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Group Discussion & Written Project (GDWP)
"Group Disc. & Writ. Project Scoring Rubric" - 80% on this rubric is passing - pass or fail grade is given.
General Assignment: Team gets assignment via email about 24 hours before it is due. ORAL PRESENTATION with SLIDES - 15 minutes long and about 2 minutes to answer questions . Rule of thumb of 2 minutes per slide. 7 Slides - about 5 to 6 bullets per slide. One person on the team gives the oral presentation. Team grade to be given on Oral Presentation. PAPER - maximum of 10 typed pages, single spaced, double spaced between paragraphs. Team grade on Paper. Must pass both Oral Presentation and Paper for a passing grade on GDWP, but grade will not be entered until REFLECTIONS are provided within 2 weeks.
|ORAL PRESENTATION w SLIDES: 40% of GDWP score
|BASIC PRES SKILLS such as: Prompt start __________, Eye contact w audience_____, Body language does not distract audience__________, Body language engages audience (often good to periodically walk away from front & into audience) ___________, Sufficient voice volume___, Clear enunciation _______ , Minimal use of umm, etc. __________________, Minimal use of repetitive words that distract audience___, Smooth transition between slides (& avoid reading the slides)_____________, Smooth periodic use of laser pointer/shadow pointing method _______.
|Poor use of basic Pres skills
|Minimal use of basic Pres skills
|Adequate use of basic Pres skills
|Good use of basic Pres skills
|Excellent use of basic Pres skills
|Ability to deliver technically based material that a CIO can fully understand
|Presentation cannot be understood by a CIO
|Presentation is minimally understood by a CIO
|Information presented can generally be understood by a CIO
|Information is presented in a way that can be understood by a CIO
|Information is presented in a way where a CIO can fully understand presentation
|Slides do not summarize paper, Slides do not focus on crucial points
|Slides summarize the paper, Slides focus on some crucial points
|Slides summarize paper, highlight most crucial points, is formatted well enough to convey the information
|Slides summarize paper, highlights all crucial points, is formatted well for rapid comprehension
|Slides fully summarize paper, highlight crucial points, is formatted well for rapid comprehension
|QUESTION HANDLING SKILLS Asking the grader if he/she has any questions_______, repeating the question so everyone can hear it (it is ok to rephrase a question in some situations)_________, providing an accurate response or acknowledging if you don't have a ready answer______________, respectfully replying____.>
|Poor question handling skills.
|Minimal question handling skills.
|Adequate use of question handling skills.
|Good question handling skills.
|Excellent question handling skills.
|PAPER - 60% of total GDWP score. This part is BROKEN DOWN as follows: 30% Research ___; 30% Executive Summary ___; 40% Body ___
|EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (counts as 30% of Paper score)___
|Does not summarize paper, does not focus on crucial points. CIO is left searching paper for crucial points.
|Summarizes paper, focuses on some crucial points. CIO is missing some crucial points.
|Summarizes paper, highlights most crucial points, is formatted well enough to convey the information. CIO is not fully briefed.
|Summarizes paper, highlights all crucial points, is formatted well for rapid comprehension by CIO.
|Fully summarizes paper, fully highlights crucial points, is formatted well for rapid comprehension by CIO.
|BODY which consists of: Content & Structure, and Language (Counts as 40% of Paper score) ___
|Paper is without any real content or structure. Many spelling and/or grammar errors.
|Paper has minimal or superficial content and/or a poor structure. Some spelling and/or grammar errors.
|Paper has adequate content and/or structure. Spelling is clean and adequate use of language.
|Paper has good content and/or structure. Spelling is clean and good use of language.
|Paper has excellent content and/or structure. Spelling is clean and excellent use of language.
|RESEARCH (Counts as 30% of the Paper score) ___
|Paper shows no research.
|Paper shows minimal and/or faulty research.
|Paper shows research was used where necessary.
|Paper shows good research.
|Paper shows excellent research.
|REFLECTIONS - Before GDWP grade will be entered for a student, the student must provide Reflections within 2 weeks after the GDWP is given. Student will submit to firstname.lastname@example.com a written document not to exceed 2 typed pages (single spaced, double spaced between paragraphs) reflecting on student's own performance and student's use of leadership skills, and on the partner's performance and the partner's use of leadership skills. (Refer to leadership essay).


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Commercial Banking Is off and Running in the Free-Wheeling World of Finance in the Former Soviet Union, the Rapid Growth of New Commercial Banks Signals Moves toward a Market Economy, but Also Challenges Fledgling Legal Institutions. Many Banks Lend Money without Supervision and under a Cloud of Rumors about the Origin of Funds and the Legality of Dealings
Daniel Sneider, writer of The Christian Science Monitor, The Christian Science Monitor
A JAZZ band plays softly; men in black ties and ladies in long evening dresses swirl around tables laden with smoked sturgeon and champagne. Russian Vice President Alexander Rutskoi and other celebrities are on hand. Mercedes Benzes and BMWs fill every parking space outside the Moscow Commercial Club, while policemen block the street allowing only those with invitations to enter.
Menatep, one of the hottest and most controversial new firms to emerge in the wild world of finance in the former Soviet Union, is having a party. Begun by a group of men in their 20s, Menatep has grown from its beginnings in 1986 as an entrepreneurial offshoot of the Komsomol, the Communist youth organ- ization, into an international financial group handling everything from overseas currency speculation to trade financing.
"Menatep is the most sophisticated {bank} in Moscow," says Daniele Nicylin of the Swiss investment firm Riggs Volmet, where Menatep has been a client for two years. "They are very young and really want to start a new business for their country." Seeds of free market
Along with the emergence of hundreds of commodities exchanges, the growth of commercial banking is one of the most visible signs of the beginnings of a market economy in the former Soviet Union. Since the monopoly of the state-run banks was removed in 1988, registered commercial banks have increased from 41 in January 1989 to almost 1,500 today.
The banks' growth has outstripped the primitive legal structure. Now they lend money virtually without supervision or control of the central banking institutions, to the dismay of those authorities. "There is no legislation; there is no liquidity," says Viktor Pobedinsky, president of the private financial group Fininvest. "Everyone does whatever they like."
Among the commercial banks, Menatep has an unusually high profile. Its billboards decorate whole sides of Moscow buildings. People lined up last year to buy 1,000-ruble shares in the group. As one of a handful of banks allowed to deal in foreign currency, Menatep booths in Moscow post offices offer ordinary citizens the chance to exchange dollars for rubles or even to buy limited amounts of dollars.
But constant rumors dog Menatep about the origins of its funds and the legality of its dealings. It is widely believed that the firm is a front for the Communist Party and the KGB, that it laundered party money into foreign bank accounts. Such charges are by no means confined to Menatep - they beset almost any successful business here - and Menatep officials vigorously deny them. Legal challenge
Many of the accusations of illegality come from central authorities, including the former Soviet State Bank, Gosbank, and the Russian Central Bank. The head of the Moscow office of one Western bank says State Bank officials warned him against doing business with Menatep. And the chairman of the Russian Bank called it a "dubious banking operation" in a September television interview. Menatep promptly sued, and won its case in a Russian court Dec. 16.
It might be more accurate to describe the entire banking system here as "dubious." Inevitably, many of the "commercial" banks formed in the last two years have their origins in the state-run economy. A 1986 banking reform divided the State Bank into a system of banks, largely as the mechanism to transfer money from the central ministries to enterprises. The Agroprom bank, for example, which is one of the largest in the country, services the collective farms and agro-industry. In some cases, existing state banks were just re-registered as commercial banks after 1988. In others, groups of enterprises created a bank based on their deposits.
But these banks also hold as assets the huge and largely uncollectable loans the government made to enterprises as subsidies for their losses. In turn the banks use these assets to lend money, the vast majority of it for short terms and at interest rates averaging 20 percent. …

subset: commoncrawl


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BDD and DDD - Cucumber Podcast
This month on the Cucumber podcast, Aslak Hellesøy and Steve Tooke speak to Kenny Baas and Bruno Boucard about the relationship between Domain-Driven Design (DDD) and Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD).
While both share many similarities, there isn't a great deal of crossover between the two communities. Our two guests want to change that by demonstrating that both practices and communities have more in common than they may think.
Show notes
Kenny's article about DDD<>BDD
Bruno on Twitter/ Kenny on Twitter
DDD conference in Denver, Sept 2018
Kanddinsky Conference, Berlin, October 2018
You can also listen and download the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts.
Join us in our Slack channel or on Twitter


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No clocking watching
I'm upscale but extremely fun
Upscale men and serious men ONLY
RubRatings is a feature-rich service built for body rub and massage providers and seekers. We take great pride in
providing an easy to use and affordable solution for service providers to advertise their services. We also
strive to maintain an enjoyable and useful service for those seeking massage services.


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Customer rating
Share this product
An accurate simulation of the classic stages of the Mobil 1 BRC plus Arcade, Single and Time Trial
'Real life' feel made possible by filming and photographing every stage
Over 400 miles of classic stages from the Mobil 1 British Rally Championship
Accurately modeled cars using hundreds of photographs for reference
Freedom to drive practically anywhere on the landscape
Using independent suspension, enhanced crash sequences and interaction
Animated Dashboard viewpoint (all cars individually supported)
Mud and snow buildup and detachment/deformation/damage of car parts
2 Player Split Screen, 4 player alternate and network
Selectable audible co-drivers (featuring World Rally Champion Derek Ringer) and/or visible pace notes
Full 360-degree, panoramic movement adding to the 'real world' experience
Interaction with both static and moveable objects
Windmill, people, animals and water to name just a few
Light flare, haze, sparks, reflections, smoke, plus others
New levels of sophistication for computer car artificial intelligence
With editing, camera set-up and additional views
New design with dynamic 3D icons and Mobil 1 BRC theme
Individual engine sounds from all the rally cars at the BRC plus environmental spot effects
3D, AGP, 24 bit, Pentium III, AMD K6-2, A3D, EAX and control devices
- PC Games
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text: > Well, one problem is that the winelib program was accustomed to run > with stdin assigned to a file or pipe. That seems to confuse winedbg, > so I moved it for now to a different fd. as of today, the debugger uses the standard input / output handles the following way: - if you do nothing, it'll use the one inherited from stdin and stdout. if those aren't hooked up to a console, we're in bad shape. that's not a debugger issue, it's a console issue - if you run the debugger thru the wineconsole, then you're fine, you'll get a brand new pair of input/output handles - if the debugger UseXTerm is set to true, you're fine too, because the debugger will fire a new console (whatever the state you're in), and you're back to previous square what still remains to be fixed is adding support for console handles based on unix consoles (today, it's still a bit hacky), and implement a (n)curse (or xterm as Marcus once did) back end for wineconsole A+ -- --------------- Eric Pouech (http://perso.wanadoo.fr/eric.pouech/) "The future will be better tomorrow", Vice President Dan Quayle


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The Vending New Jersey Company is a national vending management company specializing in managing all of the vending machines for client companies that have multiple locations from two to 1,000 locations across the country.
The Vending New Jersey Company serves as your single point of contact regarding your refreshment needs nationwide. If you have customer service issues in North Jersey, North Carolina or North Dakota, you do not have to worry. Our national vending management services program eliminates all the administrative hassles to keeping your employees happy and your chief financial officer even happier. We manage all the day-to-day details relating vending operations including local vending operator management, 24/7 customer service, food and beverage selection, vending commissions negotiation and vending commissions auditing.
On behalf of our vending management clients with multiple locations across the country, we establish a national branding program promoting your company logo and brand message prominently displayed on each vending machine located in your offices or retail stores. For example, if a customer visits your retail outlets in New Jersey, New Hampshire or New Mexico, they will see your brand image uniformly positioned on every one of your vending machines across the country.
We pride ourselves on being able to respond quickly and efficiently to any service call in the country. We at The Vending New Jersey Company promptly address all service requests 24/7, 365 days a year.
The Vending New Jersey Company looks forwards to serving all your national refreshment needs. The men and women of The Vending New Jersey Company are ready to serve you everyday and deliver great service and delicious snacks, food and beverages.
Our vending and coffee service company serves all of New Jersey including the following NJ cities: Atlantic City, Bayonne, Camden, Cherry Hill, Clifton, East Orange, Edison, Elizabeth, Hackensack, Hoboken, Jersey City, Linden, Long Branch, Newark, New Brunswick, Passaic, Paterson, Perth Amboy, Plainfield, Princeton, Toms River, Trenton, Union City and Vineland.


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Hugo has immediate charm, with its classic round lenses and keyhole bridge. You'll also notice a custom metal end piece with an integrated hinge—a wraparound accent that adds just the right amount of character.
Made from hand-polished cellulose acetate and stainless steel
Akulon-coated screws for durability
Hugo is available in a wide width
If you have a wide or broad face, this frame should fit you well. Unsure of your size? Select a few different options in a free Home Try-On.
We offer a variety of prescription and lens types
- Prescription type
- Single-vision
- Progressives
- Readers
- Non-prescription
- Lens Type
- Classic
- Blue-light-filtering
- Light-responsive
- Lens Material
- Polycarbonate
- 1.67 high-index
Everything that's included
Each pair of glasses comes with prescription lenses, plus a frame case and lens cloth. We also offer free shipping and a 30-day, hassle-free return or exchange policy as well as a one-year, no scratch guarantee for our lenses; we'll replace your scratched lenses for free within the first 12 months.


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TorriPhoto/iStock/Getty Images
Humans have long been fascinated by sharks. They're ancient and mysterious, and they occasionally emerge from their ocean homes to terrorize humans. Many people, from nature-loving children to shark movie fanatics to wildlife scientists, might enjoy a shark-themed cake. Whether you're a master cake decorator or you're simply looking to spruce up a store-bought cake, there's a shark decoration for you.
An easy way to decorate a shark-themed cake is with shark toys. Wash plastic toy sharks and dry them thoroughly before placing them on top of a store-bought cake. Crush graham crackers for sand and use blue icing for the sea, and add goldfish crackers or Swedish fish to the "water" for shark bait. Use dollhouse-sized dolls to add people to your beach scene. Small pieces of paper or fabric cut into rectangles serve as beach towels; pair them with drink umbrellas.
Sharks, or, at least the stereotypical images, have iconic mouths filled with razor-sharp teeth. To add teeth to the cake, dip candy corn in white chocolate and place them in the mouth of the shark. Alternately, cut mini-marshmallows or fondant into a triangular shape. For non-edible teeth, cut a piece of white paper into a triangular pattern to create the effect.
Blood Drippings
Strawberry syrup creates the illusion of blood from a shark bite. Red food coloring has a similar effect, but since it's not as thick, it can stain clothes and skin. Red food dye added to melted white chocolate makes blood that hardens, which helps it stay put if you're using plastic or candy decorations or cake toppers.
Bitten Cake
To create the illusion of a shark bite on the cake, use a red velvet cake mix as the base. After you frost the cake, remove a chunk from one edge to make it look as if a shark has bitten it; the red cake mimics flesh. Carve teeth-shaped triangles into the bitten edges and add strawberry syrup as fake blood. If you don't want the bite to mimic flesh, use white cake mix; then decorate the cake to look like a bitten surfboard.
Dorsal Fin
The iconic image of the single fin emerging from the water says "shark!" unlike anything else. To create a simple fin emerging from your cake, cut a triangle fin shape from a square piece of cake. Slide thin dowel rods inside the fin and press them into the cake to ensure the fin doesn't fall over. Frost the fin and the cake a blue-gray color.
Shark Shape
Use one of two ways to create a shark-shaped cake. You can purchase a shark-shaped cake pan, which acts like a mold. Alternatively, cut a cake into a shark shape. First, bake a large, rectangular cake. Sketch a simple shark shape on paper; cut it out to use as a template to draw the shark on the cake.
- TorriPhoto/iStock/Getty Images


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Trapeze in Action: A Rock Climbing Adventure
It's the holiday season! While it may be the most wonderful time of the year, it's getting a bit chilly for outdoor activities in New York. Luckily, there's no shortage of fun ways to stay active indoors. The Trapeze team (myself, Albert, and Peidi) wanted to do a weekend activity together. We want to try something new that none of us had done before. Our team mission is to get people out exploring the world of possibilities around them, and we strive to apply this to our own lives as well. This was a good opportunity to use our app, Trapeze, even if not a date in the traditional sense. To figure out what we were doing, Albert swiped through a few recommendations on Trapeze after filtering for activities. We passed on a spa option—we're all friends, but we'll save that one for a more romantic scenario. In short time, we landed on the idea of going to a rock climbing gym, The Cliffs at LIC, which fit what we were looking for. I should mention here—I have an acute fear of heights. Sometimes I get that gut-clenching sensation just walking down a long flight of stairs, and I'll have to compulsively cling to the railing to ward off the uncontrollable anxiety. On top of that, I have no prior climbing experience of any kind. I think like many people, I find it intimidating to take the plunge into something new. Life's no fun without a bit of thrill though, right? I was game to give it a shot and hopefully emerge unscathed from the experience. Plus, the gym is located in my neighborhood, and I know people move here just to be close to it. I figured I was overdue to see what the hype is all about. We arrive at the climbing gym on a Sunday afternoon. Outside, the weather is dreary and drizzly, and there's barely anyone walking around on the streets. Inside, we're confronted by an explosion of color and activity. Bold colors splash over the canvases of lofty, crazily angled walls, splattered with the drips of brightly colored handholds and footholds. All over this tableau, experienced climbers are scaling the walls and belaying down with seemingly little effort. For every climber on the walls, there are several more on the ground, belaying or chatting or looking for their next climb. A couple of super chill dogs are lounging around, completely unfazed by all the activity going on around them. Having never set foot in a rock climbing gym before, I have no idea where to start and feel like a fish out of water. Luckily, we signed up for an introductory class. The class is 90 minutes long and costs $49 per person, which includes gear rental and a pass for the rest of the day. At first, it feels like there's a lot to take in. The instructor shows us how to use the Grigri belay device, how to tie figure-eight follow-through and double fisherman's knots to secure our harnesses, and how the climber and belayer should communicate with each other for top rope belaying. Our first knot attempts seem to invariably have the wrong number of loops, and we keep mixing up which person should say "on belay!" and which should say "belay on!" But surprisingly soon, after some practice and instruction, we're all getting the hang of it. Just when I'm starting to feel reasonably confident that I've grasped everything, the instructor asks for a first volunteer to climb the wall. I feel a familiar slightly queasy sensation in the pit of my stomach, which suggests maybe I'm not as confident as I thought. Albert steps up, and I'm belaying for him. No pressure, I think—just Albert's life in my hands. But he's up in a flash, and all the belaying practice I've just done has translated into muscle memory, so no problems on my end either. He's soon back on the ground, and it's my turn to go up. We're climbing a section of wall that must be around 30 feet tall. After tying in, I walk up to the wall, palms sweaty (knees weak, arms heavy, mom's spaghetti?), and I take a deep breath. "On belay?" "Belay on." One more deep breath for the road. "Climbing." "Climb on." And I'm off! I focus on one limb at a time, trying to obtain a secure hold before moving onto the next limb. The route is rated at a 5.5 difficulty, which is the easiest rating available at The Cliffs (rating scale), so good holds are always within fairly easy reach. In no time, I'm somehow at the top. I call down to my belayer to tell him I'm ready to be lowered, then instantly regret looking back down. But the worst is over at this point, and gravity does most of the remaining work. I'm sweating more profusely than I would have expected, and it's primarily not from physical effort at this point. We've officially finished the introductory class, so we go explore the rest of the facility. We try some of the more difficult routes; Peidi impressively manages to slay a 5.9 route after just one failed attempt. He sets his eyes on a 5.10 route, but after a few hours of exertion, it's too tall of an order. Part of the fun of rock climbing is figuring out how to tackle routes. Sometimes, it can seem like there's no logical way to get past a certain point. At The Cliffs, there's no shortage of experienced climbers who can give you some tips and info on a route (which I later learned is called "beta"). One wall of the gym has auto belays routes, where climbers can tie in and climb without a person belaying. We see a good number of kids throughout the day on the auto belays, and also on the regular belays. It's great that they have the opportunity to climb at a young age; maybe if I had the same, I wouldn't be so nervous about heights! It's also good motivation for me to see kids climbing—don't want a 10 year old to show me up… There's a lot more that The Cliffs offers, beyond dozens of top rope routes. Some of the most impressive climbers are on the bouldering walls, where even the easiest routes are more challenging the hardest top rope routes we attempted. We watch a few make progress up walls that slope sharply outward as you climb higher, all without ropes. There's also a slackline nearby. Many people can balance just a few seconds, but one guy dances on the wobbly rope for minutes without problem. The facility has a more typical gym area with free weights and machines too. If you have a regular monthly membership, you might not need another gym membership. After a few hours at the gym we're pretty tired out. Time for dinner—where to go? We used Trapeze again, this time filtering for nearby restaurants. We picked from the first three recommendations the app gave. I had been to two of the three before, one being our local Michelin star Mexican restaurant (Casa Enrique) and the other being one of my favorite ramen places in New York (Mu Ramen), so we went with the third option: Jora, a Peruvian restaurant. I ended up very satisfied with our choice to take the untrod path; the food was delicious, the portions were generous, and the service was warm. They accommodated our group quickly, even though it was busy and we had no reservation. Before our entrees came, we stuffed ourselves on appetizers: plantain chips with aji verde sauce, fresh ceviche, and jalea (a mix of fried seafood). Now I know another great local restaurant for future dates and outings. A perfect way to refuel and recover after a tiring day! Overall, trying out rock climbing was a great experience, and I would love to do it again sometime. It had always seemed intimidating, but I was surprised at how accessible and fun it was even as a complete beginner. We'll be planning more adventures in the future with Trapeze; give it a try yourself! We'd love to hear your stories, as well as any feedback you have for us, so let us know how it goes!


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Community news, upcoming events and general discussions
Threads: 36 Posts: 88
Get technical support from the community
Threads: 1427 Posts: 7608
Threads: 18 Posts: 64
Tell us how to make XDK better!
Threads: 36 Posts: 119
Share and discuss community member projects
Threads: 81 Posts: 350
I install Virtual XDK.apk in my andriod phone(Bluetooth opened),The app tips"no devices found(yet)",I use "Bluetooth debugging assistant software" can find XDK bluetooth and recevie XDK hardware data. Why?Please help me!Thank you!
Unfortunately, I am not able to reproduce your issue, since scanning and finding an XDK device on my Android (version 6.0.1) and the newest Virtual XDK app (version 2.0, as available in the Google Play Store) is working.
I think the device scan might have gotten stuck. I'd suggest, you keep the XDK turned on (with the Virtual XDK Demo flashed and running), and terminate the Virtual XDK app process entirely on your Android device. Then, start the Virtual XDK app again and try scanning it again.
If that does not work, the issue might lie in the fact that your android phone does not support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), but the Virtual XDK requires it.
To verify if your Android Device supports BLE, please refer to the following thread. The post in question is the one by Manuel Cerny. Especially the first step (Install "BLE Checker") is important.
Please follow these steps, and tell me about your progress in this matter and do not hesitate to ask further questions,
Kind regards, Franjo
Hello Franjo,
Thank you very much!After a day's trying,Successfully connected to my android mobile.But PC(Win10) demo(same as android demo) can't find devices.PC BLE already connected XDK BLE.Are there any places that need configuration? Do you have PC demo operation manual?
I am glad to hear that you were able to make the Virtual XDK app work.
Unfortunately there is no documentation available about how to run the Virtual XDK app on Windows 10. In order to help you, I would ask you to clarify about how you run the Virtual XDK app on Windows 10. Did you use an emulator to run android apps or did you cross compile the Virtual XDK app for Windows 10 from the unity folder, which is shipped with the Virtual XDK demo?
If you cross compiled the Virtual XDK app from the unity folder, I assume it should work exactly like the Android and iOS app and does not require any further configuration.
Please tell me if this is helpful and do not hesitate to ask if you have further questions.
Thank you for your earnest reply.My android(.apk) and WIN10 app(.exe) cross compiled from unity code( VirtualXDK_v2),Run android program with my android phone(not emulator ),Android app can read XDK hardware data,WIN10 can't.Can you read the data from win10 app?
Dear community member,
thank you for providing the necessary information. Unfortunately I do not have a crosscompiled Virtual XDK app yet. But I will compile it for Windows 10 and analyze it in more detail to get it running.
The only thing I can do right now is ask you for patience, until I have useful results.
I will get back to you as soon as I know more.
Hello community member,
I analyzed the issue regarding the Virtual XDK demo app on Windows 10 in greater detail by creating my own cross compiled app. As such, I observed, that the cross compiled app did not find any devices, neither did it display a message indicating that no devices were found.
I took a deeper look at the implementation in the unity project and came to the conclusion that there is a plugin missing which is required for the proper use of the BLE adapter of the Windows host system. This is because there are only plugins included for Android and iOS.
Therefore I assume that your Windows 10 app cannot connect and receive data of the XDK, because the BLE plugin for Windows 10 is missing.
Nevertheless you can feel free to extend the functionality of the Virtual XDK demo app. I assume, you can use the plugins for Android and iOS as starting point and implement your own Bluetooth plugin for Windows 10. Afterwards the Virtual XDK demo should work with Windows 10, too.
Please let me know, if this was helpful and do not hesitate to ask if you have further questions.


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[I have a friend who is an amazing writer but he tends to abandon his writing projects often. I wanted to save his writings for posterity and make them more widely available. The MonkeyPope Archives contain his collected works.]
Friday, November 11, 2005
New…New Orleans
On my way to Colorado, I stopped in New Orleans to visit my folks who are there aiding in the relief effort. I could only afford to spare one night there, but after three weeks of deprivation, a night of family, good Cajun food, and a little wine is well worth driving out of my way for.
Driving into the outskirts of New Orleans, I understand how Charton Heston must have felt in Omega Man (but I'm usually in a state of commiseration with one of the many Charlton Heston cinematic incarnations). The damage to suburbia, visible from Highway 10, over two months since Katrina tore through, was more than extensive, it was absurd. What was the point of the mayor saying it's safe to return to your homes? The roads are still so littered with hurricane detritus that these suburban homes aren't even accessible. And those that were, lacked so much of themselves that there was very little to return to. It seemed most had abandoned their homes, wait for the demolition team to come through, finish the work Katrina began and start over anew. What little I've seen of downtown New Orleans, mostly the French Quarter, fared much better, appearing mostly still structurally sound.
This is my first visit to the city and wow, what a place. Sitting at Cafe Du Monde, munching on beignets and sipping hot chocolate (they ran out of coffee!) while listening to an amazing violinist and guitarist duo, I fell in love. A city that values food and music above all else? How could it not secure a place in my heart? And the post-Katrina relief effort atmosphere is one so communal, friendly. Walking the streets and hearing residents greet street musicians who had returned after long absences…it's a magical town and a bit of a magical time. While police are rampant, there is a sense of anything goes here. People park their cars on the medians, ride dune buggies on the sidewalks, light up on the riverfront, but there isn't a sense of lawlessness or danger.
I'm only there for a day, but it's a wonderful day. A day that shocked me with lingering signs of destruction and lack of government assistance (official agencies seemed much more interested in policing the populace than rebuilding suburbia), that nauseated me with the sewage-esque stink of the city (Katrina Cough now a documented condition arising from the mold and spores left behind after the flooding), that relaxed me with hot chocolate and beignets, that entertained me with talented buskers, that re-settled me with a visit to my folks, that reminded me of myself as it is a city on the brink of re-invention while retaining most of its qualities that make it so distinctly New Orleans. It is in a state of re-awakening. As am I.
I really hope I have the opportunity to visit again in the future. It seems to be one of the few cities left in America with a unique sense of self, not yet terminally sick with the carcinogenic likes of Wal-Mart and McDonalds (not to say they can't be found there; it's just not defined by such establishments).
I'm in Fort Carson now, a post set gloriously in the backdrop of the Cheyenne Mountains and Pike's Peak. I couldn't be happier with the location and amenities of this post. I'm still in-processing with the post and have yet to be introduced to my future unit, its soldiers and its deployment timetable. What comes next? I have no idea but wow, I can't wait to find out.


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Focus and Scope
1. Journal will receipt all of artiles and authors to submit their and your manuscripts and we can help you to publish your research results and outputs on website for access to.
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Tạp chí Khoa học Đại học Huế: Khoa học Xã hội và Nhân văn
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This year's web series fan festival "Hot As Hell" (Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hot-As-Hell-Event/121312778067774) (Twitter: http://twitter.com/HotAsHellEvent) is being held once again in Palm Springs, Calif, Friday, Aug. 8, 2014 through Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014. The festival is being held at the Riviera Resort Hotel.
August in Palm Springs is one of the hottest places to be as the name eludes but "Hot as Hell" also refers to the festival itself, the entertainment it offers, and the list of web series participants that are drawn to it. Attended mostly by Los Angeles based series, this year series representatives include a Daytime Emmy Award nominee from as far away as New York City.
Brainchild of Steve Silverman, creator of web series "Pretty" and "The Inn," and Julie A. Smith, creator of "Fumbling Thru the Pieces," the festival is a chance for creators and actors to relax and mingle with their fans for a fun-filled weekend. There are also special screenings of premiere series episodes and never-seen-before blooper reels.
As web series attract more and more viewers, one of the things fans really love is interacting with a show's creators and actors. They will get plenty of that at this year's festival. Tickets to the event can be purchased online at Brown Paper Tickets. For a Hot as Hell weekend, Palm Springs is the place to be August 8th!
Friday, August 8th:
@7pm – "B-I-N-G-O!" Web Series Bingo is back! And so is our host, Sheena Metal! Your favorite web series stars will call the numbers and you will win the prizes!
(Burger and Fry Bar is included with your ticket/Cash Bar)
Saturday, August 9th:
@9:00am – Start your day with breakfast and be a part of the live audience for the live broadcast of "CA Woman 411" featuring the ladies of the web: Jane Espenson, Stacy McQueen, Diane Delano, Adrienne Wilkinson, Martha Byrne, Sheena Metal and more! Hear from your favorites all the behind-the-scenes good stuff you've been dying to know!
(Full breakfast is included with your All Access Weekend Pass)
@7pm – "Web Series Variety Show" – They sing! They dance! They craft! They cocktail! Get ready for an all-night event featuring music, videos, comedy and premieres including:
– PRETTY will premiere their first new ep of Season 4!
– OLD DOGS & NEW TRICKS will premieres their first new ep of Season 3!
– WHERE THE BEARS ARE premieres their first new ep of Season 3!
– THE INN will premiere their behind-the-scenes mini-movie!
– DEVANITY will premiere their Season 4 blooper reel!
– FUMBLING THRU THE PIECES will premiere their Season 2 blooper reel!
– HUSBANDS will premiere their blooper reel!
(Dessert Bar Included/Cash Bar)
Sunday, August 10th:
@9:00am – "Top Secret Surprise Breakfast" – Wake up to…??? You're gonna have to show up to find out!
(Full breakfast is included with your All Access Weekend Pass)
Scheduled to Appear*
Leon Acord (Old Dogs & New Tricks)
Tisha Terrassini Banker (Pretty)
Anthony Anderson (Anacostia)
Brad Bell (Husbands)
Martha Byrne (Weight/Gotham/Anacostia)
Michael & Barbi Caruso (DeVanity)
Rick Copp (Where The Bears Are)
Diane Delano (Fumbling Thru The Pieces/Pretty)
Joe Dietl (Where The Bears Are)
Bobbie Eakes (Fumbling Thru The Pieces/Tainted Dreams)
Jane Espenson (Husbands)
Dee Freeman (Pretty)
Michael Taylor Gray (Pretty)
Bruce Hart (Old Dogs & New Tricks)
Sean Hemeon (Husbands)
Terri Ivens (Tainted Dreams)
Juliette Jeffers (Pretty)
Tara Chocol Joyce (Fumbling Thru The Pieces)
Dan J Kroll (Soap Central Live)
Sheena Metal (Child Of The '70s/Sheena Metal Experience)
Jeffrey Patrick Olson (Old Dogs & New Tricks)
Kyle David Pierce (The Inn)
Damian Pelliccione (Boys In Tech)
Ray Proscia (The Inn)
Terry Ray (Child of the 70s)
Ed Robinson (Pairings)
Steve Silverman (The Inn, Pretty)
Julie A. Smith (Fumbling Thru The Pieces)
Michelle Stafford (The Stafford Project)
Michael Vaccaro (Child of the 70s)
Adrienne Wilkinson (Pretty)
Jodie Younse (Pairings)
Ben Zook (Where The Bears Are)
*Subject to Change


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Replica Roman Dagger
- Brand: Collector's Armoury
- Product Code: 22-4101
- Availability: In Stock
This Historic Roman Dagger is a high quality replica of personal weaponry carried during the great days of the Roman Empire. It was an easily concealable and therefore popular weapon in a time known for conspiracy and murder. This dagger is finely engraved with eagles, lion, and wolf figures and features a metal handle, scabbard and cast metal blade.
- Length: 15"
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Tags: Replica Roman Dagger, roman armor for sale, roman armor, roman armour, gladius replica, roman equipment


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By Dr. Kent Campbell, PATH Malaria Center of Excellence. Originally posted to PATH Blog on September 23, 2015.
The PATH community was deeply saddened to learn this past weekend of the passing of our close colleague and dear friend, Dr. Alan Magill, director of the Malaria Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Praise for Alan and condolences for his family have come from all corners of the world, underscoring the incredible impact he made during his life and the inspiring legacy he created.
I first got to know Alan when we were early in our careers: Alan with the US Army Medical Corps, I with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In every interaction, I always came away with a clear sense that Alan was exceptionally thoughtful and considerate in his approach to issues and working with colleagues. He was unassuming and unassertive, yet a person whose opinion and perspective you wanted and needed.
He came to malaria and global health as a well-trained and insightful clinician. He had a subtle and experience-based physician's perspective. This gave him an extraordinarily valuable foundational approach that focused on what malaria meant to each individual infected with the disease.
In many ways, Alan's early career was the perfect preparation for his role at the Gates Foundation; he was ideally suited to lead their audacious malaria eradication effort, though neither he nor others specifically knew it. He cannot be replaced, though his job will be filled by others. I personally feel the loss of his leadership and have spent a lot of time these last few days reflecting on the progress he inspired and would have continued to inspire.
Our world has lost a great leader and a truly wonderful person, a sentiment shared by my colleagues at PATH and exemplified in their remembrances of Alan below. At PATH, we will carry on in the fight to eliminate malaria, keeping the legacy of Alan Magill at the forefront as we strive to realize his dream and rid the world of suffering from malaria.


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Although I never actually listed it for sale, there is a NLC PSU board with seven 16 pin connector points. It runs off a 12VAC wallwart and uses LM7812 & LM7912.
Anyway, mainly for stand-alone Null-A builders, this is a slimmed down version.
note the comma.
nonlinearcircuits -
ANALOGUE modular synthesizers
(no midi, no software, no microprocessors)
PCBs and Modules LIST
Tuesday, 11 April 2017
Coming soon - Divine CMOS
New version of Divine CMOS - clock divider, ring modulator/sub harmonic generator, CV and gate pattern generator/sequencer
Coming soon - Sly Grogan
Sunday, 9 April 2017
Sandpaintings - Penalty Kicker
Lots of short, interesting tracks and sketches made using NLC modules.
Thanks Pieter.
Thanks Pieter.
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Mixing retro 80s vibe with undeniably modern pop-rock music, the band is back with a video reminding the time when we, as kids, were mesmerized by music videos over MTV. Incredibly pop, we dare you not to dance while listening to the song and after a few listens, you'll find yourself singing it without even noticing it.
In between 80s retro pop and modern indie-rock, The Classic Kids are still kids playing with their nostalgia.
About the track, the band explained to us over an email:
Daydream is the story of a relationship that lost its fire due to the pressure of one partner eventually wanting change and stability. We all relate to this as musicians, because pursuing music can conflict with relationships over time. It's a journey fueled more by hope than by promise.
Following the release of "Forever Strong" earlier this year and their new track "Daydream," we are excited about what the band is preparing for us. You can follow The Classic Kids over Facebook, Twitter and Soundcloud. You can also listen to the audio below.


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(which first saw the light of day on this blog three years and three months ago and has stayed tucked away in its half-completed state ever since).I feel like I'm on a miniature archaeological dig, trying to work out exactly where I got to and what I need to do next. I know part of the reason I put it aside originally was because I wanted to do something different with the base of it and it all just got too difficult.
I also found these in the box:
which will be much easier to finish.
Wish me luck!


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Affiliate Disclosure: By buying the products we recommend, you help keep the site alive. Read more.
Most gamers enjoy a first person shooter (FPS) at least occasionally. From franchise juggernauts like Call of Duty to standalone games like Overwatch, it's hard to beat the satisfaction and intensity of FPS games.
Yet not all shooter games are created equal. Tactical shooter games — shooters which require a high level of aiming dexterity and teamwork — take the genre up a notch. Often simulating actual military conflicts (which the tactical gaming community has deemed milsims, or military simulations), tactical shooters truly put your FPS skills to the test!
Here are seven of the best you can play today.
1. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
Rainbow Six is a hallowed franchise in the tactical shooter realm. Even though Siege released back in 2015, make no mistake. Rainbow Six Siege not only holds up, it's risen to become one of the premiere shooting games available today. Of course, there's a steady stream of new operators, weapons, maps, and combat tools added continually to the game.
What makes Rainbow Six Siege so great, however, is its insistence on preserving the most important components of the tactical shooter genre.
Those willing and able to traverse a tough learning curve will wonder how all shooting games don't support lean peak. Then there's the added map destruction and explosives, meaning enemies can come bursting through walls at any moment. That's without mentioning the maps, which are designed specifically to ingrain the player in a real-world battle zone. We can't recommend this game enough for those who want a shooter where every moment matters. Check our beginner tips 7 Essential Tips for Rainbow Six Siege Newcomers 7 Essential Tips for Rainbow Six Siege Newcomers Just started playing Rainbow Six Siege and feel totally lost? These seven tips will get you up to speed with veteran players in no time. Read More for some help on getting started.
Buy: Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege for PC ($39.99) | PS4 | Xbox One ($49.99)
ARMA III is a highly-praised shooter game, and for good reason. This isn't a regular shooter; it's more akin to a warfare simulator. With small gameplay tweaks like limited running, fatigue, and even functional rear-view in vehicles, ARMA III attempts to emulate a real-world shooter scenario.
You'll have to use everything — weaponry, clothing, and player placement — to succeed at this game. That's especially true for squad matches. Don't be surprised if you're spending more time calculating map cover than shooting your weapon. Furthermore, there's so many game modes to choose from. Along with being a great standalone game, ARMA III is host to one of the most dedicated and creative modding communities around.
Like the other games in this list, don't fret about the learning curve you'll experience in this game. Most FPS games allow users proficiency fairly quickly, but ARMA III wants you to earn your stripes.
Buy: ARMA III for PC ($39.99)
SWAT 4, and the SWAT series in general, loves thinking outside the box. More akin to a noir military simulation than a regular shooter, SWAT 4 enters players into a whole world of hostage situations and suspect apprehensions. Every mission briefing comes equipped with photos, maps, and information that will help you throughout your missions.
The missions range in intensity, and some border on creepy. Luckily, you'll have a huge arsenal and a ton of SWAT-based military technology to assist you along the way. You have both lethal and non-lethal tactics to consider for this game, so weapon specificity is key.
Buy: SWAT 4 for PC ($9.99)
4. Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
Brothers in Arms is a fantastic throwback to the early golden age of shooting games. With decent artificial intelligence for its time, fantastic squad gameplay, and a sincerely heartbreaking storyline Pull Out The Tissues: 5 Video Games That Will Make You Cry Pull Out The Tissues: 5 Video Games That Will Make You Cry Video games offer something that no other narrative medium can: interactivity. And when it comes to emotional gaming, there are some seriously impactful scenes that will take your breath away. Read More , it's easy to understand why there are some fanatics still waiting for a sequel.
If you're into squad-based tactical game play, requiring you to use any and all players at your disposal to complete various tasks, this game is for you.
Don't be put off by the age of the game 5 Sites Where You Can Download Old PC Games for Free 5 Sites Where You Can Download Old PC Games for Free Want to try downloading some old PC games for free? Here are the sites where you can find the best games of old, free to download. Read More either. You'll be too busy commanding squadrons to notice.
Buy: Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway for PC ($9.99) | PS3 ($14.99) | Xbox 360 ($19.99)
5. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield
While I've praised Rainbow Six above, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Rainbow Six 3 in particular. Not only does starting up Rainbow Six 3 provide serious nostalgia flashbacks for who those who've played it before, but playing it again only adds to the impressiveness of the game.
Much of what makes the Rainbow Six franchise so successful hit its stride in Rainbow Six 3. The weapon customization, methodical gameplay, and one-shot kills all contribute to making Rainbow Six 3 the tactical shooter prototype.
Buy: Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield for PC ($9.99)
6. Squad
Think of Squad as an ARMA homage without the backbreaking learning curve. A simpler, tactical experience, this shooter provides players with a surprisingly realistic war scenario. Additionally, there's a reason this game is called Squad. There's very little to no UI indicators. If you want to know who's shooting, you'll have to rely on your teammates. Communication is key, so it's safe to say you'll need a mic The 10 Best Budget Gaming Headsets for Under $25 The 10 Best Budget Gaming Headsets for Under $25 Here are the best gaming headsets for when you have a limited budget and just can't afford to spend that much. Read More for this one.
As squad leader, your job is to observe enemy team movement rather than "shoot the bad guys." In Squad, real-time strategic maneuvering and wits outweigh firepower every time.
Buy: Squad for PC ($9.99, Early Access)
7. Insurgency
Insurgency is all about accuracy. That means if you're looking for an FPS with all the modern bells and whistles — such as kill-cam, minimap, and weapon perks — you're out of luck. What you do get is several single and co-op game modes to test all your FPS prowess.
Oh, and you will die. A lot. In continuing with the general realism of the game, it's frightfully easy to get one-shotted. That's not to mention that players, over time, actually get fatigued and guns become harder to shoot.
Insurgency provides more than entertaining barebones gameplay. Its true appeal is in the details. If you're annoyed by shooters with constant background noise, and prefer the slow, tactical gameplay of an ARMA-type game, Insurgency will be right up your alley.
Buy: Insurgency for PC ($39.99)
Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive, and Dodge!
Are you tired of the overtly loud, simplistic shooter games? Arcade mode shooters getting you down? Try any one of these intense tactical shooters out for yourself. Soon enough, you'll realize why — with so many fancy shooting games on the market these days — these are considered some of the best shooter games out there! With most of these games priced under $10 10 Awesome PC Shooters You Can Get for Under $10 10 Awesome PC Shooters You Can Get for Under $10 Don't want to pay $60 for the latest blockbuster shooter game? Here are ten awesome PC classic shooters you can get for under $10 each. Read More , what do you have to lose?
Have a tactical shooter we missed? Have fond memories of those we didn't? Let us know in the comments below!
Explore more about: First Person Shooter, Online Games.


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Worldwide Shipping
We ship worldwide through mail or courier service. Please click on the tabs below to read our terms and conditions for shipping and returns for in stock and pre order products.
Easy & Simple Box
E&S 26025 PMC Urban Sniper
- Availability:
- Sold Out
- Scale:
- 1/6 Scale
E&S 26025 Private Military Contractor (PMC) Urban Sniper
Parts Breakdown
- Real like Head Sculpt
- ES-Buddy 2.0 Body
- Beanie Watch Cap
- Huntsman Henley Shirt
- Waterproof Urban Jacket
- Combat Pants
- Inner Duty Belt
- ECLiPSE Foldable Chest Rig
- QR Mag Holder/Belt Adaptor
- Belt Molle Adaptor
- M-14 7.62x39 Assault Rifle
- Enhanced M-14 Stock
- Enhanced Rail System
- Razor HD2 1-6 Scope
- Tactical Bipods
- DBAL-2 Laser Indicator
- XTM Tactical Foregrip
- M3 Tactical Light
- M-14 Mags
- Custom 5.56mm SCAR Assault Rilfe
- M-68 Red Dot Sight
- Backup Folding Sight
- WMX200 Tactical Light
- Folding Vertical Grip
- QD Suppressor
- SCAR 5.56mm Mag
- 60rd Enhanced Mag
- Tactical One Point Sling
- G-19 Pistol
- Pistol Magazine
- CQC Holster
- Holster MOLLE Adaptor
- Exfil Helmet
- War Bungees
- Sports Camera
- Sports Camera Mount
- SI-6 Combat Boots
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The Cayman Islands Football Association Sunday (17 January) kicked off the first leg of its men's and women's President's Cup competitions.
On the women's side, Sunset blanked Alliance 5-0. Martha Hall scored twice in that one and Sunset also got goals from Carly Digman, Megan Ehman and Natalie Simpson.
In the other women's game, Shanice Monteith scored in the 72nd minute to give Elite a 1-0 win over Scholars.
On the men's side, Mark Ebanks scored twice and Elite game back from an early deficit to beat Bodden Town 2-1.
Roma beat Scholars 2-0 thanks to goals from Andra Allen and Cesar Dixon.


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Hi, I'm Nate Fox, Kid Reporter for Childsplay! I just saw the play Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! I thought it was really funny because all the actors were super old but they had to act like first graders. But they used high school desks for them so that they could fit. It was also funny because Junie B. kept saying words wrong like first graders do a lot!
The play was mainly set in an elementary school classroom and was about Junie B. Jones (Kate Haas) and how she had to deal with another girl, May (Kaleena Newman), who was her arch-enemy and the worst tattletale in first grade! Worst of all, Junie B. had picked May's name for the Secret Santa Party. Oh, no!
The funniest prop of all was the Squeeze-a-Burp. It was made from a piece of plastic that the actors pretended to squeeze to make the noise. But actually the noise was made by the sound guy who recorded a bunch of giant burps and used a button to make it come over the speakers whenever the actors squeezed it!
There were lots of characters in the play including Classroom One teacher, Mr. Scary (Dwayne Hartford) and the music teacher (Jon Gentry) whose name was really funny because he was called Mr. Toot!
There was a cool part of the play that they added which was a flashback to another Junie B. Jones book called Shipwrecked. In that part, we learned how Junie B. and May had argued and fought over whose ship was the fastest and this was the beginning of how they grew to not like each other very much.
So, why should you go see this play? Well, first of all, the play happens around Christmas, the season of giving. There's lots of laughter and fun and cool characters and sets and in the end Junie B. learns some valuable lessons about how it's better to give than receive and not be mean.
When I went backstage, I got to see how they made all the sets drop in and fly out. There were 2 ropes on each section. And if you pulled the front rope it dropped things. If you pulled the back rope it pulled stuff up to make it disappear. Also, did you know that the toys at the holiday gift shop are actually real toys!!
One special character in the play is Junie B.'s favorite stuffed elephant named Philip Johnny Bob (voice by Tyler Eglen) who talks to her about the holiday presents and makes her think about the decisions she's about to make.
Also, all the activities in the lobby were fun to do while we were waiting for the show, because you got to make your own Junie B. Jones glasses. And you could make your own jingle bells song. It was so much fun.
Here's mine!!!
Transcription: Junie B. Jinglizer! Created by the Fox Family. Rolling through the snow in a 6 horse open sleigh. Over the desert we go, blubbering all the way! Door and cowbells ring, making spirits shine! What fun it is to joke and sing a silly song tonight!
Kid Reporter


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What are we Montrealers known for, particularly on the weekends? I mean besides hitting up tamtams on the mountain in the summer and spark up a big fat… intellectual discussion on foreign policies and international trade. We love food; and what kind of food? The kind that we break the fast with. Unless you wake up at the butt-crack of noon and have your breakfast for lunch, you're missing out on notable restaurants opening up their doors and break out the juicers and offer up special weekend brunch menus around Montreal.
Aside from your regular players of cafes and cookie cutter breakfast and brunch spots, the West side of the city lacks in proper brunch spots. I hit up Prohibition. A basement joint on Monkland that's serving up an out of the ordinary brunch menu that's a welcomed alternative to your traditional eggs and bacon for breakfast, I would consider it a small diner of sorts and definite "resto du quartier" – neighbourhood restaurant.
M and I split a currant and pecorino scone served with honey butter and homemade raspberry jam. The thing was as buttery as Kate Upton's ass. Impossibly crumbley and unable to hold up against the cold compound butter, there was already so much butter used in the scone that it was practically a biscuit worthy of Paula Deen's last indulgence meal before bypass surgery. Sweetness from the tart raspberry jam balanced the rich buttery scone with savoury hints from the pecorino. Tasting the butter alone, its sweetness was very overt – from the honey, duh – and found it wasn't really necessary. Probably would have added another layer of sweetness had the structural integrity held against cold butter.
The lady had Prohibition's lemon ricotta pancakes, blueberry compote and sugar bacon. A fat stack of pancakes is always one of the best ways to start the day and end the weekend, especially if it's sided with two thick slices of fried bacon. Far from dense, these pancakes were light and airy. Paired with the sweet compote, the bright citrus from the lemon shines through the silky smooth texture of the pancakes.
The fried thick cut sugar bacon was a savoury salty mess. The texture was borderline jerky like and the fat was near candied. Enhanced by the fry, you could literally taste the cure on the meat. Not as crispy as I like my bacon, however, major points for the sheer size of them bad boys.
I had the maple fried challah French toast, fried chicken, cinnamon sugar and maple syrup. The thick cut egg bread was sliced at least an inch thick. Battered, deep fried then sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and dusted with frosting sugar, the thing tasted like a doughnut. Pillowy and soft, the slice deflated when I bit into it, reminiscent of any proper beignet.
The crust was impenetrable and was able to properly mediate the maple syrup distribution and absorption, rendering each bite a perfect balance of ambrosial moist cake-like egg bread with a tickle of maple nectar… in technical terms, the French toast was fucking awesome.
The chicken. Sweet sweet creature that gave its life up so I can fill my weekend up with guilt. Guilt of why I didn't chose the path of becoming a chicken farmer. The batter is seasoned; salt and pepper right in the dredge is key to a flavourful fry – HOWEVER, Prohibition uses dark meat… Oh sweet baby Jesus, dark meat. Dark meat haters, step to the side because this chicken is on point; so on point that if that point had a point, it would be balancing on one toe on it. Let's face it, eating deep fried white meat is probably comparable to eating a shower luffa. The chicken here is sweet, juicy and flavourful; albeit a bit small in portion.
What struck me first was how well thought out and inspired the menu was. Way interesting brunch choices like poached eggs on a savoury yogurt, or homemade vietnamese sausage, Prohibition is coincidently uninhibited in bold, statement making daytime menu options. The breakfast and lunch choices scream refinement and the dishes we had were certainly tight in execution and conceptualization. A strictly daytime restaurant, I'm not sure if this spot will venture into the nightime game, but if they do, I have no doubts that this is a player to be reckoned with.
5674 Monkland Ave
(514) 481-8466


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Monthly Archives: February 2012
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text:
But before I start talking about new beers, here's a tip of the hat to Gabe Fletcher of Anchorage Brewing Company. His A Deal with the Devil Barley Wine just took 1st Place at the Brouwer's Hard Live Barley Wine Festival in Seattle, beating out 56 other entries. 2nd place went to Lost Abbey's Angel Share Grand Cru and 3rd place to Firestone-Walker's Sucaba. Congratulations, Gabe!
Moving on to the new releases, HooDoo Brewing in Fairbanks released a Scottish Export Ale on Wednesday. Here's how they describe it:
|Photo courtesy of HooDoo Brewing
This is our take on the strongest of the Scottish Ales - the Scottish Export Ale. Rich and malty, but clean and dry. These beers often have a slight peat smoke character, so in addition to the nine varieties of Scottish, English and Belgian malts, we included a small portion of peat smoked malt to the grist for a hint of earthy smoke. OG: 13.6 // IBU: 26 // ABV: 5.6
I love Scottish and Scotch Ales and this one sounds excellent. Too bad I'd have to drive 600 miles to try it! There is also a very nice one-page spread on HooDoo in the latest issue of Alaska Magazine.
Barb Miller at Midnight Sun Brewing Company sent me some info about their upcoming releases. Here's what you can expect from them in the next couple of months:
Friday, April 4th at 11 AM: Release of Unite (Strong) Pale Ale, brewed with hibiscus and aged with dark sweet cherries. This beer was brewed on March 8th, International Women's Day, as part of Pink Boots Society's inaugural International Women's Collaboration Brew Day. 8% ABV, 50 IBUs, late Cascade hops, plus the hibiscus and cherries. Draft only.
A new beer series: ALASKANA- MSBC has 8 beers slated for this series at this time but this is an "open-ended" series so they can add beers as they go… The first 3 to be released in APR are Hibernator Double Smoked Bock, Matanuska Thunk Funk Saison aged in red wine barrels with Brettanomyces, and Bore Tide Wheat Wine aged in High West rye bourbon barrels.
Friday, May 2: For First Firkin Friday, MSBC will be tapping a firkin of a big beer (like Lust or Sloth). Stand by for further details.
Saturday, May 3: Midnight Sun's 19th Anniversary Party. They will be a tapping a firkin of their 19th Anniversary beer, a saison brewed with yarrow, dry-hopped with New Zealand Rakau hops.
Monday, May 5th: MSBC's actual 19th anniversary, along with Cinco de Mayo. To celebrate, they will be tapping a firkin of Pleasure Town IPA, cask-conditioned with jalapeños, serranos, coriander and lime zest.
Finally, Monday May 12th thru Sunday May 18th is American Craft Beer Week. Look for food specials and and different brews on tap in The Loft all week long. Midnight Sun will participate in the national toast to American Craft Beer at 4 PM on Monday May 12, so why not stop by and join in?
In my last blog, I wrote about some of the upcoming releases from Broken Tooth Brewing. Well, they've been good enough to create a nice graphic showing off their new bottle releases, so here it is:
|Click to enlarge
Alaskan Brewing has announced a change in both the label and the recipe of their IPA. First released in 2007, Alaskan's IPA will now be called Icy Bay IPA and the label will feature a photograph of a surfer on that body of water, rather than a drawing. Here it is:
|Click to enlarge
Finally, Glacier BrewHouse has just released two new beers for spring:
Kristal Weizen -- South German-style filtered wheat beer. Clear straw in color with aromas of banana and clove. Made with premium German Pilsner Malt and German Weiss yeast. 6.07% ABV.
Saison -- French-style Saison with fruity and spicy flavors supported by a soft malt character and slight tartness. Made with special French Saison yeast. Definitely a smooth operator. 8.26% ABV.
|Photo courtesy of Glacier BrewHouse
49th State Brewing Company in Healy has announced that they will open for business this year on April 25th, which is earlier than last year. Now word yet on what they will be offering, though several of their Hibernation series should top the list.
No date yet for the Seward Brewing Company's opening. I understand that it is under new management, but I've been unable so far to contact the new owner to get any details on his plans for 2014. I'll keep working on it.
Kenai River Brewing Company has sold their two-head manual canning machine to Baranof Island Brewing Company in Sitka. My understanding is that it's to serve as a stop-gap measure until they can get their new canning line installed later this year.
That's about it for news. How about a couple of quick reviews:
Alaskan Brewing's Jalapeno Imperial IPA: I mentioned this beer in last week's blog. Since then, I've had a chance to try it. It poured a deep clear copper color - very pretty, like a fine Scotch whisky - with a big, cream colored head. The aroma was of citrusy American hops; I couldn't detect the peppers in the nose. Carbonation was good, and the mouthfeel was medium. The initial bitter attack was good, then hop flavor, then the pepper heat, which increased toward the finish. To be honest, I've never been a big fan of chili beers, but this one from Alaskan is one of the best I've ever had. The pepper notes are restrained enough to compliment the beer, rather than dominate it. If jalapenos are your things, definitely give it a try. 8. 5% ABV.
Gigantic Brewing's Bang On Pale Ale: Another deep clear copper brew, with a nice white head. The nose had lots of enticing hop notes. Nice mouthfeel and good carbonation. Good up front bitterness, a touch of toffee, falling off to a nice, clean finish. Very moreish as our Brit cousins would say. An excellent pale ale. 5.6% ABV.
Victory Brewing's HopDevil IPA: One of the classic East Coast IPAs out there. Poured the classic copper color with a big off-white head and a nice aroma of American hops. Good lacing on the glass. Nice lingering bitterness, plenty of good clean hop flavors, but more restrained than its West Coast cousins. Very drinkable and an excellent IPA. 6.7% ABV.
That's it for this week. Hopefully we'll have more spring-like weather next week. Meantime, keep drinking good craft beer!
Until Next Time, Cheers!


text:
BRENT GODFREY, Tees Valley Tomorrow chief executive:
Q. In view of the structure of the Learning and Skills Council, how much flexibility will the local Learning and Skills Council have to support innovative local initiatives designed to solve local skills problems which may not meet any national criteria?"
A. The Learning and Skills Council has been set up with 47 offices around the country to enable it to work at a local level. The #118m budget that is available to the Tees Valley is there to support learning which increases attainment and meets local employer needs in relation to skills.
For initiatives that require special support the Local Initiatives Fund is there to help. The Local Initiatives Fund gives organisations an opportunity to put forward additional ideas and bid for funding for learning projects.
Up to #1m has already been pledged from the Fund this year to support a number of projects, ranging from the training of basic skills tutors and family based approaches to learning through schools and community groups to helping employers with specific skills issues.
IAN McLELLAND, Hill Street Centre manager, Middlesbrough:
Q. Skills needs obviously vary from area to area depending on a region's principal industrial and commercial activities. What skills are lacking in the Tees Valley and what action should be taken to remedy the situation?"
A. From existing research we are aware that there are skill shortages in the offshore, engineering and information technology industries. Employers also tell us that as well as specific industry related skills, other skills such as communication, flexibility and motivation are also important for an effective workforce.
During the LSC's first year, one of our main priorities is to undertake a comprehensive analysis of local and national learning and skills needs. As part of this we are currently consulting widely in the Tees Valley to understand the skills needs of local employers, as well as providing them with the opportunity to discuss, and provide input into the council's strategies and business activities.
Based on the feedback we receive from local employers, we will take action with our providers and partners to tackle specific skill needs. We have invited employers to discuss a number of topics, including whether their industrial sector has the skills that it needs; how we can increase the employment opportunities for young people and how we can support and encourage employers to raise the literacy and numeracy levels of their workforce.
JAMES EMERSON, Teesside Chemical Initiative chief executive:
Q. Is the LSC able to give financial support to local organisations that are seeking to promote the development of the local economy (such as the Teesside Chemical Initiative) in the same way as the Tees Valley Training and Enterprise Council did in the past?"
A. Each local LSC has available a significant Local Initiatives Fund, which is used flexibly and in new ways to contribute towards the learning objectives of the area and address barriers to learning. The fund is also used to support the council's role in local economic development, including regeneration and inward investment.
DEREK FRASER, Teesside University vice-chancellor:
Q. How can the university and the LSC Tees Valley work together most effectively to raise aspirations and widen participation in post-16 education?
A. We know that the university already does a lot of good work in schools to promote ambition for young people and we want to explore ways of building upon this work.
The university's Meteor Project is an excellent example of how we can raise aspirations among school children, whilst addressing social inclusion, through a number of activities such as mentoring, taster days and family fun days.
The LSC aims, with the universities in the Tees Valley, to identify where initiatives such as this can be used to encourage support and enthuse young people to take up the opportunity of higher education.
MICHAEL POOLE, North East Secretary, National Association of Estate Agents:
Q. The emphasis at present seems to be on direct work related training and on young people coming through the system with a heavy reliance on National Vocational Qualifications.
While welcoming this form of training are you concerned that there may be a tendency to replace the form of written examination which has proved so valuable in creating top people in our great nation throughout history?"
A. Our concern is to ensure that all young people increase their level of education and skills across the board. Developing links between secondary education and post-16 provision, through colleges and training providers, is crucial to achieving high levels of participation and preventing young people from leaving learning too early.
We are building on work already undertaken to promote progression for all 14 to 19-year-olds, particularly those who have previously been turned off by learning, as well as developing opportunities for all types of education.
We value the classroom-based approach and written examinations just as much as vocational, work based learning.
What is important is to put the learner at the heart of the system and support them in finding a route that meets their individual needs and aspirations.
JOHN WRIGHT, Teesside branch chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses:
Q. How specifically will the LSC strategy help small and micro businesses?
A. Our goal, in partnership with Business Link Tees Valley, is to develop integrated local workforce development plans, to encourage employers, particularly small firms, to invest in the development of their workforce.
This includes supporting business to take advantage of learning opportunities for individual owner managers and the staff who work in small businesses through services such as Modern Apprenticeships.
Each local LSC is consulting widely in order to identify and provide the right courses in the right areas to bridge local and national skills gaps and allocate money where it needs to be spent.
ANGUS HYND, assistant regional director Confederation of British Industry:
Q. What is your view on current Government thinking which would appear to be geared towards encouraging young people to stay on at school rather than choosing between remaining at school or entering work based learning where the Tees Valley, through its training providers, has an excellent record?"
A. Our aim is to address how we can provide increased lifetime learning opportunities for all young people and how we can develop the number of qualifications - either vocational or academic - that are achieved. We recognise that a school based route is an excellent way of increasing young people's knowledge and skills, but at the same time we also recognise that school leavers need to be adequately prepared to enter an adult life that includes work. The important factor is to provide opportunities for young people that meet their individual needs and develops their potential to the highest capacity.
JOHN IRWIN, North East Chamber of Commerce president:
Q. Businesses don't work by local authority boundaries. How is the LSC Tees Valley working with its neighbouring Learning and Skills Councils to ensure no duplication of energy, or worse, businesses requiring support falling between any gaps?"
A. Business support, particularly for small and medium size companies, is largely provided by Business Link. The local LSCs have arrangements with Business Links in all areas to ensure that coverage is gained throughout the country. This means that the local LSC boundaries will not adversely affect business support.
The four local LSCs in the North-east are already working actively together in key areas such as planning, marketing and workforce development. We have also discussed our plans with regional business groups such as the Chamber of Commerce and CBI.
NEIL ETHERINGTON, chief executive, Tees Valley Development Company:
Q. It is vital that, if we are to maximise the opportunities for attracting investment and jobs, we can assure companies that, within the Tees Valley, there is a readily available supply of suitably skilled and trained workers - and that we are able to maintain that supply.
How does the LSC intend to approach this task and what steps are in place to monitor the training demands in particular sectors?"
A. We want to engage employers in new ways to ensure they are better informed about, and more actively engaged in, shaping our learning and skills strategies.
The latest consultation by the LSC offers Tees Valley employers the opportunity to discuss, and provide input into the strategies and business activities that are outlined in the council's outline Strategic Plan for 2002-2005. This is coupled with the desk research that we are undertaking.
We are also developing a network of sector groups to look at specific industry needs. This work will complement the national plans to develop a Sector Skills Council from April 2002. We intend to use this to monitor demands in key sectors, through ongoing discussion with partners and employers.
VALDA MORRIS, chairwoman of Tees Valley Manufacturing Challenge:
Q. In its outline strategy plan for 2002-2005 the LSC has committed itself to increased 'engagement' with employers over workforce development and at the same time argues the real problem is not inadequate provision or a poor training infrastructure but a lack of demand from employers and their workforce.
Given the severe problem facing employers, especially in the manufacturing sector, it is inevitable they will look even more closely at the value and practicality of training provision. In the light of this what measures does the LSC intend to put in place to encourage that greater engagement with industry - including representation at board level?
A. The LSC is committed to listening to, and gaining knowledge from, local businesses, local communities and individuals to meet their specific learning needs.
Each of the local council members has an important role to play in this process by helping to set the vision, tone and agenda for the LSC Tees Valley, as well as steering and monitoring performance.
The local council comprises members from a wide range of sectors who are committed to making a difference to learners in the Tees Valley area. Members are drawn from local business, users of education and skills programmes and those involved in lifelong learning, as well as other sectors of the local community.
We value feedback from employers and through our sector group work are looking at the needs of particular industrial areas, such as the manufacturing sector. Our ongoing consultations with employers in relation to our strategic plans is also part of this process.
JACKIE WOODALL, GMB union senior organiser for Durham and Tees:
Q. By 2009 there will be 1.6 million more women in the workplace. We see this as being predominantly part-time work. What is the LSC doing in preparation for this change?
A. It is important that we recognise employment patterns are changing and the learning we provide must reflect this. We have a strong agenda for promoting equality and diversity and look at ourselves to be a champion for equal opportunities.
It is interesting to note that chair of the Equal Opportunities Commission called Britain to task earlier this year for having the widest gender pay gap in Europe. What many employers still haven't grasped is that by introducing more flexibility at work it will give them a wider pool of potential staff who are likely to stay with them for longer.
We are looking to ensure that national equality organisations and local equality networks are included in our work, so that best practice on equal opportunities can underpin the work of the council.
Q. Can you sum up the main differences between the LSC regime and the Training and Enterprise Council (TEC) set-up it replaced?
A. The LSC is building on the best of both the TECs and the Further Education Funding Council (FEFC), but it has much broader responsibilities.
Whilst the Government recognised that a lot of good work was being done by TECs and the FEFC they noted that too many administrative layers meant that too little money was reaching the very people that we are trying to help - learners and employers.
The LSC is a public body which has a national remit to increase the level of skills and quality of provision for all people, except those in higher education, undertaking learning after the age of 16. It is both a planning and funding body. It funds provision in further education colleges, sixth forms in schools, adult and community learning, sixth form colleges and work based learning provision.
Q. What's your reaction to some business owners who believe a lack of motivation and commitment among young recruits is a bigger obstacle than gaps in their numeracy and literacy skills?
A. The information we have does suggest that employers are seeking young workers with a variety of skills, such as flexibility, motivation, commitment and enthusiasm. Our job is to encourage and support young people in recognising that learning brings rewards as well as preparing them for the world of work.
One way of doing this is through work experience, which gives young people a real indication of what work is all about through contact with employers, activities which support the curriculum and development of key skills, such as communication and information technology.
Q. What is your opinion on how many business support and regeneration bodies there are in the Tees Valley?
A. It is hard to comment whether the number of business support and regeneration bodies is the right number or not. I believe that as long as we are communicating with one another to avoid duplication and ensure joined up ways of thinking and operating, then we should be judged on whether or not we are making a difference to the Tees Valley area.
Q. If you could change any one thing about the area - what would that be?
A. The aspirations of young people, particularly in some of the more deprived areas.
Q. What do you think are the three main characteristics of the Tees Valley?
A. The friendly and welcoming people; the variety and diversity of the local environment - the beach, countryside and industry are all within easy access - and the changing face of industry.
Q. Is the Tees Valley the right name when it comes to promoting the area in the national and international arenas?
A. As with anything that is being marketed, whether it is a product, service or the local area, brand image is essential. I believe that the Tees Valley is fast becoming a strong brand that is growing in influence all the time. The Tees Valley name is therefore something that we should be proud of when promoting the area in national and international arenas.
Q. Do you think more needs to be done to encourage the use of e-commerce and the Internet both at home and work?
A. The Tees Valley needs to be careful that it does not get left behind in the information revolution. We need to build on the good work that has already been undertaken by organisations such as the University of Teesside and find ways of supporting this.
Q. The LSC is consulting with businesses about their requirements. How is it ensuring that the information it gives and receives is shared with other organisations also working with business such as One NorthEast, Business Links, Tees Valley Partnership and the local authorities?
A. We see ourselves as an integral part of the learning and skills network but realise that we cannot work alone. All of our work is done in partnership by sharing and receiving information, which ultimately shapes our plans. For example, we are currently working with Business Link Tees Valley to consult with business regarding their specific requirements.
We also have a formal arrangement with One NorthEast to make sure that we work together and share information.
At national level the LSC is responsible for setting and communicating a clear agenda for workforce development by working with employers, trade unions and other organisations working with business.
Q. What is the greatest satisfaction you get from being in charge of the LSC Tees Valley?
A. As with any new organisation the LSC faces a number of challenges. First and foremost we must recognise that in the North-east our learning and skills abilities are amongst the lowest in the UK, with the UK being lower than Europe as a whole.
That said I have had the privilege of being invited to many events that celebrate the success and progress of individuals in their learning. We do have a long way to go to achieve our learning society, but there are many people working on this vision in all sorts of ways. The greatest satisfaction I have is that the LSC has the opportunity to support existing good work and raise standards to the highest level.


text: Mini just recently revealed its 2012 Mini Coupe, and now the cheeky brand is fielding a race-prepped John Cooper Works Coupe in the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race this weekend. Gleaning race know-how from its Mini Challenge sprint racing series, Mini took a stock JCW Coupe and transformed it into a tiny terror. The resulting JCW Coupe Endurance sports a roll cage, the Mini Challenge braking system, track-biased dynamic stability control, an integrated pneumatic jack, and a special aero package comprised of a new front splitter, a rear diffuser, and an adjustable rear wing. The shocks are adjustable, and the JCW Coupe's turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder has been massaged to produce 250 hp—42 more than stock—and maximum twist of 243 lb-ft of torque when an overboost function is activated. All of that power is routed to the front wheels through a sequential six-speed gearbox. Mini claims the racing Coupe weighs just 2127 pounds, and that it tops out at more than 149 mph. If you are lucky enough to be in attendance at the 24-hour race, at least the JCW Coupe Endurance's bright-red roof should make it easy to spot as it buzzes around the Green Hell.[nggallery id=177]