine. How does this work? Is there a way I can allow 'continuing' with the way I'm catching the unhandled exceptions now? Say if the exception is of a certain type, could I attempt to 'continue' just like the unhandled exception box does? Or is this not possible?
Does anybody out there understand the nuts and bolts of the world of exceptions? Would love to hear your guys' thoughts.
A:
The application is terminated because this is the default behaviour of CLR. If you have an exception that is unhandled, this means you have a critical flaw in your program and the best handling for such situation is to close the whole app.
There is a technique, however, if you want to continue after such unhandled exception. You can create a second domain in your application and load libraries there. Exceptions within different app domains are independent. Check out my blog entry on this, there is some sample code available.
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Plasma fibronectin and factor XIII in nephrotic syndrome.
When compared to control subjects plasma fibronectin and factor XIII as well as plasma fibrinogen, factor VIII-related antigen and serum cholinesterase were found to be significantly increased in nephrotic patients. Factor XIII activity was positively correlated with serum cholinesterase, while plasma fibronectin displayed weak correlations with plasma fibrinogen and factor VIII-related antigen. It is considered that increased levels of factor XIII and fibronectin should be related to the intensity of the liver's compensative response to proteinuria, although their turnover rates and the signals triggering this response may differ. It is however difficult to assess possible consequences of the above-mentioned changes for the evolution of the nephrotic syndrome. |
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel sees in the Egyptian-proposed Gaza truce an opportunity to strip the Palestinian enclave of rockets but is prepared to redouble military action there if the cross-border launches persist, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday.
"We agreed to the Egyptian proposal in order to give an opportunity for the demilitarization of the (Gaza) Strip - from missiles, from rockets and from tunnels - through diplomatic means," he told reporters.
"But if Hamas does not accept the ceasefire proposal, as would now seem to be the case, Israel would have all international legitimacy to broaden the military operation to achieve the required quiet."
(Writing by Dan Williams, Editing by Jeffrey Heller) |
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